Alaina Woods has it all!! A1aina has been vocally trained at Western Michigan University as well as Indiana University Bloomington where she was a member of the infamous IU Soul Revue. She believes her training has helped spearhead her success, but deeply credits talent from God for her captivating performances. Although Alaina has sung on numerous stages around the United States, her most memorable moment was singing at the World famous Apollo Theatre. Though this is her first time working with Bob and John, Alaina was instrumental to Joyce Licorish in her production of “Birth of Soul.”
Meet the Cast of Classic Soul: Alaina Woods
Posted in Blog, Classic Soul, Meet The Cast
1 Comment
Classic Soul Opens Friday, Apr. 2nd!
On April 2nd, Classic Soul: The Greatest Hits of Rhythm & Blues and Soul opens at the Athenaeum Theatre.
The production will run for two consecutive weekends, with the debut show opening April 2nd.
The Athenaeum Theatre is located at 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204. Dinner and cocktails are available before and after performances at the famous Rathskeller Restaurant.
Click here for more information about Classic Soul!
Posted in Blog
Tagged bobdirex, cast, indianapolis, motown, music, play, R&B, revue, rhythm & blues, show, soul
Leave a comment
Meet the cast of Classic Soul: Deaon Smith
Deaon Smith is a native of Gary, IN, where at the age of 7 he started his musical career singing in the choir with the Church of God of in Christ. Guided by his mother evangelist Lee Gerther Smith, Deaon attended Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High School where he began training in classical and jazz both vocal and on piano. In 1992 he received further training in classical music while attending the University of Miami. In 1989 he formed his first group called ‘Message’ and won the Indianapolis Black Expo Star Quest Gospel Competition. In 1993 in Chicago, he formed the R&B group called ‘Standing Room Only’ which opened for artists such as Gladys Knight, R.Kelly, Chaka Kahn, Baby Face and the Isley Brothes. Standing Room only then recorded their debut album titled “Du the Du” with Waterproof Music. In 2002 Deaon and Curtis Yarlbro formed the R & B / Jazz and Blues band called ‘The Next Level’. The band has performed in Louisville, St.Louis, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. He’s become a treasured friend to Joyce, Bob & John through local gigs and his work with American Cabaret Theatre.
Posted in Blog, Classic Soul, Meet The Cast
Tagged bobdirex, cast, Deaon Smith, indianapolis, motown, music, play, revue, rhythm & blues, soul
1 Comment
Meet The Cast of Classic Soul: Joyce Licorish
Joyce Licorish found her theatrical voice during her appearance in several Indianapolis Opera productions 2000-2003, including the critically acclaimed Porgy and Bess, the Denyce Graves Gala, Aida and Don Pasquale along with several other performances at Butler University’s Clowes Memorial Hall. During the past few years Joyce has opened for superstar-performers including Chaka Khan, Babyface, The Isley Brothers, singing group 112, and most recently for Joss Stone at the world renowned Copacabana in New York City, all to rave reviews. . Joyce has also appeared in several performances with American Cabaret Theatre under the skillful direction of Bob Harbin, including, DIVAS!! Elton & Stevie, Solid Gold Soul and Singin’ the Blues. Joyce is proud to be wearing a new hat as Producer of “Classic Soul” alongside old friend and Director Bob Harbin and the talented John Austin Bustch.
With regard to her performance career, one of Joyce’s most memorable accomplishments was being cast as “Effie White” in the 2007 production of Dreamgirls also produced by Bob Harbin that headlined in Indianapolis at the Scottish Rite and Madame Walker Theatres. In Feb 2009 Joyce made her writing, directorial and production debut to rave reviews, and was featured on the cover of the Indy Sunday section of the Indy Star regarding her staging of “Birth of Soul” an original musical that took onlookers on a journey through 7 decades of soul music. Joyce is also known for her many appearances in and out of town with her band “Soul Candy” which also features castmate Deaon Smith on vocals, and welcomes you to find out more about her and her performance schedule by visiting her website: www.JoyceLicorish.com
Meet the Cast of Classic Soul: Cessalee Stovall
Cessalee Stovall is back home again in Indiana she’s just thrilled about it! Favorite credits include-Chicago: Seussical, Nunsense, All Shook Up, Hairspray (Marriott Theatre), Curtains (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Retail: The Music of the Malls(Chicago Comedy Company), Regional: Ragtime-Sarah (PA), Buddy-Apollo Singer (TX), Into the Woods-Witch (FL), Cruise Ships, Theme Parks, and Tours-OH MY! A Florida State University graduate, Cessalee is currently living in Los Angeles. Next up, Cessalee will be playing Kala in the regional theatre premiere of Tarzan at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Cessale sends her thanks to her wonderful friends near and far and sends praise and thanks to Him for the most amazingly, wonderfully, supportive family in the world! God Bless!
