VIDEO PROFILE: Kecia Lewis, From ONCE ON THIS ISLAND's 'Mama Will Provide' to CSC's MOTHER COURAGE

Not matter what your stance is on the issues surrounding Tonya Pinkins exiting CSC's new adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN, it can be agreed that all eyes will be on actor Kecia Lewis, as she assumes the title role on January 8th, in a production scheduled to run through January 24th.

As reported on BroadwayWorld, CSC has canceled the Tuesday, January 5 through Thursday, January 7 performances to allow for rehearsal time for Lewis with the company. Mother Courage and Her Children is directed by Brian Kulick and features original music by Tony Award winner Duncan Sheik.

After a replacement job in the original Broadway company of BIG RIVER and serving as standby in the 1988 Broadway revival of AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', Lewis got a big break when Playwrights Horizons' Off-Broadway production of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND transferred to Broadway in 1990. As Asaka, Mother of the Earth, she introduced the show-stopping "Mama Will Provide,"

Here she is belting her signature tune at an MTI Broadway Teacher's Workshop.

A stint as CHICAGO's Matron Mama Morton followed, as did featured roles in the original Broadway companies of THE DROWSEY CHAPARONE and LEAP OF FAITH. Off-Broadway she received a 2005 Drama Desk nomination for her supporting turn in DESSA ROSE.

In 2011, Lewis played the role originated on Broadway by Nell Carter in Long Wharf Theatre's production of AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'. Here she talks about taking material greatly associated with another actor and making it her own.

Finally, a bit of Lewis using her majestic soprano on tour as CINDERELLA's Fairy Godmother.

The cast of Mother Courage and Her Children also includes Joshua Boone, Curtiss Cook Jr., Jamil A. C. Mangan,Kevin Mambo, Jacob Ming-Trent, Geoffrey Owens, Michael Potts, Deandre Sevon, Mirirai Sithole and Zenzi Williams. Set design is by Tony Straiges, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Justin Townsendand sound design by Matt Stine.

Tickets start at $60 and are available at www.classicstage.org, by calling (212) 352-3101 / 866-811-4111 or at the box-office at 136 East 13th Street, New York City (between Third and Fourth Avenues).