MEET THE CAST AND CREW OF THE GIFT
Brenda Mitchell
(playing Eboni Washington)
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Singing began at the age of five for this 49 year old native of Rosedale, Mississippi. Not only is Brenda the mother of Brittany Reed, Tarayla and Geno Merriweather but she is also an entrepreneur. She owns and operates Illusions Salon Boutique and Sunday Morning Boutique.
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This singer/songwriter and promoter is a faithful member/worship leader at St. Stephen Church Hardin County; Rev. Dr. Kevin W. Cosby, Sr. is her pastor.
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She’s worked in productions such as:
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Tyrone Goodman’s stage play “IT’S NOT WHAT IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE”
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Dr. Michael A. Shaw’s stage play “IT MUST BE LOVE ‘CAUSE HATE DON’T HURT THIS BAD
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Greg Campbell’s AWARD WINNING stage play “MAMA NEM” receiving the honor of VOCALIST of the YEAR AWARD
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Liz Goins’ “EVERY EYE THAT’S CLOSED AIN’T SLEEP”
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Paula McCraney’s “NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SON”
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St. Stephen Church’s “RHYTHM NATION”
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St. Stephen Church’s Skit/Video commercial production
Mentored by Evelyn Turrentine-Agee and Tyrone Porter, Brenda manages the quartet group One Accord Ministries and is a dedicated member of The Gospel Music Workshop of America’s Quartet Division as well as The Bluegrass Chapter. In July 2013, God allowed the ladies a 3rd place win in the GMWA Quartet Division’s Quartet Quest Competition. One Accord is currently working on their debut CD Single entitled “WALK WITH ME”. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Kevin L. Russell; born November 5, 1960. Graduated East Nashville High School 1979. Join the US Army 5/12/1982, served 20 plus years and retired with many awards and decorations. Married to Linda (Walker): to this union came two fantastic children, Marcus and Stephanie Russell and the total joy of his life is his two grandchildren 6 years old Jarrell Marque Russell and 1 1/2 year old Aeden Lavelle Russell.
Graduated McKendree University; receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Management and Computer Information Systems, holds an associate degree in General Studies from Central Texas Collage.
Kevin is an Information Technology Specialists (IT) work in the Promotions Branch at HRC, Fort Knox KY.
Member of Heritage Int’l Christian Church; Radcliff Kentucky, serves as Deacon, and member of the League of Honorable Men ministry. He’s also holds Associate membership with Mt. Sinai CP church, Mt. Mariah MB church both located in Nashville TN and Mt Lebanon MB church in Columba TN.
Active member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Coronals; services as commissioner on two commissions appointed by Governor Steven Beshear and re-appointed by current Governor Matt Bevin. Past President of the Midwest Shrine Coalition, and current Deputy of the Desert of Kentucky A.E.A.O.N.M.S. PHA.
Kevin Russell
(playing Frank Cotton)
LaToya Alston is from Radcliff KY. LaToya earned her Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Leadership from Sullivan University. She is currently completing her Master's in Human Resource Leadership from Sullivan University as well. LaToya is over the Youth Usher Ministry at her church St Stephen's . She is also a Youth Cheerleading Coach For North Hardin Youth Cheerleading league. Her favorite thing is spending time with her Daughter Jayla, Nana and her Brother Damian.
Latoya Alston
(playing Mary J Christian)
Fern Little Bolden-Johnson is a native of Flint, Michigan (Buctown USA) and now resides in Hardin County, Ky. Fern is the 3rd child of three girls, born to Maggie Little-Williams and Joe Bolden. Fern has been married for 25 years to Minister Kendrick Johnson and during this union they have been blessed by God to have two beautiful children Autumn Johnson (21) and Kendrick Johnson II (17). Fern has been employed by the US Government for 15 years at Fort Knox, KY. She is a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Doctor O.C. Jones Sr. She is a member of the Praise Team, a Choir director, Children’s church instructor and youth ministry worker. She is also a member of the nationally known quartet group One Accord Ministries, winners of the Gospel Music Workshop of America Quartet Division Quartet Quest. Fern loves to sing and act in various productions around the states of KY and MI. Fern feels her calling in life is to lead people to Christ through her charismatic personality, laughter and smile. She says “always let God Lead you because He will never steer you wrong.” Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Fern Johnson
(playing Jessica Washington)
Kevin Bond
(playing Joseph Haywood)
Kevin M. Bond was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1963 to Gaylord and Myra Bond. My formal education was through the Baltimore Public School System where I graduated from Southern High School in 1981. After graduation, my plans changed from attending Baltimore Community College to joining the Army. I enlisted in the military as a Personnel Record Specialist which later became a Human Resources Specialist. I retired after serving 21 plus years of military service to my country. After retiring, I served as a contractor overseas for Kellogg, Brown, and Root from 2003-2008.
