The Play Cast
Shirley Murdock - Mama Cora
Shirley Murdock was born and raised in Toledo , Ohio . She gave her life to the Lord at the age of 15. She lived in Columbus, Ohio for a short time and traveled all over the country with T.E.T.R.E.C. (The End Time Revival Evangelistic Crusade) In the early 80’s, Shirley met the legendary Roger Troutman and was signed toElektra Records, and with a string of R&B hits and gold albums, she was catapulted to the forefront of the music industry. After meeting the world renowned Bishop T.D. Jakes, not only did he feature her on his 1999 Sacred Love Songs release, he signed her to his label, Dexterity Records. The new millennium brought Shirley her first Stellar Nominated gospel CD, entitled Home. It also brought more clarity to the call on her life…to preach the word of God! As an evangelist Shirley understands that she is called to the church to encourage and exhort. Her call to the world is summed up in the Great Commission... “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature...” Shirley says, “ It’s wonderful to look out at the faces of those that I’m singing to and see they’re being encouraged and uplifted, but after I preach the word of God, and they catch hold of that word and come to the altar to change their lives…nothing compares to that and I’ve been blessed to do both! Her latest CD entitled, SOULFOOD, is nominated for 3 Stellar Awards and includes the video for the single, I Love Me Better Than That. SOULFOOD is available now at her product table and in stores everywhere!
Curtis Von - Jerome Jr.
A native of Houston, TX, Curtis Von has over a decade of experience, having performed in such plays as:Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married starring Kelly Price, Men Cry in the Dark, Family Reunion, Bruised But Not Broken, Diary of a Black Man: How Do You Love a Black Woman and in numerous productions at the Ensemble and Encore theaters. Curtis has starred in as many as 9 independent films including Father of Lies co-starring Vivica Fox, Death of a G, Triple Cross, and Barbershop Blues. He adds to his resume feature films and TV roles which include Jason’s Lyric and Ali: King of the World, a made for television movie. He presently co-produces, directs, and co-stars in the soon to air sitcom, As for Me and My House. Curtis Von sees his acting platform as an avenue to reach young adults through script writing and has started his own company, Acting Bad Productios. Curtis Von thanks God and his loving and supporting family for all that he has become.
Jalene Mack - Stormy
Raised in New Orleans, LA, Jalene Mack started her quest for the bright lights with dance lessons and theatrical productions in school. Attending Xavier University in New Orleans, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Mass Communications. It was the University of New Orleans where her training began to become a versatile actress. Knowing that she had to survive while she pursued acting, Jalene decided her “waitressing job" would be working as an entertainment lawyer. So she attended Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law and was admitted to the bar soon after. Her experience both in front and behind the scenes lead Jalene to form her own production company, Off Hollywood Productions, LLC, allowing her to write, produce and star in her own plays, Off Hollywood & The Great Divide. She has also performed in Do Right Entertainment's A Real Man's Hard to Find. She is set to perform next in Angela Bolins's The Masquerade.
Alex Grayson - Johunna
Alexandria Grayson is currently in college studying commercial music. She has written material to songs produced by Howard “Versityle” Tolliver /SongBook Entertainment /Atlantic Records(Trey Songz, Brandon Hines, Lil Mo) , Beats how you want em (Plies, Lil Wayne, Fabo) ,and producer Dave Deberry . Alex received her first song placement in the summer of 2008. In addition to music, Alex also enjoys acting. She is currently playing the part as Johunna in the the stage play, "There is One in Every Family".
Evangeline Gabriel Young - Aunt Esther
Evangeline Gabriel Young’s name speaks for itself. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, raised in Houston, Texas. Evangeline is a natural when it comes to her singing and acting abilities on stage and on camera. She has performed in stage plays and film productions such as Everybody’s Woman, Lust Is In the Air, Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife, I Can’t Fight the Feeling, God Send Me A Man, There Is One In Every Family, The Masquerade, Mike Jones The American Dream and Waters Rising. She has been privilege to share the stage and films with some of the world’s finest actors such as Robin Givens, Keisha Knight-Pulliam, Persia White, Carl Payne II, Darrin Henson, Jedda Jones aka Ms. Dupree, Robin Givens, Nicci Gilbert, Reagan Gomez, Mike Jones, Clifton Powell, and Keeona Gabriel. Evangeline is forever grateful to God for every door of opportunity He has open. She is also most thankful for the endearment and encouragement of her loving husband, family and friends.
Shelton Jolivette - Jason
Rev. Shelton Jolivette, also known as Mr. Renaissance Man is a man of many gifts and talents. He’s a loving and devoted husband and father, minister, businessman, actor, vocalist, accomplished writer, and a professional drag bike racer. Jolivette’s acting career includes credits such as Mo’vet Entertainment’s “There’s One in Every Family”, AWJ’s production “My Wife and the other Woman, Alley Cat Production’s “Replay”. Off Hollywood’s self-title stage play, and Christian Creation’s “I can’t Fight the Feeling. He was also featured in WTAO production’s “Everybody’s Woman”. Jolivette is no stranger to the big screen starring in Sadan Production’s “Napoleon’s Curse”, and “Triple Cross” Tri Hope Production “Get Connected”, and he was featured in Universal Picture’s “Friday Night Lights”. Look forward to seeing his face and hearing his name across this nation especially after the release of his freshman project “Burned”, a movie you can’t afford to miss.
Dwight D. Tucker - Bill
Dwight D. Tucker attended Kashmere Senior High where he was President of the Drama Club. In his three year UIL career, he amassed 73 awards with a highlight of sweeping 1st place in Humorous, Dramatic, and Duet Interpretations his senior year. Dwight also starred in stage productions at The Music Hall of “Fame” in which he played Ralph Garcy, “The Wiz” in which he played the Scarecrow. He also starred in the Jones Hall productions of “Westside Story” and “Runaways”. Dwight also appeared in the DVD “There Is One In Every Family” starring Shirley Murdock. He is currently playing the part of Bill in the touring production of “There Is One In Every Family”.
