Many times, it's been said that life imitates art.
Until I began to write Hallelujah City, I did not know
how much truth would spring from that phrase, personally,
endearing it to me.
During the winter of 2006, while
en-route home from a performance of our show,
Evangelize, at Magic Circle Theater, the title
Hallelujah City leapt into my mind.
My only thought was that the play would be about a
fantasy place called Hallelujah City. Painfully,
regretfully, and unbeknownst to me at the time, in June 2006,
the story line for this play would begin to take shape, as
my life was devastatingly struck with unparalleled tragedy,
with the sudden loss of my husband, Derek.
Thus, Hallelujah City is in part the story of my journey,
since that loss, and the elusive healing that I am still
trying to grab onto. It is also about the resiliency of
humans when faced with no choice but to go on in spite of
immense pain and grief, and the bridge that faith eventually
builds to lead you to the other side.
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.
