CAST LIST
BRYAN FENKART (Huey Calhoun)
FELICIA BOSWELL (Felicia)
QUENTIN EARL DARRINGTON (Delray)
WILL MANN (Bobby)
RHETT GEORGE (Gator)
JULIE JOHNSON (Gladys)
WILLIAM PARRY (Mr. Simmons)
CHELSEY ARCE (Main/Beale St./Female Swing)
EVAN AUTIO (Ensemble)
BREE BRANKER (Ensemble)
WHITNEY LEIGH BROWN (Ensemble)
WHITNEY COOPER (Ensemble)
SCOTT DIFFORD (Ensemble)
CHRISTOPHER GURR (Ensemble, u/s Mr. Simmons)
DAISY HOBBS (Ensemble, Felicia u/s)
CRYSTAL JOY (Chorus, u/s Felicia)
KYLE LELAND (Swing, Dance Captain)
JARVIS MCKINLEY (Ensemble)
HAPPY MCPARTLIN (Ensemble, Gladys u/s)
KENNA MICHELLE MORRIS (Swing, Assistant Dance Captain)
JILL MORRISON (Main St. Ensemble)
AUSTIN OWEN (Ensemble, u/s Huey)
KENT OVERSHOWN (Ensemble, u/s Gator, Delray, Bobby)
ALFIE PARKER, JR. (Ensemble)
JUSTIN PRESCOTT (Ensemble)
JODY REYNARD (Ensemble, u/s Gator)
DEREK ST. PIERRE (Man St. Ensemble/Partial Swing)
PETER MATTHEW SMITH (Ensemble, u/s Huey)
WHO’S WHO
BRYAN FENKART (Huey Calhoun) Singer-songwriter is quickly making a name for himself
with a number of live performances on Broadway and in music venues throughout New York
City that have garnered him a large and loyal following and a reputation as an exceptionally
captivating and charismatic artist.
In 2009, this Midland Park, New Jersey native landed a coveted role in the original cast of
“Memphis,” the 2010 Tony Award for Best Musical, which also garnered Tony Awards for Best
Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre, and Best
Orchestrations.
In addition to being part of the original ensemble cast, Bryan served as both the understudy for
the role in the Broadway production and, more recently, was working as stand-by to the lead.
He has appeared in the lead in more than 20 percent of all performances, making him arguably
one of Broadway’s busiest understudies and earning him the nickname “wonderstudy” from his
peers. Despite the demands of his rigorous Broadway schedule, Bryan remains true to his first
love: song-writing and performing his creations in intimate settings, close to his fans, and to his
roots. As with his debut album, “Imperfect Man,” his new album mines the sentiment and
realities of his generation through lyrics and tunes that touch the heart and the soul. “Simple &
Grey” is honest, fresh and exciting. It captures the mood of our times. It’s about love and
heartbreak, struggle and success, loneliness and hope. It bridges the grey areas of life as it soars
to unleash emotional responses that uplift and inspire. “Simple & Grey,” adds a new, more
mature dimension to Bryan’s work. It will be available soon on iTunes and elsewhere.
Growing up in New Jersey, the seeds were sewn for Bryan’s musical future at an early age. With
a lifelong passion for writing and performing, Bryan put his talents to the test and set out to
write, produce and release his own CD. The result was “Imperfect Man,” and the album speaks
for itself.
Bryan’s introspective, emotionally charged lyrics and strong, soulful music strip him down to his
core with naked honesty and an ability to draw in listeners with broad appeal and magnetism.
Never pretentious, frequently clever and always real, Bryan set out to produce a timeless,
meaningful album. He placed his finger firmly on the pulse of his generation and the result was
“Imperfect Man.”
Bryan’s songwriting is well thought out and remarkably diverse. It takes you places that are
simultaneously polished and raw, epic and restrained, mainstream and independent. His music
blends exquisitely with songwriting that echoes the sensibilities of artists like John Mayer and
the great Billy Joel, both significant influences in Bryan’s musical life. His beautifully arranged
music and heartfelt storytelling is revealing and profound, moving and upbeat, at times fun, at
other times devastating. It coherently and tenderly conveys the monumental human battle we
all wage every day – man vs. his flaws – precisely captured on the album’s title track. His songs
are infectious and inspire feet-tapping and head-bobbing. You’ll also find your heart aching and
eyes welling with tears, as the familiarity with the subject matter draws you in closer. That
sense of connection to Bryan’s music makes the listener feel as if the songs had been written
expressly for and about you.
