Kevin Davis’s Rousing One in A Million Gets an Exciting Sneak Preview atDon’t Tell Mama

In a recent interview with Kelly Wright on America’s Hope, composer, playwright and musician Kevin Davis was asked about his wish for America. He responded that he wanted it to be a place where we can “talk to each other…help each other again. ‘We the people’ has to be all of us.”

In a time when the promise of a United States for everyone, and the teachings of Jesus, have both been co-opted and corrupted by evil forces, this desire for a better future fuels Davis’ heartfelt, faith-based One in a Million. The production, known for its evergreen message of hope and humanity, has been workshopped and performed many times in the last several years, earning a nomination for Best Musical, Off-Off Broadway by BroadwayWorld. The latest incarnation of the ever-evolving show was previewed in Cabaret form to an enraptured sold-out house at the legendary Don’t Tell Mama on August 22, 2025.

The musical sees Wanda and her sister Suzy of Anytown USA invite their church friends (and Wanda’s “archenemy” Priscilla) to their annual Christmas party. The group collectively takes a sharp turn from angelic to avarice, as they decide to combine all their money on a life-changing lottery ticket that could bring them $999 million. When this longshot actually happens, the winnings become a poison that threatens to destroy not only their relationships, but their very souls. In 2025 One in a Million holds a mirror on what’s happening to our country in a time when oligarchic greed and fear of the “other” has turned the American dream into a nightmare.

The dynamic songs in the preview comment on this collapse into selfishness and greed, and advocate for spirituality and community, as Suzy takes a moral stand against events. “Who are you fooling when you lie to yourself? Too much of anything will ruin you,” the lyrics warn as the chorus insists “Give me money.”

The show also poignantly touches on the inhuman horrors that immigrants are facing today, with families being pulled apart by people who claim to be Christians yet ignore the words of Jesus entirely. Matthew 25:40 is quoted as a reminder: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The preview was narrated by Jenna Lucht as Little Red (complete with riding hood), with songs performed by a diverse cast singing in wonderfully varied musical styles, from jazz to soul to salsa. Dancer Jillian Marzziotti performed an electrifying sequence to a latin beat. The talented ensemble also included Valerie Chamberlain, Karev Vigo, Jayandra Chiluwal, and Ray John.

Davis, who recently directed Stormé at the American Theatre of Actors, joined members of his acclaimed Jazz Catz band on stage on clarinet and saxophone to accompany the performers, giving a dynamic sample of the memorable songs in the production.

“What’s going to happen to all of our friends from Anytown USA?” asked Little Red, ending the show on a cliffhanger. “What’s going to happen to a nation torn apart? And people who act in hate in the name of God?”

“How do you show god’s love? You love your neighbor. Everybody here is your neighbor,” Davis reminded us towards the end of the preview. “Everybody in America is your neighbor. And we are sick and tired of this gospel being corrupted by hate. These folks here come from every background…and I love each and every one of them, because they’re my neighbor. And that’s the message of this show.”

Fingers crossed the characters will return to the stage soon to continue the story, and that they—and the country—will return to the light.

Davis’ Jazz Catz will be performing at Don’t Tell Mama on October 8.