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Kelsey Alexandria Porter (Deena Jones) – Kelsey “Alexa” is graduate of Fisk University with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance. Alexa is a former member of the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers and has performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Africa in venues such as the White House, Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts and Carnegie Hall. This Memphis native was introduced to the arts in her church children’s choir. From a young age, Alexa played the French horn and keyboard before focusing on her voice in high school, placing 2nd in a national competition for vocal classical music. Alexa’s theatre experience includes Ragtime, “Adina” in the opera L’elisir d’amore at the Opera Festival Di Roma in Rome, Italy, and “Nettie” in Circle Players’ 2012 production of The Color Purple, for which she won “Best Featured Actress.” Alexa is a featured soloist on the Fisk Jubilee Singers’ Sacred Journey CD, recorded in Ghana, Africa. Her voice can be heard on national commercials and albums by artists such as Kid Rock, Mandisa, Perry Danos, and Jonny Lang-- and she is always searching for new ways to utilize the gift that God has given her. Kelsey thanks her parents, twin sister (Kasey) and brother (Charles) for their never-ending love.
Cristina Rae Fentress (Effie White) - also known as Kali B. (Kali Baderwinwa). The name means “Fierce One Is Worthy of Respect” and was given by her folk dance teacher. Cristina was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee; but Kali B. will not be bound only to Music City, Middle Tennessee. Kali B. is a songstress, actress, and dancer who many would call a “triple threat.” In the role of Ms. Effie White, she urges audiences to “Sit back and enjoy-- because, I DON'T SING OOOHH's and AAHHHH's!!!!!!”
LaToya Gardner (Lorrell Robinson) - LaToya is a Nashville native and a graduate of Tennessee State University with a B.S. degree in Speech Communications and Theater. She is so excited to be a Dreamgirl!!! LaToya is no stranger to the performing arts, having most recently been recognized by the Nashville Scene as “Best Actress 2013” for various roles including “Celie” in the musical The Color Purple (Circle Players); “Wanda” in the gospel musical Crowns (Sista Style/Christ Church Cathedral); “Elizabeth” in In the Next Room (Actors Bridge Ensemble); “Ruth Younger” in A Raisin in the Sun (Circle Players); “Lexie” in The Dixie Swim Club (Lakewood Theater); “Radio 2” in Caroline or Change (Street Theatre); and the title role in Elton John’s musical AIDA (Circle Players). LaToya has always loved to sing and act, considering every opportunity onstage a gift from God. She is also blessed and proud to be mother of the greatest 10-year-old daughter in the world!. LaToya thanks her family and friends for their love, support, and patience as she seeks her passion. To this amazing cast and crew: "You're awesomely talented people. It is a blessing to work with you all!!!”
Max Désir (Curtis) - After a two-year theatrical break, Max is pleased to work with the stellar actors and creative team in this production of Circle Players’ Dreamgirls. As a child growing up in Haiti, Max was taught that being an entertainer was “sinful” and he suppressed his acting abilities until adulthood when he began to study and pursue his dream as an actor/model. In 2005 he landed his first supporting role in the film Coconut and Collard Greens featuring Danny Glover. Max has also performed with an off-Broadway production of Dreamgirls, which was directed by the original “Curtis,” Ben Harney. Other credits include leading and supporting roles in films, theater, TV and print. Max is fluent in 3 languages and was awarded “Artist of the Year for 2012” by The Foreign Language Acting Group. He is Founder & CEO of “Caribbean Desire” (Gourmet Caribbean food) and S.T.A.R. Productions & Ministries, offering inspirational talks and other services in the U.S., Canada, & the Caribbean. Max is writing his first motivational book, Just Like A Tree. “My hat is off to my mentor, Tony Award Winner, Mr. Ben Harney. Special thanks to Director Josh Waldrep, Producer LaTonya Turner and Music Director Diana Poe for this opportunity. Endless kisses to my supporting family and friends who push me to my zenith, and all honor & praise to God.”
