A Man With A Vision, written, produced, and co-directed by Monika Michelle Arceneaux, composed by Sandi Lewanika, and co-directed by Ashley Brider, is a gospel musical inspired by Pastor Dale Jay Sanders, Sr.’s bestselling book Termites in the Church. This production dramatizes the true story of Rev. Leroy Sanders, Sr., a determined Louisiana preacher who rises above hardship to build a thriving Black church community and a strong family—until a shocking church coup and a legal battle fueled by deceit, jealousy, and betrayal threaten to tear everything apart.
When the audience takes their seat, they can expect to go on a faith-filled journey with the main character, Moses Rose, from childhood to his elderly years. Through the use of authentic, sometimes comedic, and provoking dialogue, combined with original gospel music, A Man With A Vision will transport the audience across themes of faith, family, perseverance, legacy, and community. This will be a night full of laughter, tears, anger, and sadness, but most importantly, the audience will leave with Moses Rose’s story etched in their head and heart.
With an all Black cast and crew, fresh faces, original music and choreography, a live band, and soul-stirring dialogue, this show offers a new and inspiring theatrical experience. “In an artistic and creative hotbed, such as New Orleans, it is important to celebrate the collaborative artistry among the New Orleans and surrounding area’s Black creatives, while bringing a night of accessible theater to the community,” said Monika Michelle Arceneaux, founder of Sonny’s Rose. “The production of this Black story, written, composed, and directed by Black women, powered by a Black cast and crew, and performed in a traditional black box theater, is musical theater reimagined.”