Footloose

Alex is grateful to be returning to the stage in Footloose. In 2018, Alex sustained multiple ankle fractures during a performance which halted his career. He moved to St. Pete to be with family, have surgery, and begin physical therapy. “If not for the love and support of my family and friends, I would not be back on stage today.” Credits – Broadway: Wicked, Kinky Boots (TO); Nat’l Tours: We Will Rock You (Ensemble u/s Galileo), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Ensemble u/s Adam/Felicia), Bat Out of Hell (Hollander). Alex has also performed the lead in We Will Rock You (RCCL) worked regionally at The Muny, North Shore Music Theatre, York Theatre, company member of DanceLabNY, seen in the most recent Wicked commercial, signed with MSA. Attended Walnut Hill School for the Arts and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music for musical theatre and is currently back in school for business administration. Love to TH.

Lea is delighted to be joining the cast of Footloose for the reopening of American Stage in the park. Her most recent credits include Molly Jensen in Ghost The Musical at Theatre West End and young Judy Garland in Babes In Hollywood at the Winter Park Playhouse in central Florida. A native New Yorker, Lea studied at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in NYC. From there she’s been very fortunate to travel & work all over the US, Europe and Middle East. Credits include, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (UK), Thursford Christmas Spectacular (UK), Lazytown Live! (international tour). She can also be seen dancing in the 2014 film “Muppets Most Wanted.” In 2017, Lea found a home at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando performing in The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue; Guardians Of The Galaxy: Awesome Mix Live; Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration; Celestina Warbeck & The Banshees.

Troy was most recently seen as Jiff in “Kevin Can F*ck Himself” on AMC. He was last seen on stage as Fish in The Royale at TheatreSquared. Other regional credits include: John Hunter/Ensemble in Treasure Island (Maine State Music Theatre); George Murchison in A Raisin In The Sun (American Stage Theatre Co); and Sonny In The Heights (Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe). Other Film and TV credits include: Grown Noah in “Mandingo” (Sundance), Damon in “Laugh Now, Cry Later”; and Office Jock in “Workplace Jargon” (Rhino Media). He is a proud member of Actors Equity Association with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University. Troy co-founded and currently serves as President of the Black Theatre Caucus. He thanks his family, chosen family, and loving partner Ashley for their constant support. Follow him in instagram @troydwallace

Tay is thrilled to be making her debut at American Stage! Regional credits include: Bonnie Parker in Bonnie And Clyde The Musical (Garden Theatre), Peggy Jones in The Andrews Brothers and Lois Franklin in Life Could Be A Dream (Winter Park Playhouse), Missy Miller in The Marvelous Wonderettes (Victory Productions), Madame in Cinderella and Mary Bailey in Miracle In Bedford Falls (Orlando Repertory Theatre), Enid in Legally Blonde The Musical and Ethel in 42nd Street (Maine State Music Theatre). She has participated in all four years of the Florida Festival of New Musicals at the Winter Park Playhouse, three as a performer and one as a director. She also won the Orlando Broadway World Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Ambrosia Pilar in A Tennessee Walk (Garden Theatre). Much love to Mom, Dad, CK and Kaycee!

John is an actor and singer based in St. Pete, as well as the Education & Engagement Associate at American Stage. He could not be more excited to be making his AS Park debut! Selected favorite credits include: Piragua Guy (In the Heights), Man 2 (Songs for a New World), Che (Evita), Agwe (Once on this Island), Dentist (Little Shop of Horrors), Jake (Evil Dead: The Musical), as well as world premiere readings of El Wiz, The Impossible Escape Of Don Misterioso, and Saudades.

After a ten year hiatus, Megan Fernandez could not be more honored and excited to return to her theatrical roots with American Stage in the Park. After a childhood spent on stage, Megan trained at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where she specialized in musical and experimental theatre. She has performed all over the world, including experimental theatre workshops in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Her credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene), Hair (Crissy/Company), Once on this Island (Company), Streetcar Named Desire (Blanche Dubois), Julius Caesar (Portia), and Red Light Winter (Christina.) In 2004, Megan played Rusty in Footloose at Sarasota’s Eight O’clock Theatre. Eighteen years later, she is back as Vi. When she is not onstage, Megan is a practicing criminal defense attorney with Fernandez Bardine Law as well as a Reiki Master and practitioner with Sacred Spaces Healing.

