N. C. Central University’s Theater Department just might have another hit on its hands.

“At the Beginning” opened April 11 and runs through April 20.

The play was written and directed by former NCCU student Gil Faison, who has been directing plays for the last 10 years. The actors are all NCCU students.

According to Faison, the play focuses on faith, hope and family.

“My grandmother’s involvement in my family is what inspired me to do this play.

She always has held the family together and kept us close, like ‘big mamma,’” Faison said. “I like the idea of bringing God’s word to life on stage.”

The play tells the story of a grandmother, Ruby, played by Jasmin Jones, who entertains her 11-year-old granddaughter Lora, played by Desiree Bailey, with stories from the Bible, beginning with the creation of the world and ending with its destruction by the flood.

Ruby mixes Bible stories with tragic events that have affected her family.

These events include the 9/11 attacks, the Iraq war, and Hurricane Katrina.

Faison’s unusual staging of the play shows the grandmother telling Bible stories while the scenes are acted out.

“The play was really good,” said child development graduate Crystal Leftridge. “I was raised in a religious household so the play really hit home for me.”

Theatre students in “At the Beginning” bring emotional depth to the production. (Photo:Ray Tyler/Staff Photographer)

Raleigh resident Sabrina Kittrell also was impressed. “The play was awesome,” she said. “I travel to Durham every time Central’s theater department puts on a performance. They always do a great job.”

The play’s lyrics and music are written by Denen Tatum and musical arrangements are by Cameron Morgan. Stafford Berry Jr. designed the play’s choreography.

Theatre junior Robert Wallace plays two roles in “At the Beginning” — Ruby’s youngest son Jesse and Japheth, Noah’s middle son.

“Friday night was great,” said Wallace. “It was the ice-breaker performance, to get a feel for the stage with the audience present, and see how they would react, to what we created.

Noah’s youngest son’s wife Harmora is played by theatre sophomore Jameeka Holloway.

“This was my first time performing in a main-stage play, but it was a great experience,” said Holloway.

Eleven-year-old Lora Manning was played by theatre freshman Desiree Bailey.

“I am the youngest cast member so I learned a lot from the older cast members,” said Bailey.

“At the Beginning” is showing at the University Theater in the Farrison-Newton Communications Building. General admission is $15; student tickets are $10. Children under four are not permitted to attend.