“A Touch of Glory” tells the story of the 1955 Crispus Attucks High School boys basketball team.
INDIANAPOLIS — “A Touch of Glory” tells the story of the 1955 Crispus Attucks High School boys basketball team, led by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, which became the first all-Black team to win a state championship in an integrated sport.
The production originally premiered two years ago. The Asante Art Institute will stage a newly reimagined version that shifts its perspective, placing new emphasis on a lesser-known figure from that championship team.
Inside a local theater, actors are rehearsing scenes that bring the historic season back to life.
“It allowed for them to create a statement and to do something, not only for Indiana, but for players worldwide,” Choreographer Shawn Cowherd said.
While Robertson’s legacy is central to the story, the reimagined production highlights teammate Willie Burnley.
In the final moments of the 1955 championship game, Robertson had an opportunity to take a record-breaking shot. Instead, he passed to Burnley, who scored the team’s final two points.
Seven years later, Burnley died of leukemia.
Now, the updated version of the play shifts its focus to his life and impact. Telling the story from his own perspective.
Choreographer Shawn Cowherd said the change brings a deeper level of humanity to the story.
“His impact, I believe, not only focused on what the ailment that he had, but then the friendship, the notoriety that it brought,” Cowherd said.
Cast members said the production moves beyond wins and records, instead emphasizing friendship, teamwork and brotherhood.
“It kind of helped to bring everything together, to highlight not only his life, but to give life to other things as we face these causes that we have,” Cowherd said.
The show opens as Indianapolis prepares to host one of basketball’s biggest events, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four.
“It’s basketball. It’s that time of year. It’s that season. We’re here for basketball — all things basketball in Indiana. We cannot do basketball without Oscar Robertson,” Cowherd said.
And of course Willie Burnley.