Yes, Lord! ~ The Musical

“A foot stomping, hand clapping, soul stirring musical!”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

When “Yes, Lord! - the musical” opens at the Ferst Center For The Arts at Georgia Tech on Friday, May 28 a lot is riding on it. Playwright and producer Ja Jahannes is banking on Atlanta’s potential as a mecca for new theatre.

“As I see it, the development of exciting new theatre over the years by groups like the Alliance Theatre, under the direction of Kenny Leon, and Jomandi and Just Us theater, and creative efforts by playwrights such as Pearl Cleage, Atlanta is ripe for exciting, new theatre,” says Jahannes, founder of Jahannes Productions, the only African American national touring company of legitimate musical theater.

“Yes, Lord” is a two-act, contemporary, gospel, jazz, and R &B musical drama, with captivating dance and rich down-home humor. The play explores the theme of good and evil in every man. “Yes, Lord” premiered at the Johnny Mercer Theatre in Savannah 1987 and toured the southeast U. S and U. S. Virgin Islands. It was showcased at the John Houseman Theatre (Theatre Row, 450 West 42nd Street New York, NY) in April 2000, and at The Newark Museum Theater (Newark, NJ) in June 2001. Now it returns to the stage at the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech for 8 pm performances Friday and Saturday, May 28 and 29th and a 3 pm matinee performance on Sunday May 30.

Auditions for “Yes, Lord!” were held in New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Cleveland, South Carolina, and Atlanta. “We have some of the best talent in the nation in this production and Atlanta is well represented,” says Michael Terry, a veteran musical theater director, from Washington DC, who serves as primary musical supervisor and director of “The Tower of Power Orchestra” that accompanies the twenty-six show of actors, singers, dancers and musicians.

Jahannes, who has over thirty-five years of experience in theatre, personally persuaded Katura Walker to return from Europe and serve as director and musical director of Yes. Lord last October. Ms. Walker, award winning Broadway actor and director of international tours of African America musical groups has set “Yes, Lord” as a dynamic family oriented musical equal to the best of Broadway.

“This is an anointed work,” says Jahannes. It inspires and uplifts as it entertains and it will rock Atlanta as it begins a twenty-five city tour.”

THE END

BACKGROUND INFO
Yes, Lord! ~ The Musical

“A foot stomping, hand clapping, soul stirring musical!”

Author, composer and lyricist: Ja A. Jahannes
Director: Katura Walker
Assistant Director and Choreographer: Tkeban X. T. Jahannes
Assistant Choreographer and Dance Master: Audi Lopez
Stage Manager: Mark Jones
Scenic Designer: Kelly Berry
Lighting Designer: Hans Shoop
Sound Director: Michael McGowen

REVIEWS
“A foot stomping, hand clapping, soul stirring musical...”
Ken Nixon, Director/ Producer - Broadway
“Yes, Lord is a rip-roaring good time, the classic Faustian theme is brilliantly played out through the Reverend and Luce characters. "Yes Lord! Yes, Lord!!" A Must See.”
Jan Johnson, Director/Producer, Showtime Networks, Los Angeles
“a great show with great appeal to the young audience and the older crowd will enjoy it ...a new and exciting theatre exploration...”
Michael Allen, Director/Dramaturge, New York
“...traditional Broadway with blues inflections and jazz tones...a stirring spiritually uplifting show with flashy choreography.”
Dan R. Goddard - Arts Reviewer, San Antonio Express News
HISTORY
“Yes, Lord” premiered at the Johnny Mercer Theatre in 1987 and toured the southeast U. S and U. S. Virgin Islands. It was showcased at the John Houseman Theatre (Theatre Row, 450 West 42nd Street New York, NY) in April 2000, and at The Newark Museum Theater (Newark, NJ) in June 2001. Now it returns to the stage at the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA.

DESCRIPTION
“Yes, Lord” is a two-act, contemporary, gospel, jazz, and R &B musical drama, with captivating dance and rich down-home humor. The play explores the theme of good and evil in every man. Length: 2 hrs, 30 minutes.

SYNOPSIS
What is a beloved, charismatic Tele-evangelist (Rev. Avery Allman) to do when his appetite for women and his penchant for redirecting church funds when he meets face to face with a slick, hypnotizing creature, J. R. Luce, who would steal his soul? Hounded by the media and strangers around him, nothing gets to him more than the unrelenting and inopportune intrusions by Luce in different aspects of his life. Will he prove to be a womanizing, greedy scoundrel, or a true man of God tempted by the world?



