Center4ME presents “Don’t Blame it on Me”

The Center for Multicultural Enrichment (Center4ME) presented their first play entitled “Don’t Blame it on Me,” Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21 and 22, Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, March 1.

The play, which focused on true repentance, was held in the main sanctuary of the Old Thomas Road Baptist Church Facility each night at 7 p.m. Liberty students and members of the Lynchburg community attended the play.

According to Center4ME Director Melany Pearl, the play was a gospel comedy with a Tyler Perry feel. Pearl said that a gospel comedy is a play that mixes scripture with a humorous twist.

In keeping with the effort to incorporate events relating to cultural heritage months, the Center4ME presented “Don’t Blame it on Me” as a part of African American History month in February. Pearl acknowledged that the play was integrated into the month’s events because the play was in the genre of a gospel comedy, and because the majority of the cast and crew were African American.

The playbill stated that “Don’t Blame it on Me” was written by Liberty alumna Paula Moreland and directed by Dr. Delbert Jones, Jr.

According to the Center4ME’s website, Liberty students were able to obtain complimentary tickets at the Vines Center. For non-students, the ticket price was $5.

The story is set in a courtroom, and the storyline is about people, mainly those claiming to be Christians, on trial for blaming Satan for their sins. Some of the characters include a meth addict, alcoholic, adulterer, non-tither and nightclub singer. The characters think God does not love them or that they are going to hell for their sins. They also do not accept personal responsibility for their sins.

“The purpose of the play is to talk about what true repentance is … which is turning away from sin,” Pearl said.

Pearl said that a casting call was given to find the actors. The cast was comprised of Liberty University and Virginia University of Lynchburg students. According to the playbill, the majority of the students are not working toward a degree in theater, but they all share a passion for the performing arts.

According to Imani Banks, who played the night club singer, the cast has been practicing since October.

“I enjoyed participating,” Banks said. “The hard work pays off, and I am happy to be able to be a part of a production out of Liberty University from the multicultural enrichment center. I love acting, and to be an actress is my dream.”

The Center4ME will kick off Irish Heritage Month in March.

“If it has to do with diversity, cultural competency, multiculturalism, then it could be born out of this office,” Pearl said.

For more information on the Center4ME, visit liberty.edu/studentaffairs/multiculturalenrichment or go to facebook.com/LUCenter4ME.