BALTIMORE, MD – In honor of Black History Month, the highly-acclaimed stage play, Ursula V. Battle’s “Serenity House: From Addiction to Deliverance” returns for encore performances on Sat., Feb. 25, 2023 (3 p.m.) and Sun., Feb. 26, 2023 (3 p.m.) at the Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Suite 194 in Brooklyn Park.
The presentation is being presented by The AngelWing Project in partnership with Battle Stage Plays. The performances are part of a Serenity House From Addiction to Deliverance Tour which also includes upcoming shows at The Randallstown Community Center and the Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center. Written by Baltimore playwright and journalist Ursula V. Battle, the show is coming off hugely successful performances in Baltimore, Virginia and other areas.
The highly-acclaimed stage play takes a riveting and thought-provoking look at the opioid epidemic which has worsened since the COVID pandemic. The production features National Recording Artist Randy “Fruity” Roberts of The Choir Boyz. Roberts, a real-life former drug dealer who turned his life around, portrays “James Franklin” in the production, and performs Watch Me Work from his hit CD This Is My Story This is My Song featuring “Kingdom.”
The production, which debuted in 2017, also features internationally-renowned gospel female trio “SERENITY,” and powerhouse soloists Charisse-Caldwell-Bowen and Kay Jefferson. Playwright Angela Wilson (Dr. Lila Mae Hawkins), Noah Watts (Michael ‘Lil Mike’ Adams) and Mariah Barbee (Young Dancer Hawkins) will make their debut appearances in this run of the production.
The piece is written by Playwright Battle who is a writer for The Baltimore Times, and directed by Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch. Dr. Branch’s interest in Medicine dates back to his childhood, seeing a former neighbor struggle with addiction, who ultimately succumbs to an overdose. The production speaks to addiction across multiple platforms, including eating disorders and prescription drug abuse. “Serenity House: From Addiction to Deliverance” also touches on domestic violence, incest, and child sex trafficking.
The production’s storyline centers around the journey six men and women – who are three months in recovery, take after arriving at the imaginary United in Victory Tabernacle on the Hill Freewill Catholic Baptist and Episcopal Church of God in Christ’s newly opened “Serenity House.”
Through ministry, music, an unforgettable story, and dance, the production takes a heart-wrenching, yet heart-warming look at the devastating impact that addiction has on society – particularly on families that in some cases, spans generations. The production is also the impetus for Playwright Battle’s new breakout novel of the same name.
Ursula V. Battle’s “Serenity House” is rated PG-13 due to some strong content and profanity. Tickets are $25 in advance. For more information call (443) 531-4787 or visit www.battlestageplays.com.