A review of Keri's performance in You Better Be Glad I'm Saved.

All of us playwrights have seen some pretty poor theatre I'm sure. It's sad to say but most "gospel" plays are really bad but it's like a magnet. We keep coming back. After a while you become use to the fact that you're going to see just another ordinary gospel play. Everytime I step foot in a theatre, especially for a gospel play, my expectations are really low. With new writers like Lavarious A. Slaughter, I think my perception will change soon.

The play exceeded my expectations and I am proud to say that I've placed it in my top ten for gospel plays. The story revolved around the character Junbug (Ronnell Thompson) a 17 year old known for always starting trouble. His mom Elenor (Sharonne Lanier) has had enough and decides to hand him off to her parents, Paps and Ma Sweeney (George Sloan and Megan Forrest). Junebug sees the love of GOD in the hearts of his Grandparents and decides to change his life around, but it's not easy. He has friends always trying to help him find trouble and a mother who is so into herself she neglects everyone one else. Tragedy strikes and the everyone's lives are changed forever.

I must take my hat off to L. A. because he found a group of actors so professional, you would think they've been acting their whole life. Sloan and Forrest were brilliant as the loving grandparents. It was also welcome relief to see a family love instead of hate each other. Thompson was great as Junebug although he was unbelievable as a 17 year old. Mr. Slaughter found creative ways to make it work though. Keri Denise Hollingsworth worked magic in her role as Sister Ward. Her comedic timing was perfect, truly an audience favorite. Sharonne Lanier was a bit over the top as Elenor but with some tweaking and better directing that's only a minor problem. I think the award of the night goes to Gary Bell playing Al the Back yard mechanic. I usually don't like characters like this but you have no choice but to love him. His comedic timing was impeccable and he was committed to the role the whole night. He made you believe what usually is an unbelievable character. I'm sure he will go far in the world of theatre.

All in all in was an excellent night at the theatre and I looked forward to upcoming project from Lavarious and the rest of the cast. GOD Bless.