PRODUCTION STAFF PROFILES
Playwright, Producer – Dr. Ja A. Jahannes, who wrote the book and the music for "Yes, Lord," is a performance artist, writer, composer and producer. His work has appeared in diverse literary and journalistic publications. He received a B.A. with honors from Lincoln University (‘64), two Master's degrees from Hampton University and a Ph. D. from the University of Delaware. Dr. Jahannes has lectured in Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East. His many honors and awards include The Langston Hughes Award and The Danny Glover Award. His work also appears in a number of anthologies including Black Poetry of the Deep South (Beans Brown Rice Publishers, 1990), African American Poetry (Globe Press: Simon and Schuster, 1993), African American Literature (Globe Fearon Press: Simon and Schuster, 1993), Literary Savannah (Hill Street Press, 1998). He has written and produced eight plays, most notably the musicals “Yes, Lord!” and “One More Sunday;” and “Nealey's Playing Ground.” Dr. Jahannes has had two books published, as well as over two hundred articles, reviews, and poems. He has also written a collection of essays, a symphony libretto (La Dolorosa), the libretto and melodies for an oratorio (Montage For Martin), one opera libretto (In This Man), a song cycle, and lyrics for over 100 songs. Roger Dean Publishing Company, a division of the Lorenz Corporation, and, JTM PUBLISHING COMPANY, have published some of his religious compositions. Dr. Jahannes has directed many theatre and performance productions, and has toured Jahannes and Company in the U. S. and abroad. He is a BMI publisher and songwriter, a member of the Dramatist Guild of America, and a member of the League of American Authors.
Executive Producer – Tkeban X. T. Jahannes. Aside from writing, directing and acting, Jahannes and his father started the performing arts company, Jahannes Productions. While serving in the United States Air Force, Jahannes still managed to hone his expertise in the media field. Since then Jahannes has been working with several different agencies and stations in one arts capacity or another as art director, writer, cameraman, editor and media specialist, consultant, producer, and executive producer. Working in Atlanta as a p. r. director, he began a program with youth that would enhance their creativity and discipline. Jahannes has maintained his creative side by working as producer, director, and actor.
Director and Music Director - Katura Walker, a Broadway AUDELCO winner, is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and a Karamu House Alumni, where she received extensive training in the Performing Arts, Musical Theatre Department. She has performed in productions such as, Three Mo' Tenors tour, television and recording, Storyville, Blackbirds of Broadway, Queen Esther & the Harlem Gospel Singers European Tour, the national and European tour of Black Nativity, Blues in the Night, God's Trombones, Dream Girls, Their Eyes were Watching God and many other productions. She has worked with such noted directors as Marion Caffey, Mike Malone, George Faison, and Don Evans. She appeared on Broadway in Don't Get God Started and in Blues for a Gospel Queen. Ms. Walker directed and starred in extended tours of “Original U. S. Gospel Singers" and throughout Europe.
Set Designer - Kelly Berry, MFA, is currently the Technical Director at Georgia Southern
University in Statesboro, Georgia. Kelly's Scenic Design credits include Proof, Lydie Breeze, Crimes of The Heart, The Larmie Project, and many indigenous plays from the state of Hawaii.

Lighting Designer - Hans Shoop has designed lighting for musical acts Alice Ripley, Tammy Wynette, The Gatlin Brothers, Rich Little, B.J. Thomas, Don Moen, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Sarah Fimm. Plays, musicals and reviews include On the Verge, The Odd Couple, Lettuce and Lovage, celebrate America, Big Band Swing, Wunnerful Wunnerful, The Summer of '66, Big Band at the Savoy, From Nashville to Broadway, An All American Christmas, Hollywood superstars, Snoopy's Magic on ice, A Joyful Noise. Architectural Lighting Designs for The Hard Rock Café, Joslin department store.
Intern (Assistant to the Executive Producer) - Ronald Dowl is currently a student at Savannah State University double majoring in Mass Communications and English. A graduate of North Clayton High School and a resident of Riverdale GA, Ronald is the eldest of 5 brothers. When home he attends New Life Presbyterian Church in College Park, under the direction of Pastor Lonnie Oliver.
Intern (Assistant to the Director) - Sharon Sibley, youngest of three, has been a part of the Exodus teen dance and drama department of World Changers Church International since she was 12. Now, she is currently a sophomore of Oxford College of Emory University where she is studying to pursue a career in Dance and Theater. She continues to dance with the NEX College and Young Adult Ministry at WCCI. She also enjoys hobbies such as arts and crafts, fashion designing, and figure skating.
Stage Manager/Lead Carpenter - Mark Anthony Jones was born in Savannah, GA, and he graduated from Armstrong-Atlantic State University. He was a member of the Georgia Thespian Association throughout high school. He has created sets for various school and private productions. In his spare time he created sets for weddings. He is a teacher in the Dekalb County School System at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School. He teaches Visual Arts and Yearbook. His carpentry skills range from small furniture pieces to large scale sets. He hails from a family of master carpenters.
Assistant Stage Manager - Tonee Bell is an actor and comedian from Stone Mountain, Georgia. He studied voice, diction and theatre at Savannah State University as Mass Communications major. This versatile actor/comedian has appeared in films playing the following roles: Robert Turner in Cuttin' Up (miniseries, Rovic Entertainment), Eric in No Love Lost (short, Break A Sweat Productions, DuShawn Bulloh), Marcus in Mistaken Identity (short, Break A Sweat Productions, DuShawn Bulloh), Eric Ross in 25/8 Productions, DuShawn Bulloh), and Paul in Standoff (feature, Crystal Watts Productions, Andy Mudo). He has appeared in theater productions as Sidney Lipton in God's Favorite (Players By The Sea, R. L. Stevenson), Leave Green in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Players by the Sea, Will Bellais; City Lights Theater, Jim Holt), and as Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie (Players By The Sea, Will Bellais). Tonee, who is athletic, also does standup comedy, improvisational theater and impressions.
DANCE ~ MOVEMENT
“Yes, Lord” incorporates choreographed jazz and contemporary dance and movement throughout most scenes.

