Sabrina Hamilton is thrilled to be a part of this “unconventional” production. You may have seen her in Stageworks rendition of The Color Purple, or perhaps in A Haunted Cabaret with The Off Central Players. The theatre has always been her second home. Mom- you are my biggest supporter. None of this is possible without you. I love you! Isaiah, I’m so glad that we are in this for life. Thank you for being the Edd to my Eddy. Brandon, you were the biggest surprise and now, one of my most treasured friends. Thank you for helping me find the light again.

Aaron Collins is a Tampa native who currently resides in New York City. He fell in love with music at the age of 10 when he first started to play piano. His love for piano and music expanded to him becoming a graduate at Blake High School of Performing Arts and later continuing his education at Berklee School of Music as well as finishing his degree of Ethnomusicology at Portland State University. His professional career started playing in churches as a pianist and organist and later joining numerous bands across Tampa Bay Area starting with ACE Factor where he was asked by his high school band director to cover for him, and later joining bands such as Late Night Brass, Neo-Teric, La Traia Savage, City Groove. Aaron is excited to be back in Tampa Bay Area making his American Stage debut.

Clarke grew up in St. Pete and is proud of his deep connections to the local music and art scene. He plays in the band All Day Breakfast, teaches music at the School of Rock, and works with theatre companies throughout the area. His musical influences include Radiohead, Steely Dan, and D’Angelo. He studied music locally at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Matthew is a performer based in New York and firmly believes in the power of live theatre to connect and heal.   NY/OFF-BROADWAY:  The Hello Girls (Prospect Theater/59E59), Bastard Jones (The Cell), CasablancaBox (HERE Arts), Xanadu (Piper Theatre), Tectonic Theater Project, Abingdon Theatre Company, Dixon Place, The Lark, BMI.  REGIONAL:  The Kennedy Center, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Pioneer Theatre Company, Repertory Theatre St. Louis, Laguna Playhouse, North Coast Rep, Triad Stage, Peterborough Players, Mayfield Theatre (Canada), Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Folger Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre, Virginia Shakespeare Festival.  TV:  Law & Order (NBC), History Channel, Investigation Discovery.  TRAINING:  BFA Acting, UMBC.  Of the many hats he wears, Matthew also identifies as an educator, an arts model, and (he sincerely hopes) a good & true friend.  He is deeply honored to play a dream role and to bring this transformative story to life.  Trans lives matter.

Rick is thrilled to be playing bass as part of the Angry Inch in American Stage’s production of Hedwig. This is his first role with American Stage. He has performed in many shows in the Midwest area, including Hello Dolly, West Side Story, Shrek, Oliver, Annie, My Way, and others. He recently retired from a career in the public schools, where he was a band/orchestra director, and later a school counselor. He is active with several groups, including the Beloit/Janesville Symphony Orchestra, the Rockford Wind Ensemble, and rock and jazz groups.

Eli Pafumi is an LA based multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and teacher. His theatrical compositions can be heard in The Magi and Merry Happy…What? by Helen Murray and Familia de Flamingos by Miguel Muñoz as well as The Figs (American Stage), Hurricane Diane (Aurora Fox) and Act A Lady (Hub Theatre). Eli has also performed with Cirque Berzerk on installations with Dedo Vabo (Coachella) and The Dream Emporium (Electric Forest). As a musician, Eli has performed with the Polyphonic Spree, Rozzi, Zach Day, Arcadia Bay and his own brother-band RitaRita who accompanies Eli as a host and artist-in-residence of The Hotel Cafe’s Monday Monday showcase. Eli is a veteran performer in the worldwide network of Sofar Sounds, the music director of the eastern/western fusion music school SaReGaMe based in Ashburn VA, a TEDxHerndon speaker, x3 Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards Youth Finalist and Kennedy Center Award for Excellence recipient. IG: @elipafumi, www.elipafumi.com

Jeremiah Pafumi (drummer) is a multi disciplinary artist living and working in Los Angeles California. Their varying interest will have them clowning and juggling at Luna Luna: forgotten fantasy, performing at festivals like Electric forest and lightning in a bottle all with the well known Circus company Cirque Berzerk. When doing a musical flex, they are a proud band member of RitaRita (in residence at the Hotel Cafe) Steers N Queers, and Zach Day and the Bussy boys. Jeremiah also puts media to paper among other things and is constantly creating new art both visually and musically. Other bright spots for performance are with Shaquille O’niells fun house, Winter fest, and The polyphonic spree. Jeremiah would like to thank their Mother for raising them in an opened minded and in a creative environment. They are stoked to work with this incredible cast and crew for their first production at American Stage. IG: @jeremiah.pafumi

Mars Powers is a nonbinary performer who is going crazy over understudying the dream role, Hedwig! After touring as Sam in the Florida premiere of The Day You Begin with American Stage they are very excited for another opportunity to evolve. A few more theatrical credits of Powers include Little Boy in Ragtime: The Musical (American Stage), Jinx in Plaid Tidings* (Straz Center), Narrator in A1 (Emergance Dance Company), and Will in Master of the Revels (FST). Notable Film Credits include Avery in OpenDoors, Pheonix in Swim: A LGBTQ+ Romance, and Jeff in The Librarian. Mars is thankful for all of their mentors whether they know that they see them as that or not and thank you for supporting the arts. Thank you to their partner in crime and life Jasper for their endless inspiration and love.

