This is a community project.

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If Angels are Men was written by the author of the 5 star Making Mary

"I found Making Mary to be as well written as Barack Obama's Dreams of my Father--only, Making Mary is more intriguing." ---Sheldon Barnes, www.myspace.com/africanamericanhistorytv






Andrea Marie Davis stars as the modern day Bathshebaniqua, while Keith Bishop plays "Detective" Joseph with her in Act Three.



Canesha X Jones plays Evangelist Pilate of 2010, while her counterpart, Eric Edwards II plays the 1864 and 1930's Pilate. Pilate is characterized after the Biblical figure who had a chance to stop Jesus' crucifixion, but instead, he was found "washing his hands" of the matter due to the hostile climate and fear present during that time of 2000 years ago.

Kathy Yolanda Rice is Anranma in If Angels are Men.




Anrama is Maryam's mom. She married Zach out of lonliness after her husband died. The audience will love the heartwrenching way Kathy tells Anranma's story. When the producer saw Kathy walk through the rehearsal door for the first time, it was clear the star studded singer could only be a major asset to the production. Kathy is the type of actress that Hollywood needs to be introduced to because she knows what she's doing, she's beautiful on the inside as well as the outside, she's professional, and she requires little to no instruction whatsoever. BAM! That's what I'm talking about!




Kathy Yolanda Rice is an artist. She creates images that reflect her African heritage. She is imaginative and colorful in her artistic approach. Kathy credits her subconscious memories, inspired by her ancestors, for the tribal traditions and stories that make their way to our reality through her hands.
Kathy is also a singer/songwriter. She enjoys creating music that is soothing to the soul, and songs that carry a universal message. Kathy writes about love, her travels and life experiences. The debut album, entitled, "After All These Years" is available here:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kyrice
http://www.myspace.com/kathyyolandarice

Jamon Fifer plays the role of Peter in all three Acts



A native of Indianapolis, IN, Jamon K. Fifer is the son of Sandra Harrison and Willie E. Fifer Sr. The fifth of six boys he is an alumni of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. He will be attending SIT (School of International Training-Brattleboro, VT) where he will be finishing two M.S. degrees in Social Justices and Intercultural Relations. Jamon has traveled the world with recent travels in Nicaragua where he had the wonderful opportunity to experience the beautiful people of Managua working with "at-risk" youth. He has had the opportunity to travel to other countries including El Salvador and Honduras where he has done other grass-root organizing. His previous acting experiences include consectutive roles in "This Man Jesus" by Rising South Productions 2004.
The producer is overjoyed to have Jamon back on the set. He is a demonstration of the highly qualified who are represented in this production. Jamon is vocal in the community, he volunteers his time to help others, and he is the intelligent and elite brother who has the spirit of a soldier on and off the set. Check him out!

Meet Alabama's A&M's Rainy Cates



Rainy will give us passion, attitude, and inspiration in the 2010 scene.

Rainy Cates is a Junior at Alabama A&M university majoring in Telecommunication with a concentration in performance and minoring in Fashion Design. She is active in many things around campus including two dance teams Nemesis and VBB. She joined Sigma Tau Epsilon Professional Fraternity Rho Chapter in the fall of 2009 and in the spring she is persuing trying to be Miss. Alabama A&M University.

Meet Jasmine Johnson

Jasmine plays the Voice of Consciousness in the play. You will see her from beginning to the end of the production, and she is one of the hardest working actresses on the set. This child is making a major debut! You gotta love her, the producer says.



Twelve year old Jasmine is an honor roll student to include the A and the A-B honor role at Harvest Elementary. This cutie pie has modeled at the mall in front of more than 150 people, and she has excelled as a cheerleader. Jasmine wants to be either a veternarian or a pediatrician. She likes being on the computer, playing in hair, and "hanging out" with friends.

Comes now, Nicole Mason, who can act her stockings off!



