CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical

HOLLI' GABRIELLE CONWAY

Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins

Holli’ Gabrielle Conway (Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins) is honored to help tell yet another powerful woman’s story. She appeared on Broadway in the original casts of Lempicka and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and in Six, where she became the first black woman to portray Katherine Howard on Broadway. She was recently seen in Whitney White’s groundbreaking Macbeth in Stride at BAM. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Holli’ is a Louisiana native who served her state as Miss Louisiana 2018. “Gigantic thank you to Steve at 44 West Entertainment, Matt and the entire DGRW team, and The Telsey Office. I wouldn’t be here without the endless love and support of my family and friends. All glory and gratitude to God!” Instagram: @welcometo_holliwood TikTok: @holligabrielle

JADE MILAN

Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes

Jade Milan (Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes) most recently starred as Ali in Alicia Keys’s Tony and Grammy-nominated Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen. Jade is a veteran of Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway and in Las Vegas and was a contestant on Fox’s The Four. She is an alumnus of the Baltimore School of the Arts. Jade is represented by Paradigm and The Rosenzweig Group.

STONEY B. WOODS

Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas

Stoney B. Woods (Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas), born and raised in the Bronx, New York, is an award-nominated actress, singer, recording artist, and creative visionary whose work spans Broadway, television, and children’s media. She earned her acting degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and refined her vocal training at The Juilliard School. Stoney’s professional credits include the Broadway hit The Book of Mormon, Law & Order, BET’s tribute to George Floyd, and the original children’s series Stoney’s Spectacular Show. In 2024, her work on Stoney’s Spectacular Show earned a New York Eastern Emmy Award nomination, honoring her impact in children’s entertainment. Through music, storytelling, and performance, Stoney uses her art as a vessel for healing, hope, and joy—encouraging audiences to rise above fear and walk in their purpose. Follow her journey on Instagram @stoneyb_nyc.

TRENTON McKENZIE BEAVERS

Tommy/Ensemble

Trenton McKenzie Beavers (Tommy/Ensemble) is an Atlanta native who is thrilled to be making his Arena Stage debut! His DC area credits include Sister Act (Ford’s Theatre); The Lightning Thief, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (Adventure Theatre MTC); The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin (Creative Cauldron); Merrily We Roll Along (Keegan Theatre); Ragtime (Signature Theatre); Spring Awakening (Monumental Theatre Co.); The SpongeBob Musical (Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Helen Hayes Award nomination for Outstanding Ensemble); and The Arithmetic of Memory (The Kennedy Center). His TV credits include Black Broadway: A Proud History, A Limitless Future and How Great Thou Art: A Sacred Celebration on PBS. Trenton proudly earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Howard University. He thanks his family and friends for all of their combined support and encouragement.

AARON BLIDEN

Danny/Ensemble

Aaron Bliden (Danny/Ensemble) is a DC-based actor, musician, designer, and writer. Recent highlights include The American Five (Ford’s Theatre), An Enemy of the People (Theater J), and The Waverly Gallery (1st Stage), as well as understudying for The Bedwetter here at Arena Stage. He has over eight credits with The Second City, including its collaborations with Woolly Mammoth, The Kennedy Center, and a stint on a cruise liner. He has four individual Helen Hayes nominations, and has appeared in shows at Signature, Folger, Imagination Stage, Olney, and Arts on the Horizon. Along with other University of Maryland College Park alumni, he helped found Pointless Theatre Co. (Est. 2009), of which he is still a member. TV/ Film credits include Turn (AMC), Mercy Street (PBS), The Sultan and the Saint (PBS), and Gothic Slayers (independent). He is one-third of DC-based band The French Champagne, and is also currently writing a rock opera.