*Outstanding Performance Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical by Theatre Tampa Bay 2023.

This is K's second appearance at American Stage, having previously played Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. Other credits include: Cambodian Rock Band (TheatreSquared), Twelfth Night (Catskill Mountain Shakespeare), A Midsummer Night's Dream, Henry V, Hand to God (Jobsite), OPEN, King Lear (Tampa Rep). K has also worked as lead vocalist on Princess Cruises. Film credits: What Rhymes with Magdalena?, The Friend Zone, Love's Playist. Represented by BEartists NYC.

Morgan Tapp is thrilled to be making her American Stage debut with this story. Her work as an actor and musician has taken her across the country, but this is her first time performing professionally in Florida. She's filled with gratitude to have the opportunity to create art back in her hometown. Morgan is a recent graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (blaze on!!) where she received her BFA in Musical Theatre. Select credits include: Ex-Girlfriend in Once (San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre), Busker/Violin in Gift of the Magi (Breckenridge Backstage Theatre), Baker's Wife in Into The Woods, Crissy in Hair, (UAB) and Alice in the world premiere of Pink Clouds (Red Mountain Theatre) a new play by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer John Archibald. All the love and thanks in the world to her family for their unwavering support. 

Kathryn Huettel (she/her/hers) is a graduate of St Leo University with a degree in Theater Studies. She has been seen on stage in performances such as The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical as Annabeth Chase (ThinkTank), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Marcy Park (Stageworks), The Wolves as #25 (ThinkTank), The Day You Begin school tour as Min (American Stage), Twelfth Night as Fabian (Jobsite), and more. She also loves crafting accessories and decor from recycled materials like plastic bags and magazine paper. Recently, she has been professionally voice acting for childrens’ podcasts on Gokidgo.com and comic dubbing on YouTube. Kathryn is super excited to have the pleasure of performing a new and upcoming piece!

Megan is excited to make her acting debut at American stage! Last year you could catch her as the stage craft fellow at American stage. Currently she is attending the University of South Florida working to achieve her bachelors degree as a theatre performance major. She would like to thank family and friends for supporting her.

Angelina Samreny is excited to be working again with American Stage as the Stage Directions Reader of “Bonefruit”. Angelina was part of American Stage’s Lift Every Voice: New Play Festival 2024, and prior to that, could be seen as the Serpent in American Stage’s production of The Diaries of Adam & Eve. Angelina is a classically trained vocalist whose performance experience includes: In the Heights (ensemble); The Hunchback of Notre Dame (ensemble); The Little Mermaid (Andrina/Mer-Sister); Moises el Musical (Egyptian handmaid/ensemble), and various Spanish Zarzuelas (operettas) with Spanish Lyric Theatre. Angelina has also sung with the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and in the Assisi Performing Arts Festival in Italy.   Angelina is an Ecuadorean, Italian, Lebanese American who speaks Spanish and basic Italian. Angelina was raised traveling the world with a military family with strong storytelling traditions. When she’s not acting, she can be found working as an immigration paralegal, regularly performing as a vocalist, or gardening.

American Stage debut! Joey is thrilled to be revisiting this role. He’s also revisiting this area, as he was here last October to watch his Detroit Lions defeat the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Favorite Credits: South Pacific (Lt. Cable), Hello Again (The Writer). Much love to my OG homies—Mom, Dad, Amanda, Justin, Drew, Josh, and Tony. Shoutout to my old gal, Midge. IUMT16 GO HOOSIERS!

Kristin Carbone, AEA (Mrs. Potts) is thrilled to be back at American Stage, where she was last seen as Helen in Fun Home in 2019. Kristin moved to Tampa Bay in 2017, before which she lived and worked as a professional actor in NYC for 25 years. During that time she played roles in four Broadway shows, including Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, (Crazy Marie/Madame) Mary Poppins, (Mrs. Banks) Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitel) and Into The Woods. She also toured with the 1st Nationals of Show Boat (Magnolia) and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as the Sugar Bowl - so now, playing Mrs. Potts feels like a lovely promotion! Recent roles in Florida theatre include Brittany Cox in Nightsweat at freeFall Theatre, Mrs. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank at StageWorks, Sister Berthe in Sound of Music at Asolo Repertory Theatre, and at Theatre Zone, as Francesca Johnson in The Bridges of Madison County and Daisy Gamble in On A Clear Day...Favorie regional roles include Christine in Phantom at the Walnut Street Theatre, Luisa in The Fantasticks at Utah Shakes, Nina in Dear World at Goodspeed, Lilli/Kate in Kiss Me, Kate and Abigail Adams in 1776 at the Lyceum Theatre, and Marian Paroo in The Music Man at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. Grateful to Helen, Kenny, Jessica and Jeremy the opportunity to play in the park! Huge love to her husband, actor Michael St. John, and children Lilyanna and Jamison, who do their best to put up with mommy’s acting habit.

www.kristincarbone.com

Chris Cordero was most recently seen as Chip Tolentino in The 25th…Spelling Bee at Straz’s Shimberg Playhouse (mad Theatre). Other regional credits include: Shrek in Shrek (New Tampa Performing Arts Center); Cat in the Hat in Seussical (Missing Piece Theatre); Mendel in Falsettos (mad Theatre); Zangara in Assassins (mad Theatre); Bud Frump in How to Succeed… (Manatee Performing Arts Center); and Brian in the Florida premiere of Christmas Contigo (Stageworks). Chris is a USAF veteran, optometrist and past member of NYC’s S.T.A.R. Theatre Company and U.S. Air Force’s Tops in Blue. A big thanks to everyone for your support!

