Get your funny bone ready for SANCTIFIED, the Musical Comedy by Javon Johnson of Tyler Perry’s “The Oval.” Kennie Playhouse Theatre proudly invites you to embark on a life – affirming journey filled with laughter, love, and heartfelt music. The award – winning musical comedy “Sanctified” was created by the talented Javon Johnson, known for his role as Richard on Tyler Perry’s “The Oval.”
Join Director Kennie Dozier and the talented cast at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) from March 27th to 30th for this unforgettable production. The extraordinary music and incredible lineup of talent includes Bryant Taylor, Kennie Dozier, Darius Willis, Taj London, Diamond Jarnell, Leonard Ledford, Chantea Kirkwood, Quincie, James Bradford Hodges II, and Angela Dowdy Boyd.
Settle into one of their welcoming seats as they explore the vibrant world of church life, revealing the hidden motives and secrets that sometimes lurk within a spiritual community. This uproarious musical, brimming with original gospel songs, captures the essence of the small Black church experience. Pastor Jones faces a passionate struggle between divine inspiration and the stubbornness of church members who resist change — all while trying to breathe new life into his congregation. You won’t want to miss “Sanctified.”
Become part of history as Kennie Playhouse Theatre becomes the first African American theatre company to mount a production in the 45 year history of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available now for performances in Johnson Theater March 27 through March 30, 2025. A special Senior performance, intended for Senior Audiences (Age 55+) and companions is Thursday, March 27 at 10:00 AM, followed by performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, with a matinee Saturday at 2:30 PM. For more information about this spectacular show and to secure your tickets, visit TPAC.org.
Enjoy the amazing art of Scenic Designer Chris Cumberbatch
Christopher Cumberbatch is an acclaimed artist, a graduate of Art and Design High School, and Parsons School of Design. He has been an active member of the Local 829 Scenic Artist Union for over 30 years, and developed a thriving decorative paint company. He is best known as a long-time scenic designer on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
Most recently, Chris was Charge Scenic Painter for the 2024 movie “I Saw the TV Glow,” starring Justice Smith, camera scenic on 2023’s “Your Place or Mine,” and 2022’s “The Best Man: The Final Chapters,” “Goodnight Mommy,” and scenic artist on Hulu’s “Fire Island.” He worked on four 2021 TV series: “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens,” “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” “Prodigal Son,” and “The Crew.”
Early in his film career, he worked on Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever” (1991), “Malcolm X” (1992) and “Crooklyn” (1994), among others. In 2017 Chris received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black Theater Festival, among many other theatrical awards. As a visual artist, in the spring of 2006, he had a one man show at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza’s Skylight Gallery, where he exhibited over 30 pieces. He has also done decorative painting in the homes of LL Cool J, Steve Harvey, Nephew Tommy, Marvet Britto of the Britto Agency, Mona Scott-Young, Malik Yoba, Robert (Don Pooh) Cummings and Kedar Massenburg, to name a few.
