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Art Forms & Theatre Concepts, Inc.
the premiere African-American theatre company in the Lowcountry presents
Mahalia: A Gospel Musical
By Tom Stolz
as a part of the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Arts Festival.
This old time Gospel production will have you tapping and clapping as it offers a look into the life of America's most famous gospel singer. Through dramatic and comedic moments, the production paints a picture of a woman truly wedded to a career wholly devoted to praising God. A picture of a woman who struggled through the iron fist of her Aunt Duke, the aunt who raised her in a New Orleans shanty after her mother’s death to live a purely Christian life.
In the production we learn of Mahalia’s commitment to the Civil Rights movement as well as her feelings about finding acceptance among well-to-do black churchgoers in Chicago who didn't approve of all her bouncing, shouting and clapping for Jesus.
Directed by Art Gilliard, Founding Artistic Director of Art Forms & Theatre Concepts, Inc. the production features some of the finest talents in the low country. Cast members are Sheri McClain - Brown (Mahalia Jackson), Troy Carroll (Cousin Fred), Helen M. Freeman (Aunt Duke), Donna Lee Williams (Mildred Falls), Keith Alston (Pastor of Greater Salem Baptist and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), John Smalls (Thomas Dorsey and Pastor Lawrence), Lisa M. Montgomery (News Reporter) and Jacquez L. Brown (Blues Man and James Herbert Francis) with Howard N. Brown serving as Music Director.
The production takes place May 28 at 3pm, May 29 at Noon, June 1, 4, at 8pm, June 8 at 7pm, and June 11 and 13 at 5pm at the Historic Footlight Players Theatre at 20 Queen Street in downtown Charleston, SC.
How to Order Festival Tickets:
Piccolo Spoleto Festival Box Office
By Phone: (843) 724-7295
By Fax: (843) 720-3967
Online at www.piccolospoleto.com
In Person:
Charleston Visitor’s Center, 375 Meeting St. (April 26 to June 13: Open Daily 8:30am-5pm)
Office of Cultural Affairs, 180 Meeting St. (April 26 to May 21: Open Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm; May 22 to June 13: Open Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-8pm, Sat.-Sun. 10am-8pm)
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