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THE
SHOW
In the great tradition of Variety Shows, we bring the best, and all for a good cause. Last year, the youth of FCCNH travelled to New Orleans to help the recovery efforts.
The trip inspired a renewed passion for mission. This incredible collection of talent from our congregation share their gifts to raise money for the 2008 Youth Mission project. Music, Laughter, Magic and More!
| YOUR MI FORCE: |
 GLENDA MORGAN BROWN
Glenda has been a professional actress since 1979. This particular one-woman version of "The Wizard of Oz" evolved out of excerpts remembered and performed at cast parties back in Windsor, Ontario (this being before videos and VCR's existed, once-a-year viewing was a necessity in order to expand the program). What you'll see tonight is the ultra-short version; a 30-minute show has been seen in libraries, schools, churches, and private parties all over the country for more than 20 years. She has also been seen on the big screen (SUDDEN DEATH) and television shows, including 7th HEAVEN, BOSTON LEGAL, THE WEST WING, ACCORDING TO JIM, and more. Glenda is also a stage director. While living in the Akron, Ohio, area, she shared season directing duties with her husband, David Colwell, at the Coach House Theatre. Some of her favorite projects include THE CONSTANT WIFE, DIAL ‘M’ FOR MURDER, PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, and of course, the Advent Theatre’s GREATER TUNA, LEND ME A TENOR, SHADOWLANDS, GREETINGS!, AN INSPECTOR CALLS, THE FANTASTICKS, LATER LIFE and BLITHE SPIRIT.
Currently, she serves as the Artistic Director for the Advent Theatre, and is in rehearsals now for our spring production, LITTLE WOMEN.. Glenda would like to thank everyone involved in making MISSION: INCREDIBLE come together, expecially David for his constant love and support, and you, the audience, for being here. |
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JOHN DICKSON
 John Dickson, a Texas native (no Bush jokes), is currently a busy
composer/musician in L.A…well, the Valley... toiling in the Hollywood film
and TV sweat shop. He has composed scores or contributed music for
dozens of films, tele-features, TV series, documentaries, stage plays,
commercials, and feature shorts. His projects have appeared around the
world (thank you, Oprah) in most of the industry's top film festivals, and at a
theater or cable box near you. He has sold a lot of beer, Barbies and
Hondas.
Recent efforts include Sci-Fi Channels’ MAMMOTH for director Tim Cox,
and LOST COLONY for Mark Lester. John’s music also appears in Sony
Classic’s WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? Currently he is bringing the
funk for USA’s top-rated BURN NOTICE and the new indie MISS NOBODY.
Dickson has performed with a wide variety of artists: Natalie Cole, David
Foster, Ray Charles, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morrisette, Tommy Tune, and
Wynonna Judd to name a few, and has recorded with many others including
Shirley Horn, Harry Connick, Jr., Lionel Richie, Selena, Weird Al Yankovic
(oh yeah!), and Chick Corea. He is also putting together a Great show with
Susan Joyce that we Will do...soon!
And, despite the best advice, John continues to occasionally make an
onscreen appearance on a soap or two, and plays a bit of piano. |
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DEBORAH DIETRICH
 Deborah Dietrich came to Los Angeles with her new love in 1999, celebrated the millennium, and thought, Now, what? Her then-boyfriend-now-husband had a legit purpose here, as an actor, but Deborah's life had been filled up to that point with singing Eastern European folk music with an a cappella women's ensemble named Kitka, touring and recording; what would she do in L.A.? It was during these questioning years, living in the hills of Los Feliz, that she wrote the song she'll perform, 33-Year-Old Housewife. Since then she's been introduced to the session-singing industry (where she was blessed to record solo vocals on MINORITY REPORT for John Williams—with Spielberg in the room!—and perform on last year's Academy Awards), and she is grateful to a special place on the corner of Colfax and Moorpark, where she has been able to share her need to create music and community. This song would not be possible without the support (and existence) of Stephen Markle, her house-husband, and so it is to him that this performance is dedicated —along with a certain 3-1/2-year-old house-daughter named Alexandra. |
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MARVIN "M.B." GORDY (Percussion, IM Band)
 M.B. has been working as a freelance musician and producer in the L.A. area for many years. From 2001 until April of 2005, he was the percussionist/drummer for the Doobie Brothers and currently is playing drums for Rita Coolidge as well as freelancing in Los Angeles. His current TV projects include playing percussion for BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and EUREKA, MAD MEN, NY CSI, THE UNIT and SARAH CONNOR.