FELICIA CURRY

Christina/Dr. Nzinga

Felicia Curry (Christina/Dr. Nzinga) last appeared at Arena Stage in The Age of Innocence and Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of Death on the Nile. Most recently, she was in the one-woman thriller, Sandra, at TheaterWorks Hartford, and performed her solo cabaret at Everyman Theatre. Felicia received a Helen Hayes Award for Lela & Co. at Factory 449 where she is a company member. She is also a Resident Company Member at Everyman Theatre and an Artistic Associate at Ford’s Theatre. Felicia made her Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated revival of Into the Woods, and then toured with the show around the country, including at The Kennedy Center. She has a Berkshire Theatre Critics Award, a RTCC Award, an Anderson-Hopkins Award, and is a two-time AUDELCO nominee for Queens Girl in the World at Abingdon Theatre and Fabulation at The Billie Holiday Theatre, both off-Broadway. Felicia has been named one of “12 DC Stage Dynamos” by The Washington Post and one of “DC’s Biggest Theater Stars” by Washingtonian magazine. She is on the WAPAVA Board of Directors and the Emmy-nominated host of WETA Arts on PBS. Instagram: @thefeliciacurry

JOSH A. DAWSON

Blake/Ensemble

Josh A. Dawson (Blake/Ensemble) appeared on Broadway in Beautiful. Off- Broadway: Cyrano. Tour: Hamilton, MJ the Musical. Regional: Dallas Theater Center, Signature Theatre. TV: Harry Belafonte on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Blake on Nora from Queens. Education: CCM, UMich. CGF & Robyn Bluestone Management. @mrjoshdawsonmusic

NICHOLE FORDE

Ensemble

Nichole Forde (Ensemble) is a Brooklyn native who is excited to make her debut at Arena Stage. Career highlights include In the Heights (Signature Theatre); Anne of Green Gables (Off-Broadway); Jersey Boys (Las Vegas Residency); Jersey Boys (Associate Choreographer at Paper Mill Playhouse); Summer (regional and cruise); and New York Knicks (7th Avenue Squad). Nichole is grateful for the continued support of her family, friends, and team at Bloc Agency. She hopes to touch, move and inspire those in attendance. Instagram: @theenikkiforde

DEON'TE GOODMAN

Rain/Ensemble

Deon’te Goodman (Rain/Ensemble) is thrilled to make his debut at Arena Stage! He was previously seen as Aaron Burr in the National Tour of Hamilton. Other notable credits include understudying Aaron Burr, George Washington, and Hercules Mulligan/James Madison in Hamilton on Broadway and Rolling Thunder off Broadway. Regional credits include Sweeney Todd, In the Heights, SongBird, and Rent. As a vocal producer, Deon’te has worked with a variety of artists, including MJ Rodriguez (Pose), guiding them through studio sessions and vocal development. While musical collaborations with artists are currently available on all major streaming platforms, his solo project will be released soon. Deon’te wants to shout out his family, his team of collaborators, agents, and manager, and community of love and support. Instagram: @thedeontegoodman

CIARA ALYSE HARRIS

Rikara/Ensemble

Ciara Alyse Harris (Rikara/Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Arena Stage debut with CrazySexyCool! Her credits include Dear Evan Hansen (Broadway); Macbeth in Stride (Off-Broadway); the First National Tour of Dear Evan Hansen; and Celie in The Color Purple (Casa Mañana). She thanks HCKR, Rochel Saks, her loving and supportive family, and she gives God all the glory!

BETHANY HEMMANS

Ensemble, u/s Christina/Dr. Nzinga

Bethany Hemmans (Ensemble, u/s Christina/Dr. Nzinga) is thrilled to be making her debut at Arena Stage! A seasoned singer, dancer, and actress with over 30 years of training, Bethany brings a dynamic blend of technique and storytelling to the stage. Her diverse background includes ballet, jazz, musical theater, hip hop, and even theme park performance! Her favorite credits include Lady in Yellow in for colored girls…, Felicia in Memphis (Theater West End); the Charlaine Woodard track in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Orlando Shakes); and Adult Dara and u/s Disco Donna in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (NCL). Bethany would like to thank The Telsey Office, her Pantera/Murphy Agency family, as well as her family and friends for all the love and support! “It's time for JOY!” Instagram: @beeizmee

KENNEDY HOLMES

Ensemble, u/s Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins, u/s Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas

