MEET THE CAST MEMBERS
Derek Payne
(Love and Street Corner Harmony)
Derek A. Payne returns to theatre to entertain audiences with his soulful vocal delivery. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Derek's singing style is reminiscent of the great balladeers of the 70's and 80's with a new school flavor. His vocal ability has been complimented for his ability to sing in various ranges, performing songs by tons of different artists scanning several octaves. An architectural technician currently residing in Columbus, Ohio, Derek is also designs websites and is a member of the original cast of Love and Street Corner Harmony, portraying James Brown, a member of The Temptations, O' Jays and The Cadillacs.
Odell Anderson
(Love and Street Corner Harmony, One Mo Christmas)
Odell was born Homer Odell Anderson in Dallas, Texas and relocated to Columbus, Ohio. Odell has sung backup for several accomplished singers such as Donnie McClurkin, Shawn Pace, and Shirley Caesar while living in Atlanta, Georgia. Because of his love for singing, he hooked up with several local karaoke singers and now has his own karaoke show that keeps his vocal chords fine tuned and is currently a member of The Decals and is a returning cast member of Love and Street Corner Harmony portraying David Ruffin of the Temptations and several famous artists.
Ah'Ri R. Manning
(Love and Street Corner Harmony, What Color Is Trouble)
Ah’Ri R. Manning is an aspiring Christian entertainer. He was born in Warrensville, OH and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He is a seasoned actor in What Color is Trouble and has performed in Love and Street Corner Harmony as well. Ah’Ri’s goal is to be a well-rounded entertainer by expanding his repertoire to include producing, singing, music engineering and acting.
Shelby Holden
(Love and Street Corner Harmony, MaRainey's Black Bottom, One Mo Christmas)
Shelby V. Holden is a former native of Palmetto, Louisiana and has been in the Ohio area for several months. She is studying Secondary Education Speech with a minor in English where her plans are to teach theatre upon completion of her degree. Her career in theatre spans the course of over 15 years. Some productions include; Texas Two Steppin With the Girls, Girls Of the Garden Club, Uncle Vanya's Autumn Roses, and to Kill a Mockingbird. Theatrical awards include an Irving Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her experience in theatre also includes set construction for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's production of The Littlest Angel, State of LA Danse, and Urinetown the musical. She recently was a castmember in Ujima's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
Cynthia Wingo
(Love and Street Corner Harmony, Long Time Since Yesterday)
Cynthia Wingo is a native of Springfield, Ohio. She now resides in Columbus Ohio, where she teaches 5th grade. She loves teaching and also has a passion for God's word, therefore, she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Theology at Ashland University. Cynthia also has a great interest in theatre. "It is such a privilege to be a part of such a phenomenal production,” Love and Street Corner Harmony.” Her goal is to go to the next level in every way and to take as many with her as possible. She stands assured of this, I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthens me.
Crystal Payne
(Love and Street Corner Harmony, What Color Is Trouble)
The life and love that she is able to bring to her music is just phenomenal," said Paul Porter from the Christianairs. "The girl has a built in microphone, a range that is better than Mariah Carey, and volume and clarity on the same level as Artetha Franklin," said Richard Gibbs, piano player for Aretha Franklin. Currently Crystal resides in Columbus, Ohio and has devoted her life to spreading a positive uplifting message through her music. She is the winner of the 2005 Columbus Pepsi Gimme The Mike Contest and recently performed in Ujima's "What Color is Trouble" and was opening performer for Babyface.
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Brian K. Jones
(Love and Street Corner Harmony, What Color Is Trouble, MaRainey's Black Bottom, One Mo Christmas)
Unfulfilled for many years, from settling for mediocrity, Brian decided late in his life to answer the call; to be who he was purposed to be, and to do that with excellence and tenacity. His desire simply is that when he dies, none of his talents remain buried. (See Matt. 25:14-30) He has been a background singer for local recording artists, and has acted in productions such as, The Prodigals, and A Midnight Cry, (in which he performed with his then 9 year old daughter, also an actor and singer.) Most recently he performed in Gus Is Gone, before joining the cast of Love and Street Corner Harmony. He recently performed in Ujima's "Ma
Aries Owens
(Love and Street Corner Harmony)
Aleithra Ball goes by the stage name of Aleithra B. She is a proud loving wife of three children, two boys and one girl ranging from ages 9-14. Aleithra has been driving a school bus for the last ten years. "My drive for music is longer than that". She was born to two wonderful parents, William T, and Mary Briggs. Years later she participated on a local radio station doing jingles, local weddings, parties and casual entertainment events. Aleithra currently participate in a youth event called Gospel Idol, a talent search for young singers, musicians and poets. She had the honor of performing back
Rainey's Black Bottom." He is a writer and poet who aspires to combine elements of theater with poetry from Laurence Dunbar, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and others such as these in workshops formatted for children in inner cities throughout the country.
(Love and Street Corner Harmony, Long Time Since Yesterday)
Aries Owens returns to the stage playing several characters in Ujima's Love and Street Corner Harmony. Her most noted roll portraying Diana Ross has lingered in the minds of many that have seen her performance. Originally from Elyria, Ohio, Aries is a professional cosmetologist and instructor. She combines her love for vocals and dance to bring to theatre her versatility and grace.
