A musical version of the Oscar-nominated film, The Preacher’s Wife, originally starring Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, and Courtney B. Vance, is coming to Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre this Summer. Loretta Devine, who played the supporting role of Beverly in the 1996 film, will star in the stage adaptation as Marguerite Coleman, originally portrayed by Jenifer Lewis in the film.
Based on the Robert Nathan novel, The Bishop’s Wife, and the Samuel Goldwyn and Samuel Goldwyn Jr. film treatments, The Bishop’s Wife and The Preacher’s Wife, respectively, the stage musical will follow Preacher Henry Biggs and his wife, First Lady Julia, as they navigate the pressures of gentrification in Harlem, home to their church. When Henry prays for a solution, an angel named Dudley is commissioned to intervene.
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Original music and lyrics are curated by Tituss Burgess of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt fame. Azie Dungey (Harlem) wrote the book version of the theatrical production.
“I’ve been waiting a long time to give this to the world,” said Burgess. “I hope it brings audiences as much joy as writing it has brought me!”
Amber Riley steps into Houston’s shoes as the lead star Julia Biggs. Riley previously starred opposite Devine in the holiday film Christmas Déjà Vu.
The company will also include Akron Watson as Pastor Henry Biggs, originally played by Vance, and Donald Webber, Jr. as Dudley, the angel originally played by Washington. Rebecca E. Covington, Alan H. Green (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Jahi Kearse (Ain’t Too Proud), and Brad Raymond (The Color Purple) are also listed on the bill.
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Tony award-winner Michael Arden and artistic director Tinashe Kajese-Bolden will co-direct the theatrical production, while Julie DeVore serves in the capacity of stage manager and Matthew Johnson Harris will oversee choreography.
The Preacher’s Wife will be featured at the Alliance Theatre starting on May 11 through June 16. An official premiere on the Coca-Cola Stage on Saturday, May 25. Tickets are now on sale at the Alliance Theatre website.