Kennedy Holmes (Ensemble, u/s Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins, u/s Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas) is beyond thrilled to be making her Arena Stage debut. Formerly a USC musical theatre student, Kennedy is currently deepening and refining her craft at Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts. Regional theater credits include Danielle in Bring It On, Joanne in Rent, Ensemble in Dreamgirls, Little Eva/The Shirelles/Ensemble in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors, Olivia/Ensemble/ Understudy Nettie in The Color Purple, Ensemble in Smokey Joe’s Café, Ensemble in Footloose, Belinda Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, and Little Inez in Hairspray. Educational theater credits include Ensemble/Reverend in Bat Boy, Velma in Chicago, and Rona Lisa Peretti in Spelling Bee. TV: The Voice Season 15 (Finalist) and A New Holiday. Symphony Performances: Mercy Holiday Celebration (lead vocalist), Tina Turner Tribute (vocalist), A Gospel Christmas (lead vocalist). Instagram: @imkennedyholmes

LINDSEY JOLYN JACKSON

Ensemble, Dance Captain

Lindsey Jolyn Jackson (Ensemble, Dance Captain) is a Los Angeles native. Broadway: The Lion King, Hell’s Kitchen. BA: Fordham University; MSEd: University of Pennsylvania; MS: University of Massachusetts. 2008 Jacob’s Pillow Lorna Strassler Award for Student Excellence. “Glory to God. I love you Aaron, Jack Major, Action Major, Shine Major, Liv Major & Christmas. So much love to my family and friends.” @firstcomeslovetcm

MALIK SHABAZZ KITCHEN

Kavonne/Ensemble

Malik Shabazz Kitchen (Kavonne/Ensemble) debuted on Broadway in Hamilton, understudying John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, after transferring from the original cast of the Chicago production. Previous notable theater credits include the Off-Broadway revival of Working at NYCC Encores!, Off-Broadway’s The Wrong Man (Chita Rivera Award), and the Broadway-bound new musical Wanted at Paper Mill Playhouse. Malik began his career on network television in the principal cast of MTV’s Taking the Stage (season 1). Other notable TV/film credits include Good Morning America (ABC), Last Week Tonight (HBO), Passing (Netflix), and a commercial for Cadillac. Malik is an NYC-based member of AEA and is represented by MSA Agency. “Reverence and gratitude to God and my cherished loved ones!” Follow his journey on Instagram @malikshabazzkitchen.

DARIUS JORDAN LEE

Michael/Ensemble

Darius Jordan Lee (Michael/Ensemble) is honored to be making his Arena Stage debut in the world premiere of CrazySexyCool! He’s a Newark native from New Jersey and loves making the world a better place through storytelling. Broadway: Lamont in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations (Imperial Theatre). TV/Film: East of the River, Sub/liminal, Dexter: Resurrection, Will Trent, FBI, The Last O.G., Power Book II: Ghost. Off-Broadway: Clueless, The Musical (Signature Theatre). Regional: Blues for an Alabama Sky, West Side Story (Guthrie Theatre); The Scottsboro Boys, Smokey Joe’s Café (Theatre Raleigh); Fences (Delaware Rep); Summer Stock (Goodspeed Opera House); Hair (Broadway at Music Circus); Dreamgirls (Cape Fear Regional Theatre); I’ll Be Home for Christmas (Arvada Center). He holds a BFA and MA from Montclair State University, where he is currently a theater professor. He’s endlessly thankful and grateful for his incredible wife, family, and friends for their constant love and support! Instagram: @dariusjordanlee

MADISON McBRIDE

Ensemble, u/s Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes

Madison McBride (Ensemble, u/s Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes), an Atlanta, GA native, TLC is woven into the fabric of Madison’s life! A graduate of the University of Michigan with a BFA in Musical Theatre, she was recently seen in the world premiere of Clueless, The Musical in London as the iconic Dionne Davenport, as well as Off-Broadway in Teeth. She has also garnered industry approval with a recurring role in HBO’s Full Circle, directed by Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh, and stamps of approval from names like Alan Menken and Siedah Garrett. Madison is ready to bring her talent to this next singular moment. She sends love and gratitude to her friends, family, and team at HCKR and Management Perennial Entertainment for championing her dreams! @madison_mcb

