‘Praise’ returns to the South Point

By Jerry Fink

Monday, July 6, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

“Praise,” the gospel musical created by Grammy winner Larry Hart, is returning to the South Point after receiving much praise following its premiere at the resort in March.

Hart, who wrote the music and stars in the production, says there will be shows on July 12 and Aug. 9.

In addition to Hart the 90-minute show will feature special guest Darcus Speed, and singers Jenevi, Nikki Logan, Jeneane Marie, Paris Red, Diane Spann and Jennifer Wainwright. Hart’s mother Toni Hart will make a special appearance.

Toni Hart was the matriarch of a family gospel group who once toured the country. The family has recorded 25 gospel, two country and two pop albums and sold more than 10 million copies.

Larry Hart began singing at age 2 and recorded his first song with the family at 4. Hart received a Grammy nomination when he was 16 and won the Grammy for gospel performance for “What a Friend” when he was 19.

He was 9 when he, sister Linda and mother Toni were signed by Johnny Cash as songwriters. Larry Hart continued to write songs for artists from Kenny Rogers to Ozzy Osbourne, and his songs have sold a reported 30 million copies.

Hart hit it big with his second musical, the Cinderella-based “Sisterella.”

It received heavyweight backing from Michael Jackson, Robert De Niro, >Miramax and Walt Disney. “Sisterella” toured Europe, breaking box office records and being voted “show of the decade” by fans. Hart has directed and starred in all productions of “Sisterella.”

He also was second composer on the Broadway musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” and wrote the book, music and lyrics for the musical adaptation of the Oscar-winning foreign film “Cinema Paradiso.”

Hart has been working on “Praise” for four years.