North Georgia playwright, producer, performer and director Jeneen Hammond will debut a new original musical at the Cumming Playhouse during a two-weekend run from July 20-30. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays.
“Get in the Habit” is a heavenly musical comedy that tells the story of a group of displaced singing nuns and their monsignor who find themselves in the heart of New Orleans. Being originally from “up North,” the members of this group quickly begin suffering from a wide range of cultural shocks as they try to incorporate themselves into a Southern convent.
Many challenges arise out of this blending of Northern and Southern “habits” of all types. The Northern nuns also have to adjust to the New Orleans’ heat and humidity, its unusual street characters, and to the “Big Easy” culture in general, all of which leads to plenty of hilarious moments.
“This show has been so much fun to create and to see come to life with our amazingly talented cast,” Hammond said. “It’s filled with laughs and so many great moments that audiences won’t soon forget it.”
With its live, four-piece band, “Get in the Habit” also offers more than a dozen songs, most of which are original pieces written by Hammond, songwriter Felice Williams and cast member Juawanna McGhee.
“We’re excited to have four incredible musicians who play piano, guitar, drums and the saxophone,” Hammond said. “Since we’re in New Orleans, they act as a band on a town square and remain on stage throughout the entire show.”
Hammond, who has been writing and directing original shows for schools and churches for more than 20 years, said the multi-cultural cast of about 20 members is made up of many veteran performers, as well as some new young talents.
“We have a very diverse cast in races, ages, and different levels of performance experience,” she said. “But, everyone truly is phenomenally talented and they have all come together beautifully throughout our rehearsals over the past couple of months.”
Hammond said that while the show is a comedy, it’s also filled with many heart-warming moments and a central message that focuses on unity and seeing the best in others.
“This totally family-friendly show explores the common thread of all the good that can be discovered in humanity, despite our diverse differences,” she said. “Audiences don’t want to miss this one — it’s filled with moving messages and joyful music that will put a song in your heart and a little jazz in your step.”
Tickets to “Get in the Habit” at the Cumming Playhouse are $20, or $15 for seniors 60 and over, students 18 and under, veterans, and groups of 25 or more. Go to www.playhousecumming.com or call (770) 781-9178 to order tickets or for more information.