About

“I Will Live Until I Die”

Discover the powerful and joyful story of Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA, an educator, evangelist, and prophetic voice for love, justice, and intercultural understanding within the Catholic Church and beyond. Her spirit touched countless lives, and her cause for canonization is underway, paving the way for her to potentially become one of the first African American saints in Church history.

An Exciting New Musical
“I Will Live Until I Die”

An inspirational and vibrant new musical is bringing Sr. Thea’s extraordinary life and ministry to the stage March 5th-8th 2026 at COCA in University City! Through song, dance, and dynamic storytelling, this production celebrates her unwavering beliefs, her work for racial harmony, and her enduring message of hope, unity, and peace for all God’s people.

Creative team

Dr. ValLimar Jansen ( Writer/ Director/ Lead Actor)
BA degree, Theatre Arts (CSUSB—1990)
Master’s degree, Dramatic Art (UCSB—1992)
Doctorate, Christian Performing Arts (honoris causa—SGCBC—2024)

Dr. ValLimar Jansen has sung and toured professionally throughout the United States, Canada, the UK, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, Panama, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Bonaire, Ghana, Israel, China, Singapore, and Japan. She played the role of Beneatha with the Broadway touring cast in the European premiere of Raisin. She went on to co-author a one-woman musical about the life of Ethel Waters, which received a special commendation from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Recently, ValLimar received the Kennedy Center Medallion for Excellence in Educational Theatre. In 2023, Dr. Jansen performed in concert as a headliner at Carnegie Hall in New York City, dedicating her performance to the six Black Catholics on the journey to sainthood. Fronting a 250-voice choir, she received the night’s only standing ovation. In August 2024, Dr. Jansen received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Council of Catholic Women, honoring how her life’s work aligns with the mission and goals of this distinguished organization.

Dr. ValLimar Jansen was awarded an honorary Doctor of Christian Performing Arts by the School of the Great Commission Bible College & Theological Seminary, recognizing her more than 30 years of leadership in music, theatre, and ministry. An internationally acclaimed singer, storyteller, and educator, she brings Scripture and faith to life through dynamic performances that uplift and inspire.

Currently pursuing a Master of Divinity, ValLimar is preparing to continue toward a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching. Her academic journey deepens her lifelong mission to proclaim the Gospel through word, song, and art—illuminating the beauty of faith and the resilience of hope in every performance.

In past years, she served as co-emcee for the USCCB’s gatherings of English-speaking pilgrims at World Youth Day in Krakow and was a prayer leader and concert artist at World Youth Day in Panama City. At the Loreto International Papal Event in Italy, Dr. Jansen and her husband, Frank Jansen, performed for over 400,000 people in a celebration broadcast worldwide on Italian television and EWTN.

With over 120 unique performances annually, Dr. Jansen has developed her signature blend of Scripture proclamation, reflection, music, costumed dramatic storytelling, prayer, and inspirational exhortation. She presents parish missions and conducts retreats for schools, parishes, dioceses, and retreat centers throughout the United States and Canada.

ValLimar has produced and/or co-produced fifteen CDs and has nine published works. Drawing on her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, her Master of Arts in Dramatic Art, and her Doctorate in Christian Performing Arts, she is a playwright and storyteller. Regarded as an accomplished songwriter, she writes all her music in collaboration with her husband. ValLimar, her husband, and their supportive family live in Southern California.

Maria Vargo, Producer

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Maria Vargo is a Hollywood-based actress, singer-songwriter, director, and Christian speaker. She is the president and artistic director of G.K. Chesterton Entertainment, a faith-based, non-profit entertainment company. Maria starred as St. Faustina in a one-woman show, performing over 300 times across America and Canada. A film version of the show is set to be released in the near future. Her passion for music has led to producing an original CD titled Fire Tries Iron, and a Christmas CD titled Coming Home For Christmas.

Frank Jansen, Music Director

Frank Jansen brings together over 40 years of parish ministry with nearly 50 years of professional music performance and education. His diverse career encompasses work with legendary artists including The Platters, The Drifters, and Jan of Jan & Dean, among many other notable figures in popular music. In recent years, one of his bands won the coveted LA Music Award, culminating in a performance at the world-renowned Whisky a Go Go.