As Choreographer – At an early age, T. X. T. Jahannes was exposed to the many facets The Arts. He grew up around some of the most prolific actors, directors, musicians, writers and dancers in the 21st century. Jahannes studied piano, painting, creative writing, dance and martial arts during his formative years. He became the African American choreographer for the City of Hampton, VA Jazz Ensemble. While pursuing formal training in ballet and modern dance, Jahannes also danced with his peers and enjoying the challenges of break dancing, pop-lockin,’ and what is now called “hip hop” dancing. As principal male dancer for the Peninsula Ballet Academy, he became aware the gifts that he was blessed with. In college, Jahannes shifted his focus from ballet to jazz, modern, and African dance. He danced with the Hampton University Terpsichoreans and act with the Hampton Players and the Savannah State University Players by the Sea. Jahannes has maintained his creative side by working as Choreographer, Director, and Actor. He has recently completed and yearlong
tour with the Academy Theatre Company and is currently a dancer and choreographer for Mezcolanza Dance Company.
Assistant Choreographer and Dance Master - Audi Lopez, who serves as assistant Choreographer and Dance Master owns Mezcolanza Dance Studio in the Mezcolanza Center for Latin Culture. Yes, Lord! is Audi's debut as a choreographer of musical theatre. However, she was ready for the challenge! Previously, as choreographer of Movement Force (Georgia State University's Dance Company) and currently of Mezcolanza Dance Company, Audi established a well-known reputation for a signature style which she calls "mezcolanza": a true mixture which reflects over 20 years of training and choreographing in a wide variety of dance styles including ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, Ballroom, Tropical Latin and International Folkloric dances. About Mezcolanza Mezcolanza Center for Latin Culture is located at the StudioPlex Artist Community near Downtown Atlanta. For more information, send mail to 659 Auburn Ave. NE, #143 Atlanta, GA 30312, call 404-223-5325 or visit us online at www.mezcolanza.org.
Director of Marketing - N. Kozmo Miller - As a graduate of Morehouse College's class of 1995, Kozmo has used his BA in Drama to put several of his talents to work for himself. Although he holds a strong interest in voice-overs and acting, the technical side of things has kept him busy as well. Having experience in set design, stage management and direction and a year as Spelman College's assistant director of special events gave way to Kozmo's workings in brand management for local marketing companies. He uses his expertise in world music and promotional skills to produce radio segments, public service announcements and the like. As a journalist, Kozmo has been internationally, nationally and locally published by travel, lifestyle, news as well as on-line publications. With a marketing and theatre background combined, he is very excited to be a part of the Yes Lord team.
Events Coordinator/Assistant to the Producer- Angela Yvonne is a recent transplant from Los Angeles, CA. where she attended the University of Southern California. While at USC she produced several productions and managed the USC Casting office. Currently she is production manager for the Atlanta All-Stars Talent Show Network and manages donor relations and event logistics at Emory University. Angela has a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from the University of Phoenix and has an AWESOME 13 year old son named Jordan.
THE CAST
Reverend Avery Allman (Tony Bennett) is a native of Dayton, Ohio and is now residing in Greenville, SC. A seasoned artist with a plethora of gifts and talents, he loves sharing with audiences around the world. A self taught musician with over 25 years of experience, he has served as musician or director of high school and college choirs including USCS, Wofford College, Converse College and Furman University to name a few. Featured with Harlem Gospel Singers and The Golden Gospel Singers, he served as guest clinician and artist with Italy's Premier Gospel singers "The Joy Gospel Choir" of Bologna. Tony has performed with gospel greats such as James Cleveland, Kirk Franklin, Andre Crouch, Darryl Coley, Donald Lawrence, and John P. Kee among others. Tony's jazz piano/vocal performances include host and featured artist at The Carolina Panthers Stadiums, "Panther's Den" as well as many citywide festivals. He has played the comedic role of "Get Low" in "Purely Victorious" and a variety of characters in "Love Notes" as well as James Cleveland's "Let the People Rejoice." He also wrote and directed an original play entitled "I Have a Vision" for the National Baptist Convention of America. He has two solo recordings "Call Him Up" & "Sail Away."
Evangelist Connie Allman (Donna Newsome) Donna has acquired experiences in the entertainment industry in virtually every area of music including live/stage performances as both solo and backup vocalist, and studio recording projects with such well-known entertainers and musicians as: Richard Smallwood, Kelly Price, Diana Ross, Dottie Peoples, Darryl Coley, Tramaine Hawkins, Jennifer Holiday, the late George Howard, Michael Jackson, L.A. Reid, Shirley Caesar, and many more. Donna’s theatrical stage credits include: Black Nativity - The Concert - 2003, Jah Love - 2003, Big River - 2001, The Journey - 2000, Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places - 1999, Color of Love - 1998-99, Black Nativity 1989-91 and 1995-1999 and 2001, and Purlie - 1995. In the summer of 2000, Donna directed a 400 plus-voice mass choir and wrote and directed a Black History dramatization in Europe at the Stockholm Gospel Festival. Donna is a member of Hunter Hill First Baptist Church where she sings with the United Voices and directs the Women’s Choir. Donna has a B.S. Ed. in Speech Pathology from the University of Georgia and a M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education/Language Arts from Brenau University. Currently on extended leave with DeKalb County Schools, Donna also sings with Collective Voice (local band) and she runs an online furniture company, Addena Designs. She is married to Sam Newsome and has a beautiful six-month old daughter, Taylor Samantha.
J.R. Luce (Charles E. Bullock): Child of the sun, heralds from Phoenix, Arizona, where he began his study of musical theatre. His studies brought him to Atlanta where he completed a B.A. in Studio Arts from Morehouse College and worked extensively in the theatrical community with such companies as Just Us Theatre: Black Nativity, Atlanta Dance Theatre: Regional Tours, David Sheppard Productions: Heartstrings: A Revival, Amnesty International, Jomandi Productions: Dreamgirls, Sophisticated Ladies, Hip II, Birth of the Boom, and the Alliance Theatre: The Hot Mikado, Ananse, the African Spiderman. He debuted Herman Wourk and Jimmy Buffet's musical Don't Stop the Carnival in Miami, FL. Abroad, Charles has toured Tronhiem, Denmark and Oslo, Norway with The Black Diamond Show. As a choreographer he has worked extensively with the critically acclaimed Freddie Hendricks' Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and has received rave reviews for his work. He has also toured with the company abroad to Antwerp Belgium, Johannesburg, and Soweto, South African to perform their signature piece Soweto! Soweto! Soweto! A Township is Calling. Charles is co-founder and vocalist with the vocal group Mistyque Vocals Ease! And has lent his vocal stylings as featured vocalist to such projects as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra' Annual Gospel Christmas '93- '96, the 1996 Olympic Opening Ceremonies and numerous studio and industrial projects.

