The Three Musketeers Team

Meet

the cast

*denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association
§denotes company member of Elisa Monte Dance

ANTHONY MERCHANT*

Louis/Beggar/Drunk/Lemieux

After receiving his BA in acting from Cal State Stanislaus as well as his MFA in Acting and Directing from the University of Missouri, Anthony moved to NYC where he has worked in theatre, film and television for the past several years. He has been seen working on productions with HBO, Hulu, Netflix and most recently USA. As well as many classical productions from Antigone to The Country Wife, from Lysistrata to Hamlet. A proud returning member of the Classical Theatre of Harlem, Anthony is also a member of Epic Theatre Ensemble, Less Than Rent, and Shakespeare in the Square.

BRANDON CARTER*

ARAMIS

CTH: Malcolm in Macbeth; Skeeter (Original) in The First Noel; Gonzalo in The Tempest. Regional: Janitor in Dry Land (TheatreLabRVA); Ogun in The Brothers Size (Luna Stage Company); Macduff in Drunk Shakespeare; Theodore in Black Angels Over Tuskegee (St. Luke’s Theatre); Octavian Caesar in Antony & Cleopatra &Curio in Twelfth Night (Richmond Shakespeare Festival); Berowne in Love’s Labour’s Lost & Shango in In the Red and Brown Water (Penn State Center Stage); Othello in Othello (Longwood University). International: Marcus in The Kiss (Pleasance Theatre, UK); Blood at the Root (The Kennedy Center, Adelaide & Edinburgh Festival Fringe, National Arts Fest, The Market Theatre). MFA in Acting, The Pennsylvania State University. For Pop-Pop. mrbrandoncarter.com

Emmanuel Brown*

ATHOS/FIGHT DIRECTOR

is an actor and Obie-winning fight director returning for his 4th production with CTH. He has been seen on Broadway as Electro in Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark (original cast). Other acting credits include The Hairy Ape (Park Ave. Armory), Kung Fu and Big Love (Signature Theatre),Sweet Science Suite (BAM), Sucker Punch (Studio Theatre DC), “Blindspot”, “Elementary”, “Gotham”, and “Iron Fist”. His work as a fight director has been seen at Signature Theatre, BAM, La Mama Ellen Stewart Theatre, 59 E. 59th. BFA from University of Florida. Emmanuel would like to thank God, his family, and friends for their continued love and support.

Michael Early*

Cardinal Richelieu/Inkeeper/Mob #1

In a career spanning more than thirty years, Michael Early has distinguished himself in a variety of roles Off-Broadway, in regional theatre and on television. The Three Musketeers marks his eighth production with The Classical Theatre of Harlem.  He most recently appeared as Judge Brack in Hedda Gabler at Studio Theatre in Washington, D. C. Television appearances include Forever, Royal Pains, Damages, Law & Order, Law & Order:SVU, Early Edition, All My Children, and One Life to Live.  Mr. Early is a graduate of Yale School of Drama.

Miriam Hyman*

D’Artagan

Miriam A. Hyman is an actress/Hip Hop Recording Artist with the moniker Robyn Hood. Her latest EP “For Higher” was internationally released in Dec 2016. She’s a 2016 Leonore Annenberg Fellowship recipient for “Performing Arts”, a 2012 Yale School of Drama (MFA in acting) and a 2011 Princess Grace recipient of the George C. Wolfe award in Theater. Theatre Credits: Vietgone/MTC, Cymbeline/Yale Rep, The Piano Lesson/McCarter Theatre,  Tempest/LaMaMa, Richard III/Public Theater, As You Like It/Two River.  Film/TV- Most Beautiful Night(2017 Best Film/SXSW), Split, and The Congressman. Hyman currently plays the recurring role of M.E. Emile Cooper on CBS’s Blue Bloods, and has appeared on the newest seasons of Odd Mom Out, Master of None, and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. She’s also appeared on Red Oaks, Unforgettable, Falling Water, The Blacklist, Hostages, 30 Rock, Conviction, Law & Order, and The Wire.

