click for larger image

Irma P. Hall (Memaw) Memaw is everyone's grandmother - a spunky saint with love in her heart and a twinkle in her eye. Hearing Tommy singing in a grocery store, her heart goes out to him. Suddenly, Memaw has Tommy working, singing and believing more than he ever thought possible. Memaw is played by Irma P. Hall, a woman whose vast talent and experience has landed her dozens of roles on the big screen and on television. She has appeared in such well-received features as SOUL FOOD, A FAMILY THING, PATCH ADAMS and BELOVED, and in television roles on Emmy Winner A LESSON BEFORE DYING, TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL, and many more.

click for larger image

Darius McCrary (Tommy) interview >> Tommy wants a better life, but his checkered past makes for a cloudy future. Tommy's looking for a family, a house and a job-not necessarily in that order-when Memaw is drawn to his sweet singing voice. Under Memaw's wing, Tommy begins to realize his hopes, his dreams and his potential. Darius has been acting for many years, both in feature films, like BIG SHOTS and MISSISIPPI BURNING, and on television, where he was a series regular in the popular long-running comedy FAMILY MATTERS. His love for music -both singing and composing -make him a natural choice for this role.

click for larger image

Tamera Mowry (Lilly) interview >> Memaw's granddaughter, Lilly, has the same generous heart and joyful spirit as her grandmother. She is immediately taken with Tommy's broad smile, his gentle humility and his amazing voice. A gifted singer herself, Lilly encourages and supports Tommy in his quest for redemption and they soon form a strong bond. Tamera is a popular television actor, starring in the series SISTER, SISTER with her twin, Tia. She was honored with Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Award for Best Actress for three consecutive years. Tamera is an accomplished dancer, and is involved in D.A.R.E., Make-a-Wish Foundation and several other worthwhile organizations.

click for larger image

Rashaan Nall (G. Smooth) G. Smooth, a former buddy of Tommy's, is now deeply entrenched in the drug scene. He tries to recruit Tommy, but finds himself being recruited instead -Tommy is determined to bring him out of darkness and into the light. Smoothie laughs him off until he's fighting for his life, then he finds Tommy to be a true and dedicated friend. Rashaan's acting credentials are extensive, with many guest starring roles in television shows like SISTER, SISTER, TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL and ER. He has also starred and co-starred in many cable movies and theatrical productions.

click for larger image

Kirk Franklin (Charles) interview >> Charles, the choir director at Memaw's church, quickly recognizes the exceptional musical gift in Tommy and does all he can to encourage him in it. He and the rest of the choir members form a strong network of support around Tommy, providing much needed friendship. Kirk Franklin is the gospel music phenomenon of the '90s. This young minister has single-handedly broken down barriers between Gospel, Christian, hip-hop and rap music, selling more than 5.6 million albums while doing so, and winning every award gospel music has to offer. His albums include the platinum WHATCHA LOOKIN' 4 and THE NU NATION PROJECT. This is his first film.