People's Light in Malvern, PA outside of Philadelphia are presenting the world premiere of Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician with a run continuing through April 3.
Broadway alum Saint Aubyn, who originated Dennis Edwards in Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations and also appeared in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, is joined by R&B musician Nathaniel Washington with both actors playing Price, but at different stages in life. Price grew up in New Orleans before launching a music career in 1952 and becoming a success in pre-Civil Rights America. Bringing together Black and white listeners through his music, the show features an ensemble of singers and dancers singing some of those most well-known hits like "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," "Stagger Lee" and "Personality".
Rounding out the cast are Stanley Wayne Mathis as Harold Logan, Donnie Hammond as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Miles Boone as Little Richard, and Desireé Murphy as Price's first wife, Emma. They are joined by Ben Dibble, Robert H. Fowler, Kyshawn Lane, Todd Lawson, Lizzie Mason, Charlotte McKinley, and Dony Wright with Michael Covel, Iykechi McCoy, and Alyssa Ramsey serving as swings.
Playwright B. Jeffrey Madoff worked with Price on writing the book for the musical ahead of Price's passing May 3, 2021. Music and lyrics are by Lloyd Price and Sheldon Epps directs the production.
The creative team also includes music supervisor Shelton Becton, choreographer Edgar Godineaux, scenic and media designer and Tony winner David Gallo, costume designer and Lucille Lortel nominee Karen Perry, lighting designer and Tony winner Jeff Croiter, video designer Steve Channon, and sound designer and Tony winner Rob Kaplowitz. Viveca Gardiner serves as scenic and media design assistant while Gwendolyn M. Gilliam serves as stage manager, assisted by Molly Norris. Saladin White II serves as COVID Compliance Manager.
For tickets and more information, visit PeoplesLight.org.
