It Really is “Like Coming to Church” By: Anna Hessel
It Really is “Like Coming to Church”
By Anna Hessel
Jackie Taylor’s Black Ensemble Theater reopened with a stellar production of her new work, “It’s Just Like Coming to Church”, and it was. Welcome to the “self-love” church of you. This uplifting musical of faith and real care for oneself is a balm for souls that are weary from the state of this world. Anxiety, Depression, and Fear are cast away with a clear message of hope. The Lord is front and center in this melodic and harmonic work.
The music as we have come to expect from Black Ensemble Theater is fabulous. Excellent vocals, a very talented cast, and a four piece band featuring keyboard, drums, guitar, and bass are worth the price of admission – the band rocks. My favorite number was “Jesus is Love”, sung beautifully with a sincere passion that I share for God’s son.
All faiths are recognized in this show, no right or wrong way to worship but spirituality is important. It is an extremely encouraging and powerful ninety minutes of positive affirmation. Original songs written by the enormously talented Ms. Taylor, along with classic standbys such as “Don’t Give Up”, “Come Go with Me”, “God is Love”, “Hold on Change is Coming”, Tyscot’s “Worth Saving”, “God Blessed our Love”, “Tomorrow Robins Will Sing”, and V. Kelly and Kirk Franklin’s well known “Never Alone”, are just some of the musical numbers audiences get to enjoy.
This show starts BET’s season of excellence. Of course, this theater, in my opinion, only has excellent seasons under their belt, however this year’s theme is “Healing and Joy”, most appropriate for the troubled times. We all are fighting battles, but we are not alone and troubles don’t last forever are clear messages in this theatrical celebration of the human spirit. One day at a time, the Lord will see humanity through it all, no matter what we must face, there is always light at the end of the tunnel, so we must have the courage to never give up. When the spirit hits you, answer the call, and attend “It’s Just Like Coming to Church”, but before the service is over April 24th. For tickets or more information, slide to their website at www.blackensembletheater.org.
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