Kinky Boots

Rusty Mowery (Director and Choreographer) lives in NYC and has worked around the globe as a director and choreographer. Some of his highlights are as the Associate Choreographer of Kinky Boots (Broadway, US 1st National Tour, 2nd National Tour, London, Toronto, Seoul, Tokyo, Australia, Germany), Pretty Woman Broadway, US 1st National Tour, 2nd National Tour, Germany and Japan. Associate Choreographer of the Olivier award winning Best Musical Legally Blonde in London’s West End and UK National tour. Production Dance Supervisor: Hairspray Broadway/national tour, Toronto. Rusty appeared in the Broadway casts of Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Seussical, Ragtime and Cats. He is a proud member of SDC, the union of stage directors and choreographers. 

Terry D. Alford (Musical Director) Terry is a Distinguished Lecturer in Theatre and teaches Musical Theatre Performance and Honor’s Introduction to the Theatre and Acting. Prior to joining the UT faculty Mr. Alford held the positions of Director of Musical Theatre at The University of Tulsa, and Director of Musical Theatre at The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. He has worked professionally as a performer, director, musical director, and composer at theaters across the country, including the California Theatre Center, Madison Repertory, Omaha Playhouse, Augusta Barn, Fireside Theatre, Light Opera of Oklahoma, and the Clarence Brown Theatre. Terry has directed or musically directed numerous productions and has created the scores for four original musicals and a variety of chamber and vocal music pieces. He is a member of the Clarence Brown Professional Company and regularly directs and musically directs for the Clarence Brown Theatre. Terry is the director of the CBT Summer Acting Workshop and serves as co-facilitator of Outreach and Education hosting Theatre Tours and Talk Backs.

Christopher Pickart (Scenic Designer) Chris was a freelance designer located in New York City for many years and a professor at Washington University in St. Louis before coming to the University of Tennessee in 2005. He has designed numerous Off-Broadway shows including the critically acclaimed End of the World Party at the 47th Street Theatre, and Always…Patsy Cline at the Variety Arts Theatre. Other Off-Broadway shows include the long running Perfect Crime, The Bench, Between Daylight and Booneville, Washington Heights, Savage in Limbo, and Independence by Lee Blessing. Chris has designed the NY premieres of Hidden in this Picture and What is this Thing, by Emmy Award winning writer/director Aaron Sorkin. He has also designed the world premiere of Heaven and the Homeboy, directed by Tony Award winning director /choreographer George Faison. Regionally, Chris has designed over 150 shows at theatres across the country. Recent designs include productions at the Tony Award winning Utah Shakespearean Festival, the Tony Award winning Children’s Theatre in Minneapolis, Arden Theatre in Philadelphia, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Great Lakes Theatre Festival in Cleveland, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, City Theatre in Pittsburgh, Virginia Stage Company, Olney Theatre Centre in DC, Coast Playhouse in Los Angeles; among many others. In 1997-1999 Chris was the recipient of the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts/Theatre Communications Group’s Young Designers’ Fellowship. Chris has been nominated in the Outstanding Scenic Design category twice for the Barrymore Awards in Philadelphia and twice for the Kevin Kline Awards in St. Louis.

Kaelyn Williams (Costume Designer) Kaelyn is a second-year graduate student in Costume Design and this is her second show with the Clarence Brown Theatre. She previously designed Men on Boats in the Lab Theatre. She really enjoyed the design challenges this production offered, and loved working with the amazing cast, crew and production team to help bring this story to life. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Todd Wren (Lighting Designer) Mr. Wren designed the 2022 Off-Broadway production of Michael Mckeever’s new play, Mr. Parker, directed by Joe Brancato. Other Off-Broadway credits include The Sabbath Girl and The Fall to Earth. World premiere productions include Stand by Your Man, starring Jim Lauderdale and directed by Gabriel Barre, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, conceived and choreographed by Chase Brock; and Turned Funny, directed by Fred Chappell. Region design credits include The Rubicon Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, The Cleveland Playhouse, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, JFK Center for the Performing Arts, The Barter Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Riverside Theatre Vero Beach, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Mosaic Theatre-DC, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Casa Manana, Coconut Grove Playhouse, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Charlotte Repertory Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, Penguin Repertory Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, Peoples Light and Theatre Company, Peterborough Players, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and The Ryman Auditorium. Mr. Wren has provided commercial Lighting Design services for Queen Elizabeth II, Station Casinos, Silver Dollar City, Nickelodeon Live, Paramount Parks, and Renaissance Cruise Lines. Todd earned his MFA from Carnegie Mellon University, School of Drama, and is a vested member of IATSE/United Scenic Artist #829 for Lighting Design. Todd is a Professor of Lighting Design and Technology at Florida State University.