Miriamhyman.com
Robynhoodfanz.com
@robynhoodfanz

Reynaldo Pinella*

PORTHOS

Reynaldo Piniella was last seen at the Classical Theatre of Harlem as “Ferdinand” in The Tempest. Theater credits include Venus, The Death of the Last Black Man…. (Signature Theatre Company), The Skin of Our Teeth (Theatre for A New Audience), Romeo & Juliet (Actors Theatre of Louisville), I & You (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis). TV credits include “Sneaky Pete”, “Greenleaf”, “Law & Order: SVU”, “NYC 22”, “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”, “Us & Them”, “Louie”, “Flesh & Bone”, “The Carrie Diaries” and “The Plug” (pilot). Film credits include “Broken City”, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” and “One Percent More Humid” (Tribeca Film Festival 2017). Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @ReynaldoRey. www.reynaldopiniella.com

RJ Foster*

ROCHEFORT

Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare Exchange) All The Way (TheatreSquared) Richard III (AUDELCO nomination for Best Lead Actor, The Gallery Players), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Shakespeare Forum);  Othello (The Gallery Players);Deep Are The Roots (Metropolitan Playhouse);  Life of Galileo (Fordham Alumni Theater at Lincoln Center); Twelfth Night (Pulse Ensemble Theatre); Hamlet, Cave Dwellers, Toys in the Attic (Pearl Theatre Company).  Edward II (Bank Street Theater). Regional credits include Richard III, Comedy of Errors(Oregon Shakespeare Festival),Othello ( Playhouse on Park); Twelfth Night (Bristol Riverside Theatre) Television credits include Person of Interest, Homeland, The Blacklist, Made in Jersey, Blue Bloods, Damages, Choice, Guiding Light, Fringe, 12:01. He holds a BA in Theatre Performance from Fordham University at Lincoln Center.

AFIA ABUSHAM

Anne of Austria/Abbess/Mob #2/Patron #1

Afia is an English actress who recently graduated from The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC. Afia is excited to be returning to CTH for her second season after playing one of the Three Witches in the 2016 Production of Macbeth. Her most recent credits include Jezelle The Gazelle, The Gentrifiers, Islamaphobia, The Smalls and The Crucible.

Ava McCoy

Constance Bonacieux

is proud to make her Off-Broadway stage debut with The Classical Theatre of Harlem. A native of Glenn Dale, Maryland this classically trained actress is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and also holds a B.S in Dramatic Arts; Film and Television Production from St John’s University. Her credits include Dreamgirls (St. John’s University), She Kills Monsters, and Yellow Card, Red Card (AADA).

Avon Haughton

Jussac/Felton/Criminal/ Braddock/ Guest #4/Soldier #3

is an actor and writer from Baltimore, Maryland. He’s happy to be back in Harlem with CTH after joining the 2016 production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. He was also recently seen in Euripides’ Orestes and Jean Genet’s The Balcony. Some other credits include: David Ives’ Venus in Fur, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Naomi Iizuka’s Polaroid Stories, Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, and Chekhov’s Three Sisters.

JAMAR BRATHWAITE

Monsier de Treville/ Soldier #1/Sailor #1

Barbadian born, has played a plethora of roles ranging from Shakespeare to August Wilson. His professional highlights: AIN’T NEVER BEEN EASY (Castillo), MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Frog & Peach), BROOKLYN DRIFTWOOD (Hudson Guild), MANAR (LPAC) among others. Jamar is a recent graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy.

JEFFREY ALKINS

Planchet/Mob #4/Guard #3/Fisherman #2

A classically trained dancer, and graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and St. John’s University. He has worked with such choreographers as; Lorin Latarro, Joseph Pizzi, Laurieann Gibson, and members of Alvin Ailey etc. Jeffrey recently took part in a choreography workshop for Douglas Carter Beane’s ‘Hood’, which will play to Dallas Theatre Center this Summer. His recent Theatre credits include; The Land of Cheesecake and Ice Cream (Theatre Row), A Man Like You (Iati Theatre), and CRH, a new play, written by Keelay Gipson.

JORGE SANCHEZ

Bicarat/Mob #5/Fisherman #1/Spy #1/Herald

is proudly making his CTH debut. Latest credits: The Skin of our Teeth (Theatre for a New Audience), Hamlet (Wombat Theatre Co.) and Twelfth Night (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble). He’ll be joining Brooklyn College’s MFA in Acting program this Fall. Enjoy the show!

NEDRA SNIPES

Madam Bonacieux

joins our Three Musketeers cast as Madame Bonacieux. A graduate of Howard University’s Theatre Program, Snipes will begin her MFA studies in Drama at The Juilliard School this fall! Credits include: Ensemble, Fit for a Queen (Classical Theatre of Harlem), Hero, Much Ado about Nothing (Atlanta Shakespeare Company); Joan/Mademaoiselle Amor, The Unnatural Tragedy (Oval House Theatre). University Credits Include: Venus, The Venus Hottentot; Undine Barnes, Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine.

