Kylah Alexander
Kylah Alexander (Beale Street Woman) is thrilled to make her Mainstage debut this summer! She has performed in the Upper Darby High School productions of Hairspray (Seaweed’s Gang), Footloose (Principal Harriet), and 12 Angry Jurors (Forewoman). She has also spent a few years performing at Summer Stage, including the Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars. Currently, Kylah is pursuing a Forensic Science degree at Arizona State University. She expresses her gratitude to her friends and castmates for making her first year in Mainstage a truly memorable experience
Andy Brown
Andy Brown (Main Street Man) is ecstatic to make his mainstage debut in Memphis! He was last seen on stage in The Mason Player’s The Night Knights (Andy The Silly) and Springfield High School’s productions of The Little Mermaid (Grimsby) and Freaky Friday (Wells). He was also spotted in Summer Stage’s Children’s Theater last summer in Disney Around the World (Student) and How I Became A Pirate (Pirate Ensemble/Swing). Andy was the 2022 recipient of the Summer Stager of the Year Award. Andy is currently pursuing a double major in Theater and Psychology at George Mason University. He would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support.
Jayson Brown
Jayson Brown (Wailin’ Joe/Beale Street Ensemble) is happy to be performing in his second Mainstage production at Summer Stage, having played the titular role in The SpongeBob Musical last year. Later this summer he will be playing Tarzan in Media Theater’s production of Tarzan the Musical. He also can’t wait to start at Temple University this fall, majoring in Musical Theater. He would like to thank his family and friends for always being so supportive. He’d also like to thank the the audience and hopes they enjoy the show
Lily Chancey
Lily Chancey (Main Street Woman) is absolutely thrilled to be in Mainstage for the first time! She was just seen in Disney’s High School Musical 2, Jr. as Taylor, and previous Summer Stage credits include The Wind in the Willows (Mrs. Hedgehog) and Into the Disneyverse (Wendy Darling). Other credits include Frozen, Jr. and The Wizard of Oz at the Walnut Street Theater, Annie and A Christmas Story at Players Club of Swarthmore, and A Little Night Music at Narberth Community Theater. Lily will be a senior at Masterman High School this fall. She wants to thank Kelly, Asher, and her friends for all their support through this process!
Nalini Charles-Belizaire
Nalini Charles-Belizaire (she/her) (Beale Street Woman) is so excited to be making her Mainstage debut with the beautiful musical Memphis at Summer Stage! She will also be seen this summer in Disney’s Finding Nemo, Jr. in Children’s Theater at Upper Darby Summer Stage. She was previously seen at Summer Stage in Disney Around the World (Ensemble/Dolores) and Descendants, Jr. (Ensemble/Auradonian). Nalini loved working in this magnificent show with her castmates; she has learned a lot from her cast & crew and is so grateful that she got to experience the chance of a lifetime. Nalini will be a junior at Interlochen Arts Academy this upcoming fall. She will be dedicating her performances to her grandparents and her best friends Amina Peters and Bella Napoliello, who are also in Upper Darby Summer Stage. She would like to thank her family and friends for being so supportive of her and encouraging her to fulfill her love for theater.
Callan Clark
Memphis is the next thrilling chapter for Callan Clark (Beale Street Woman), as she readies herself for her second Mainstage show. With a lifelong love for singing and dancing, Callan’s journey blossomed through various choirs over the years and recently, her final performance with Summer Stage’s own Shooting Stars. In the fall, she will be attending Temple University for a BFA in Musical Theater. Graced by her family’s unyielding encouragement and her devoted dog’s cheers, Callan is set to illuminate the stage with her performance.
Tess Coary
Tess Coary(Clara/Main Street Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in her third Mainstage production, Memphis! She has been a part of Summer Stage since 2017 and has performed in both Children’s Theater and Mainstage productions. Tess is going to be a senior in the fall at Saint Joseph’s University where she majors in Marketing, and is spending her summer working at the Kimmel Cultural Campus and the Rolling Green Golf Club. She’d like to thank her parents, friends, and staff for granting her the opportunity to perform onstage!
Caroline Conway
Caroline (Main Street Woman) is a rising senior at Fairfield University. She is a part of Music Ministry and Dance Ensemble at Fairfield and cannot wait for the year to begin! Caroline spent many years in Children’s Theater and Shooting Stars and was last seen performing in Mainstage in 42nd Street. She is happy to be back at Summer Stage!
David Cuff
David (Buck Wiley) is happy to be a part of yet another Mainstage show here at Upper Darby. This is David’s fourth year performing at Upper Darby Summer Stage, having performed in Willy Wonka, Jr. as Mr. Salt and as a member of the ensemble for both Tuck Everlasting and SpongeBob the Musical. David would like to dedicate his performance to his Grandfather, who passed away earlier this year. He was always supportive of his love of acting and watched every show he was in. He will be missed dearly.
