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BWW Stage Mag Prince of the Pulpit - Ford Community and Performing Arts Center Stage Mag

Vanessa Lynn’s Prince of the Pulpit is a powerful gospel musical where faith, family, legacy, and divine calling collide, splitting a church and revealing secrets.

Vanessa Lynn's Prince of the Pulpit

 
at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center
 
 
Written by
Vanessa Lynn
Directed by
Richard Bass
Original Music by
Dr. Kenneth Wilson
 
Starring
 
DeLorean "Delo"
Bishop Bruce V. Parham
Crystal P.
Madison Denell
Marcus Woods
DeEtta West
Deborah Chenault-Green
Sean A. Allen
JOHDI
Dennis L.A. White
Joseph Phillips Jr.
Chiquita Dunham Parker
 
 
 

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Cast

Marcus Woods
Jordan Sanders
DeEtta West
Lady Delphine Baxter
Ursula Ace
Sister Clara
Johdi
Noelle Garrett
Madison Denell Coates
Raven
Sean A. Allen
Deacon Ivan
Ursula Ace
Sister Clara
Chiquita Dunham-Parker
Trish
Bishop Bruce Parham
Bishop Aaron Baxter
Mike Jeffers
Father Don
Amia Brock
Young Delphine
Crystal P.
Ruth Mae

Creative Team

Richard Bass

Director

Cherrise Eliz

2nd Assistant Director

Richard Bass

Director

Richard Bass

Director

Mike Jeffers

Assistant Director

Meet the Company

Marcus Woods

Jordan Sanders
Marcus Woods - Jordan Sanders

Marcus Woods is an award winning actor, acting coach, and founder of Out The Woods Productions. His television credits include FOX’s Empire, TV One’s Fatal Attraction, The CW’s Melanin. His film work includes leading roles in Blind Trust and Depart From It, for which he received the 2025 Detroit Filmmaker Award for Best Actor. Additional credits include The Rows, A Good Man 3, The Divorce Lawyer. Marcus is also the creator and host of Monologue Monday with Marcus Woods. He is grateful to bring Jordan Sanders to life in Prince of the Pulpit and thanks God, his family, and everyone who continues to support his journey.

DeEtta West

Lady Delphine Baxter
DeEtta West - Lady Delphine Baxter

DeEtta West - Minister, Actor, Singer, Author.
Born in San Diego, California .  Attended San Diego University. 

Ursula Ace

Sister Clara

Johdi

Noelle Garrett
Johdi  - Noelle Garrett

Johdi was born and raised on the Westside of Detroit MI. She started singing at just 2 years old and discovered her love and passion for music and theater at the young age of 7 years old. Johdi perfected her craft everyday and pursued full time artistry after graduating from Cass Tech High School along with landing several lead roles on the theater stage along the way. She has traveled and sang BGVs for many of the Gospel, R&B, and Hip Hop greats such as Karen Clark Sheard , Eric Benet, Faith Evans, Stevie Wonder,  Big Sean, and more. She has completed a 6 week 34 city European tour. You can catch her on NPR’s Tiny Desk tour performing with Kierra Sheard and Bow Wow.  As an independent R&B artist she uses the gifts God gave her to impact hearts everywhere! She has an EP and a new single called LESS available for streaming on all Digital Streaming Platforms. 

Madison Denell Coates

Raven
Madison Denell Coates - Raven

A cultivated heroine who pays great attention to detail and admires constructive criticism. Her training has equipped her for both the theatrical and cinematic arena, making her an ideal actress for any project.

Sean A. Allen

Deacon Ivan
Sean A. Allen - Deacon Ivan

Sean is an experienced performer with a passion for collaborative storytelling. Since beginning his journey in 2004 with Ain’t I a Woman, he has built a diverse career spanning stage, film, acting instruction, and voice-over work. His credits include A Few Good Men, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He has also contributed behind the scenes as an assistant director and stage manager. A two-time winner of the “Hollywood Comes to Detroit” monologue competition (2007–2008), Sean continues to expand his craft. He is a member of several acting troupes and serves as an ordained clergyman and Assistant Pastor, while enjoying family life with his wife, Judy, and 4 grandchildren.

Ursula Ace

Sister Clara
Ursula Ace  - Sister Clara

Ursula Ace is a dynamic contemporary gospel artist, vocalist, songwriter, and performer whose musical journey began at the age of nine. Her artistry has been shaped by some remarkable musical influences, including learning the craft of songwriting from Carolyn Franklin, sister of the legendary Aretha Franklin, and spending a summer receiving vocal training from Motown great Kim Weston and respected vocal coach Mickey Braden. With a voice rooted in gospel and a heart committed to ministry, Ursula has developed a sound that blends faith, soul, passion, and authentic life experience. She is also the founder and lead singer of The Ace-Turner Xperience, bringing together powerful musicianship, vibrant performances, and an uplifting message.

 

Throughout her career, Ursula has graced stages both locally and internationally. She shared the stage with Darrin DeWitt Henson and Terrell Carter in the stage production “Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys?”, performed at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre in connection with Rocket Mortgage, and served as the lead commercial singer for the Rocket Mortgage Awards. Her ministry through music has also taken her to Canada, where she performed at the Glass Awards Gospel Awards Show, as well as to numerous states across the country. Whethhttps://www.instagram.com/stylhercurvy?stkn=MTNqN2kzbzBraDU5dA==er performing on a major stage, leading worship, or sharing her own music, Ursula’s mission remains the same: to use her God-given voice to inspire, encourage, and spread the love of Christ everywhere she goes.

