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Mama Foundation for the Arts Gospel singers, choirs and choruses
Mama's Shows
   

Sheila Benning singing in "Mama I Want to Sing"

Sheila Benning in Mama I Want to Sing, 1988. Photographer unknown.

Mama Foundation Traveling Theater

We have a variety of shows that travel easily. These shows may be custom tailored to your needs, budgets, and demographics. Promotional media kits upon request.

or call (212) 280-1045.

Vy Higginsen in the streets of New York City.

Executive Director Vy Higginsen in front of the Mama Foundation brownstone. Photographer unknown.

Gospel at the Brownstone

Spontaneous, energetic, inspiring, and uplifting music performed by a cast of talented veteran artists and the Gospel for Teens Choir. Presented in an intimate and interactive stage setting in a Harlem brownstone, this show is an ideal treat for music lovers of all ages.

Limited engagement! Includes dessert by Debbie's Soulful Sweets.

Saturdays, 5 p.m.
March 8 - April 12, 2008

All seats $25
Tickets: www.smarttix.com
212-868-4444

Mama I Want to Sing

This classical Black gospel musical was named by Time Magazine as one of the “Ten Best of 1984” and is loosely based on the life of Doris Troy (“Just One Look”). Mama follows the growth and development of Doris Winter from her roots in her father’s church in Harlem to her rise to international fame as a pop singer. Mama is available for a full theatrical production or in a concert version.

2 hours • 6 principal singers • 10-12 member choir • 3 member band • 5 crew • Order CD

Audio selection from "Faith Can Move a Mountain" • Vocals by Kathy Murphy Jackson

DVD

Video selection from Mama I Want to Sing promotional DVD

This show isn’t just hot, it’s a four-alarm meltdown.

—Hollywood Reporter

"The season’s joyfullest noise!"

—Time Magazine

Sing! Mama 2

Sing! Mama 2 is the sequel to Mama, I Want to Sing. This show follows the courtship, marriage and birth of the first child of superstar Doris Winter and her husband, Rev. Julian Simmons. The drama is touching and ultimately triumphant with upscale costumes and top-notch original music.

2 hours • 6 singers • 10-12 member choir • 3 member band • 5 crew • Order CD

Audio selection from "When We All Get to Heaven"

 
Myoshi featured in "Let Me Off in Harlem," 2003

Myoshi featured in Let Me Off in Harlem, 2003. Photo credit: G.N. Miller.

Born to Sing: Mama 3

The last of the Mama trilogy, Born to Sing reveals the funny and stirring behind-the-scenes activities of Doris Winter’s international tour with her sensitive, vulnerable 15-year-old daughter and a group of talented teenagers. Acclaimed by the New York Times, New York Post and Philadelphia Inquirer, Born to Sing dramatizes how family and spiritual values can help heal tensions and conflicts.

2 hours • 6 principles • 10-12 member choir • 3 member band • 5 crew

Let Me Off in Harlem

This show is a re-creation of a Harlem hot spot from back in the day. Performed by a versatile cast and live jazz ensemble dressed in tuxedos and evening attire, the show is a nostalgic blend of jazz, soul, R & B and gospel. This show is about love—the highs and the lows, the moods, the feelings, the breakups and the make-ups—and the battle of the sexes in the old, good days.

60 minutes • 7 singers • 4 member band • 1 set • 3 crew • Order CD

Audio selection from "When I Fall in Love"

DVD

Video selection from Let Me Off In Harlem promotional DVD

"Mama I Want to Sing" poster, London, 1995

Poster for Mama I Want to Sing in London at the Gielgud theater, January-June, 1995. Featured are Doris Troy (left) and Stacey Francis (right).

Where We've Been

International

Germany
Switzerland
Vienna
Italy
London’s West    End
Istanbul
Turkey
Greece
Japan

United States

Philadelphia
Washington, DC
St. Louis
Detroit
Atlanta
Chicago
Los Angeles
Oakland
New York


Knoelle Higgenson and Reggie Woods in "Let Me Off in Harlem"

Knoelle Higginson and Reggie Woods featured in Let Me Off in Harlem, 2003. Photo credit: G.N. Miller

Let the Music Play Gospel

This show is a gospel concert with a story and message that says music can heal, inspire and bring people together in difficult and trying times. It features world-class soloists, duets, trios, and wonderful male quartet.

2 hours • 12 singers as ensemble and step-out featured soloists • 3 crew • Order CD

Audio selection from "I've Got a Feeling" • Vocals by Walker Freeland

 

White robed choir singing gospel.

New Harlem Gospel Singers featured in Gospel Is...! Photo credit: G.N. Miller

Gospel Is...!

A rousing blend of traditional and contemporary gospel music. This show is perfect for large theaters, auditoriums or renovated houses of worship. Gospel is…! is a high-energy, get-on-your-feet, and join-in-on-the-good-time experience.

90 minutes • 12 singers • 3 member band • 3 crew • Order original cast CD

Audio selection from "Center Peace" Vocals by Djahnee Richardson and The New York Reach Ensemble

DVD

Video selection from Gospel Is! promotional DVD

Glory, Glory Hallelujah

This hand-clapping, toe-tapping gospel revue presents gospel favorites that can be enjoyed by the entire family from grandma to the baby sister.

60 minutes • 6 singers • 2 member band • 2 crew

"Joyful Joyful" in performance

Tyrone Flowers (foreground) singing in Joyful Joyful performance in 2006. Photo credit: G.N. Miller.

Joyful Joyful: A Gospel Celebration

This is an intimate show with many moods, textures and expressions. This show was designed especially for small spaces such as restaurants and the dining halls of schools or churches.

60 minutes

Audio selection from "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" • Vocals by Kathleen Murphy Jackson and the New York Harlem Gospel Singers

This Is My Song

This is a day in the life of an authentic gospel church on their 100th anniversary. The day-long ceremony takes place with inspiring guests who sing their powerful testimonies.

60 minutes • 12-18 singers • 4 member band • 4 crew

Audio selection: Vy Higginsen narrating and presenting selections from our promotional DVD for "This Is My Song"

DVD

Video selection from This Is My Song promotional DVD

Contact Us

Mama Foundation for the Arts
149 West 126th Street
New York, NY 10027
(212) 280-1045

Knoelle Higgenson and Reggie Woods in "Let Me Off in Harlem"

Terrance Archie featured in Let Me Off in Harlem, 2003. Photo credit: G.N. Miller