Manuel E. Law - Joshua
Manuel E. Law This native of Shreveport, Louisiana attended Northwestren University. Relocating to Houston, Texas in 1998 he and his family are proud members of the Fountain of Praise , where he presently serves in the worship and arts ministry. Manuel started singing between the ages of 8-11 years old in the Calvary Baptist church childrens choir. Manuel has been fortunate to share the stage with such great artists as Daryl Coley, James Moore, Shirley Ceasar, Vicki Winans, Nikkta Clegg-Foxx, Regina Belle, "TRUTH", Blanche Mccalaster-Dykes, and countless other well known artist. Although he conciders himself new to theatrics his credits also include the stage plays," Watch Them Dogs" by Charles Chan and "I Can't Fight the Feeling" by Yolonda Burroughs. He gives the highest praise to God and greart thanks to his wife Tanika and children Jessica(22), Edwin(7), and Kennedi(2) for all of their sacrifices, support and LOVE.
Dwight Wagner - Jerome Sr.
Dwight Wagner is an elementary school principal in Port Arthur, Texas. He shares his vocal talent at various venues in and around the Golden Triangle cities of Port Arthur, Beaumont, and Orange. He has performed for schools, banquets, luncheons, churches, and was the headliner at a fundraising concert benefiting the Youth Advisory Council in his beloved community. Dwight penned the official city song of Port Arthur entitled, “City by the Sea”. His acting credits include performances in “Purlie Victorious”, “Driving Miss Daisy”, “Pippin”, and “The Wiz”.
Shana Y. Williams - Dominique
At a very young age Shana found that she had a deep passion for acting. Although Shana holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling, she continued to long for a career in acting. Shana had the opportunity to work with the incredibly talented Tyler Perry, on his feature film, “Why did I get Married”, and found herself twice bitten by the acting bug. Shana’s love for the stage landed her starring roles in “The Great Divide”, and currently the hit play, There’s One in Every Family”. Shana is most grateful to her family & friends for their continued support.
Amelia Jeffries - Diane
A native Houstonian, Amelia fell in love with entertaining and performing at a very early age. In 2009, Amelia made the cross over to stage by dazzling audiences in the role of Kim in the hit stage play, The Great Divide. Amelia is currently in Movet Entertainment’s, There’s One in Every Family, where she plays the feisty First Lady Diane. And coming November 2009, Amelia will star in a TD Ballard Production, Suspicion, Lies and Sweet Potato Pies.
Jo Larkins - Mama Cora (Fill in)
Jo Ethel Larkins is a native of Beaumont, Texas and graduate of Lamar University. She is an ordained minister, actress, psalmist, mother, grandmother, retired teacher ,an up and coming author of her first book, playwright, poet and an eternal student. She has performed in many plays such as “Riverwind“, “My Fair Lady“, “Jesus Christ Superstar‘,“Day of Absence“, and recently played Maggie in Common Ground Performing Arts Ensembles production of “ Crowns”. She helped cast the independent film” Sally Girl”. She has directed for 29 years in the public school system. Jo directed The Wiz in 2008. Jo just finished directing the prolific drama, A Lesson Before Dying, She is the CEO of Radical Choice…A Better Way Ministry Inc. She and her husband are in full time ministry together.
Dee Jordan - James
A Houston native performing since the age of six, Dee has performed in numerous plays such as Christmas is Comin Up Town, Briar Rabbit and Coon's Garden, and Watch on the Rhine. Dee has also performed in Angela Bolin's Chronicles of Four Mother's, Chronicles of Four Father's, and The Masquerade. He adds feature and short film credits to his resume which include Wanna Be a Baller, Carts, The Faces of Funk, and Truth Hall. Dee has had the privilege to work with a few of Hollywood's finest actors; Mo Collins, Steve Zahn, Justin Long, Jonah Hill, and Ted Lange. Dee has also produced and directed a short film, entitled Pimp at the Booth, which was a finalist at the 2007 Hollywood Black Film Festival. Dee would like to thank God for blessing him with the gift to perform and entertain. He is most Thankful for having a loving and dear wife, family, and friends that encourage and support him in all of his performing venues. He is set to perform in Angela Bolin's The Finale in May.
The Crew
Herbie Meeks - Production Manager
Herbie Meeks is originally from Arkansas and made Houston his home in 1996. He spent several years in the U.S. Navy prior to deciding to pursue other opportunities. He is a graduate of the University of Houston – Downtown with a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Theatre. He has many performances to his credit such as “Lets Talk About Sex”, “Jitney”, “MacBeth”, “Oedipus”, “Fences”, “Little Foxes”, “A Small Craft Warning”, “A Few Good Men”, “Lion In Winter”, “Plaza Suite”, and “Mulatto” to name a few. His directing background includes “Tartuffe”, “Jitney”, “Replay” and “Fences”. Film credits are “Screen Door Jesus”, “Serving Sarah”, and “Now What”. He is also a co-director for So-Mee Productions.
Constance Washington - Stage Manager
Born in the Great State of Texas by way of Louisianan roots, Constance brings a considerable array of talents to the music and theater scene. Vocally, she recently appeared at Disneyland and also performed at the Inaugural Ball for President Barack Obama. In the theater and film world, some of her credits include starring in the role of Sparkle Williams in the Houston Ensemble Theater’s production of “Sparkle: The Musical,” and also appearing as Queen Glinda in their production of “The Wiz.” Constance attends the University of Houston as an Engineering and Computer Science double major.