Sister Inez (Kelly Elizabeth Allen): A native of Buffalo NY, is no stranger to the arts. As a child she began dancing with the Barbara Glover School of Dance and studied jazz and tap for several years. She became even more serious about her craft when enrolled the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. At about the same age she started dancing Kelly started sing and acting with the logical step for her. Since coming to Atlanta, she has worked on several movies including “Fighting Temptations”, “Drumline”, “The Clearing”, and “Dumb and Dumber 2”. Kelly has also been instrumental on the production side of “Jah Love”, serving as vocal arranger on many of the songs. She is now a part of a gospel group called “So Blessed” and has begun to write as well.

Minister Bond (Chris Hagan): His soaring lyric tenor voice has touched the hearts of thousand around the world by way of his extensive international experiences. He began singing with the gospel-recording artist, The New Orleans Soul Children. This gave Chris the opportunity to travel the country as lead singer in the group. After moving to Atlanta he joined the Atlanta Super Choir and had the opportunity to travel to Montreux, Switzerland representing Atlanta in the Montreux Jazz Festival, produced by Claude Nobs and Quincy Jones. Chris has also performed for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain and other festival in Nice, Vienna, France, the Caribbean Islands, Quebec and Montreal, Canada. His most recent international performances were in Dublin, Ireland and London, England with "Riverdance". Chris has worked with musical legends Tramaine Hawkins, Gladys Knight, and Andre Crouch, as well as many others in the gospel and secular arena.