His film credits include: THE CROW, STIGMATA, THE SIEGE, NEGOTIATOR, TITAN AE, HAPPY TEXAS, HEARTBREAKERS,
SCREAM 2 & 3, STEAL THIS MOVIE, (THE ABBIE HOFFMAN STORY), SHIPPING NEWS, THE FIRST 20 MILLION, COLLATERAL DAMAGE, SCARY MOVIE, EIGHT LEGGED FREAKS, NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE, WONDER BOYS, COUNTRY BEARS, SCORPION KING, MEN IN BLACK II, HIGH CRIMES, SPYDER MAN, RED DRAGON, TERMINATOR 3, X-MEN II, BLADE II, TRANSFORMERS, ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS, 3:10 TO YUMA, DIE HARD 4, and THE KING OF CALIFORNIA.
Television credits include: KING OF THER HILL, ANGEL, KING OF QUEENS, ANY DAY NOW, THE TONIGHT SHOW,
GOOD MORNING AMERICA, AMERICAN DREAMS,
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, and many more.
M.B. has performed with the LA Philharmonic, The National Symphony, The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, The Long Beach Opera, The Pasadena Pops and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
Pop and Rock credits include: Frank Zappa, John Tesh,
Three Dog Night, Loggins and Messina, Wilco, Tribe 1, The Doobie Brothers
Glenn Yarbrough and Rhapsody in Taps, Freeflight, Andrea Marcovicci, Lion King, Rita Coolidge, George Kahn
M.B.’s recording credits include: Bill Withers, Green Day, Anna Visi, REO Speedwagon, Phillip Keveren, Jaguares, My Chemical Romance,
Neil Diamond, Juan Gabriel, Kenny Latimore, George Kahn, Brandi, and Guns and Roses to name a few. He has had the fortune of working with noted producers: Peter Asher, Don Was, Mat Wallace ,Rob Cavallo and Scotty Morris to name a few. |
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GLOZELL GREEN
 GloZell Green was born at a very early age... she has been making people laugh her whole life... you have seen her on SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO, or at famous comedy clubs such as THE IMPROV, THE COMEDY STORE, HA HA CAFE, and THE LAUGH FACTORY! You can find her everyday warming up the TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO line outside NBC Burbank... (She has pretended to work there since 2006)....Put on your laughter seatbelts and get ready for a funnycoster ride with the one and only GloZell (GloZell.com)
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MICHAEL "TUBA" HEATHERTON
 Michael "Tuba" Heatherton, a Rhode Islander, began his career as a 5-year-old
singer and magician. As a teenager he took up the tuba and began acting
in plays and musicals. For 8 years he toured the United States and Japan
with "RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS as a clown, teacher,
and singing ringmaster. "Tuba" has performed in Hong Kong, Korea, The
Philippines, The Caribbean, and at Disneyland. He's appeared in films,
commercials, daytime dramas, sitcoms, and in comedy spots on JIMMY KIMMELL
LIVE! and THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO. When scheduling permits he
continues to study performing arts in London, Paris, Stockholm, Ireland,
and the Nevada Desert. Look for "Tuba" in EVEN STEVENS reruns and in
future Advent Theatre productions. "See Veda, I really WAS at rehearsals!" |
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MELODEE HOLSINGER
 Originally from Pittsburgh, PA Melodee moved out to LA 6 years ago after graduating from Point Park Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theater to continue pursuing her dreams as a performer. She has since released her first full length album, NOTHING BUT CHANGE and as a result, competed to the finals on NBC’s STAR TOMORROW with acclaimed producer David Foster, as well as being nominated for Female Singer Songwriter of the year at the LA Music Awards.
Melodee has been thrilled to be apart of the FCCNH congregation and is so thankful for the opportunities it has brought her! She has been a part of the worship teams for both the Contemporary 5:30 pm and the Informal 7:30 pm Sunday services, and was an integral part in starting the 7:30 pm service.
