Sanctified, a gospel musical/comedy by Def Poetry actor and playwright Javon Johnson, comes to the Anthony Bean Community Theater this month for a run of shows from June 14-30. Directed by Anthony Bean and featuring original music by Rollo A. Dillworth, musical direction by Steve Burke and Wynton Thomas, and choreography by Stacye C. Markey, Sanctified is a warm-hearted and humorous production with music that would make Mahalia Jackson proud.

Sanctified is at once topical and timeless as it tells the tale of East Piney Grove Baptist Church, another victim of today’s faltering economy. Facing hard times, the church and its congregation must rely on its upcoming gospel revival to stay on their feet. According to playwright Javon Johnson, “This is a warm, joyous, hymn-filled show that bears witness to the trials and triumphs of the African-American church. The project set out to explore the traditional world of gospel music and how it has been twisted, turned, and constantly revolutionized by hip-hop and the R&B sound.” These themes of musical tradition and evolution make for great drama, especially in a city like New Orleans where musical traditions are alternately honored and subverted every day, sometimes in the same performance.

Founder and Director, Anthony Bean

Established in 2000 by local actor, director and educator Anthony Bean, the Anthony Bean Community Theater (ABCT) and Acting School has brought the magic of theater to New Orleans for over a decade. The ABCT is one of very few professional theater companies in Louisiana, and its open enrollment for both children and adults is a beacon of hope in a state with dwindling dramatic arts resources. In addition to acting classes, the ABCT offers day and night classes on stage design and theater management.

Tickets for Sanctified are $20.00 for adults and $18.00 for seniors and students (with student ID). You can purchase tickets by calling the Anthony Bean Box Office at (504) 862-7529. Tickets are also available online at www.anthonybeantheater.com.