The_Cast

Nadia Tatum, Marketing Director

Nadia Tatum

Born in Elpaso , TX and raised in Hanau , Germany , this amazing woman will catch you by storm when you least expect it. Nadia started acting at the young age of 10 performing in plays for her church and schools growing a deep love for performing arts. She is captivated by the rare essence of a character and how each detail can apply to a person’s life in such a powerful way. After leaving Germany , Nadia graduated from Bradwell Institute and moved on to study Criminal Justice at Armstrong Atlantic University all while giving birth to a beautiful little girl who has been the center of her life. After dancing 3 years Semi-Pro for the Savannah Chiefs professional football team, Nadia relocated to Atlanta , GA where she teaches Hip Hop Dance for Voices of Faith Ministries in Stone Mountain , Ga. and works for one of the top technology companies in the country.

Blessed with many talents, Nadia is an actress, poet, song writer, dancer, and business woman who became co-owner of Elysian Records in 2008. Recently has co-written 6 songs for Gospel Artist Tony Tatum and has taken on artist management for multiple Indie recording artists. In her spare time Nadia enjoys doing voice over’s and continuing her goal to becoming a phenomenal actress in hopes of working with Tyler Perry in the near future. In April of 2009 Nadia joined Weston Christian Productions as the company’s Marketing Director and currently playing a lead role in the hit Gospel Play “The Lost Son” acting side by side with sensational R&B singer Gary “Lil G” Jenkins. This is just the beginning for Nadia as many will gravitate to her talent, beauty, and outstanding charisma as she makes her mark for the world to see. Nadia applies one major word daily to her life, “For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7!

Jerald Dunn, Actor & Musician

Jerald Dunn is a prolific music minister who has acclaimed success as the “Sax Man”. Jerald is an inspiring musician who captivates his audiences with unique fusion of Holy jazz.

David Levester; Actor, Singer & Song Writer

David Levester, Jr. is a rising star who enjoys acting, singing, and writing music. Levester was born in Milledgeville , Georgia and grew up in nearby Eatonton , Georgia . His passion for music was inspired from listening to his mother sing while growing up. He was musical inspired by Marvin Gaye, Smokie Norful, and the Williams Brothers. He is inspired by famous Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Samuel L, Jackson to name a few. Levester began publicly singing at his church St. James AME in Monticello , Georgia in 2005 and quickly embraced his talent for stage presence.

In 2008, the church hosted his first solo concert accompanied by musical staff and singers from a local church choir thus forming the group David Levester and Company. The concert was a hit and Levester group performed once again in February 2009 with an even more powerful performance. Inspired to advance further, Levester was introduced to local Atlanta play writes and is currently a lead singer/actor in two gospel stage productions. “The Lost Son” and “It’s a Thin Line…Five Wise and Five Foolish.” Levester is confident that with hard work and perseverance, he can live his dream of being a noted singer/actor.

Coby Harris is a singer and song writer who is quickly becoming one of the new rising stars in the music industry. His live performances blend the musical genres of blues, jazz, and R&B funk which are the soulful ingredients that are captivating his fans in the South. Coby’s musical roots developed in Austin Texas where he performed in the Bayou Lounge, Club Troubledoors, and Spiros. His concert performances in Texas include opening acts for international Jive Records recording artist Tyrese Gibson and hip hop recording artist Nook from “Off the Blocks” record label. He recently moved to “Hot Atlanta” where fans are embracing his musical talents at venues such as Café 290, Londzell’s Jazz Cafe’, and Weezys Movin’ On up Jazz Café. He has performed live in concert with Atlanta jazz recording artist Gary Harris and recently performed at the 2009 Sweet Auburn Festival. Coby has move to another level in theatrical gospel play “The Lost Son” where his performance will stir the souls and captivate audiences who dares to witness his musical performance.

Akelah S. Dent

Background Vocalist

Akelah S. Dent is a native of Warner Robins, Georgia. Currently, Ms. Dent is the Senior Paralegal at Eric J. Hertz, P.C., a personal injury law firm located in Norcross, Georgia. She is actively involved in the choirs and with the youth ministry at Grace Missionary Baptist Church, Conyers, Georgia. Ms. Dent holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Mercer University and is aspiring to attend Mercer Law School in the near future.