One of the more remarkable aspects of Bryan’s significant talent is that he is completely selftaught. He has never had any formal training in singing, piano, or guitar. It’s as if his innate
ability to create music was simply meant to be. To hear him sing and to watch him strum an
acoustic guitar or play the keyboard, one would think he’d had spent a lifetime in formal
training.
Bryan’s live performances take his music to another level, as he brings a captivating and
charismatic presence to every stage he graces. He performs regularly at many of New York
City’s legendary venues including The Bitter End, the Knitting Factory, Sullivan Hall, Crash
Mansion, Canal Room, The D-Lounge, and Gavin DeGraw’s National Underground, where he
headlines bi-monthly on his nights off from “Memphis.” He is building a strong and loyal fan
base through his live gigs, while also garnering a solid reputation as a talented and tireless live
performer. One of his recent live performances at The Bitter End was mentioned in the New
York Post’s infamous “Page Six” gossip column, which noted that the show was attended by
many in the “Memphis” cast and several of the show’s producers, who joined in a rousing
standing ovation at the end of Bryan’s set.
Despite being an unsigned artist, Bryan’s music has been played on a number of radio stations
including Z100’s HD2 Channel, WAXQ-FM (twice featured on “Out of the Box”), 106.7 Lite FM,
and on New Jersey’s 105.5 WDHA-FM. Additionally, Bryan has performed live on Sirius XM
Satellite Radio’s “Breuer Unleashed” and most recently on the “Opie & Anthony” show. Bryan
was profiled on New York television station WPIX-TV’s “The CW 11 Morning News” in its
“Spotlight On” segment that highlights emerging musicians and was invited back to perform live
on the show last year. He has also performed live on WNYW-TV’s “Good Day New York.”
Bryan also lends his talents and time to a number of local charitable organizations, most
notably, Musicians on Call, which brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in
healthcare facilities.
Bryan’s interests and talents aren’t limited to music alone. He is also an accomplished actor,
having appeared on television and starred in several independent films and theatre
productions. Bryan made his network television debut in an episode of “Law & Order: Criminal
Intent” that included the introduction of Jeff Goldblum’s character to the show. Recently, he
starred in “The Unusual Suspects” at the New York Fringe Festival. Of his performance,
NYTheatre.com said: “Another stand-out of the evening is Bryan Fenkart... showing leadingman charisma and remarkable presence.”
Bryan starred in the independent romantic comedy “You Tell Me,” turning in a sweet, funny
and poignant performance. The film garnered a Best Feature award at the First Glance Film
Festival - Hollywood, as well as earning an Official Selection at the Beverly Hills Hi-Def Film Fest
and an Official Selection at the New Filmmakers Screening Series. “You Tell Me” also utilized
Bryan’s music by including the title track of his album, “Imperfect Man,” in the film. Bryan also
had a starring role in the independent film “Red Hook,” which also featured one of his songs –
“Independence Day.” “Red Hook” recently aired on Showtime In Demand.
Bryan also starred as “Nunzio” in a series of hilarious internet webisodes called “Jersey, Son,”
(formerly “Douche Bag Beach”), a spoof of three “Jersey Guidos” who spend their time at the
beach looking for love and adventure. He also supplied his voice and comedic talent to the Daily
Comedy Network, a company that writes and produces comedy bits for hundreds of radio
stations nationwide. Bryan also provided voices for E! Entertainment Television’s clay-mation
series “Starveillance.”
Bryan has even tried his hand at stand-up comedy and showcased his likable, good-natured
humor at venues including the legendary Carolines on Broadway in Times Square. However, it
is music that remains Bryan’s tried and true passion, and one which he continues to fuel by
tirelessly working at his craft at every opportunity. With a seemingly bottomless well of musical
talent and an insatiable desire for writing and performing in his arsenal, Bryan Fenkart is an
artist poised for stardom and, in his case, even the sky’s not the limit!
