By The LA Tribune Entertainment Desk
Every great musical begins with a story. Some are inspired by history. Others are inspired by imagination.
The Kingdom of Lies was born from a lifetime of faith, heartbreak, perseverance and redemption.
Making its World Premiere on June 27 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, The Kingdom of Lies is an ambitious new gospel musical that blends powerful storytelling with 19 original songs, a live band and a cast of more than 20 performers. Featuring a dynamic fusion of gospel, jazz and hip-hop, the production explores one of humanity’s oldest battles: truth versus deception.
Presented by Calvary Chapel Crenshaw, the musical will be performed at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and is already generating excitement among theatergoers, faith communities and music lovers across Southern California.
At the center of the story is Pastor Carl, a man carrying the weight of profound personal loss while fighting to share a message of truth in a world filled with confusion, fear and spiritual conflict. As his influence grows, so does the opposition against him. The enemy targets not only his mission, but also his family, creating a gripping narrative that explores grief, identity, purpose and the power of faith.
What unfolds is far more than a traditional stage production.
It is a deeply emotional journey into the ways fear, shame, pain and deception can impact individuals and families — and how truth can ultimately lead to freedom.
A Story Rooted in Real Life
The creative force behind The Kingdom of Lies is Pastor Robert E. Colwell, who serves as the musical’s writer, composer and executive producer.
For Colwell, this production is more than entertainment. It is personal.
The story draws inspiration from a life marked by extraordinary challenges and remarkable resilience. Colwell grew up in New York City’s foster care system after losing his mother at birth. Separated from his siblings and raised through a series of orphanages and foster homes, he experienced firsthand the pain of loss and instability.
Over the years, he endured additional tragedies, including the deaths of siblings and the loss of his first daughter. Yet through those experiences emerged a ministry dedicated to helping others find hope.
For more than four decades, Colwell has served as founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Crenshaw. He spent 17 years ministering inside Los Angeles County jails and nearly two decades serving in California state prisons. Through those experiences, he witnessed how deception, trauma and hopelessness can shape lives — and how faith and truth can transform them.
Those lessons became the foundation for The Kingdom of Lies.
“This story reflects what I’ve seen throughout my ministry,” Colwell said. “The battle isn’t always physical. Often it’s spiritual, emotional and deeply personal.”
The musical marks his theatrical debut as both a writer and composer.
A New Generation of Creative Leadership
Helping bring the vision to life is Co-Producer and Creative Director Chelsea Elise Colwell, whose own journey in entertainment began at an early age.
Many theater enthusiasts may recognize her from her role as Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. She later joined productions associated with Disney Theatrical and appeared in the original cast of Jason Robert Brown’s 13 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre before its eventual Broadway run.
Her television credits include appearances on Girlfriends and Desperate Housewives, and she is a graduate of UCLA’s prestigious School of Theater, Film and Television.
Beyond performing, Colwell has built a successful career as a creative strategist, producer and entrepreneur. Through her company, Chelsea Elise Creative, and her lifestyle platform, she has helped brands reach millions of consumers worldwide.
Now, she is bringing those creative talents to the stage as producer of an original theatrical work.
“The Kingdom of Lies represents a story that is both timeless and incredibly relevant,” Colwell said. “It’s a production designed to inspire conversation, reflection and hope.”
A Powerhouse Creative Team
Adding further excitement to the production is an accomplished creative team that spans theater, television and dance.
The musical is directed by Bayo Akinfemi, a professor at the USC School of Dramatic Arts and co-star of CBS’ Bob Hearts Abishola. Choreography is led by Emmy Award-nominated choreographer Shane Sparks, whose work has been featured on some of television’s most recognizable dance programs.
Music direction is provided by Kayode Ajayi, helping shape a score that seamlessly blends gospel traditions with contemporary jazz and hip-hop influences.
Together, the team has created a theatrical experience designed to engage audiences of all backgrounds.
More Than Entertainment
While the production delivers memorable music, dramatic performances and moments of humor, its central message remains clear.
The Kingdom of Lies asks audiences to consider what happens when fear, grief and deception are allowed to take root — and whether truth can reclaim what has been lost.
The themes resonate across generations and communities, making the musical accessible not only to faith-based audiences, but also to anyone who has wrestled with questions of purpose, identity, family and healing.
As Los Angeles prepares for the show’s world premiere, one thing is certain: The Kingdom of Lies is not simply another musical arriving on the theater calendar.
It is a bold new work from first-time theatrical creators who are bringing decades of life experience, ministry and artistry to the stage.
And for audiences looking to discover something meaningful this summer, The Kingdom of Lies may be one of the most compelling new productions to emerge in Southern California.
IF YOU GO
The Kingdom of Lies – World Premiere
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Showtimes: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
Tickets: Available now at www.lyingkingmusical.com
Information: thelyingkingmusical@gmail.com
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