Natasha Yvette Williams to Star in Mahalia at Cleveland Play House

Natasha Yvette Williams will star in the title role of the Cleveland Play House production of Mahalia: A Gospel Musical about celebrated singer Mahalia Jackson. Kent Gash will direct the production, which will run January 30-February 22, with an opening on February 4.

Tom Stolz’s musical traces Jackson’s life and career from her birth in New Orleans as a grandchild of plantation slaves through her rise to wealth and international fame. The cast will also include Terry Burrell (Aunt Duke/Mildred/Reporter), Jmichael (Francis/Music Director), and C.E. Smith (Cousin Fred/Rev. Lawrence/Dorsey/Reporter). Local choruses, choirs, and ensembles have been invited to join the cast on stage to perform the finale song, “Move On Up A Little Higher.” Groups confirmed to perform include Wings Over Jordan, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Prayer Warriors, Inspirational Voices of Peace, and The Greater Cleveland Panhellenic Choir.

The design team will include Emily Beck (scenic design), Austin Sanderson (costume design), William H. Grant III (lighting design), and James C. Swonger (sound design).

Williams played Sophia in the Broadway production of The Color Purple on Broadway and Mammy in the West End production of Gone with the Wind. Additional credits include the Off-Broadway run of Dessa Rose and the national tours of The Drowsy Chaperone, All Shook Up, and Seussical. She previously performed at the Play House in (I Could) Stop On a Dime and Get Ten Cents Change.

For more information, visit www.clevelandplayhouse.com.