“Hippocrite the Musical,” a gospel comedy that sold out its one-night performance last year at the Dominion Energy Center, returns for three shows on July 20 and 21 at The Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education.

Written and directed by Richmond native Glennis Singleton Crosby, the play explores a failing church that has lost sight of its mission to save souls and minister to parishioners.

The story follows congregation members as they confront their stereotypes and biases, with an unlikely hero emerging.

Tyler Allen, a contestant from Season 20 of “American Idol,” makes his theater debut in a leading role in the production. Allen gained national recognition for his rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Believe in You and Me,” which earned him a spot in the show’s Hollywood round.

 Tyler Allen
 

The cast also includes local and national actors Imani Blair, Jamaal L. Williams, Boogie Bynum, Brent Deekens and Braxton Offor. Richmond native Jake Holmes serves as musical director.

Tickets are available at hypocritethemusical.com and through The Perkinson Center box office at perkinsoncenter.org.