Tucked deep in the back of an old New Orleans funeral home in the historic Seventh Ward lies The Blackbird—a clandestine speakeasy where the spirits of American music royalty never stopped playing. But this August, the party faces an existential threat: Lucy—yes, that Lucifer—has arrived to close the venue for good.

Making its highly anticipated run at Manhattan’s AMT Theater as part of the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival, One Night at the Blackbird—written by Maria Messias Mendes and Thomas Mullen, directed by Michael Hagins, and produced by Thomas Mullen—is a high-stakes, supernatural drama woven through with jazz, blues, and gospel.

At the center of this otherworldly confrontation stands gospel icon Mahalia Jackson, brought to life by powerhouse actor and vocalist Alexandria Thomas.

The Power of the Gospel: Shared Roots and Shared Faith

Stepping into the shoes of the “Queen of Gospel” is no small feat, but Thomas brings a deeply personal foundation to the role. Raised in the church, she recognized early on that music was more than just melody—it was a vessel for truth and transformation.

“I grew up singing in the Baptist church and I was there every Sunday and Wednesday as a kid,” Thomas shares. “I learned quickly my voice had powers to move not only people but a message. Mahalia had a personal tug-of-war with passion and faith, however she found a way to blend the two into her own kind of instrument. I share the same fervor she had for both grandiose lights and flashy instruments, as well as for the Lord, which will serve well in channeling her energy.”

For Thomas, embodying Mahalia’s signature vocal power and spiritual resonance comes from a place of lived experience.

“I know that her witnessing the Lord answering her prayer is a powerful thing,” Thomas reflects. “I know it because the Lord has answered some of mine, and when you’ve experienced faith turned reality, you can’t help but to channel all that gratitude into your voice to sing His name in praise.”

Faith vs. The Devil: Seeing Past the Deceit

When facing down Aria Jackson’s Lucy, Thomas’s Mahalia is far from a naïve or sheltered figure. Having weathered life’s storms, Mahalia approaches the adversary not with fear, but with the quiet authority of someone who has already overcome.

“Mahalia has been around the bend, seen and experienced a fair share of life, and so when she is faced with Lucy, the ‘Devil,’ she isn’t fearful,” Thomas explains. “Not even just because she wears the armor or has the protection of the Lord, but because she has experienced and ascended past the turmoil Lucy currently faces—self-conflict, self-loss, isolation. Mahalia is on the outside of hell looking in, not the other way around.”

This perspective flips the traditional power dynamic between mortal and devil. Unable to hide behind lies or manipulation, Lucy finds herself backed into a corner by Mahalia’s steady gaze. Yet, the encounter isn’t without its internal resonance for Mahalia.

“This exposure gives Mahalia a wave of memories of what once was when she gave in to her vices and when it felt electric,” says Thomas. “But it’s one thing to be hit by a wave and another to be swept by it. Faith is Mahalia’s lifeboat.”

It is this delicate balance between remembered temptation and unwavering conviction that makes Thomas’s performance a compelling anchor for the production.

A Star-Studded Ensemble

Publicized by Jay Michaels Global Communications, the production features a stellar cast bringing both mortal desperation and immortal legends to life:

• Mahalia Jackson: Alexandria Thomas
• Lucy: Aria Jackson
• Herman Godfrey: KC Simms
• Louis Armstrong: Xavier Rodney
• Allen Toussaint: Duane Ferguson

Production Team

• Stage Manager / Lights & Sound: Adam Sherwin
• Assistant Stage Manager / Board: Lauren Arneson
• Costume Design: Kat Santomoreno

Strictly Limited Engagement — Three Shows Only!

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this hauntingly soulful theatrical event during its strictly limited run at the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival.

• Wednesday, August 12 at 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, August 14 at 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, August 16 at 2:00 p.m.

VENUE: AMT Theater, 354 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036

TICKETS: Available online via the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival / Ludus portal or at the door on the day of the performance.

Press & Media Contact: For interview requests, press inquiries, or reviewer tickets, please contact Jay Michaels Global Communications.