David Ridley (Jimmy “James Thunder” Early) - David has been a studio singer since 2004, performing on numerous albums for artists such as Vince Gill, Shirley Caesar, and Randy Owen. David has performed in musicals and operas since 2003, and has toured for three years singing and dancing with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. David is classically-trained and a graduate of Tennessee State University. He recently returned to live in Nashville from the New York/ New Jersey area and is worship coordinator and director for his local church in Nashville. David is excited about working with Circle Players and the Dreamgirls production team.
Cameron Keith Walls (Claridge Conrad “C.C.” White) – A proud student at Tennessee State University and member of the Eta Xi Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Inc., this is Cameron’s debut with Circle Players and local community theater. A native of Peoria, Illinois, Cameron is a singer who has recently expanded into acting for both television and stage. Mostly known for work as a background and session singer, Cameron’s recent endeavors include acting as an extra on the ABC television series Nashville. Cameron became involved in performing arts while attending Peoria Manual High. He performed featured forled in productions of Little Shop of Horrors, Godspell, and Grease. “I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to play a role I have always desired in an epic theatrical favorite! This is an opportunity of a lifetime and to be sharing it with such an amazingly- talented cast… is the greatest honor. Thank You Circle Players and thanks to all who support me in pursuing my dreams!”
Kala Ross (Michelle Morris) – Kala is an aspiring actress born in Atlanta, Georgia, who is making her debut with Circle Players and excited to embark on a journey with this wonderful theatre company. Kala is a freshman at Tennessee State University, where she has been involved in productions such as Race, The Delicate Flower, and The August Wilson Monologue Competition.. Kala enjoys creating moments of healing and laughter that will liberate the hearts of her audience. Theater is her passion and she believes this production of Dreamgirls is the beginning of her journey to touch the lives of others.
Elliott Robinson (Marty) – “I am extremely pleased and excited to be involved in yet another fine Circle Players’ production, my seventh. It began in 2010 with To Kill a Mockingbird (Tom Robinson). Since then, I’ve had the privilege of appearing in Jekyll & Hyde, the Musical (John Utterson), A Raisin in the Sun (Joseph Asagai), Willy Wonka, the Musical (Willy Wonka), The Color Purple (Pa/African Chief), and The Piano Lesson (Wining Boy). The roles of Willy Wonka and Wining Boy earned me Circle’s “Best Male Vocalist Award” for 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively. I am very proud to be part of the Circle family and I hope that you enjoy tonight’s presentation!”
Justin Boyd (Wayne) – Justin is a native Nashvillian who has been active in the local community theatre scene for quite some time. Some of his previous roles include Harpo in The Color Purple (Circle Players), The Voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, and Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime. Justin is an upper-classman at TSU, where he has also performed in numerous stage production. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Daniel Patton (Frank, Press agent) - This is Daniel’s debut performance with circle players. Daniel studied theater at Lane College and is very excited to return to acting with an amazingly talented cast. When Daniel is not on the stage he writes music and participates in track-and-field relay races.
DREAMGIRLS Cast
(in alphabetical order by first name)
Alexis Mwokoji (Backup Dancer/Fan/Ensemble) - This is Alexis' first time working with Circle Players and she is delighted to be in such a compelling cast and crew. When not performing with the "Dream Team", she is a senior at Mount Juliet High School. Her favorite role to date has been "Little Inez" in Hairspray. Alexis would like to thank her mother, Angela Davis. and Circle Players for allowing her to be part of this wonderful show.