Mark Owen

Artistic Development Director

Mark has over ten years of experience in special events which includes assisting staff with sporting events and entertainment at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta . In the summer of 2004, he coordinated a golf tournament for the Southern Region International Personnel Management Association and hospitality events for regional delegates. He is also an events planner for private parties, non-profit fundraisers, and weddings.

He joined Weston Christian Productions in 2007 serving as a Stage Manager and Production Manager in the theatrical play “It’s a Thin Line… Additionally; featuring Dino Hanson and others. He is currently directing the stage production “The Lost Son” He serves on the executive team as Artistic Development Director and assists in advance team marketing for the production company.

Ola Woods

Co-Owner/Adviser

Ola Woods joined the executive management team for Weston Christian Productions in 2007. She has over tens years of entertainment production experience directing gospel artists, modeling groups and shows. She is known for hosting thrilling special events in Atlanta that leave audiences wanting more. Ola has participated in many community events such as; Atlanta Community Food Bank, Hosea Feed the Hungry, March of Dimes, and United Way . She has served as an executive event director planning award shows for Christian church conferences and outreach events.

Associate Staff:

Daphne Ackey

Actor/Singer

Play the role of the Deacon’s Wife in the play It’s a Thin Line five wise five foolish

Natalya Elder

Lead Vocalist/Actor-In 2007 Miss Natalya Elder won in the Dajero’s Play-Fest 2007 as

Best female vocalist

Khandra Williams Singer/Actor

Khandra is a native of Montgomery, AL. She’s been a resident of Atlanta, GA for 15 years. She’s the tenth child of 6 brothers and 3 sisters’. She grew up a PK (Preacher’s Kid). Her father, the late Dr. Rev. Willie Williams (1927-1991) served as an advocate for the Civil Rights movement; standing at the side of Dr. Martin Luther King, in the 60’s and 70’s. He also was a member of one of the first Chapters of Mason. Her mother, Dr. Minnie Williams, a singer, school teacher and preacher; was recognized as one of the first black-women ministers to ever preach and speak at the Historic Dexter Avenue Baptist Church (Dr. Martin Luther King ,founder). Now Age 73, her mother resides also in Atlanta, Georgia; along with 8 of her siblings; while 2 still reside in Montgomery, AL. Both parents graduated from college, Alabama State University (mom) and Smithsonian University of Birmingham, AL (dad). Both parents also being Ministers and Singers paved the way for Khandra and her siblings to follow in their foot-steps. Her parents always believed and taught Khandra to put GOD first in her life, receive a college education, and encouraged her to follow your dreams. After the death of her father in (1991) to cancer, Khandra only 13 years old at that time; dedicated her life to Christ ,singing at her father’s Church and soon after ;moved to Georgia to finish high school (Campbell High School) and then to college. She graduated with a 3.8 GPA in Criminal Justice; from Mercer University in 2005. She’s a member of ALPHA PHI SIGMA, The National Criminal Justice Honor Society and a church member of Word of Faith Worship Center (Bishop Dale C. Bronner, Pastor; where she served as a Hostess. She followed her dream singing and tried out for American Idol (season 2001, Georgia Dome); singing “I surrender All” after getting cut the third round, she didn’t get discouraged, she pursued a modeling career with Elite, John Casablanca, Adonis, Wilson Leather and Bronner Brothers’ Hair Shows. She now is a member of Multi-Expressions Gospel Modeling Troupe. She appeared in the play “A Cry for Help” written by Cheri McClurkin (The McClurkin Project) and “Through the Eyes of Talents” (A Spelman College of Atlanta, GA Production). She’s Kind, Humble, Anointed, Noble, Determined, Ready and Appointed by God to; Sing, Act, Model, and dance to GOD’s beat!!! Please welcome Khandra Williams (Shelia Carter/Deacon Carter’s Wife), The Wise Virgin who goes to Heaven …..