Chiquita Dunham-Parker

Trish
Chiquita Dunham-Parker - Trish

Chiquita Dunham-Parker is a seasoned actress with over 20 years of theatre experience and more than 10 years of film experience. Having worked on more than 50 stage and film projects combined, she is well-versed in both acting and working behind the camera. She landed her first leading role in Blind Trust. Chiquita is also the co-owner of Her Patio Productions, Detroit’s first all-Black women-owned production company. She brings professionalism, versatility, and emotional depth to every production.

Bishop Bruce Parham

Bishop Aaron Baxter
Bishop Bruce Parham - Bishop Aaron Baxter

Bishop Bruce V. Parham is a distinguished pastor, worship leader, and recording artist whose ministry has touched lives for over four decades through preaching, worship, and music. With a voice marked by both power and intimacy, he blends traditional gospel roots with contemporary expressions of worship to minister healing, hope, and inspiration. His musical catalog includes The Answer, Sing Bruce, Dwell Together, Your Presence, We Will Give You Praise, and Hide Me, each reflecting his passion for worship and devotion to God. In 2027, Bishop Parham will release a highly anticipated new album, continuing a legacy dedicated to glorifying God, equipping the saints, and leading people into His presence through music.

Mike Jeffers

Father Don

Mike Jeffers is a Detroit-based actor, writer, director, and producer whose passion for storytelling extends both in front of and behind the camera. As an actor, Mike has appeared in independent films and series including, When the Smoke Clears, Bad Day, You Toxic, and Daddy I Love Him. His work can be seen on streaming platforms including Tubi and Amazon Prime.

Known for bringing authenticity, emotion, and a natural presence to his performances, Mike approaches every character with a commitment to making the role believable and memorable. He continues to expand his acting career while creating stories that entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences.

Amia Brock

Young Delphine
Amia Brock - Young Delphine

Amia “Mimi” Brock is an 8-year-old actress, model, author, and young entrepreneur from Detroit, Michigan. She began modeling at the age of four and has since taken her talents from the runway to film and stage. Mimi made her film debut at age five and can be seen in Love After Holidays, now streaming on BET+. Her talent and personality have also gained media attention, including recognition on The Jennifer Hudson Show and features and interviews with several television and media outlets.

In addition to acting and modeling,Mimi is a brand ambassador and the young entrepreneur behind her Mimilicious lip gloss line. Full of confidence, creativity, and personality, Mimi is excited to continue growing as an actress and entertainer while inspiring other young girls to confidently shine in their own light.

Crystal P.

Ruth Mae
Crystal P. - Ruth Mae

Crystal P. is a dynamic entertainer whose talent and versatility have made her a celebrated force in comedy, theater, film, and live entertainment. Known as The C.H.A.S.E.—Comedienne, Host, Actress, Singer, and Entertainer—Crystal P. brings energy, humor, and authenticity to every stage she graces.

No stranger to Parables Entertainment, Crystal P. has showcased her acting and comedic talents in productions including Unequally Yoked, Boss Lady, Murder at Carver High, and Fakers since 2006. Her film credits include Pawn Shop, Born Cursed, Daddy I Love Him, and Romeo & Juliet: An Eastside Story.

Crystal has also had the honor of opening for some of entertainment’s most legendary artists, including Diana Ross, Steve Harvey, Stephanie Mills, Patti LaBelle, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Chaka Khan, and many more.

Voted Detroit’s New Queen of Comedy, Crystal P. continues to captivate audiences with her unmistakable personality, comedic timing, and passion for entertainment.

Tonight, she is proud to bring her talents to the stage in Prince in the Pulpit.

Richard Bass

Director

Cherrise Eliz

2nd Assistant Director
Cherrise Eliz - 2nd Assistant Director

Cherrise Eliz is a dynamic director, actor, dancer, choreographer, and creative visionary committed to bringing powerful stories to life. For more than a decade, she has served as Chief Wardrobe Stylist with Parable’s Entertainment. She previously served as Manager and Choir Director with the renowned Detroit Mass Choir. Her performance credits include I Need a Man, Listen to the Silence, and Dear Future Husband. A nationally ranked cheer coach for more than 30 years, Cherrise has earned numerous championships and accolades. In recognition of her community service through Detroit PAL, she received the 2024 Spirit of Detroit Award.

Richard Bass

Director

Richard Bass

Director
Richard Bass  - Director

Richard A. Bass, a Detroit native, is a filmmaker, playwright, producer, and founder of Chosen One Productions LLC. His passion for storytelling was born during his time at Ferris State University, where he co-created his first stage play, You Ain’t No Different, in 2001.

Inspired by acclaimed storytellers such as David E. Talbert and Tyler Perry, Richard founded Chosen One Productions in 2011 with a vision to create powerful, positive entertainment for the stage and screen. Since then, he has produced numerous theatrical and film projects, including Entangled, Out of Bounds, His Story Our Reality, Chocolate Kiss, Intimate Betrayals, and Daddy I Love Him.

Through his work, Richard remains committed to developing talent, telling compelling stories, and creating productions that entertain, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.

Mike Jeffers

Assistant Director
Mike Jeffers - Assistant Director

Mike Jeffers is a Detroit-based actor, writer, director, and producer with a passion for bringing authentic, emotionally driven stories to life. With experience both in front of and behind the camera, Mike brings a filmmaker’s perspective and natural presence to every role. His work spans independent film and television, including projects streaming on Tubi and Amazon Prime. Dedicated to storytelling that connects with audiences, Mike continues to expand his body of work as both an actor and director. 

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Vanessa Lynn’s Prince of the Pulpit is a powerful gospel musical where faith, family, legacy, and divine calling collide, splitting a church and revealing secrets.

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