Curt Denham is thrilled to make his American Stage debut in Beauty and The Beast. Recent regional appearances include Marley and Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol at Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Dennis Dupree in Rock Of Ages and J.D. in Escape To Margaritaville at TheatreZone, Danny/Zeus in Xanadu at Sacramento Theatre Company, Voltaire/Pangloss in Candide at Cabrillo Stage, Grandfather in Ragtime at Nashville Repertory Theatre, The Wizard in The Wizard Of Oz at Casa Mañana and R.F. Simpson in Singin' In The Rain at Theatre By The Sea.  Other regional credits include Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Cape Playhouse and Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars.

Cameron is thrilled to be making his American Stage debut in this Disney classic! Other favorite credits include: CATS (1st National Tour), Miss Saigon (1st National Tour), Kinky Boots (Arvada Center), Newsies (Sacramento Music Circus), West Side Story (Drury Lane), Carousel (Chicago Lyric Opera), Mary Poppins (North Shore Music Theatre), The Sound Of Music (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), The Little Mermaid (Northern Stage), A Chorus Line (The Phoenix Theatre Company) and Fiddler On The Roof (National Tour). Special thanks to his father Rick and uncle Marvin for all their support. @C6edris

Tyler Fish grew up in St. Petersburg and is happy to be returning to American Stage in the Park where he’s previously been seen in Footloose and The Producers.  Some of his favorite roles include Dames At Sea (freeFall Theatre); 42nd Street (Riverside Theatre); Hello, Dolly!; Singing In The Rain; Crazy For You; The Full Monty; Laughter On The 23rd Floor; Barefoot Int The Park; and others.  He’s also a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (Hell’s Kitchen Chapter). He’d like to dedicate this show to his nieces Layla and Margot and send a loving “Life is good '' to his wife Erin.

Erin Foltz is an NYC based singer/dancer. She has performed all over the US and Canada but is grateful to have traded NYC skyscrapers and rain for palm trees and sunshine! This is her second time performing in Beauty and the Beast and she is so excited to revisit the classic material.  Favorite credits include Sophie in Mamma Mia, Pinkalicious in Pinkalicious, and Tammy in Hairspray. She would like to thank her family for always believing in her and supporting her dreams. Instagram: @breathefresherin

David is thrilled to be returning to American Stage where he first made his professional debut playing Reuven in The Chosen. Off-Broadway: A Day in Hollywood/ A Night in the Ukraine (Samovar), Finding Madame Curie (Francois). Regional: Beautiful: the Carole King Musical (Barry Mann),  I Love You… Now Change (Man 1), A Little Night Music (Mr. Erlanson/ Frid), Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius). Workshops: Harmony: A New Musical.  Much love to Mom, Dad, Abigail, Emma, Noa. Many thanks to his team at Avalon Artists Group. Proud Penn State Alum . Born and Raised in Tampa, Fl. @davidbfriedman

Emma is beyond thrilled to be making her park debut as Babette/Chorus in Beauty and the Beast. She was most recently seen as Chana in American Stage’s production of Indecent. She holds a BFA in Acting and BA in Business Administration from the University of Florida. She would like to thank you for supporting the arts and her family for being the best cheerleaders a girl could ask for. Enjoy! 

Justine Grace was most recently seen as Aquata in (The Little Mermaid) Pickleville Playhouse. Other regional credits include: Detective Brisket in (Thick as Thieves: an Original Musical Melodrama) Pickleville Playhouse, Martha in (The Secret Garden) Central Florida Vocal Arts at Dr.Phillips Center, Little Red in (Into the Woods) at The ZACH Theatre, Peppermint Patty in (The World According to Snoopy) at ThinkTank/Stageworks, and a Lead Vocalist in (Leading Ladies Tour 2019) with UAB Touring Company. She received her B.F.A in Musical Theatre from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She would like to thank her partner, family, friends, and educators for their endless love, support, and inspiration.

Alexi (she/her), a California native, is thrilled to be making her American Stage debut! Favorite credits: the world premiere of Tiananmen at the Phoenix Theatre Company, Jekyll and Hyde (Emma), Joseph… (Narrator), American Idiot (Whatsername), Miss Saigon (Kim), and understudying Belle in Beauty and the Beast for Disney Cruise Lines. Special thanks to the cast and crew, and much love to her family and friends! @lexipepsi7 

KAYELIN LEON (CHORUS/MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE UNDERSTUDY) is an NYC based actress, thrilled to return to her hometown. Kayelin was most recently seen as Mary Poppins U/S in Mary Poppins (Fireside Theatre); Cassie in A Chorus Line (Broadway Palm); Star to Be in Annie (Surflight Theatre); Velma Kelly in Chicago (Apex Theatre Studio) and aboard Disney Cruise Line as a Mainstage Performer. Kayelin received her BFA in Musical Theatre and Minor in Dance from The University of Florida. Kayelin thanks her family and chosen family, The Price Group, and all her mentors from Shorecrest and St. Pete that sparked her love for theatre in this special city. Kayelinleon.com

