Musical Returns With Glitzy Twist

A gospel musical will encore in Orange County with a new plot twist--a real-life movie deal.

Promoters of the new show “Is There a Preacher in the House?” announced Thursday their movie deal with Divine Legacy Ltd. Productions, a Diamond Bar-based independent film company that has produced B movies. The independent group has a production budget of about $3 million, spokeswoman Ruth Oram said.

The musical’s writer and composer, James Ivory Johnson of Los Angeles, also has been hired by the film producers to write the score for its latest project, “Tournament of Hope.” Both movies are planned for release next year, Oram said.

The gospel musical is based on Johnson’s life and features an all-black cast. The first performance was Oct. 23 at the Crazy Horse. The play returns there for one show at 2 p.m. Nov. 25. Crazy Horse Steak House, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine. For more information, call (949) 459-6235 or (949) 585-9000.