National Tour of “Cover Girls”
To Include Stop At The Wilbur

Clear Channel Entertainment, T. D. Jakes Enterprises and Mathew Knowles are bringing a theatrical production of “Cover Girls” to the stage for its first national tour. The tour is set to visit 28 cities across the country, including Boston’s Wilbur Theatre for an exclusive one week run March 23 - 28. This past year, the novel “Cover Girls” reached the #17 spot on The New York Times bestseller expanded list.

“Cover Girls” will star actress Kim Fields (of the hit television series “Living Single”) and legendary gospel singer, Grammy Award winnering Ann Nesby. Cheryl Davis is adapting the novel for the stage. James Stovall will direct.

Based on the best-selling novel by Bishop T. D. Jakes, “Cover Girls” tells the story of four women who seemingly have nothing in common. Yet they each face the complex realities of 21st century urban life as they try to balance their needs with their belief in God.

According to Jakes, “'Cover Girl' is about coming to terms with the past, discovering who we truly are, and recognizing the unexpected friendships and small miracles that reveal God’s all encompassing love. This theatrical production is the next step in furthering the gospel genre for the stage, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it.”

The ladies of “Cover Girls” include: Michelle, a driven career woman and survivor of abuse, who swears she’ll never be used again; Tonya, who knows what it’s like to have a happy marriage shattered by unimaginable tragedy; Mrs. Judson, who believes her wealth and influence can protect her against all harm, but is shocked when a family scandal threatens both her hard-earned reputation and the values she’s made the center of her world; and “Miz” Ida, who has dedicated her life to God and giving others a shoulder to cry on. Soon she’ll need all her faith to help herself and these women find themselves --and each other.

Kim Fields, who recently toured in the his play “The Vagina Monologues,” will play the role of Michelle. Fields has spent more than 20 years in show business starring in the two long running television series “The Facts of Life” and “Living Single.” This past year, she received extraordinary reviews for her work in the one-woman show, “Pandora’s Box.”

Gospel legend Ann Nesby joins “Cover Girls” as Miz Ida. Nesby has worked with the internationally recognized gospel choir The Sound of Blackness, which generated the Top Ten Gospel/ R&B hits, “Optimistic,” “Testify” and “The Pressure.” Having released her debut solo CD in 1996, she was most recently nominated for a 2003 Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Also in 2003, she appeared in “The Fighting Temptations” starring Beyonce Knowles and Cuba Gooding Jr.

For tickets and information, visit The Wilbur Theatre box office at 246 Tremont Street, or call 617-931-2787.

-- OnStage Boston

12/18/03