Michaela Lochen (Projection Designer) is a second year scenic design MFA candidate at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. She is originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, and received a BFA in Scenic Design and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2020. Recent credits include scenic designs for The Giver at the Clarence Brown Theatre, The Pajama Game at Artistry MN in Bloomington, MN; It’s a Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play at River & Rail in Knoxville, TN; Gingerbread at the Oak Ridge Playhouse in Oak Ridge, TN; and a seasonal position as the assistant prop shop supervisor at Peninsula Players Theatre in Fish Creek, WI. Michaela is excited to add “projection designer” to her list of credits! More of her work can be found at michaelalochen.com.

Joe Payne (Sound Designer) runs the Sound and Media Design MFA program for the Department of Theatre. He has designed sound, projections, and/or composed music for more than 250 professional productions throughout the United States, including twenty seasons at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Berkeley Rep, Syracuse Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Round House Theatre and Imagination Stage (Bethesda, MD), Marble City Opera, ten years at Pioneer Theatre Company (SLC, UT), Indiana Repertory Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Virginia Stage Company, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Utah Opera and Symphony, The Fulton Opera House (Lancaster, PA), and others. Joe is a member of United Scenic Artists USA Local 829, and the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association, and is the Commissioner of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology Digital Media Commission.

Tarah Flanagan (Dialect Coach) is a NY based theatre artist. Most recently, she served as dialect coach for the world premiere of Imbroglio, by Melissa Maxwell. Tarah has written and co-produced video content for Actors Theatre of Louisville, Cleveland Play House, and the Great River Shakespeare Festival. Directing credits include: As You Like It and No Child (GRSF), An Iliad (GRSF, Sheen Center, PCPA, and Cleveland Playhouse), Christmas at Pemberley and It’s a Wonderful Life (Utah State University) Choreographer/Movement credits include several GRSF productions and the season finale of Darwin: the series. Tarah as served the program Director and a lead instructor for the GRSF summer education program, Shakespeare for Young Actors since 2012. She is a graduate of The Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Webster Conservatory (BFA) and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival (MFA) and is a proud member of AEA.

Patrick Lanczki (Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back for his tenth season at the CBT and his eighth as Production Stage Manager. His regional stage management credits include five years as resident stage manager at Asolo Repertory Theater, as well as multiple seasons at Arkansas Repertory Theater, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Northern Stage, and several Off-Broadway productions. As an actor, starting at age 16, he has appeared in numerous national and international tours, including seven tours of Jesus Christ Superstar, television, movies and voiceovers. A special thanks to my stage management team: Mayson, Cearan, Belle, Simone, Gideon, and Avery for all of their hard work on this production. Patrick has been a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association since 1984 and dedicates his work on this production to his late father Alex and sister Barbara. AHFOL to Katie, my best friend, favorite actress, and wife.

Kenneth Martin (Department Head, Artistic Director) Ken comes from the University of Missouri, at Kansas City, where he was the Patricia Mcllrath Endowed Professor and Chair of the Theatre Division. His 26-year career in academia also included nearly 18 years serving as chair of the theater departments of Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina and Ashland University in Ohio. Tremendously successful as an administrator at both institutions, Martin navigated curricular revisions and development, managed resources effectively and efficiently, created innovative collaborations, cultivated significant enrollment growth, and forged international partnerships. A member of United Scenic Artists, his designs have been seen at theatres across the country including Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, New Theatre, Ohio Light Opera, Cleveland Ensemble Theatre, Ocean State Theatre and many others. He has also designed shows for many colleges and universities including Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Coastal Carolina University, Cuyahoga Community College, and The Ohio State University. Martin has actively served his profession as a respondent for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, as a consultant for several regional theaters and through active participation in organizations like the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Educational Theatre Association and the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