Audrey Belle (Sweetheart/Ensemble) - This is Audrey Belle’s fourth production with Circle Players, and she’s thrilled to work with Director Josh Waldrep, with whom she shared the stage in Band Geeks! (2013). Besides acting, Audrey Belle is a dancer, a singer/songwriter, and musician who plays piano, guitar and cello. Audrey was raised in Mexico and speaks fluent Spanish and conversational French. Her first role on the stage was playing Lucy Pevensie in a Spanish adaptation of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. She released her full length CD Never Around when she was thirteen, and was named “Artist of the Year” in 2011 by Nashville’s Foreign Language Actor’s Group. Besides theatre, Audrey has participated in several award-winning film projects with fellow students at Nashville School of the Arts, where she is a senior.
Caitlin Dobbins (Stepp Sister/Les Styles) - Caitlin is excited to return to Circle Players. She has performed in other Circle shows such as The Color Purple, AIDA, and Hairspray. Caitlin was last seen as “Katrina” in Icabod: Missing In Sleepy Hollow with Street Theatre Company. Caitlin enjoys showing off her comedic talents as part of the Teen Improv Troupe at Street Theatre. Caitlin’s other credits include Urleen in Footloose (Hendersonville High School); a “Dynamite” in Hairspray (Steeple Players); Singin’ The 60’s, Airship At Vapor Station , and Roar (Nashville Metro Parks). Caitlin is 16 years old and attends Hendersonville High School where she is a member of the Select Choir and Student Council. Caitlin would like to extend hugs and thanks to her voice teacher, Eddie Charlton, friends, family, and parents for their motivation and support.
Christopher Heinz (Ensemble/Reporter) - Chris is excited to be on stage in his first Circle Players production. This is also his first stage production since graduating from Vanderbilt University, where he performed with The Original Cast and Vanderbilt Off-Broadway. Favorite roles include Cliff Bradshaw in Cabaret and Peter in Bare. Chris currently works as a Financial Analyst.
Clark Harris (Jerry Norman) – Clark is an actor and writer who enjoys playing a wide range of characters. His “Let’s try it” attitude and hard work keep him polished. This will be his 12th stage play in the three years he has been acting. His most recent projects include “Lord Capulet” in Romeo & Juliet, Cuzo in Duplexes (Dream 7 Productions) and “Turkle” in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (Circle Players). Please visit www.clarkaharris.com.
Erica Patterson (Charlene/Ensemble) – Erica is a Communications major with a concentration in Theatre at Tennessee State University. Dreamgirls is her second show with Circle Players. Other credits include: The Fantasticks (Lusia), The Color Purple (Olivia,Nettie u/s), Parade The Musical (Angela), Curtains, Sure Thing / Check Please (Mine), and A Rasin in the Sun (Ruth). In April, Erica will perform the role of Angelina in the Opera Trial by Jury with the Tennessee State University Music Department. "I am so excited to be working with Circle Players again. I would also like to thank my family for supporting me in all that I do."
Gene Jones (TruTone.Tuxedo/Ensemble) – Gene is a Detroit native who has been wowing audiences since age 3, spawning his musical career in the back room of his grandmother’s house. He is a self-taught vocalist whose style stays true to his soulful Motown roots, capturing audiences with emotion and intensity—whether in a recording studio or live. Gene is also a former marine and has performed in a variety of venues around the country including Miramar’s E-Club at the Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego. Now living in Nashville, this R&B and jazz crooner continues to perform at clubs like Love Noise, BB Kings, The Rhythm Kitchen, Sports Page, The Place, Limelight, Jazz & Jokes, and Soul Lounge where he hosts and leads the house band. Gene also performs benefits for the Lupas Foundation. His previous theatre credits include: “Mister” in Javon Johnson’s Sanctified (Kenny’s Playhouse), “Grady” in The Color Purple (Circle Players), and “Aide Warren” in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (Circle Players). Gene is glad to be back with Circle for this awesome production of Dreamgirls.
