“Sanctified,” a new gospel musical comedy written, directed, and produced by Atlanta-based Javon Johnson, made its worldwide debut Sept. 13, at The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton.
Starring Jarvis Wingfield, Sha’Kecia “Peaches” Mitchell, and Kimberly Burkett, who each wowed audiences earlier this year in “The Color Purple” at The Plaza, “Sanctified” played to a significantly smaller but no less enthusiastic audience.
Telling the story of a small Southern church grappling with change, “Sanctified” followed the efforts of a young interim pastor (Wingfield) determined to rejuvenate a dwindling congregation by involving younger voices and modernizing the ministry.
His ideas predictably clashed with the traditions of longtime elders, however, creating conflict — and comedy — as the church struggled to remain relevant without losing what matters most, its mission.
Wingfield and Mitchell were each outstanding in their roles, but truthfully, the entire “Sanctified” cast did an excellent job bringing Johnson’s words and vision to life. Though relatively simple as far as sets and production goes, this was the type of show it’s regrettable to miss, as not all can deliver the laughs, songs, and message in such a tight, enjoyable package.