Westminster College's Office of Diversity Services presented the gospel musical "Your Arms Too Short to Box With God," Thursday in conjunction with Black History Month.

Grammy-award singer Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston was guest star.

The musical is based on the gospel of St. Matthew and traces the story of Jesus Christ from Palm Sunday -- the day Jesus arrives in Jerusalem -- to the morning of the resurrection.

First produced in 1975, the musical contains music and lyrics by Micki Grant and was directed by Curtis Farrow. It was first performed in Spoleto, Italy, at the "Festival of Two Worlds" and later featured at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C., on Broadway. During that six-month tour its popularity extended it nearly a year and a half.

Ms. Houston was featured with a cast of talented singers, dancers and musicians. She wowed a packed Orr Auditorium with her deep Mahalia Jackson-like voice sending a hush over the crowd.

"Is that her?" several people whispered.

Her rendition of "Be Careful Who You Kiss," struck a chord with the audience the same as in the second act when she sang "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord." Her sound wasn't in the likeness of her pop singing daughter. By the second act the crowd was clapping along to songs and standing in applause.

Westminster College presented the musical for free. Rev. Jeannette Wright Hooks, diversity director, said in keeping with the vision and mission of the diversity office she felt the musical was something students and the outside community would enjoy.

"We wanted to be in a position to encourage people to come to the college and be true to the vision."

She said the office seeks ways to educate the broader community on diversity issues.

Send Black History Month events to ltheodore@sharonherald.com