Minister Smalls (Freddie Britt): Comes from a long line of accomplished singers and grew up as many other singers have done, singing in, directing, and performing as part of numerous church choirs. In 1989, Freddie's vocal abilities earned him a music scholarship at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. While studying for a degree in Music, Freddie dazzled audiences and headlined choruses such as "Show Choir" AKA "Encore", "Acappella Choir" and "The JSU Gospel Choir" to name a few. He was overjoyed when he was invited to sing on a Gospel Tour in Italy in December 2001. Velvet-voiced Freddie delivers his style of contemporary gospel jazz with such intensity and sincerity that he consistently evokes emotional responses from audiences who often rise to their feet in appreciation. Among the many productions he has been a part of, Freddie has appeared in The Journey, Just Having Church, Lord Why Me, and Man of The House.

Minister James (R. Martino Avery): A native of Arlington, VA/Washington, DC/Baltimore areas. He’s a graduate of Howard University with a B.A in English and has completed minor studies in Fine Arts with concentration on Classical and Jazz Piano. He has studied commercial acting and scene study in New York with various casting directors via TVI Actors Studio. Martino began singing with the Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar D.C. Chapter at the age of 14. He also began directing shortly thereafter. This has led him to train and teach several community and church choirs, ensembles and soloists throughout his region. He has served as a church organist/pianist, musical director and Sign Language interpreter for several years at his Washington, DC home church. Martino has recently relocated to the Atlanta area to pursue entertainment as a full time career with focus on music and vocal production.

Sister Levitica (Levita Lowe): The seventh child of Rev. and Mrs. J. C. Carter, Levita Lowe is an 11-year veteran music teacher in the Bibb County Public School System. Levita is a member of Unionville Missionary Baptist Church where Pastor I. Edwin Mack serves excellently. Levita is a part of the music staff at Unionville Baptist Church and serves as a part of the youth advisory ministry and as a church school teacher. Levita met and married Mr. Frederick D. Lowe at Unionville Missionary Baptist Church. Levita has presented and participated in workshops for Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker, and Byron Cage. She also sung for the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. and in the National Gospel Music Workshop of America. She has served as the youth director for the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, sixth district under the leadership of Pastors Curtis Raines, Sr. and I. Edwin Mack. Levita presents music workshops and youth conferences throughout the state of Georgia. She is also been a part of team that traveled the United States for the Southern Baptist Convention and has served thousands of youth during the National Black Church Leadership conferences. Presently, Levita is preparing to publish her series of children’s faith books called “Vince and Vita” specifically but not limited to Christian African American youth. She is also working on a bible study book for youth and a children’s CD of praise songs. Levita has recently recorded, produced, and released a CD with her group, NEMA.
Luce-ette/Sister Deborah/ Second Female Reporter (Audi Lopez): Audi was born and raised in a small town in Puerto Rico to a family of musicians, dancers, and artists. She is a successful model, actress, dancer, and singer. In Puerto Rico she appeared in Verizon Wireless TV Commercial, and the “Improvisto” Improv Comedy TV Show. With a Bachelor's of Science in Dance Choreography, she is Owner/CEO of Mezcolanza (Center for Latin Culture, Atlanta), Director of Mezcolanza’s Dance Company, and single-mom of a beautiful 6 year old who is already following in her footsteps. She danced in Da Brat’s “So Funktified”) and appeared in the movies (“Heaven Knows” Extended Music Scene of in “The Fighting Temptations” DVD with Faith Evans, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Beyonce Knowles), and has been featured in concerts like Gilberto Santa Rosa for the NBA All-Stars 2003, Los Van-Van in 2002, etc. She is recognized for the “Grand Finale” at the National Black Arts Festival Sponsor’s Gala, the exciting performances at Vivelo 2004 showcasing Atlanta's most prominent Latino Talent, her impromptu rendition of Afro-Latin rhythms at the Hammond House’s Afro-Latin Film Festival’s Press Conference, or as she shares her love for dance every Thursday night at the world famous Havana Club. Frequently in periodicals in as Access Atlanta, Jezebel, Season, Delta Sky Magazine, Rolling Out, Upscale, and the Atlanta Journal & Constitution, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Creative Loafing, Mundo Hispanico, Atlanta Intown, Audi is a multi-talented Latina!
Luce-ette/ Sister Ruth/ First Female Reporter (CorShonda Springer): Growing up in Fort Wayne, IN CorShonda knew that performing was her destiny by the time she was 7. She studied dancing and singing at the Fort Wayne School of Dance and performed in school plays. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, and working for the Department of Defense in Detroit Michigan, she moved to Atlanta and began working with acting coach, Pat Hurley, then studied at the Alliance Theatre, and then at the Professional Actors Studio. She was cast in productions such as Annie and A Christmas Carol and in Independent films such as Too Shy to Be A Vampire and others. Recently, she quit her career as a computer programmer and has been aggressively auditioning and recording songs while obtaining vocal lessons at Big House Studios. With a keen business sense she branched out into the entrepreneurial scene and now owns of her own companies, providing event planning service, independent promotions, marketing and personal concierge services to her clients.
Luce-ette/Sister Belle/Third Female Reporter (Sheena Knight) Sheena Alita Knight was born on October 21, 1984 in Atlanta, GA and is the youngest of two sisters. She attended Norma Dance Academy in the summer for two years and joined North Atlanta High Schools Performing Arts Magnet program. She developed technical skills in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and African, Modern and Hip-Hop and attended the school of Ballethnic. She performed at local talent shows, churches and workshops like Darrin Henson and Neffertiti's Hip Hop Dance Workshops. Sheena used her choreography skills with R&B Gospel Singer Desiree Zilimon and country singer Tayo Reed. She has also choreographed the Bronner Brothers hair and fashion show. Sheena is enrolled at Bauder College in the fashion-merchandising field. Training continues with the help of a developmental program, Infinite Movement Dance. She plans to get a degree and continue to pursue dance at its highest level.
THE ENSEMBLE

