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Home , Bag Lady, Freda Payne, Kenny Lattimore, Kim Fields, Ledisi, Marla Gibbs

Don B. Welch Productions Present “HEAVENBOUND” Written & Directed By Don B. Welch

Executive Producer Don B. Welch

Co-Producers Chris Dabney Marcus Dabney Keely Watson

Musical Direction Kenny Ford

Stage Manager(s) Erica Joy, Carlos Padilla Jr.

Production Operations Craig Hissong Security Cornell Simmons

Featuring Marla Gibbs, Ledisi, Kenny Lattimore, Tammi Mac, Delores Lakey Stewart, Kevin Yarbrough, DeMille Cole- Heard, Andrea Jones, Franchesca White, Charlo Crossley, Joshua Paule, Eboni Brown, TaMeca Devant, Darrelynn Robinson, Pia D, Days (Understudy – Ledisi) The Cast Marla Gibbs……………………………………………………….Christian Gatekeeper Ledisi……………………………………………………………………………..Pepsi Kenny Lattimore………………………………………………………………….Calvin Tammi Mac…………………………………………………………………….Bag Lady Delores Lakey Stewart……………………………………………………………….Cleo Theresa Ford……………………………………………………………………Dutchess Kevin Yarbrough…………………………………………………………………Padlock DeMille Cole-Heard………………………………………………………………Delroy The Choir Andrea Jones, Charlo Crossley, Franchesca White, Joshua Paule, Eboni Brown,TaMeca Devant, Carlos Padilla Jr., Darrelynn Robinson Musical Direction Kenny Ford, Musical Director/ Pianist Randolph Jamar Young , Drums, Patrick Hicks, Bass Special Thanks to: Thomas Owens III, KJLH radio, Aundrae Russell, Kameron Greene, Adai Lamar, Lon McQ, Tammi Mac, Don Amiche, Candance Simmons, Brandi Burks Kesselman, The Morris Family, Scott St. Patrick, Josuha Paule, Pia D. Days, Ty Donaldson , Verlondon C. Harris III, Jonathan Welch

Don B. Welch would like to dedicate this production on Mother’s Day weekend to the best mom in the world GLORIA WELCH POLLITT. I love u mom! OUR STORY Six ordinary Christians have passed on and meet in a place called “Almost-In-Heaven.” They have been sent to a room to audition for “The Beams Of Heaven.” They have been sent to a room to auditon consists of a Life testimony, song, and how one lived their life down on earth. What seems to be an easy task turns out to be a much more difficult one as each potential “Beam” is given one last unexpected “test” of their faith. LOCATION: A Place called “Almost-In-Heaven” SETTING: The Beams of Heaven Choir Auditions TIME: Eternity This is a two-act production with one 15-minute intermission

@TheOnlyDonB @DonBWelch www..com/DonaldWelch Don B. Welch (Writer, Director, Executive Producer) Renaissance Man is how a newspaper journalist described the talents of Donald Welch. He is an accomplished singer, actor, writer, director, playwright and producer and now author. Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, Donald began his professional career as a singer at age 15. As an actor he had co-starring roles on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, “Cosby” and, several independent films as well as served as a celebrity judge for “The Miss America Pageant” 2000 and 2004 for ABC television, co- judging with Judge Judy, and Fox TV’s Greta Van Susseran.

As a playwright, he has written and directed over 25 productions . The most successful being: The Bachelor Party, The Bachelorette Party, My Brothers Keeper, The Divorce and Hallelujah Mahalia. Under the Don B. Welch banner, noted actors Loretta Devine, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Dorien Wilson, Marla Gibbs, Kenny Lattimore, , Jackee, Obba Babatunde, Freda Payne, Mary Wilson, Ananda Lewis, Judy Pace,Tatyana Ali, Ginuwine, Flex Alexander, Jackee’ & have all been directed by Don B. Welch. In addition, Donald has worked as a writer for superstar friend and fellow Philadelphian, . In the year 2000, Donald, at the urging of Will, decided to relocate to to pursue further endeavors in the entertainment industry. Will immediately lent a helping hand by setting up various meetings with industry moguls and introducing Donald to the day-to-day mechanics of the industry.. Signed by Random House Publishers in New York, Don has written two very successful novels, “The Bachelorette Party” and “In My Sisters House.” He is currently working on a 3rd, “Running In Heels”. Most recently he directed his first film “The Bachelor Party” and it has been released nationally by IMAGE Entertainment. He has also completed the feature film “24 Hour Love” starring , Tatyana Ali, & Flex Alexander. And his latest, “The Divorce” was released nationally Jan 2014. Two New stage productions the Misfits and 3 Sisters will premiere later this year. There’s no stopping Don B. Welch who gives all the glory to God.