Zoë Marín-Larson is so excited to be making her American Stage debut. Other credits include Diana Morales in A Chorus Line (The Argyle), Cinderella (Arvada Center), 42nd Street, Jesus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever, and Tarzan (Moonlight Amphitheatre). Zoë has B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and M.S. in Business Management from the University of Florida. Psalm 104:33. zoeelarson.com, @zoe.larson

Elizabeth Meckler (Ensemble) is an NYC-based artist originally from St. Pete, and she’s thrilled to be back home at American Stage. You may have recently seen her at FreeFall Theatre as Dorothy in the original musical, OZ. She’s also been in American Stage’s Ragtime (Dance Captain) and American Idiot (Alysha). Other selected credits include: Sheila in Hair, Logainne "Schwarzy" in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Olivia in the short film, “Daughter of Wands”. Elizabeth is a proud graduate of PCCA (Pinellas County Center for the Arts) and The University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she received her BFA in Musical Theatre. HUGE thank you to her friends and family for their unconditional love and support. Keep up with her on Instagram! @elizabethjmeckler

Taylor Hilt Mitchell is "human again" to be back at American Stage with this "enchanted" cast and creative team. AS audiences might remember him as Travis in Footloose. National Tours: Disney's Beauty And The Beast (Ensemble), The Wizard Of Oz (Mayor of Munchkin City), Seussical (Wickersham Brother). Selected Regional: The Wizard Of Oz (Scarecrow, Capital Repertory Theatre), It Shoulda Been You (Brian, Actors' Playhouse), Escape To Margaritaville (Ensemble, Walnut Street Theatre), Disney's The Little Mermaid (Ensemble, Slow Burn Theatre), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Boris/Schloime, Barrington Stage Company), NEWSIES (JoJo, Pittsburgh Musical Theatre), HELLO DOLLY! (Ensemble / US Barnaby, Act II Playhouse). Upcoming: BEAUTIFUL, THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Barry Mann, CRT). Proud member of AEA and graduate of Catholic University of America. Special Thanks to Mom, Marc, and my team at LDC Artist Representation. "Be Our Guest" www.taylorhiltmitchell.com 

Claudia Montague (she/her) is elated to be making her American Stage Debut! She was seen most recently in the ensemble of A Christmas Carol (Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts). Some of her favorite previous credits include: U/S Roxie Hart in Chicago (Florida State University), Trixie in Guys And Dolls (FSU), Ensemble in West Side Story (MUNY) and Ensemble in Grease (MUNY). She is currently based in NYC and received her BFA in Music Theatre from Florida State University. She would like to give a big thank you to her mom and dad for their endless support. Claudiamontague.com

Michael Ochoa is delighted to make his American Stage debut and reunite with Kenny and Jessica! Off-Broadway: Bad People (Dixon Place). Regional: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, She Loves Me (Arvada Center), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Performance Now), Little Shop of Horrors, The Full Monty, Next to Normal (Little Theatre of the Rockies). Voiceover: “Bad People: The Audio Play” (Audible). Training: University of Northern Colorado, B.A. Musical Theatre. Infinite love and thanks to his family, friends, and Jonny. For five-year-old Michael, whose first musical he attended was this tale as old as time. michaelochoa.com, @sieteochoanueve

Mars Powers (They/He/She) is a nonbinary performer who is touched to return to Demen's Landing as their favorite teacup! After touring as Sam in the Florida premiere of The Day You Begin with American Stage they are very excited for another opportunity to evolve. A few more theatrical credits of Powers include Little Boy in Ragtime: The Musical (American Stage), Jinx in Plaid Tidings* (Straz Center), Narrator in A1 (Emergance Dance Company), and Will in Master of the Revels (FST). Notable Film Credits include Avery in OpenDoors, Pheonix in Swim: A LGBTQ+ Romance, and Jeff in The Librarian. Mars is thankful for all of their mentors whether they know that they see them as that or not and thank you for supporting the arts.

*Outstanding Performance Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical by Theatre Tampa Bay 2023. 

Mathenee Treco, originally from Nassau, Bahamas, recently starred as Coach Ernie Ames in the video game ‘NBA 2K20" and its follow-ups '2K21' and '2K22'.  He starred in Hamilton: An American Musical originating the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in its first national tour. He was also a top 20 finalist on FOX’s competition reality show, American Idol. A writer in LA, Mathenee is currently workshopping his new musical called BULLY, and is  writing on the upcoming animated tv series "Breaking Bear" for The Cartel. Regional credits: Frank in The Rocky Horror Show  Bobby in Memphis, Wining Boy in The Piano Lesson. Mathenee is also a songwriter and music producer. SINGLES: ‘Naughty or Nice’ ‘Crucial’ ‘It Don’t Matter’ STUDIO ALBUMS: Free High, Buried Alive. He is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama.  

Nik Vlachos (Gaston) is excited to be making his American Stage debut. This is his fourth time doing Beauty and the Beast, having made his theatrical debut as the dog footstool. Thank you to Kenny, Jess, family, besties, and Mac. 

This will be his first production at American Stage. He’s here from Colorado where he performed in Cinderella at the Arvada Center. He has also performed in Newsies, The Music Man, An American in Paris (Hale Center Theater); The Sound of Music, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Center Pointe Theater).

Troy is excited to work once again with American Stage, having appeared last year in Ragtime and Pueblo Revolt. Other local credits include Scrooge Macbeth, A Haunted Cabaret, and Something Clean at The Off Central and Frankenstein at Jobsite Theatre. Board Member of Outcast Theatre Collective, producing theatre by and for marginalized groups.

