Airan Chase Baker, a 2010 graduate of Callaway High School performed in a Tyler Perry play entitled The Haves and Have Nots. The play ran from April 5-8, 2012, at the Beacon Teheater in New York City, New York.
Baker shared the stage with a more recognizable and more experienced cast, including Palmer Williams and Cassie Davis from the Perry sitcom House of Payne. Airan played the role of a gifted but troubled teen named Wallie unable to develop his talents due to his family's financial crisis. Wally's desperation leads to illegal activity and other tests of faith for him and his family.
This was the first stage acting performance for the musical talent who began writing original compositions when he was in middle school. In 2011, Baker, using his stage name Chase, performed an original composition entitled Wings for the Jackson Public Schools dropout prevention conference. While a student at Callaway, Baker performed in both the band and the choir, served in student government, and was involved in civic organizations.
Baker credits much of his success, especially musically, to his teachers and mentors from JPS, including Callaway choir director Marquis Ezell and Northwest Middle School band teacher Wangela Brown.
The aspiring entertainer seems to be guided by the mantra once included in his biography: "Airan continues to Chase his dreams while attracting success and making a difference along the way."
 |
| Airan Baker (far right) shared the stage with (from left) Johnny Palmer Williams, Jr., Cassie Davis, Kislyck "Kissy" Hallsey, and Samson Logan. Other cast members included Johnny Gilmore and Candice Pye (not pictured). |