FELICIA BOSWELL (Felicia) Broadway: MEMPHIS (Felicia Cover) Nat'l Tour: Dreamgirls
(Deena, Lorell), AIDA (Aida Standby) Regional: RENT (Mimi) Atlanta Lyric Theatre**, AIDA
(Aida) VMT, Caroline Or Change (Radio) Guthrie Theatre, BEEHIVE (Diana Ross, Ikette) Maltz
Jupiter Theatre, Boys From Syracuse (Courtesan) Baltimore Centerstage, Little Shop of Horrors
(Chiffon) Atlanta Lyric Theatre*, Starlight Jazz (Japan). Other Credits: Selma, Lord Selma (ABC),
White Noise, Becoming Tennessee (Trombone), The Wiz (Dorothy), Joe Turner's Come & Gone
(Molly Cunningham), For Colored Girls.., Harlem Ladies Knittin' & Bitchin' Society (Nichelle); *
Suzi Bass Nominee **ATFA Nominee; Visit the Official Fan Page of Felicia Boswell on Facebook
for upcoming events!
QUENTIN EARL DARRINGTON (Delray) is thrilled to be apart of this exciting ride...
Memphis! A Lakeland, FL native and proud University of South Florida alum, Q began his
professional career with the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's resident repertory theatre
company, The Centre Theater Company. There, he honed his skills for the larger stage creating
several cabaret productions from 1997-2001. Upon graduation, an angel in the name of Robert
Freedman, President and CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall, blessed Quentin with an opportunity for his
first national tour. Since that time, Quentin has performed in numerous shows and concerts
traveling to nearly 45 US states, Canada, and Europe.
Along the way, he consistently volunteers his time and talents serving in nursing homes,
hospitals, schools, universities, shelters, and churches, which he undoubtedly deems as his "key
to success." The last 10 years have been a complete joy and an exciting journey from one
experience to the next!
Another dream was recently fulfilled when Quentin made his Broadway debut in the 2009 Tony
nominated revival of Ragtime. Following his recent success and Broadway debut starring as
Coalhouse Walker Jr., Q also made his cabaret debut with New York's Broadway by the Year
series, Songs of 1927 and his solo concert debut with Jamie, Q and You. Last fall included the
honor of the American premiere of Douglas Tappin's I Dream, the musical about the life of Rev
Dr Martin Luther King Jr. in which Quentin portrayed the beloved preacher.
Continuing to pursue his personal vision and purpose, Quentin is also currently in production
for his second solo concert entitled Q, Chapter 1: Verse 1, then on to grad school for an MFA
focus in Performance, Arts Management, Program Development, and Instruction.
Other credits include... Broadway: Ragtime. Off-Broadway: Lost In the Stars, New York City
Center; The Roar of the Greasepaint The Smell of the Crowd, York Theatre Company. Broadway
National Tours: The Color Purple, The Lion King, Memphis. Regional: Gee's Bend, The
Cincinnati's Playhouse; I Dream, The Alliance Theatre; Ragtime, The Kennedy Center and Paper
Mill Playhouse; A Little Night Music, Sacramento Music Circus; Abyssinia, Goodspeed Opera
House; Dreamgirls, Madame Walker Theatre; JaquesBrel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris,
Center Theatre Company; The Gift of the Magi, Polk Theatre.
"Paul Hughes continues to be the wind beneath my wings! Much love to all my family, the
Church, America, and to my most faithful supporters Robert and Leslie Freedman.
God Bless You All! GO BULLS!!"
WILL MANN (Bobby) just completed his run, and NYC debut, as Bobby in MEMPHIS on
Broadway. 1st national tours: Billy Elliot (Mr. Braithwaite & Big Davey), Wonderful Town
(Valenti). Regional: Ragtime (Coalhouse), Godspell (Jesus), Show Boat (Joe), Finding Nemo
(Bruce), Oklahoma! (Judd Fry), A Chorus Line (Richie), amongst others. Bachelor of Music from
Oklahoma City University under THE Florence Birdwell. www.willmannvo.com
#HIGHLYFAVORED @WillSingForFood
RHETT GEORGE (Gator) wrote all 16 songs on his 2008 album entitled “Something Better.”
Available on itunes and Cdbaby.com. He just recently completed his second album entitled “The
Music Will Save My Life,” which will be released this fall. Rhett has been featured in numerous
Broadway shows, such as Memphis and Wicked where he was an original company member. He
starred as “Big Daddy” in the Broadway Revival of Sweet Charity with Christina Applegate.