CHRISTOPHER HENRY YOUNG

MC Hammer/Ensemble

Christopher Henry Young (MC Hammer/Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Arena Stage debut in CrazySexyCool. He previously appeared on tour with the revival of Company, which played the Kennedy Center, and the National Tour of Hamilton. New York credits include A Bronx Tale (Broadway); and Goddess and The Harder They Come (The Public Theater). Other theater highlights include The Little Mermaid, Personality: Lloyd Price Musical, Guys and Dolls, The Wiz, Sweat, and Smokey Joe’s Café. He made his network television debut as Christian on the CBS show Elsbeth. He’s grateful for the support of his family and the tireless work of his reps at HCKR. Instagram: @cyoungonstage

BRYAN ARCHIBALD

Swing

Bryan Archibald (Swing) is extremely thrilled to be making his debut of CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical with Arena Stage! International: Voices of Virginia, Japan 2009 Tour. Regional: Fela! (Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical), Long Way Down (Olney Theatre Center); u/s Pharus in Choir Boy (Studio Theatre); u/s C.C. in Dreamgirls (Toby’s Dinner Theatre); Lead Vocalist in Black Nativity, Jamal in Railings (Attucks Theatre); Rayford in Breathe (THEARC West Blackbox); Pepe in Ev’ry Dog Has His Day (Armstrong Hall Theatre); Ain’t Misbehavin’, Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, Not About Nightingale, Enjust (Ira Aldridge Theatre). Education: Howard University, BFA ‘17. A proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Jeremiah 29:11 Instagram: sermonboy_

JUSTIN RAYNARD HICKS

Swing

Justin Raynard Hicks (Swing) is a singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, and native of Memphis, Tennessee. A force in the Memphis theater scene, Justin has starred in over 30 regional and community productions including Fences, The Scottsboro Boys, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Mary Poppins, Dreamgirls, Grease, The Hot Wing King, and Ruined. He has also performed across the nation on stages at the Apollo Theater, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. In 2021, Justin released his independent R&B-funk album, Who Do U Think U R?. He is delighted to make his Arena Stage debut in CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical—especially because TLC is one of his biggest musical influences. With passion and hard work, Justin hopes to become one of the greatest entertainers show business has ever seen. Instagram: @justinraynardhicks TikTok: @justinraynardhicks

KALEN ROBINSON

Swing

Kalen Robinson (Swing) is an actress, dancer, and singer from Atlanta, GA. She was in Chez Joey as an Ambrosial at Arena Stage and is excited to be back! Kalen credits her success to God and her endlessly supportive village of family and friends who believe in her! Some of her notable DMV theater credits: Play On! (Signature Theatre); Pumpkin in Paradise Blue (Studio Theatre); Seasil in Finn and Look Both Ways National Tour (The Kennedy Center); Raquel/Dionne in The Sensational Sea Minkettes (Woolly Mammoth); Metamorphoses (Folger Theatre). Regional theater credits: Ti Moune in Once on This Island (Lyric Theatre); Cinderella, Logainne S. in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Fulton Theatre). Education: BFA in Musical Theatre at Howard University. kalenrobinson.com Instagram: @k_nicole143

MIKARI TARPLEY

Swing

Mikari Tarpley (Swing) is a multi-hyphenate performer born and raised in Metro Atlanta, GA. She is beyond thrilled and grateful to be debuting at Arena Stage with CrazySexyCool! Credits include Ceilings (original piece) at Theater Alliance, Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King Broadway National Tour, Lexi in Warner Brothers and Nickelodeon’s Alex & Me, and Tia in OWN’s Queen Sugar. Mikari spends her time advocating and fundraising for childhood cancer awareness and other illnesses after conquering her own battle of lymphatic cancer in 2020. She is in the 2026 BFA Musical Theatre class in the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University. Mikari sends all her love and thanks to God and her family for keeping her. Instagram: @mikari.nichelle

KWAME KWEI-ARMAH

Writer and Director

Kwame Kwei-Armah (Writer and Director) was the Artistic Director at Baltimore Center Stage (2011–2018) and the Young Vic Theatre, London (2018–2024). An award-winning writer/director amongst work he has directed are world premieres of the Bob Marley musical Marley (Baltimore; London’s West End); Kemp Powers’s One Night in Miami (Baltimore; London’s Donmar Warehouse); Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit ’67 (Public Theater, NYC); Twelfth Night (Public Theater, NYC; Young Vic); Idris Elba’s Tree (Young Vic, London; Manchester International Festival); and Anthony McCarten’s The Collaboration (Young Vic; Manhattan Theatre Club, Broadway).