Emilia is thrilled to be returning to American Stage. Favorites: Grounded (The Pilot; Best of the Bay and Theatre Tampa Bay awards), Silent Sky (Henrietta Leavitt, TTB award), A Streetcar Named Desire (Blanche DuBois, Best of the Bay), Heisenburg (Georgie), A View from the Bridge (Beatrice Carbone), I do! I do! (Agnes), Metamorphosis (Aphrodite), Much Ado About Nothing (Hero), and My Fair Lady (Eliza Doolittle). SAG/AFTRA member, Emilia has appeared in “America’s Most Wanted”, “22”, and is the spokesperson for “Colotraq.” M.F.A. in Directing/ Arts Administration from the University of Idaho, she serves as the Producing Artistic Director/CEO of the Tampa Repertory Theatre and runs the Emilia Sargent Studio for Voice and Acting. Her students have soared to premier collegiate programs and professional careers which reach to Broadway. This one is for her girl squad since the 1980s.

Cameron is excited to be back for his second production with American Stage, and especially the return of the summer park show! Last seen as Al in A Chorus Line (The Wick, interrupted), he has also been seen as Sky in Mamma Mia! (American Stage, Alhambra Dinner Theatre), Tony in West Side Story (Theater West End), Clyde Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (Henegar Center), Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Jack Kelly in Newsies (Titusville Playhouse). Based in NY, he is ready to take on the world and achieve many goals this year and future years to come after our brief theatrical pause. Thanks go out to Shain, the creative team, and American Stage for this extreme honor, and thanks always go out to mom, dad, and family for never doubting he would go far and do great things. Let’s cut Footloose!

Mac Hawbaker is excited to be making his American Stage debut. Some of his favorite roles include Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, and Carlo in My Man Godfrey. He would like to thank American Stage and his fellow cast/crew members for making this opportunity a joyous one to remember. He would also like to thank you, the audience, for continuing to support the art of Theatre.

Jada was most recently seen as Goneril in Tampa Rep’s King Lear. Other regional credits include Ali in Mamma Mia! (Francis Wilson Playhouse), #25/ The Captain in The Wolves and Mrs. Gottlieb in Dead Man’s Cellphone (University of South Florida), Virginia Woolf in Orlando (USF BRIT program) , and professional voiceover work on a national commercial “#OneUSF” for the University of South Florida. She graduated from University of South Florida with her Bachelor’s in Theatre Performance and continued her study in a musical theatre summer intensive under various accredited instructors of Musiktheater Bavaria, originally based in Germany.

Donovan is happy to be returning to American Stage, and to be performing in the park show! Previously he worked at American Stage as an acting and production apprentice, and also as a teaching artist. Florida theater credits include: A Clockwork Orange (Jobsite Theater); Pipeline, Joyful! Joyful! (Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe); Between Riverside and Crazy (American Stage); Evil Dead: The Musical (Stageworks Theatre). Other regional credits include: Prowess (Storefront Theatre of Indianapolis); Jubilee in the Rearview Mirror (Indianapolis Fringe); Paper Swords: A Musical (Indianapolis Fringe); Taming of the Shrew (Catalyst Repertory Theatre).

Wes is excited to return to his hometown of St. Pete and to American Stage in the Park after performing in The Producers as Mr. Marks/Jason Green and others. He was most recently seen in freeFall Theatre’s production of Dames at Sea (Hennesey/Captain). Some other favorite roles include Crazy for You (Bobby Child), Singing in the Rain (Cosmo Brown), The Full Monty (Ethan), Hello Dolly! (Rudolph), 42nd Street (Bert Barry), Annie Get Your Gun (Charlie Davenport), On the Town (Chip), Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Kenny Franks), and Barefoot in the Park (Paul Bratter). Tyler also appeared on HBO’s “The Deuce” and performs as a member of the Voices of Gotham chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.  He would like to thank his parents for their perpetual support, and sends a special “Life is Good” to his wife Erin.

Melanie is thrilled to be back out in the park after this long hiatus. A native Rhode Islander who now calls Sarasota, FL home. Melanie has graced stages throughout the USA. National Tour: Menopause the Musical (Earth Mother), Favorite Regional: Mamma Mia! (Rosie), Hairspray (Prudy Pingleton), Informed Consent (Dean Hagan, Jillian’s Mother), In the Heights (Abuela Claudia), The Bikinis (Karla), Social Security (Trudy Hayman) with Barbara Eden, Addams Family (Grandma Addams), Breaking Up is Hard to Do (Esther Simowitz), Sister Act (Sr. Mary Lazarus), Stepping Out (Dorothy) with Donna McKecknie and 9 TO 5 (Roz). Love to M & D, John and Carlo for all their love and support. www.melaniesouza.com

Bryce was most recently seen as an Angel in Kinky Boots at Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre. Other regional credits include: Roy in A Chorus Line and an Ursula Puppeteer in The Little Mermaid (St. Louis MUNY). Bryce also appeared in the Florida Festival of New Musicals last summer as Michael Darling in The Lost Girl (Winter Park Playhouse). He received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University. Special thanks to Bryce’s family, friends, and father. @bbayer7

Brandon is making his American Stage debut in Footloose and is excited for the opportunity to perform again. Brandon graduated from The University of Tampa with a B.A in Music and a Minor in Theatre and Dance. He was seen in many productions such as Guys and Dolls, Pirates of Penzance and Theory of Relativity. He has also performed in other shows such as La Traviata (Straz Center); and 40 YEARS OF BROADWAY (Carrolwood Players). He’s also had the chance to dance with projectALCHEMY Momentum (Studio @620). Brandon would love to thank his friends and family for the constant support, Thank you to the amazing cast and crew and to remind his students to always follow their dreams!

