In “Finding Her Voice,” we meet 15-year-old Joy Jones, the only daughter of Janelle and Jordan Jones. We’ll also meet grandma, Gigi, AKA Mama Joyce, Aunt Val, Auntie Joc (Jocelyn), and Joy’s only uncle, “Uncle” Jay. Joy is the apple of her parent’s eye and loves to sing and hang out with her best friend, Kel (Kelley). The Jones family is a family of faith, and the truth of God’s word is their family’s foundation, but Joy has discovered something about her mother’s past that has left her searching for the truth. What will her discovery and search for the truth uncover? Will it strengthen or shatter her family’s faith?
"I was just ranting and raving about how amazing the production was and the music... THE MUSIC!!! Did you write all of the songs? I think this is a very relatable play that many people no matter their background can totally relate to. From Gigi to Uncle Jay, everyone had amazing Solos... AMAZING!"
-O. H.
"This play was very inspiring. This is a play that many people will be able to relate to. I was very impressed with the acting. The music was awesome. The storyline was real and relatable. Great Job! I can't wait to see this play on the road!" -M.N.
"I am writing to commend you on a well-written play that speaks volumes to so many of us out here trying to find our voice in this world. The songs were powerful and much needed these days. Unity is very pivotal to us seeing a turnaround in the churches, our homes and the world..." -T.W.
"I was extremely moved by the play. It brought joy, peace, and smiles to my heart and I commend everyone for their outstanding performances. After watching the play, I felt uplifted and ready to share the spiritual experience that I received. May God continue to bless you Ceola and Dre on your wonderful Godly journey." -E.S.
"The play was good. I was hoping to see a scene of the church singing. Everyone did an exceptional job. My favorite takeaway was how Joy's role set the scene for children to see what it's like to have a heart to love and obey their parents. And I liked Joy's parents, they were cool and very protective of their daughter. I like how you put scriptures in the play. Grandma showed wisdom, strength, and patience. And Uncle Jay blew me away when he started singing. I love your play." - D.P.
"I watched the play and it was A BLESSING...THE SONG "WAIT ON YOU" I believe it was the title... brought tears to my eyes because I am in that place in him right now. I SO enjoyed the production. WE NEED MORE FAITH-BASED PRODUCTIONS TO HELP SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Thank you for letting the Lord use you!" -V.P.
Madison Thompson plays, Joy Jones, and is an all-around artist. She has dedicated her life to cultivating her talents in music, acting, and art since her 1st performance in her 3rd-grade talent show. Now she is excited to share more of her talent with the world by hitting the theater stage in Finding Her Voice the Stage Play. Back for live performances in April 2023!
Bay Area natives may already be familiar with Ria Zenobia who plays, Janelle Jones' captivating and soaring vocals, as she has performed with many local artists. Beyond the Bay, she's performed overseas, has graced the stages of China for several months, and her music also hit independent charts in Europe. Additionally, Ria has performed in many theatrical productions.
Jason Jasper, who plays Jordan Jones, was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a multifaceted actor, singer, and writer. He's known for his lead role as Cash in "Cold Piece of Werk," a play sponsored by the city of Oakland, bringing awareness to the notorious life of sex trafficking. He's also known for his leading role as Purlie in the off-Broadway musical Purlie Victorious.
Kalila Rafa, who plays Gigi, AKA Mama Joyce, is a well-known and very successful singer, songwriter, and actress. Kalila sang background on the soundtrack for Paramount Pictures movie Dream Girls, starring Eddie Murphy. She has performed with Master P, Little Romeo, Silk the Shocker, Lester Bibbs, and Larry Springfield, more including theatrical performances at her church.
Janaya Duckett plays Kelley Sorenson, and loves theater, dance, and art. Theater and the performing arts have been a part of her life since middle school. A senior high school, Janaya's goal is to become a successful actress, using God's gifts. Janaya played Kelley Sorenson in the stage play "Finding Her Voice" and will reprise the role with the production hits theater stages in April 2023!