Mr. Bond is married to former Glynis Shelton. This November we will be celebrating 30 years of marriage and have been together for more than 31 years. To our union two daughters were born LaJoya, and Tyra Bond. We also have one grandson Devin who is the love of our lives. Glynis and I enjoy traveling around the world. One of the highlight of our travels was a recent trip to Aruba. We considered living there but return because of our daughters, grandson, and our mothers whom we love dearly and would miss tremendously.
Currently, employed at the Human Resources Command at Fort Knox, KY, where I serve as a Human Resource Specialist in the Officer Personnel Management Division. My place of worship and church membership for the last seven years is at All Nations Worship Ministries under the leadership of Pastors Michael and Gloria Fite. I am a member of various auxiliaries and serve as Chairman of the Deacon Board.
As a cast member, I fully understand how much time is required to studying the lines, feeling the emotions of the character I am portraying, and ensuring that I attend the rehearsals. My initial interest in the play was to work behind the scenes, however that changed when I attended my first rehearsal. I am having a blast interacting with the entire cast. My character in the play is Joseph, he is a Construction Contractor.
Duane Nunnally Of Rineyville, KY by way of Savannah GA loves the Lord with every fiber of his being and strives to give God his best in every aspect of his life – to include praising His holy name. He is a singer, writer, actor and international recording artist that is fully committed to spreading the gospel to reach every generation. From the time Duane rises in the morning until he retires in the evening, he endeavors to do everything within his power to give God glory.
Married to Mrs. Nora (Craig) Nunnally, they have 3 children (Duane Jr (27), Antonio (25) and Amanda (21). From humble beginnings, through extensive life challenges and tribulations, Duane joined the military at the age of 19 serving twenty-nine years, and managed to touch thousands of lives as he served both his country and His Savior and Lord. Duane is ordained an Elder under Global Ministries International (GMI) serving on their board as Minister of Christian Education and licensed as a Minister of the Gospel through Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Tacoma Washington. He sings in the trio “A Joy Noise” and wrote their first single “I Need You” on their Favor Project, serving as the “Chief of Operations for Blessed By God (BBG) Enterprises.
Duane is Director of the Brother 2 Brother mentoring group, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the Bluegrass Sergeant Majors Association, treasurer of the Radcliff North Hardin Ministers Association and a member of the Hardin County Minority Advisory Council.
Faithful, funny and frank, Duane remains focused on his true goal: To preach the gospel to the nations!
Duane Nunnaly
(playing Terrance Christian
Artis Marie Dyer
(playing Rachel Christian)
Artis Marie Dyer (Marie) is a native of Ottawa Lake, Michigan, and a veteran of the United States Army. Marie began her singing career at the age of three under the tutelage of her director and mother, Carol A. Harvey at Community Baptist Church, and Family Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio. At the age of five, she began playing the trumpet and several other brass instruments under the direction of her grandfather, Emmett Futrell Sr, a professional jazz and big band trumpeter. As a teenager, she played the trumpet at Rusty’s Jazz Café in Toledo, Ohio (closely chaperoned by family members), and began singing jazz, as well. As her passion for music grew, so did her love for God. She concentrated her efforts more towards the church, as opposed to jazz, and began singing with accomplished gospel artists throughout the Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio tristate area, and sand annually with the GMWA (Gospel Music Workshop of America). After enlisting in the US Army at the age of 17, she continued her singing career by singing with multiple gospel choirs throughout Europe. While living overseas, she served as both Choir Director and Praise and Worship Leader in Hohenfels, Germany, and Praise and Worship Leader in Baumholder, Germany.
In 2014, she conducted her first 5-day praise and worship workshop in Sumter, South Carolina to which she taught 11 songs to combined choirs and praise teams, and assisted in the music accompaniment, as well.
Currently, Marie Dyer attends St. Stephens Church in Radcliff, Kentucky where she sings on the Praise and Worship Team, the Chapel Choir, and the Mega-Praise Team at her church. Marie is the mother of three awesome children; Kandace Chawpon (Dyer)- 28 years, Kerrilinn Dyer-23 years old, and Kevin Dyer- 20 years old.
