Prepare to travel back in time to segregated New Orleans. It’s the year 1947, and the story begins when a white reverend from northern Mississippi, Samuel Quincy Samuels, new to religion, moves to the deep south and receives a calling to serve the community. Understanding the shift in culture, he soon realizes he must rely on the teachings of a more experienced black reverend, Thadeus Emeritus Goodbody, Sr., to assist him in navigating the tumultuous times of the racy south. 

Once Reverend Samuel’s wife begins to question his motives for preaching and Pastor Thadeus falls in love with a local singer, the preachers’ worlds collide. They are forced to recognize that their passion for religion and preaching may not be the only things they have in common. The musical tells the story of two strong-willed men of different backgrounds working to find common ground for the greater good of their communities.

Xavier University students Kalea Cook and Kristina Hicks are double-cast as Muzetta Harper, Reverend Goodbody’s love interest. Taylor White, a senior performance major, stars as Reverend Samuels’s wife, Rosemary Lovings. Ahmir Trotter, a junior music major, steps into his role as Pimp Daddy Jacques La Roche.  The production features a number of musical performances, dance, comedy and includes a cast of more than thirty Xavier students. It’s a must-see production!

The musical premieres Friday, January 31, 2020, and will run until Sunday, February 2, 2020, at the Ashe Power House located at 1731 Baronne Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Xavier University of Louisiana’s music program has been a catalyst for musical productions in the city of New Orleans for almost 100 years. In 1935, Xavier University earned the distinction of being the first historically black university to produce full-scale opera productions. With a long history of educating and developing young musicians, Xavier is known world-wide for its leadership in music education and the performing arts.