NaTasha Yvette Williams to star in reading of new musical ‘The Last Gatekeeper’

A developmental staged reading of the new musical “The Last Gatekeeper” will take place next month. The work-in-progress will star Tony Award nominee NaTasha Yvette Williams and be presented at Dorothy Maynor Hall, part of the Harlem School of the Arts, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 19. 

The new musical features a book, music and lyrics by Germono Toussaint. Kevin R. Free will direct the reading, with Patrick B. Phillips serving as music director. Vocal arrangements are by Crystal Monee Hall, and A.J. Muhammed serves as dramaturg, with Trisha Jeffrey as associate producer.

Williams can currently be seen in Broadway’s “Chicago,” reprising her role as Mama Morton. She was previously nominated for a Tony for her role as Sweet Sue in “Some Like It Hot.” Completing the cast are Bryson Battle, who recently appeared in Broadway’s “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” Zemy Burke, Terrance Lamont Johnson and Anastacia McCleskey. 

“The Last Gatekeeper” is inspired by the teachings of West African Dagara scholars and spiritual leaders Malidoma Somé and Sobonfu Somé, drawing on the tradition of Gatekeepers — same-gender-loving and queer spirit workers, community leaders and diviners. The show combines West African-inspired music, projections and performance to tell the story of Soku, a young Black revolutionary, and the power of Black queer people to make peace in times of chaos.

 The reading has been partially funded by Creative Engagement and UMEZ Arts Engagement — regrant programs supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation. “The Last Gatekeeper” has received development support from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and UMEZ Arts Engagement, Black Public Media, Tofte Lake Center, Hi-ARTS, Obsidian Theatre Festival, Musical Theatre Factory, the Tank, CultureHub and the Black Realities Grant.