Tom Cervone (Managing Director) Tom is grateful and honored to serve the Clarence Brown Theatre as Managing Director. Cervone has also served as executive director for both Dogwood Arts and the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, but the CBT/UTK Theatre Department is Tom’s administrative and artistic home. Cervone arrived in Knoxville in 1989 as an MFA candidate in acting and was hired in May of 1993 as the company manager, then promoted to managing director in 1995. And for his brief foray downtown, Tom has been in this chair, blissfully, ever since. Tom is and has been very active within the UTK community, having served as Exempt Staff Council chair for many years, co-chair of the LGBT Commission, a member of the Diversity Council and many other UTK organizations. Cervone is a long-time board member of the WordPlayers and continues to evangelize on behalf of the art and culture community locally and nationally. Tom received the Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Service to the University in 2010. Cervone holds his undergraduate degree in Speech and English Education with an emphasis in Theatre from West Liberty University in West Virginia and a Master of Fine Arts and an MBA from UT. He is a graduate of and was selected as the Class Representative of the Leadership Knoxville class of 2011, the best class ever. Cervone was inducted into his undergraduate alma mater’s class of 2015 Wall of Honor and was appointed by the Governor of WV in 2021 to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of WLU.

Susan L. McMillan (Production Manager) is in her tenth year as Production Manager at the CBT and UT Department of Theatre. In addition, she teaches Stage Management. Prior, Susan was the Production Manager and Stage Management Instructor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, for 6 years. Susan is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, and was a Stage Manager at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for 18 years. Additionally, she has stage managed at the Guthrie Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Portland Center Stage, PCPA, Rogue Valley Opera, Portland Civic Theatre, and has toured to the Kennedy Center. Through science (B.S. degrees in Biochemistry and Biology from Oregon State University) and music (cellist), Susan found her way into theatre (Minor in Theatre from OSU). She is incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and adventures along the way, inspirational mentors, artistic and talented colleagues, amazing students, and the love and support of her family and friends. And very grateful for Molly – woof!

Jackson Ahern (Hooch / Understudy Don) is a junior majoring in Theatre. His last role was The Mastiff in Clarence Brown Lab Theatre’s The Moors.  You may have seen him play Gaston in Tennessee Valley Players Beauty and the Beast. His first Clarence Brown appearance was as Chuck in She Kills Monsters. He is excited for what the future brings. He would like to thank his many mentors in life that have brought him to be who he is today.

Grace Belt (Nicola) Selected credits include Laguna Playhouse, Great River Shakespeare Festival, Surflight Theatre, Fiasco Theater, River & Rail, and Clarence Brown Theatre. She is a proud alumni of Fiasco Theater’s Conservatory in NYC. Grace is a first-year MFA Acting Graduate Candidate. Special thanks to Rusty! Love you Griff, F&C, and always EGR. For more info, visit graciebelt.com and firsttakeco.com.

John Cherry (Mr. Price) is a local actor and director, a 1984 graduate of UT Theatre, and a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force. Since 2005, he has volunteered as the Artistic Director for the Primary Players Children’s Theatre Group in Blount County. He does have a day job as the Vice President of Community Leadership for Leadership Knoxville. Among his favorite roles: Prof. Harold Hill in The Music Man, Sidney Bruhl in Deathtrap, and Tateh in Ragtime. He lives in Maryville with his wife Melanie. Their daughter Alex works in L.A. for MARVEL Studios…proud papa.

Omari Collins (Lola / Simon) Omari is ecstatic to join the cast of Kinky Boots at the Clarence Brown Theatre! Originating from Kansas City, Missouri, Omari attended the University of Central Missouri where he received his BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of his previous credits include: Regional: Angel/Lola in Kinky Boots, Ernst in Spring Awakening, Donkey in Shrek the Musical, Gary Coleman in Avenue Q, and Joseph Asagai in A Raisin in the Sun. Omari is grateful to his friends and family for all their support.

Clay Cooper (Harry / Crispin) is so excited to be back on the CBT stage for Kinky Boots!  You might have seen Clay recently in the CBT production of The Giver or as Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol. He holds a B.A in theatre education from Appalachian State University and previous stage credits include: Bright Star! (Jimmy Ray), The Moors (The Mastiff) and The {W}right Sister (Oriville Wright). In his free time he enjoys hiking, cooking and serenading his dog Sophie on guitar. To see what he is working on next follow his instagram @claycooper11.