Isiah D. Tatum (Tiny Joe Dixon) – Isiah.assisted in developing strategic marketing campaigns for the albums of Grammy Award Winner Le'Andria Johnson, Justin Beiber and Taylor Swift. He works with the Game Show Network (GSN) number one television show, The American Bible Challenge. Isiah holds a Master’s Degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University and a Bachelor's in Business Management from Arkansas State University and he aspires to work in music, television and movies as a singer and producer. Tatum’s past performance credits include: A Christmas Carol, High School Musical, Little Shop of Horror and Once On This Island. He hopes to inspire people to live in purpose.
Krystal Nichols (Stepp Sister/Les Style/Ensemble) - Krystal is a junior at Tennessee State University, where she studies Mass Communications with a concentration in news. She’s a proud native of Indianapolis, where she grew up with her younger brother. During her early years at TSU she had the pleasure of opening several home basketball games with the National Anthem, portraying “Squeak” in The Color Purple Musical (Circle Players), and performing with TSU’s Meistersingers. Krystal is grateful for every opportunity to be on stage and is looking forward to many more productions with Circle Players. Krystal is a reporter for The Meter (TSU’s Campus Newspaper), a co-anchor and producer of TSU-TV News 98. She would like to thank her father for his unconditional love, and her mother for being her number one fan and always supporting her dreams.
Jermaine Johnson (Little Albert/Tuxedo/Ensemble) - Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Jermaine has always had a deep passion for the performing arts. While attending college at Fisk University, he was performed with the Fisk Jubilee Singers, traveling across the country and singing in esteemed venues including The White House. Recently, he was afforded the opportunity to sing with the Nashville Opera at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. This is Jermaine's second musical with Circle Players (He also performed in The Color Purple), and he hopes to be a part of many other productions.
Jordyn Tucker (Backup Dancer/Fan/Ensemble) – Jordyn is a freshman at Nashville School of the Arts. She has participated in community theater since she was six years old, including productions of Once On This island, Amazing Grace, Fly Girl, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, The Color Purple and The Piano Lesson. She has starred in the independent films Miracles on Honeybee Hill and Pilgrim's Song. She is happy for the opportunity to perform again with the Circle Players at the home of the TSU Tigers!
Kiara Williams (Stepp Sister/Les Style/Ensemble) – “My name is Kiara Williams and I am currently a freshman at Tennessee State University majoring in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. I am from Capitol Heights, Maryland, and I have a passion for both science and musical theatre. I chose to attend school in Nashville in order to live in Music City—taking into consideration educational theatre programs as well as community theaters nearby. That brought me to Circle Players and I am eager to be part of many Circle productions. My previous theater credits include another production of Dreamgirls, Bubbling Brown Sugar and Soultrain to Motown.
Kirstie Frank (Sweetheart/Ensemble) – Kirstie made her debut with Circle Players in 2012 in Elton John’s AIDA. She also recently appeared in productions of Gypsy and The Sound of Music at Larry Keeton Theatre. This 16-year-old has been performing as a singer/songwriter and musician (guitar and piano) since age 6 and has sung on numerous children’s recordings in Indiana before moving to Nashville. She is pursuing musical opportunities in Nashville’s singer/songwriter circuit where she regularly performs covers and original songs on the open stage.
Leon Blandon (TruTone/Tuxedo/Ensemble) – Leon loves sharing the stage with the wonderfully talented cast of Dreamgirls! This is his 5th production with Circle Players, which is helping him to mature as an actor in Nashville's performing arts community. Leon was last seen as “Anthony Martini” in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Leon played a feisty and temperamental “Jake” in Band Geeks! the Musical and in the cast The Color Purple (Circle Players). He has also honed his craft off stage as Props Manager for Circle’s Players’ The Piano Lesson. Leon is a native of Pensacola, Florida, where his stage performances included: Prayer Changes Things, Faith is the Key, Thank God It’s Sunday, and Too Blessed to be Stressed. Leon currently works as a Revenue Audit Technician with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Marquan Duane Martin (MC Apollo/Announcer) - Marquan is a native of Benton Harbor, Michigan. He has two degrees from Tennessee State University: a B.S. in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Engineering. Marquan has much experience with the performing arts as a singer, writer, actor, and voiceover artist. His previous credits include The Fantasticks as Hucklebee. Marquan is extremely grateful to be working with Circle Players and this immensely talented cast and crew.