Piera Van de Wiel

Milady/Mystery Woman

is a recent graduate from Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Drama. She has performed at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, London, in the musical “Korczak” co-starring with Peter Straker of original “Hair” fame. As a singer she has performed at the Jazz at Lincoln Center concert hall and the Salvation Army Hall in Central London. She is currently in production for her first EP with a renouned Canadian music producer and composer. This summer she is making her New York professional debut as Milady de Winter in the Classical Theatre of Harlem’s production of the “The Three Musketeers” at Off-Broadway Richard Rogers Amphitheater.

KHIRY WALKER

Lord Buckingham/Guard #2/Citizen/Spy #4

is an Actor from East New York, Brooklyn. A recent SUNY Purchase BFA graduate, Mr. Walker is beyond excited and grateful to be making his CTH debut. He was last seen in 3/FIFTHS, How To Talk To A Girl Wearing Headphones, The Joint, and The Comedy of Errors. Special Thanks to Jenny B and Jak for his endless generosity. “As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality persist in our world none of us can truly rest.” – Nelson Mandela

ROXANNE YOUNG^§

EMD COMPANY MEMBER

a native of Denver, CO, trained at her mother’s studio, Expressions of Dance and Arts Academy and at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance School.  She attended the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, TX where she was a member of the Repertory Dance Company I, which allowed her to perform repertoire works by choreographers including Robert Battle, Jessica Lang and Dwight Rhoden. In 2006, Roxanne was a Semi- Finalist for the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts in Modern Dance, which was held in Miami, FL.  After high school she continued her studies at the University of Utah, joining the Department of Modern Dance. While at the university, she was a member of the Performing Dance Company and a recipient of the Orchesis Membership Award.  In 2010 she joined the Dallas Black Dance Theatre II, where she performed works by Nycole Ray, Christopher Huggins and Talley Beatty. Ms. Young joined the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (CPRDE)  as a member of the Second Company (Cleo II) and was promoted to the First Company after one season. During her three seasons with CPRDE, she had worked with choreographers such as Kun Yang Lin, Milton Myers, Jeanguy Saintus and Winifred Harris. Roxanne joined the company as an apprentice in 2015 and this is her first season as a company member with Elisa Monte Dance and her debut with Classical Theater of Harlem.

Alrick A. Thomas^§

EMD COMPANY MEMBER

was born and raised in Harlem, New York, where he began performing at the age of 9. During high school, he trained at The Harlem School of the Arts and The Alvin Ailey School on scholarship under the Fellowship Program. He then went to The University of the Arts and graduated with a BFA Ballet Performance Degree. Upon graduating, Alrick received “The Pennsylvania Ballet Choreographic Award” and “The Outstanding Achievement of Creativity Award.” Alrick has worked with various choreographers such as Heidi Cruz-Austin, Earl Mosley, Sidra Bell, Brice Mousset, Kyle Abraham, Kevin Wynn, Iquail Johnson, Ronen Koresh, Douglas Becker, and many more. He has also set works of choreography on The Pennsylvania Ballet second company which premiered at the annual 2013 Shut up and Dance Benefit; Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts; Harlem School of the Arts; CCPI Arts Program; and other various projects. Recently Thomas was awarded a grant for Harlem Stage’s “Fund for New Work 2014” program. This is Alrick’s fourth season with the Elisa Monte Dance and Alrick’s second season working with Classical Theater of Harlem.

Scott Willits^§

EMD COMPANY MEMBER

hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota where he began his training at Summit School of Dance. He attended the Ailey/Fordham program under the direction of Melanie Person and graduated with his BFA in dance. Scott has performed works by Matthew Rushing, Fernando Melo, Dwight Rhoden, Darrell Grande Moultrie, Earl Mosley, Norbert De La Cruz III, among others. In 2009, he received a youngARTS Merit award in modern dance from the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts as well as the first place contemporary dance award at the Youth American Grand Prix. Professionally, Scott works for RudduR Dance and Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance in New York City. He also worked with Matthew Rushing in the creation process of “ODETTA” for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and was part of the cast for Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera (NY). Scott has had the privilege to set Earl Mosley’s work on the Joffrey Ballet Concert Group and was selected as one of NJPAC’s 2016 Jersey (New) Moves! Emerging Choreographers. In addition to dancing Scott teaches modern at Soul Arts Academy and Dwana Smallwood’s Performing Arts Center in New York. This is Scott’s first season with Elisa Monte Dance and his debut with Classical Theater of Harlem.