Alecia Terry is an Atlanta native and an alumna of West Georgia University. Mrs. Terry made her acting debut in 1998 in the gospel musical "Delayed But Not Denied", written and directed by Teresa Coleman Wash of the Teco Theatrical Production Company featuring Liege. She subsequently appeared in "Angels Watching Over Me" (Teco Theatrical Production), "Man of the House", If Not now Then When, (Claybon Knight Production), 'The Journey" (Splinder Productions), "Lord Why Me" (MyStiQ Entertainment) as well as numerous local community theatre productions. She has performed and recorded vocally with Elton John (2004 CD & Opera promotional), Gerald Thompson (background vocals), CeeCee Wining (opening with VOA), Cee-Lo (recording 2003), Adam McKnight, Voice of Atlanta (Lead Vocalist "Are You Listening"-nominated for 2002 Stellar Award), William Green & Magic Dream, Wallace Heartsfield, Russell Williams, The Atlanta Symphony under the directions of Robert Shaw, God's Favor, Freddie Britt, and God's Singing Divas. Alecia has touched the hearts of others through Television, Film and Corporate Jingles. Her words of encouragement: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." (John 3:16)
Jamila Sampson was born in Rome, New York January 4th, 1974 and grew up in the military town of Colorado Springs, CO. As a child, Jamila longed to express herself outside the usual and predictable routine of everyday life. However, she was extremely shy in nature so she shied away from center stage very early in her youth. Ultimately, because of her desire to show the world the many inner workings of her soul, she developed a passion for expression through singing, dancing, and performing. No matter how talented (or untalented) she was regarded by her peers, she tried at every opportunity to have the different characters inside her be heard. After honing her talents at the Huntingdon College Theater Department in Montgomery, Alabama, this up and coming actress decided to plant her roots in Atlanta, GA the summer of 2001. Since then she has been extremely involved in the entertainment community participating in several projects. She made her Atlanta theatrical debut in the original production Jah Love. Her many independent film projects include: Angel Bliss, Donor, Cheatin' and True Adversity, which is featured in the New York Independent Film Festival in Miami. When Jamila is not on set or in the theater, she sings in a local house band called Harmony Park. Jamila also has a supportive 8 year old daughter named Sinai.
Born and reared in Shaker Heights, Ohio, E. Walter Smith's relationship with music has been a never ceasing love affair. It all started while playing bass guitar with local bands in junior high school. During these years the song list ranged from Kiss to Cameo, giving a unique flavor to his style. In addition, his classmates included familiar names like, Gerald Levert, Jim Brickman, Anne Cochran, Kym Whitley (Oh, Drama, Sparks), Darryl "D Style" Swann (Macy Gray, Poetic Justice), Molly Shannon (Saturday Nite Live), Mike Ferguson (Levert, Rude Boys, Chakka Kahn, Luther Vandross, Sinbad), David Pogue, Steven Troy, and Chris Marcoux. While attending the University of Akron, E. was a distinguished voice in the U of A Gospel Choir. Upon relocating to Atlanta, he was one of the original founders of the young adult gospel choir at St. Anthony's Catholic Church and then became the cantor for the Catholic Center at The Atlanta University Complex. With a vocal range that dances between four octaves, E. began to establish his "Pop & Soul" career by performing at various venues around the metro Atlanta area. Soon after that, he was performing at social events like the Jewish National Fund's Kick-Off Gala for the Bill Cosby, Liza Minnelli, Marvin Hamlisch concert, The Africa House during the 1996 Olympics, and Alpha Kappa Alpha's Cabaret, to name a few. The success of these performances found him cast as co-host for the television pilot Speak Up, Speak Out. E. Walter has recently seen performing his "soon to be classic" song of truly committed love on "Babbie's House," hosted by Grammy Award winning gospel-recording artist Babbie Mason. In addition to Wedding Day! and Take Me!, E. Walter has also written twelve songs for a mainstream recording project titled, A Man For All Seasons. This project will offer a musical smorgasbord of hits that will span the genres of Pop, Soul, House, Salsa, R&B and Rock n Roll.
Erica-Christina Beauty Little hails from Macon, Ga. She is a student at Savannah State University pursuing a degree in Music, with a special concentration in vocal performance, and English. Erica-Christina has performed many solos since the tender age of five, not only in the vocal area, but also in the areas of piano and violin. Currently, she performs with the Savannah State University Concert Choir, under the directorship of Professor Nan Spicer. Erica-Christina Beauty Little is a young, fresh voice ready to make her mark in the music world. Erica will also be a guest violinist with the "Tower of Power Orchestra".
Kattya Garcia is a native of Barranquilla, Colombia, and a gifted singer, actor and dancer - a triple threat. She has been involved in artistic expression since childhood. She brings a haunting blend of soulful emotion and resonance to her singing that is strong and pure. Yes, Lord marks her debut in a regional mainstage musical drama."

