ALLYSON PACE (TRACY) is thrilled to be teasing her hair as high as she can for a third time! She has had the privilege to work in many regional theatres across the country as well as in NYC where she resides. Some of her favorite roles include Grizabella in CATS, Reno Sweeney in ANYTHING GOES, Georgie in THE FULL MONTY, and Star to Be in ANNIE. She is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory. Thank you to my family, friends, and very supportive husband who inspire me everyday. Also thank you to the American Stage staff and crew for all their hard work. www.allysonpace.com

MATTHEW MCGEE (EDNA TURNBLAD) has been a professional entertainer for over 20 years. Select awards include BroadwayWorld’s Favorite Leading Actor in a Musical for his performances in freeFall Theatre’s THE FROGS and MAME (as Mame). He was named Best Local Drag Performer (Reader’s Pick) and Most Joyous Comic Presence (Critics’ Pick) by Creative Loafing Tampa, awarded Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Handy Award for his work in Asolo Rep’s LIVING ON LOVE and was also selected as Favorite Local Stage Performer in Watermark Magazine’s reader’s poll. Matthew has performed at Walt Disney World, The Asolo Rep, freeFall Theatre, American Stage, St. Pete Opera, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and Stageworks Tampa. Most recently, Matthew starred opposite R&B star Deborah Cox in Broadway Tryout of JOSEPHINE and appeared in the film SMALL GROUP. As part of The Scott and Patti Show, he has opened for Lea Delaria, Leslie Jordan and Del Shores. Proud Equity Member. @thematthewmcgee

SCOTT DANIEL (CORNY COLLINS) is thrilled to be returning to “the park” after last years production of SPAMALOT where he received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Sir Robin (TTB nominee and BroadwayWorld Award winner – Best Actor). You may recognize Scott as one half of Tampa Bay’s “Best Cabaret Act” (Creative Loafing – Best Of The Bay) The Scott & Patti Show. Scott is an accomplished actor/director/choreographer/designer with projects on land and sea. As a performer, He has traveled the world in Broadway national and international tours. When not performing, Scott is designing for Norwegian Cruise Line as their Head of Cosmetology or he is serving as the Artistic Director for MATTOCS Productions which provides original shows and entertainment services for special events, cruise lines, regional theaters and theme parks across the US. A proud member of the professional actor’s union, Actor Equity Association. Endless love to my family, ” IQ”, and “Edna”.

JAYNE TRINETTE * (MOTORMOUTH)  is excited to return to American Stage after making her debut here in August Wilson’s FENCES. Jayne performed in the National Tours of THE LION KING and CAROLINE, or CHANGE. Other regional credits include BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, GHOST THE MUSICAL, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE, THE WIZ, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, DREAMGIRLS and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. Jayne created and performed two successful cabaret tribute shows honoring Lena Horne and Aretha Franklin right here at American Stage! Much love to my family and friends for their love and support. www.jaynetrinette.com

ALISON BURNS (VELMA VON TUSSLE) is thrilled to be back at the park after starring in three previous shows; RENT (Maureen), The Rocky Horror Show (Janet) and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Olive). Off Broadway credit: DISENCHANTED! National/World Tours: RENT and David Friedman’s LISTEN TO MY HEART. Regional favorites: TICK, TICK… BOOM! (Jobsite Project) I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE. (Jaeb Theatre) MAN OF LA MANCHA, COMEDY OF ERRORS, BERNARDA ALBA (freeFall Theatre) and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (New Stage). Choreography credits: ROCKY HORROR, GODSPELL, RESPECT, SILENCE and LIZZIE at Jobsite.. Lyricist credits: A BIG APPLE CHRISTMAS, WAIST WATCHERS and HOLIDAY PARTY OF ONE . Alison is a graduate of AMDA, and a voice/acting coach to students of all ages at freeFall Theatre and Find Your Light Coaching – www.findyourlightcoaching.org – Thanks AS! Love to Chris, Emma and Hannah. For my brother. @alisonburns1 234 www.alisonburns.org