She is thrilled to jump back into theatre with this fabulous cast, and could not be more thankful to share the stage with such talent! She would like to thank her mom and Joel for their endless love and support, her family, and friends far and wide that she loves so much! |
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SHERI IZZARD
 Sheri initially appeared as a singing nun in the movie SISTER ACT and SISTER ACT 2. Film soundtrack vocals and TV appearances and vocals include: INDIANA JONES IV, THE SIMPSON'S MOVIE, EVAN ALMIGHTY, BRUCE ALMIGHTY, KING KONG, WORLD TRADE CENTER, X-MEN, WAR OF THE WORLDS, THE DREW CAREY SHOW, AMERICAN DREAMS, KING OF QUEENS, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, THE ACADEMY AWARDS, and GOOD MORNING AMERICA. She sings currently with the a capella jazz vocal group INNER VOICES, teaches individual music lessons to many children at First Christian Church, Cafe 15 music classes, Children's Choir and Chi Rho Singers. She organized and now directs our summer Children's Music Camp (Share the Spirit) at FCCNH. |
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JON JOYCE
 Jon Joyce, born and raised in Los Angeles is the oldest of five boys born to Jimmy and Betty Joyce. The Jimmy Joyce Singers, of which Jon was a part, was a regular feature on shows such as the CAROL BURNETT SHOW, THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR, and the RED SKELTON SHOW. After attending USC, Jon backed up such groups as THE BEACH BOYS, ELTON JOHN, and PINK FLOYD. A performance of Pink Floyd’s The Wall before 250,000 Europeans in 1991, after the Berlin wall fell, was one of the highlights of his career. He sings for current movies such as NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS, EVAN ALMIGHTY, and the HBO miniseries, BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE. He is also heard on the TV theme for TWO AND A HALF MEN.
A long time member of FCCNH, Jon has long admired the energetic youth program of the church under the dedicated leadership of Jeff Henderson. He is honored to contribute to the success of Mission: Incredible. He is also excited to play cello with the wonderfully talented John Dickson and his band of merry men. |
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SUSAN BOYD JOYCE
 Susan is proud to be a "veteran" of the Advent Theatre stage, having performed in GREETINGS, RUMORS, MONEY & FRIENDS, THE DINING ROOM , LATER LIFE and every one of the legendary "THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT" musical revues. A longtime member of AFTRA, AEA, and SAG, Susan's professional career began just after the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, in the chorus of the original touring production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and the national tour of GREASE. Grateful to get off the bus and truck circuit, she has spent the rest of her career in LA recording studios as a soloist and background singer for commercials, TV and radio, and films. |
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STEPHEN MARKLE
 Stephen has been a working actor on stage, television and film for forty years. He has been a leading man at the Stratford Festival of Canada, a regular on the short-lived CBS series, FIRST MONDAY, a member of Joe Papp’s core of actors throughout the eighties in Manhattan. He’s proud of his controversial KING LEAR at Baltimore’s Center Stage in 2005. There have been high points and low points but the enduring passion has always been verse. The extraordinary poetry of Robert Lowell crashed through his intellectual ceiling during his late teens and is a continuing influence. The poem being offered on this occasion called, “You See” is the last poem in a book of verse called Handmade Heart. |
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LUIS OLIART
 Southern California native Luis Oliart's talent as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter has been described as "simply magical… totally captivating… compelling." His sound blends the influences of funk, rock, blues, reggae and Latin, producing music that is fresh and full of energy. Oliart has tagged this new genre "Alternative Soul", and he has brought this unique sound to such well-known venues as the House of Blues, the Hard Rock Café, Key Club, Knitting Factory, BB King's, The Bitter End and CBGB. In addition to performing all throughout the US, Luis has also toured Canada, Europe and Southeast Asia.
