If there is only one musical you go to see this week, you must make it “Saturday Church,” and you only have until October 24 to see it at the New York Theatre Workshop (79 East 4th Street). “Saturday Church” is a remarkable celebration of the human spirit. It proclaims unapologetically that gay and trans lives matter. Can the church say “Amen”? It is a testament to the fact that we are all beautiful when we are ourselves, however that may be. It is a musical that lets the audience know if you are queer, trans, or gay, you are beautiful and you are fabulous. You have a right to be accepted and loved, and you should always make sure to let your light shine.
This musical has a tremendous book and lyrics by Damon Cardasis and James Ijames. There is fantastic music by Sia; additional lyrics by Honey Dijon; and stunning music supervision, arrangements, and orchestration by Jason Michael Webb and Luke Solomon. The musical has heart-pounding songs and choreography, created by Darrell Grand Moultrie, that will grab your very soul.
“Saturday Church” is a musical that makes all feel welcome. It is the story of Ulysses, a young man with an amazing voice with desires to sing in his church choir, which is led by his Aunt Rose, but she is concerned that he is too flamboyant and may be targeted if she puts him in the choir. She tries to have Pastor Lewis speak to him about the ways a man “should” act. Ulysses is distraught, having recently lost his father. He and his mother Amara struggle with missing him and his mother has to work long hours as a nurse at the hospital and does not get to spend much time with Ulysses.
As Ulysses tries to figure out where he fits in, he meets a homeless, gay young man named Raymond on the train who tells Ulysses about having just been to Saturday Church, a church where queer, transgender, and other youth gather and can praise the Lord and have fellowship. It is a place where they are all accepted, fed, and given assistance.
Saturday Church is run by Ebony, who is a fantastic mother to these young people. Ebony is there to let these youth know they are seen, they are important and she will be there for them if they need to talk, something to eat, or other types of assistance. Ebony has Heaven and Dijon to assist her with supporting these young people who feel completely shunned by society. It is sad to realize that youth who are discarded in this way have to sometimes turn to prostitution to survive.
There are marvelous ballroom moments in this musical that will have you cheering and enjoying everyone doing their thing. They strut their stuff, with their sexy, fun, amazing choreography, and do it unapologetically.
This musical is candid in the way it lets the audience know that youth that are queer or transgender are often put out of their homes and abandoned by their families, and how this population needs to take care of each other and can end up in situations where they have a different kind of mother who understands, loves, and supports them on their journey to realizing their beauty, importance, gifts, and power. This musical will have you laughing, heartbroken at times, but then screaming with joy and loving their celebration of acceptance and also a feeling of empowerment.
The cast of “Saturday Church” is gloriously led by J. Harrison Ghee, Tony Award winner for “Some Like It Hot,” who plays the dual roles of Black Jesus/Pastor Lewis. As Black Jesus, Ghee is dressed to kill and sings with a great deal of passion, determination, love, empathy and tenderness. Their performance will have you captivated and overjoyed. As Pastor Lewis, they delivers a judgmental approach to manhood that says if you’re gay, you can’t be holy.
This musical has a lot going on. Bryson Battle is exciting and delightful as he makes his NYTW debut. He is someone we will definitely be seeing in the future. His voice is magnificent! B. Noel Thomas is dazzling, stunning, and powerful as Ebony. Anania is funny and wonderful as Heaven. Caleb Quezon is fantastic as Dijon. Thomas, Anania, and Quezon play their roles with a great deal of vibrant energy that is contagious. Jackson Kanawha Perry is charming and vulnerable as Raymond. Kristolyn Lloyd is moving as Amara, a mother who knew that there was something different about her son, but loved him regardless.
Joaquina Kalukango is outstanding as Aunt Rose — any opportunity to experience her chops is worth it. She has one of the most incredible voices you will ever be blessed to hear. Her portrayal of Aunt Rose is filled with tenderness and concern, but also a sense of confusion about the best way to support the lifestyle choice of her nephew.
The entire ensemble is exceptional and keeps the high-octane energy flowing. The rest of the cast includes Primo Thee Ballerino, Veyonce Deleon, Michael Samarie George, J’Quay Gibbs, Fernell Hogan, Dava Huesca, Oyoyo Joi, Kareem Marsh, Damani Van Rensalier, and Wade Watson.
The production has fantastic scenic design by David Zinn, phenomenal costume design by Qween Jean, lighting design by Adam Honore, sound design by Gareth Owen, wig and hair design by Dhairius Thomas, music direction by Deah Love Harriott, and fight direction by UnkleDave’s Fight-House.
“Saturday Church” will have you shouting its praises to the rafters. This is one musical you will never forget. I truly hope they bring this to Broadway, because the message is so very important, especially these days.
For ticket information, visit saturdaychurchmusical.com.