By Dawn Burleigh

Dawn.burleigh@orangeleader.com

 

Michael Mims, Sr., originally of Orange, writing is a love he discovered after a career ending injury ended any dreams of a football career while he was in his Sophomore year.

Mims excelled even more in Journalism and Media Technology. His writing skills placed him on the school newspaper as the first and only freshmen to be asked to join the staff. He also won awards in regional and state level competitions for his News Writing and Photography. Throughout his high school years, Mims would go on to win multiple awards for writing, photography, videography and video editing. He would also become the first student to intern at the local television station during his junior and senior year and work for the television station and local newspaper during the summers. All of these achievements earned Michael many scholarship offers including a full scholarship to attend Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, according to a press release.

In inspiring to write a 15-minute play, Mims wrote a gospel stage play Save Me From Myself.

While seeking production for the play, Mims opted to produce the show himself and created 9/20 Entertainment, Inc.

Mims sister, Dylinda Marie Mims-Hebert, was Mims biggest fan and supporter as he was growing up.

“My sister’s birthday was September 20, the origin of 9/20,” Mims said during a phone interview.

Mims sister passed away in July 2006.

The play-opening debut was last year at The Good Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church in Houston. With another performance shortly afterwards at the Bayou Theatre in Clear Lake, Texas paved the way for touring this summer.

An original Gospel Stage Play/Faith Based Dramatic Comedy set in present day America. Loretta Simmons is coerced into volunteering at her best friends resident home for recovering addicts, criminals and social rejects. Her first impression is to run for her life and never return after her very first encounter with the worst resident in the home. However, Loretta soon realizes her purpose for being at the home is not only to council the residents, but also to work through her own issues in her personal life and marriage. With the assistance of the staff and dealing with the residents, Loretta soon realizes that she needs the same help as they all need. They need to be saved from themselves.

Save Me From Myself will be performed at 6 p.m. July 30 at the Julie Rogers Theatre in Beaumont. Tickets can be purchase online at Ticket Master or at the Julie Rogers Theatre Box Office. Tickets are $25 General Admission and $35 VIP.