TLC

Story

TLC (Story) is the best-selling American girl group of all time and has spent over three decades breaking boundaries and empowering generations. The TLC story is one of sisterhood, strength, and survival against the odds, having overcome extraordinary circumstances to become one of the most influential acts in pop music. Their unique combination of chemistry, cultural impact, and commercial success remains unmatched, with four multi-platinum albums and #1 singles, and over 30 major music awards—including five Grammys. TLC has sold over 85 million records globally, reaching #1 in almost every major country in the world. The trio, Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins, Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas, and the late Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes, stormed the music scene in the ‘90s, thrusting a new sound into the charts and creating the look, sound, and soul of a generation. Their journey encompasses immortal anthems like “Creep,” “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” and “Unpretty.” TLC have inspired many major artists and laid the blueprint for the American girl band, setting the stage for the groups that followed.

CHLOE O. DAVIS

Choreographer

Chloe O. Davis (Choreographer) is excited to make her debut at Arena Stage! Recent choreography credits include Little Miss Perfect (Olney Theatre Center); Lalovavi (Cincinnati Opera); Oscar Micheaux Project (Prospect Musicals); Waitress (The Muny); A New Brain (Barrington Stage); Gypsy (Broadway, Associate Choreographer); Paradise Square (Broadway, Associate Choreographer); and Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC). She is also creating an eveninglength dance piece titled The Memorial. Her choreography has earned multiple honors, such as a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography and Broadway Black’s “The Award” for Best Choreography. As a performer, Chloe is an Original Broadway Cast (OBC) member of Paradise Square and Hell’s Kitchen and received a Chita Rivera nomination for Outstanding Dancer in a Broadway Show. In tandem with performing and choreographing, Chloe is the author of The Queens’ English, The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases (Simon & Schuster, 2024 and Clarkson Potter/Square Peg, 2021). www.chloeodavis.com

DAVID HOLCENBERG

Music Supervisor, Arranger, and Co-Orchestrator

David Holcenberg (Music Supervisor, Arranger, and Co-Orchestrator) is a Tony- and Grammy-nominated musician who is happy to be making his Arena debut! In DC, David has worked at Signature Theatre many times, including Blackbeard, Light Years, and Chess. David has worked on thirteen Broadway shows, including most recently, MJ (Tony and Grammy nominations, Drama Desk Award), Mamma Mia!, Groundhog Day, and Matilda. Other credits include the world premiere of Newsies, the US premiere of Ragtime (LA Drama Critics Award), The Radio City Summer Spectacular starting The Rockettes, The Phantom of the Opera in Toronto, and Mamma Mia! at the Hollywood Bowl. David has conducted and/or produced over a dozen original cast albums, including the Grammy- nominated MJ, Matilda, and Seussical.

JARET LANDON

Music Director, Associate Music Supervisor, Vocal and Additional Arrangements, and Co-Orchestrator

Jaret Landon (Music Director, Associate Music Supervisor, Vocal and Additional Arrangements, and Co-Orchestrator) is an acclaimed composer, orchestrator, music director, and vocal arranger whose work spans theater, television, film, and new musical development. Renowned for his ability to seamlessly bridge genres and craft music that resonates deeply with audiences, Landon has contributed to ten award-winning world-premiere musicals and collaborated with Grammy, Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning artists. Beyond the stage, Landon is the founder of Dorothy Jean’s Dream Foundation, established in honor of his late mother, Dorothy Jean Williams. Through the foundation, he has become a leading advocate for community and economic development initiatives throughout Polk County, Florida. In public service, Landon made history as the youngest elected commissioner in the 175-year history of Fort Meade, Florida. He currently serves as Mayor, bringing the same spirit of creativity, leadership, and vision that has distinguished his artistic career.

