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!

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!

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.

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!”

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."

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.”

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.