The Cast: There Is One In Every Family

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!

Melvin Williams - Jerome Sr.

Turn on Gospel Radio and you’re sure to hear Melvin Williams, one of Gospel music’s most distinctive voices in the music industry. Over 50 years with the world renowned Williams Brothers, 18 Top Ten records, 7 Grammy Award nominations and a host of Stellar Awards with The Williams Brothers, Williams delivers Gospel music unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. Williams’ distinctive, raspy vocal tone established him as one of the most recognized and sought-after artist featured in over seven or more songs by various traditional and contemporary artists. Anytime of the day or night, you were guaranteed to hear Melvin Williams on the radio singing with Regina Belle, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, Marvin Winans, Paul Overstreet, Marty Stuart, Mavis Staples, Tracy Worth, Neal Roberson, The Williams Brothers, Pastor Paul Morton, Lee Williams, and Harvey Watkins, Jr. to name a few.

Meanwhile, as a stage actor, Williams appeared in several stage plays, “Lord, I’m Coming Home” starring Todd Bridges, a Tyler Perry directed play written by Lisa Sweat; “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” created by Mildred Summerville and Regina McCrary; “Preaching to the Pastors” with celebrity actor Leon from Robert Townsends’ “Five Heartbeats” and VH1 “Temptations”; as well as independent playwrights Garrett Davis, Gregory Ward, Calvin Brasley, and Lena Warrior to name a few.

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.

Roc Living - Jerome Jr.  

ROC is a native Houstonian whose primary role in life is being a GOD-fearing husband to a beautiful wife & father to a precious daughter. Several years ago, ROC began pursuing acting at The Encore Theater of Houston, where he later was inducted to its Hall of Fame of Actors. His talent has allowed him to perform at other theaters in Houston such as The Ensemble Theater, Wortham Theater, Hobby Center, Main Street Theater- Chelsea Market, Stages Repertory Theater and Silver House Theater, as well as other theaters in surrounding cities and states. ROC has performed in such productions as Only GOD Can Judge Me, Sex & The Sanctuary, When Sist’us Cry, Angola 3, Bud- Not Buddy, You Can’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover, Incarceration, Othello, Samson & Delilah, The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963, The Boys Next Doors, Of Mice & Men, Camp Logan, Women In Prison, Coffee-Colored Dreams, Sparkle, Before It Hits Home, and AIDA, just to name a few.

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".

DomiNque Coleman-Perry - Johunna  

DomiNque, is a native Houstonian, she has showcased her acting, dancing and singing talents, since the age of seven,  performing in main stage plays such as Tap Dance Kid, Black Nativity, Crowns and more. Films include “Red Ink”, “After School Special”, and “Public Library”; A PVAMU Black Fox & TSU Motion Majorette, a dance crew member on  MTV’s America’s  Best Dance Crew season 5 (Xtreme Motion), a Houston Texan Cheerleader Finalist ’10 and currently a Missy Elliott Dance Video Competition finalist and presently in the process of completing her first album. She has matured from her younger years as a Young Performer at the Ensemble Theatre, to her current involvement with Movet Entertainment.

Evangeline Gabriel Young - Aunt Esther

Evangeline Gabriel Young. Yes, her 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, acting and comedic abilities on stage and on camera. She has performed in stage plays and film productions such as Gang Land Love Story, I Pledge Allegiance, God Send Me A Man, There Is One In Every Family, Mike Jones The American Dream and Waters Rising. She has been privileged 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, Reagan Gomez, Khalil Kain, Clifton Powell, Luther Barnes and Keeona Gabriel. Evangeline has been singing since elementary school. She has also recorded and toured with the New Day Radio Choir, Brentwood Chorale, Southeast Ispirational Choir, Mickey Mosley and Elfrida Brown the Flautist. She had the blessings of writing and singing all the songs on the CD release entitled “Compassion” with her group “Sounds of Praise”. She continues to write, sing, direct and serve in the ministry at her church. 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”.

Erica Patterson - Dominique

A native of Philadelphia, PA, Erica Patterson started studying theatre at the tender age of 13 at Freedom Theatre’s intensive training program with Robert Christophe and the Creative and Performing Arts High school with Mel Williams.  She performed in various stage plays including, Ushers, A Very Ghetto Christmas, Dreamgirls, Black Nativity and Church Girl. Her most recent endeavor includes the hit play There’s One in Every Family, acting as an understudy for Stormy. You will see her light shine as she embarks on principal and leading roles in various upcoming productions. As she remains humble and grateful to God, she would like for you to journey with her on her road to success.

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

 Amelia  truly lives up to meaning of her name: hardworking and vigorous. At the young age of 4, Amelia found herself standing in church with a microphone in hand and singing from her heart. What followed seemed so natural, public speaking, dancing and performing. The hard work was just the beginning.  After adding a degree in Business Administration to her many accomplishments from the University of North Texas, Amelia quickly climbed the corporate ladder and became the youngest Vice President with Bank of America. Even with all the success and recognition that came from the corporate world, the original passion of performing was missing. So Amelia went back to the talents and gifts God had given her and now she is living on purpose. Within six short years, Amelia’s body of work encompasses nearly ten independent films, three television productions, which includes a role on NBC’s ground breaking television show Chase. Amelia has appeared in several national commercials including, Texas Lottery, Toyota, Wal-Mart, The Maids, United Way, Pain Patch, Popeyes, Wonder Cooker, Pure Pro and The Space Center of Houston. Having such commercial appeal, she is currently the new spokesperson for the Fiesta Mart Stores.  And just when you thought she has done it all, Amelia has stolen the hearts of thousands by performing live on national theater tours.  Her incredible energy on stage has dazzles audiences and leaves them wanting more. And to think her stage work started when she landed the role of Kim in Off Hollywood Production’s, The Great Divide. She has continued to win hearts in her role as the First Lady Diane in Movet Entertainment’s, There’s One in Every Family and as Rachel Stevens in Acting Bad Productions’, Only God Can Judge Me. Amelia took on an even bigger challenge when she landed the lead role as Porsha in TB Ballard Productions’, Suspicion, Lies and Sweet Potato Pies.  Remaining humble and thanking God daily for the countless blessings and with her family’s unwavering love and support, Amelia Jeffries is well on her way to becoming an icon in the entertainment industry and a household name. Amelia’s motto is “Never Get Out of Line”, eventually it will be your turn.  Look for Mrs. Jeffries in the feature film, Puncture, starring opposite Jesse Martin which is scheduled to be released sometime in 2011.

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.

Matt Stobaugh - Assistant Stage Manager

Matt Stobaugh is an avid sportsman who also has a love for acting and the theatre.  He has enhanced his knowledge and skills in this area via formal training in various areas of the profession.  He is currently working with MO’VET Entertainment as an Assistant Stage Manager and understudy in the hit stage play “There Is One In Every Family”.