William Daniels
William Daniels (Reverend Hobson/Beale Street Ensemble) is a Philadelphia based actor, choreographer, and teaching artist. A proud Temple alum, he has performed all over the Philadelphia area in theaters such as Candlelight Theater, Broadway Theater of Pitman, and of course Upper Darby Summer Stage. You may have seen his work last year in Disney Around the World and this year in Disney’s High School Musical 2, Jr. He would like to thank his family and friends for their endless support!
Norvasha Darden
Norvasha Darden (Ensemble) is so grateful to be a part of such an amazing show. She choreographs and dances for artist Lay Banks, as well as other artists such as Andre 3000 on Dispatches From Elsewhere on AMC. She is trained in all forms of dance and has trained for theatre at the Kimmel Center. She has been a dance teacher since age 13, and currently teaches both kids and adults. She came to Summer Stage all the time as a kid, so to be a part of Mainstage is a childhood dream fulfilled!
Srinath Govindarajula
Srinath (Cavalcade Dancer/Beale Street Men Ensemble) is ecstatic to be performing in his second mainstage production, Memphis! His most recent roles include Electric Skate (The SpongeBob Musical) here at Summer Stage, Josh (Bang Bang You’re Dead) at The Barley Sheaf Players, and Male Ensemble (Sister Act) at The Candlelight Theatre. Srinath is a rising fourth-year student at Temple University, studying Music Technology and Statistics. He is the Vice President of Temple’s low-voiced a cappella group Broad Street Line, and he works in music and business outside of school. He has been very grateful to be performing again with talented and supportive people. He would like to thank the whole cast, crew, and especially staff for making this such a wonderful experience!
Claire Gower
Claire Gower (White Teenage Girl/Main Street Woman) is excited to be performing in her fifth Mainstage production! She was previously in Titanic (2011), Big Fish (2019), Tuck Everlasting (2021), and The SpongeBob Musical (2022). She is also happy to be sharing the stage again with her older sister Olivia. Claire is currently nannying a wonderful almost-one-year-old, Jimmy. She also helped welcome into the world her first niece, Avery, and can’t wait to start watching her as well! Claire will be finishing her Associate’s Degree in Psychology at Delaware County Community College this fall and can’t wait for what comes next. She would like to thank her family for their endless love and support.
Olivia Gower
Olivia Gower (Main Street Woman) is excited to be in her third Mainstage show at Summer Stage! She was previously in Tuck Everlasting and The SpongeBob Musical! She started at Summer Stage in 2012 as a Rising Star and was a dancer in Children’s Theater shows Willy Wonka, Jr, Honk, Jr, Aladdin, Jr, Disney Princesses and Heroes, and The Dinosaur Musical. She is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Saint Francis of Assisi School. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2021. She has been involved in Catholic Community Choir, Cardinal O’Hara Theatre, Miss Carmela’s Dance Studio, and The Saint Francis Players. Theatre and dance are a big part of her family; her mom and older sister did Summer Stage, and her two younger sisters are still involved! She loves sharing the stage with her sister Claire in Memphis! She would like to thank her family and boyfriend for always loving and supporting her!
Nigel Grant, Jr.
This is Nigel’s (Delray Farrell) second show at Mainstage, having first played Plankton last year in SpongeBob. He’s very thankful for the support of his family and is eager to play Delray in Mainstage’s production of Memphis.
Philipe Jean-Louis
Philipe Jean-Louis (Gator) is so thrilled to return for his second year in this year’s Mainstage production of Memphis! Philipe has passionately performed on stage since the age of 11 after he was introduced to the world of theater through his grade school drama club, which changed his life forever and landed him here at his “Happy Place,” Summer Stage. Now in his 7th season here, some of his favorite roles which he’s been honored to play are Pigeon (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus), Cowardly Lion (The Wizard of Oz), Candy Man (Willy Wonka, Jr.), Pumba (Frozen, Jr.), and Sardine/Security Guard in (SpongeBob the Musical). Philipe is majoring in Vocal Performance at the University of the Arts, where he is a rising sophomore. Philipe would like to thank his teacher and mentor Jami Green, his Summer Stage family, and his friends & family, especially his mother and sister for always being so supportive and amazing to further him in his dreams.
