The Choir is an American dramedy web series created by Issa Rae[1] for the "faith and family focused" YouTube channel "Alright TV".[2] The series, which premiered on YouTube on August 29, 2013, is "a comedic series about the personal, spiritual and often controversial dynamics of a revered church choir".[3][4] Evette Dionne, writing for Bustle, counted The Choir among the "5 Best Web Series for People of Color" in December 2013.[5]
| The Choir | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Created by | Issa Rae |
| Starring | D.K. Uzoukwu Yutopia Essex Alfred 'A.J.' Jackson Lyne Odums Chauncey Jenkins Idara Victor Qualiema Green Lanre Idewu Jacques C. Smith Camille Winbush |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 12 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Issa Rae Benoni Tagoe Tracy E. Edmonds |
| Producer | Deniese Davis |
| Original release | |
| Network | YouTube |
| Release | August 29, 2013 – May 13, 2015 |
Plot
editThe series follows the group of African-American choir members in the United Church of Holy Christ in Fellowship, whose declining congregation forces the group to try to come up with a plan to survive. In the course of the drama, romance, intrigue, and political dealings throughout the story, the series explores the everyday life and nuances of the black church, and the relatable human struggles and experiences of its members.[6]
In the first episode, the choir performs a gospel version of Janet Jackson's "Any Time, Any Place"; Jessie, the young lead singer, decides to "sex up" the performance, to the consternation of some of the congregation, other choir members, and the pastor.[7][8]
Characters and cast
edit- Yutopia Essex as Jessie, the lead singer in the choir
- D.K. Uzoukwu as James, Jessie's brother
- Idara Victor (Season 1) and Camille Winbush (Season 2) as Miriam, a young woman in the choir
- Alfred "A.J." Jackson as Myron, the choir director
- Lyne Odums as Ms. Debra, a pious older woman in the choir
- Chauncey Jenkins as Caleb, a young man in the choir
- Lanre Idewu as Charles, Ms. Debra's son
References
edit- ^ Davies, Madeleine (30 August 2013). "Praise the Lord: Here's the First Episode of Issa Rae's The Choir". Jezebel. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
- ^ Tiggett, Jai. "Watch Episode 1 of Issa Rae's 'The Choir' Series for Alright TV". Indie News. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
- ^ Selah, Makkada B. (24 February 2013). "Bob Johnson and Tracy Edmonds Launch New Network, Alright TV". Black Enterprise. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
- ^ Clancy, Michelle. "YouTube to launch faith-based original channel, Alright TV". Rapid TV News. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
- ^ Dione, Evette (4 December 2013). "The 5 Best Web Series for People of Color". Bustle. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
- ^ Pennie, Tesia. "Issa Rae: Woman on Top". Culture Piece Magazine. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
- ^ Fox, Lauren R. D. (29 August 2013). "'I Made Jesus Sexay!': Issa Rae Presents New Webseries 'The Choir'". MadameNoire. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
- ^ Harris, Aisha (30 August 2013). "Issa Rae Pokes Some Fun at the Black Church With The Choir". Slate. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
External links
edit- The Choir Video Playlist on YouTube