You should've seen Nicole at the first auditions. She was NOT playing. Little Nicole was not overly concerned with all of the spectators, but she was concerned about doing a good job, and that, she did and continues to do. What a studious child. She was one of the first stars to remember her lines, and you just wait to witness her expressiveness!

And then there is Loyal Curry. I'm scared of him! Loyal plays Lazarus Abiff. Ladies and gentlemen, this brother is a humble soul, although based on his two friends pictured with him below, it's hard to tell!



Can't you tell by now that these brothers and sisters plan to lay that thing out for you on March 28th, if it pleases God? does Loyal look like he's playing with you? To read more about Loyal, keep scrolling down...

Tavares Flocka Edwards plays Zacharias



Tavares Flocka Edwards is pictured on the left, posing with his cousin, Eric Edwards. Tavares is a pistol on that stage! He is a gift to the Rising South Literacy School. He's going to rock your world when he brings Zacharias to life.


In the play, Zacharias is man with a gambling problem. He is Maryam's stepfather, and he is NOT a fool! Anranma was sitting on top of her deceased husband's money when Zacharias came along. Ruthless Herrod helped to orchestrate their unior because Zacharias would see to it that Herrod received Maryam's hand in marriage, whether she liked it or not.


Meet Eric Edwards

Pilate is played by Eric C. Edwards II.



Pilate
    Middle-aged man. Somewhat powerful but still not willing to overstep Herrod. Pilate brings life to the 1864 scene, especially as played by Eric C. Edwards II. He's someone you'd better get to know while he's around, because he's going places! Eric is a delight to work with, and ranked amongst the most talented in his class.



Eric C. Edwards II is a striving singer/songwriter, and Business Admin Major at Alabama A&M University. He has written and performed numerous poems at many different venues. He also performed at a few Black Arts Festivals here in Huntsville, AL. As far as his role as Pilate, he says, "I consider My role as Pilate to be a very strong thread in the garment of the play." Eric went on to say, "My favorit quote is one that I penned: Cold, Confusing, Complex, Equations. Always have Soft, Simple, Solid, Solutions." Eric Edwards II
Eric likes to spend time with family and friends; he enjoys bowling, playing basketball, singing, reciting poetry, and "just having a great time."

Keith Bishop plays Detective Joseph.



You will first meet Keith in the 1864 scene, but you won't know who he is because he'll be disguised as one of the slaves in the field. However, pay attention when that talented 'slave' picks up his harmonica and blows the crowd away! He will lead the song When the Saints Go Marching In, as the slaves bound away from the shackles and make their way to the 1930's.



Keith cracks the producer up because he is serene and calm at all times, until he gets on the set. He knows the full meaning of getting into character.

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Huntsville's own Jovan "DaJoka" Willis is playing the leading role of Herrod in If Angels are Men. He is magnificent in this three dimensional character. He plays Herrod the so-called Negro overseer in 1864, and his character transcends to Herrod in 1930, where he has the same wicked persona, but in a different era. He wants to possess Mary Sumayah and will not be satisfied until he is the boss over everyone. When Herrod transcends to 2010, his desire for power leads him to the Mayorship over the city.



Jovan "DaJoka" Willis, a Huntsville, AL resident by way of Benton Harbor Michigan, starting doing music and performing at the age 8 yrs old! A very talented singer/songwriter/recording artist/actor is the CEO of C.O.R. Entertainment. You may be familiar with Jovan from the hit stage play "No More Thuggin" as Nate, a ruthless drug peddler and ":Granny" a God feaing woman with a heart of gold and a huge inspiration to her friends and family. In this play Jovan was a triple threat, including singing and rapping songs throughout the production. In "If Angels Are Men",Jovan plays the evil bootlicker "Herrod". Rich, ruthless, and coniving wants the hand of the beautiful Maryam and at all cost wants to have her. Displaying versatility and depth, Jovan also sings and dances in the great production.: 'I personally believe that this is one of my most challenging roles to date, and I am very proud to be apart of this wonderful stage play". In his spare time, Jovan consults for rap and r&b artists alike and is Happily married and a proud father of the best sons in the world! If you like to know more about DaJoka go to: facebook.com/jovan dajoka willis Myspace.com/jvdajoka Twitter.com/dajoka24 makingmary.com/ifangelsaremen

Kayla Belser portrays the 1864 and 1930's Bathsheba, and she's doing a superior job.



