Mahalia musical opens tonight

For director Raymond Choo Kong, the experience has been great fun.

“I love it. I’m one of the luckiest directors around because I get to do this kind of work.

Thank God for a person like creative director John Smith who has decided to commit his money and his artistic commitment to this kind of work.

I think these young people are beginning to realise that they are lucky to have this opportunity,” Choo Kong said in a media release.

For actress Mandisa Granderson who will play the role of young Mahalia Jackson, the gospel legend herself has been an inspiration during her preparation for the part.

“I admire (Mahalia’s) commitment to singing gospel music exclusively and to living life according to the ideals espoused in her music.

She believed in what she sang… She was a woman who knew what she wanted and would not be deterred...you have to admire that.”

Conrad Parris, who will step into the shoes of Dr Martin Luther King Jr shared the story on how he got involved. “I felt it would be a great honour - and challenge - to play Martin Luther King. He was quite the man, and I welcomed the opportunity to learn about and from his life.

“I’ve been cautious about imitating him, as his voice and delivery of his famous speeches are quite distinct and well known.

So I decided to read up on him to learn more about his motivations, so that I can relate more to what he said to the world. Some pictures and video did form part of the research, too.”

With book, lyrics and music by Tom Stolz, “Mahalia: A Gospel Musical” continues until Sunday. In this powerful and soul-reviving performance, JCS Entertainment will pay tribute to Jackson and celebrate her life, musical career and gospel legacy, a media release said.

For more info: ‘Feature Production’ page at www.jcsentertains.com, 461-4033, or email jcsentertains.tt@gmail.com.