Happenings at MetroStage

Monday, February 15, 2010

What the Critics (and some audience members) are Saying about Mahalia

"The vibrant power of Mitchell's performance leaves the audience mesmerized. Her voice remains rich and forceful as she completely inhabits the role of Jackson. Mahalia is an uplifting, exhilarating evening filled with joy and bursting with song. It is a musical that defies description and is a must-see, must-hear, must-experience show for all ages."
- Alexandria Times

"Bernardine Mitchell channels Mahalia Jackson when she hits the stage with that incredible voice in the role she was born to play. Mitchell has rock-solid presence... and can wrap her remarkable voice around a phrase to belt out a stirring message through song like no other. Her deep vibrating resonance... can send chills down spines."
- DC Theatre Scene

"This was terrific - the telling of the story, the acting, the singing and most especially, the music."
- Karen E.

"Mahalia... soars to new heights and raises the roof of the converted lumber warehouse."
- Alexandria Times

"This theatrical biography... showcases performers with enough charisma and vocal and acting prowess to send a shiver through the walls of some latter-day Jericho. The many musical numbers... are so rousing that theatergoers... couldn't help clapping in time to the beat."
- Washington Post

"A joyful, entertaining production... Mitchell... has an amazing voice, and her rendition of gospel songs had tears streaming down my cheeks... The play isn't just about song - it's about life, faith, Jim Crow, and doing what you love. Run, don't walk, to this play."
- Anonymous

"You will find two divine Miss M's: Mahalia Jackson and Bernardine Mitchell. Mitchell is the captivating centerpiece, with her full-throttle, booming voice that will no doubt inspire you to clap your hands and shout words of encouragement."
- MetroWeekly

"Clark and Hubbard keep the place a'rockin'. Author Tom Stolz has a playful way of expression, captures poignant moments between songs and generally progresses the story. The creative mind of director Tom W. Jones II, who in addition to assuring a steady pace and humorous sketches, added the visual slide projections helping to place the action and anchor the scenes."
- DC Theatre Scene

"A touching, energizing and crowd-pleasing event!... You could not help but be caught up in the passion and love of gospel music exuded by the performances. All three performers were terrific, but one cannot deny the charisma & stage presence of the lead actress who played the title role! See it and enjoy!"
- Louis S.

"[Mitchell's] expressive voice boasts a lapidary gleam [and] also displays comic aplomb and a nice sense of timing. Clark, hitting the right demure, [is] spunky. Hubbard, who does a stately cameo as Martin Luther King Jr., is also enjoyably idiosyncratic as the exuberant, ambitious and bow-tied Dorsey."
- Washington Post

"Clark is commanding as Jackson's devout Aunt Duke. But it is as... Mildred Falls where Clark's talents as both actor and musician are in full force. Hubbard is back and more engaging than ever [and he] is most commanding in his stirring portrayal of King."
- Alexandria Times

"Bernardine Mitchell rocks the socks off this show, blending in perfect harmony with her impeccable ensemble, well, she gets the job done, touches hearts and souls, whips up a frenzy, and leads an adoring crowd to their feet every time."
- DC Theatre Scene

"Fantastic! All three cast members are superb musicians. Ms. Mitchell captures Mahalia's voice and phrasing exactly! Ms. Clark is a marvel as a singer and on the piano and organ. I enjoyed listening to her improvisations. Mr. Hubbard is very successful in his portrayal of a variety of roles. The play is witty and very funny, as well. Play-goers who are not familiar with the life of Mahalia Jackson will learn a lot about her and about the times she lived in. The music is unforgettable. GO SEE THIS!"
- S. Cowles

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Weather Cancellation

Due to the weather/ road conditions,
and out of concern for the safety
of our cast, crew & patrons,
tonight's performance has been CANCELLED.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Snow/Inclement Weather and Performance Update

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from noon today to 7 PM Wednesday with accumulations of 10 to 20 inches. The combination of snow and strong winds will make travel very hazardous.
Stay tuned for an update regarding Thursday's performance.

Friday, February 5, 2010

SNOW EMERGENCY

Due to the snowstorm, tonight's performance (Friday, February 5th) has been CANCELLED.

Both performances on Saturday, February 6th and Sunday, February 7th have also been CANCELLED.


Please call 703-548-9044 to reschedule and we will be glad to exchange your tickets for another date.
Mahalia runs until March 14th.

From Storm Watch 7 Weather... A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the entire area and lasts until Saturday night at 10pm. This storm has the potential to drop 18 to 24 inches of snow with some locally higher amounts possible. As compared to the December snowfall, we think this snow will be more of a heavy, wet snow and will have the potential to severely impact the region.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

ROOMS, a rock romance cast album CD is NOW AVAILABLE

ROOMS, a rock romance cast album is now in stores and on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, TowerRecords.com and iTunes.

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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

PROMO for Mahalia

Check out this commercial using clips from Act 2
of Mahalia, a gospel musical at MetroStage.

Starring Bernardine Mitchell, S. Renee Clark and William Hubbard.

January 21 - March 14, 2010

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