3rd Dimension Performance Group's Mystery Dinner Theater  

Christine Houston

Christine Houston, born 1935 in Chicago, is an accomplished writer. She is the creator of the popular 1980’s sitcom 227 and also worked on other shows including The Jeffersons, and Punky Brewster. Ms. Houston wrote Two Twenty-Seven, a play about her childhood growing up at 227 E. 48th Street, while she was a student at Kennedy-King College in the 1970’s. The play won the Lorraine Hansberry and the Norman Lear Playwriting contests. The latter took her to Los Angeles where her play got into the hands of Marla Gibbs, one of the stars of The Jeffersons. Gibbs performed the play at her theater and received the NAACP Image award for Best Actress while Mrs. Houston received the NAACP Image award for Playwriting. 227 launched in 1985 and ran on NBC for 5 seasons. Houston is also the author of dozens of one act plays and the novel, Laughing Through The Tears. Furthermore, she is a former professor of Screenwriting and Writing for Television at Chicago State University. In a joint collaboration, Professor Houston has co-authored a textbook with her friend, Dr. Christine List. Professor Houston encourages all of her students, regardless of age, to follow their dreams. Her favorite adages are “God loves you, and “It isn’t over ‘til it’s over.”

Melquetta Hughes

Melquetta Hughes (Mel) is an award-winning vocalist, dynamic dancer/ performer, and dedicated performing arts coach with over 20 years of experience across stages in New York, Texas, LA, and Memphis Known for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, Mel seamlessly blends her diverse experience in gospel, musical theatre, and contemporary music to create unique and impactful performances. Early in her career, Mel was a freelance dancer and singer in Chicago, performing with many of the city's top performing blues And gospel artists including sharing the stage with Honorable Buddy Guy, Jennifer Hudson, John P. Kee, Ricky Dillard and Vickie Winans notable performance/appearance credits include America’s Got Talent, Apollo (5x), Pre- Grammys, and the latest appearance in the well known television show Empire.

Corey Bailey

Corey E. Bailey is a dynamic comedian, actor, and host whose clean, relatable humor and magnetic stage presence have made him a favorite with audiences across the country. Comedy has always come naturally to Corey, but his professional journey began in 1992 at All Jokes Aside, where he performed weekly for two years until the club’s closure. His quick wit and natural charisma soon earned him opportunities to host major events, including the Midwest Regional Music Association’s RCA New Artist Showcase in 1998. That same year, he shared the stage with the legendary Bernie Mac at Club Milt Trainers—an experience that helped solidify his path in entertainment. From 1999 to 2001, Corey served as a featured stand-up artist and co-host for the Marcus Brown Annual Benefit, performing alongside industry notables such as Katt Williams, Joe, Public Announcement, and Rufus. Corey’s talent extends beyond the comedy stage. His acting credits include appearances in The Chicago Code (2011), Little Fockers alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller (2010), and Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet the Sound national promotional campaign. On stage, he’s starred in Shawn Henderson’s Raised by Big Mama, toured with Barry Bowles’ Friends with Benefits, and appeared as Rudy, the supporting lead, in Shywanee Manson’s My Sista, I’m Sorry. A Chicago native, Corey continues to be a powerful presence in both comedy and community entertainment. He has performed for prestigious organizations including The Chicagoland Radio Announcers Guild and The Academy of Criminology, and has hosted countless shows, church functions, and special events. He’s also been featured as a guest host on several Chicago radio programs. Grounded in faith and purpose, Corey is passionate about using humor to uplift and inspire. Through his clean comedy and authentic storytelling, he strives to share not only who he is—but whose he is—with audiences everywhere.

Shannon Stiles

Shannon Stiles is thrilled to be part of this amazing production with 3rd Dimension Performance Group. Since the company's inception, Shannon Stiles has been a dedicated member, contributing as a singer, actress, rapper, and songwriter. Her passion for the performing arts extends beyond the stage, having directed and led theater programs across Chicagoland. Shannon Stiles is grateful for the continued support and opportunities provided by 3rd Dimension Performance Group, and she looks forward to sharing her love for the arts with the audience.

Ted Williams III

Ted Williams III is a performing artist and educator who teaches Political Science at the City Colleges of Chicago. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago, Rutgers University, and Northern Seminary. His acting credits include NBC's Chicago PD, Showtime’s The Chi, and various films, plays, and commercials for companies including Empire Carpet, Cheerios, and Subway. Williams is the former host of WYCC-PBS Television’s The Professors and author of the book The Way Out: Christianity, Politics, and the Future of the African American Community. He was a previous candidate for the Chicago City Council and currently serves on the Illinois Reparations Commission. He and his wife Roslyn have three children.