Master Jones
Master Jones IV (Bobby Dupree) is an eighteen-year-old actor, dancer, singer, and musician living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has been performing for twelve years both on- and off-stage. The experience Master has gained throughout the years has helped him gain lead roles and opened many doors for him. He has danced for five years at the Pointe Dance Studio, a professional dance company. Master has also performed in musical productions both in and out of school, musical concerts, and school choir events. Some of his most notable roles are Dimitry (Anastasia), Kristoff (Frozen, Jr.), and now Bobby Dupree (Memphis). Master’s skills also extend to musical performance, having played the piano for more than twelve years and the drums for nine. In his spare time Master writes, records, and produces his own music.
Myra Kelley
Myra (Beale Street Woman) is so excited to be back for her second Mainstage production! She couldn’t wait to be back at Upper Darby Summer Stage to perform again with an amazing and talented group of people in Memphis! Myra was last seen in Spongebob the Musical (Ensemble) here at Summer Stage and Seussical the Musical (Vlad/Ensemble) at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. Myra is entering her junior year at West Chester University, where she is majoring in Theater with a concentration in performance and a minor in Dance. This upcoming semester she is focusing more on stage lighting, where she will be the Assistant Lighting Designer and Master Electrician for the fall play Me, War and Toy Grenade.
Chris Krouba
Chris (Beale Street Ensemble) is thrilled to return to the stage and make his Mainstage debut in Upper Darby Summer Stage’s production of Memphis. Chris wishes to express his gratitude to his friends and family for their constant love and support, as well as the creative team who made it all possible.
Keith Livingston
(“Everybody Wants to be Black Trio,” Ensemble)
Summer Stage debut! Regionally, Keith has performed at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Arden Theatre Company, Boise Contemporary Theater, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, Lantern Theater Company, Elm Shakespeare Company, and Theatre Exile. He holds two B.A.’s from the University of New Haven and is a proud alum of the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center’s National Music Theatre Institute. Endless thanks to Mom.
Jack McDonnell
(Frank Dryer/Main Street Ensemble)
Jack (he/him/his) is thrilled to be back at Mainstage. You might remember Jack from his role as Old Man Jenkins in Spongebob. He has also had the privilege of performing in other Mainstage productions including Shrek, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 42nd Street, and Big Fish. Jack hopes you enjoy the show!
Johnathan McNamee
(Mr. Collins, Martin Holton, Teenager, Main Street Ensemble)
Johnathan is thrilled to bring this exhilarating show to life, especially with the deep admiration he has for the cast, crew, and the program as a whole! This marks his second Mainstage appearance, having previously taken the stage in roles such as Perch Perkins in Spongebob: The Musical at UDSS and Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer at Spotlight Theater, among others. When he’s not gracing the stage, you can find Johnathan engaging audiences on his captivating YouTube channel, “ThatGuy Talks!” Grateful for the unconditional support from his family and friends throughout the rehearsal process, he invites you to join him on this unforgettable journey as he collaborates with the incredible cast, crew, and creative team, weaving a remarkable tapestry of rhythm and blues that will leave you yearning for an encore!
Marie McVeigh
(Main Street Woman, Assistant Choreographer)
Marie McVeigh is a professional dancer and choreographer working in the Philadelphia area. She is so excited to be back to Summer Stage performing in Memphis. Marie holds a BFA in Dance and BA in Strategic Communication from Temple University. Most recently, Marie performed in the original cast of CoComelon Live! and at Walt Disney World. Marie is thrilled to be one of the assistant choreographers for Memphis, having also choreographed The Three Little Pigs this summer. Favorite Mainstage roles include Ensemble (SpongeBob), Teenage Winnie/Ensemble (Tuck Everlasting), Ensemble (42nd Street), and Robyn/Chorus Girl (Nice Work If You Can Get It). Much thanks to the production team, cast, and her family!
Leslie Monaco
(Main Street Woman)
Leslie Monaco is so grateful to be performing in this gorgeous show at Summer Stage! Previously seen in The SpongeBob Musical (Ensemble), Big Fish (Ensemble) and more, Leslie has loved exploring the depth and joy of Memphis! Leslie recently made her professional debut this spring at the Walnut Street Theatre in Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, where she currently works as a Ticketing Services Agent. She graduated from West Chester University with her BA in Theatre with a Musical Theatre Concentration and minors in Dance and American Sign Language. Leslie wants to thank her amazing cast and crew, her parents and little sister Kelly for their endless support and hopes you enjoy the show!
Flynn Nolen
(Mr. Simmons/Perry Como)
Flynn Nolen is thrilled to be performing in his third Upper Darby Summer Stage Mainstage production! This is his 8th summer at Summer Stage. Flynn is a third-year B.A. Theatre Studies student at Penn State University and loves to perform and assistant direct in the School of Theatre. He was most recently seen in their production of 4:48 Psychosis. He is a member and the Chair of Choreography for Penn State’s all-male acapella group, The Statesmen. He has played such roles as Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Billy Flynn in Chicago, and Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden. Flynn was most recently an assistant stage manager in Summer Stage’s production of Matilda, Jr. He would like to thank his family and friends that have helped him on his journey.
