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Shawn Whitsell's latest play, IN THE PREACHER'S SHADOW, opens 9/15 at Darkhorse Theater

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Shawn Whitsell, arguably the busiest man in Nashville theater - well, theater anywhere, we would wager - will unveil his latest play, In The Preacher's Shadow on Thursday night, September 15, in its debut production from Destiny Theatre Experience.

Presented as part of the sixth annual Shades of Black Theatre Festival, In The Preacher's Shadow is described in this synopsis from the playwright, who does double duty as director of the play: "Sister Jada Jones, a loyal and supportive wife of a highly successful mega-church pastor, has dedicated her life to her God, her husband, family, church and community. She pushes her own dreams to the side, only to find herself overshadowed by her husband's success and indiscretions. In the midst of the storm, Sister Jones struggles to find balance, forgiveness and redemption."

Whitsell's cast includes Mike James, Jennifer Worthy, LaTia Lewis, Gayle Demonbreun, Bralyn Stokes, Jimmie Hill, Molly Breen and Garre Derek.

In The Preacher's Shadow is the latest stage work written by Whitsell to be presented by Destiny Theatre Experience, which is named after his daughter.

In The Preacher's Shadow runs September 15-17, with a 7:30 p.m. curtain, and on Sunday, September 18 at 3 p.m., at Darkhorse Theater, 4610 Charlotte Avenue. Opening night is a pay-what-you-can performance, Whitsell says. 

 

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Orchestrations - Top 3
1. Ethan Popp, The Rescues - The Lost Boys
29.1% of votes
2. Lux Pyramid - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
14% of votes
3. Anders Eljas, Brian Usifer - Chess
12.2% of votes

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