Although Oliart is identified with his bass, acoustic and Dobro guitar playing, his talent extends to strong vocal abilities and original lyrics. In a review from Music Connection Magazine, Bernard Baur raves, "Oliart weaves extraordinary rhythms and guitar percussion that are simply magical," and he was listed among the magazine's "Top 100 Artists" list in 2005 and 2006. In addition to touring the world and fine-tuning his musical technique, Luis has worked with Mike Tovar (Los Lobos, Chaka Khan) and producer/composer John Carta (Dawson's Creek, Ally McBeal, Grey's Anatomy). He made it to the "Top 50" in NBC's reality show STAR TOMORROW; wrote the featured commercial song for a national Corona beer campaign; had a featured blues single on KPFK's Arts in Review radio show; did a guest performance on L.A. TV's "INSIDE THE INDUSTRY: THE MUSIC", which covered breakthrough artists; and has appeared on an E! Entertainment Television reality show. |
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STEPHEN REINHARDT
Steve started tap dancing at the age of 8 at the Germantown Boy’s Club in Philadelphia. He went on to study at the Pennsylvania School of Ballet, then to the Julliard School in New York where he studied with Anthony Tudor. He left school to sign with David Merrick for Gower Champion’s HAPPY TIME that premiered at the Ahmanson Theater here in Los Angeles, then went on to Broadway. He subsequently danced in the Lincoln Center revival of WEST SIDE STORY as Baby John, NOEL COWARD’S SWEET POTATO, and MINNIE’S BOYS, and the film SONG OF NORWAY. He put away the tap, ballet and jazz shoes in 1970 and turned his attention to his second love, music. He worked with Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), on PIPPIN, then as music director for the Broadway productions of GODSPELL, THE MAGIC SHOW and WORKING. While with Godspell, he met, fell in love with, and married Gilmer McCormick. They moved to Los Angeles in 1979. In 1984, Steve became the music supervisor for GENERAL HOSPITAL and went on to supervise DAYS OF OUR LIVES. In 1981, he joined the First Christian Church of North Hollywood, became its music minister, and served for seventeen years in that position. Today, he is still with DAYS OF OUR LIVES, still oh so happily married to Gilmer, and stays in shape studying tap with Dean Barlow in Van Nuys. |
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GLENN SCHIEKE
 Glenn is a graduate of the University of Denver where he majored in music education/performance, biology, physics and business. While working on his graduate degree, he taught band and orchestra at Arapahoe High School in Littleton, CO. Glenn is an accomplished performer on French horn, piano and organ and has been a soloist with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Opera, the Central City Opera Company, the Disneyland All-American College Band and in numerous theater productions, including the national touring company of “THE WIZ.” Glenn was also one of the 84 pianists featured in the Opening Ceremonies of the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 1984. Glenn has studied with Virgil Fox, Alfred Reed, Karel Husa, Brian Priestman and Vladimir Horowitz. Glenn is COO/General Manager of The Phelps Group, an integrated marketing communications firm based in Santa Monica. A veteran of several Advent Theatre productions, Glenn was chancel organist at First Christian Church for over 15 years. |
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CARL SEALOVE (Bass, IM Band)
Carl, a native of Hempstead, NY, has recorded and/or performed with such diverse artists as: Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Brian Wilson, Barry Manilow, Linda Hopkins, Connie Stevens, Amanda McBroom, Lee Dorsey, Martha Reeves, Carla Thomas, Deborah Holland, Van Dyke Parks, Karla Bonoff, Canned Heat, Catfish Hodge, Boxing Gandhis, Fun With Animals, Yma Sumac and many others. He has also composed songs or score for films including DOMINO, WHITE PALACE, V.I. WARSHAWSKI. In addition, Carl has been active as a music editor. His music editing credits include, TALK TO ME, SUPERBAD, FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL, FAR FROM HEAVEN, BROKEN TRAIL, THE COMPANY, DOMINO and many others |
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JOHN TOWEY
 John Towey has made his living as a professional actor for over 35 years. He received a BFA degree from The Goodman School of Drama in Chicago. He’s acted on Broadway and Off-Broadway and in over 100 different productions in theatres across the country. For three seasons each he was a member of the acting companies at; The Arena Stage, Washington, D.C., The Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, The Public Theatre in NYC, and The Goodman Theatre, Chicago.
Upon moving from New York City to L.A. in 1990 John was cast as the historic figure, Gabriel D’Annunzio, which he performed for a year in the long running L.A. stage hit, Tamara. Here in the southland he has worked at The Pasadena Playhouse twice, The Mark Taper Forum five times, The Ahmanson Theatre four times, The Terrace Theatre in Long Beach, The John Anson Ford Theatre in three productions, The Old Globe in San Diego and twice at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara.