DAVID MICHAEL BEVIS (LINK LARKIN) is thrilled to return to his hometown for HAIRSPRAY! National Tour MEMPHIS; Disney Cruise Line; Select Regional: Ogunquit Playhouse, Palace Theatre, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, freeFall. BA: University of Tampa. Many thanks to the entire team, Avalon and my wonderful friends and family. www.DavidMichaelBevis.com

MELANIE SOUZA (FEMALE AUTHORITY FIGURE) is so excited to be back at American Stage performing in one of her favorite musicals. A native Rhode Islander who now calls Sarasota, FL home, Melanie has just finished the run of INFORMED CONSENT on American Stage’s mainstage. Other American Stage performances include IN THE HEIGHTS as Abuela Claudia and Sister Felicity in SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER. Regional Favorites: SISTER ACT, 9 TO 5, The FANTASTICKS, MY FAIR LADY and SOCIAL SECURITY. Love to J & C. www.melaniesouza.com

DEEJAY YOUNG (SEAWEED J. STUBBS) is a Tampa native, most recently seen as Sammy Davis, Jr. in THE RAT PACK LOUNGE, and as a featured Tenor in I LEFT MY HEART: A SALUTE TO TONY BENNETT at Winter Park Playhouse. Other credits include: FINDING NEMO THE MUSICAL (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and CLUB VILLAIN (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) Young is also an International Recording Artist whose latest EP, Unplugged reached the Top 100 US Albums Chart on iTunes and Japan. His musical work has garnered him three Independent Music Awards, and two current nominations from the Contemporary Acapella Recording Awards. He’s appeared on WeTV as the 2014 Raise Your Voice honoree, chosen by Grammy- Award Winners, Mary Mary. He is thrilled to be making his debut at American Stage and is grateful for every opportunity to inspire others through the gift of music. (www.DeejayYoung.com)

KAYLA TOMAS (PENNY PINGLETON) is thrilled to be making her American Stage debut! A native Floridian, Kayla now resides in New York City. She holds her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Florida State University, and in 2014-15 season, she completed a nine-month acting internship with the Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers, Florida. She was most recently seen in Hershey, Pennsylvania under the direction and choreography of Richard J. Hinds in COUNTRY ROADS, a product of RWS Entertainment Group, and as Wednesday Addams in ADDAMS FAMILY at Ocean State Theatre Company. Love and light to all that make this crazy life a reality. www.kaylatomas.com

Thomas Mothershed (Wilbur) is thrilled to be making his American Stage Theatre debut! He was last seen in ASSASSIN’S (Sam Byck) at freeFall Theatre. National Tours: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Maurice), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Seymour), WEST SIDE STORY (Doc/Krupke) Regional: MY FAIR LADY (Harry) directed by two time Tony winner, Frank Galati, LES MISERABLES (Thénardier), ALL SHOOK UP (Jim Haller), 1776 (John Adams), HAMLET (Polonius), MERCHANT OF VENICE (Shylock). BFA Acting Florida State University. www.tmothershed.org

MEREDITH PUGHE (AMBER VON TUSSLE) makes her American Stage debut in Hairspray having just graduated from the BFA Musical Theatre program at the University of Central Florida. She was most recently seen in GRINCHMAS at Universal Orlando. University credits include: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Sasha/ensemble), SHE LOVES ME (Customer/tango dancer), DO BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES REALLY REFLECT UP? (Virginia Lear) and NINE (Gretchen). Other credits include: LEGALLY BLONDE (Elle Woods), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Millie), THE WIZARD OF OZ (Dorothy), and SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL (Mayzie La Bird). She is represented by The Diamond Agency. www.meredithpughe.com

MATT ACQUARD: (ENSEMBLE) is beyond excited for this opportunity to be performing again with American Stage on this incredible set! Matt recently made his regional theatre debut here at American Stage as Laurence/Agent Sharp in TARTUFFE. Matt recently received his BFA in Acting from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland where he performed in a variety of roles for their Mainstage and Studio productions including Oberon in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Finalist for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship- Region 2), Judge Turpin in SWEENEY TODD, and Sir Toby Belch in TWELFTH NIGHT. A proud member of the new Acting/Production Apprenticeship here at American Stage, Matt would like to thank Stephanie and all the faculty here at American Stage for this opportunity, his girlfriend for constantly reminding him of the good and beauty there is in life, and his friends and family for their constant love and support.

