Los Angeles, CA, July 23, 2009: Rehearsals begin next week for the faith-based musical ‘Church’ in Southern California. ‘Church’ is a musical-comedy-drama based on typical Sunday services at the fictional “Glorious New Life Greater Faith Tabernacle Church of The Living God In Christ Up on the Hill.” The movie stars an ensemble cast including:
Darius McCrary, the cast is led by this talented actor/singer who portrays prodigal son “Daniel Rhodes” in ‘Church’. McCrary, (Eddie Winslow from the hit 90's TV sitcom Family Matters), has appeared in numerous productions on both the big- and small-screen, and is a musician, songwriter, and vocalist.
Art Evans, this veteran actor has appeared in numerous television shows and is best known for his role in the action film Die Hard 2: Die Harder in which he plays an air traffic control tower employee who helps detective John McClane, played by Bruce Willis. Credits include: Everybody Hates Chris, Lincoln Heights, The X-Files, Monk, A Different World, and numerous dramas and sit-coms.
Joseph C. Phillips, who is perhaps best known for the role of Lt. Martin Kendall, Lisa Bonet’s husband, on the hit series The Cosby Show. He was also a three time NAACP Image Award Nominee for his portrayal of Attorney Justus Ward on the Daytime Drama General Hospital. For two seasons he appeared as Mayor Morgan Douglas on the CBS series The District, recurred as Marcus Johnson on the hit CBS series Without A Trace and most recently appeared as JT Morse on the Fox Series, Vanished. He has had guest starring roles on C.S.I., Las Vegas, Jack and Bobby, The King of Queens, and Living Single among others.
Daryl Coley, a nationally renowned recording artist for more than twenty years, Daryl Coley has been wowing audiences for years with his gut-wrenching singing. He has remained true to the message of the church he loves, and is one of the most unique and celebrated artists of our age.
Blanche McAllister Dykes, who began singing with Gospel genius “Donald Lawrence” and has provided background vocals for Karen Clark-Sheard, The Clark Sisters, Darwin Hobbs, Joanne Rosario, Hezekiah Walker, Kim Burrell, Jennifer Holliday, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Mary Mary to name a few.
Nikki Potts, is a spirit filled alto who is currently a member of Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers as well as the West Angeles Church of God in Christ where she has served on the praise and worship team, and young adult choir for 15 years. Nikki has worked with several artists including Yolanda Adams, Norman Hutchins, Daryl Coley, Byran Cage, Judith McAllister, Kirk Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, and Donnie McClurkin. She appeared in several stage plays including, “The High Life,” “Gospel at Colonus” and “For this Reason.”
Sam Sarpong, the international face of Tommy Hilfiger for 6 years. Sam hosted MTV's "Yo Mama" Seasons 1 & 2 and won a prestigious MAA fashion award for new male model of the year. He belongs to a music crew called Future Stars, and played the lead in music videos for artists Genuine, Maxwell, and The Braxtons.
Additional cast members include: Dionne ‘Dde’ Gipson; and from Houston, Texas singer/actress Hannah Miller and singer Krystal Broussard.
Filming will begin the first week of August in the Santa Monica and Los Angeles area. The movie is a production of Gospel Jam, LLC, in association with L.A.’s historic First A.M.E. (F.A.M.E.) Church, and directed by Cory King and Foster Corder. King and Corder also serve as producers of “Church”. Businessman and Political Strategist Tommy Ross, C.E.O of Pinnacle Strategic Group, Inc. is Executive Producer.
For more information, or to request and interview, please call Cory King at (562) 618-2668 or email info@churchthefilm.com. www.churchthefilm.com
