Sista Scrooge: The Diva and Her Demons is an event presented by Cruising Against Cancer. The play will be held at the Seabrook Auditorium at Fayetteville State University,1200 Murchison Road, on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. The ticket prices are $39 and available at https://bit.ly/4pl9TYi. The proceeds from the live stage play support dream cruises for cancer survivors. Sponsors include Dynamik Works, RB Visions, and Creative Agency.
“Cruising Against Cancer is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to restoring hope and celebrating life through all-expense-paid vacation cruises and soul-nourishing experiences to cancer survivors, fighters, and their loved ones. Through the power of travel, storytelling, and the arts, we aim to create moments of peace and lasting memories through relaxation therapy, which goes beyond the diagnosis,” according to Cruising Against Cancer.
Sista Scrooge: The Diva and Her Demons is a live stage play about a chart-stopping diva with hits across pop, R&B, and gospel who hides a threatening secret while juggling fame, family, and her whispering demons: Pride, Lust, and Addiction. The Spirit of God breaks through, calling Sista to face the truth and fight for her life. Blending original music, faith, and drama, Sista Scrooge: The Diva and Her Demons is a holiday stage spectacular filled with soul, laughter, and hope.
“The story was written by me,” said organizer Rick Barber. “I wanted to do a Christmas production with a twist to the holiday classics, Miracle on 34th Street and A Christmas Carol. It’s designed to be something for the family.”
Rich Barber, Rick’s son, is the executive producer and did the music mixing for the show. The production also got help from Tanisha Stidwell, the recording engineer on the project, and Sam Stidwell, who is also the assistant director and an executive producer.
“All of the performers are phenomenal,” said Rick. “We have a cast of talented people who have grown into a cohesive unit, no, more like family. We enjoy rehearsals and they enjoy singing together, although they get jealous when I sing. (I can’t sing a lick).”
Performers include: Sheena Black as “Sista Scrooge,” the lead character; Dr. Arnescia Moody as “Momma Dee”; Ajahnah Lambert as “Peachie”; Sam Stidwell as “Mr. Willie”; LaSharal Amos-Blue as “Jackie”; Zack Ledwell as “Shine”; Van Barber and Shbetta Reid as the Prayer Sisters, ”Miriam and Elaine”; JR Matthews as “Deacon Smoove”; Charity Corner, Faith Stidwell, and Billy Mabddeen are the demons “Peni Pride, Lusi Lust, and Addie Addiction”; and Faith Brown as “Dena.”
“This is the second time this production has been performed. It was first done at Insoul Fellowship Church in the mid-2000s. And it took about two weeks to write. The storyline has drastically changed, and all original music has been added, so this version has taken close to a year,” said Rick
Rick hopes the play encourages people to look after their health.
“The most important things in life are faith in God, love for God and your family, and caring for your health. Cancer is nothing to play with. If you’re not feeling well, go and get examined. You know when you’re not feeling 100 percent. Men, get your annual check-ups to include a prostate exam. Ladies, do your self-exams and your annual exams also.”
Sista Scrooge: The Diva and Her Demons is a live stage production presented at Seabrook Auditorium. The proceeds from the stage play support Cruising Against Cancer. For more information and for tickets, visit https://sistascrooge.com/.