Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, director and Ursula V. Battle, playwright.
Unified Voices of Johns Hopkins University will present Ursula V. Battle’s DisChord in The Choir, the gospel stage play musical production being directed by Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, March 27-29, in Turner Auditorium, located in the Johns Hopkins Hospital Ross Research Building, 720 Rutland Ave. in Baltimore. Baltimore gospel singing group Serenity and WEAA 88.9 FM Gospel Grace on-air personality Ernestine Jones will be performing in the production.
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 that follow 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.
“Serenity” will be singing in the production.
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 addiction can be overcome. DisChord in The Choir features a powerful cadre of some of Baltimore’s most talented musicians, singers, actors, actresses, and other performers.
Ernestine Jones of WEAA 88.9 FM’s Gospel Greats will be performing
Founded in 1993, Unified Voices 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, 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 and CEO of Battle Stage Plays. The return of DisChord in The Choir is an updated version of the highly successful original show that 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.
Performance times are 7 p.m., March 27; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., March 28 and 5 p.m., March 29.
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.