Bleu Copas (Ensemble / Understudy Mr. Price / Simon Sr./Delivery Man/Factory Worker) is finally making his CBT stage debut after playing hard in many other performance spaces. Selected highlights include Ragtime and Children of Eden at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, multiple musicals at Oak Ridge Playhouse, WordPlayers, Maryville College and Encore Theatrical Company. Bleu’s passion for social advocacy fuels his work with the LGBTQ-focused Appalachian Equality Chorus, his work with military Veterans daily and creating safe community for the voiceless. In the spirit of Kinky Boots, “…if your glitter rusts, let me raise you up…JUST BE!” Much gratitude to Ricky, his AEC fam, and anyone else who believed in him.

David Crawford (George) is thrilled to return to the CBT stage in the role of George. He was last seen at CBT as a member of the cast of Candide. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA he has spent the last 20 years mainly as an opera singer, singing at major opera houses such as The Metropolitan Opera, Atlanta Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Nashville Opera, Knoxville Opera and many more. He will also be appearing later this spring with the Knoxville Symphony as their Bass Soloist in Verdi’s Requiem. David is currently on Faculty here at UT and serves as the Voice(Singing) teacher for the Theatre department. Love you “Tiny Family” and “Here we Go!”

Joseph Coram (Ensemble / Understudy Harry/Crispin) is the son of Melissa and Jeremiah Coram and is a Junior here at the University of Tennessee. This will be his third performance at the Clarence Brown Theatre. You may have seen him most recently in the CBT’s production of A Christmas Carol, where he had the honor and joy of bringing the character Fred to life. He is enjoying his Junior year at UT and is working very hard in both the Performing world as well as the Lighting Design world. Most recently, he worked with his lighting mentor and designed three separate dance pieces for the BOSS Dance Company’s spring showcase right here at UT. He would like to thank his parents and little sister for supporting him and pushing him to be the best that he can be, Coke Morgan for being an amazing vocal coach, Elizabeth Williams for being a fabulous instructor and director, Travis Gaboda for putting up with his antics for three years now and teaching him everything he knows about Lighting, and Dennis Perkins for being his acting and directing mentor for many years.

Denzel Dejournette (Don) Denzel has had a unique path to acting. Originally, coming from the world of wrestling. He is a division I All-American wrestler and was a wrestler with the WWE. He is now an MFA Acting candidate here at the University of Tennessee to further the exploration of his passions, and to tell stories of everyday humanities.

Mia Hayes (Pat) is a second-year undergraduate at UT pursuing her degrees in Theatre and Literature. She is delighted to be in her second main stage production at the Clarence Brown Theatre. Her previous performances include #00 in ACT’s production of The Wolves, Fan in the CBT’s A Christmas Carol, and Rosie in Mamma Mia. She would like to thank her parents, her sister, and her best friends Logan, Sarah, and Ainslee for their constant support and encouragement. She sincerely hopes you enjoy watching the show half as much as she enjoyed just being in it!

Ethan Hollins (Simon Sr. / Delivery Man / Factory Worker) Ethan is from Memphis, Tennessee, and is a sophomore Nursing student at the University of Tennessee. This role in Kinky Boots is his first time acting in any theatrical production. Ethan would like to thank Rusty and casting for taking the chance on a first-time actor who just has a love for the craft.

J.D. Joiner ( Angel 6) J.D. is thrilled to be back on the CBT mainstage! He is currently finishing up his senior year here at UT, majoring in Theatre and History. He would like to thank the director for giving him this amazing opportunity and his parents for their constant support.

Winifred Jones (Maggie / Understudy Nicola) is a junior Vocal Music major and Theatre minor. She is thrilled to be making her debut on the Clarence Brown stage as Maggie. From the bubbly and determined Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, to the delightfully dark and mysterious Morticia in The Addams Family, Winnie makes it her goal to learn more with each role she plays, and has delighted in doing that throughout the Kinky Boots rehearsal process. She is excited to be opening new doors everyday with new roles, new experiences, and new friends.

