THE CAST OF TRUTH: THE AWAKENING

DESIREE ROOTS

Desirée Roots is a celebrated musical and theatre icon in Central Virginia and beyond. With over 35 years of experience, she has showcased her triple-threat talent in the Gospel, Jazz, and Theatre scenes both regionally and internationally. Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Desirée began singing in church at the age of four and launched her professional theatrical career at 13, following the path of her musically inclined family.

Throughout the East Coast, Desirée has performed with orchestras, jazz ensembles, and her own groups. As a Grammy-nominated recording artist, she has also produced shows like "Ella at 100," celebrating Ella Fitzgerald's centenary. In 2014, she received the Theresa Pollak Award for Vocal Excellence. Desirée currently serves as Program Director for ATLAS Partnership and on the Board of Directors for the Richmond Jazz Society, however her MOST favorite role is that of mom and wife!

Jana Nicole PrentisS

Jana Nicole Prentiss is a performer and educator from Richmond,Va. Jana is so excited to be back at 54below! She was most recently seen in Sismas at Greenroom 42, as Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Va Rep, Bluebirds: The Musical at Open Jar Studios, Asaka in Once on this island at Dogwood Dell, Birdland Jazz Club, the “Let’s be bad” series here at 54 Below, Captain Cleo in Tales from Margaritaville on the Margaritaville at Sea, Chorn in Firebringer Dogwood Dell, and Lisa in Mamma Mia! at Va Rep. Jana would like to thank her amazing support system for making her the performer she is today! @jananicoleprentiss @wondertwinspod

Te-Loriah Whitfield

I am so excited to be apart of this amazing production. Watching it come together truly has been a beautiful experience. And nothing makes me happier than being able to express and story-tell through song and performance. Thank you to the creative team starting from actors, to stage managers, musical directors, Ian, Keni, Tariq and Tanya. Nothing would be possible without every single person apart of this project. Hope everyone enjoys this beautiful story :)

CARLA JACKSON

The Rev. Carla Jackson, Esq., is a lawyer, ordained minister, scholar-activist, and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her academic work includes four publications and multiple presentations for the American Academy of Religion. She is a member of The Analogue Republic, a blues and jazz band, and Sisters in Song, a three woman a cappella ensemble. Carla has performed with the Richmond Symphony; recorded with Keep Left; and appeared at Blues Alley, the Tin Pan–Richmond, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She has been a featured vocalist for the League of Women Voters of Virginia, the Katie Geneva Cannon Center for Womanist Leadership, the 2015 UCI Road World Championships, and The Underground Kitchen. She has collaborated with Carlton Blount, James “Saxsmo” Gates, Kevin Gaines, Dr. Tony McNeill, and Grammy winners Anthony Hamilton and Sim Stevenson. Additionally, she completed a four month tour of Italy in “Sister Act 2.”

Milani hopkins

Milani Hopkins is excited to return to Songs of Truth. She is a rising sophomore at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School with a focus in Musical Theatre. Other credits include: Martha in The Miracle Worker (Swift Creek Mill Theatre), Little Inez in Hairspray (Homefront Players), Margaret Moore in ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Virginia Rep), and Raynell in Fences (Virginia Rep). Film/TV credits include: Bonnie in Malcolm and Me (OA Jet Productions); as well as, Land o' Lakes and Bon Secours commercials. Milani has been a three-time performer, singing and playing the piano, at 2nd Street Festival. She would like to thank her vocal/acting coach, Desirée Roots, and piano teacher, Michelle Lightfoot, for supporting and believing in her!

Stacie brown

Stacie Brown (she/her) is a Richmond-area vocalist recognized for her exceptional talent in gospel, Christian, and operatic music. Inspired by music at a young age through piano and singing, she has performed in concerts, recording studios, workshops, and churches throughout the region. Stacie has collaborated with notable artists including Matthew E. White and Woody Woodworth as a background vocalist, and was featured as a soloist in Some Threads for Eleanor and Jude, arranged by renowned jazz professor Doug Richards. Her performance experience also includes appearances with the Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker, VCU Black Awakening Choir, and VCU Commonwealth Singers. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Music degree, Stacie teaches private voice and piano lessons and has served in music ministry roles across Virginia. She currently teaches music at Orchard House Middle School while continuing to inspire others through her passion for music and faith.

dale r. heiskill

Dale R. Heiskill is a Virginia native. Born and raised in Hanover County. Dale attended The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (Los Angeles CA). Dale is an actor singer/song writer, project developer, motivational speaker and all around entertainer. Dale has been performing for more than 30 years, acting and singing on stage television and film. Dale R. Heiskill most recently played the role of Fredrick in the theatrical production MESSED UP. Dale also recently played the character Martin in the production GABRIEL. Dale played the character Reginald Mabry in VA Reps production of CHICKEN & BISCUITS and narrator for GOSPEL NATIVITY. Dale has many times graced the stage of The Dominion Energy Center in several productions in conjunction with The Richmond Symphony; MY HERO MARTIN Lead: Mr. Pickleberry, A TRIBUTE TO GOSPEL, HYPOCRITE the musical, and other original productions. Dale also participated in Maymont Park and The Richmond Symphony’s Big Tent Event STOOPING TO STAND where he played 4 characters and sang an original piece under the direction of Valentina Peleggi. STOOPING TO STAND was later developed as a short film telling a brief synopsis of post slavery life for the newly freed slaves of the now Maymont Park. Dale has had the pleasure of being the face of many businesses locally and abroad in commercials and print; Richmond Gastro, Walmart, Capitol One, Ferguson heating cooling and plumbing, and several others. Dales favorite Role to play is single father to two awesome children and grandfather to his beautiful grandchildren. Dale is looking forward to an awesome showing of SONGS of TRUTH

dorothy ‘Dee d.’ Miller

Actress, Artist, Spoken Word/Story teller Writer, Poet...So many facets...So many hats..........Blessed!

Miller’s is also know for her film work in The Taylows, Stooping to Stand: Stories of the African American Staff of the Dooley Mansion (2021) and Myth of the Ghost Kingdom (2025).

She is a trained intimacy director.