Ekundayo Bandele and Hattiloo Theatre first staged “Mahalia” in 2007. Each subsequent production has been special in its own way, as will the 2018 rendition.
Civil rights activist. Gospel singer. Restaurant owner. Musical pioneer. These are just a few of the attributes that describe gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, whose life will be performed and sung at Hattiloo Theatre in Overton Square August 3-26.
Bandele, the theatre’s founder and CEO, said the latest rendition is braided with modern dance that’s choreographed by Broadway dancer Mark Allan Davis, who is also the director.
“‘Mahalia’ moves – the way dancers move; the way the spirit moves through church congregations,” said Bandele, who has seen this performance three previous times. “In fact, this ‘Mahalia’ get’s its inspiration from Alvin Ailey’s legendary dance suite ‘Revelations.’”
Hattiloo has only re-staged two other shows, “The Wiz” and “If Scrooge was a Brother.” “Mahalia” has been produced five separate times.
“Hattiloo is producing this musical again because it’s never let the theatre down,” Bandele said. “It keeps the audience soaring through the entire performance, and even after you leave Hattiloo.”
Show days/times: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m.
Tickets range from $22 to $35, with a pay-what-you-want performance on Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Hattiloo Box Office at tickets@hattilootheatre.org; call 901-52-.0009. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Hattiloo is located at 37 South Cooper.