Special Special Thanks to one of my guardian angels on earth: Jana Babatunde-Bey

The Writer-Director would like to dedicate this production to 2 very special people: WILL & JADA PINKETT SMITH CAST BIOGRAPHIES MARLA GIBBS drums, the violin and writing songs on her piano at (Christian Gatekeeper) home.. Ledisi received two scholarships to attend Armed with an acid dry wit and State and Cal State Hayward but full arsenal of sarcasm and sass, personal troubles at home would derail her dreams the legendary, iconic character of attending a four-year college. She left home at actress and comedienne Marla 18 with only her jeans and a T-shirt and she never Gibbs landed the unforgettable looked back. While attending Chabot Community role of Florence in the ground College she met The late Professor Frank Sumares. breaking CBS comedy, (1975). He saw great talent in Ledisi as a vocalist and This led to her very own , 227 (1985). But asked her to sing with the Chabot Orchestra. before all of this, Marla appeared in several films She eventually dropped out of college to pursue including the cult favorite Black Belt Jones. Her her career as a performer, just like her mother. many film and television credits include Meteor After performing around the Bay area in local Man, Foolish, The Brothers, The Visit, House Of groups, Ledisi decided to start her own band using Pain, Southland, The Ties That Bound, Menu For her middle name Anibade. Shortly afterward, she Murder, The Hughleys, Cold Case, Lily In Winter, co-founded LeSun Music , with musical partner, and In The Heat Of The Night just Sundra Manning. In 2004, Ledisi moved to New to name a few. And there is no stopping the great York to understudy in the Broadway musical Marla. She is currently co-starring in the upcoming “Caroline Or Change” and also had a role written movie, Madea’s Witness Protection for her in the Broadway hit, “The Color Purple.”. and the new sitcom, The First Family. Marla has Her 2007 debut , Lost & Found, brought her been nominated for the coveted Emmy award 5 critical acclaim and two Grammy nominations, times and has won 8 NAACP Image Awards. She one of which was for Best New Artist along with has also lent her voice to the animated TV series, Taylor Swift, Paramore, Feist and eventual winner, 101 Dalmatians: The Series. In addition to acting, Amy Winehouse. After six , countless she sang the theme song to the film Stanley’s Gig guest appearances on recordings and television, a and has recorded her own cd of music entitled featured role in the George Clooney motion picture, “It’s Never Too Late” in 2006. From 1981 to “Leatherheads” and partnering with Essence 1999 Marla owned and operated Marla’s Memory Magazine to publish her interactive motivational Lane, a jazz and supper club. Marla Gibbs: “An biography, Better Than Alright - Finding Peace, American Treasure. Marla recently guest starred Love & Power, Ledisi’s star continues to rise. She on the hit shows, “”, “Black-ish” and “The has been a frequent performer and guest at the Carmichael Show. You’re all in for a rare treat this White House and has played an active role in the evening, so sit back and enjoy! reelection campaign of President and Vice-President Joe Biden, highlighted by her Ledisi (“Pepsi”) electrifying performance at the 2012 Democratic Nine-time Grammy® nominated NationalConvention. Ledisi is also an educator, singer, , producer, mentor and motivational speaker. She wrote a Book actress, author, educator, and entitled “Better Than Alright: Finding Peace Love activist; Ledisi is already trail- Power” In 2011, Ledisi was selected by First Lady blazing her way to becoming to participate in the White House one of the most loved and mentoring program for teenage girls. She was cited influential entertainers of her generation. Born by the First Lady, as “an example of someone who in , but raised in Oakland, through hard work and perseverance, overcame California, Ledisi was exposed early on, to the difficult challenges to achieve her goals”. Ledisi is concept of blending genres of music including an advocate for rights of people who create music. jazz, R&B, gospel and rock. She spent a lot of She is a Governor for The National Academy of her time dreaming to be a singer like