A hairstylist all of her life, God surprised Mary, who plays Mother Mabel Blackstone when he placed her on the theater stage. Mary performed her first stage play production at her church, a few months later, she booked one of the leading roles as Mother Mabel Blackstone in the stage play trilogy, "If These Walls Could Talk," a role she'll in Finding Her Voice.
John Mosa'ati, who plays Uncle Jay, had his first performance as an actor in the role of Nick Bottom/Pyramus in Diablo Valley College's William Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. John was also an understudy for Gomez Addams in The Addams Family musical and played Chebutykin in Three Sisters; all performances were at Diablo Valley Coll
John Mosa'ati, who plays Uncle Jay, had his first performance as an actor in the role of Nick Bottom/Pyramus in Diablo Valley College's William Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. John was also an understudy for Gomez Addams in The Addams Family musical and played Chebutykin in Three Sisters; all performances were at Diablo Valley College. John plans to continue his dream of becoming a professional actor.
Nate' (NAH-TAY) the Soulsanger, who plays Jocelyn Miller is the Bay Area's premier urban entertainer, recording artist, performer, songwriter, and actress who's shared the stage with Kelly Price, Patti Labelle, Lenny Williams, Will Downing, Yolanda Adams, Shalamar, Carols Santana, Dionne Warwick, Neal Schon (Journey), MC Hammer, Narada Michael Walden, Martha Reeves, and more.
SHIMA, who plays Aunt Val is a singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer, and actress. SHIMA feels blessed to have graced the stage with many established artists, including Beyoncé, Nas, Tyrese, Busta Rhymes, Kelly Rowland, and The O'jays, to name a few. SHIMA has been a featured Artist on various other songs and appeared on MTV's the cut with Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez.
Melzena René, who plays Stephanie Meyers and has always had a love and passion for the Arts that started at a very young age, and has never stopped. Melzena has been performing in local plays for over ten years; landing roles in, Jesus Is Coming to My House, Othello, Family Reunion in Heaven, A Christmas Carol, and many more. She is ho
Melzena René, who plays Stephanie Meyers and has always had a love and passion for the Arts that started at a very young age, and has never stopped. Melzena has been performing in local plays for over ten years; landing roles in, Jesus Is Coming to My House, Othello, Family Reunion in Heaven, A Christmas Carol, and many more. She is honored to bless the world with her gift and help the FHV project.
Helen Gill-Smith, who plays Betty Price, was raised in her grandfather's church, where her love for gospel music flourished, and she learned to play musical instruments. Although Helen's passion was singing, she discovered another gift in acting. In 2019, she played the character Betty Price and sang lead vocals in "If These Walls Could Talk" stage play and on background vocals.
Don “Dusty” Phelps majored in Theatrical Arts at Cal State University, in Hayward, CA, and in 2012 after retiring from corporate America, Dusty pursued and booked a role as David in the stage play, From Female to Woman to Lady. In 2018, he was offered the job of 2nd chair, as co-director of five more productions by CJ Production, including reprising his role as Deacon Kingsley while directing.
Ceola J, writer, producer and director, is a creative writer who draws her readers and listeners into her stories through her unique writing expression. Ceola has written five successful stage plays, her first sitcom, and her first screenplay, which is a Christmas film. Ceola loves to write creatively and see the projects come to life a
Ceola J, writer, producer and director, is a creative writer who draws her readers and listeners into her stories through her unique writing expression. Ceola has written five successful stage plays, her first sitcom, and her first screenplay, which is a Christmas film. Ceola loves to write creatively and see the projects come to life and bring joy, laughter and hope to those who have an opportunity to see her productions.
Dre is a producer whose writing and production skills quickly made him one of the Bay Area's go-to producers. He has worked with Dawn of En Vogue, Tony Toni Tone's Carl Wheeler and Elijah Baker, the Bay Area's American Idol, Latoya London, to providing music to platinum sensations like Pink, Chante' Moore, Destiny's Child, and Deborah Cox. Dre is working on his album and works with his wife.
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