Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre has announced the cast for the world premiere of “The Preacher’s Wife,” set to debut on May 11, with the official opening on May 24. The run has been extended until June 16 due to high demand.
Amber Riley and Loretta Devine take the lead roles as Julia Biggs and Marguerite Coleman. Other notable cast members include Akron Watson, Donald Webber, Jr., Alan H. Green, Jahi Kearse, Davis Michael Matthews, Cameron McCrae, Wayne Pretlow, and Brad Raymond.
Inspired by Robert Nathan’s novel and the films of the same name, the musical features music and lyrics by Tituss Burgess and a book by Azie Dungey. Set in Harlem, it follows the struggles of Preacher Henry and his wife Julia as they try to sustain their congregation, receiving divine help in the form of an angel.
Watson is cast as Henry Biggs, Webber, Jr. as Dudley, Green as Joe Hamilton, Kearse as Deacon Lewis, Matthews as Hakeem, McCrae as Jeremiah, Pretlow as Ol’ Mac, and Raymond as Deacon Johnson.
Burgess expressed his excitement, stating, “I’ve been waiting a long time to give this to the world. I hope it brings audiences as much joy as writing it has brought me!”
Loretta Devine Devine, who appeared in a different role in the 1996 film, has been attached to the project since 2016.
The ensemble includes Wesley J. Barnes, Brianna Bellamy, Angela Birchett, Laila Bollar, Melessie Clark, Cedrick Ekra, Cyniah Elise, Darius Harper, Toneisha Harris, Shaq Hester, Brianna Javis, Harper Miles, Amma Osei, Kala Ross, Drew Shade, Michael Stiggers, Alicia Thomas, Damani Van Rensalier, and Helen Marla White, with Ashley Jenkins as the understudy.
Co-directed by Michael Arden and Tinashe Kajese-Bolden, the creative team includes choreographer Matthew Johnson Harris, music supervisor James Sampliner, and scenic designers Dane Laffrey and Teresa L. Williams.
Kajese-Bolden shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I am blown away by the wealth of talent, diversity of style, and breadth of experience overflowing in this cast! … But what I believe will make this story unforgettable is the joy that radiates from each one of these inspired artists which will undoubtedly give us all a little more faith in the world!”
For more information and tickets, click here.