Recording Artists Bishop L.E. Franklin and Rashaad Carlton in New Play, "Clown In The Prayer Closet"

FAIRFIELD, Calif. - April 11, 2016 - PRLog -- Nationally-renowned contemporary gospel singer Bishop L. E. Franklin and R&B sensation Rashaad Carlton will star in a new play by author and playwright Lisa Bryant, "Clown In The Prayer Closet." The musical drama tells the story of a teenage girl trying to keep her spirit, mind and body in tact while facing some of the toughest temptations for today's teens - underage sex and illegal drug use.  Eighteen-year-old Vallejo actress Saniya Smith plays the lead role as the conflicted girl; Franklin plays her wayward dad and Carlton her seductive boyfriend. Both men are singer-songwriters and will perform some of their original music.

The play will take place one night only, Thursday, May 5 at the Fairfield Downtown Theatre, 1035 Texas Street, Fairfield. Buy tickets at the box office Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm or online at http://siteline.vendini.com/site/downtowntheatre.com.


"I want people, especially young people, to see themselves in the characters and know that you don't have to get stuck in 'the bad,'" says Bryant. "Where you are today doesn't have to define where you will be later or who you will become."

San Francisco Hip-Hop recording artist T-Mac Musik will also perform original songs along with a group of dancers.  Other local actors and singers include student Alajah Burns who plays Smith's beguiling best friend; Robin Span, as the best friend's mother; Eddie Morgan as Span's boyfriend and Rosalind Lewis, as a prayer leader.  Sacramento stage and television actress Johneen Mayfield-Jones plays Smith's mother.  Actress and author Wanda Thomas (wife of Danny A. Thomas an original member of the legendary R&B group ConFunkShum) plays Smith's minister and school counselor.

"We are very fortunate to have attracted seasoned and exceptional national, regional and local talent for this production," says Bryant. "We believe the play's message is one that will resonate with families; and the musical performances will be show stoppers," she says. "It's a play about modern-day life and challenges that any of us might face; and it gives some insight on how to address those challenges."

Franklin has been a performer since he joined a choir as a young man in the 70's. He toured Europe with the legendary Little Richard for 12 years; performed on the same bill with gospel greats The Mighty Clouds of Joy and Edwin Hawkins; and runs his own record label.  Carlton has also toured abroad and worked with members of classic R&B groups, New Edition, Jodeci and Bel Biv DeVoe.  He has a voice reminiscent of Luther Vandross and has been dubbed the "New Prince of Soul." He recently won the Black Music Association and Academy of America's "Best Male Artist" award and has a new cover rendition of Adele's "Hello" that has gotten high praise (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--4ogzCSfKg&feature=youtu.be).



"Clown In The Prayer Closet" started as a book written by Bryant two years ago, and is part of a five-part series that she calls "Stories from the Book of Life."  Bryant produced a movie based on the novel last year.  She and her husband Calvin Bryant are producers of the play.  She and Rosalind Lewis are the show's directors.  For more information on "Clown In The Prayer Closet" visit www.LisaB.online or call 707-720-7671.

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