Joseph Condon is proud to work with American Stage again. He is an alumnus of both

Pinellas County Center for the Arts as well as The University of Alabama in Birmingham for

Musical Theater. Born and raised in St.Petersburg, Joseph is very excited about professionally

performing in his hometown. A big thankyou to all of his loved ones for supporting him.

Broadway: Marius- Les Misérables, Off-Broadway: Philip - Party, the Wizard of Oz at Lincoln Center, Europe: Freddy - My Fair Lady with Maximilian Schell, Tony - West Side Story, Opening Act -Liza Minnelli in Concert, World Tour, Anatoly - Chess (1st National). American Stage: Harry - Mamma Mia! Noel - A Marvelous Party and Kenny - Laughter on the 23rd Floor. freeFall Theatre Company: Elwood - Harvey, Dale Harding - One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Mickey -The Normal Heart, PoohBah - The Mikado, Sondheim on Sondheim and Ernst - Cabaret, (Outstanding Featured Actor Award, Theatre Tampa Bay)Thetare Zone Naples: 16 Seasons including Peter Allen -The Boy From Oz, Jack Diamond - Legs Diamond, Archie,The Secret Garden, Dan - Next to Normal, Robert - Company, Anatoly - Chess, and  Robert - Bridges of Madison County and Fredrik - A Little Night Music Winter Park Playhouse: Jervis - Daddy Long Legs; MNM: Georges, La Cage Aux Folles; Stageworks: All 36 Characters - This Wonderful Life. Regional: Anthony - Sweeny Todd, Henrik -A Little Night Music, Joseph - Joseph…Dreamcoat, Jesus - Jesus Christ Superstar. Television: “The Guiding Light,” “As The World Turns,” “Murder One,” “Tom Snyder,” “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.”

Nigel Bailey is extremely proud to be joining the American Stage cast of Ragtime. Nigel lives in St. Petersburg with his family and attends St. Petersburg Christian School. He is in the fifth grade, and his favorite subjects are science and social studies. Nigel is a part of his school’s musical theater program, and recently appeared in the musical, A Christmas Yarn (a twist on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol). Nigel has attended American Stage youth classes and summer camps since the age of six. Aside from acting, Nigel enjoys martial arts and playing on his school’s bowling team. Nigel would like to thank his mother for her love and support. He also thanks his musical theater instructors and American Stage teaching artists for contributing to his love for acting and theater. Nigel dedicates his performances to the memory of his late uncle, Michael Walker, for always encouraging him to follow his dreams.

Derek Bexter is thrilled to be returning to Demens Landing once again, previously seen in The Taming of the Shrew (Tranio) and The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate/Cop). Derek has been performing professionally since he was 9 years old and spent his teens on Nickelodeon's "All That" and "The Kenan & Kel Show". After pursuing a BFA in Theatre at NYU (Tisch) he promptly ran away with the circus serving as a clown and aerialist. Now he resides in Tampa Bay, works full time as the Entertainment Director at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, and directs at many local theatres. Thank you to this amazing cast, crew, the 'rents, family, and my friends.

Troy Brooks was most recently the Male Swing for American Stage's Crimes of the Heart, and has participated in multiple staged readings for the company. Other local credits include Something Clean and A Haunted Cabaret at Studio Grand Central. Member of Outcast Theatre Collective, a cooperative engaged in uplifting marginalized artists and diverse stories, whose works include Dionysus on the Downlow (Stageworks) and Pass Over (Studio@620).

Elizabeth Gelman is delighted to return to the stage after a 15-year hiatus. A proud member of AEA, Gelman has appeared in national tours and Chicago area productions, including Shy in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Aldonza in Man of LaMancha, Rhetta in Pump Boys & Dinettes, Clelia in The Nerd (with Tony Shalhoub), and Contessa in HATS! (with Melissa Manchester). Gelman is currently the Senior Director of Arts and Cultural Programming at Creative Pinellas and serves as Cantorial Soloist at Temple B’nai Israel in Clearwater. She and her husband, composer Tom Sivak, are the parents of two exceptionally brilliant and beautiful daughters.

Anthony Gervais is a St. Pete native actor, director, and writer. He was recently seen as Bernard in A Number and Jamie in The Last Five Years (Off-Central Players). Anthony is an Artist in Residence at the Studio@620 and serves as Creative Associate at the Off-Central Players. He proudly holds a BFA from The Boston Conservatory.

Billy Goldstein is thrilled to be making his American Stage debut in such a timely and pertinent piece. Other regional credits include: Toad in A Year with Frog and Toad (North Shore Music Theatre) Amos Hart in Chicago (Park Playhouse); two seasons as Old Joe/Joe Miller in A Christmas Carol (North Shore Music Theatre); Stewpot in South Pacific (Reagle Music Theatre); Mutt in Kinky Boots (Theatre by the Sea & North Shore Music Theatre); Albin/Zaza in La Cage Aux Folles (Arundel Barn Playhouse) and many more! He received his B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Pace University and would love to thank his friends, family and Dan for the endless support and for always believing in him!

Clinton Harris is excited to return to American Stage Theatre to work with this multi-talented cast and crew. Clinton was last seen at American Stage in the park productions of Rent and Hair. A native of Atlanta, Ga. Clinton attended Tri-Cities High School VPA Magnet Program, The Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and Albany State University. Clinton performed at Disney in, Finding Nemo the Musical, and Festival of the Lion King. Clinton has performed in various regional productions. Also, Clinton has traveled internationally as a background vocalist for several artist.