her mother Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) in the San NyDy, a local singer at night and a legal secretary Francisco Chapter and Advisory Board Member by day. NyDy groomed Ledisi’s gift by enrolling of Hiphopsisters Network, founded by legendary her in many school music programs. By the time rapper, MC Lyte. Ledisi has done a lot, but realizes Ledisi turned eight, she was singing with the there is so much more to do . . . New Orleans Symphony Orchestra, playing the Kenny Lattimore label SincereSoul Records. His hit single “Find (“Calvin”) International A Way” is available now and steadily climbing R&B singer, Kenny the R&B charts. Kenny has just returned from a Lattimore embodies the SOLD OUT South Africa concert tour (Dec 2012) elements of traditional R&B and is excited to set ablaze the theatrical stage with a decidedly contemporary once more in Don B. Welch’s “The First Lady flare and feel. He has established Of Zion” As the Washington Post has declared himself as a soulful song stylist of the first order Kenny Lattimore “a new master of the new soul”, receiving the NAACP Image Award for Best Kenny remains committed to making expressive New Artist, and nominations for the Grammy, and enduring music that gives him the freedom to Soul Train and Stellar Awards. Whether putting be himself. Kenny’s newest cd “Anatomy Of A a distinctive stamp on classic songs recorded by Love Song” debuted at #7 on The Billboard R&B such musical icons as Donny Hathaway (“I Love charts. He is currently on tour You More Than You’ll Ever Know”) and George Harrison (“While My Guitar Gently Weeps”), or creating his own legacy of hits such as “Never Too TAMMI MAC Busy,” and the wedding ballad “For You”, Kenny’s (Bag Lady) A 3 time NAACP style combines passion, sensuality, intensity and Theatre Award winner with her subtlety, making him one of today’s premier show, Bag Lady, Tammi Mac male vocalists. His vocals have graced albums was hand-picked by Stevie by such diverse musical colleagues as Musiq Wonder to host the top afternoon Soulchild, Rachelle Ferrell, Nancy Wilson and radio show in Los Angeles Brian Culbertson. He continues to demonstrate his on 102.3 KJLH. Tammi anchors the “Mac creative stability as a performer, singer, songwriter &Amiche,” show daily from 4-8pm. However, and producer, earmarking him as a leader amongst she is a beast of an actress, appearing in over a artists who are keeping the tradition of classic dozen national television commercials, stage plays R&B, and Gospel very much alive in Los Angeles and many films and TV shows. in the 21st century. Kenny is also known for his She will currently relaunch her award-winning dramatic stage shows, vocal agility, and romantic one-woman show Bag Lady, for 3 shows only, this ambiance. He has been hailed “modern soul man” September 3rd and 4th at the Barnsdall Gallery on stage by The New York Times. Although theatre. Follow Tammi Mac @mstammimac or music is Kenny’s dominate muse. He has loaned experience her body of work at www.tammimac. his talent to the world of TV, film and theatre. He com has appeared in numerous television shows such as,” The Young and the Restless”, “”, DELORES LAKEY STEWART “”, “Abby”, the movie “The Seat (“Cleo”) Delores, a So-Cal native, Filler, and recently “Holiday Love” directed by embodies a multiplicity of Kim Fields and “A Cross To Bear” for the Gospel talents, all nurtured and honed, Music Channel. In his theatrical journey, Kenny she says in her father’s Pentecostal has starred a long side reality television star NeNe Church. She is the gifted poet/ Leakes, singer Angie Stone, and supermodel author of Psalms Of Life, Books Tyson Beckford in the hit play “Loving Him Is I & II, musician (organ, piano, cello), songwriter, Killing Me.” He also starred in two of Don B. playwright, educator in the public school system, and Welch’s productions, “Heavenbound” and “A minister choir director at Atherton Baptist Church, Change Is Gonna Come” along side the talents Pastor, Larry D. Weaver. Her credits are mostly of actors Vanessa Bell Calloway, Dorien Wilson stage as principle and/or lead in Don B. Welch and hilarious Jackee Harry. Lastly, television Productions, Heavenbound, e First Lady Of Zion, legend Ernest Thomas