Bathsheba (Kayla Belser) is Maryam's sister. She has been made to feel she is less than herself. Bathsheba has a big heart, but is prone to trust the wrong people. She is smitten with Joseph, although he only has eyes for Maryam, Bathsheba is "awarded" his hand in marriage. The producer has enjoyed watching Kayla blossom like a rare and exotic flower into this role. This is because at first, it was difficult to get Miss Kayla to accept that she was 'throwing' herself at ANY MAN, and she was not having it! But, now, she's having fun with her role and she sees how good she is at it. We love her!

Kayla says, "I am a twenty year old Junior at Alabama A&M Unversity. I've lived in Huntsville since second semester of my freshman year but I am originlly from Cordova, AL. My major is Business Administration with a concentraion in Office Systems Management. I am a member of Hope Community Church where I participate in the choir and volunteer in the church youth group. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, spending time with family and friends ,and playing sports. My goal in life is to get my masters degree in Business Education, become a teacher, and eventually open my own business. My motto in life is "There's POWER in my PRAYER and VICTORY in my PRAISE". I am SO excited about this production and I know that it's going to be a complete success!"



Jenita Sherrod, who plays Maryam, the heroine, has just been in an altercation with Herrod, played by her star counterpart, Jovan Willis, pictured above.

Jenita Sherrod was born in Cleburn, Texas. She has three beautiful children; a son Marquise (15), and two daughters, Jenisha (14) and Jebrisha (8.) She Loves acting, and this is her second performance as the lead female in If Angels are Men. Jenita is extremely excited about performing on the big stage again.
"Standing on the stage and bringing a story to life in front of a huge audience gives her so much joy!," says Jenita. She enjoys making people laugh and smile. She is an encourager for Christ--a prayer warrior. She still has her dream (which will come true) of becoming very wealthy so that she can help others. She is looking forward to acting in many plays. Maybe one day for Tyler Perry--not that he is greater than what she is currently producing, it's just that he has millions. Lots of laughs. Jenita soon wants to start having one woman shows. And she feels that this play will give her the exposure that she needs. She wants to thank Sis. Dedra Muhammed once again for this awsome opportunity.

Meet the Cast of If Angels are Men

Todd Baker plays Joseph in Acts One and Two



Todd nails the role of Joseph, who loves Maryam, but espoused to Bathsheba. Poor. Feels he can't be successful. His lack of belief in himself leads to his mental doom.

Todd says, "I've had the awesome privilege to be raised in an artistic family in the middle of Brooklyn, N.Y. and singing in many choirs throughout my life. I feel about the character Joseph 1864/1930: Joseph is simply a labile character overall."
One of Todd's favorite Quotes is: "Be Present"
"I'm married to a wonderful SWEETBREAD of a woman (Nichola) for almost 13 years. Our heavenly union has born unto us a smart and beautiful daughter, Naomi, with another child on the way. What I like to do in my spare time: In my spare time I enjoy being at home with my family and eating my wife's gourmet cooking. I also enjoy participating in great events like this, music, traveling, and good company."

The producer says, "When I witnessed Todd's audtion, it was clear to me before the votes came back that he would surely have one of the leading roles. Period. The passion coming from this young man is spellbinding. I am sure you will feel the same way once you see him in action. During rehearsals, I sometimes sit back and watch him and I could fall on the floor with laughter. This is because he nails his lines so tough that my laughing is filled with joy because he is now with us at the Rising South Literacy School, and we plan to keep him."

