Overview

Featuring music by various gospel composers, as well as hymns and spirituals made famous by Mahalia Jackson, Mahalia is a joyous celebration of the life and music of the world's greatest gospel singer: a humble, deeply religious woman whose expressive, full-throated voice carried her from a three-room shanty in New Orleans to appearances before presidents and royalty. The joy and inspiration of Mahalia's heartfelt songs provide a counterpoint to the urgent messages delivered by her friend, Rev. Martin Luther King. Jr. Standing at his side, Mahalia Jackson became the musical voice of the civil rights movement. Mahalia uses simple staging, only three actors, and piano and organ accompaniments to showcase 20 great gospel numbers in a moving, often humorous musical tribute.

Keywords

• Friendship
• Memory
• Politics
• Black Experience
• From Off-Broadway