MEET THE CAST: MOTOWN 2025
DURELL ANTHONY (Vocalist) Hailing from Atchison, Kansas, Durell Anthony is a singer, songwriter & musician. A Top 40 contestant on season 20 of NBC’s The Voice, Durell’s Blind Audition has amassed nearly 1M views on Instagram and 1M views on TikTok, earning him a chance to work directly with one of his greatest influences, John Legend. In addition, Durell has collaborated with some prominent industry figures, including Brandy, Carrie Underwood, Karl Denson (The Rolling Stones), Kevin Fluornoy (Chaka Khan, The Pointer Sisters), John Elefante (Kansas), Yolonda Adams and others. His voice has also contributed to several TV projects for Disney, Fox, NBC & Peacock as well as private events for Bank Of America, BMW, Chick-Fil-A, Coca-Cola, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and many more.
MELONEY COLLINS (Vocalist) is thrilled to return to CCAE Theatricals for Motown: The Music That Changed America! She just returned from the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, Massachusetts, where she performed her sold-out show Holiday with Pops: A Tribute to the Works of Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong. This year’s notable achievements include the distinct honor of performing as a guest artist with The South Coast Symphony conducted by Barry Silverman, her annual appearance Headlining the Mammoth Jazz Fest in Mammoth, Calif, and performing Background vocals for Kpop Sensation J-Hope of BTS latest recorded single. Mel was voted Best Jazz Soloist for the Audience Choice Awards 2023 and has completed several voiceovers including but not limited to Background HBO Max animated series Close Enough as well as Netflix’s You People. As a SAG voice-over artist for the past 15 years, some of her achievements include lending her voice to Cartoon Network, Miller Lite, Squarespace and Califia Yogurt. Mel is an accomplished jazz vocalist of Southern California and has released three jazz albums with Duane Benjamin and the D. Ben-jamin’ Band. All of her music can be found online on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music. Thanks to Jordan, Jeremy, and the whole CCAE Theatricals organization for another opportunity to perform for the Escondido community.
DEDRICK BONNER (Vocalist) Hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Dedrick Bonner is now a Los Angeles artist who has made a career out of being the industry’s “Go to” man for all things musical. Dedrick started out as a solo performer, performing on Broadway and in most regional theaters on the West Coast. Post his solo career he realized that behind the scenes is where he thrived, and thus quickly made the transition. With that transition, he has acted as vocal coach/background vocalist to artists such as Beyonce for the Renaissance Tour, BTS, the late Natalie Cole, Dolly Parton, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Ryan Gosling and Kristen Chenoweth. He has also acted as Musical Director for projects, such as The Preachers; on Fox 11, alongside Bill Geddie. Proctor & Gamble's 2019 Super Bowl Ad, and Old Navy’s 2018 holiday Ad.
DERRICK HARRIS (Vocalist), a versatile charismatic artist hailing from Newark, New Jersey, embodies a unique blend of musical talent and military service and human social services. Having spent a significant portion of his life in Hawaii, he draws inspiration from diverse cultural influences, infusing his work with a distinctive flair. As a singer and Marine Corps veteran, Derrick's journey encompasses both the harmonies of music and the discipline of military service. His experiences have taken him across the globe, where he collaborates with renowned artists such as Dave Koz, Johnathan Butler, 1500 or Nothing, Howard Hewitt, and many more. This collaborative spirit speaks to his versatility and the respect he commands within the music industry. Derrick's contributions extend beyond his vocal prowess; his collaborations showcase a commitment to excellence, fostering connections with a spectrum of talents. The fusion of his Newark roots and Hawaiian influences manifests in a sound that resonates globally, capturing the essence of his diverse experiences and musical partnerships. Derrick Harris stands as a testament to the power of blending personal history, talent, and a passion for collaboration on a worldwide stage.
SYLVIA MacCALLA (Vocalist) has spent the better part of her life in the theater. She has appeared in the Broadway Hits Rent where she played Joanne in the original Angel company, and Hairspray where she played Motormouth Mable/Lorraine in the 1st National tour. Some other theater highlights include Sonya's voice in They're Playing Our Song starring Stephanie J Block and Jason Alexander, South Pacific at the Hollywood Bowl starring Reba McIntyre and Brian Stokes Mitchell, the award-winning Ray Charles Live as a Raelet/Georgia, and Beehive where she played Aretha Franklin. Her television credits include the Ellen Degeneres show,the Wayne Brady show, and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno as a backup singer for various artists. As well as a guest starring role on Scrubs and a featured appearance in Rent: The Movie. Sylvia is an accomplished singer/ songwriter as well as a vocal coach to many of the industry's Top Pop Artists.
KENNA RAMSEY (Vocalist) has enjoyed singing and performing in different forums from Broadway to arenas, and animation to gaming. These experiences have carried her through countless exciting moments on stages and in studios all over the world. Her (AEA) National Tour and Broadway credits include the role of Acid Queen in The Who’s Tommy, Joanne in RENT, Radio #1 in Caroline or Change, and The Lion King. Kenna is also a NAVGTR award nominee for her role as Wiggle Wigglebottom in Bugsnax for PlayStation 5, she’s also the voice of Rampage for Call of Duty Mobile, and Ms. Featherbottom in Eva The Owlet on AppleTV+. Her concert touring and background vocal experience (live or recorded) includes: Police Deranged for orchestra with Stewart Copeland, Lana Del Rey, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Goo Goo Dolls, John Mayer (Heartbreak Tour), Kesha, The Growlers, Vintage Trouble, Ghost Hounds, and Live TV appearances include The Academy Awards and Ellen for “This Is Me”, In Performance: Motown at the White House, Soul Train Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and David Foster & Friends. Always open to another musical experience, Kenna is thrilled to be a part of this dynamic experience of celebrating the timeless and legendary sound of Motown.