Alan Dale
(playing Nathaniel Reid)
Born July 29, 1969 in Lorain Ohio to Reva (Matthews) Dale. I have a twin sister Aime'e E. Dale whom I'm very close with. I have a daughter Aly'sha N. Dale (she looks like her Deedy)LOL. She is my heart. I am a broadcasting major. I graduated (top of my class) from the Ohio Center of broadcasting with emphasis in radio and television. I am a former radio personality of 14 years with three Northeast Ohio Gospel radio stations 104.9 FM (Saints Shouting in the night), 1380 AM (Saints Shouting drive time) and 1040 AM Saturday morning Gospel/Talkshow. I did an extensive Internship for Clear Channel WGAR 99.5 Cleveland Country with Brian & Leann.
*Stage play accomplishments
I graduated in 1987 from Lorain High School where my acting career began in the stage play "Oklahoma". I played a complex Man by the name of Judd Fry.
I went on to play a variety characters under the direction of Shelle Mathis, Gospel/screenplay writer, director, producer in two stage plays "Deliverance" I played a pimp and the Church Nerd. I assume that I played that role so well (LOL) that I went on to play Fred the 30 day Play'a" in "An evening of One Acts".
Luke 4: 18-19 fastly became one of my favorite scriptures when the Lord called me to preach when I was 23 years old. I am a praise and worship leader, choir director and I work with the youth. I sung with Charles Woolfork and Covenant for a number of years and two albums... "Tru2God"and "Second Coming". We toured the nation and perform a number of times on Bobby Jones.
I love the Lord and thank him for allowing me to do what he has called me to do. As I tell everyone that I meet "have a better forever, for that's better than just a great day".
Facebook: alan.edwarddale Twitter: @alandale68 Instagram: alandale68 ail: alandale68@ gmail.com
Melinda Owens has a colorful spirit and for those that know her, knows she is also one with colorful words. She is from the Bootheel of Missouri, and currently lives in Elizabethtown with her three wonderful children Brittney, Briant, and Admire. She enjoys doing community service throughout the community, chauffeuring her children and their friends to various activities, and making others laugh. She puts her Bachelors in Education, majoring in Math to great use by volunteering with the MOD Squad tutoring children in the Hardin County area in different math classes. She also is a member of the Fort Knox Ruff Ryders and has held an officers position the last three years. Within the RR Organization she demonstrates her great leadership capabilities and has also been involved in various community service activities. She attends church services at PowerHouse Of Praise. She enjoys giving God the glory and the praise for just being able to do the simple things of life after her illness kept her from walking, talking, or being able to just take care her basic needs of living. During her years upon this earth Melinda has also been a helicopter mechanic and has worked in nursing. She also enjoys writing poems, and being artistic. While she is well educated, a wonderful mother, and an asset to her community, Melinda believes that her best decision in life was giving God a try! Her favorite tag is *IAMLOVED because God loves us all.
Melinda Owens
(playing Kimberly Reid)
Jayla Alan
(playing RaTrinity Reid)
Jayla Allen is 9 years old, and from Radcliff KY. She is in the 4th grade and also a part of the Gift and Talented. Jayla is a cheerleader, tennis player and loves singing. She enjoys singing and attending church at St Stephen Church, under leadership of Rev. Dr. Kevin W. Cosby. Jayla has had the great opportunity of participating in National Competitive cheer competitions, School plays, and lead singing roles for youth Graduations. On her free time she has volunteered at local Nursing Home, and speaking with younger children. Jayla believes When God said let there be light, he was giving her permission to Shine.
Jarrell Russell started his acting career at 9months... He is now 6 years old and have since moved on to become a great soccer player. He attends Meadowview elementary school where he is in the 1st grade and his favorite subject is science
Jarrell Russell
(playing Darius Reid)
Daniel Morrison
(playing Leon Young)
Daniel Morrison was born in Elizabethtown, KY June 21, 1976 to Kathy Schmitt and Steven Morrison, a Sergeant First Class E7 in Fort Knox, Ky. Daniel has had several books published in both fiction (Dream Shade: The Chosen, Poster Girl, Conductor O’Shay) as well as non-fiction (Artist Etiquette 101: A Sure Fire Way to Get A Response From Radio, Magazines and Media for rookie music artists and a draft in the works titled Cuss Therapy) and enjoyed a couple awards received for music that he has written and performed. Having been on the media side of the music industry since 2009 and being co-founder of Alternative Revolt Magazine and running his own online music magazine, Hip Rock Magazine, he is no stranger to helping people reach their dreams and being a positive influence to others. Teaching a Sunday School class for teenagers in his former church of West Point Baptist has opened his eyes to the reality of hope that needs to be shared in today’s world. Being a stage actor in Greg Campbell’s MAMA NEM has taught him the value and positive affect that the power of God can have on people. Daniel enjoys counting blessings, being an ear to those who need it, hosting events, reviewing music, producing podcasts, comedy, writing stories, playing and writing music, and sharing good times with friends and family.