DAVID ZINN

Set Designer

David Zinn (Set Designer) is happy to return to the Arena where he designed Jaja’s African Hair Braiding in 2024. David’s recent work on Broadway includes scenic design for Liberation, Stereophonic, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, The Notebook, Kimberly Akimbo, Funny Girl, and The Humans; scenic and costume design for Boys in the Band, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Fun Home; and costume design for Enemy of the People and A Doll’s House, Part 2. His work in London includes Here We Are at the National Theatre and Stereophonic at the Duke of York’s. In Europe, he’s designed sets and costumes for the Berlin Staatsoper and at Theater Basel. He’s received Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critic’s Circle, Hewes, and Obie Awards for his work.

DEDE AYITE

Costume Designer

Dede Ayite (Costume Designer) is a Tony Award-winning costume designer. She has designed over a dozen productions on Broadway including Proof, Purpose, Othello, Buena Vista Social Club, Topdog/Underdog, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Tony Award), Slave Play, and A Soldier’s Play. She has been nominated for six Tony Awards and five Drama Desk Awards, also earning a special Drama Desk Award in 2022 and The TDF/Kitty Leech Young Master Award. Ayite recently designed X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X at the Met. Select Off-Broadway projects include Goddess, Hell’s Kitchen, Merry Wives (The Public Theater); Buena Vista Social Club, Marie and Rosetta, Fireflies (Atlantic); Nollywood Dreams, BLKS, School Girls… (MCC); and Here There Are Blueberries (NYTW). Her work has also appeared Off Broadway at Signature Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, Lincoln Center Theater, and Roundabout Theatre Company. Regional: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Arena Stage, and more. Television: Netflix, Comedy Central. Awards: Obie, Drama Desk, Henry Hewes, Lucille Lortel, Helen Hayes, Theatre Bay Area, AUDELCO, and Jeff Awards. Ayite earned her MFA at the Yale School of Drama and is currently a Lecturer on Theater, Dance & Media at Harvard University.

JAPHY WEIDEMAN

Lighting Designer

Japhy Weideman (Lighting Designer) For Arena, Japhy has designed lighting for The Bedwetter, Dave, Dear Evan Hansen, and The Mountaintop. On Broadway, he has designed 20 shows, including Shucked, Dear Evan Hansen, The Piano Lesson, The Heart of Rock and Roll, The Visit, and The Nance. His recent Off-Broadway work includes What Happened Was, Newborn, Blood/Love, and Gruesome Playground Injuries. On the West End, he designed Dear Evan Hansen, A Nice Fish, and Blackbird. His other projects include production design for Liz Phair’s Exile in Guyville US national tour and Hasan Minhaj’s The King’s Jester at Radio City and national tour. Japhy has received five Tony nominations for Lighting Design.

GARETH OWEN

Sound Designer

Gareth Owen (Sound Designer)’s Broadway highlights include Boop!, Hell’s Kitchen (Tony nomination), Tommy, Elf, Back to the Future, & Juliet (Tony nomination), MJ (Tony Award), Bad Cinderella, Diana, Summer, Come From Away, Bronx Tale, Spring Awakening, End of the Rainbow (Tony nomination), Bat Out of Hell, and A Little Night Music (Tony nomination). West End highlights: Paddington, Just for One Day, The Devil Wears Prada, MJ, Back to the Future (Olivier nomination), Cinderella, Prince of Egypt, Come From Away (Olivier Award), Bat Out of Hell (Olivier nomination), Memphis (Olivier Award), Top Hat (Olivier nomination), and Merrily We Roll Along (Olivier Award). @garethowensound

PETER NIGRINI

Projection Designer

Peter Nigrini (Projection Designer) is one of Broadway’s pioneering projection designers. His work includes Chess; Hell’s Kitchen; Here Lies Love; MJ; Ain’t Too Proud; Beetlejuice; The SpongeBob Musical; Dear Evan Hansen; A Doll’s House, Part 2; and Fela!. In other venues, Grounded (Public Theater); Hans Zimmer Live; Lucia di Lammermoor, Don Giovanni (Santa Fe Opera); The Grace Jones Hurricane Tour; Deep Blue Sea (Bill T. Jones/Park Avenue Armory); and Real Enemies (BAM). He has been nominated for five Tony Awards and won a Lortel, a Drama Desk, a Jeff, and an Obie.

