Salvation is a song away with this incredible work with music by Athen’s own Titus Burgess and a book by Kimmie Schmidt writer, Anzie Dungey

By Jody Tuso-Key – Managing Editor

Photos by Greg Mooney

The Gospel is alive and well at The Alliance Theater with their current offering, THE PREACHER’S WIFE. This new musical shows promise of one day gracing the Broadway Stage. Once again as with THE COLOR PURPLE, THE PROM, and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, if you get your ticket during this run, which ends June 16th, you can say you saw it here first.

My initial analysis of this production is WOW!! This show was kissed by and angel and inspired by Divine intevention. I absolutely love a Gospel choir, and the opening number “Help is on the Way”, which is based on the opening number of the film, starts quiet and builds into a crescendo that joyfully gave me chill-bumps. Regardless of your religious beliefs, if you don’t leave feeling the spirituality (in this case the Holy Spirit) in this feel-good musical, then you’ll at least enjoy an inspiring story of hope and redemption.

The Alliance website’s synopsis of this story tells it better than I can: In their fast-gentrifying Harlem neighborhood, Preacher Henry and his wife Julia struggle to keep their congregation going in the face of development.  When all seems lost, Henry asks God for help, and receives it in the form of an angel.  But will this mysterious newcomer really help or make matters worse?  Through it all, Julia must find her voice and the strength to lead their congregation through the crisis, reminding them that a church is not a building, but the people who inhabit it and the love they share. Featuring an original score by actor, comedian, and writer Tituss Burgess (TV’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and a book by actress, producer, and writer Azie Dungey (TV’s Harlem), The Preacher’s Wife is a can’t-miss theatrical celebration of community, family, and faith.  
 

So here’s a little history lesson: this production was inspired by the 1996 motion picture THE PREACHER’S WIFE starring Whiney Houston and Denzel Washington. The film was a remake of the 1947 classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE starring Cary Grant, and based on the 1928 novel of the same name written by Robert Nathan. I decided to watch both films this week, and enjoyed each in their own merits. In comparison, I think the musical has added depth and breadth to an already heartwarming story that has endured almost 100 years.

My estimation of this new musical is that it may soon catapult its way to New York City by virtue of its star power. Directed by Tony winner* Michael Arden (Parade*, Once on This Island, and Spring Awakening-Broadway; Maybe Happy Ending-Alliance), not only does this production encompass every emotion, it is also a technical feast for the eyes. I had originally had a ticket to attend the production at an earlier date, but it was cancelled due to techinical issues. Being the tech geek that I am, I was intrigued by what on earth could be so complicated concerning a show about a church and angels. Needless to say, I was blown away by the technical masterpiece in the scenic design by Dan Laffrey & Teresa L. Williams and further enhanced by the magic and illusions design of Skylar Fox. The set includes two rising trap doors downstage which rise and fall to reveal aspects of a home or depict construction pits on the streets of Harlem. There is another rising trap door center stage that rises up to create a pulpit or lowers down and becomes stairs of a subway platform. The set moves in and out smoothly and seamlessly during transitions. All of this is adorned by a gorgeous red main curtain. The most clever illusion to me was a snowman made of garbage, a basketball, and an orange cone which ‘comes to life’ in the form of the angel Dudley.

Let’s talk about Dudley for a minute because I’m partial to angels, and loved Denzel Washington’s portrayal in the motion picture. In this musical, Dudley is played by Donald Webber Jr, who has many credits to his name including Hamilton. Donald has the face and presence of an angel, and was perfectly cast in this role. He’s a smooth dancer with an even smoother voice, and a heavenly face that exhudes joy–a delight to watch.

I also especially enjoyed the performance of Amber Riley, who plays Julia–the preacher’s wife. Amber may be best known for her role as Mercedes in Glee (one of my personal favorite characters). Over the years, Amber has grown as an actress and performer with and impressive resume of both screen and stage credits. I’ve always loved her voice, which is a mix of sweet soprano and powerhouse belting. I personally enjoyed the contrast to Whitney Houstons deeper tones, making this production a fresh new take on what is now a classic motion picture. Amber is also a top-notch actress, and brings the sweetness mixed with the struggles that defines a complex character.

One of my favorite scenes/songs is sung by the show’s youngest performers, Cameron McCrae as Jeremiah and Davis Matthews as Hakeem as they construct the garbage snowman. Cameron is one of Atlanta’s own and a student at the Ron Clark Academy. I hope to see him on stage in Atlanta again in the future.

Other Key-noteworthy performances include Akron Lanier Watson as Henry Biggs (a very preoccupied Reverand who cares deeply about his congregation), Alan H Green as Joe Hamilton (a serious entrepenuer who is intent on the gentrification of the neighborhood and specifically the church), Loretta Divine as Marguerite Coleman (Julia’s mother — I loved her featured number!), and finally the ensemble as the dynamic Gospel choir.

THE PREACHER’S WIFE is a Speakeysie MUST SEE!! It runs until June 16th. Get your tickets to this uplifting show at Alliance Theatre before they sell out.