Back to the foyer
Rising South Literacy School

Tickets for If Angels are Men




All I can say right now is everyone is very excited. The talent Huntsville has to offer is sensational, and we plan to exhibit some of it on March 28, 2010 at the VBC.

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Meet the Cast of If Angels are Men

A Musically Inclined Black History stage play production

Sunday, March 28, 2010
Von Braun Civic Center, Concert Hall
6:00 p.m.

In loving memory of Michael Jackson, please enjoy his music in our production.

Contact Sister Dedra at 694-3880 for more information.

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Meet the Cast!

ACT ONE
Cast

Loyal Curry plays the 1864 Lazarus Abiff



Lazarus Abiff
    Maryam's real father. Died protecting her from Herrod. He gets his name from the Biblical Lazarus who was not dead unto death, but sleeping, in a grave like state with a napkin over his eyes until Jesus removed the napkin. His name is also from Hiram Abiff, who was hit in the head and robbed, according to free masonry.


Loyal is so far the last addition for the local actors who will get to show their stuff in this fantastic play. Leo is energetic and smooth. He has stepped up to the plate like a champ; a humungus asset for our team.

v

Peter
    Teenager, cocky, swag, thuggish. Deals drugs for Herrod.

Peter is played by Jamon Ffifer

Eugene
    Angel figure.

Maryam Sumayah
    Heroine. Intelligent, obedient to wicked step-father. 20 years old.

Jenita Sherrod plays Maryam in Acts One and Two.

Jovan "DaJoka" Willis plays Herrod in Acts One and Two

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Act Three



Canesha X Jones will appear and dance in the 1864 scene, but you won't recognize her until you see her transform Pilate's character into what a female can do with it. Canesha is remarkable, and leads the 2010 cast to an exciting close of the play. My favorite line she says in the play is, "We have to have the mind of Jesus!" She gets so revved up!
She says, "I am currently a customer service representative with Verizon Wireless.
I really enjoy acting in plays and this is my second play within Rising South Literacy School.
I am very please with my role as Evangelist Pilate because it allows me to really connect with the other characters passionately on a spiritual note and yet all at the same time keeping them upbeat. Favorite quote,......

"Happy moments, praise GOD
Difficult moments, seek GOD
Quiet moments, worship GOD
Painful moments, trust GOD
Every moment, thank GOD
3 year old daughter Limaya
In my spare time, I love to travel, shop, and watch movies.

Bathsheba is played by Andrea Davis



This is Andrea's first production with Rising South Literacy School. She is very excited about being a part of something that has such an influential message. "I enjoy playing Bathshebaniqua because she represents the followers of the world and the people who just enjoy having a good time in spite of what complex issues are going on around them. These people just go with the flow whether it is right or wrong, because it is easy to get sucked into what's popular at the time." Andrea is currently a speech/language pathologist with Madison County Schools. She enjoys just about anything (righteous) as long as it involves having a good time.
Andrea was hand selected by the play's producer to bring Bathshebaniqua to life. Even though she is not an experienced actress, she is model material, full of energy, and a natural. Watching Ms. Andrea will make you forget you are in a theater...you will relate to her like she is your friend next door.

Byron Houston and Shondia Collins below are the "extras" that every production needs. They play "the media" in the 2010 scene, and Byron also plays the drug dealer in the 1930s's.

Anglier Baker plays the Mother of Consciousness

Rising South Literacy School is a not-for-profit entity. Our current project, If Angels are Men, is a community project. The vast majority of the cast members live in Madison County, and are taking advantage of free acting,cultural, and liberal art classes.

Michael Jackson video "They Don't Really Care About Us."

Michael Jackson lyrics

MICHAEL JACKSON Video - Michael Jackson Music Videos
Music Videos by VideoCure

Dedra Lori Muhammad
Rising South Literacy School