Kemba Cofield is embarking on a career as a performer, director, arranger, and educator, and receiving high praise from audiences. She has begun her career with gospel and straight-ahead jazz for audiences ranging from National leaders to elementary school students. Kemba had her first professional job singing with the Bernard Linnette Quartet. She has enjoyed participating in and creating many unique musical situations beginning her career with a duet recording with trombonist Wycliffe Gordon on his upcoming record scheduled for release this fall. Kemba is also an educator who believes that being a student forever is an excellent dictum in order to progress and mature into the musician she strives to be. Kemba has shared her musical knowledge with the public and private sectors. Her work with young vocalists and audiences from elementary to high school students has brought about wonderful children's concerts and powerful performances - which is evidence of her distinctive talent to relate musically to students of various ages. Born in Columbus, Ohio, but reared in Frankfort, Kentucky, Kemba Cofield's musical talents have thrust her from the pageant contestant scene to that of performing as fine dining entertainment, on television, and radio. While in Kentucky, she won over thirteen beauty pageant titles singing Broadway tunes. Today, Kemba is truly rising to the top in Atlanta, Georgia. Be on the look out for the new CD entitled "Shades of Kemba Cofield" coming to a store near you.
THE AWESOME PIT SINGERS
Naftal Shereen Jahannes began her acting career at the age of six when she walked onto the stage of “Kojo and the Leopard” and asked her father/director what was her part. She began her dancing career at the age of 8 with classes at Hampton University with the head of the well-known “Terpsichoreans.” Naftal Jahannes is a 34-year old Internet marketing representative with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She enjoys all aspects of performing arts, both as a participant and a spectator. She has appeared in various productions in Georgia. This is her first Atlanta production. Naftal has always had a music gift and used to dazzle her family with identifying a song from the very first notes. She has performed in “La Dolorosa” and sang in a trio with her sisters a piece called “Africa” for the filming of “The Language You Cry In.” She has been a radio DJ in Atlanta and sings all the time. Singing is what she does!
Darlene Walker is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. She has performed in the Shaw High School Chorus. As 1st and 2nd Soprano. She performed in several plays, including “The Wiz” and “Black Nativity” at the Ohio State Theater. She is currently one of the lead singers at the Rehoboth Church of God in Christ. By profession, she is a nurse but is coming back to her first love that is singing.
THE TOWER OF POWER ORCHESTRA
Michael A. Terry (Primary Music Supervisor/ keyboards) is a native of Ohio, and has been residing in Washington, D.C. for the last twelve years. Michael has been blessed to travel the world with his gift of music. He displays prolific abilities on the keyboard, and is a dynamic music director, choral arranger, composer, vocalist, and teacher. Michael was a keyboard player for Ann Nesby, lead vocalist for the Grammy Award-winning group, "Sounds of Blackness" and has collaborated with many national gospel-recording artists and numerous groups and choirs have recorded his compositions. Michael has been featured in many productions such as the Presidential Inaugural Concert, World Trade Center Pass Series Gospel Concert, "Touch the World Tour" with R&B six-time Grammy Winners Earth Wind and Fire. His experience expands a wide genre, which exemplifies his versatility and depth of knowledge. Michael has worked with children's theatre, international music festivals, and in other venues. Currently, Michael serves as Minister of Music at Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church in Potomac, MD. He is also an instructor at the Levine School of Music in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, he works as Music Director for the touring company of Howard University.
