From Carolyn Griffin for the Alexandria Gazzette Packet

Bernardine Mitchell and the original cast of "Mahalia, a gospel musical," which includes Alexandria’s own award-winning artist William Hubbard, have returned to MetroStage (after a five-year absence) to cheering, clapping, swaying audiences. The story of Mahalia Jackson, gospel music and the civil rights movement has touched the hearts of everyone who sees it.

The production of "Mahalia, a gospel musical" is a beautiful example of the power of theater. Whether audiences grew up with Mahalia’s music in their homes and gospel music in their churches, or know Mahalia in name only, and have only a limited connection or knowledge of gospel music, one thing is certain. Everyone responds to the extraordinary story of Mahalia Jackson and is moved by her story, her faith, her music, and her heart. Mahalia rose from humble beginnings in New Orleans, moving to Chicago during the Great Migration of the 1920’s, singing at churches with professional gospel groups.

Many of her most famous gospel songs are included in this production, including "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," and "Move on up a Little Higher." As the "Queen of Gospel Music," Mahalia performed at Carnegie Hall to great acclaim. But she also played an important role in the Civil Rights movement, as a friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and performing in front of 250,000 at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. With Mitchell’s extraordinary contralto voice, critics and audience alike find that Mitchell is literally channeling Mahalia Jackson in both her music and her spirit.

In addition to showcasing some of the most talented artists in the country, MetroStage is committed to producing plays full of heart and soul that touch our audiences deeply and embrace the diversity of our population. There are only two weeks remaining in this run of "Mahalia, a gospel musical," but there is still time to experience Bernardine Mitchell and the multi-talented cast of S. Renee Clark and Alexandria’s beloved William Hubbard as we celebrate the music of Mahalia Jackson and her contribution to both the rise of gospel music and her role in the Civil Rights movement.

Additional Mahalia Review

"What makes Mahalia the musical so satisfying is its energy. Each note of music is like a song unto itself, so eloquently executed that the urge to clap or tap in time is irresistible. What is more is that the full songs themselves speak to a body’s heart and spirit. So much so that audiences have shouted and exclaimed with delight at nearly every turn of a phrase in a song. Mahalia is a powerful show."

See the rest of what Donna Ledbetter wrote at BellaOnline.com >

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

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

A Special Offer from MetroStage this weekend

Mahalia, a gospel musical opened last night to cheers
and a standing ovation.
Some performances are already sold out.

This weekend only for the next three preview performances
(Friday, Jan. 22 at 8pm

and Saturday, Jan. 23 at 3pm & 8pm)
We are offering $25 tickets (regularly $50).

Call the theatre 703-548-9044 or 800-494-8497
and mention CODE "Preview" to order your tickets.
Click here to purchase tickets online.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW for Mahalia, a gospel musical

by Tom Stolz

Directed by Thomas W. Jones II

Music Directed by S. Renee Clark

Starring the incomparable Bernardine Mitchell (2005 Helen Hayes Award for this role).

A joyous celebration of the life and music of the world's greatest gospel singer. From her beginnings in the segregated South to her debut on the stage at Carnegie Hall, Mahalia became "The Queen of Gospel Music." Standing beside her friend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahalia became the voice of the civil rights movement. A stirring, humorous musical tribute with many great gospel numbers.

With piano and organ accompaniment and multiple roles played by S. Renee Clark and William Hubbard (2005 Helen Hayes nomination for this role).

Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm & 8pm

and Sundays at 3pm & 7pm

Call 800-494-8497

or visit BoxOfficeTickets online today

MetroStage wins Helen Hayes Award for Mahalia

The Helen Hayes Awards were presented May 9th at the Warner Theatre. This was the 21st Annual Helen Hayes Awards ceremony, and 383 productions were eligible in the 65 professional theatres in the Washington metro area. Congratulations to Bernardine Mitchell who won the Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical for her performance in Mahalia last summer at MetroStage. We are also very proud of our other nominees William Hubbard, who came up from Roanoke where he was performing in Mahalia at Mill Mountain Theatre, and Deb Filler, who attended the Awards from Toronto with her partner and her mother (from New Zealand). In fact, I just saw Deb performing her one woman show Filler Up! in New York City at a backers' audition. I am sure that New York audiences will appreciate her freshly baked, warm challah bread at the end of the show as much as our audiences did.