A capacity crowd filled the Dr. C. M. Long Family Life Center at the Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle, on Saturday, January 28, to watch the debut of the highly anticipated play, Windows of the Soul . . .“The Inside Story.” 

     The performance kicked off with a musical prelude by Jerry Hutchinson, a member of Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle, followed with a solo by Mildred Seegars, also a Bethesda Baptist Church member.

     Narrating the the entire play was Renee Smith-Robinson, a member of Allen A.M.E. Church in White Plains, NY., who also sang at the conclusion of the play.

     Jacquelyn Rolberts recited a poem prior to the start of the play.

     The inspirational play was written, produced and directed by a very gifted Cynthia
 Evans, a teacher and resident of Westchester County.

     The cast of Windows of the Soul . . .“The Inside Story” features nine ordinary women who profile their lives through a series of monologues that include song, dance and poetry. They call on their faith in God to be reassured, rejuvenated and reconnected.

     The audience was immediately moved and amused by Collette Armstrong's opening performance as the character, Matilda, a slave who lived on a plantation. She portrayed the part of a slave perfectly, making a few in the audience actually cry.

     Another character, Chanel, played by Acacia Hines, a member of Allen A.M.E. Church in White Plains, did an excellent job portraying a very busy and confused teenager in today's world of advanced technology and gadgetry.

     All nine women portrayed their character roles exceptionally well, drawing much applause from the very pleased audience that paid to watch the play, which was intended as a fundraiser for Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle.

     At the end of the play, during the Epitome and Meet the Cast part of the performance, the narrator, Smith-Robinson, introduced the church's Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Allen Paul Weaver, Jr.

     "One young lady, Karen Soltau, was after me for three years to allow her to make the play a realty. I told her her that if she put together the play it had to be done professionally. I think you can all agree we me that she did exactly as I asked asked her to do. This play was done very professionally," said Pastor Weaver.

     The event came to an end after a prayer by Pastor Weaver and the throng of people were invited to another room for food and refreshments.

Delphine Burton was Ann

Michelle McKelvey received a standing ovation over her portrayal of a homeless woman known as  Hattie.

Another standout was Jonni Dingle, who portrayed an older and wise woman known as Louise

Cynthia Evans (r), who wrote the play, was presented flowers by Karen Soltau (l)