Among the more familiar of the 35 television shows John has guest-starred in are; CROSSING JORDAN, AMERICAN DREAMS, THE X-FILES, THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR, ER, PICKET FENCES, STAR TREK-DEEP SPACE NINE, EMPTY NEST, MURPHY BROWN, MARTIAL LAW and the ABC mini-series AMERIKA.. He can also be seen in the films, THE INVISIBLE KID, CRIES OF SILENCE, and Peter Weir’s FEARLESS. After appearing in three Shakespeare productions at The Ahmanson Theatre under the direction of Sir Peter Hall, John was cast in the revival of Mr. Hall’s production of AMADEUS which had a five month run on Broadway in the year 2000. On March 1st 2008 John performed his one-man classical piano concert entitled, GENIUSES OF THE PIANO for the Advent Theatre. For a complete list of John’s theatre, film and television credits visit his website at; www.john.towey.net |
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JERRY L. JACKSON (Producer)
Jerry has spent most of his adult life in the film business as a cinematographer,
editor, development executive, and an award-winning writer/director and producer... always in varying stages of blissful denial or semi-violent protest
of his attraction to the boards.
He even spent time studying with Lee Strasberg and claimed it was all
to be a better writer/director. Now he also teaches acting. Go figure...
As an actor, he first trod the Advent Theatre's boards as Bob Cratchett opposite Bill Hayes' Scrooge in our adaptation of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL in 1988, and most recently as Gerald Croft in J.B. Priestley's AN INSPECTOR CALLS. He also produced our most recent BLITHE SPIRIT and our upcoming production of LITTLE WOMEN.
Jerry's an Elder at FCCNH and a member since 1987 (sons Sean and Matthew both graduated
from the Nursery School here). If he looks familiar, it may be that you bought your Christmas tree from our annual tree lot... he's co-chaired it since 1997. Jerry also wrote, directed, and co-produced
the feature film drama WRESTLING
WITH GOD based on the life of Alexander Campbell, one of the founders
of the Disciples of Christ. Jerry is an active member of the WGA (chairs the
New Members Committee) and SAG. |
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 TODD BURGESS (Stage Manager)
Todd is very happy and excited to once again being able to work with the Advent Theatre and the chance to work with such a wonderful and talented cast and crew. Some of my favorite roles have been as Mortimer in THE FANTASTICS, Duane in LATER LIFE, Jenks, Ned and a member of the posse in JOHNNY GUITAR, and stage managing BLITHE SPIRIT. Thanks to family, new and old friends and you, the audience for making this another amazing experience.
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GREG KIRKLAND (Audio Designer)
Greg started his professional life in audio at McCune Sound in San Francisco from 1976 to 1986 as a touring audio engineer. Some of the artists toured with include: Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli, Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, and The Grateful Dead. Kirkland also handled front of house mixing duties for the prestigious Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl while with McCune.
As an independent sound mixing engineer from 1986 to present, some of the artists Kirkland has toured with include the following: Julie Andrews, Rosemary Clooney, Andy Williams, Southern Pacific, Michael Feinstein, Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Pablo Cruise.
In 1984 Kirkland co-founded Thomas Gregor Associates, an entertainment systems design and installation firm, to bring the knowledge base of live sound engineering to the permanent installation contracting market. TGA now employs over 35 people and is considered one of the most respected firms in the industry.
Kirkland is currently the primary designer and engineer of audio systems for live performance venues for TGA and has extensive experience in the programming of digital signal processed (DSP) based audio systems. He is also expert in tuning and alignment of large-scale performance audio systems. |
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PRODUCTION STAFF
Stage Manager
Lighting Design
Audio Design
Booth Staff
Graphic/Web/Program Design/Marketing
Box Office/Concessions
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Todd Burgess
Steve Hallada, Karl Wm. Klein
Greg Kirkland
Jeff Hallada, Steve Hallada, Greg Kirkland
Jerry L. Jackson/Water's Edge Communications
Shirley & Craig Prince
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