• Education
Frank holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Master’s degree in Liturgical Music with an emphasis on composition from Santa Clara University. He also holds a California State Teaching Credential in Music Education.

• Teaching and Ministry
After 31 years as an elementary music educator teaching band, choir, and piano, Frank recently retired from classroom teaching. For twenty of those years, he also served as a theater practitioner, directing plays and musicals for middle school students.
Frank continues to serve as a faculty member of CLEF (Catholic Liturgical Ensemble Formation), where he teaches instrumental accompaniment and piano for liturgical music ministers. Every Sunday, when not on the road performing, he serves as a principal pianist for the 12 Noon Mass at St. Catherine of Alexandria in Riverside, California.

• Composition
As a composer, Frank writes in a wide variety of styles including Sacred Music, Gospel, Rock, Country, Jazz, and Classical. His extensive portfolio includes choral music, piano compositions, string quartets, woodwind quintets, and a symphony. He has also composed two original musicals in the Musical Theatre genre.

• Performance
Frank tours extensively as an accompanist for his wife, Dr. ValLimar Jansen. Together, they have ministered and performed throughout the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Career highlights include performing for the Pope and over 300,000 people in Loreto, Italy, and appearing at World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, an event attended by more than 2,000,000 people.
Frank recently performed as a principal pianist for a concert at Carnegie Hall. Over the years, he has collaborated with many well-known Catholic composers and has produced or co-produced over 15 CDs. He writes in collaboration with ValLimar and creates the musical arrangements for all their music.

James East, Bass Player

James East’s remarkable journey into music began with a moment of profound inspiration that would ultimately transform the trajectory of his entire life. After witnessing the extraordinary artistry of his older brother, the world-renowned bassist Nathan East, James became captivated by the bass guitar and its infinite musical possibilities. That transformative experience ignited a passion that would prove far more compelling than any other path he might have taken.

In 1991, at a pivotal moment in his life, James made the bold decision to abandon his promising ambitions in the aerospace industry and commit himself entirely to pursuing his true calling in music. This courageous choice led him to embark upon an illustrious career spanning decades, during which he has toured and recorded extensively both nationally and internationally with some of the most celebrated and influential artists in the music industry.

• International Touring and Recording
James’s impressive résumé reflects collaborations with an exceptional roster of world-class musicians and vocalists. He has had the distinguished privilege of recording and performing with legendary recording artists including Lionel Richie, the internationally acclaimed Italian soprano Laura Pausini, the iconic R&B artist Toni Braxton, the legendary vocalist Patti LaBelle, the soulful stylist James Ingram, the acclaimed drummer and percussionist Ralph Johnson of the legendary ensemble Earth, Wind & Fire, and the innovative world music pioneer Sergio Mendes.

His professional engagements have extended to collaborations with an additional constellation of celebrated performers, including the influential guitarist Eric Clapton, the accomplished vocalist Tommy Simms, the sophisticated vocalist Patti Austin, the renowned music producer and keyboardist David Foster, the country music icon Clint Black, the Grammy Award-winning vocalist Celine Dion, and the legendary rock pianist and performer Elton John.

• Historic and Prestigious Performances
Beyond his extensive studio and touring work, James has graced some of the world’s most prestigious and historic venues with his artistry. He has had the singular honor of performing for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, one of the world’s most respected monarchs. Additionally, James has been selected to perform at Christmas celebrations at the Vatican for His Holiness Pope John Paul II, representing a profound moment of spiritual and musical significance in his storied career.
Through his dedication to his craft and his ability to collaborate seamlessly with artists at the highest levels of the music industry, James East has established himself as a versatile, accomplished, and highly respected bass guitarist whose contributions to popular music have left an indelible mark across multiple genres and generations.

Frank Jansen, Music Director

Larry Washington’s passion for music began in Detroit, Michigan, where he started playing drums at a young age. From the start, he knew that music and performing would define his career. Over his extensive career, Larry has recorded, performed, and toured with some of the world’s top recording artists and musicians in the United States and internationally.