Other memorable credits include Fame, Rent, Aida, The Lion King, Radiant Baby, The Little
Mermaid, and The Color Purple. Favorite Film/TV credits include Sex and The City, Blues
Brothers 2000, Glitter, “Late Night With Conan O’Brian’s Christmas Special” and Prisoner of
Love. The George Series is a comedic web series on youtube where Rhett plays the role of
Gerren Rhett a Famed Choreographer. Please visit Facebook/Twitter @RhettGeorge and
www.Rhettgeorge.com
JULIE JOHNSON (Gladys) has been fortunate enough to enjoy a varied and exciting career
spanning Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre and concerts. Her recent concert JULIE
JOHNSON SINGS received critical acclaim and enjoyed a very successful run. Julie made her
Carnegie Hall debut singing with the New York Pops Orchestra under the direction of Skitch
Henderson in 2003. Prior to beginning the MEMPHIS, Julie portrayed Fraulein Schneider in the
critically acclaimed production of CABARET at the Dallas Theater Center, Emma Goldman in
RAGTIME at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, and Mrs. Lovett in a concert version of SWEENEY TODD
at The Morton Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. Julie starred opposite Sally Struthers in
ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE at Casa Manana in Ft. Worth and has portrayed Patsy Cline in eight
productions of A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE with co-star Steve Barcus. Julie also starred
in a new musical LOOK HOMEWARD, HONKY TONK ANGEL with music and lyrics by Larry Gatlin
at Lyric Stage of Irving. She returned to New York playing opposite G W Bailey (The Closer ) in
the Off-Broadway premiere of ROADSIDE by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt. Other career
credits include: Broadway-Hal Prince’s CANDIDE; Off-Broadway-DAS BARBECU (Drama Desk
Nominee, Theatre World Award), Angel in THE RINK (workshop); Regional: Dolly in HELLO
DOLLY, Lyric Stage, Irving, Mrs. Potts in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Bass Hall in Ft. Worth, Miss
Mona in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS at Bass Hall, Mae West in Dirty Blonde at
Theatre Three, Miss Trixie in PAPERMOON at the Goodspeed Opera House and Walnut Street
Theatre in Philadelphia, Mae West in DIRTY BLONDE at Theatre Three, Dallas, The Mama in
OPAL at George St. Playhouse, the Godmother in THE PLEXIGLASS SLIPPER at Lyric Stage plus
leading roles in LUCKY GUY, HEARTBEATS, CHESS, BLITHE SPRIT, CRIMES OF THE HEART,
NUNSENSE, BABY,WESTSIDE WALTZ, HAYFEVER and Magenta in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.
Julie”s cds ALL GROWN UP…SO FAR and MORE THAN HALF WAY are available through her
website www.juliejohnsonmusic.com . Julie is the voice of Baby Bop on the BARNEY AND
FRIENDS series. Movie credits include, PURE COUNTRY with George Strait, THE APOSTLE with
Robert Duvall. Julie has also appeared on episodes of AS THE WORLD TURNS. Julie was born in
Whitewright, Texas and graduated from Austin College. Her finest production to date is her
wonderful son, Trey!
WILLIAM PARRY (Mr. Simmons) created roles in the original Broadway productions of James
Lapine & Stephen Sondheim’s, Sunday in the Park with George (PBS) and Passion (PBS), as well
as Into the Light, The Leaf People, Agamemnon (Lincoln Center), Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts
Club Band, Rockabye Hamlet, and the original Jesus Christ Superstar. Also on Broadway,
Camelot (HBO) as understudy to Richard Burton and Richard Harris, and Gypsy with Bernadette
Peters (dir. by Sam Mendes). Off-Broadway credits include: original production of Weidman and
Sondheim’s Assassins (Playwrights
Horizons), and Gold! (dir. by Sam Mendes) - later to become Road Show (dir. by John Doyle) at
the Public Theater. Also at the Public: Cymbeline, Dispatches, and The Knife (dir. by David Hare).
National Tours: A Few Good Men, and Titanic (as Capt. E.J. Smith). Some 50 regional
productions, favorites include: Saint Joan, Biloxi Blues, The
Rainmaker, Pure Confidence, Time and Again, The History of Invulnerability, last season’s We
Have Always Lived in the Castle at Yale Rep., and SCKBSTD at Virginia Stage. Film and television
credits include: In & Out, Domestic Disturbance, “The Equalizer”, “The Pretender”, several
episodes of “Law and Order”. Two seasons on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion”.
CHELSEY ARCE (Main/Beale St./Female Swing) Regional: Guys and Dolls (Barrington Stage).
Graduate of The Boston Conservatory. She has had the pleasure to have worked in both concert
dance and commercial. Love to family, Joshua, BlocNYC and the Memphis team for the
continued support of her dreams.