TOM BENGSTON (MALE AUTHORITY FIGURE) is very excited to be making his American Stage debut. A native Minnesotan, he recently appeared as Eddie Lawrence in SHEER MADNESS and Mr. Shellhammer in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET at the Palace Theatre in the Dells. This December Tom shot episode 2 of the PBS series Inventing America, playing the peg-legged, womanizing, gin-swilling writer of the constitution: Guevenor Morris. Regional credits include HAIRSPRAY (Male Authority Figure), THE FANTASTICKS (Bellomy) and OEDIPUS (the Messenger) at Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Wilson in HARVEY, and clown #2 in THE 39 STEPS at the Alhambra Theatre, and Uncle Jocko/Kringelein in GYPSY at The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Favorite roles include Bela Zangler in CRAZY FOR YOU , Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A MUSICAL, Roscoe Dexter in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN and Nathan Detroit in GUYS AND DOLLS. Thank you for attending live theatre! @twbengston

EMANUEL CARRERO (IQ) is thrilled to be making his American Stage in the park debut! He was last seen as Samuel in freeFall Theatre’s beloved production of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, . Other previous credits include Yum Yum in THE MIKADO, (freeFall Theatre) Marius in LES MISERABLES (University of Tampa) Ernst/Reinhold in SPRING AWAKENING ( freeFall Theatre), Vocal Element a Nata Lux Entertainment Company ensemble (featured soloist), and Busch Gardens Tampa (Vocalist). He would like to thank God, friends, and family for all their continuous love and support. For more info visit: emanuelcarrero.wixsite.com/eecmusicInstagram:emanuelcarrero

SHANTE CLARKE (DYNAMITE) was most recently seen as Charity in SWEET CHARITY at the University of South Florida’s School of Theatre and Dance. Other credits include: Musical Hall Singer in VIOLET THE MUSICAL (USF); the gentleman IN RHINOCEROS (USF); CRUEL AND TENDER (St. Dominic’s Sixth Form College) and I AM (Central School of Speech and Drama). Shante appeared as Lajuan in the short film Standing Firm. She received her B.A in Theatre from the University of South Florida’s School of Theatre and Dance.

TERRENCE JAMISON (DUANE), a performing artist, was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a graduate of University of Florida, where he received his BFA degree in Dance. Terrence’s credits include: Ensemble in CITY OF ANGELS (University of Florida); Grimaldi in ‘TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE (Slippery Rock University); Eric in URBAN TRANSITIONS (Tennessee State University); and Fleance/Witch 2 in MACBETH (TSU). In addition, Terrence has worked for Norwegian Cruise Lines as a Production Cast Principal Singer, he is a principal dancer/ residential choreographer for Dundu Dolé Urban African Ballet and he is proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity. Terrence is excited about working with American Stage for the first time

NIA JAMISON-SISSLE (SHAYNA/INEZ/DYNAMITE #3) is from Tallahassee FL. She is an alumni of Florida A&M University, where she studied Performance theatre. She is also a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity and hopes to someday open a jazz club. For the last two years she has been traveling the world as a production singer for Norwegian cruise lines. Her theatre credits include : LES MISERABLES (Cosette), DREAMGIRLS (Michelle), BIG RIVER (Alice’s Daughter), ThOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Millie), LA CAGE FOLLIES (Jaqueline) and THE WIZ (Dorothy). She wants to thank The American Stage for allowing her this amazing opportunity to continue to do what she loves!

