A.D. Players at The George and Artists Lounge Live are thrilled to be working together again after a long, socially distanced hiatus. The doors of The George have been closed since March, and though A.D. Players was able to produce their virtual gala to great success in August, this special event will mark the beginning of the gradual reopening of The George. After months of careful planning, creating new health and safety protocols and examining everything from entry to the building to seating, A.D. Players and Artists Lounge Live are confident in bringing this amazing musical moment to Houston. The concert will run Tuesdays through Saturdays, October 13-31 at varying times. Acclaimed singer, multi-instrumentalist and dear friend of A.D. Players, John-Mark McGaha returns for an extended run of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered: John-Mark McGaha Sings Stevie Wonder”! Broadway World calls McGaha’s God-gifted voice “crystal-clear perfection.” A child prodigy like his musical hero, McGaha makes a joyful noise as he sheds a personal light onto the miraculous life of one of America’s most gifted singer/songwriters. This abundant collection of hit songs includes “Isn’t She Lovely,” “My Cherie Amor,” “For Once in My Life,” “I Wish,” “Superstition,” “Sir Duke,” “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” and many more. A.D. Players audiences have had the privilege of hearing John-Mark at the last three After Dinner Affair Galas. He is a show stopper to be sure! Executive Director Jake Speck said, “John-Mark is one of the most talented people I’ve ever known, and I am honored to also call him one of my closest friends. I believe that this event is something the people of Houston need; a chance to safely get out and be encouraged and uplifted. It will be a night to remember.” Seating is extremely limited due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions. Face coverings will be required and all seating will be socially distanced. Cleaning and sanitizing protocols have been updated and you can rest assured that A.D. Players are implementing all the latest disinfecting technologies and complying with all state, local and CDC guidelines. For a full list of all COVID-19 audience protocols, please check their website here.
Get your in-person tickets on the website here and if you aren’t quite ready to leave your home, stay tuned for information on virtual tickets to a live stream option of this event! A full calendar of all dates and times can be found on the website.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Broadway World calls his God-gifted voice “crystal-clear perfection.” John-Mark McGaha is a nationally acclaimed singer and multi-instrumentalist. Off-Broadway credits include the hit musical Cafe A Gogo. In television, McGaha appeared as a featured artist on BET’s Centric Celebrates Selma: 50th Anniversary Music Special. Other performances nationwide include portraying jazz great Lionel Hampton in Tuxedo Junction, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Violet, The Ray Charles Legacy, The Sinatra Legacy, and The Cash Legacy at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium. A native of Birmingham, Alambama, McGaha began studying classical piano at the age of five, earning the moniker “child prodigy.” He performed internationally as a teen, adding organ, guitar, saxophone, and voice to his repetoire. He studied Piano, Opera, Musical Theatre, and Music Education at the prestigious Birmingham Southern College and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. McGaha’s central passion is worshipping God in spirit and truth. He currently serves as Director of Contemporary Worship and Arts at Trinity United Methodist Church in Birmingham. He is married to the love of his life Grace, and they have five beautiful children.
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
Artists Lounge Live (ALL) is a dynamic concert series featuring popular music of yesterday performed live by tremendous talent of today. Rising stars of stage and screen pay homage to the icons that influenced them in emotional evenings of storytelling and song. In addition to showcasing superb musicianship, powerful storytelling sets ALL apart. Artists explore the life of our icon with empathy and delve into the landscape of America when this music was being made. The headliners are not impersonators; rather, they are the artistic descendants of the icon they cover. By sharing their gratitude, the artists offer audiences a piece of their heart. ALL hopes that as you fall in love with the music all over again, you’ll also fall in love with the featured artist and their dedication to keeping your music alive for the next generation. Producer/performer Michael Ingersoll states, “Popular music is our shared heritage and we honor it the best way we know how: by gathering together to enjoy live entertainment. We believe in the restorative power of live entertainment, for both the individual and the community.” artistsloungelive.com
Artists Lounge Live is created by husband and wife team Michael and Angela Ingersoll. Both accomplished entertainers, they share a passion for popular music of the 20th century. Michael is known for starring as Nick Massi of the Four Seasons in Jersey Boys, performing in the original San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago companies for over 1300 performances. A favorite of PBS audiences, he toured extensively with his retro-rock vocal group Under the Streetlamp. In addition to multiple PBS concert specials, his television appearances include The Oprah Winfrey Show and Primetime Emmy Awards. Angela is an Emmy-nominated actress who headlines concert stages nationwide in Get Happy: Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland, as seen on PBS. She won acclaim for her portrayal of Judy Garland in the play End of the Rainbow, including Chicago’s Jeff Award, a Broadway World Award, and Los Angeles Times Woman of the Year in Theatre. She also appeared in a recurring role on Chicago PD (NBC). The couple reside in Chicagoland.
About A.D. Players at The George
A.D. Players at The George, founded in 1967 by Jeannette Clift George, produces compelling
theatre that upholds human value, celebrates creativity and engages a diverse audience. The
company is one of Houston’s largest resident theatre companies, impacting more than nine
million people over its lifetime. Annually, the company produces Mainstage Theatre
performances, fields a Regional Touring Unit and maintains a year-round Performing Arts
Academy. A.D. Players at The George became an Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) theatre in
2017 and is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.
For more information, visit www.adplayers.org or follow us on Facebook.