Maya Antoinette Riley (Stepp Sister/Les Style/Ensemble) – Maya is thrilled to be part of this production of Dreamgirls. This 17-year-old LOVES musical theatre and has performed since age 9 in productions with Circle Players and other community theatre groups. Favorite roles include “Laura” in Band Geeks! (Circle Players) and “Muzzy Van Hossmere” in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Nashville Children’s Theater). Other recent credits include: The Gospel at Colonus (a co-production of University School of Nashville and Fisk University), The Color Purple, AIDA, Hairspray, TITANIC the Musical, and 13 the Musical (Circle Players); Hedda Gabler and Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson (USN Theatre Department). Maya recently sang vocals as “Sarabi” and ensemble for a studio recording of Disney’s The Lion King Junior, and she was a youth background singer on Stevie Wonder’s single Ten Billion Hearts (2012). Maya is an 11th-grade student at University School of Nashville. She thanks her voice teacher, Eddie Charlton; Josh, Diana and the wonderful creative team and cast of Dreamgirls; and her Mom, Dad, and brothers for their support of her theatrical dreams!
Miya Rene' Robertson (Backup Dancer/Fan/Ensemble) – Miya, a native of Jackson, Tennessee, and a graduate of Tennessee State University, is a familiar face in the entertainment industry. With a string of commercials, videos, stage plays and print ads, Miya is a multi-talented model, actress, and dancer. She is a former high school Theatre Arts teacher with a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Communication and Theatre. She began her career backstage but iss quickly rising to the forefront. She is thankful to Circle Players for the opportunity to join the ensemble of this great, classic production.
Niagé Smalley (Backup Dancer/Ensemble) – Niagé is a fun-loving and creative spirit who pushes for excellence in everything that she does. She currently attends Whites Creek High School where she has performed in various ROTC events and is eager to dive head first into theatre. Niagé come from a musical and theatrical family, so she is elated to be part of Circle Players’ production of Dreamgirls.
Phillip T. Miller (TruTone/Tuxedo/Ensemble )- Phillip is a 27-yearold native of Louisville, a graduate of Tennessee State University and currently teaches for Metro Nashville Public Schools. His love of singing has allowed him to travel throughout the U.S. and sing in venues and events including the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D. C. Phillip has also participated in a variety of stage plays.
Quincie Smalley (Joann/Ensemble) – Quincie has been involved in theatre since high school and loves to be on stage and behind the scenes. She began contributing to the Nashville theater community soon after high school, performing in Alvin Moore's When The Lights Go Out, “Monique” in Javon Johnson's Sanctified, and a “Hell No Sister” in The Color Purple (Circle Players). Quincie also served as light board operator for The Piano Lesson and Stage Manager for One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, both with Circle Players. She is super excited to be part of Circle Players production of Dreamgirls.
Shalyn Rice (Backup Dancer/Fan/Ensemble) - Making her debut with Circle Players, Shaylyn is excited to work with this theater company. She is an Alabama native and currently a freshman at Tennessee State University majoring in Mass Communications. Shaylyn is a performer who enjoys singing, dancing, and acting. Her previous credits include 4 Little Girls, and Choice. Her favorite motto is, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Steven Griffin (Dave/Soloist/Film Executive/Ensemble) – Steven is so excited to make his Circle Players’ debut in Dreamgirls! Some of his prior credits include “Link Larkin” in Hairspray, “Troy Bolton” in High School Musical, “Doody” in Grease, and ‘Vittorio Vidal” in Sweet Charity. Steven attended Tennessee’s Governor's School for the Arts last summer for theatre and plans to pursue BFA in Musical Theatre.
