BALTIMORE — Unified Voices of Johns Hopkins (UV) will present Ursula V. Battle’s “DisChord in The Choir.” The gospel stage play musical production is being directed by Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, and will be presented Friday, March 27, 2015 (7 p.m.); Saturday, March 28, 2015 (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.); and Sunday, March 29, 2015 (5 p.m.) in Turner Auditorium, located in the Johns Hopkins Hospital Ross Research Building, 720 Rutland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21205. Baltimore gospel singing group Serenity and WEAA 88.9 FM Gospel Grace on-air personality Ernestine Jones will be performing in the production.
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The production is inclusive of soul-stirring singing, side-splitting comedy, gripping drama, and powerful ministry. The play’s riveting storyline centers around the dramatic chain of events which follows the sudden death of The United in Victory Tabernacle on the Hill Freewill Baptist Catholic and Episcopal Church of God’s longtime musician, Dr. William Nelson Madison, III. Following the death of Dr. Madison, the choir can’t quite sing right, the ushers can’t quite march right, and the church’s pastor – Rev. Right Just, no longer has the legendary musician on the organ to accompany his sermons.
The production also touches on addiction – particularly the struggle of a youngster named “Junior Jacobs” who becomes addicted to crack cocaine after running with the wrong crowd. Through ministry and song, this production illustrates how we can overcome addiction. “DisChord in The Choir” also features musicians Jimmy Riley, David White, and a powerful cadre of other talented organists, pianists, singers, actors, actresses, comedians and other performers.
Founded in 1993, UV is a gospel choir that consists of a diverse group of individuals with different personalities, lifestyles, and backgrounds working together to bridge the gap between the medical institution and the historic East Baltimore community. Under the direction of Dr. Branch, who is executive director and co-founder of UV, the choir has remained goodwill ambassadors by singing songs of hope, health and healing through harmony at Hopkins.
Dr. Branch has also directed multiple stage play productions including “A Raisin in The Sun,” “Dreamgirls,” “Spelling Bee,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Dr. Branch also serves as the director of health and human services of Baltimore County. Playwright Ursula V. Battle is a journalist, public relations professional, and CEO of Battle Stage Plays. The return of “DisChord in The Choir” is an updated version of the highly successful original show, which debuted in 2008. In addition to “DisChord in The Choir,” Battle’s stage play productions include “The Teachers’ Lounge” and “The Crown of Glory & The Agony of Deceit,” and “FOR BETTER OR FOR WOR$E.”
Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 at the door. For additional information or tickets call Unified Voices at (410) 955-8888, or send an email to uvofjhmi@aol.com or visit www.unifiedvoices.com. You can also call Battle Stage Plays at (443) 531-4787 or visit www.battlestageplays.com.