Born and raised in Tampa, Megan is thrilled to make her American Stage debut. She was most recently seen as Mollie in The Mousetrap at The Judson Theatre. Other credits include: Ariel in Footloose (Norwegian Cruise Lines), Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde (Nat’l Tour), Patty Simcox/Sandy understudy in Grease (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines), and Princess in Love’s Labour’s Lost (The York Theatre Company). She received her B.A. in theatre performance from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. Megan would like to thank God, her family, and Sam for their continual love and support as she pursues her passion for storytelling.

Noah Jordan is 9 years old and this will be his first professional project. Noah has attended American Stage’s summer camp for the past 4 years. Noah’s interests include anything space-related and cooking.

Maria Lara was most recently seen as Cinderella in Cinderella Eats Rice and Beans at American Stage. Other roles include: Ariel (The Little Mermaid, Broadway Star of The Future Winner 2021), Catherine (Pippin), Woman C (World Goes ‘Round), Juliet (When Shakespeare Ladies Meet), Usherette (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Ramona Merengue (Zombie Prom), Clara (A Christmas Carol), Lady Lucille (Once Upon a Mattress), Rootie (Asleep on the Wind). She is a current student at St. Petersburg College majoring in musical theatre. She was awarded The Music Theatre Recognition Scholarship at AMDA College of the Performing Arts. Maria is very grateful to Juan, José, Alexa, Ashlie and Karla for this opportunity. Special thanks to Scott, Lisa and David for always believing in her and for guiding her from the beginning of her musical theatre journey and to her family for supporting her in every step of the way.

Mona Lim is Korean-American and grew up in Iowa. She is also a Yale dropout who abandoned a career in medicine to pursue theatre. She eventually found her niche and has spent 30+ years teaching/directing children and young adults. After raising a generation of artists, it suddenly dawned on Mona that she had once had her own dreams of performing so she started auditioning about 18 months ago and quickly found herself playing Tanya (Cougar) in Mamma Mia, Fraulein Kost (Pro-Nazi Prostitute) in Cabaret and Electra (Stripper) in Gypsy. Her children and granddaughter are grateful that she will be playing something age-appropriate (and fully dressed) in Ragtime. Appearing in her first professional show since 1997, Mona is thrilled to be demonstrating that your third act should be all about living your dreams and doing what you love!

Laura McKenna was most recently seen as Woman in The Thing About Men with The Gulf Coast Symphony in Fort Myers, Florida. Other regional credits include Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense (Amici Theatre Company) and The Music Man (St. Petersburg Opera Company). Collegiate credits include: Celia in As You Like It, Helga in Cabernet, Patience (title role), and Woman 2 in Songs for a New World. Laura is a graduate of Florida Southern College with degrees in BM Vocal Performance & BFA Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance. Special thanks and love to Mom, Dad, and Lindsay.

Elizabeth Meckler is thrilled to be back at American Stage! You may have seen her as Alysha in Green Day’s American Idiot earlier this season. She is a St. Pete native currently living in NYC. Selected credits include Sheila in Hair, Logainne "Schwarzy" in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Olivia in the upcoming short film, "Daughter of Wands." Elizabeth is a proud graduate of PCCA (Pinellas County Center for the Arts) and The University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she received her BFA in Musical Theatre. HUGE thank you to her friends and family for their unconditional love and support. Keep up with her on Instagram!

Sarah Middough is thrilled to be making her American Stage debut in Ragtime. She has toured the U.S. and Canada as Mutti in My Heart in a Suitcase (Artspower National Touring Theatre) and was most recently seen as Rhoda in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Alhambra Theatre & Dining). Other select regional credits include Julia Sullivan in The Wedding Singer (Count Basie Theatre), Maggie Winslow in A Chorus Line (Count Basie Theatre), Ghost the Musical (Alhambra Theatre & Dining), the Florida Festival of New Musicals (Winter Park Playhouse), and A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre Center). Sarah is a proud graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a B.A. with distinction in international relations. She’d like to thank Devin, her family, and her friends for their unwavering love and support.

Siobhan began classical vocal training at The Pinellas County Center for the Arts program at Gibbs High School. During her tenure at the center, she received numerous awards and accolades, including being named a finalist in the Walker Rising Stars Scholarship Foundation and being a featured soloist at the National Holocaust Remembrance project in Washington D.C. After graduation, Siobhan attended the University of South Florida in Tampa and received a degree in Classical Voice under the direction of Dr. Warren Jaworski. Currently, Siobhan is the lead singer of her band "Siobhan Monique and “The Negro Ninja’s.” Siobhan has appeared at the Palladium Theater; Rock the Park; Jannus Live; American Stage, Mahaffy Theater; the Straz Center; Williams Park.In addition, a WEDU-PBS documentary featuring Siobhan has been nominated for an Emmy; Siobhan is the spokesperson for a nonprofit organization, RaceWithoutIsm, and is curator of the "Motherland Music Festival."