NIKIYA MATHIS

Hair and Wig Designer

Nikiya Mathis (Hair and Wig Designer) made Broadway history as the first wig designer to receive a Special Tony Award for her work on Jaja's African Hair Braiding. A classically trained actress with an MFA from New York University Tisch School of the Arts, her television credits include Power Book III: Raising Kanan, The Blacklist, Chicago Med, Blue Bloods, and more. As a designer, her Broadway credits include Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Purpose, The Heart of Rock and Roll, Death of a Salesman, and more. She’s designed wigs for TV and film for actresses including Phylicia Rashad and Danai Gurira. An Obie, Drama Desk, Henry Hewes, Black Women on Broadway Award winner, Mathis also teaches masterclasses at institutions including NYU, Yale University, Princeton University, and UConn.

MICHAEL CLIFTON

Makeup Designer

Michael Clifton (Makeup Designer)’s Broadway credits include The Last Five Years; BOOP! The Musical; Othello; Purpose; Gypsy; Hell’s Kitchen; and New York, New York. Off-Broadway: Goddess, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares. Some TV/Film: Sara Bareilles at the Kennedy Center; Stumble; Girls5eva; The Other Two; Elsbeth; American Horror Story; Tick, Tick…Boom!; Come From Away. Instagram: @mikeyclifton

JERRICA D. WHITE

Associate Director

Jerrica D. White (Associate Director) is a Brooklyn-based director and writer who examines the spectrum of Blackness, focusing on family dynamics, relationships, love, mental health, and faith. Her work has been developed with the Classical Theatre of Harlem, Primary Stages, Workshop Theater, Ensemble Theater, and Cincinnati Black Theatre Artist Collective. As an author, she has been in Residence with Liberation Theatre Company in Harlem, Soho House, and the National Black Theatre Keep SOUL Alive: Micro-Development. As a director, she has worked on productions with New York Theatre Workshop (Saturday Church, dir. Whitney White), Baltimore Center Stage (Akeelah and the Bee), Urbanite Theatre (From 145th to 98th Street), and The Public Theater (JORDANS, dir. Whitney White). She is a 2025-2026 Directing Fellow at NYU Tisch Department of Design for Stage and Film. ovrzlous.com

QUINTON 'Q' ROBINSON

Associate Music Director/Drums

Quinton 'Q' Robinson (Associate Music Director) is a drummer, percussionist, programmer, and educator whose work has been featured on Broadway national tours, live television, and stages around the world. Most recently, he served as drummer for the National Tour of Hamilton and previously held the drum chair for the First National Tour of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. His theatrical career is complemented by extensive work as a drummer and programmer for acclaimed artists including Anthony David, Avery*Sunshine, Bobby Brown, Peabo Bryson, and other notable R&B and pop performers. As an educator and clinician, Q has presented at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), sharing insights from his journey from the practice room to the professional stage. He is grateful to continue inspiring others through performance, education, and mentorship.

HANA S. SHARIF

Dramaturg

Hana S. Sharif (Dramaturg) has directed acclaimed productions of The Age of Innocence, Death on the Nile, Murder on the Orient Express (7 STLCC nominations), A Christmas Carol (4 STLCC nominations, STL A-List Award), Pride and Prejudice (5 STLCC nominations), Porgy and Bess, The Who & The What (3 SFBA Critic Circle nominations), Fun Home, Sense and Sensibility, The Christians, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Pride and Prejudice (DCArts: Best Director/Best New Play), The Whipping Man, Gem of the Ocean (six CCC nominations), Gee's Bend (CCC Award Best Ensemble, two nominations), Next Stop Africa, Cassie, The Drum, IFdentity, Pretty Fire, Patient 463, I, Marcus Garvey, Quicksand, Hospice, and The Blacker The Berry. Her plays include All the Women I Used to Be, The Rise and Fall of Day, and The Sprott Cycle Trilogy (1880, 1964, 2010).

