CAST:ABOUT THE CAST: Wendell--Faron Griffin: Faron Griffin became interested in the arts in the fall of 2004. Faron first began singing at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts and is most impressed by, as Faron states, "the underdogs of the industry - Don Cheadle, N’Bushe Wright, Wood Harris, and Taraji P. Henson. " Faron hopes to be a catalyst for younger artistic expression and a canal for mature acceptance. Faron says, "if people are enticed to leave their homes and televisions and become reacquainted with their imaginations, then success is achieved." Pearl--Ana "Sandy" Tili: Ana has been singing and acting since the age of 9. During high school, Ana was a member of the school's girl choral group - The Madrigal's - performing in nationwide competitions. Most of Ana's singing experience has taken place at churches and various other nationwide events. Ana has performed in many plays primarily at the Casquelord Malonga Arts Theatre formerly known as the Alice and Arts Theatre in Oakland, CA. Also, Ana was casted as one of the "shopettes" in Little Shop of Horrors at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco, CA. Ana's latest television performance was in a commercial for Sony Playstation's American Idol Karaoke video game which aired on MTV, VHI and other popular network channels. Currently, Ana is a vocalist in the Wade Love Band which has been nominated for Best Band of the year '07. Additionally, Ana is a full time student and hopes to apply for medical school within the next 5 years. Star--Ria: Ria has been singing since she was 7 years old. Ria has 4 years of active drama experience and, as a teen, she landed supporting roles in two of her school's most competitive plays: The Chorus Line and Les Miserables. Ria is currently in college majoring in psychology and aspires to become a guidance counselor for troubled youth who have experienced traumatic events during their childhood. Having also experienced first-hand, a disturbing upbringing, Ria describes herself as "lucky" to have found peace of mind through voice and that of the performing arts. Ria looks forward to helping as many children as she can to find a constructive outlet for expressing themselves in order to achieve a more prideful tomorrow. AJ--Jimmy Esau Brown: Jimmy Esau Brown was born in Richmond, CA. Jimmy began singing at the age of 5 and became interested in acting when he saw the movie "Sister Act." Jimmy currently attends Richmond High School in Richmond, CA where he performed in the musical, Little Shop of Horrors, as the voice of the plant. Although Jimmy loves to sing, act, and write music, in his spare time, he also enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with his family. Corky--John Island: Since the age of six, John Island began developing his God given talent for singing. At that time, John realized his calling to be a professional singer and entertainer. Growing up in the inner city of Richmond, CA, John has successfully translated his life experiences, loves and tragedies into song via his incredible artistry. His vocal stylings include R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Gospel, and Reggae. A vocal arsenal such as this makes John something more than a “one-hit wonder.” His voice possesses the passion, warmth and creativity needed to top the charts and succeed in the music industry. John Island is definitely one to watch. Malvin--Charles Johnson: Charles E. Johnson was born and raised in Oakland, CA. He started singing in his first group at the young age of twelve. He went to Castlemont high school where he sang with the Castleers, under the leadership of Phillip Reeder. After high school, Charles sang with many different singing groups and choirs doing gospel tours and concerts. His latest project was singing background on a CD for gospel artist April Wrights. He currently sings with, Voices of Celebration (VOC), a Bay Area gospel group created by Tim Poston. Momma--Monica Foster: Monica Foster is a wife and mother of three. Monica has participated in plays in high school, college and churches. She loves using the arts as her Christian ministry such as praise dancing and plays with a spiritual message. Domino--Kylah Webster: At about three years of age, Kylah started performing in church plays where she discovered her ear for music by playing the church piano by ear, participating in preschool events and holding the family hostage with her long dramatic performances that never seemed to end. Kylah started her first lessons at the East Bay Center of the Performing Arts (EBCPA) at the age of 4-8 where she dabbled in ballet, drama, and private piano lessons with Sky. Kylah later returned to the EBCPA in 2005 as part of the two year Arts Diploma Program. Kylah graduated from the program in 2007 and is currently enrolled in their Advanced Leadership Program. Kylah has been a member of the vocal ensemble Voices of Reason for three years, and has had private voice lessons. Kylah formed two vocal groups - ESSENCE and currently HARMONY. Kylah is a student at the Oakland School of Arts and the Making Waves Education Program. Kylah's goals are to pursue a college degree in the Performing Arts and Physical Therapy at Columbia University/Berkeley School of Music. Foots/Man--Roger Lawrence Helm II: Roger has had many experiences in his life, which have included travel, performing on stage, music, painting and drawing, swimming, soccer, and basketball. Many of the interests that he now has, were developed when he was quite young. Roger’s first opportunity to perform on stage in a live theatre happened when his mother, Karen Basey, performed in a play at the Black Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, CA. Roger played the role of a child and some say that he almost stole the show. His last performance was the voice of Audrey II and Mr. Bernstein in the Little Shop of Horrors at Hercules High School. Roger received the Outstanding Supporting Performer Award from the San Jose American Musical Theatre for the voice of Audrey II and Mr. Bernstein. He stated that he enjoyed performing on stage a lot and thought perhaps, acting may be in his future. However, his greatest love is music. Although Roger plays several instruments, he enjoys rap music, making beats, exploring many genres of music with his friends, and writing lyrics most of all. One day, Roger hopes to become a music producer and produce music artists under his own label.