EVAN AUTIO (Ensemble) Theater: Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Guys and Dolls
Barrington Stages, Hot Mikado, Walt Disney World, and Tokyo Disney. Film: The wedding video.
Special Thanks to my Angels, Dance Dynamics, Fam and Besties for their unconditional love and
support.
BREE BRANKER (Ensemble) originally hails from Raleigh, NC. Trained under the mentorship
of Kirstie Tice Spadie of North Carolina Dance Institute, Bree completed her education at the
University of North Carolina School of the Arts in contemporary dance. She's had the pleasure
of touring nationally and internationally with shows like West Side Story and Monty Python's
Spamalot. She continues to grow as a choreographer, with her work being represented at
Infinity Theatre in Annapolis, MD; Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick, ME; Fulton Opera
House in Lancaster, PA; and most recently at Avery Fisher Hall in NYC. She's had the pleasure of
working with esteemed choreographers Wade Robson, Hinton Battle, Dan Knechtges, Jermaine
Browne to name a few; as well as stars like Liza Minelli, Ne-Yo, Usher, Neil Patrick Harris,
Christina Hendricks, Patti LuPone, Jon Cryer, etc. For more information on Bree please visit
www.breebranker.com
WHITNEY LEIGH BROWN (Ensemble) Whitney Brown was born and raised in Washington
D.C. where she received most of her early training including Dance Theater of Harlem,
Washington Ballet, and Dance Institute of Washington she was also a graduate of Duke
Ellington School of the Arts. She continued her studies at the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY
Purchase College where she was given opportunities to perform classic works such as Paul
Taylor's "Cloven Kingdom" and to perform new works by Hubbard Street's Lauri Stallings. Ms.
Brown has also had the opportunity to work with a variety of choreographers from the best of
both worlds such as Debbie Allen, George Faison and Desmond Richardson as well as various
hip-hop choreographers. In 2003 she became a company member of Creative Outlet Dance
Theater. Ms. Brown's film credits include Step Up, HAIRSPRAY, and Big Momma's House Like
Father Like Son and the upcoming FOOTLOOSE, she has also performed in musical theater
production Lost & Found. She has also performed in a host of international dance festivals and
concerts, and music videos. Most recently instructing a Hip-hop workshop in Russia's Open
Look Festival 2010.When she is not dancing she can be found as a background singer in eclectic
reggae band Under the Rasta Influence who recently won battle of the band in NYC to perform
in the 2010 Jamaican Jazz and Blues Festival, and are now working on their debut album. Since
2007 she has been a company member of Ballet Noir reconnecting with her first love of ballet,
and is very excited to be joining the touring cast of MEMPHIS!
WHITNEY COOPER (Ensemble) is blessed and overjoyed to be apart of this incredible show!
National Tours: The Music Man (Zaneeta Shinn). Regional: Music Theatre of Wichita and
Surflight Theatre- 42nd Street, Cabaret, On Your Toes, High School Musical 1 & 2, Cats, Fiddler
On The Roof, The Drowsy Chaperone, My Fair Lady, All Shook Up, Singin’ In the Rain, Footloose.
Training: Oklahoma City University. MANY, many thanks to Telsey Casting and the Memphis
creative team for this unbelievable opportunity! Endless love and gratitude to the fam, the
friends, and the Father above. Philippians 4:13.
SCOTT DIFFORD (Ensemble) Scott is thrilled to join the Memphis family! Selected credits
include: A Christmas Carol (MSG); Ragtime (National Tour); Joseph…Dreamcoat (TOTS); The
Producers (Riverside Theatre); Miss Saigon, Oklahoma!, White Christmas, Cats (PCLO); High
School Musical, Cats (WVPT); Joseph…Dreamcoat (Mountain Playhouse); He was also seen last
season tumbling for the New York Knicks. Much thanks to Bart and John at Frontier Booking
International and my friends and family for their continued love and support.
CHRISTOPHER GURR (Ensemble, u/s Mr. Simmons) The last time Christopher Gurr “hit the
road” he played the entire First National Tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot, directed by Mike
Nichols and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. His Mrs. Galahad was seen throughout the U.S
and Canada, and his King Arthur led the company in San Diego, San Jose, Minneapolis, St. Paul,
Kansas City, Tucson, Nashville, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, and Hershey, Pennsylvania, where the air
really does smell of chocolate.