Arthur Rogiers (Keyboards/synthesizers) is a skilled songwriter, musician, producer and arranger. This 24 year-old performer is an artist in the purest sense of the word. Rogiers' engaging and seductive material is poetic but not clichéd; his distinctive writing style evens-out the sound of today's popular and urban music by combining elements of R&B, Jazz, Pop, and Soul. Rogiers had his first classical piano recital at the age of five. By the age of 18, he had played piano with professional jazz band "A Moment's Notice," toured with Off-Broadway theatre group "Uprising" and performed with Gloria Estefan, Jessye Norman, Stephanie Mills, Vickie Winans, and Richard Smallwood to name a few. With a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music, he studied voice and earned a BA in Music Business and Management. Arriving in New York in 2000, his unique style of writing and arranging garnered the of industry insiders giving him the opportunity to work with producers Bernard Belle, Ray Chew, Charles "Poogie" Bell, Onree Gill, Loren Dawson, C.D. Hawkins and Grammy Award winning songwriter, Anita McCloud, among others. While recording his first full-length project, Rogiers was called on to play keyboards and organ with the then upcoming talent Alicia Keys. Rogiers self-titled debut, soon to be released consists of 12 original tracks and reveals his skills as an artist.
Che' Marshall (Drums), a native of Baltimore, has lived in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and other cities, Che' began his playing drums at a young age in his fathers' church. Pursuing his love for music, Che' attended the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, studying under Roger Humphries. Later, he studied under Dr. Jonathan Callins in Birmingham and played in the Birmingham Youth Jazz Ensemble, a group Alabama’s most talented teens that traveled the world annually. Jazz became a major catalyst in his life. After high school Che' enrolled at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, and after a year, he transferred to study jazz percussion with mentor Kenah Boto at Georgia State University. Che's artistic ability is exemplified by his versatility and he performs in a variety of musical settings, from jazz legends to hip hop icons. He has toured with artists such as Deborah Brown, Julie Dexter, Russell Gunn, Phillip Harper, Doug E. Fresh and Mike Phillips.
Roderick Harris Jr. (Guitar), a Jacksonville, Florida native who moved to Atlanta in 1994, is the son of a singer/songwriter. The 24 year-old guitarist studied jazz guitar at Georgia State University’s School of Music and from 1999 through 2001 he performed in the prestigious Atlanta Jazz Festival as both as a leader and a sideman. He formed his own band known as AlgoRhythm. Now, Roderick is a freelance and studio musician, playing with some of the region's top talent. He is the recording guitarist on Jagged Edge’s album, “Hard” and his songwriting can be heard on the neo-soul sophomore album of Inobe.
Reginald Goodjoin (Bass), a native of Greenville, SC, began studying music at the age of eight years old. During his formative years, he was introduced to gospel, jazz and the rhythm and blues of Motown. In addition to working with Joe Sample, Max Roach, Clark Terry, Betty Carter, Fred Wesley and the late Dizzy Gillespie on the Black College Jazz Network Tour, Reginald was the first bassist to be inducted into the South Carolina State University Jazz Band Hall of Fame. Reginald has accompanied gospel artists Tramaine Hawkins and Richard Smallwood for the National Black Presbyterian Caucus, and served as bassist for the Ebony Fashion Fair under the musical direction of Theodist Rogers. Reginald holds a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Master of Counseling Education from South Carolina State University. He has collaborated with and served as music director with the Henderson-Davis Players of SCSU in their productions of Ain’t Misbehavin', Caravan, Pearlie, Don't Bother Me I Can't Cope, Motown Review, and When Hell Freezes Over, I'll Skate. Reginald's current projects include Latin-Soul jazz artist Melina Almodovar, gospel artist Malvis Alexander and Covenant, The Pride Band and Tailor Made Jazz Ensemble.
CONTACT
Jahannes Productions
Southeast Representative
1618 Foxhall Road
Savannah, GA 31405
912 355-1300

Atlanta Offices
659 Auburn Ave. NE, #143
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 223-5325 or (404) 222-9505