Recording Artist Lil Mo To Make Guest Appearance In Sanctified 10/21-24

Recording artist Lil Mo will make a special guest appearance in select performances of the Washington-area premiere of the award-winning new gospel musical comedy Sanctified, playing the historic Lincoln Theatre for a limited engagement, October 21 through November 14.

Lil Mo will perform October 21 through October 24. The afternoon drive host for WPGC-FM has recently completed her sixth studio album, Tattoos and Roses. She has worked with heavy hitters such as Keith Sweat, Black Street, and Lil Bow Wow. Most notable are her collaborations with Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Fabolous, and Ja Rule.

Tickets for Sanctified are priced $37.00 to $47.00 (plus applicable service and facility charges). Tickets are available at the Lincoln Theatre Box Office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, and via phone at (202) 397-SEAT (7328). Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more by calling (202) 635-0785. For more information, call (202) 328-6000 or visit www.letsgetsanctified.com or www.thelincolntheatre.org.

The cast of Sanctified features John McClure, Jr. as Pastor Harold P. Jones and Mary Millben as Sister Pauletta Denise Jones, with Almonica Caldwell (Clara), Jessica Frances Dukes (Thelma), Ellis Foster (Bobby), Ashley Jeudy (Monique), Bernardine Mitchell (Sarah), Joshua Nelson (Mister), William T. Newman, Jr. (Sir), Frederick Strother (Deacon), and Kasaun T. Wilson (Jamal).

Sanctified, written by Javon Johnson, with original music by Rollo A. Dilworth, and directed by Derrick Sanders, is the winner of six 2009 Black Theater Alliance Awards including the August Wilson Award for Best Writing of a Play (Musical / Adaptation), Best Production (Musical or Revue), Best Direction (Musical or Revue), and Best Musical Director. The musical comedy shines a light on the African-American church and the congregations that sustain it. When the East Piney Grove Baptist Church falls on hard times, their last chance may be the upcoming 3oth annual gospel revival. Desperate, the ambitious new pastor calls on his diva-esque cousin to help update the choir's staid repertoire (and lend her extraordinary voice), but the church elders are not moved.

Playwright Javon Johnson explains: "This is a warm, joyous, hymn-filled show that bears witness to the trials and triumphs of the African-American church. The project set out to explore the traditional world of gospel music and how it has been twisted, turned, and constantly revolutionized by the hip-hop and the R&B sound."

Considered by many to be a protege of the late August Wilson, Johnson has written such plays as Breathe, Recipes for Love, Whatever She Wants, Cheaters, Hambone, and Cryin' Shame, among others. He has also performed on stage, including locally in Joe Turner's Come and Gone at Baltimore's CenterStage, as well as on screen and television (Friends and Lovers, Barbershop 2, Prison Break, and more).

The Lincoln Theatre, built in 1922 and located at 1215 U Street NW, once hosted the likes of Washington natives Duke Ellington and Pearl Bailey, as well as nationally acclaimed artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Nat King Cole, and Louis Armstrong. The legacy continues as the U Street corridor experiences a renaissance, and the Lincoln Theatre provides a cornerstone for culture and entertainment.

Sanctified is produced by Proteus Spann and Pro2Play Productions. It features musical direction by Raymond D. Reeder, scenic design by Tony Cisek, costume design by Reggie Ray, lighting design by William H. Grant III, and sound design by Elisheba Ittoop.

www.letsgetsanctified.com

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