SAN ANTONIO – A writer, producer and director is bringing her latest work to San Antonio for families to enjoy this holiday season.
Danielle Gulley, who is also the owner of the faith-based nonprofit Perpetual Innovation, said her production of “The King” will definitely have an impact on audiences.
“It is about this young lady who is confused about life, her purpose, where she is supposed to be in life, where she is going, the significance of her past, and she ends up getting swept into her soul,” Gulley said. “She encounters different people in her soul to help her find The King. Some of the people she encounters are the Grinch, Scrooge and Santa Claus in her efforts to find The King and all of them end up needing something.”
Something that is unique about this production is the cast playing the characters.
“We have the Grinch, and that is played by Deance Wyatt,” she said. “He works as an associate producer with Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. I first met him years ago as an actor, and he is absolutely phenomenal. He has been with the show since its inception.
“Then, there is the character of Santa Claus. He is played by Carl Anthony Payne. Most people know him from the show ‘Martin’ as Cole. He also plays in ‘The Cosby Show.’ When you talk about magical, that is him. He is doing so many things in Santa’s workshop that everybody definitely wants to come check out.
“Then, we have Mr. Q. Parker, who is playing Scrooge, and he’s bringing a whole different swag and feel to the character. He is the founding member of the Grammy Award-winning R&B group 112.
“Then, we have our local favorite and one of the headliners, and that is Grace Williamson who is playing the main character, and she is unbelievable and should be on anyone’s stage anywhere in the world. And we have Dorinda Clark-Cole, who is from the legendary gospel group The Clark Sisters. We are combining a little urban theater, with Disney and Broadway.”
Being strong in her faith, Gulley said this production really hit close to home for her.
“I have written a lot of productions but there is something supernatural that happened when I sat down and started writing The King,” she said. “The characters began to take on a life of their own and began to speak on their own. Even as that unfolds and we pull back layers during rehearsals, I see moments that I didn’t see when writing this that are unfolding. It is so many nuggets and amazing messages that are in this production, and again, it is all about The King. Everything I do in Perpetual Innovation is faith-based, and this production is the same. The one thing I love about this show is that it doesn’t matter if you are Christian or not, you can still come to this show and get a great message through great entertainment.”
“The King” is taking place Saturday, Dec. 14, at Summit Church, 2575 Summit Church Rd., San Antonio, TX 78259.
A show will kick off at 3 p.m. and another show will happen at 7:30 p.m.
“It will definitely inspire people and help you navigate through the holiday season. It also brings a little laughter and family fun,” Gulley said. “This show is for all ages, three and up. Because of the characters and the beautiful costumes, everybody loves this show. It is a great family show. So really during this time, lock in on your family, love your family, hug your family, kiss your family, and enjoy this holiday season together.
Tickets are on sale now.