Steve Young (Mr. Morgan/Film Executive/Ensemble) – Steve has mostly been known around Circle Players as “Audrey’s Dad.” However, he is excited to share the stage this time with his daughter in his first theatre project since he played the “Tin Man” in a third-grade elementary school play. He is an accomplished musician, singing in both his church choir as well as The Nashville Choir. Most of all, he enjoys singing around the piano with his family. Steve is a life-coach and a businessman
Tamiko Robinson (Apollo Co-Host/Back-Up Dancer/Ensemble) – Tamiko is a talented and familiar face on Nashville community theatre stages. She is an alumna of Tennessee State University and will be seen next as Sojourner Truth in A WOMAN CALLED TRUTH at Roxy Regional Theatre in April. Her recent theatre credits include: Asia, NEVER BEEN HOME (The Destiny Theatre Experience), Lady in Plaid/Janine, THE COLORED MUSEUM (Street Theatre), Veronica, THE MOTHERF**KER WITH THE HAT (Roxy Regional Theatre), Alice's daughter, BIG RIVER (Studio Tenn), Berniece, THE PIANO LESSON (Circle Player's), Eberta Scrooge, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (SistaStyle Productions), Yolanda, CROWNS (Sacred Spaces). Tamiko’s Film Credits include: Sonya, LATE SUMMER (Uji Films), Cynthia, THE 70% CLUB (NHizWill Prod). Web Series include: PRECIOUS GEM and DIVA DIVORCÉE. Check out Tamiko’s Vlog at www.youtube.com/dramaturg3. She's an acting coach and the proud mother of the best and brightest kid in the UNIVERSE! "Micah, you will always be my bearer of light. Big ups to CP and the DG cast and crew! Dream On!”
DREAMGIRLS DreamTeam
Josh Waldrep (Director) - Joshua is enjoying his first time as a director and gives thanks to Circle Players for having faith in his abilities. He was last seen on stage in May 2013 in Circle’s production of Band Geeks! Waldrep is most known for his roles as Frederick Barrett in Titanic the Musical; Amos Hart in Chicago; John in Miss Saigon and Max Bialystock in The Producers. He has many performance credits since beginning local theatre in 2008, including: Jekyll and Hyde, Cats, Evita, Ragtime, Tommy, My Catskills Summer, Chess, Little Shop of Horrors and Three Musketeers. He looks forward to directing again one day and cannot wait to get back on stage. Waldrep wishes to thank his family and friends for loving and supporting him and allowing him to chase his dream. And finally, he wishes to thank Alexis, Katie, the production crew and most of all LaTonya for pulling him through this ride called Dreamgirls. He couldn’t have done it without their help and guidance! Joshua also sends great thanks to the audience members and avid Circle Players theater-goers for supporting the arts.
LaTonya Turner (Producer) - LaTonya is honored to help bring this amazing musical to the stage for Circle Players, and she is grateful to the “Dream Team” of creative and talented artists who have dedicated their time during the last several months. “Dreamgirls is entertainment that also tells an important story –about the history and evolution of R&B and the sounds that helped to break down racial and social barriers in America.” LaTonya is a lifelong supporter of performing arts, and passionate about the role community theater plays in arts education and access. She enjoys the challenges and rewards of producing large-scale musicals and her credits include several Circle Players’ productions: The Color Purple; Titanic the Musical; 13 the Musical; A Raisin in the Sun; and Jekyll & Hyde the Musical. Professionally, LaTonya is a broadcast journalist who currently works as producer/reporter of documentaries and specials for Nashville Public Television Her work in TV news has been recognized with regional Emmy Awards and national journalism honors. Her proudest productions are her 3 children with husband, Anthony.
Diana K. Poe (Music Director) – Diana is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She is alumna of Tennessee State University as well as a former vocal professor and choir director at TSU. She holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Austin Peay State University. Diana has performed through the United States and the Caribbean. As a professor at TSU, she was founder and artistic director of the “Showstoppers” choir, which under her direction, performed at the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors presentation for Oprah Winfrey. Diana sits on the Tennessee Arts Academy Board and has directed the Nashville Symphony Celebration Chorus for the Let Freedom Sing concert for more than 20 years. She is presently a music instructor at Nashville State Community College.