Danté is beyond grateful to be making his debut here at the American Stage in the role of Coalhouse Walker Jr. Recently seen as Robert Kincaid in Bridges of Madison County at the Falmouth Theatre Guild; also Once on This Island and Ain't Misbehavin' at The Encore Music Theater. Dante is currently pursuing going back to school and looking forward to a future as an Educator in the Arts. Other regional credits include: Delray in Memphis (Artistry Theater); Mister in The Color Purple (Theater West End); Tarzan (Slow Burn Theater Company); Side Show (BuckCreek Playhouse); Treasure Island (Beef & Boards); Showboat (Naples Dinner Theater); 5 Guys Named Moe (Stage Door). He’s is also a professional caregiver and certified Covid-19 safety officer. Danté Thanks casting and production for this amazing opportunity. “No weapons formed against me shall prosper!”

Martin Powers is stoked to be making his American Stage debut in Ragtime: The Musical! They recently worked with The Straz Center as Jinx in Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings and FST as Will in Master of the Revels. Other works of hers include: Phoenix in “SWIM” (Film), Mercutio in Jobsite Theater's Romeo and Juliet (Theatre), Jeff in The Librarian (Film), and Flute/Moth in Jobsite Theatre's A Midsummer Night's Dream. He's grateful for his treasure Jasper, and their four cats for being their rocks.

Jai Shanae is a multi-talented artist and native to Tampa, Florida. Under her alias Jai Shanae, Janesia was most recently seen as a Church Lady in The Color Purple (Stageworks Theatre), and a Hot Box Girl in Guys & Dolls (Westcoast Black Theatre). Other regional credits Janesia is known for includes: Tammi Terrell in Martin Gaye: Prince of Soul (Westcoast Black Theatre); and Hunnie in Jelly’s Last Jam (National Black Theatre Festival). Jai Shanae also starred in the short film “Killer Date Night” where you’ll also find her vocals on the closing credits soundtrack. Previously majoring in Chorus, Creative Writing, and Musical Theater during her high school years at Howard W. Blake, Jai Shanae wishes to reach levels in her career that will allow her the platform to provide a safe, artistic space for battered women and children. “I am black. I am woman. I am a survivor.”

Matthew Harper Stevenson is a DC native now living in NYC. He could have been recently seen as Kenickie in Grease (Palace Theatre), in a different Grease as Eugene (Interlakes Summer Theater), or in the world premiere of Drew Gasparini's We Aren’t Kids Anymore (Ferguson Center for the Arts). He received his Degree in Musical Theater and Dance from Christopher Newport Universtiy. Matt would specifically like to shout out his parents, Bob and Laura, his beautiful sisters Erin and Brittany and his kind and loving girlfriend Sarah. Without any of y'all, I would never be able to do what I do every day. Much love!

Leah Stewart is a California resident, native of St. Louis, MO. She is a singer, dancer, musician, model and writer. Blessed to perform on stages around the world and throughout the US, she was in the cast of the off-Broadway production of Mama, I Want to Sing. She was in the feature films Cook & Banks and Remember Me: A Mahalia Jackson story starring Ledisi. She starred as Nina Simone in the St. Louis Black Rep’s production of Nina Simone: Four Women. She also is currently a cast member of Disneyland in Tale of the Lion King at Disneyland as Timon and Shenzi in “Disney Junior Dance Party”. She also sings with bands Urban Music Society, Diamond Empire, Lucky Devils, and Motown Magic. She sang back up for national recording artists Chester Gregory, Alex Sparrow, Jennifer Singer and is touring the globe with one of "America's Got Talent" finalists, Marcus Terrell and The Serenades. She performed at Beirut’s premiere night club Al Mandaloun. She won Kevin Kline awards for her acting in “Doubt a Parable" with Dramatic License Productions and "Sarafina", and "A Song for Coretta" and won several awards starring as Ti Moune, in 3D Theatricals production of "Once on this Island". She was in Rivers of Women directed by award winning and bestselling author, Lyah Beth LeFlore. Leah received a BA in Theater Dance with a Chemistry minor from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She feels blessed for this wonderful opportunity.

Cody Taylor is an actor, musician and clown/physical comedian from Lexington, KY, who was recently seen as Francis in Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol's production of La Cage Aux Folles. Selected regional credits include: Mr. McQueen in Urinetown (Tierra del Sol); the Bank Manager in Once (Red Mountain Theatre); Jetsam in The Little Mermaid, Peter in The Lion, The Witch, and the Waredrobe, and La the elf in Twas the Night (Lexington Children's Theatre); Andrew Jackson in The Gathering (Cherokee Historical Association); Reverend Schermerhorn in Unto These Hills (Mountainside Theatre); Robert Armin in Equivocation (Athens West Theatre). He has also worked extensively with the National Theatre for Children, the Appalachian Shakespeare Center, and the Sterling Renaissance Festival. He holds a B.F.A. in physical theatre from Coastal Carolina University, in association with the Accademia dell'Arte in Arezzo, Italy. He'd like to thank his family for their undying support.

A.R. Williams is a native of St. Petersburg, FL and a graduate of Florida A&M University. As a Music Performance Major, A.R. was a member of the FAMU Concert Choir and the Omicron Gamma chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America Inc. A.R. has traveled nationally and internationally singing at numerous events and festivals, including Bob Marley's 60th Birthday Celebration in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Africa. Since 2011, A.R. has been a lead singer at Busch Gardens Tampa in Christmas From the Heart, Timbuktunes and Men of Note as well as a background vocalist for Josh Groban. Past credits include Washington & Eisenstadt Presents: Broadway Bent (Carrollwood Cultural Center), Denver Thomas in Rocket Science (Lab Project Theatre), and Doug in Elegies for Angels, Punks & Raging Queens (The Space). A.R. is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the American Stage family.

