Written by Tanya Terry
The New McCree Theatre presents “The Soul of Etta James” May 8-30, in Flint.
Katelyn Williams, a 12-year-old from Flint, is playing young Etta James in her first major theatrical role. She describes feeling James’ energy and emotion while singing her songs, noting that James was sassy, but like a marshmallow underneath.
Williams learned about James’ life after being cast, discovering she started singing in church at age 5 and “sounded like a grown woman.”
Once cast, Williams also learned James had a career “like a roller coaster” due to drug addiction.
“She was nice and sweet, but as she got older, her life started going bad and she got addicted to drugs, which wasn’t a good thing,” Williams said. “And she was doing that for 30 years. And she stopped.”
Williams comes from a musical family, as her mother sang in the choir of Galilean Baptist Church and grandmother directed the choir.
Williams will sing “Roll with Me Henry,” “Good Rockin’ Daddy” and “W-O-M-A-N” in the production.
According to Williams, she feels James looking down at her when she sings her songs.
“She’s proud of me,” Williams said.
Williams sings in school holiday recital and is both excited and nervous about playing James. Her mother, Shadraea Williams, noted her daughter also sings around the house and has always had a beautiful voice.
Dacelle McDonald, another cast member, is playing Etta James as an adult.
McDonald lives in north Flint.
She has five years of theatre experience years with the New McCree Theatre. There, she has enjoyed playing roles, including Moms Mabley.
“I dressed up like an old lady and cracked some jokes,” McDonald said.
McDonald played in “Those Gorgeous, Glamorous Girl Groups” at McCree
She was also cast in “Police, Lawyer, Judges: Bullies With Power.“
“It was like a flash in,” explained McDonald. “And I did the whole Sojourner Truth, and it was so cool.”
McDonald described James as a down-home girl who became cool and resilient due to her difficult upbringing and lack of family support, with her voice being her blessing.
She noted there will be a small scene depicting James’ drug use to show the audience
“There’s a small scene where she actually does look like she’s shooting up.”
In the production, Willims will sing songs including “At Last,” “I’d Rather Go Blind,” “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” I’ll Take Care Of You,” The Love of My Man,” “I’d Rather Go Blind,” “Stop the Wedding” and “All I Could Do Was Cry.”
“This is a good spot to come in and just have some good culture, good fun and learn a little bit, plus have some belly laughs because we make you laugh.”
Williams encouraged audience members to take pictures without using flash during performances and tag them on social media.
The New McCree Theatre is located at 4601 Clio Road.
For details, call 810-787-2200, or visit TheNewMcCreeTheatre.com.