Roslyn Williams

Roslyn Williams is excited to be a part of the 1619 team. An engineer by training, she has built a substantial performance resume over the last two decades after joining the "family business". She has performed with the 3rd Dimension Performance group in their Chicago Housing Authority theater-based training program and has appeared in commercials for Subway, Cracker Barrel, and most recently in the national He Gets Us campaign. She currently works as a consultant for the DC Housing Authority, and as a house manager for the musical 1619: The Journey of a People. She loves to read and garden in her spare time.

Tony "Bear" Adams

Entertainment Industry Veteran Anthony Adams, affectionately known as “Bear,” has worked in the entertainment industry for over 40 years, holding a variety of influential positions across event management, artist relations, and production. Bear began his career in public service with the City of Chicago, working in the Mayor’s Office of Special Events as an assistant to Sasha Daltonn, founder of the Chicago Gospel Music Festival (1985–1989). In June 1989, he joined Royal Production as an Event Manager, collaborating with Gospel legends such as Albertina Walker, Clifton Davis, Vickie Winans, and many others. From 1991 to 2003, Bear brought his expertise to the historic New Regal Theater, owned and operated by Edward and Bettiann Gardner. Starting as a Group Sales Agent, he quickly advanced to Talent Showcase Coordinator and later became Assistant General Manager, serving in that role until the theater’s closure in August 2003. Today, Bear continues to make his mark in the industry, working with several production companies as an Event Manager. He has also expanded into artist management, representing acclaimed talents such as Dr. Christine Houston—award-winning playwright, producer, director, actress, and creator of the hit NBC sitcom 227—and Corey E. Bailey, comedian and host extraordinaire. Bear currently serves as the Production Manager for 3rd Dimension Performance Group, where his decades of experience and deep commitment to excellence continue to inspire and shape the next generation of entertainment professionals.

Omari Aton

Born Tyrone C. Williams on Chicago's south side, Omari's journey into music was set in motion almost from birth. He was an inquisitive child, always deconstructing mechanical devices to understand how they worked—a skill that would later translate to his talent for deconstructing and arranging complex musical compositions. His mother, being a DJ, filled their home with music, sparking a lifelong passion in Omari. This passion was formalized at Parker Elementary School, where he learned the trumpet and served as the drummer for the color guard. Omari's talent flourished at Paul Robeson High School, where he joined the band after being injured as a freshman running back on the varsity football team. His versatility and skill earned him positions in the All-City Band and Orchestra (in the percussion section) the All-City Choir (as a 2nd tenor), and the All-City Jazz Band (pianist) for three consecutive years. Under his high school band director Gene Page's tutelage, Omari became a true multi- instrumentalist, mastering every percussion instrument, piano, trombone, and the baritone horn. He successfully competed in city-wide competitions as both a solo percussionist and a member of a trombone trio, earning superior ratings. His leadership potential was also recognized, leading to his appointments as the band's instrument and equipment manager and, ultimately, Band President. This period also honed his strategic mind. Fascinated by the strategy and planning of chess, Omari developed an analytical approach that he would later apply to his musical arrangements and management style. After earning a full music scholarship to Lincoln University, a twist of fate brought him back to his native Chicago, setting the stage for his professional career. In 1982, Omari Jahi’s path converged with that of Rahim Chesed Aton, famously known as "The Sax Preacher." Omari joined his group, Chicago's Own Band, as a pianist. His deep technical knowledge and natural gift for arrangement quickly became evident, and he soon stepped into the role of Band Director. Drawing from his extensive experience in orchestras and jazz bands, Omari brought a unique talent for "musical blend and balance" to the group, shaping their sound and performance. Beyond the stage, he assisted in mentoring inner-city youth, sharing his knowledge of the music business and providing a platform for new talent. In 2019, Omari began a new chapter to broaden his technical and creative palette. He expanded his audiovisual abilities by securing a six-year internship in the journalism and broadcasting field under the mentorship of DiMarkco Chandler. True to his inquisitive nature and disciplined approach, Omari mastered these new skills, becoming a proficient sound engineer, videographer, photographer, and journalist. This added a powerful new dimension to his entertainment and production capabilities. Today, Omari Jahi is a seasoned and disciplined multi-talent: musician, leader, producer, and media professional. He possesses a rare ability to hear the "rhythm of life" and harmonize complex situations, whether musical, technical, or strategic, giving them structure and order. This unique blend of raw musical talent, analytical thinking, and proven leadership makes him a dynamic force in the entertainment world.