WADE WATSON^§

EMD COMPANY MEMBER

was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He’s had the passion to dance since he was a young child. He began his training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and modern as a freshman in high school under the direction of Marcella Jones. He also attended Long Island University for a year under the direction of Dana-Hash Campbell. After completing a year Wade went on to become a company member in Nimbus Dance Works under Samuel Pott in Jersey City, New Jersey. He has attended many summer intensives including New York Summer State School of the Arts, Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts, Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, and others. Wade received most of his training at Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn, and while training there (starting as a student turned company apprentice) he had the opportunity to perform and train in the Caribbean. Wade has had the opportunity to work with and perform works by Jamel Gaines, Jeroboam Bozeman, Bahiyah Sayeed Gaines, Desmond Richardson, Bradley Shelver, Jeffery Page, Alenka Cizmesija, Earl Mosely, Daniel Ulbrich/ NYCB Company members, and many others. Accompanying Wade’s love of dance, he enjoys fashion/styling, and photography. This is Wade’s second season with the Elisa Monte Dance and his second season working with Classical Theater of Harlem.

JOVONNA PARKS^§

EMD COMPANY MEMBER

It’s all for one and one for all as D’Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.  A story of double crossings, kidnappings, and carefully guarded secrets, complete with lavish fights and sweeping romance, The Three Musketeers reminds us that through strength, courage and unity, you can always defend what you believe in.

Meet

the creatives

^₀denotes member of SDC

JENNY BENNETT^₀

Director

is a fourth-generation theatre woman who’s worked with CTH in a variety of capacities for the last nine years, including: directing (Henry V, 2011; Madwoman of Chaillot Revisited Classics Reading 2012), acting (Mary & Elisabeth in Emancipation, 2008), stage management (SEED workshop ASM; various readings), and Interim General Management (DETROIT ’67, The First Noel 2016 and beyond). Most recently, she directed Much Ado About Nothing, which runs in the Blackfriars at the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) through Thanksgiving; previously with ASC:  King Lear (2016) and The Winter’s Tale (2015). As a guest artist, she directed The Comedy of Errors and Much Ado About Nothing with the Conservatory Seniors of SUNY Purchase at Purchase Rep. In Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Jenny founded a theatre company and collaborated with international artists for seven years. Taiwan directing includes Macbeth; Dangerous Liaisons/ Weixian Guanxi; Romeo & Juliet; Into the Woods; As You Like It!; Godspell; The Threepenny Opera. A former SDCF Kurt Weill Fellow, she has an MFA from the PTTP at the University of Delaware and a BA in Drama from the University of Virginia. Jenny is a member of the LCT Directors Lab. Twitter: @bennyjennett

TIFFANY REA-FISHER

Choreographer

is in her thirteenth year with the NYC-based internationally acclaimed dance company Elisa Monte Dance (EMD). Tiffany joined EMD in 2004 where she was principal dancer until 2010. She was named Dance Magazine’s “On the Rise” person for their 2007 August issue based on her 2006 performance at the Joyce Theater. As a choreographer Tiffany has had the pleasure of creating numerous pieces for the company most notably meeting and having her work performed for the Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg.  Tiffany’s work extends well beyond the stage creating work for the film, fashion, theater and the music industry.  In 2009 Tiffany and her husband started the non-profit Inception to Exhibition (ITE), which supports NYC-based artists in the fields of Dance, Theater, Music and Film through monetary grants and performance/exhibition opportunities. ITE also curates the Bryant Park Modern Dance Summer Series. Tiffany’s current affiliations include: Dance/NYC Board Member, Dance/USA Member, Stonewall Community Development Corporation Board Member, The Tank Advisory Board Member, Women of Color in the Arts (WOCA) Member, DCA Panelist, Steps on Broadway (substitute teacher) and Purchase College (substitute teacher).  Tiffany received her BFA from the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College SUNY.  While at Purchase she co-founded ForArts, the school’s first interdisciplinary presenting organization, which provided opportunities for students from different conservatories to create collaborative works. In 2004 Tiffany created, directed, and curated Dance at the Tank.  She left the Tank in 2007 and currently serves on their advisory board. This is Tiffany’s second season working with Classical Theater of Harlem, she had her debut with CTH as the choreographer for Macbeth.

CATHERINE BUSH

Playwright

is the resident playwright at Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. Plays premiering at Barter: The Other Side of the Mountain, The Quiltmaker, Comin’ Up A Storm, Wooden Snowflakes, Tradin’ Paint, Where Trouble Sleeps, I’ll Never Be Hungry Again (book &lyrics), The Road to Appomattox, Walking Across Egypt, The Three Musketeers, and Winter Wheat (book & lyrics). Other plays include The Frankenstein Summer, unhINGEd, The Executioner’s Sons and Just a Kiss, which was a finalist for the 2007 Steinberg Award presented by the American Theatre Critics Association. Catherine has also written over twenty plays for The Barter Players, whose work serves the younger members of Barter’s audience. Catherine is a proud member of Dramatists Guild.

