Children of Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club will take part in the production and performance of an original play “Santa B. Cause” as part of the David Joseph McKay IV Holiday Party on Friday, December 9. The play is written by Mathews-Dickey alumnus Diamond Gladney and stars actor/comedian Spanky Hayes of MTV’s “Wild N Out” fame.
“Santa B. Clause” debuts to an audience of 1,000 Saint Louis Public Schools students at the annual celebration.
For three decades, Mathews-Dickey has produced this holiday party to reward students for excellent attendance, grades and behavior with entertainment, with every child receiving a goody bag and being entered into a drawing for 30 bicycles and 10 $50 gift cards through the generosity of the McKay family.
This is the first year that a play will be a part of the festivities. The 90-minute production is a story of redemption, detailing a con man’s journey after being sentenced by the courts to become an inner-city St. Nicholas named Santa B. Cause.
“It is a day where talents are showcased and laughter is heard all throughout the building,” said Mathews-Dickey President & CEO Wendell Covington Jr. “We’re pleased to have one of our very own former members bring this original production that includes youth behind-the-scenes and on-the-stage.”
Playwright and St. Louis native Gladney credits Mathews-Dickey for saving his life.
“I was on a real bad path, a destructive path,” Gladney said. “And Mr. Mathews invested time in me, got me involved in sports so I was doing something actually constructive with my free time. Now I see it as my duty to help other kids through the club.”
Gladney got his start as a dancer and singer with the third generation of the world’s famous Four Step Brothers, The Gladney Brothers. They would go on to travel the world, performing with such legends as Sammy Davis Jr., Nancy Wilson and Redd Foxx. After performing for a decade with The Gladney Brothers, Diamond turned his attention to the production side of the entertainment industry. This would lead to GMG (Gladney Management Group) which represents entertainers and athletes. He later began writing and producing for television. Nick Cannon’s “Wild N Out,” “Guy Code,” “Girl Code,” “Black Ink Crew” and “Saturday Night Live” are among his many credits.
Since moving back to his hometown earlier this year, Gladney has been working hard to add various entertainment-based classes for students that he teaches or has other professionals teach at Mathews-Dickey and throughout the community. The students in this production take part in his ShowBiz & Beyond Class held at Mathews-Dickey.
“Santa B. Clause” starring Spanky Hayes will premiere as part of the David Joseph McKay IV Holiday Party at 10 a.m., Friday, December 9 in the Richard B. Loynd Gym at Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club, 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd. For more information about the play, the ShowBiz & Beyond classes or any other questions regarding Mathews-Dickey, visit www.mathews-dickey.com.