Keelay L Moore-James Associate Staff:

Project Manager/Actor

Keelay L Moore-James was born January 19. Keelay has a degree in Sociology and currently completing her degree in Middle School Education and Theater. She is the daughter of John Moore and M. Yvonne Brown. Keelay is also the wife of Terrence James and mother of three beautiful daughters Jekeeya , Kadijah, and Makayla. Keelay has been acting for four years and modeling for seven. She has done print, runway, and commercial. She also appeared in videos with artists Outkast, Snoop Dog, Hotep, and Rasheedah. Keelay also appeared in the movie Stomp the Yard and television series In the Heat of the Night, which was her first actual break in entertainment. She is the part of the original cast of Ten Virgins/ It’s a Thin Line.

Keelay is launching her own production company (KT1 Productions) and theater with her husband. Her favorite movie is The Color Purpl e. Her favorite actors are Don Cheadle, Samuel Jackson, alle Berry, DenzelWashington, and Angela Bassett. She would like to work with Tyler Perry, Steven Spielberg, and Ice Cube.

Associate Staff:

Mr. Terrence James

Project Director (WCP)

Born in Atlanta, GA, Terrence James was raise by his mother to be a strong and influential man that strived to be at whatever he put his mind to.

After graduating from DeVry University, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer would obtain a Masters Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management. These degrees would allow him to touch upon a broader spectrum of business. He is also a member of the National Black MBA Association.

After completing his education, Terrence decided to create his own business opportunities. He is part owner and operator of 3BJ LLC, an organization that is involved in software programming, web design and other business ventures. He is also a co-founder member and co-owner of Angels in Disguise LLC.

Gary Glenn

Atlanta native Gary “Big G” Glenn has the voice of the perfect melody. Born in Houston, TX and raised in Decatur, GA Gary graduated from South DeKalb High School and attended the University of Georgia majoring in Business Marketing with hopes of moving forward to study Pre-Law. Thank full for the opportunity to gain his education Gary had a twist of fate that took him down a different journey to success.

Discovered by musician Keith Sweat, Gary Glenn became known to the world as member of the group Silk who are best known for their 1993 #1 hit single, "Freak Me" from their debut album, Lose Control. Another hit from Lose Control, "Girl U For Me", helped the album reach double platinum status. They later had success with singles such as "I Can Go Deep", "Hooked On You", "Don't Rush", "If You", "Meeting In My Bedroom", and "We're Calling You." Gary is noted stating about the future of Silk: "We're bigger Silk fans than anybody. We are extremely proud of our accomplishments. I think we're serving up-to-the-minute R&B, but have a touch of those traditions that you don't see anymore, like the Isley Brothers or The Temptations. We have a bond that you can't manufacture or create with some formula. Maybe that's what is really unique about us in the end; we're true to each other first. Whether it's "Freak Me," or one of our songs, like "Meeting In My Bedroom, "the strength of our music has always flowed from that bond."

Today Gary is the owner of record label 2WinVision (pronounced twin vision) and the first artist signed to the label is Athens native Ace Craft with his hit song (Yes Sir). Gary has starred in the gospel play "Back Stabbers" and Co-Starred in the stage musical "Bye Bye Birdie" as "Conrad Birdi. Encouraged and hopeful of what the future holds not only for his own endeavors and the group Silk, Gary is making his presence known in the industry and separate from the Group Silk we have just began to witness what Gary “Big G” Glenn has to offer, so get ready!

Associated Staff:

Desta Cooper and Cheralynne Bridgewater

Associate Staff:

Denise Hawkins

Terrence Jackson

Lead Singer /Actor (WCP)

Terrence was born in Atlanta, GA and is currently residing in Decatur, Ga.

He was featured in the hit motion picture “Motives 1 & 2” He also was featured in the video “Ruff Rider during his senior year.

Terrence recently work with a promo company entitles “Results” and the results taught him how to have the Marketing Managing skill along with his outstanding People Skills.

He has a passion and a special anointing in singing, writing music, along with the ability to draw any thing that is before him.

When Terrence get in his Comedian mood he woo his family and friends with his Madea, Bernie Mac, D.L.