and Bobbi Baker of Tyler Hallelujah Mahalia, Take It To e Lord…Or Else, and Perry’s TV sitcom “The House of Payne” starred A Change Is Gonna Come(understudy to singer Freda with Kenny to rave reviews in the hit stage play Payne) She believes adamantly in the words of Helen “What Ever Happened to Black Love” directed Keller: “When you do all the good you can, a miracle by Thomas Meloncon. Currently in the works is is wrought in your life and the life of others.” Kenny’s next original recording project “Back 2 Cool” is slated to be released in 2013 on his own THERESA FORD DEMILLE COLE-HEARD (Dutchess) Theresa is proud to (Delroy) DeMille Cole-Heard be from Philadelphia where is a graduate of Clark she got her start in music and University. It was there that he theatre. After the move to attained his degree in Theater LA she recorded with James Arts. He made his professional Cleveland and the Los Angeles acting debut costarring as Gospel Messengers and also the number one CD the”Scarecrow” in Broadway director Kenny titled “’The Fords’ You Can Count Me” (Tyscot Leon’s stage version of “.” DeMille Records) performing a duet with Andrae Crouch followed that up with several guest starring roles on Its Not In Vain produced by her husband Kenny on popular television shows such as “House of Ford. Theresa has sung with many notable artists Payne,” “Hawthorne,” and “Meet The Browns.” such as El De Barge, Jennifer Holiday, and Ice DeMille was honored to have been selected to sing Cube to name a few and has also been vocal coach alongside Justin Timberlake for the commercial to several child stars such as Jennifer Love Hewitt release of Justin’s album the “20/20 Experience.” and Kenny Ford Jr. She had a 1st place win in Most recently, DeMille wrote and starred in a one Paul Ryan’s comedy pageant “Miss International man show as Soul singer Al Green. He is excited Princess Pageant 2009”. Recent theater credits and optimistic about future endeavors. include an appearance in Lost Lady With A Violin and Donald Welch’s The First Lady Of Zion. She ANDREA JONES (Soloist) has also appeared in several commercials, and is Andrea Jones is from Sacramento, currently studying music and musical theatre at CA. After earning a Master’s Los Angeles Valley College. If you make one step in Social Work, she began a He’ll make two. We need to get to steppin’! heresa career in entertainment where recently starred in “A Christmas Memory” & she has released 3 singles(2 film “Hairspray placements) &a music video, been in films, on tv and a featured vocalist inhit KEVIN YARBROUGH plays by Don B. Welch&Tamera Hill.She had the (Padlock) L.A. native actor/ honor of singing on the Oscars with &John singer, Kevin Yarbrough is Legend on the song “GLORY” and performed a Pepsi/NASCAR 500 Big the national anthem for the Lakers the night Kobe Break Vocal Champion. He’s Bryant announced his retirement. Andrea isgrateful an NAACP Theatre Awards to GOD and her family/friends. Living the dream! “Best Lead Actor, Musical” www.officialandreajones.com & Garland Award nom as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in MTLA’s “Ragtime”. Played Billy Flynn FRANCHESCA WHITE (Geoffrey Award, Best Lead Actor Nom) in (Soloist) Born and raised in Los Morgan~Wixson Theatre’s “” also played Angeles, California, Franchesca “Mister” in the Songs of The Color Purple. began singing at the age of 3. Portrays Coach Henderson Cinemax TV’s series, Serving faithfully within her “Zane’s The Jump Off.” In numerous The Asylum church, Holy Mount Calvary Studio films, including “Hansel vs. Gretel”, “Air Missionary Baptist Church (Dr. Collision” and “The Cleaver’s Family Reunion”. Leonard E. White, Pastor) and community a orded Portrays Edmund Mortimer in the upcoming her many great opportunities throughout her young Shakespearean film, “H4” & Thomas Didymus in 31 years of life. She has currently recorded 3 albums “Revival”. Commercials include Carmax, Bright with Minister Lorenzo Johnson & Praizum, co-starred House Network, Yellowtail Wines, OC Fair 2013, in 5 stage plays Lord Make Me Over – Marshawn Blue Cross, Woodmen of the World & more. He’s Metters, Writer/Producer, Can God’s Love Reach You a 3-time Host of the NAACP Theatre Festival – Spencer Collins IV, Producer, Let e Church Roll 10-Minute Plays Showcase, also an NAACP On (2011,2013), Give Me at Old Time Religion, Theatre Awards presenter. Kevin currently Heavenbound, Take it to the Lord or Else – Donald performs as a vocalist & voiceover artist. B. Welch, Writer/Producer. Although Fran is well known for preaching and singing, she has developed a love for the stage and sharing her gift of comedy. She has been able to draw her audience in with quick 1st Annual Legacy of Hope event in Los Angeles, wit, pull them into a mind-bending story line, and CA. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife. sing them right into glory with her powerhouse voice. EBONI BROWN Since her work with Don, he has deemed her “e (Choir) Traci is the Continuity L.A. Housewrecker.” She’s an anointed woman of God Director at 102.3 KJLH. She has who shines her light wherever she goes, by being real, worked in the Entertainment raw, humble, and approachable. Her mission is to Industry for over 20 years, in show people that Christians never stopped dancing, advertising,recording labels/ they just changed partners. Her theory is, “Christians studios etc. She was also blessed can have fun without compromising their faith and with the gift of song. As the founder of the newly convictions.” formed “KJLH Radio Free Performance Choir”, CHARLO CROSSLEY she performs alongside the choir throughout the (Soloist) can be seen in the community. She is an artist within her own right SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL having performed with many well-known such as 2013 favorite documentary, Larry Dunn of Earth,Wind&Fire. Her voice can Twenty Feet From Stardom” be heard in the background for such gospel artist (the story of unsung background as Beverly Crawford’s song “It’s about time for a singers) Directed by Morgan Miracle”. Her goal in life is to be a blessing wherever Neville. Look for a summer domestic release. She she can. is also in the upcoming Steven Soderberg directed CARLOS PADILLA JR. “Beyond e Candelabra” for HBO starring Michael (Soloist) Carlos Padilla Jr. Douglas and Matt Damon. In addition Charlo decided to pursue Acting/ is featured in the soon to drop (March 16th) Kim Singing professionally in 2010. Yarbrough (e Voice) single “Brand New Day”, Since then he has performed as produced by Rick Gianatos. Charlo appeared in a lead vocalist for his Spanish the 2015 Academy Award winning Documentary, pop band 5senti2, as a dancer “20 Feet From Stardom”, and performs her one in Music Videos and has been in several Web woman show periodically at The Gardenia club series and theatre productions here in LA .After in LA becoming SAG eligible and gaining commercial JOSHUA PAULE representation by The Jana Luker Agency and (Choir) Actor, singer and RDR Management he is hopeful for the future songwriter Joshua Paule, is a and grateful to be a part of such a wonderful show. native of Southern California. Carlos can next be seen in Dr. Gloria Morrow’s He has toured the American play “The Things That Make Men Cry”. Eastern Region and parts of TAMECA DEVANT Canada performing live theater (Soloist) Tameca DeVant is a in stage productions such as “The Wiz,””The native of Los Angeles Ca. She Magic School Bus”, and was cast in “Jesus has been singing since the age On The Way.” Joshua is a member of SAG- of 4 and acting and dancing AFTRA currently pursuing a career in television since the age of 6. Tameca has and cinema, and can be Seen in PSA’s for Drug performed in many venues, and and Veterans Court Programs, Pop artist Dijon in 2010 was chosen as one of five-featured artist Talton’s Music Video “Wild Out” the directorial out of 150 to sing at Knotts Berry Farm for the debut from Film/ TV Star Meagan Good and most 10th annual KJLH Gospel Showcase. Tameca has recently in “Hollywood Khaos,” starring Vanessa performed in many musical Productions, such as Simmons (due for a 2013 release). As a singer “Wings like Eagles”, “Tell Hell I aint Comin”, he embraces relevant, heartfelt lyrics with his “A Taste of Life”, and “Boomers” just to name a soulful tenor voice. Having a heart for community few. God has blessed her with an amazing, very activism, Joshua is involved with organizations supportive husband, two beautiful children