THE TELSEY OFFICE

NYC Casting

The Telsey Office (New York Casting). With offices in both New York and Los Angeles, The Telsey Office casts for theater, film, television, and commercials. The Telsey Office is dedicated to creating safe, equitable, and anti-racist spaces through collaboration, artistry, heart, accountability, and advocacy. thetelseyoffice.com

RAIYON HUNTER, CSA

DC Casting

Raiyon Hunter (DC Casting) is a casting director, producer, and arts administrator from New Orleans, Louisiana. She currently works as the Casting Director/Line Producer of Arena Stage. Previously, she worked as the Casting Director of Children’s Theatre Company and the Spelman Leadership Fellow at the Alliance Theatre where she has contributed to a multitude of shows in varying capacities, ranging from casting associate to director on productions such as Do You Love the Dark?, Darlin’ Cory, Bina’s Six Apples, Good Bad People, Confederates, and more. Additionally, she has been in residency at Oregon Shakespeare Festival under Nataki Garrett and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis under Hana S. Sharif.

DANIELLE TEAGUE-DANIELS

Stage Manager

Danielle Teague-Daniels (Stage Manager) is excited to be joining the CrazySexyCool world marking her debut at Arena Stage. Danielle’s past credits include Resident Stage Manager at Baltimore Center Stage and working on Broadway with Some Like It Hot and Cabaret. Her favorite credits include being a Mom to her “Starshine”.

KATE KILBANE

Assistant Stage Manager

Kate Kilbane (Assistant Stage Manager) is delighted to be back at Arena Stage after stage managing A Good Day to Me Not to You this season. DC area credits include Hello, Dolly!, Kim’s Convenience (Olney Theatre Center); Primary Trust (Signature Theatre); Our Verse in Time to Come, Amadeus, and 1, Henry IV (Folger Theatre). She served as 2nd Assistant Stage Manager for First You Dream, Follies, and Ragtime at The Kennedy Center. Regional credits include the 2024 Fridays@3 Reading Series at the Williamstown Theatre Festival; The Chinese Lady and Jump at Everyman Theatre; and the 2022 Repertory Season as Swing Stage Manager at the Contemporary American Theatre Festival.

STEFANIA GIRON ZULUAGA

Assistant Stage Manager

Stefania Giron Zuluaga (Assistant Stage Manager) returns to Arena Stage following this season’s Inherit the Wind and Damn Yankees and last season’s The Age of Innocence. Regional credits include The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Signature Theatre); Murder on the Orient Express, Destiny of Desire (The Old Globe); Something’s Afoot, Songs of the Moon, Into the Woods (The 5th Avenue); Quixote Nuevo, Fat Ham, The Tempest, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (Seattle Rep); Quixote Nuevo, Seussical (South Coast Rep); A Christmas Carol (ACT); Little Shop of Horrors, Mamma Mia!, and The Book Club Play (Village Theatre). Education: Seattle University.

BILL DIGGINS

Lead Producer

Bill Diggins (Lead Producer) is a highly respected producer and entertainment executive known for his exceptional creative vision and storytelling instincts, with decades of experience bringing bold ideas to life. A dynamic force in entertainment, Diggins has produced two television shows, a feature film, and TLC Forever—the acclaimed documentary currently streaming on Netflix, chronicling the journey of the most successful female group of all time. As Lead Producer of CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical, he brings that same creative vision to the stage, shaping TLC’s iconic story into a theatrical experience. His gift for finding the emotional heart of a project has made him a sought-after producer, capable of delivering work that resonates with audiences.

STEPHEN GABRIEL

Executive Producer

Stephen Gabriel (Executive Producer) has created and produced theater for over 25 years. Broadway: TOMMY (Tony-nominated lead producer), Chess, Mamma Mia!. West End: Ain’t Too Proud, Jesus Christ Superstar. Founded Work Light Productions producing over 40 touring productions worldwide, including Rent, American Idiot, Company, Motown, and Clue.