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