first-grade classmates at a school for
what we now call "at-risk youth." Now they've collaborated on a
new gospel musical that's in a class by itself. Been There Done That,
written by Dallas-area writer Teresa Coleman-Wash, had a slick, jampacked
premiere Wednesday at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, the first stop on
its national tour.There's plenty of competition on the gospel-circuit, but Been There Done That distinguishes itself with Mr. Hammond's music, which he delivers in a gorgeous tenor, backed by his band, Radical for Christ. The arrangements are driving and danceable, the musicianship first rate. His style is patterned after that of superstar producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Mr. Hammond doesn't employ the vocal pyrotechnics of some gospel singers but balances his grittier stylings with the rapture of his subtle higher register.
Mr. Hammond plays an angel disguised as handyman who lurks around Mr. Mathis' court. The chamber is a nicely rendered forced-perspective set outfitted with large video screens. The band members sit in the jury box, while backup singers play court reporters, bailiffs and clerks.
Mr. Mathis, appearing as himself, handles several domestic disputes over the course of the show, with each resolution abetted by the soothing influence of Mr. Hammond's angel. The star among the plaintiffs and defendants is the show's director, movie favorite Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, who plays a woman who repossessed her own daughter's car.
In this gospel musical, there's no introductory scene with a dreary living room and a ringing doorbell or telephone. The show kicks into high gear with one of Mr. Hammond's propulsive jams right away. "Are You Ready for Your Blessing?" is followed by "Give Me a Clean Heart," "Fire and "Desire" (from his days performing with Kirk Franklin) and others.
Mr. Mathis is not quite as together as his co-star; opening night he was on book, mumbling such things as "Where'd I put that legal memo?" when he was searching for his script. But he had some signature speeches down, including his defense of wayward youth: "Our children don't fail; we fail them."
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Been There Done That, presented by the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Canton and Akard streets in the Dallas Convention Center, through Wednesday. Written by Teresa Coleman-Wash. Directed by Phyllis Yvonne Stickney. Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 and 7:30 p.m., Monday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. Tickets $21.50 to $32.50. Call 214-743-2449 or Ticketmaster at 214-873-8000.