In July of 1997, Stephanie Collins was washing her clothes at Oakley Laundry when God put Wyvonne Stevens in her path to invite her to Bible Talk. Little did she know she was on her way to washing her soul. Since then Stephanie has performed in a number of plays, including Women’s Day. When she’s not onstage, Stephanie keeps busy leading in the Teen Ministry with her awesome boyfriend Steve.
A native of Sacramento, Calif., c. David Cornwell received his B.A. in theater and organizational management at Cedarville College in Ohio. He moved to Cincinnati in 1997 and during his first two years here, six disciples shared their faith with him and invited him to church (including four cast members). Finally Andre (John the Baptist/Judas) persuaded him to check it out and c. David was baptized May 16.
Sue Cottrell is a musical theater MFA candidate at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. It was her very first day on campus when she was met by Brian (who, by the way, is now her fiance). She studied the Bible for two weeks with Leslie Roberts and Kyra Miller and on Oct. 19, 1997 she took the plunge. Sue and Brian now lead a campus Bible Talk together and they eagerly anticipate their Oct. 30 wedding..
Brian Gaukel came to CCM from Ludington, Mich. to study voice performance. But he was met by Andre six months after his arrival. He began studying the Bible and got baptized a week later. Brian’s dreams quickly changed from singing at the Metropolitan Opera to leading in the ministry where he is now a campus intern. He’s looking forward to graduating and marrying Sue, the woman of his dreams, this October. (Look for the redhead with the big voice.)
Chris Hagen became a disciple in Chicago in March of 1995. He then helped to plant the Columbus Church before coming to Cincinnati. He and his wife entered the full-time ministry in January and they now lead a sector of singles and marrieds in the Cutting Edge region. Chris weaseled his way into Godspell by threatening the choreographer (Melvin), who he also disciples. (Think persistent widow.)
Stephanie Hoffler came to CCM from San Antonio, Tex. to study voice. She was met by various people during her freshman year, but declined their invitations. Stephanie began building a friendship with Melvin and his persistence finally paid off. She began to study the Bible with Leslie and Sue during her junior year. Stephanie was baptized on April 13, 1998 and now leads in the campus ministry.
Destiny Kish was met during her freshman year at the University of Cincinnati in, of all places, a computer lab. She started studying the Bible three weeks later, but it took nearly five months for Destiny to take the plunge. Although she is not a theater major, Destiny has performed throughout Cincinnati. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with such talented and spiritual people.
Andre McRae came from Philadelphia to study opera at CCM, but God had bigger plans for his life. He hadn’t been on campus two weeks when a non-Christian friend handed him a flyer that a disciple had given him, and on Sept. 28 Andre was converted into Christ. Andre finally got his degree, but he’s back at CCM leading in the campus ministry as a summer intern and working on his master’s in voice, which he will receive by the year 2000.
Leslie Roberts was reached out to at least five times after transferring to CCM. But it took a series of humbling experiences on top of being cast in an opera with Andre for her to decide to study the Bible and become a Christian. After graduation, all of Leslie’s dreams of Broadway changed. Although she received the most callbacks from agents in CCM history, she decided to stay and go into the full-time ministry, leading the North Region. Eleven months later she was engaged to her co-leader Tony and they will be married Sept. 18.
Adam Townes has moved around a lot in his 27 years, but it was in Cincinnati where he finally got some answers. On July 10, 1994 he was baptized by Paul Tanaka in the Campus Ministry. He has been a part of the AMP ministry in Cincinnati since its creation and is currently in a family group led by Melvin. His dream is to one day lead in the AMP ministry with his incredible girlfriend Michelle.
Melvin D. Tunstall III was met on the third day of his freshman year at CCM by Andre. After declining several other invitations by Greg (director) and Mark (video crew), Melvin asked his fellow classmate Leslie if he could go with her to a church service. He was baptized into Christ the next Saturday. Melvin was a founding member of the AMP Theatre Company and currently serves in the ministry as a summer intern.

The Band


Mark Abplanalp (keyboards) was converted on the campus of Indiana University during the summer of 1996. He has toured internationally as a keyboardist, trumpeter, drummer and vocalist. His newest CD release “Waiting to Be” is currently available worldwide.

Dave Hall (guitar) was met by Lori Barker in Columbus two years ago. He’s now beginning his second year in the school of music at Ohio State, working on a degree in jazz guitar and music education.

Jim Huentelman (drums) was reached out to by Greg in his third year of school at UC. Since then he’s put his 17 years of drumming experience to good use in several AMP shows. He now helps to lead the campus ministry at Miami University while completing his master’s degree in environmental science.

Greg Miller (guitar) is originally from Seattle, Wash., and was met by Andre while working on his MFA in acting at CCM. He is now happily married and proud to be a daddy as he and his wife Kyra lead the Columbus Church.

Tim Watson (bass guitar) came to Cincinnati in 1994 from Dayton to study jazz at CCM. Andre met him that fall and he became a Christian. Almost five years later, after a college degree, dozens of musical theater shows and hundreds of  local and regional professional gigs, Tim is excited to be performing in this production of “Godspell,” where he has rearranged much of the music.