When I left Three Little Birds, I was singing Marley lyrics I love. But I was also feeling truly optimistic again about where the world can be, where we can hope it will go.

Director Charles Jackson Jr. directs with an eye toward entertaining the youngsters and there is nary a slow moment in the show.

So You Want to Talk About Race Banned Books Festival

Directed by Charles Jackson Jr.

Produced in collaboration with The Writer's Garret

(February 19 – March 8, 2026)

Poetic Thespian Productions (Fort Worth, TX) – A Different Love Story. A new play examining friendship and romance. (Theatre)

We recently connected with Charles Jackson Jr. and have shared our conversation below.

With book and lyrics by Keith Glover and direction by Charles Jackson Jr., this production fuses folklore, rhythm, and Southern mysticism into a theatrical experience that’s equal parts myth and music.

Director Jackson and this terrific cast pull us in emotionally, and then make Lee’s “back in the day” story hit us hard: it’s too real, too heart-rending, too now.

When Jackson is directing, he works with the actors to come up with a detailed plan about how the actors will get into and out of the kiss — including how long the kiss should last.

The annual gala is a fundraising opportunity for patrons to support the productions and programs of the nationally recognized theater. The evening will include signature drinks, amazing artistry, live music, full dinner and a live auction. Following the festivities, DTC's Young Professionals Board will host the Gala after with event chairs DTCYP President Frankie Benzant and Vice-President Charles Jackson Jr. Music will be provided by DJ Unstable for an extended evening of fun, appetizers and dancing.

Together with the cast and production team, Jackson told a visually stunning story that was heartwarming, heartbreaking, and relatable.

Director Charles Jackson Jr. has infused the play with an air of wonder, showing Spencer’s touching and funny trip through his childhood (including moments predating his existence such as the meeting of his parents and the circumstances of his father’s absence) as a magical journey toward reconciliation and growth.