Adebowalé was most recently seen as Albert/Kevin in Clyborne Park directed by Bianca Laverne Jones at Columbia University’s School of the Arts.  Other credits include: a costar role on “Dickinson” (AppleTV), Gaev/Thomas in The Cherry Orchard/Magnolia (Columbia SoA).  Adebowale is well pleased to make his regional theater debut on American Stage.  He will be entering his final year at Columbia, where he is studying Theater(Acting Concentration).

is a passionate island girl from Nassau, The Bahamas. She recently received her Bachelor’s degree in Acting and Directing from Eastern Connecticut State University along with a film studies minor. While in The Bahamas, Massiel has starred in two local plays and one local bahamian movie. Her first year in undergrad she received the leading role in a main stage production called Chitra. Since then she has starred in four other shows as an actress, two shows as an assistant director for Eastern and for a professional theater company, Spectrum Theater and ended her college career by directing a main stage production called Blood at the Root. She has also written, directed and filmed two small pieces under her film studies minor. She made her American stage debut last year in The Odd Couple as Cecily.

Hannah is currently an Acting & Production Apprentice at American Stage & excited to be making her American Stage debut! She recently graduated from Eckerd College with a BA in Theatre with minors in Marketing & Music. Hannah has spent two summers studying in New York City with The Atlantic Acting School and The Circle in the Square Conservatory. Her favorite roles include the lead role in Feinstein’s/54 Below concert of Call It in the Air, & Steve in She Kills Monsters (Eckerd College). She recently made her directorial debut with Heathers: The Musical, Eckerd’s first student run main stage production. Hannah would like to thank her parents & her dog for putting up with her. Love you guys.

Kate Hoster is a rising Junior Musical Theatre and Applied Dance double major at The University of Tampa. Kate is excited to be making her first professional show debut in The Dutchman at The American Stage Theatre! Her most recent performance was in a cabaret entitled From Godspell to Wicked under the direction of Paul Finocchiaro. A few of her favorite previous roles include portraying Sophie in Mamma Mia!, A Star to Be in Annie, and Doctor in 9 to 5. Kate would like to thank her parents, family, friends, Alex Jones and the rest of the UT faculty for all of their support!

Jessica Jennelle was most recently seen in Footloose: The Musical at American Stage in the Park. Other roles include Almost, Maine at West Coast Players, and The Laramie Project at St. Petersburg College Arts Dept. She has also worked on productions such as Pippin and Into the Woods as a Props Master. Jessica is currently an acting and production apprentice here at American Stage. She would like to thank her family, friends, and Remi for their love and support!

Shannon is an artist based in NYC and Hartford, CT. She received a B.F.A at The Hartt School of Music Theatre. Regional:  The Wolves - TheatreWorks, Devotion - Goodspeed Opera House, Romantic Comedy - Saybrook Stage Company, TV: “Lethal Love Triangle” - Lifetime Movie Network, “The Food That Built America” - The History Channel. Directing: Man on the Moon  and A Fit of Pique - S.P.O.T. One-Act Festival, The Frigid NYC

Deisha A. King credits the beginning of her dance education to local dance studios and magnet and performing arts schools in the Broward/Miami-Dade areas, where she trained in ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, acro, ballroom and contemporary forms. Her training led her to the University of South Florida, where she received her BFA in Dance Performance/Choreography. Upon graduating from USF in 2018, Deisha performed original works with local Tampa/St.Pete dance companies and partnered with community organizations where she teaches dance education. Deisha was most recently seen in the 2021 Neiman Marcus Holiday campaign “Celebrate Big, Love Even Bigger”. She thanks God for the gift of dance and for the unwavering support of her village of family and friends.

Enoch is an Atlanta native and is excited to return to AS! His previous AS credits include: It’s a Wonderful Life, Skeleton Crew, Between Riverside and Crazy, and A Raisin in the Sun. Recent credits include: The Light (Horizon Theatre) The Bluest Eye (Synchronicity Theatre), Paradise Blue, Skeleton Crew (True Colors Theatre), Hands of Color (Synchronicity Theatre – Suzi Bass Award for Best World Premiere), A Christmas Carol (Shakespeare Tavern), The Mountaintop (Heritage Theatre Festival), Anne and Emmett (Amsterdam, VA, NY, NC), The Christians(Actor’s Express – Suzi Bass Award for Best Supporting Actor). Enoch can also currently be seen in The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey on AppleTV+. Be safe, smile hard and love free!

Tyrese is back onstage after a four-year hiatus to focus on film and music. His theatrical works include; Ensemble in Hunchback of Notre Dame, David Dennis and Aaron Henry in All the Way, and Reuben Mercer in American Stage's production of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. He is honored to make his return to acting alongside the wonderful team at American Stage.

Born and raised in Florida, Evan has been dancing his entire life. As a graduated member of Leonard’s Academy of Dance competition team, he was able to apply what he had learned from the competition stage to being a studio and competition instructor. Graduating from Howard W. Blake, Evan went on to study at the University of South Florida as a Dance major. Apart from his school and LAD life, he is also proud to be an alumni of The Chocolate Nutcracker, as well as a member of the United Nations of Dance Musical Performance Troupe. He is now a company member of projectALCHEMY.