ERIN LEIGH KNOWLES (TAMMY) is a recent graduate from the University of Tampa with a BFA in Musical Theater. Her past credits include Singer/Dancer in MIXTAPE (Six Flags Over Georgia), Ensemble in NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT (University of Tampa), Ensemble in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (UT), Child in SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR (UT), Sara in STOP KISS (Powerstories Theater), Singer/Dancer in JUKEBOX GIANTS :MOTOWN AND MORE (The Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta Georgia), and CB’s Sister in DOG SEES GOD (UT). She would like to thank her parents, friends, and teachers for always supporting her in chasing her dreams. She dedicates this performance to Max “MIXTAPE” Chambers. You can keep up with her at www.facebook.com/ErinLeighKnowles

SADIE LOCKHART: (ENSEMBLE)is from Rhodesdale, Maryland. She received her BFA in Acting from Towson University, with minors in International Studies and Spanish. She has been a teaching artist in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and the U.S. Sadie is a founding member of ‘The Oven,’ a theater for social change company in Baltimore. Her recent credits include: GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE (American Stage); COMMODITIES and GONE (The Oven); TAMING OF THE SHREW and HENRY IV PART 1 (Baltimore Shakespeare Factory); THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Towson University). Sadie wishes to thank her family for their endless support of her passions and for encouraging her in all that she pursues.

XERRON XAVIER MINGO (GILBERT) is a recent graduate of Florida A&M University. He has performed in South Carolina with the GLOW lyric theatre as Pooh-Bah IN THE HOT MIKADO & The Lion in THE WIZ. . He recently performed as the Narrator in THE BLACK NATIVITY with the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. He also understudied Abernathy in THE GREAT SOCIETY at The Asolo Repertory Theatre. He is excited to be making his debut performance with The American Stage.

BRIANNA MOONEY (BRENDA), graduating in May with a BFA in musical theatre at The University of Tampa, is thrilled to be apart of HAIRSPRAY! Brianna was most recently seen as Billie in NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT at UT. Other regional credits include: SIDE SHOW as a Harem girl and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN as Cheryl Ann at Montgomery Dinner Theatre. Her UT credits include: DOGFIGHT (Marcy), ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, LES MISERABLES and A CABARET: PLANES, TRAINS, and AUTOMOBILES. She is currently the dance captain for Beehive at UT and recently received the musical theatre award at the National Society of Arts and Letters competition. She would like to thank her family for their endless support and this show for sharing such a beautiful message.

JESSICA REBECCA (JUDINE DYNAMITE #1) is a Marvin Sims Diversity Award winner, and the first recipient of the VASTA Award for Voice and Speech at the 2015 American College Theatre Festival’s Region IV Competition. She has worked professionally at the McLeod SUmmer Playhouse Theatre in Carbondale Illinois as Motormouth Maybelle in HAIRSPRAY, The Lady of the Lake in SPAMELOT, and Alice in BIG RIVER. Jessica also had the opportunity to work at the CPCC Theatre in Charlotte North Carolina as Dolores van Cartier in SISTER ACT, and Mama Morton in CHICAGO. And lastly, Jessica performed at the Essential Theatre in Tallahassee Florida as Aunt Esther in THE GEM OF THE OCEAN which she received an Irene Ryan nomination for.

ETHAN ZEPH (FENDER) is a Senior Musical Theatre Major at Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA) at Gibbs High School. While at PCCA, Ethan has appeared in numerous productions including ALL THE WAY (Senator Richard Russell), LES MISERABLES (Enjolras), CABARET (Clifford Bradshaw) and THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOGE (Ensemble). Elsewhere – LEGALLY BLONDE Warner),  at the Oklahoma City University Summer Musical Theatre Program. Ethan will graduate from Gibbs High School on May 15th and is very excited to begin college in the Fall to study Musical Theatre. Ethan is excited to be working with American Stage in his first professional role and is grateful to his family, friends and PCCA for supporting him in his artistic journey.

ADAM ZEPH (BRAD) is a native of Clearwater, Florida and a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (CCM). Regional credits include: Lank in CRAZY FOR YOU, Sword Dancer in BRIGADOON, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, SHREK (New London Barn Playhouse) and 24 in PACKER FANS FROM OUTER SPACE (Northern Sky Theatre). He has appeared in concert with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra in SUPERHEROS! and THE MUSIC MAN starring Will Chase and Betsy Wolfe. His CCM credits include, Duke in BIG RIVER, Callahan in LEGALLY BLONDE, PETER PAN, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, THE THREEPENNY OPERA, LES MISERABLES, CHESS and THE HARMONY FUND CABARET. Adam is an Equity Membership Candidate. Many thanks to the Zeph’s, Zamudio’s and Emily. adamzeph.com @zeph_and