Since shedding his peasant dress and his knightly chain mail, he has "fiddled about" in the
Berkshires as Uncle Ernie in The Who's Tommy and seduced the somewhat stunned audiences
of Dayton, OH as Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone. (Latin- and Sino-American relations will
never be the same. Trust me.) His New York debut was as Hitler (yes, that Hitler) in The History
Of War, a new musical by composer Deborah Abramson, lyricist Amanda Yesnowitz, and book
writer Chip Zien (yes, that Chip Zien) as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival.
Regional acting credits include: Copenhagen (Heisenberg), 1776 (Rutledge), The Lion in Winter
(Geoffrey), Twelve Angry Men (Juror #2), Measure for Measure (Claudio), Ostrovsky’s A Family
Affair (Lazar), Candida (Lexy), Trask & Fenn (William Fenn), and The Boys Next Door (Barry).
Regional directing credits include: Camelot, Die Fledermaus, Guys & Dolls: In Concert with Jeff
Tyzik and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Billy Bishop Goes To War, Wesley Middleton’s
Tomato Plant Girl (director/composer), James Still’s Meet Me Incognito (director/composer),
and the world premier of José Cruz Gonzáles’ Earth Songs. Christopher has been an artistic
associate with Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, NY, The Theatre Building in Chicago, and
Metro Theater Company in St. Louis. He is proud to have taught with and designed curriculum
for the nationally recognized education department of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Christopher graduated from and has served as guest director and faculty member at Webster
University’s Conservatory of Theatre & Dance, St. Louis.
Born and raised in Americus, Georgia, he has made his home in St. Louis, Chicago, Santa Cruz,
CA, and the mountains of Harlan County, Kentucky. He is a member of Actors' Equity, The
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and The Stage Directors and
Choreographers Society.
DAISY HOBBS (Ensemble, Felicia u/s) is thrilled to be a part of Memphis! Past credits include:
Disney’s Aladdin (World Premiere), directed/choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, Live! Nude!
Girl! (Reading) New York Theatre Workshop, Camelot (Nimue) Pittsburgh Public Theatre, The
Wiz Baltimore Centerstage, Hello Dolly!, The Pajama Game St. Louis MUNY, and Cinderella
(Fairy Godmother u/s) Paper Mill Playhouse. Film/TV: “Law and Order,” Nickelodeon.
Commercials: Red Lobster, Rock the Vote, Dr. Pepper. Education: B.F.A. Acting/Musical
Theater, Carnegie Mellon University. Daisy is a recipient of Carnegie Mellon University’s West
Coast Drama Achievement Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre, and the National Society of
Arts and Letters Award for Acting, ’10. Thanks to the amazing creative team, Telsey & Co.,
Stewart Talent, friends and family, Mommy and “Mags”! www.DaisyHobbs.com
CRYSTAL JOY (Ensemble, u/s Felicia) Hair: Gielgud Theater London (Aretha/US Abie Baby),
Legally Blonde: US National Tour (Pilar), Dreamgirls: T.U.T.S. (Lorrell). Thank You Family, Thank
You Friends, Thank You Jesus! Follow me on Twitter @MsCjoy.
KYLE LELAND (Swing, Dance Captain) National Tour Debut! From Broadway to the tour,
Memphis has been Kyle's dream come true. Other credits: Complexions Contemporary Ballet,
Pepsi, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, the world tours of several music artists. "...Give thanks
for another day of loving." Hockadoo!
JARVIS R. MCKINLEY (Ensemble) Jarvis McKinley is from Hattiesburg, MS. He began his
dance training at The Dance Place and Pine Belt Youth Ballet at age 6. He also trained at Virginia
School of the Arts where he was granted a full four year scholarship throughout his High school
year and also trained underneath Jaquec D'ambois under scholarship with the National Dance
Institute. He got his (AA) certificate in dance at New World School of the arts while granted a
four full year scholarship. Jarvis has also trained with the Kirov Ballet Academy, Jacobs Pillow,
Bates Dance Festival, and the Ailey School, where he then ended up joining Ailey II in 2008.
After finishing his contract with Ailey he then become a soloist at Armitage Gone Dance in
2010. He has also danced with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, under the direction of
Dwight Rhonden and Desmond Richardson. Mr. McKinley has performed works by Alvin Ailey,
William Forsythe, Robert Battle, Judith Jamison, Christopher L. Huggins, Francesca Harper and
also have dance with music's best artists such as Usher Raymond, Jojo, KiCi & Jojo, and The
Dream.
