Theater Review: How I Got Over: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson

Posted Tuesday, July 26, 2016 12:00 am

Lou Jensen

SARASOTA – The West Coast Black Theatre Troupe is running its production of, How I Got Over: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, in Sarasota through August 13, 2016. Mr. Nate Jacobs, Founder and Artistic Director, is the creative force and adapter of this world premiere honoring a great American and arguably the best gospel singer we have known. She was "The Queen of Gospel," acclaimed in the United States and internationally.

I want to share with you what I experienced watching this highly professional, youthfully energetic and compelling production. It's not just a parade of musical numbers, nor a musical biography of Ms. Jackson. It's a story in narrative, song and dance of how important gospel music was and is to the African American experience in this country. But, first let me briefly share something of Mahalia Jackson's life with you.

Her personal story is compelling. She was born in New Orleans in 1911, and lived in an extended family and in poverty during her early years. She was barely schooled, often having to work as a domestic and laundress. Her singing ability was recognized at an early age. She had a deep religious faith which led her to sing gospel in churches in New Orleans and later in Chicago were she moved in 1927, to live with her aunt. She sang in churches, notably in the choirs of the Greater Salem Baptist Church, and toured with the locally well known Johnson Singers until she began a collaboration with Thomas A. Dorsey, the highly acclaimed composer of gospel music.

Neyce Pierre performs in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's production of

How I Got Over: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson (Photo by Don Daly)

Starting in the mid '30s, and years after, they toured churches and conventions. She grew in fame as a concert and recording artist with Decca, Apollo and subsequently Colombia. With her appointment as the official soloist for the National Baptist Convention, recording successes with Colombia, and later collaborations with well known mainstream performers her popularity grew during the '40s, '50s and '60s.

Ms. Jackson was often approached with offers to sing popular music, but steadfastly clung to her gospel repertoire–albeit criticized for her passionate delivery and less than conservative style. She said, "I sing God's music because it makes me feel free," adding, "It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues." She also sang in several films and on television.

By the late '40s and early '50s her recordings and concert tours had gained her USA and international recognition as the preeminent gospel singer. Her accomplishments and honors are long. She was the first gospel singer performing to an integrated audience at Carnegie Hall in 1950. She was showcased on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1950 (a big deal at the time), and at the Newport Jazz Festival with Duke Ellington in 1957. She sang at President John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural ball. She won four Grammys and was a four time inductee to the Grammy Hall of Fame. Yet there is much more to be said.

In 1956, she met the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Reverend Ralph Abernathy. Ms. Jackson became an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, singing at rallies for the bus boycotts in Montgomery and at other events in and outside the segregated South. One of the events was the 'March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom' where Reverend King gave the "I Have a Dream" speech, which is still emblazoned on the minds of millions of Americans. Just as well received was Ms. Jackson's singing "I Been 'Buked and I Been Scorned," a performance that preceded Dr. King's oratory.

When kindly asked by TBT Editor Dennis Maley to write reviews, I jump at the chance. We have artistic gems across this community. When I say 'gems' I mean all of the performing arts organizations energized by talented men and women who work so hard across all aspects of production and performance to present something as exciting as ...A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson.

The performance I attended reveled in uplifting gospel music sung by women and men, all of whose voices make me envious. The spontaneously flawless choreography and dance, the humor, the staging, and the instrumental ensemble were stunning and seamless in execution.

The cast of How I Got Over: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson during a

high-energy number (Photo by Don Daly)

What made this more than just a collection of songs was the narration of Mr. Brian Boyd. His eloquent words spoke to the human solace, and eternal spiritual hope that Church and gospel music with 'Roots' going back centuries brought and brings to the Black experience ... an imperfect safety net that as best as this white man can tell has brought a measure of tranquility and hope to fellow human beings deserving of tranquility and hope missed in yesterdays, but a must have in todays and tomorrows.

The several interpretations of classic soul stirring music and dance by Ms. Ariel Blue, Ms. Tarra Conner Jones, Ms. Elaine Mayo and Ms. Neyce Pierre brought smiles to audience faces, stirred internal rhythms and lifted the hearts of all present. Each of these amazing, yet different, talents were featured in well known pieces and several were in ensemble. The talents and hearts of these performers were electrically on display. Wow to each and to all!

The congregation's Preacher, Mr. Earley Dean, and Mr. Boyd as Narrator, both served as catalysts around which so much of the musical action erupted. They played very important musical and dance roles, as well.

Finally, the youngest people, both young men and women, added further energy and beauty to the stage, complementing their more experienced collaborators. Their presentations were mostly in dance, but also in vocal backup. Such artistic talent is hard to fantasize, must less experience. And guess what? These are students/recent grads from local schools. Please note their names: Ms. Victoria Byrd, Mr. Jeffery Cason, Jr., Mr. Derric Gobourne, Jr., Mr. Joshua Thompson, Ms. Topaz Von Wood.

Ms. Jackson died in 1972, leaving a legacy of devotion to gospel music as the "Queen of Gospel" and as an active, involved advocate of civil rights. She was and is a fierce, lasting force for the art of inspirational song and for her support of human rights.

The production runs until August 13, 2016. The Theater is at 1646 10th Way (Off Orange, north of 10th Street), Sarasota, 34236. The Box Office is at 1343 Main Street, Sarasota, 34236, Suite 402, 941-366-1505.

Also, please refer to the great work that Mr. Jacobs brings to our community. See the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe web site. Support of their work will uplift you and our community.