Taylor “can’t stand still” because he’s making his American Stage debut with this incredible cast and creative team! National Tour: Disney’s Beauty And The Beast (Tumbling Carpet), The Wizard Of Oz (Mayor of Munchkin City), Seussical: The Musical (Wickersham Brother/Vocal Captain). Alhambra Theatre & Dining: Mamma Mia! (Ensemble). Actor’s Playhouse: It Shoulda Been You (Brian), Evita (Dance Captain), Memphis (Dance Captain/Associate Choreographer), Mamma Mia! (Dance Captain/Associate Choreographer). Barrington Stage: Fiddler on the Roof (Schloime/Boris). Capital Repertory Theatre: A Christmas Story (Chief Male Elf), Mamma Mia! (Dance Captain). Pittsburgh Music Theatre: Newsies (Newsboy). HUGE thanks to Shain, Mom, Marc and his family for their love and support. Proud graduate of Catholic University and proud AEA member. http://www.taylorhiltmitchell.com @taylorHmitchell

Hailey is thrilled to be making her American Stage Park debut! Recent credits include Grease (Cha Cha/Radio Singer), Seussical the Musical (Bird Girl 2/ASL), The Merry Widow (Clou Clou), Singin’ in the Rain (Dance Captain/Female Cover), and Young Frankenstein (Assistant Choreographer). Hailey graduated from The University of Tampa with a degree in Musical Theatre. Thank you Shain for this opportunity. Love to Mom, Dad, my fiancé Erick, and the music of my childhood – Kenny Loggins. haileyhendrickson.com, @_haileyhendrickson

Bianca is so happy to be returning for her second park show! A Florida native, she was most recently seen in South Florida’s The Polar Express Train Ride. Other regional credits include Rusty in Footloose (Alhambra Theatre & Dining); Estella in West Side Story (Show Palace Dinner Theatre); Ensemble in Mamma Mia! (American Stage). Bianca also made guest appearances in Disney’s Dance the Magic Holiday & Spring Parade; The Radio City Christmas Spectacular feat. The Rockettes (The Straz Center for the Performing Arts); Norwegian Cruise Line’s Stars at Sea. She has been more active in the dance world recently as an instructor/choreographer in Clearwater. Bianca would like to thank everyone who is involved with bringing back live theatre, you are giving a gift that is unlike any other.

Nadya is very excited to make her debut at American Stage! A Florida native and graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy NY, her recent credits include Rosalia and Maria/Anita understudy in West Side Story  and Veronica in Heathers (Florida Repertory Theatre), Dapple Cow in Click Click Moo (Emerald Coast Theatre Company), Hermia/Snug in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She’d like to thank the creative team for giving her this opportunity. Bendiciones y amor to mom and dad. Enjoy the show!

Zummy is very excited to be in his first production with American Stage. He is very thankful for this opportunity and is excited that Footloose is his first contract as an Actors Equity Association member. He was most recently seen as Tateh in Ragtime at the Arden Theatre Company and Nikos/Carlos/ Ensemble in Legally Blonde at The Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Other regional credits include: Bobby in A Chorus Line, Racetrack Higgins in Newsies and Rodolpho in Matilda. Zummy received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Temple University in 2019, recently moved to New York to pursue his acting career and is very thankful for this opportunity to work with such talented and hardworking artists. Zummy wants to thank American Stage, his friends and family for their support and wishes the cast and crew a great run. Break a leg!

Jada Austin is a singer and actress from Clearwater, FL. She is ecstatic to be returning to American Stage following her portrayal of Nana in School Girls; or the African Mean Girls Play. She would like to thank her parents, brothers, and her boyfriend, Eduardo, for encouraging her to follow her dreams and for their endless love. You can follow her everywhere @missjadaa

Jessica Jennelle was most recently seen as Ginette in Almost, Main at West Coast Players. Other roles include The Laramie Project, Medea, and Laughing Stock all at St. Petersburg College Arts Dept. She also worked on productions such as Pippin and Into the Woods as a Props Master. She is currently studying at St. Petersburg College finishing up her transfer program to University of South Florida. She would like to thank her family, friends and Remi for the endless love and support throughout the years.