PITT'S KUNTU REPERTORY THEATRE TO PRESENT "MAHALIA JACKSON, SINGING ON HOLY GROUND"

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 4 -- The University of Pittsburgh's internationally-renowned Kuntu Repertory Theatre will celebrate the life and music of one of America's most beloved Gospel singers, with "Mahalia Jackson, Singing on Holy Ground," January 25 through February 10, in the 7th floor auditorium of the Masonic Temple, 4227 Fifth Avenue, Oakland.

Written by Kuntu founder and artistic director Vernell A. Lillie, "Mahalia" visits the world of Gospel and Spirituals created by Jackson as she migrates from the musical city of New Orleans to Chicago and the Civil Rights Movement with Martin Luther King, Jr. By the time of her death on January 27, 1972, Jackson was revered as the greatest Gospel singer of all time.

Barbara Price stars as Mahalia Jackson. Other cast members include Benjamin Blackey, Tasha Smith, Sheriden Booker, Kevin Brown, Nathan James, Eva Brooks, and Mayme Williams. The choir consists of Felicia Hicks, Laverne Corbin, Meritt Latimore, Jeannine Foster-McKelvia, Teri Bridgett, Adolph Sims, M.J. Henderson, Anthony McElroy, Booker, and Smith.

Performances are held Thursday through Sunday. Thursday through Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. Sunday curtain time is 4 p.m. For subscription, group discount, and ticket information, call 412-624-7298, or visit the web site at www.kuntu.org.

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