New Kansas City play recalls life of famous Black Missourian whom history forgot

When Tom Bass died in 1934, it was front-page news in Kansas City and beyond. In fact, legendary humorist Will Rogers wrote a newspaper column about the passing of the famed Missouri horseman with the headline, “Tom Bass Should Win Blue Ribbons in Heaven.”

“A remarkable man. A remarkable character,” wrote Rogers, who was among Bass’ many famous clients.

Presidents, governors and celebrities, including Buffalo Bill Cody, sent horses to be trained by Bass. Born into slavery, he eventually received an invitation from Queen Victoria to attend London’s diamond jubilee and was honored by Queen Marie of Romania.

Bass was, in short, likely the most famous Missourian of his era — the years after Mark Twain and Jesse James and before Harry Truman and Walt Disney.

Ninety years later, however, the Tom Bass story is largely forgotten.

The Coterie Theatre and the American Royal horse show hope to change that. They are co-producing “Horse Power: Tom Bass’ American Story,” making its world premiere Wednesday, Sept. 11, as part of the Royal’s 125th anniversary.

Kansas City, Kansas, native Michelle Tyrene Johnson wrote “Horse Power,” which will open The Coterie’s 2024-25 season . Count Johnson among those previously unfamiliar with Bass, in her case learning of him only when the Kansas City children’s theater in Crown Center asked whether she was interested in writing this play.

“It is the first I’d heard of him,” she said. “In fact, I was actually pretty upset to have not heard of him. I’m a Kansas Citian through and through, and all these people whose names I know, and I didn’t know Tom Bass.”

Who was Tom Bass?

Bass, who is credited with co-founding the American Royal horse show, was born in 1859 near Columbia, Missouri, four years before the Emancipation Proclamation. He moved to Mexico, Missouri, where he worked as a stable boy before becoming a trainer known for his kind treatment of horses — and his amazing success.

He lived and worked in Kansas City for several years in the 1890s and then returned to Mexico, which he helped turn into the self-proclaimed Saddle Horse Capital of the World. (His barn was a local landmark until 1997, when the 114-year-old structure was destroyed by fire in a suspected arson.)

Bass owned, trained and rode American saddlebreds, which starred in society horse shows that were covered on the front pages of newspapers a century ago. Although it was the nearly exclusive domain of wealthy white men, Bass not only was accepted, he was also extolled for his ability with horses and his sportsmanship while winning hundreds of championships around the country.

Then history forgot him.

Kansas City’s past is littered with similar stories of Black men and women whose accomplishments were ignored in retellings of the city’s history. Meanwhile, Johnson points out, “historically racist” men such as J.C. Nichols and Benoist Troost have streets named after them.

“So, we have these names of people who were legendary in one respect or another for the ways in which they treated Black people poorly,” Johnson said. “But one of the most internationally famous Black people, we don’t know of.

“Isn’t that crazy? … And again, this is a man born into slavery.”

Johnson also wrote the 2023 Coterie play “Only One Day a Year” that addressed Fairyland Park’s racist policies . She said “Horse Power” has a similar structure, telling parallel stories, one set in modern times and one in the past.

In “Horse Power,” a contemporary Black teenager learns about Bass while confronting modern-day racism. It features two creations from What if Puppets that portray horses.

“They’re adorable, and I hope they’re not stealing the scenes,” she said.

Here’s what to know about “Horse Power: Tom Bass’ American Story.”

When will it run?

“Horse Power” opens Wednesday, Sept. 11, with shows at 9:45 and 11:45 a.m. It will run through Sunday, Sept. 29, with at least one show every day except Mondays. The schedule includes three shows (9:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m.) on Fridays.

Where will ‘Horse Power’ play?

The Coterie Theatre is on Level One of Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd. The theater is wheelchair-accessible.

How much does it cost?

Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for 18 and under as well as 60 and over.

Where can I park?

Parking is available in the Crown Center’s retail garage. The Coterie box office can provide validation for all-day free parking.

What ages are appropriate?

The Coterie recommends ages 9 and up.

How long is the show?

About 70 minutes.

Where can I get more information?

thecoterie.org

A few more Tom Bass facts

▪ He operated a stable at Main and 39th streets in the 1890s.

▪ He twice performed for President Calvin Coolidge, rode in the inaugural parade of President Grover Cleveland and was visited in Mexico by presidents William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft.

▪ He was the first Black person to ride in New York’s Madison Square Garden, doing so as the guest of the Vanderbilt family.

▪ In 1999, he was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians at the state capitol, joining Twain, Truman, Disney, Thomas Hart Benton and Charlie Parker, among others.