Most people study the explorations of Lewis and Clark at some point during their academic careers, probably beginning in fourth grade social studies. But how many elementary schoolers know the story of York, the only African-American member of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

His story, York: The Voice of Freedom, premieres at 7:30 tonight at the Playhouse Theatre.

The show, which takes the form of a musical drama, was composed by Bruce Trinkley, Penn State professor of music, and is a featured part of Lewis and Clark: The Unheard Voices, a conference on campus coinciding with the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

As the only African-American traveling with Lewis and Clark, York enjoyed a taste of freedom and celebrity as Native Americans interpreted his black skin as a sign of privilege, Trinkley said. At the conclusion of the expedition, however, when both Lewis and Clark received land and money for their efforts, York was forced back into slavery.

"The show is a stark representation of what life as a slave was like in the 19th century," Trinkley said.

Trinkley began work on the piece about eight years ago with the composition of The Last Voyage of Captain Meriwether Lewis for the Glee Club, which he also directs.

With the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition approaching, Trinkley and lyricist Jason Charnesky thought a theater piece would be interesting, and the story of York emerged.

The first act describes the familiar story of the exploration of the West and leads into a second act that follows York and his struggle for freedom.

Rehearsals for the show began at the beginning of September with a cast of various backgrounds, including students from the Schools of Music and Theatre, other undergraduate students and community members. Three of the four principals are guest performers from outside cities, the fourth being Norman Spivey, Penn State associate professor of music.

Trinkley said the highlight of his involvement with this show has been collaborating with these brilliant singer-actors.

"The best part is working with wonderful performers -- not only the guest performers but the whole company," Trinkley said.

The diversity in stage experience among the cast has also created a unique environment for Trinkley and the production staff.

"Some are veteran performers, and some have very little experience on stage, but there's such a sense of everyone helping each other," he said.

Producer Russell Bloom said the talented cast is just one of the many outstanding aspects of this show, which also includes its relevant message about race relations.

"It's everything you'd expect from a Broadway musical with a poignant, historically-based message," Bloom said.

Trinkley said his role as composer augmented his excitement about the show but did not at all limit his willingness to share control of the project with other talented members of the production staff.

"It's been an enormous collaborative effort, but that's one of my favorite parts," Trinkley said.

Bloom agreed, adding that Trinkley's giving nature has made the collaboration on this show work for everyone involved.

"He's able to make the impossible happen," Bloom said of Trinkley.

Trinkley said he has enjoyed watching all of the different pieces of the show come together this week, culminating with tonight's premiere.

"Composing is more of a solitary act, but you're always imagining what it will sound like, and in the case of a theater piece, look like as a production," he said.

Trinkley said he is excited to see the final product tonight and feels the show is ready for its premiere.

"You get to a point where the show needs an audience to keep growing and reach that final destination," Trinkley said.

"York is there."