Ms. You are my friend, Pattile Labelle

Variety.com

is reporting that Mama Belle, Ci Ci, and Ms. Lynn whitfield will start in a new CodeBlack Entertainment's "Mama, I Want to Sing!," the feature adaptation of the Off-Broadway gospel musical. I'm not into plays and all that shit, but I know Patti an them will turn that shit out! here is what they had to say about the whole project! "Mama" will start production in Baton Rouge, La., next month. It's slated for theatrical release next February under CodeBlack's multi-picture deal with Fox's FoxFaith label.

Codeblack topper Jeff Clanagan will produce with Marvet Britto ("Shadowboxer" and "The Woodsman") and Holly Davis Carter ("The Gospel"). Pic's written and directed by Charles Randolph-Wright ("Preaching to the Choir").

"Mama, I Want to Sing!" tells the story of a preacher's daughter, who rises from the church choir to pop stardom; the character's based on Doris Troy, best known for the 1963 hit "Just One Look." The stage show played more than 2,400 performances between 1983 to 1991.

Deal marks the first feature role for Ciara, a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter who will play the lead.