Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/27/2026
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
Asian Arts Initiative
Categories
Saturday, September 12 to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Her star may have faded over the years. That is why Robin Williams, Sr., decided it was time for his unheralded mother, Marion, to get her due. Marion, who died in 1994, is credited as a pioneering voice in gospel. Her powerful falsettos and vast range inspired early rock and roll through Little Richard’s signature “Whooops!” and Aretha Franklin, who covered her songs. In a tribute of music and film starring Chabrelle Williams, Marion’s son brings her from the shadows, into the spotlight again.
Born To Sing The Gospel: The Story of Marion Williams is a multimedia stage production of live music, performances, and rare archival film footage highlighting the life and legacy of the MacArthur Fellowship “genius” grant recipient and Kennedy Center honoree. She started out as a member of Clara Ward’s famous gospel group, leading to her solo career in 1965.
The Born to Sing The Gospel production looks at family, faith, perseverance, and the healing power of music through Marion’s voice. As CEO of Ronaj Movie Productions, Robin Williams, Sr., produced The Legendary Marion Williams documentary featured at Cannes through Pavilion Afrique. (It is streaming on various platforms.) He is the Music Director for Poetik Blues: A Sistah’s Story and bandleader of two R&B/Soul groups, Poetik Sol and RKW2 Project. The Born To Sing The Gospel production was written and directed by Karen Moore.
$25 per person, with a pay-what-you-can option. Performances: Saturday: 2:45 p.m. EST, Sunday: 8 p.m. EST. Asian Arts Initiative Black Box Theater, 1219 Vine St. 215-413-1318 or phillyfringe.org/events/born-to-sing-the-gospel/ or Philadelphia Fringe Festival