James I. Johnson / Interview / BlackGospel.com - Your Music Ministry Source! - May, 2006

Interview with James I. Johnson
May 2006, BlackGospel.com by Christopher Heron

In recent years, inspirational theatre has found a firm foothold in Christendom as a clever and inspiring form of entertainment for the whole family. Celebrity playwrights like Tyler Perry and David E. Talbert are just a few of the personalities that have created huge followings for their stage productions that have spilled into the mainstream peripheral view.

Another emerging writer whose inspirational productions are earning ink among critics and a loyal following among the faithful is James I. Johnson. A product of the East coast, James has found his niche and calling on the West coast, as a skillful storyteller of the church experience. His first big production, Is There A Preacher In The House, placed both him and his much-talked-about stageplay in the coveted LA spotlight.

In just a few weeks, Mr. Johnson will be unveiling his latest play – The Missionary Mothers’ Board – yet another hilarious tale that speaks to the infamous role of the church mother in the Black church. BLACKGOSPEL.COM spoke with James I. Johnson about his humorous take on the church, his transition from music minister to playwright and his explanation on the growth of Christian entertainment.

Christopher Heron: James, thanks for carving out a few minutes to engage our audience with your tales and insights. My first question brings us back to where your gifts were first cultivated, Queens, New York. You’re definitely a product of the church, whose talent for music flourished behind a set of keys, whether it was a Steinway or a Hammond B3. But when exactly did you begin to discern that your gift was to be used for more than your home church? And how did your gift as a musician in New York evolve into full-time ministry and a playwright for Inspirational Theatre productions in Southern California?

James Johnson: Gifts were cultivated at my uncle's church, St. Alban's Deliverance Center. I started playing the organ at 9 years old. I was about 17 years old under the leadership of Arturro Skinner when I knew that my gift was to be used for more than my home church. I was constantly being approached by the theater district to play for their shows by the time I was 21 years old.

CH: Your first big hit stage-play – Is There A Preacher In The House – received rave reviews and popular acclaim with a cross section of attendees, Black, White, Latinos, Christians, mainstream, a variety of people embraced this particular production. What made that production so successful and appealing to such a diverse audience?

JJ: My first big hit as a Music Director on Stage was with "Moma I Want To Sing" written by Vy Hyginssen. But my first production was "Is There A Preacher In The House". What made it successful was the singing, music and the fact that it was an autobiographical drama (real life issues), with people from all races and professions they can relate to.

CH: Your newest production – The Missionary Mother’s Board – is just a couple of weeks away from its anticipated debut. Could you share a little bit about your new play, the various talents associated with this project and the inspiration behind this tale that speaks to the fascinating culture of the Black church and its church mothers?

JJ: The Missionary Mother's Board features various talents like Toni Malone (lady of song) outstanding Broadway veteran, Sam Sarpong Host on the hit MTV Yo Momma, Sid Burston, From Kirk Franklin’s "He Say, She Say", who has written many plays of his own, the Latest entitled "Even Pimps Must Praise Him". Kesha Ealy, a former Kurt Carr Singer. My inspiration was watching my mother Evangelist Dr. Lorraine Johnson work in many aspects of the church. She was on the Mother's Board in small and large churches. And the drama that went on with the mother's of the church and the young sisters of the church provided a lot of ideas. My Motto is “Nobody's famous in this play but the Mothers”, because I truly want to celebrate the mothers in this production.

CH: You’re not only a passionate playwright and president for your production company – Ivory St. James Music & Theatrics - but a music minister in Inglewood, California. How do the members of your church feel about the stories you share on stage? And do you believe most Christians are at the point where they recognize the ministerial impact theatre productions like yours have with the public?

JJ: I've been Minister of Music at several churches, under many leaderships, which allowed me to learn and observe God's people in many facets. I found out that the gospel world has a wealth of life experiences. People enjoy seeing themselves portrayed on stage. Many Christians are at the point where they recognize the ministerial impact of these plays, especially today’s churches recognize that it brings growth and recognition to the ministry.

CH: As I see it, inspirational entertainment is definitely on the rise. Whether it’s motion pictures, theatre productions, concerts or even social clubs, Christians are producing more Christian entertainment for Christians and the mainstream. Is this growing cultural trend a good thing or is there any risk involved? And what is your prayer and desire for Ivory St. James Music & Theatrics in the future?

JJ: This growing cultural trend is definitely on the rise, but anything new is risky. Out of risk comes both good and bad. It is up to us to always make the good outweigh the bad. Christians deserve to have fun. My prayer for Ivory St. James Music in the future is to keep my brothers and sisters strong and happy with laughter, for the Joy of the Lord is our strength. I would love to have the church laugh its way to the kingdom.

For more information or tickets to the Missionary Mothers’ Board or to contact James I. Johnson and Ivory St. James Productions for future stage plays, email churchboytalkin@yahoo.com or call 323-733-8707.