MAHALIA: A GOSPEL MUSICAL Books and lyrics by Tom Stolz
DATES & VENUE
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Friday, December 5 @ 7:30
Saturday, December 6 @ 7:30 Sunday, December 7 @ 3:00 Friday, December 12 @ 7:30 Saturday, December 13 @ 7:30 Sunday, December 14 @ 3:00 WELCOME MESSAGEIt is an honor to share this moment with the incredible young women who make up this year’s Mahalia program. Each of you represents the power of purpose, perseverance, and possibility. Your presence here is a reminder that leadership comes in many forms—through service, through creativity, through courage, and through the willingness to stand fully in who you are.
The Mahalia program exists not only to celebrate talent, ambition, and excellence, but to cultivate the next generation of thoughtful, community-centered leaders. As you continue your journey, I encourage you to embrace every lesson, every challenge, and every moment of growth with an open heart. You are building a story that matters—one that will inspire the young people who come after you. May you move forward with confidence in your voice, pride in your heritage, and a deep belief in your own power. Your dreams are worthy. Your brilliance is needed. And your leadership will shape the communities we all call home. Congratulations to each participant. Shine boldly, lead with love, and keep creating the future you imagine. With pride and gratitude, Marissa Harrington |
The Galilee Baptist Church
December 5-7 1216 N. Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007 First Salem Missionary Baptist Church December 12-14 370 Capital Ave SW Battle Creek, MI 49015 
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ABOUT THE SHOW
Mahalia: A Gospel Musical invites audiences on a soul-stirring journey through the life of Mahalia Jackson — the electrifying “Queen of Gospel” whose music became the heartbeat of a movement. Through vibrant gospel numbers, powerful storytelling, and rich historical context, the production traces Mahalia’s rise from her humble beginnings in New Orleans to her role as a world-renowned singer and a fierce spiritual force within the Civil Rights Movement. Her unwavering faith and unmatched voice uplifted millions and fueled the fight for justice, making her legacy essential to both Black history and American history.
MEET THE CAST
JESSICA IVEY
Jessica Ivey is a vocalist, songwriter, teaching artist, DJ, and emerging scholar from the West side of Detroit. Jess’ vocal style is an expressive blend of alternative R&B, gospel and melodic Hip-Hop. A classically trained vocalist and student of Black music, Jess blends her various musical influences in a multi-faceted one woman show with vulnerability at the center of all her live performances. She got her start performing live shows and recording music with Last Gasp Collective and just released a single entitled “Winter Bourbon”. For more information visit singgjess.com
BRENDA EARVIN
I am very excited to be with Faceoff Theatre and be a part of the Cohort where I am learning so many new things. I recently worked on Smoldering Fires, Goodnight Tyler and the Gospel musical Crowns. I am a wife of 25 years, and a mother to an amazing son. For fun, I love to play pickleball and enjoy time with family and friends.
ISABELLA MILLER
I am a student at Western Michigan University finishing my doctorates in physical therapy. I have been passionate about music since a young age and have been involved in multiple productions in high school and college. I enjoy sharing my voice and passion for acting with others because I'm telling two stories, the character's and my own.
DUKE DUQUETTE
Duke is a musician from Muskegon, Michigan, whose roots in gospel and soul music shape every note they play and sing. A classically trained instrumentalist and recording artist, Duke has played saxophone for 13 years and has been singing since they could make sound. Being part of Mahalia: The Gospel Musical is a full-circle moment, allowing Duke to honor the faith, passion, and power of gospel music that inspired their journey.
CREATIVE TEAM
Artistic Director/Producer: marissa harrington
Director: ARIZSIA STATON
Music Director: JESSICA IVEY
Production Manager: ALYSSA LANEY
Stage Manager: MAY TUN
dramaturg/Artistic Wellness and Community Support Consultant: SHEALIN SHOBOWALE-BENSON
Lighting Designer: ERIC BATTS
Volunteer Coordinator: ANNA CAFAGNA
Director: ARIZSIA STATON
Music Director: JESSICA IVEY
Production Manager: ALYSSA LANEY
Stage Manager: MAY TUN
dramaturg/Artistic Wellness and Community Support Consultant: SHEALIN SHOBOWALE-BENSON
Lighting Designer: ERIC BATTS
Volunteer Coordinator: ANNA CAFAGNA
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Our Presenting Sponsor - WENDI TRAXLER-GUARANTEED RATE
THE GALILEE BAPTIST CHURCH-pastor michael scott
FIRST SALEM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH-pastor leon coleman
YOLONDA LAVENDER-SOUL ARTISTRY
MILWOOD COMMONS
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH-BATTLE CREEK
ESTHER BOWMAN
DR. CANDY MCCORKLE-BOUGHTON
Black Arts and Cultural Center-janine seals
Cara Lieurance of WMUK
Angela Anderson with 95.5 The Touch
Dr. Quincy Thomas
Stryker Corporation
ANNA CAFAGNA
kalamazoo college
JUDGE ALISA PARKER-LAGRONE
LYONEL LAGRONE
COMMISSIONER ALONZO WILSON
CARMEN BELL
TANISHA CLAY
DORLA COLEMAN-BONNER
Plainwell community arts center
THE GALILEE BAPTIST CHURCH-pastor michael scott
FIRST SALEM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH-pastor leon coleman
YOLONDA LAVENDER-SOUL ARTISTRY
MILWOOD COMMONS
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH-BATTLE CREEK
ESTHER BOWMAN
DR. CANDY MCCORKLE-BOUGHTON
Black Arts and Cultural Center-janine seals
Cara Lieurance of WMUK
Angela Anderson with 95.5 The Touch
Dr. Quincy Thomas
Stryker Corporation
ANNA CAFAGNA
kalamazoo college
JUDGE ALISA PARKER-LAGRONE
LYONEL LAGRONE
COMMISSIONER ALONZO WILSON
CARMEN BELL
TANISHA CLAY
DORLA COLEMAN-BONNER
Plainwell community arts center