Presley Keith (Gemma Louise / Understudy Lauren/Pat) is ecstatic to be a part of this production to conclude her time as an undergraduate here at the University of Tennessee. The Clarence Brown has been an extremely influential part of her life beginning with her role as Bloody Mary’s Assistant in South Pacific (2016), Young Violet in Violet (2016), Leata in Hair (2023), and most recently Madeline in A Christmas Carol (2023). In the last three years, Presley has appeared in three feature films, I’ll Be Watching (2021) , Walden (2022), and Degenerate, coming to theaters later this year. Her most heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, and the faculty and staff of the CBT over the years for their guidance, care, and support in pursuing acting in NYC post-graduation!

Gray Lancaster (Marge) (all pronouns) is a disabled theatre practitioner, musician, and artist. Suffering from Stiff Person Syndrome, Gray is an advocate for accessibility for and representation of disability in the arts. Prior to their diagnosis, Gray was a choreographer and dance captain for shows like Pippin, Grease, Beehive, and others. They look forward to showcasing how performers of all abilities can still do incredible choreography—even in a wheelchair! Past credits include: Ado Annie (Oklahoma), Brooke Wyndham (Legally Blonde), Martha Jefferson (1776), and Cosette (Les Miserables), among others. Gray would like to thank their spouse, family, friends, and the entire creative team of Kinky Boots for their support and encouragement throughout this process. Learn more about Gray—LittleGraySea.com

Abigail McCarter (Ensemble) is a junior in the UT Theatre and Psychology Department. She was most recently seen in The Moors as The Moor-hen and was also in past productions of Men on Boats and Blood at the Root while she’s been at Clarence Brown Theatre. She is thrilled and so thankful to be a part of such an amazing show! She would like to extend special thanks to Rusty Mowery and her friends and family who have supported her.

McKinley Merritt (Lauren), a UT theatre alumni and Nashville native, is so excited to be a part of Kinky Boots after returning to the Clarence Brown stage in Trouble in Mind and Hair during the 2022-23 season! Her favorite roles include the ensembles of Kiss Me, Kate, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and Sweeney Todd, as well as Logainne in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Beeall at the Clarence Brown Theatre. You can often find McKinley interning at a cappella conventions, singing with her 90s cover band, Teen Spirit, and probably laughing too hard at something really silly. Stay healthy, be safe, and, most importantly, enjoy the show!

Henry H. Miller (Angel 1) is thrilled to be making his Clarence Brown Theatre debut with Kinky Boots! Recent credits include; NYC Theatre: The Wave (Ensemble), An Evening With Alen Menken (Singer). Cruise Line Entertainment: Carnival Sunrise & Carnival Radiance (Dancer/Singer). Regional: Ordinary Days (Warren), Dames At Sea (Lucky), Crazy For You (Ensemble/Lank US), Camelot (Reveler/Lancelot US), Christmas, My Way (Singer), Lend Me A Tenor (Max US/Bellhop US), Clue: The Musical (Swing). Henry is beyond thankful for all the support from his friends and family. A huge thank you to Avalon Artists Group for their support and guidance! Follow his journey at www.henryhmiller.com and on Instagram @henryhmiller

Chip Morris (Ensemble / Understudy Charlie Price) is a Chattanooga native, and graduate of UT. Prior Clarence Brown work includes Sweeney Todd, A Christmas Carol, Man of La Mancha, and as John Hinckley in Assassins. He was most recently featured in the Tennessee Stage Company’s New Play festival, and Theatre Knoxville Downtown’s Night of the Living Dead Live as Chief McClelland. It’s good to be home.

Christian Pence (Mutt / Understudy George) is from Gettysburg, PA. He is a junior majoring in Theatre. This is his first show at the CBT. Past credits include: Oklahoma (Jud Fry), Jekyll and Hyde (John Utterson), and Guys and Dolls (Rusty Charlie). Christian would like to thank his high school music teacher for helping him get to where he is. He would also like to thank his mom and sisters. Love you all!!

Sammy Pontello (Richard Bailey / Paddington) is an MFA Acting Candidate at UT and is thrilled to be joining the Clarence Brown Theatre community. Originally from Central Florida, they spent the previous two seasons working with Florida Studio Theatre touring in TYA around the state, teaching acting and playwrighting, and working as an actor, director, and dramaturg. Prior to FST, Sammy also worked at the Orlando Shakes in New Play Development. Previous CBT: Bob Cratchit, A Christmas Carol; Ensemble, U/S Giver, The Giver. IG: @sjpactor | sammypontello.com

Brooke Premo (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of the cast of Kinky Boots! Previous stage productions include Donna (Mamma Mia!), Joanne (Rent), Chloe (Be More Chill), and Dot (Sunday in the Park with George). Brooke would like to thank the brilliant cast, crew, and Rusty for making this an astonishing experience. Also, to her friends and family for their love and support.

