DEFIYING ALL ODDS WITH THE GATE CALLED STRAIGHT©
A Philadelphia Production Company Dares to Prove Critics Wrong by Premiering a new gospel stage play in the city of Brotherly Love, before it goes on World Tour, believing Philadelphia has what it takes to support their own. Spirit of Praise Collaborations, Inc. will premier its much anticipated Gospel adaptation of “The Wiz” titled, The Gate Called Straight© at Temple University’s Liacouras Center, 1776 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121, Saturday, September 25th, 2010 at 8:00P.M. for ONE SHOW ONLY.
The Gate Called Straight is directed by the amazing Stephanie Mills, with a star studded cast featuring music by three-time Emmy Award Winner, Bill Jolly, best known for his work as Musical Director for “The Wiz”, “Leader of the Pack”, and “Lady Day” (The Billie Holiday Story); Grammy Award Winner Sara Dash (of the Trio, Labelle); Latrice Pace (of the Anointed Pace Sisters and Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family”), TWyse, and other Philadelphia talent, such as Pastor Robert M. Preston, Tia Pittman, Marc Britt, Eric Shipman, and Keia Story, The Gate Called Straight© promises to be a one-of-a-kind musical extravaganza!
Written by visionary, Jorrae Beard, world-renowned author Nancy Gilliam, and Kelly Beard, CEO of SOP Collaboration, The Gate Called Straight© tells the story of both the spiritual and emotional growth of a young girl, who has yet to discover her true self. After being knocked unconscious by a villainous adversary, Grace awakens in an imaginary world, “The Land of Grand”. This place of uncertainty is full of ups, downs, twists, turns, the unexpected, as well as the unusual, and a supporting cast of quirky characters she meets along the way. The audience is left asking, “Will Grace and her friends ever discover their true value or will they give up all hope?”
With original music, dynamic lighting and sound effects, superb acting, and phenomenal dancing (choreographed by Deborah Manning & David St. Charles, former Principal Dancers of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Company), The Gate Called Straight© is, “Herald as one of the best gospel plays of the decade.” This play guarantees to have you singing and shouting in your seats, but in order to get there; you must be willing to follow…
