“Every song is someone’s story.”

This is just a sample of the insightfulness infused into Christian David’s melodious new musical revue workshop, Traveling Shoes.  Featuring scattered testimonials, gospel history, mighty vocals and hopeful life lessons, Traveling Shoes demonstrates that traveling armed with faith and the Gospel brings joy and resilience amidst life’s sufferings.

Written and under Christian David’s direction and music direction and co-choreographed with sleek and interconnected choreography by both Christian David and Ramone Owens, C David Entertainment presented Traveling Shoes: A Revival of Sound, Soul and Story live and in person for free and for one night only on Sunday August 9 at 6PM at the Multicultural Arts Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  This semi-interactive musical revue encourages the audience to clap, sing, stand, praise and respond to the music as they wish and ran 90 minutes with no intermission.  This engaging show is also aiming for a Broadway run.  Click here for more information and for future performances.

Having been to the Multicultural Arts Center before, this pristine setting with wooden doors and immaculate etchings already infuses regality into the production’s modestly staged set which includes chairs posing as pews with Bibles and a grand piano. 

Welcome to Holy Hail Baptist Church where pastors and church goers share their testimonies, suffering, joy and more importantly, community while encouraging ways in which the Gospel enriches their daily walk with God by serving others. Prior to the performance, classic Gospel recordings softly play until this charismatic group took the stage and lifted their voices for the bright and catchy original opening number, Traveling Shoes followed by the encouraging classic gospel hymn, How I Get Over.  Traveling Shoes showcased skilled and powerful voices and it may be the acoustics of the venue, but vocal accompiament occasionally overpowered the lead singer.

Adorned in pearls and sophisticated black and white formal attire from ceremonial gloves right down to their shining shoes, this impressive cast is composed of two local performers and an array of cast members that flew in from California for this event.  Traveling Shoes is an original work in progress and combines a tapestry of original and classic gospel songs, hymns and spirituals to demonstrate the power of the Gospel in their daily lives while finding strength during hard times. 

Many of the featured songs are upbeat and lively while others venture into soul stirring experiences and it is difficult to pick out ones that stand out over the others. One of the most quietly stirring moments in the production was a beautiful rendition of Peace Be Still, delivered powerfully by Michael Bradley, Dermel Warren, Tiffany Binion, and Yardley Griffin, Jr.  Yardley Griffin, Jr’s You Gotta Move offers urgency in line with the musical’s core theme as well as an incredible version of At the Cross with Yardley Griffin and the cast.  Dermel Warren with Christian David, Levetta Hall and Tiffany Binion deliver an inspiring rendition of Mary, Don’t You Weep as well as Were You There by Michael Bradley.

While more of a music showcase than a true narrative, Traveling Shoes delivers classic gospel hymns and spirituals including Give me that Old Time Religion featuring Christian David and the cast, Jamehl Taylor performs Oh When the Saints Go Marching In/This Little Light of Mine medley, Christian David and Yardley Griffin, Jr. perform a lighthearted and hopeful rendition of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, a powerful His Eye is on the Sparrow by Doris Bumpus and Darren Paul and the entire company for a captivating Amazing Grace. 

Various life scenarios run through the production notably a wonderful rendition of Didn’t It Rain featuring Doris Bumpus and Levetta Hall. 

Traveling Shoes references and briefly highlights the church pianist and that memorable pastor who makes an impact during the performance.  Both individuals carry burdens and it would be interesting to expand on that idea and more than offering a song, insert a particular message that stands out apart from the music that would appeal to those who do not frequent the church pews.  Traveling Shoes is a wonderful presentation for a church audience, but expanding on that idea to bring encouragement to those not familiar with the church may make the production that much more extraordinary. 

This musical revue offers lightheartedness and humor while it also touches upon historical tragedies and injustices and how to cope when there is no answer. It works well as a segment and perhaps be expanded upon during different intervals of the production staying in line with the Traveling Shoes theme.

Moonbox Productions presented a musical called Crowns which explores several themes including the significance of church hats as a symbol of much more while running a narrative through that.  Though Traveling Shoes is a metaphor, it resonates at key points during the production. I do believe there can also be a story that can run through this, perhaps adding a protagonist surrounded by the company.  The viewer can witness the protagonist on a journey of discovery who may be a first-time attendee at the church perhaps wearing the shoes while keeping the theme prevalent throughout the production.

“We declare victory before we see it.” 

Traveling Shoes is a multifaceted music revue guaranteed to encourage, uplift and bring hope in these troubled times.  It may stay with you long after the production is over.

Click here to learn more about C David Entertainment presented Traveling Shoes: A Revival of Sound, Soul and Story and for future performances.