Alumna hopes to heal souls through new play
By Alexis Scott-Perry
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: News
|
Stell graduated from Langston University in 1991. Since then, she has published 21 books, including her 2005 Essence Magazine bestseller "Hood Rich," which is a story that deals with life choices, drugs, money and the judicial system. Stell also has two new books that are scheduled to release later this year.
Stell said "Healing For My Soul" is based off of her best-selling novel "Never Knew A Father's Love." The play focuses on a young boy named Kobe Jr. whose life-long wish is to meet his father. His plea to his family shows the heartache and pain a child faces when a parent is absent. The play also follows Shelly, the youngest of her sisters, who deals with abandonment issues. Other notable characters include Kobe Sr., who has baby mama drama; Aunt Keisha, FeFe and Shaquet, who deal with low-self esteem issues; crazy Uncle Juice, who is a drunk; and Daisha, the strong-minded woman representing plus size women.
The play might remind someone of a Tyler Perry production because of its use of humor and focus on Christian principles.
"God is not pleased with the order of business in the new millennium. Therefore, he is calling out his people to be a part of the kingdom building. 'The Healing For My Soul' cast and myself want to aid in that movement," Stell said. "God didn't just save us to ignore everyone else, he wanted us to help bring others out as well-out of misery and into miracles, out of trials and into testimonies, out of fear and into faith. 'Healing for My Soul' provides people in storms with real life examples of how to find hope. Ask yourself, are you making a difference? If not, it's time to change."
Stell included Langston students in the play as well as an alumnus, Samuel Draper. Draper is proud to be a part of the play.
"The play is very spiritual, informative, as well as entertaining . . . everyone should come see it," he said.
Draper plays the role of Kobe Sr., a parent who moved away to build his career and left his family behind, including his 1-year-old son. Eleven years later he comes back trying to be in his son's life.
Jacklyn Ingram, a senior corrections major from Enid, Okla., enjoyed being a part of the play and entertaining Langston students.
"I played the role of Mercedes, a religious shop owner who's very happy that God has blessed her with a wonderful husband, and feels that she doesn't need money to complete her, her marriage, or any material things for that matter," Ingram said.
Ingram felt she fit the role because she and her character have many of the same beliefs, including that "Women should stand on their own two feet, not depend on men, and make sure they know what's out there in the world."
To get tickets for the play, which will be offered March 7 and 8 in Oklahoma City, visit www.crystalstell.com, www.healingformysoul.com, or call 405-414-3991.
Be the first to comment on this story