ABOUT THE MUSICAL STAGE PLAY:
All former members of a R&B 70’s group (Wendell, AJ, Malvin, and Corky) and their devoted lifetime fan, Star, are reflecting on their lives and reminiscing about the group’s earlier years. Wendell is having family problems and he yearns to go back in time. During his hiatus away from home, Wendell is transported back in time to the early 70’s when the members first met. ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM: Writer/Producer - KV Basey: Karen’s passion for the arts started at a very early age with dance, and now, at this stage of her life, her artistic journey has taken a new turn for the love of writing. When asked what inspired her to write a play, she states, “I wanted to see a musical about a 70’s R&B group, and I began to write.” Initially, she wrote about a popular band in the area, but decided against it because of the difficulty of obtaining permission to use their songs. She then realized that her father had recorded some songs in the 70’s and thought the songs would be great for a musical stage play; and that pretty much explains how this all came about. Not only is Karen making her debut as a playwright, but as a songwriter as well. The song “I'm Only Fifteen,” included in the Take Me Back production, was written by Karen. Karen is very excited about this play and has another one on the tip of her pin. Karen has one child, Roger, who is also a passionate writer, actor, and musician. Director/Music Director - David Sonnier: A 28 year veteran of the theatre, David is a very talented and gifted artist with close to 50 plays to his credit. Some of his talents include singing, music and theatre direction, as well as performing. David officially began his acting career in the second grade and according to him, he was "hooked." He became serious about pursuing music and theater as
a career during his sophmore year in high school. After graduation, it was no slowing down for David. He has worked with many theatre companies and groups around the bay area and has had many major and leading roles. His stage credits include "West Side Story," "The Big White Fog," "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death," "Jesus Christ, Superstar," "The Legend of John Henry, Superman," "Little Ham," "CP Time," "Brother Dap," "Short Eyes," "Wasted" and "The Spot" just to name a few. David has almost
done it all on the stage as well as behind it. He also has some television
work to his credit. David is also an accomplished musical director and arranger and lends his talents to his church as their gospel choir director and minister of music. He also produces music and is currently working with several artists around the bay on various music projects. When asked if he ever sits still, he will say, "yes, when I'm asleep." David has two children, a son, Glenn, in college and a daughter, Dominique, who will enter high school in the fall.
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Thanks for including me amongst your friends. If I can assist you in fulfilling your divine purpose, please let me know.
May 2009 be a year of reference for magnitudes of unbelievable manifestations of God’s divine revelation of His glory within you. That you be a good steward of the time allotted to you to fulfill your purpose while making decisive and definitive choices that will lead you to immeasurable successes, creativity, peace, wealth, excellent health and a life filled with excitement.
Happy New Year!!!!
~Latrina L Johnson-Life Transforming Professional Speaker, Life Guidance Mentor, author of Change Your Life by Changing Your Mind, and CEO of SAM (Speaking Above Mediocrity) http://www. youtube. com/LatrinaJohnson
We just wanted to say thank you for being a friend of ours. We posted some new pictures, and updated our profile. We are also in the process of working on music so that will be posted shortly. In the meantime, when you get a moment please go to our page and check them out. We love all feedback so leave a comment and let us know what you think. Also check back daily because there are tons of new things that will be posted shortly. Thanks again.
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