Loretta Devine, Amber Riley and others join the world premiere cast of musical “Preacher’s Wife”

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Loretta Devine, Amber Riley and others join the world premiere cast preacher’s wife musical

A stage musical version of the 1996 film by Tituss Burgess and Agee Dungey will be performed at Atlanta’s Alliance Theater.

The cast of Alliance Theater’s upcoming world premiere musical has been revealed preacher’s wife, scheduled to open in Atlanta theaters on May 11th, ahead of opening night on May 24th. This extended period will continue until June 16th.

Amber Riley and Loretta Devine lead the troupe as Julia Biggs and Margaret Coleman, respectively, with Alan H. Green as Joe Hamilton, Jahi Kearse as Butler Lewis, Davis Michael Matthews as Hakeem, and Jeremiah. He co-stars with Cameron McCray, who plays the role, and Wayne Pretlow, who plays Jeremiah. All Mac, and Brad Raymond as Deacon Johnson.

Based on the novel by Robert Nathan bishop’s wife and a movie bishop’s wife and preacher’s wifethe production features music and lyrics by stage and film star Tituss Burgess and includes a book by Agee Dungey (Harem). Set in Harlem, the story follows Henry, a preacher, and his wife, Julia, as they struggle to keep their congregation together. When all seems lost, Henry asks God for help and receives it in the form of an angel.

Devine, who appeared in a different role in the 1996 film, has been involved with the project since at least 2016, when one of the project’s early readings was held in Manhattan.

Ensemble includes Wesley J. Barnes, Brianna Bellamy, Angela Burchett, Lyla Boller, Melessi Clark, Cedric Eclat, Sr. Ellis, Darius Harper, Toneisha Harris, Shaq Hester, Brianna Javis , Harper Miles, Amma Osei, Kara Ross, and Drew Shade. , Michael Stigers, Alicia Thomas, Damani Van Rensalier, Helen Mara White. The uneducated Ashley Jenkins rounds out the company. Casting was by Jody Feldman of Tara Rubin Casting.

“We’ve been waiting a long time to bring this to the world,” Burgess said in a statement. “I hope this work brings as much joy to audiences as it has brought me.”

Co-directed by Michael Arden and Tinashe Callese Bolden, choreographer Matthew Johnson Harris, music director James Sampler, set designers Dane Loughley and Teresa L. Williams, and costume designer Sarafina Bush. , leads a creative team that includes lighting designer Jennifer Schriever and sound designer. Joshua D. Reed, wig designer Cookie Jordan, and illusionist Skylar Fox. Sampler also works as a music director, orchestrator, and arranger. Julie DeVore will serve as stage manager.

“The wealth of talent, stylistic diversity, and breadth of experience of this cast is astounding!” Callese Bolden said in a statement. “From talented Atlanta actors to Broadway veterans to Hollywood royalty, each of them brings a unique sense of purpose and connection to the material that is compelling and powerful. …But this story… It is the joy that radiates from each of these inspired artists that I believe will be unforgettable and will definitely give us all a little more faith in the world! ”

Visit AllianceTheatre.org.