Gospel stage play coming to The Wink

Published 12:04 am Monday, November 7, 2016

Angela Stevenson said those attending her gospel stage play “Can You Love Me Now?” on Saturday at The Wink Theatre can expect to be on “the edge of their seats.”

“There will be scenes to make you laugh and cry,” she said. “All of that combined and a wow factor.”

Stevenson, formerly of Dalton who now lives in Atlanta, said she prides herself on writing realistic things.

“Things that people actually deal with as opposed to the regular relationship heartbreak stuff,” she said.

Tickets are on sale now through AES Productions. General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are $35. They can be purchased at www.aesproductionsllc.com or the day of the show.

The play is church-centered about a bishop, his wife and two adult children. Bishop Walden wants his son to take over the church and his daughter to open a medical practice. His wife Gloria wants them both to give her grandchildren.

“In one weekend they learn secrets about their children that they never knew,” Stevenson said.

She said people will leave with some things to think about such as how to deal with people when they are different.

“Do we really love people for who they are or who we think they are? Those are some of the messages that they will leave pondering on,” she said.

This is the third play Stevenson has written.

“I’ve been writing and directing for other people, too. It’s my passion, it’s what I like to do so I’m happy about that,” she said.

Stevenson said she tried to do a play at the Wink a few years ago, but she had a lot going on and the “timing wasn’t right.” She said she showed the play in Atlanta and several people from Dalton went to see it.

“They came back to Dalton talking about it and saying I should bring it here,” Stevenson recalls.

Cynthia Smith was one of those.

“I really enjoyed it and recommend everyone to see it,” said Smith. “One thing about Angela is when she sets her mind to something she does it with a spirit of excellence.”

Smith said she’s proud of Stevenson.

“She’s been through a lot and to see her now doing things she loves to do I’m so excited for her,” she said.

Stevenson said she is motivated by her fans and being able to tell a story and see it played out on stage.

“It’s not an easy task, I fund out of pocket not knowing if I’m going to get a return, break even or lose,” she said. “But because it’s my passion I do it and it keeps me going.”