Interview: Playwright S. Kristi Douglas Returns to Pease With DAUGHTER THE KING The Musical

PLAYWRIGHT, S. KRISTI DOUGLAS RETURN TO PEASE, WITH INSPIRATIONAL MUSICAL, "DAUGHTER OF KING"

S. Kristi Douglas is a playwright, songwriter, and composer. Although Kristi is a native of Washington, DC; she considers Charlotte, NC (a resident for sixteen years) her home. She is a graduate of Trinity College in DC, where she majored in Radio, TV and Film, with an emphasis in Journalism.

S. Kristi is the writer of the stage play, "Daughter of the King (The Musical)" which is returning for its sophomore performance, after a three-year hiatus, to Pease auditorium, located on the main campus of Central Piedmont Community College.

"Daughter of the King" is an inspirational stage play with an uplifting message of the power of love and the power of self-forgiveness. It is a transforming experience of hope and redemption. The storyline centers around The King Sisters' return to their late father's church for its annual homecoming ceremony. The sisters expect their usual family feuding and sibling rivalry; however, this year is different. A mysterious, regal princess (S. Kristi Douglas) appears and reveals life-changing secrets that cause the sisters to discover that they have more in common than any of them dared to dream.

When did you to discover your gift of creative writing?

I have always enjoyed creative writing! When I was younger, I wrote several plays for my church. "Daughter of the King" is my first professional play.

What motivated you to write the stage play "Daughter of the King"?

The storyline of "Daughter of the King" was original birthed from an inspirational song I wrote with the same title, during a very "dark" personal time in my life. At the time, I was doing a lot of soul searching concerning my self-worth and value. I began connecting with women in crisis and performing the song at various events. Many were deeply moved. I donated the proceeds from the sale of the song to those organizations. One day, I approached the musical director at my church and requested to perform the song at the opening of our church's women shelter. After listening to the song, he suggested that I consider developing it into a storyline - he felt that it had a greater message than just a song. What started as one song has developed into thirteen songs and a musical. My motivation was to bring my story to life so that other women who have experienced life challenges would be empowered and embrace glimmers of hope.

I understand this is your return performance of DOK, when was your original one?

"Daughter of the King" was originally performed in 2012, at Pease Auditorium as well. A portion of the proceeds were donated to Dove's Nest, the women's program of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. This time, we are reprising the production and again the focus is on women in crisis. The proceeds will be donated to She Reigns Ministries. We also have a special "by invitation only" performance for selected women's organizations scheduled for Friday, October 23.

Are there any particular issues that you highlight in this production?

Our maIn Focus is on issues that produce low self-esteem. We purposely staged the production in October because it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month - which is a huge issue. Although we are not dealing specifically with that issue, we deal with the aftermath. I mean that from a global spectrum. We do not focus on a specific problem - we focus on the solutions. Our goal is to make you feel better about the future. We accomplish this goal through dancing, singing, and a great storyline. Although "Daughter of the King" is written for women, it has an uplifting message for the men as well.

What significance does music have on this production?

There is great power in music. It is a medium that can be used to touch the soul, even it is instrumental and there are no words to convey the message. When you add the lyrics, it is a great tool to make an impact in a manner that others may not have a tolerance for in regular conversation. What is unique about this production is that we use a variety of styles of music...so there is something for everyone. The power of the lyrics combined with the music reach the deepest part of our emotions and cause us to experience Art at an advanced level.

Tell me about your cast and production team.

I am really proud of this cast! They are super talented and give their all. Cassandra O'Neal, who portrays Ophelia King, is an internationally-known worship leader and recording artist. Tynetta Nicole Hare, who portrays the older sister, Renee King, is also a recording artist who previously sang background vocals for singer MC Hammer. And Glenda Cobb, who portrays the younger sister, Deanna King, is also a worship leader at her church. I portray the Princess.

Production Team:

John Watson - Casting Director

Ron McClelland - Assistant Casting Director

Dawn Anthony - Musical Director

Brittany Caldwell - Choreographer

What are your future plans for Daughter of the King?

It is our desire to take "Daughter of the King" on tour to other cities to gain more exposure. We would like to reach a broader audience by partnering with other women in crisis organizations in those cities to empower woman and to encourage social change.

**Daughter of the King will be performed on Saturday, October 24, at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm at Central Piedmont Community College's Pease Auditorium, 1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC. Tickets can be purchased on-line at http://www.tix.cpcc.edu and at the Pease Auditorium Box Office on the day of the performance. For more information visit website: www.DOKTheMusical.com

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