• Performance and Media
Larry’s on-camera performances span major platforms including MTV, BET, ABC, and NBC, as well as prestigious events such as the Billboard Music Awards, Trumpet Awards, Diversity Awards, and The Apollo in London. His drumming has been featured in numerous films and productions including The Princess Diaries, Showgirls, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, and Good Burger. He has also performed at The White House.

• Production, Composition, and Sound Design
Building on his success as a drummer, Larry has transitioned into production, composition, and sound design. His work as a composer and sound designer has been featured in commercials, television, and film productions including The History Detectives, America’s Most Wanted, Drive, Fox Sports, and Urban Combat. His production skills extend to Foley artistry and specialized sound work. In the studio, Larry has collaborated with Academy Award winner Louis Gossett Jr. and R&B and Christian pop icon Deniece Williams. He continues to compose, record, and produce projects for various media. His composition work on the Power PSA, narrated by R&B legend Jeffrey Osborne, has earned him numerous awards for music composition.

• Community Service and Education
Giving back to the community is central to Larry’s mission. He serves with organizations including the National Fibromyalgia Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and several Los Angeles-based charities. In 2012, as an executive board member of the MOGCJ Foundation, Larry received the President’s Service Award from the Obama Administration’s PROTUSA.
Larry is actively involved in developing and leading drum clinics and music workshops for educational institutions throughout the country. He is dedicated to reaching younger musicians and sharing his knowledge and experiences in a positive and motivational environment.

Julie Beckman, Personal Director and Acting Coach to ValLimar Jansen

Julie Beckman is an accomplished freelance director, adapter, and educator based in Seattle with a distinguished career spanning theatre production, classical literature adaptation, and artistic mentorship. As a personal director and acting coach, Julie brings her expertise and passion for storytelling to every project she undertakes, working closely with performers to develop nuanced and compelling interpretations of complex characters and narratives.

• Education and Training
Julie holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Directing from Northwestern University, one of the nation’s premier theatre training institutions. Her rigorous academic preparation and professional development have provided her with a strong foundation in classical dramatic theory, contemporary directing practices, and collaborative artistic leadership.

• Directing Work
Julie’s directing portfolio reflects her versatility and deep commitment to diverse theatrical repertoire. Her work spans intimate character studies, grand classical works, and innovative contemporary pieces. She has directed productions at prestigious regional theatres throughout the Pacific Northwest, including ACT (A Contemporary Theatre), Seattle Public Theatre, and Theatre22, where she has cultivated long-standing artistic partnerships. Among her notable directing credits are the world premiere of Downstairs by Theresa Rebeck, as well as acclaimed productions of Annapurna, Fifth of July, and the northwest premiere of Water by the Spoonful, The Happiest Song Plays Last, and 26 Miles—three powerful works by Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes. Her work with Strawberry Theatre Workshop includes the haunting The Elephant Man, the experimental The Bells, and the intimate ensemble piece Fellow Passengers. Additional directing credits include A Small Fire with Sound Theatre Company, Bernie’s Apartment with eSe Teatro, and 4 Dogs and a Bone for Theater Schmeater. Julie has also directed for 14/48, Stone Soup Theatre, Our American Theatre, and has extended her directing work to universities including the University of Washington and Cornish College of the Arts. Her national reach includes directing engagements with theatres in Chicago, Cincinnati, and Washington, DC.

• Adaptation and Literary Work
Julie’s gift for literary adaptation has brought timeless classics to the stage with fresh vitality and contemporary resonance. Her notable adaptations include Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, which premiered at Book-It and has since toured nationally and internationally, including a production with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Company in Canada. She has also adapted Charles Dickens’ Hard Times, Jonathan Raban’s Waxwings, and Edith Wharton’s The Bunner Sisters for Theatre22 and Book-It. Her innovative work extends to audio theatre and experimental formats, including the audio adaptation of E.M. Forster’s The Celestial Omnibus with Theatre22, demonstrating her willingness to explore new theatrical possibilities and bring literature to audiences through diverse mediums.

• Legacy and Impact
Julie’s career reflects a deep commitment to theatrical excellence, artistic collaboration, and the transformative power of live performance. Her work as both director and adapter has enriched Seattle’s vibrant theatre community while establishing her as a respected artist whose thoughtful vision and meticulous craft continue to inspire audiences and fellow artists alike.