A voice that moved millions—alongside Martin Luther King—will resound again as Mia Ramsey channels the Queen of Gospel Mahalia Jackson at The Black Box Theater starting March 20.
The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City’s production distills Jackson’s journey from New Orleans poverty to international acclaim with this gospel musical that includes 20 soul-stirring numbers.
Ramsey, who leads Kansas City’s Boys and Girls choirs, anchors a three-person cast delivering spirituals that shaped American music and powered the civil rights movement. The intimate Black Box space at 1060 Union Ave. transforms into sacred ground for this musical testament that runs through April 6.
While Mahalia Jackson would eventually come to be known as the leading voice of gospel music, she was born in 1911 the granddaughter of formerly enslaved people, and was raised in a poor household in New Orleans that was big on religion. She sang in the church choir but at age 16 she moved to Chicago in search of better opportunities.
Jackson began singing wherever she could and struggled for fifteen years before her 1947 recording “Move On Up a Little Higher” sold two million copies. This breakthrough propelled her from Chicago’s church circuit to European tours and presidential performances.
Audiences will witness more than Jackson’s musical journey. The production delves into her friendship with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and shows how her voice became the soundtrack of the civil rights movement for many. Standing beside Dr. King, Jackson didn’t just sing—she embodied the hope and determination of a people fighting for justice.
The stripped down production of “Mahalia” gets at the essence of Jackson’s music as soul and humor punctuate a show that is staged with only three actors, a piano and an organ accompaniment.
The award-winning Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City says this show continues its mission of presenting works that speak to the Black experience while welcoming all.
“Mahalia” Showtimes:
The Black Box Theater
1060 Union Ave., KCMO
March 20 – 22 at 7:30 p.m.
March 23 at 3 p.m.
March 27 – 29 at 7:30 p.m.
March 30 at 3 p.m.
April 3 – 5 at 7:30 p.m.
April 6 at 3 p.m.Tickets are available at brtkc.org for $30 or $20 for groups over 10.