Aleithra Ball
up vocals for Crystal Payne who opened up for recording artist, Baby Face. Meeting Crystal on a local competition called "GIMMIE THE MIKE," over 700 hundred people auditioned and Aleithra was selected to be in the finals. She now has the honorable experience in casting "Love and Street Corner Harmony" under the director of Ron Pitts. "My life has been, and is still growing into success and dreams do come true. I'm truly glad to share it with you."
Stay Lifted,
Aleithra C BALL!!
Leroy Thornton
(Love and Street Corner Harmony, The Meeting)
LeRoy S. Thornton II is a member of New Birth Christian Ministries in Columbus Ohio, where he is studying to be a minister, otherwise known as the poet YoReL, (Youthful, Overwhelming, Real, Energetic, and Loyal). LeRoy is no stranger to the stage. He has performed at local poetry venues, fashions shows, church plays and local community events. He has been a guest performer with the musical group, SOULSTARR and performed at the Juneteenth Celebration in 2004, the “A.R.T.” and the “San Francisco Oven, Poetry Showcase”. He has performed and shared the same stage with national recording artist Dwele, Venus Malone,
Dave Lovell, activist/author Sistah Souljah and Motown recording artist Donnie. The pinnacle of LeRoy’s acting career began during his senior year of college in a play “The Caribbean Miser”. LeRoy has also performed in stage plays such as, “Motown Revue”, from 1998-2000, “Brought to life” and most recently “The Promise”.
Priscilla Woodson
(Love and Street Corner Harmony, One Mo Christmas)
Priscilla Woodson, a native of Miami, Florida and currently residing in Columbus, OH is a singer, song writer,composer and recording artist. Priscilla began musical studies in the early 1980’s, under the direction of the late and great Dr. Roscoe Speed of Miami, FL where she studied Choral, Ensemble, Gospel Chorus, Classical, Music theory and vocal training. Priscilla continued musical studies at Miami Dade Community College until she enlisted in the U.S. Army. While serving in the military, Priscilla became the lead singer of a local Jazz band based in San Francisco, CA. It was in San Francisco where she was united with her soul mate, musician and producer Tony Woodson.
For the past fifteen years Priscilla has given her time, gifts and talents to various community-based organizations and church affiliations. She has served as Youth Director, Choir Director, Praise Team Leader, Worship Leader, Minister of Music, and Worship Director. She has also served in Evangelistic Outreach Ministries. Priscilla’s music ministry endeavors have exposed her to diverse cultures, nationalities and unlimited opportunities. Priscilla is currently a student at Raise Productions, Musical School of Arts in Columbus and is the lead singer of TP Project, a Christian based music ministry. with a full band to accompany singers, was founded by Tony Woodson in 2001. Priscilla has performed on two released gospel albums, “The Message” which was released in 2003 and “Trevitt & 169th Gospel Connection”, released in 2006.
David Boyer
(Love and Street Corner Harmony, One Mo Christmas)
As long as he could remember, David V. Boyer, II has had a love for music. Whether it was singing, playing drums in his middle school Jazz Band, or just beatin’ on the doors of the stairwell between classes. He has been captivated by the art. Born and raised in Columbus, he attended Independence High School where he developed an interest in the performing aspect after joining their Show Choir. David always knew he was talented, but in 2005 he realized he had a gift, and a purpose for it, when he was called to Christ. Now a member of New Birth Christian Ministries, David is member of the Choir, part of the Praise & Worship Team, and helps with the Teen Choir & their Praise & Worship.His goal is to obtain a Music degree and develop into a complete artist vocally, instrumentally, technically & spiritually.
Yolanda D. Lathon (Yo'le)
(Long Time Since Yesterday, One Mo Christmas)
Yolanda D. Lathon ( Yo'le) is a native of Columbus, Ohio. Only having experience in run-way modeling, she has brought high spirits and unforeseen incredible talent into this theatre. Being a stranger to the stage, Yo'le has been cast for one of the five leading roles in Ujima's first time stage play, A Long Time Since Yesterday. She believes that all things are possible through God, and admits it took her a long time to see that. Now it's time for her to explode and inspire!
Here you can meet cast members of Ujima Theatre Company's productions, including the casts of Love and Street Corner Harmony, What Color is Trouble, The Meeting, Long Time Since Yesterday, MaRainey's Black Bottom and One Mo Christmas. Ujima Theatre Company has assembled some of the best actors, vocalists, musicians and dancers in the city of Columbus, Ohio to bring forth these productions.
Dorothy Kelley
(Love and Street Croner Harmony, Long Time Since Yesterday)
Dorothy Kelley's name was last seen in the play Turning Point, Columbus, Ohio. As a retired flight attendant for a major airlines, Dorothy used her talent to sing and entertain passengers. Her modeling and print work include commercials with the Columbus Zoo, Ohio Health, and an array of others. She is a member of the original cast of Love and Street Corner Harmony.
More Cast Members