HAPPY MCPARTLIN (Ensemble, Gladys u/s) I was born in NH and grew up half childhood in
Bethel, Connecticut and half in Schenectady, NY. I saw my first Broadway show at the age of 4 –
and my mom was afraid the whole time that I was going to just walk up to the stage and get on
it.
After becoming very attached to the Community theater scene as a kid and teenager in
Schenectady, I figured I should test the waters to see if I was any good in the big apple. I
graduated early from high school – and moved to NY at 17 to try my hand at this thing called
“show business”. It was a crazy affair and the rest as they say is history. I went to NYU Tisch
School of the Arts and studied drama including Classical Acting training. Following my
university training, I worked with some incredible people on up and coming new musicals
(including “The Gig” starring William Parry – who is playing Mr. Simmons). That was my first big
job after college – and I was in shock to be onstage with such big names like Mr. Parry and
Michele Pawk- each with 4+ Broadway shows under their belts. But it was an amazing learning
experience and I continued to hone my craft doing shows way the heck off Broadway and
anywhere I could that would give me a challenge.
Finally the girl who has been “40 since she was 12” got to be almost old enough to be her own
age, and my career really began. It kicked off with touring the country for 2 years playing
Georgie Bukatinsky (The Big guy’s wife) on national tour of The Full Monty – where I met my
husband, the amazing and talented Brad Nacht. He is currently touring the country with the
national tour of The Addams Family. Full Monty was followed by the national tour of Hairspray
and some wonderful productions of some of my favorite shows – Urinetown, Into the Woods
and Les Miserables. I recently completed one of the first regional productions of Curtains
playing the supremely untalented and hilarious Jessica Cranshaw for Papermill Playhouse,
where I have dreamed of working since I was a kid and would see the national tours come
through Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady. It was a full circle moment for me. And it was while
doing Curtains that I was fortunate enough to be asked to join the Memphis family.
Other random facts – I was junior nationalist in Curling – yes, curling – the sport with the
brooms and the rocks. I am a proud wife of actor Brad Nacht (Addams Family) as I mentioned,
and daughter of the Reverand Julie and Mr. Ken McPartlin, sister of Rick McPartlin – an
attorney in Concord, NH and an aunt to one spectacular nephew – Tucker who is 6. My father’s
entire side of the family lives just outside Chicago – so I am hoping for an amazing Thanksgiving
dinner with all 75 of them!
KENNA MICHELLE MORRIS (Swing, Assistant Dance Captain) Originally from Louisville, KY
and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma (B.S. in Physical Therapy), Kenna has had a
performing and teaching career that has taken her all over the world. She has toured and
performed with such recording artists as Missy Elliott, Diddy, Nelly, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, and
Black Eyed Peas. Film/Television credits include MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Japan &
European Awards, Fashion Rocks, Broadway: The American Musical, and the feature films
Idlewild—with recording artists Outkast; and Louis—recently released silent film about Louis
Armstrong. She has performed in various Off-Broadway & regional theater productions
including The Wiz (starring Grammy Award winner Ashanti), Aida, Smokey Joe’s Café, & Bronx
Casket Company, which was directed and choreographed by legendary Tony Award-winner
Hinton Battle.
JILL MORRISON (Main St. Ensemble) Broadway: Memphis! National tour: Happy Days.
Regional: Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey); A Chorus Line (Val/Cassie); No, No, Nanette
(Nanette); Joseph… (Narrator); Gypsy (Louise); and Grease (Sandy). Jill sings with
the Linda Ronstadt tribute band, Different Drum, and plays “Barbie” for Mattel events.
Dedicated to loving boyfriend, Johnny. www.jillmorrison.com .
AUSTIN OWEN (Ensemble, u/s Huey) is originally from Oklahoma City, and holds a B.M.
Music Theatre from Florida State University. Following graduation, Austin hit the road in the
smash hit The Producers in the role of Leo Bloom touring 49 states and Canada. Austin has
performed extensively all over the US and has been seen in concert halls, regional theatres and
numerous commercials throughout the NY area. Most recently Austin joined the National tour
of the new musical Virtuosity starring the legendary two-time Tony nominee, Vivian Reed, in it's
world premiere in Toronto. Favorite regional credits include La Cage Aux Folles as Jean-Michel
at Riverside Theatre; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Drowsy Chaperone at Flat Rock
Playhouse; Godspell, Footloose, and Fiddler On The Roof at The Lyric Theater of Oklahoma.