Posted in Blog, Classic Soul, Meet The Cast
Tagged bobdirex, cast, Cessalee Stovall, indianapolis, motown, music, play, R&B, revue, rhythm & blues, show, soul
Leave a comment
Classic Soul Opens In Two Weeks on April 2nd!
On April 2nd, Classic Soul: The Greatest Hits of Rhythm & Blues and Soul opens at the Athenaeum Theatre.
The production will run for two consecutive weekends, with the debut show opening April 2nd.
The Athenaeum Theatre is located at 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204. Dinner and cocktails are available before and after performances at the famous Rathskeller Restaurant.
Click here for more information about Classic Soul!
Posted in Blog
Tagged bobdirex, cast, indianapolis, motown, play, R&B, revue, rhythm & blues, show, soul, tickets
Leave a comment
Meet The Cast of Classic Soul: Tori Gowdy
Tori Gowdy is so excited to be returning to the ACT stage where she has performed in several shows such as Disco Nights 1 & 2, Heartbreak Hotel, and Solid Gold Soul, which she choreographed, just to name a few. She is enjoying herself right now as she is choreographing “The Motown Story” for the Asante Children’s Theater. She is also an alumni member of the company. She has been performing and dancing since the age of six and she is still going strong twenty years later! Some of her favorite shows she has done include Suessical the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Yerma, and Fame She plans to continue to share her talents with the world and would like thank all her family and friends for their love and support!!!
Posted in Blog, Classic Soul, Meet The Cast
Tagged bobdirex, cast, indianapolis, motown, music, play, revue, rhythm & blues, show, soul, Tori Gowdy
Leave a comment
Meet The Cast of Classic Soul: James ‘Joon’ Walker
James ‘Joon’ Walker, Jr.is honored and delighted to be in his third producton uner the talented direction of Bob Harbin. He was previously seen in LET’S GET IT ON:THE MUSIC OF MOTOWN and SOLID GOLD SOUL. He’s also been seen in THE BLUES DON’T CRY, GETTING READY at IRT and PORGY & BESS at Clewes Hall. Films include BRICK BY BRICK and THE BOOK AND THE ROSE. Presently he is a vocalist with Toy Factory www.toyfactorymusic.com “As always I dedicate each of my performances to my performances to my precious children: Rashida, Raymond and Rashelle, who I feel is my guardian angel.”
Posted in Blog, Classic Soul, Meet The Cast
Tagged bobdirex, cast, James 'Joon' Walker, motown, music, rhythm & blues, show, soul
Leave a comment
Meet The Cast of Classic Soul: Da’Keisha Bryant
Da’Keisha is a powerful force wherever you see her. See’s been in performances all over Indianapolis and currently can be seen in “Footloose” at Beef & Boards Theatre. She is a perfect cast for any singing show, especially the music of Motown. She stopped the show with her rendition of “Home” from THE WIZ when she performed it at American Cabaret Theatre and then took on the role of ‘Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West’ when the Theatre took on a full production of THE WIZ. She’s dedicated and a true joy to work with. She’s very close to her family and friends and always grateful for their love and support. Her smile is infectious and her laugh, well, girl can laugh, ok?
Posted in Blog, Classic Soul, Meet The Cast
Tagged bobdirex, cast, Classic Soul, Da'Keisha Bryant, indianapolis, motown, music, play, R&B, revue, rhythm & blues, show, soul
Leave a comment
Tickets Are On Sale Now For Classic Soul
Tickets are now on sale for Classic Soul: The Greatest Hits of Rhythm & Blues and Motown.
The production will run for two consecutive weekends, April 2-4 and April 9-11. All tickets are a wallet friendly $20 with some discounts for groups of 20 or more.
Showtimes & Dates:
Friday, April 2, 7:30pm
Saturday, April 3, 7:30pm
Sunday, April 4, 3pm
Friday, April 9, 7:30pm
Saturday, April 10, 7:30pm
Sunday, April 11, 3pm
The Athenaeum Theatre is located at 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204. Dinner and cocktails are available before and after performances at the famous Rathskeller Restaurant.
Click here for more information about Classic Soul!
