Director Cory Rogers
Senior Consultant Edwina Williams
Choreographer Brian Seth Johnson
Choir Director Michael Taylor
Band Director Taurean Carter
The directors, choreographer, community relations officer, choir director, and promotions manager are the wind beneath the producer's wings. The producer says, "However, none of this would be possible if it were not for the Mighty Wings of Almighty God Himself, the true Angel, the one who provide wings to men so that we may soar in righteousness to His way." The producer begs, "May God be with this project and bless it. Only He can make this successful. Thank you for my team of wonderful community volunteers. May they all be blessed ten-fold for their terrific sacrafices."
The producer says she is humbled and honored to have Mr. Rogers take on this project for her. He is a gem! Mr. Rogers is interested in protecting the integrity of the program, and he dropped his other assignments when he heard about the prospect of this play. He says he loves it because it is a spectacular piece of art, and quite different from the average play. When he was interviewing cast members, he told them they could expect a culturally deep and rich program that was far more than entertainment. He said If Angels are Men is refreshing, and only serious minded people needed to apply.
Cory B. Rogers, also known as Mr. $mooth, graduated “with honors” in the Class of ’92. Cory Rogers was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was raised in Huntsville, Alabama. He currently resides in Madison, Alabama. Mr. Rogers became on of north Alabama’s top barbers and stylists when he started cutting his family and friends’ hair for $2.00 per cut back in th mid 1980’.
Later, Cory pursued his career as a barber by joining the team at the (deceased) Walter Malone’s Barbershop in Athens, Alabama at the age of 16 years old, in 1990. While also working on the backline at Hardee’s of Athens from the years of 1990-1996, Mr. Rogers left backline and became and intern manager over the restaurant!
Shortly afterwards, Cory gained the responsibility of opening Malone’s Barbershop…showing that he possesses great responsibility skills.
During all of this, Mr. Rogers decided to get licensed in the hair and beauty industry; therefore, he chose to enroll at Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama. This is where he did his studies in the barbering and cosmetology, as well as massage therapy. He is now certified in all of the above. (Way to go, Cory!)
Immediately after completing all required courses, Mr. Rogers was hired on to the staff of the International Institute of Trichology (the scientific study of hair and scalp disorders), and after only eleven months in the institute, Mr. Rogers became manager. While managing the institute, ge, along with his collegues, orchestrated a hair show in 1995, a play at the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center (Marriott) entitled “Spinderella 95” where he incorporated a hairshow and play using revised scenes in order to add a beauty and barber shop spin to the world reknowned classic movie “Cinderella”!! Here, he used the ball scene to display all the hair styles created by himself ans well as other stylists.
Stay tuned for part two of Cory Rogers’ Travels.
Edwina Williams is the senior consultant and director. Cory Rogers and producer Dedra Muhammad find Ma Williams (as she is affectionately called) to be invaluable. Cory relies on Ma Williams to help through any and ALL difficult areas because Ma Williams has amazing insight! She is pictured seated below while some of the cast members surround her. One thing they understand is that their lines must be said properly, or Ma Williams will stop them on the spot. She is a teacher, a director, consultant, friend, mother, supporter, and everything else good all wrapped up in her golden frame. At age 74, Ma Williams does not have time to play games and be a part of anything inferior. So, you'd best believe she's putting her best foot forward. Her Birmingham upbringing under the roof of a caring mother and civil rights activist and Baptist minister father has prepared Ma Williams to see the vision of If Angels are Men.
Producer and writer Dedra Muhammad is pictured below with choreographer Brian Seth Johnson of B-Seth Entertainment, and dancer Devin Long. She is trying to explain the tone of the 1864 scene. This is a different project for the choreographer because he will not only direct cast dances, but he will have to go back 100 years, then bring it back up to Michael Jackson specials, and all the way back to dances performed in the 30's. It is another long rehearsal night and everyone is ready to get to work!
Michael Taylor II, originally from Akron, Oh, got his start in radio by working for 90.1FM WOCG his freshmen year, then being an intern at WDJL 1000 AM his last semester of his senior year at Oakwood College. He also worked as the Sunday morning announcer for radio station WBHP 1230AM, broadcasting out of Madison, AL. He went on to graduate Cum Laude with a BA in Communication/Electronic Media. Mike has helped coordinated and hosted several events in the Rocket City: Back 2 School Gospel Jam 2001, Summer Gospel Jam 2001 and 2002, and a number of other church events. Michael has dreams of owning his own station one day. “I want to establish a quality FM station that plays ALL genres of gospel music. A station that people of all ages can listen to and enjoy.” Michael serves as a praise team leader, choir director, camera operator, and deacon at the Madison Mission SDA Church in Madison, AL and is an active member of Dynamic Praise. Mike is married to the former Bonita Hector of Brooklyn, NY and is the proud father of the three children, Danasia (14), Michael III (3), and Savonne (2).
MIKE T
Truly Blessed Communications
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Program Director: Ablazing Grace Radio
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Ministry Partners The Gospel Zone
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