Ashley Danielle (Choreographer) – Ashley is a dancer, fashion designer and actress from Nashville. She graduated from Tennessee State University with a degree in Supply Chain Management in 2008. She currently owns 615 House of Dance (Nashville location) and manages a female entertainment company in Nashville and Atlanta called Neon Kisses. Ashley began dancing at age of five and has performed as a professional cheerleader, on tour with Lil' Wayne, PBS Kids, MTV and much more. Ashley has also done editorial work in the entertainment and fashion industry that has been featured in Esquire Magazine and Scholastic books. Ashley Danielle gives back to her community through outlets of dance and community service, which she contributes to regularly. As a dance studio owner, she is an exceptional leader and role model to youth in the Nashville community. She plans to continue her work in the entertainment industry by becoming an entertainment and sports lawyer.
L.B. Gaiters (Associate Producer) – L.B. is a former member of the Circle Players Board of Directors and a past producer of several shows, including the 2012 critically-acclaimed Circle Players’ production of The Color Purple. L.B. also produced a 1997 Circle Players’ collaboration with TSU for Miss Evers' Boys. She is thrilled to help bring the two institutions together once again for the Dreamgirls. L.B. is a retired professor of criminal justice at TSU who continues to work at the university as an adjunct faculty member.
Rachel Gallup (Costume Designer)- Rachel has 24 years of experience in costuming with theaters across middle Tennessee at universities, high schools, community theaters and most recently as the resident costumer for The Renaissance Center in Dickson, Tennessee. This included costume design for the professional dinner theater, community theater, young actors theater and field trip shows for children’s theater. Rachel’s favorite shows to costume have been Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Into the Woods, Mame, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fiddler On The Roof, Annie Get Your Gun, Sound of Music, The Music Man, A Year In the Life Of Frog and Toad, Alice In Wonderland, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Duck Hunter Shoots Angel and The Velveteen Rabbit. “I am happy to be working with Circle Players and this talented cast and crew!”
Nathan Allen Ray (Light Design)
Daryl Ritchie (Technical Design/Costume Assistant)
Rashida K. Alam (Assistant Costume Designer) – Rashida was born in Bangladesh and, even as a child, was very passionate about becoming a fashion designer. Her dream came true when she graduated from Texas Woman’s University in 1990 with a B.S in Fashion Design. Rashida received the top award in Fashion Design at Dallas Apparel Mart Fashion show in 1989 and was featured in the Dallas Morning News. Numerous awards and countless acclamations followed for her work in many fashion shows in Dallas and Nashville. Since 1998, Rashida has owned and operated a fashion design business in Nashville located at 2007 Old Murfreesboro Pike (Rashida Designs). She makes and alters wedding gowns, prom dresses, evening gowns; designs without patterns; and creates and constructs dresses for beauty pageant contestants (www.rashidainfo.com).
Ashley Turntine-Van Clief (Assistant Costume Designer) – Ashley is a native of Nashville and graduate of Tennessee State University. She has a Master’s Degree in Visual Art from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ashley has been a seamstress for more than 19 years and this is a first-time theater costume designer.
Tim Larson (Production Manager) - Tim has worked on several productions with Circle Players since 2004; Annie (Best Director), Oklahoma (Best Director and Choreographer), The Music Man, High School Musical, Singing in the Rain, Titanic the Musical 2009 and 2012 (Outstanding Director 2009), Mame!, Fame (Outstanding Director), Jekyll and Hyde, the Musical (Outstanding Director), Fame Forever and The Color Purple (Outstanding Director and Choreographer). Tim wishes "Break-a-leg" to the Dreamgirls cast and crew!