At the beginning of the play, we meet Christian Alexander (Keith Holman), a writer who has lost his way as the result of the recent passing of his wife, Mara (Dana Pope). The devastation of his grief engulfs his life, and from it springs anger and a loss of faith in God, and humanity. In the midst of his suicide attempt, a divine intervention occurs when three spirits, Isadora (Lisa Lacy), Big Red (Ifamodupe Eddington), and Annie Mae (Deborah Nelson), appear and take him to Hallelujah City, another dimension that runs parallel to the earth, "not heaven or hell, but kind of in-between."

At the gates of Hallelujah City, Christian is paired with Big Red, a spirit guide with a whole lot of attitude, who has no desire to "baby-sit this chump." However, she has been told by Beejee?s (Bill Miller), the leader of Hallelujah City that she must help Christian if she is to earn her way into the City. Big Red cares less about entering the gates of Hallelujah City but plays along to accomplish her true agenda, which is to please, Bigum (Joseph Brown), her man, in life and death. As Red escorts Christian, throughout the surrounding areas of Hallelujah City, it becomes obvious that the journey is not just about Christian's healing but also about Big Red's salvation.

Charles Cooper has written perhaps, his best musical score yet. And, Cooper fans know that for him to out-do himself is no small feat. Coupled with Wanel Thomas' choreography, and a talented ensemble, which includes such local celebrities as Bill Miller, Keith Holman, and Ifamodupe Eddington, and many more, Hallelujah City will undoubtedly leave audience members dancing in the aisles.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge, and thank Bob and Rosemarie Gerould and all of the Magic Circle Theater gang (Rick, John, Kris, Barrett & Mary Ann) for continuing to open their doors to us, and treat us like family. Also I offer much gratitude, to Charles Cooper, my business partner, a great cast, the musicians, Angela Gill, my steady assistant, and Ceasar Davis, Images' board member, pianist, vocal coach and all around "Good Guy." I thank you all for your hard work, dedication, and support for without you, Hallelujah City would only be words on paper.

Since my husband left my side, to reside in spirit, in my heart, there are many days that I have traveled to my own Hallelujah City to feel the nearness of his presence. And, though I cannot physically hold him as Christian does Mara, I feel Derek cheering me on, while continuing to pour love, encouragement, and blessings my way. My prayer is that the audience members who have experienced loss will best understand the journey, and follow Christian into their own land of renewed faith, hope, and healing. My hope is that their loved ones will too, meet them on the other side, in their own, Hallelujah City, and that they will reconcile with their own faith, while ever knowing that spirit and love are eternal and that the greatest of all things, in God's world, is love.