Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor Plays Role Honoring History of Underground Railroad
Why would a Financial Advisor in Kansas City who doesn’t dance take a major role in a professional
dance company production about the Underground Railroad? If you are Morgan Stanley Financial
Advisor John Solomon, you do it as a way to get involved with your community, and to help provide
some historical perspective to the next generation.
John, a 33-year veteran of the Morgan Stanley, recently performed for the fourth year as part of the cast
of “Underground,” the story of the Underground Railroad, told in dance and music by the Storling Dance
Theater. Having seen the performance several times since the neo-classical dance company began
staging the show in 2004, John earned a place in the production in 2014, and has seen his role grow over
the years.
“I’d performed on stage in high school and college, and I’ve been participating in community musical
theatre, but as an actor and singer, not a dancer,” he said. “I can barely do a box waltz.”
After watching John perform, the Artistic Director for Storling Dance Theatre asked him to audition for
the plantation overseer role, a character who “didn’t dance as much as he just moved in rhythm with
the music,” said John. “I like being part of a grassroots event in my community, forming bonds and
relationships while supporting a cause. So I auditioned.”
Now he is a part of the annual production with performers age eight to 68 that traces the struggle of
African Americans from slavery to the present, based on actual people and events prior to the Civil War.
Underground presents the struggle of African Americans from slavery to fulfilling present day roles as
teachers, doctors and other professionals.
“The purpose of 'Underground' is to do more than just entertain,” John said. “Along with an American
history lesson, the program promotes literacy, and puts a spotlight on diversity and cultural awareness.
It’s one way of trying to make a difference and a contribution to unity and inclusion.”
Performing on stage is not the only way John chooses to give something back. He lends his professional
skills to help with fundraising and planned giving at Children’s Mercy Pediatric Hospital. John also
donates time bagging and loading goods at the regional food bank warehouse and serving breakfasts on
Saturday mornings at a Kansas City shelter.
“For some of the most unfortunate in our area, it’s just about providing a hot meal along with some
compassion and a smile,” he said. “You appreciate what you have so much more, when you understand
and see what others in the community are going through. I believe that focusing on the relationships I
encounter here, makes the world a little better around me.”
Being a cast member has its own rewards, said John. “For the community of performers, we are building
deep friendships, and expanding our personal and professional networks. I’ve been mentored, and in
turn, have helped others in the company. I've enjoyed working in shows like 'The Wizard of Oz,' 'Les
Miserables,' 'Into the Woods,'' Rent' and 'The Music Man,' but nothing can touch this in terms of
importance and significance, especially given the state of racial relations in our country at this time".
March 2017 CRC 1714483