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Six members of a choir – many representing various personalities – convene for practice.
One is a habitual gossiper, while another likes to initiate arguments. But amid the group lies Traci, a ray of sunshine trying to cast out the darkness in the group. She lives a good life and convinces her fellow members to reject their wrongful ways.
Characters from the gospel play "The Choir" attempt to portray the struggles that exist among today’s church choirs and individuals – and how to overcome them. It is the brainchild of a local company that utilizes the dramatic arts to seek beneficial change within the community.
Eyes on You Consulting, based inside the Nazareth Baptist Church, 1009-23 S. Third St., has a purpose of instituting positive programs for the dramatic arts to schools, churches and recreation centers. The company falls under the umbrella of the church’s outreach services program. In addition to gospel plays, the firm also puts on showcases and concerts.
Cynthia McKnight, the company’s founder, started Eyes on You in 2002 after working for Save a Seat, a company that performed dramatic skits for youths. During a Save a Seat skit, McKnight played a drug addict who approached middle school students on a playground. The goal was to get the message of "say no to drugs" across.
Through this latest production, McKnight said her group continues to live out its mission, which has also enriched her life.
"Going on four years, we’re trying to make a difference in the community by doing what God has called us to do," she said.
THIS MONTH MARKS the second run of "The Choir," a two-act play performed at the Nazareth Baptist Church. It originally debuted at the city’s Hyatt Regency Hotel in December to a crowd of more than 400.
"People were so happy to either just see that play again or ready for us to do another play, which was our inspiration for doing it again so soon," Kristen Brown, a dance consultant with Eyes on You who also co-wrote the play, said.
At the request of Nazareth’s pastor, many attendees at the December show flooded the stage after the performance, vocalizing their love of the play and a renewed interest in religion.
"That was the most rewarding thing," Brown said, "when you see people and [how] it really impacted their lives and made a difference."
Audiences seem to relate to the characters’ personalities. Sabrina, for example, has a lustful nature, while Malcom has secrets he keeps from everyone.
"When people are sitting there, more than likely they’ll see themselves at one point in their lives – if not currently – on stage," Brown said.
A member of Nazareth Baptist, Brown said she could relate to Monica, the gossipy choir member, since the character resembled a quality she once possessed.
"There were definitely times in my life where I was talking about people," she said. "I thought I knew everything. Usually you talk about someone else to cover up your own mess."
The play’s goal, Brown said, is to urge attendees to look inside themselves and seek change. Through what is on stage, the participants feel they can effectively convey the play’s underlying message.
"If you’re still struggling with these things, then you won’t be effectively ministering to people and change won’t effectively happen," she said.
A member of the church’s drama ministry, Staci Azzinaro anxiously auditioned for the character of Shakira, the constant arguer.
"I thought it would be interesting to play somebody completely opposite from who I am," said the former resident of the 1100 block of South Randolph Street.
With a goal of saving souls, the plays by Eyes on You also invoke a thought process, Azzinaro said.
"Our plays are life-altering," she said. "Even though we have some comedic twists to it, they’re more about changing lives and moving in a different direction. They give you something to ponder on and think about."
Mimicking real life, Brown said some of the characters do not see the light when the curtain comes down.
"Some people get it and are ready to change and the reality is that some people don’t," she said.
A co-writer for "The Choir," McKnight, whose inspiration for the play came from personal observations, said her company is planning on putting out another play this year. The story will focus on a woman succumbing to cancer.
Last year, the company held a showcase of dancers, singers and gospel rappers. After providing some training to and preparation for the contestants, the organizers picked the top three winners who were then awarded monetary prizes. The event was a chance for people to showcase their talents.
The group also continues to service needy residents through support services, said McKnight, adding she is confident the "The Choir" will spark emotion.
"I believe that if [the audience] sees themselves in this play, they begin to re-evaluate some of the things they are doing," she said. "There’s so much going on in our community. We use this [play] as a vehicle to help them get out of what they’re in."
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"The Choir" will take place at the Nazareth Baptist Church Feb. 24 to 26. Tickets are $10. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 215-468-1015 or visit www.eyesonyoushowcase.com.