and an such as M.O.C.I.T.I and the NAACP and often awesome family and great friends to extend their mentors young men in the community. Most love and support. You can expect great things from recently Joshua joined an ensemble who honored this talented woman of God. the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, performing at the DARRELYN ROBINSON dynamic cast! Yes, God Is Real! Pia was last seen (Choir) She is currently the in ’s “A Lady In Waiting” Minister of Music at The Life Center Church of God. Her CRAIG HISSONG theater credits include “The (Production Manager) Gospel at Colonus” at The Originally from Yorkville, IL, Doolittle Theater in Hollywood Craig graduated in 2009 from & “The Gospel Truth” at The Beverly Theater Columbia College Chicago with in Beverly Hills as well as several Don B. a BA in Film/Cinema. He has Welch productions like “Give Me That Ol’ worked as a Stage Manager, Time Religion”. Singing is her first love and has Light & Sound Board Operator, belonged to several prominent groups over the and Lighting Designer on a variety of plays years, such as:, The Quincy Fielding Jr. Choral including: SUNDAY MOURNING (NAACP Ensemble, The Long Beach Children of Christ Award Winner); and 12 x 9 (NAACP Award and Eddie Tate and Praise Connection.Welcome Winner); in addition to working for Don B. Welch Darrelynn. Productions since 2012. He has also worked as a PA on several TV shows including The Voice and ERICA JOY E! Entertainment’s Live From the Red Carpet. He (Stage manager) Erica Joy, native to North has co-written seven screenplays and one TV pilot Carolina, moved to Los Angeles, CA in June and always makes time to work on furthering his 2015 to continue her career in Theatre and Film/ goal of becoming a professional writer. TV. Since then has attended Theatre of Arts Hollywood for the Contemporary Actor and KENNY FORD working as a part of the production team with (Musical Director) Kenny Don B Welch Productions. In North Carolina Ford was born into a famous she was lead in the most recent rendition of the musical family in Philadelphia classic 1940’s stage play Born yesterday as “Billie .His father Thomas Ford was Dawn” at the Maguire Theatre and featured in a church organist-pianist and TV One’s hit television series “Fatal Attraction.” his mother Delores Ford an A crime documentary series as “Sheila Dillard”. opera singer.Kenny attended the Other appearances on tv series “One Tree Hill” prestigious”Settlement School Of Music” and the and “Under The Dome.” Also most recent film Granoff School Of Music. He studied under the “Bolden!,” and tv film “Saving Westbrook High.” tutelage of world class pipe organist J Edgar Hoy. Thankful to Don B for the opportunity to work Kenny also played violin and was made first chair in for a great Director and team. Always putting several different orchestras. He is also a graduate of GOD first, and forever thankful for her family and “The Dick Grove School Of Music” and has played friends for their continued support. for several churches in the Los Angeles area such as: “West Angeles COGIC,(Bishop Charles Blake) PIA D. DAYS The City Of Refuge(Bishop Noel Jones),The New (Pepsi/Understudy) is honored Christ Memorial COGIC(,Cornerstone Institutional to be the understudy for two Baptist Church( and First AME Church(Rev Chip dynamic women that she has Cecil Murray) to name a few and for several admired for quite some time. notable recording artists such as JamesCleveland, This is her 4th Don B. Welch Andrae Crouch ,Jennifer Holiday, Jamie Foxx, production (Idella’s Soul Shack and many others. He also served as Keyboardist Equilla/Darlene & A Change for the television show “In LivingColor.” Kenneth is Gonna Come: Viola). Current project: What is married to singer-actress Theresa Ford and they Men Want youtube.com/whatmenwantwebseries. have three sons (Ariel, Kenny Jr &Chalan). This is MFA: UNC-Chapel Hill; BA: Spelman College; his third time working with Don B and he is so Exchange Student: NYU-Tisch School of the Arts excited to be working with this cast! and Goldsmiths College, UK. Owner, Chocolate Tenders Bartenders: chocolatetenders.com. She thanks God, her mother for being her #1 fan and Don B. Welch for every opportunity. Kudos to this