Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia

Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia is a 2021 American biographical musical drama television film directed by Kenny Leon, written by Bettina Gilois and Todd Kreidler, and executive-produced by Robin Roberts. It stars Danielle Brooks as gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Jason Dirden, Olivia Washington, Rob Demery and Joaquina Kalukango also round out the cast. The film premiered on Lifetime on April 3, 2021.
The film received positive reviews, especially for Brooks' performance, and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie.

Cast

Danielle Brooks as Mahalia Jackson
Olivia Washington as Estelle
Joaquina Kalukango as Mildred Falls
Jason Dirden as Russell
Rob Demery as Martin Luther King
Benjamin Charles Watson as John
Jim Thorburn as Studs
Marci T. House as Aunt Duke
Kenny Leon as Professor Kendricks
Kerry Sandomirsky as Bess Berman

Reception

Film critic Melanie McFarland from Salon wrote in her review: "thanks to Brooks' resolute performance and Kenny Leon's sturdy directing style, "Mahalia" successfully argues for our attention. In the same way that Cynthia Erivo stellar work easily buys forgiveness of the many flaws in "Genius," Brooks reaches beyond the screen and grabs you every time she breaks into song, doubling that power to meet the grandeur of bigger stages. A lesser director would struggle to adequate frame that mighty power, but Leon rises to her level by matching her artistry with visual artfulness." Carla Renata from The Curvy Film Critic also give the film positive review and praised Brooks' performance and the film writing: "Of all the Lifetime movies I have screened over the years, this is the best. The attention to detail from hair, makeup, costume and production design all the way down to the screenplay by Todd Kriedler and Bettina Gilois are exceptional."