Gary Jenkins

began singing in church at the age of seven, which earned him a role as a featured soloist on

BET's The Bobby Jones Gospel Show for many years. By the age of nine, Gary had mastered the guitar after only a few lessons and had self taught an assortment of keyboards, drums and guitars.

While attending

Tennessee State University(TSU) in Nashville, Gary majored in music, with an emphasis in piano and voice. As a member of the prestigious TSU Jazz Collegians, he was selected to accompany Dizzy Gillespieon piano during Gillespie's visit to the school. He also appeared in several operaproductions and performed with the TSU marching band. In 1992, Gary answered an audition call and earned the role as lead singer for Keith Sweat's newly-formed R&B group, Silk. Their career began with the success of "Freak Me" and "Lose Control" from Silk's 1992 debut album Lose Control. Their career spanned the globe for nearly ten years, with more than five million records sold. The success of their second album, Silk, led to the follow-up, Tonight. Remaining consistent, they released their fourth album, Love Session in 2001.

The group gained national recognition with his appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Live with Regis and Kathi Lee, MTV, BET, Soul Train, Jenny Jones, Ricki Lake, Moesha, Showtime At The Apolloand Motown Live among others.

Trenton Williams

Trenton Williams was born in Melbourne, Florida . He was born into a family of skilled singers, musicians, and preachers. As a child, Trent developed a love for music and it became his life. Trent would attempt to play and sing any time he received an opportunity. With his family being a group of die hard perfectionists, Trent had no choice but to be as good as he can be.

At age 10, the church Trent ’s family attended was left without a musician. As Trenton was playing around on the piano at church one day, his new pastor heard him and said "well we can use him for now." Trent walked in and hopped on the piano one Sunday morning during a service and never looked back. By age 12 and 13 he was a sought after musician in his local area and had already written, sang, and played on various albums. During his High school career Trent decided to take his gifting to new levels and began training classically.

Trenton started his college education at Truett-McConnell College on scholarship where he served as worship leader for chapel services, Vice President of the Choral Department, Tenor section leader, pianist for the jazz band, a member of the wind symphony and the head worship leader for Enthroned praise. He is an active member and chapter president of the CMENC. He now lives in Chattanooga , Tennessee . Besides for being a solo artist, producer, and songwriter, Trent is a member of the music staff at New Monumental Baptist church. He is the instrumental Director for the LH Mason Gospel Choir of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga . He serves as a musical consultant and producer for many upcoming artists. Trenton has been musical director for several plays and productions, has starred in off Broadway productions, has been the student conductor of high school choirs (both gospel and choral) that have received straight superior ratings, has received invitations to sing with the U.S. ambassador Choir and been a member of many honor choirs. He is an award winning soloist, sought after session musician, published songwriter and clinician. His musical abilities, determination, and humble spirit have taken him to heights he never thought he’d reach. More than anything, Trent prides himself on being one that seeks after the heart of God. He has a deep hunger to share his God given musical abilities to a hurting & dying world.

Marquita Felton

Marquita was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. While in grade school, Marquita began to dance for a dance company called That's Entertainment directed by Mrs. Gwendolyn which was located in East Point, Ga. Marquita dance with That's Entertainment for numerous years taking on jazz, point, modern, ballet and hip-hop. Within grade school, Marquita danced for two different dance teams. These dance teams were the Dazzling Dawgs (Band dance line) and Dancing Divas (Hip hop dance troupe). Upon receiving her high school diploma in 2006, Marquita entered college as a Fashion Marketing major and began dancing with a hip hop dance team called Couture Productions. While dancing with Couture Productions, Marquita performed at several outside events such as, The Atl Choreographer's Showcase in 2007 and 2008; The Womens' Empowerment in Raleigh, NC, 2008; CIAA Dance Competition in Charlotte, NC 2008; and many other dance competitions and events. Marquita plans to continue dancing and give inspirations to inspiring dancers or the artistically defined ones while finishing school at American InterContinental University to gain her B.F.A.'s in Fashion Marketing.

WCP... Weston Christian Productions

The Lost Son - Cast and Saff Members