www.catherinebushplays.com

Christopher & Justin Swader

SCENIC DESIGNERS

Classical Theatre of Harlem: Fit for a Queen, Macbeth, The Tempest, Dutchman. Recent designs include The Boy Who Danced on Air (Abingdon Theatre Company), 3/Fifths (3LD), Campfire (Lincoln Center Education/Trusty Sidekick Theater Company), Heather Henson’s Crane: On Earth, In Sky, Holiday House: Christmas Bends (Mason Holdings). Significant Other (SpeakEasy Stage Company), An Octoroon(ArtsEmerson/Company One). Past collaborations include work with Luna Stage, 3LD, La MaMa, Park Avenue Armory, Manhattan School of Music, National Black Theatre, The New School for Drama, Shadowland Stages, HERE Arts Center, Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Orchard Project, and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. 2016 American Theatre Wing Henry Hewes Design Award nominee. Finalist in the 2017 World Stage Design Exhibition. Upcoming: Silent Sky (Bristol Valley Theatre), A Raisin in the Sun (Two River Theatre), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Speakeasy Stage Company). Graduates of Ball State University. www.cjswaderdesign.com

Emmanuel Brown*

ATHOS/FIGHT DIRECTOR

He is an actor and Obie-winning fight director returning for his 4th production with CTH. He has been seen on Broadway as Electro in Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark (original cast). Other acting credits include The Hairy Ape (Park Ave. Armory), Kung Fu and Big Love (Signature Theatre),Sweet Science Suite (BAM), Sucker Punch (Studio Theatre DC), “Blindspot”, “Elementary”, “Gotham”, and “Iron Fist”. His work as a fight director has been seen at Signature Theatre, BAM, La Mama Ellen Stewart Theatre, 59 E. 59th. BFA from University of Florida. Emmanuel would like to thank God, his family, and friends for their continued love and support.

Rachel Dozier-Ezell

Costume Designer

 
Alabama native, Rachel Dozier-Ezell is a costume designer, stylist, crafts artisan, costume shop manager, and costume technician in NYC. She is the costume director/resident designer at The New School for Drama, CTH resident artist. She has taught at The University of Illinois @ Urbana/Champaign, The University of South Dakota, The New School, Pace University, and Marymount College. She has worked for CTH, Trisha Brown, Papermill, National Black Theater, Manhattan Theatre Works, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Black Hills Playhouse,  and Elisa Monte among others. Mrs. Dozier-Ezell holds a BFA in costume design and technology from the University of Montevallo & MFA from The University of Illinois @ Urbana/Champaign. This is her 7th year with CTH and is happy to call them her artistic home. She’s also a wife and Mommy, Mad love to Jon and Keaton who always inspire and encourage. Selected design portfolio: www.racheldozierezell.com

Sin Gogolak

Public Relations

GOGO Public Relations and Marketing was founded by Sin Gogolak, a renowned publicist who started her career in the beauty industry, but whose love of the arts and passion for nonprofits led her towards a career in marketing and publicity. Sin has spent the last decade cultivating contacts and building relationships throughout the nation in order to help each client tell their own exceptional story. Always on the front line of each campaign, she can be found helping organizations integrate their marketing strategies, spearheading major news announcements, organizing press for galas, and at every major event and brainstorming session that an individual or organization hosts. Sin prides herself on becoming a part of her client’s family and sharing in their successes. More info can be found at www.GOGOPR.nyc

JESSICA PECHARSKY

Stage Manager

Kate Bashore

Lighting

Brandon Rashad Butts

Assistant Director

is a director, writer, and actor based in NYC and DMV areas. ASSISTANT: Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Marley (World Premiere), Detroit ’67, One Night in Miami…,(World Premiere), Pride and Prejudice(World Premiere), X’s and O’s (Co-production with Berkeley Rep.), 4,000 Miles, After the Revolution, Amadeus (Baltimore Center Stage). DIRECTOR: Bootycandy (Iron Crow Theatre), Animals Out of Paper (Silver Spring Stage), Sub-Wah (River City Stages), Left/Right (Nu Sass), Manus Dei, Allergy (Source Theatre); Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, The Little Dog Laughed, Poof! (Shafer Street Playhouse). FILM: Imaginerapy. Brandon also works in development of new plays by established and up and coming playwrights. Brandon is an Associate Artist at Baltimore Center Stage, SDC Observer, Directing Fellow at Manhattan Theatre Club, and Artistic Administrator for River City Stages. Education: Virginia Commonwealth University.

Samantha Shoffner

Prop Designer

Shayshahn “Phearnone” MacPherson

Music Director/Compositions