His debut solo album Awakening, an eleven-song collection of original music can be found for
purchase on iTunes and www.cdbaby.com. Awakening, Owen’s first solo effort, introduces the
world to an essential, charismatic performer whose rich talent and energy has garnered him
rave reviews in the United States and Canada. The album offers emotive and soulful vocals
combined with expressive song craft. Awakening’s intensity and heart attest to Austin’s vision
of his identity as an artist. “I play what’s in my soul. Music makes us feel things. What good is a
song if it doesn’t move you? I want my music to transcend what is ‘fashionable’ and instead
meet people in a place of real emotion.” www.austintaylorowen.com
KENT OVERSHOWN (Ensemble, u/s Gator, Delray, Bobby) is a native of Oakland, Ca and has
been performing since the age of 3. At the age of 9 he became an apprentice with the
experimental theatre group Artship Foundation and a company member of the Augustino
Dance Theatre. Soon after at the age of 13 he became an apprentice with The Oakland Opera
Theatre where he performed in productions of La Belle Et La Bette by Phllip Glass, and Four
Saints in Three Acts, as well as new experimental works. He attended Oakland School for the
Arts, which ultimately prepared him for his acceptance to the University of Michigan Musical
Theatre Department. After his freshman year he was cast in the summer season at the St. Louis
MUNY and worked there 3 summers thereafter. Kent is unbelievably humbled and excited to be
a part of this wonderful production with such phenomenally talented people. This is a dream
come true. Endless thanks to friends, family, mentors, and my family at Harden-Curtis without
whose love and support he wouldn’t be here.
ALFIE PARKER, JR. (Ensemble) is elated to finally join the Memphis Family! Fresh off the
HMS PINAFORE at the Guthrie theatre, including the PBS Masterworks fall festival TV taping.
Alfie has also been seen in "Live at Lincoln Center, South Pacific." South Pacific (Broadway), The
Wiz (CenterStage), Barnum (Asolo/Maltz), Seven Brides, Swing (Lyric), Chicago (CandleLight),
Aida (Media). He has trained at Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Koresh Dance Company, and
performed with Bill T. Jones Company, and Pilobolus. Graduated from Penn State with a BA in
Integrative Arts, Theatre/ Dance.
JUSTIN PRESCOTT (Ensemble) graduated from the High School for the Performing and Visual
Arts in Houston, TX where he received the NFAA Silver Award in tap. He then received his BFA
in Dance (Cum Laude) from SUNY Purchase College and shortly thereafter he made his
Broadway debut in the energetic and revolutionary Broadway hit Fela! Other credits include
Fela! (tour), Lost in the Stars (City Center Encores), Josephine (developmental lab), TV: NBC's
“Smash!”. Justin continuously gives thanks to his Creator, Mom, Dad, family and friends.
JODY REYNARD (Ensemble, u/s Gator) has appeared on Broadway in Legally Blonde, Taboo,
Saturday Night Fever and Fosse. In addition to Memphis, he’s toured the country in
performances of Kiss Me Kate, Camelot & My Fair Lady. He’s been seen regionally in roles such
as Mitch Mahoney (Spelling Bee – Theatre Aspen), Phaedra (La Cage aux Folles – Walnut Street
Theatre), Ken (Smokey Joe’s Café – Maltz Jupiter Theatre) and Darren Lemming (Take Me Out –
Zachary Scott Theatre). His film and TV credits include The Oprah Winfrey Show (“Farewell
Spectacular” - ABC), Rosie Live! (NBC), One Life to Live (ABC), Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
(Bravo), Show Business: The Road to Broadway (Documentary film) and a cable national
commercial for Road Runner High Speed Online. Jody has also performed in concerts with the
Omaha Symphony and the New York Philharmonic Orchestras.
PETER MATTHEW SMITH (Ensemble, u/s Huey) Proud equity member. Broadway: RENT,
Cry Baby, Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), Original casts of both Mamma Mia and Hairspray. Peter
is also a member of the Broadway Boys (bwayboys.com). Peter’s greatest achievement was
marrying his beautiful wife Amy.
DEREK ST. PIERRE (Man St. Ensemble/Partial Swing) is ecstatic to tour for the first time with
Memphis! Broadway: Rock of Ages (Franz). Regional: The Huntington Theatre, MUNY, MerryGo-Round Playhouse. Graduate of The Boston Conservatory. Love and gratitude to Mom,
Dad, Henderson/Hogan, Telsey and BoCoX!