Kiki L. Williams, 45 year old native of Key West, FL, left over 26 years ago to serve as and work for soldiers. She was raised with an enormous sense of pride in the survival and cultural heritage of brown people and she is also the proud mother of a daughter Miccah “Junior” Erving, who is currently a graduate student at the University of Kentucky. Her past adventures include putting together fashion shows for a Reggae Splash with the Marley family, a Fantastic Voyage show and many Gummi Riot shows to name a few. In her spare time, her personal interest include journaling, crafting, creating outlandish costumes, cultural awareness and all things concerning her Ankhcestors.
There is no culture without agriculture, STAY WOKE!!! RBG 365….
Kiki Williams
(playing Homeless Person)
Jeannette Stephens
(playing Melissa Obernathy)
Former Councilwoman Jeannette Stephens hails from the Motor City of Detroit, Michigan. Presently, she resides in Radcliff, KY with her husband Gregory Stephens who is a retired military soldier. Together Mr. and Mrs. Stephens share their lives with children: Tanya, Nyisha, Cordero, son-in-law Derrick, daughter-in-law Annetia and three beautiful granddaughters Kayia, Arielle and Aliyah. Jeannette holds a BS in Public Administration, strives to be a strong advocate who addresses many issues and concerns on behalf of her community, and this factor is revealed in the positions that she has held over the years. For fourteen years Jeannette served as a federal employee; her last assignment was with (JAG), Judge Advocate General Office in the Administrative Law Division. From there, she was elected to the Radcliff City Council and served for a total of six years. During 2006, she implemented and launched an invigorating campaign for the office of Radcliff Mayor, and her heart has no intentions of ceasing her pursuance of leadership roles that provides betterment for the community. In addition, Jeannette Stephens has been inducted into the Emma Reno Connor’s Black History Gallery in Elizabethtown, KY where she was honored as the First Black Woman elected to office in Hardin County. Honored as a Kentucky Colonel in 1999, she received the POESI (Public Officials Essential Skills Institute) Bronze and Silver Awards from the Kentucky League of Cities. Chamber of Commerce honored her as Ambassador of the year 2002, the 2006 Role Model of the Year Award, Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame nominee for 2010, and a host of many other awards and accolades for her contributions to her community and various organizations. Member of St. Stephen Church Hardin County, member of the Chapel Choir and Youth Life Teacher ages 7-11. Currently serve as a Radcliff City Commissioner.
Gregory Campbell is married, with three beautiful adult daughters and two precious granddaughters. He is an Army Veteran, Retired Civilian Service Employee and has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. Author of novel “A Time To Father” and is pending publication of how-to book “Overcome A Missing Father”. Greg has had opportunities to contribute his acting skills in several feature films productions, such as; “The Insider” as an Attorney, “Secretariat” as Jimi Hendrix, “Acts of God” as a White Collar Worker, “50 to 1” as a VIP Fan, “The Song” as a Music Magazine PR Rep/Fan, “J.L. Ranch” as a Federal Agent, “Mom & Dad” as a High School Teacher, Several regional Commercials project and Stage productions. Training has consisted of: Screenwriting Workshop in Los Angeles, CA; Burning Up The Stage Workshop, Instructed by: Vin Morreale and I WAS THERE Filmmaking Workshop at George
Greg Campbell
(playing the Bishop)
Keith Anderson - Writer/Director/Producer
Keith Anderson of Fort Knox, KY by way of Andrews, SC is a Soldier, Playwright, Screenwriter, and author. The Lord has woken him up, really early in the morning sometimes, for over 46 years. He prays that he is doing what he asked God to send him here to do. The Lord has blessed him with over 26 years of active military service with travels from Hawaii to Germany and several stops in between. He has been married to his lovely wife Dorothy Anderson for 25 plus years. They share two beautiful children, Khajonna and Kaleb Anderson.
Keith has been writing now for over 15 years. He is the author of As A Good Soldier, Moments Bedtime Stories & Truths I, II, & III, and several stage and screen plays. With his unique way of looking at life, Keith doesn’t expect to approach topics that hasn’t been discussed but to investigate it from unique perspectives.
Encouraging fathers and mentoring young men is the one thing that Keith wishes he could do. He plans to make that a primary goal of his once he retires from the military.