The UB Video Interview: ‘Mahalia’ Cast Talks New Film | Joaquina Kalukango, Jason Dirden & Rob Demery

Lifetime‘s highly anticipated gospel biopic Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia, will premiere this Saturday, April 3rd at 8:00pm ET/PT.

An impressive list of Broadway stars including Tony® nominee Joaquina Kalukango, Jason Dirden, Olivia Washington and Rob Demery join the film which is directed by Tony® Award-winner Kenny Leon and stars Tony Award nominee, SAG and Grammy® Award winning actress Danielle Brooks best known from Orange is the New Black, as the gospel legend and civil rights trailblazer.

Born in New Orleans, Mahalia Jackson began singing at an early age and went on to become one of the most revered gospel figures in U.S. history, melding her music with the civil rights movement. Her recording of the song “Move on Up a Little Higher” sold millions of copies, skyrocketing her to international fame and gave her the opportunity to perform at diverse settings including in front of a racially integrated audience at the prestigious Carnegie Hall and at John F. Kennedy‘s inaugural ball.

An active supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, Mahalia sang at numerous rallies, including the March on Washington in 1963 alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in hopes that her music would encourage and inspire racial equality.

From Rock’n Robin Productions and Lincoln Square Productions, Mahalia is executive produced by Robin Roberts and Linda Berman. Danielle Brooks and Kenny Leon are co-executive producers. Leon directs from a script written by Bettina Gilois and Todd Kreidler.

UB Talked to Joaquina Kalukango, Jason Dirden and Rob Demery of the talented cast about the new film.

They speak on their roles and what they want viewers to get out of the film.