Bryce Ridley-Williams (Angel 4) This is Bryce Ridley-Williams first time performing with the Clarence Brown Theatre company. Bryce Ridley-Williams has performed all over the world with Norwegian Cruise Lines in their production of Kinky Boots. Other credits include: TV: Beat Bobby Flay Regional: The Lost Colony and Texas Outdoor Musical. Bryce Ridley-Williams can also be seen all over NYC as The Normani of Drag, Bianca Star. Bianca Star (Bryce’s Drag Persona) has performed all over NYC and is excited to make their Clarence Brown Theatre debut in Kinky Boots. Bryce would like to thank his family and chosen family for supporting him.

Wyatt Slone (Angel 2) is so excited to be making their Clarence Brown Theatre debut. Wyatt is a New York based dancer and artist, and is so blessed you are here supporting the Arts here in Tennessee. Wyatt’s recent credits include Joe’s Pub, Broadway Bares, and Angel #2 – Kinky Boots (NorthShore Music Theater). Some of his favorite roles include: Raccoon – Cinderella (Theater By The Sea), Albert – Newsies (Surflight Theater), Mark – A Chorus Line (Algonquin Theater). For more information check out @life_as_wyatt or wyattslone.com. Cheers! Go Vols!

Mark Joseph Sullivan (Angel 5) Mark is thrilled to be throwing the heels back on and making his debut at Clarence Brown Theatre! Originally from the DC metro area, Mark graduated from American University with a BA in Musical Theater Performance before moving to New York City. Other credits include: Off Broadway: The Housewives of Secaucus (Swing)  Regional: Kinky Boots (Toby’s Dinner Theater), Heathers (Maryland Ensemble Theater) Reading: Devine, Hamer, Grey (New Works Productions). Thank you to Rusty, the team at CBT, Dream Maker Talent Management, and Mark’s friends and family for the love and support. To find Mark, follow along @markjosephsullivan or go to themarksullivan.com.

Jeremy Swift ( Angel 3 / Understudy Lola/Simon) is ecstatic to return to the factory after finally getting his wings. Having traveled nationally and internationally in productions such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Kinky Boots, Hairspray, Tarzan, Rocky Horror Live and Dreamgirls, he is blessed to be on stage once again. Jeremy is immensely grateful to Rusty Mowery, Gotham Talent and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s staff, crew, acting students and creative team. You Change the World when you change your mind! Love you, Mama @swiftbeats777

Laura Beth Wells ( Trish) Broadway: Emily Osborn in Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark (original cast). Regional theatre highlights: Alison Bechdel in Fun Home (River and Rail), Patsy Cline in Always, Patsy Cline (CBT), Annie in In The Next Room; or The Vibrator Play (River and Rail), Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig/Mrs. Dilber in A Christmas Carol (CBT), Heather in Gideon’s Knot (Bridge Street Theatre), Mrs. Walker in The Who’s Tommy (CT Rep), Kafka/The Waitress in All in the Timing (Hangar Theatre). Teaching Artist: UTK, Maryville College, Pellissippi State, Knoxville Children’s Theatre, SF Shakespeare Festival, Hangar Theatre, Cornell University, Syracuse University, SUNY Binghamton. LB holds a BA in Theatre from UTK and an MFA in Acting from Kent State University. Love you, Tiny Family, and Sing Out, Louise! For more info, go to www.laurabethwells.com or follow on IG: @thelbwells

Wes Williams (Charlie Price) Select Credits: Zack Mayo in An Officer and a Gentleman: The Musical (1^st Nat’l), Jack Kelly in Newsies (5 Star Theatricals), Tony in West Side Story (Argyle Theatre), Tully in Escape to Margaritaville (NSMT). Wes was born and raised in South Carolina and grew up exploring the Great Smoky Mountains with his family, so in many ways Knoxville feels like coming home. Thanks to Ken, Rusty, and the entire CBT team as well as Robert, Sean, Rikky, and my incredible circle of family & friends. You change the world when you change your mind.  @wes.williams