Umani Padmore
(Ethel/Beale Street Woman)
Umani Padmore (she/they) is an aspiring theater talent making waves in the world of performing arts. Umani is currently thrilled to embark on an exciting journey with Memphis in Mainstage! Currently studying Theater at DCCC, her passion for the stage shines brightly. Recently captivating audiences as Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (Hedgerow Theater/DCCC). She has also delivered amazing performances as Fabian in Twelfth Night (Hedgerow/DCCC), and Shirley Chisolm in When the Truth Comes Out (Beacon Theater). She is grateful for the unwavering support and belief of those who’ve guided her path and helped her along the way. Umani extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who has pushed her and encouraged her. Let the spotlight shine on this rising star!
Amirah Pooree
(Beale Street Woman)
Amirah Pooree is very excited for her first Mainstage production. Notable characters you may have seen her as previously include Claudius in Upper Darby High School’s Hamlet and Sharpay in Upper Darby Summer Stage’s High School Musical 2, Jr. Outside of the theater you can find Amirah playing piano, watching TV, or just hanging out with friends!
Mekhi Postell
(Beale Street Men Ensemble)
Mekhi is so excited to be in his first Mainstage production! He is no stranger to performing at Upper Darby Summer Stage, having played Mr. Wormwood in Matilda, Jr. earlier this summer. He has also performed in various other productions such as Footloose at Radnor High School, where he played Chuck Cranston. He is a part of the Beale Street Men Ensemble and absolutely cannot wait to jump and jive in Memphis, Tennessee!
Amanda Reed
(Ensemble)
Amanda is excited to be back at Summer Stage for her third Mainstage production! You may have seen her as Gary in last year’s production of The SpongeBob Musical. Amanda currently works remotely at Pacific Northwest National Lab and is a rising senior at William & Mary, studying Computer Science and Music. She would like to thank her family and friends for their immense support, and the cast, crew, and staff for making the show so memorable!
Emma Sciole
(White Teenager Mother/Main Street Woman)
Emma is overjoyed to be back this summer taking part in her fifth Mainstage production. From attending shows as an audience member to performing in them with some of her best friends, Emma has been a part of the Summer Stage family for as long as she can remember. You may have seen her in last year’s Mainstage production of SpongeBob the Musical (Sardine Soloist) or the year before in Tuck Everlasting (Mother). Emma would like to give love and thanks to her friends, family, creative team, and amazing fiancé for their constant support.
Jason Severin
(Beale Street Ensemble, “Everybody Wants to Be Black” Trio)
Jason Severin is ecstatic to have his final opportunity to perform at UD Summer Stage be the fantastic musical Memphis! You may have most recently seen him in Broadway Theatre of Pitman’s production of In the Heights (Sonny) or in UD Summer Stage’s production of Spongebob the Musical (Electric Skate). He thanks his family for always supporting him, his mother for encouraging him to “give it a chance” despite his rebuttals in 2007, and his sensational fiancée for showing him that love stories aren’t only on stage. Enjoy the show and hock-a-do!!
Gurleen Singh
(Gordon Grant/Beale Street Man)
Gurleen Singh is excited to make his Mainstage debut this summer! He was previously seen on this stage for Upper Darby High School’s productions of West Side Story (Officer Krupke) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Ted). He also spent two years as a member of the Summer Stage Marketing team. Gurleen graduated from Drexel University this past June with a degree in Computer Science and was a part of the 2022 National League Champions Philadelphia Phillies analytics department last season. Gurleen would like to thank his friends and family for encouraging him to continue pursuing theater after years away from the stage.
Evan Sleppy
(Huey Calhoun)
Evan is a Philadelphia-based actor making his Summer Stage debut! A recent graduate of Temple University’s Musical Theatre program, he appeared in shows such as Into the Woods and Head Over Heels. Evan recently understudied the role of William Barfeée in the Arden Theatre Company’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, as well as their 2022 production of Into the Woods, understudying Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf. Endless amounts of love to family & friends always.
Monique Streety
(Ensemble, Associate Choreographer)
Monique grew up with a love for dance, which led her to complete the certificate program at The Ailey School and gave her the opportunity to train at The American Dance Festival on full scholarship. Monique has performed and toured with the Alley Student Performance Group (ASPG), Adidas, the Hudson Yards Opening weekend celebrations, the Hammerstein Ballroom, Kings Theater, and The Palace in New York City. Monique recently completed an Acting Apprenticeship with the Walnut Street Theater and is currently a teaching artist for Ailey’s Arts in Education Program, Riverdale Children’s Theater, and Girls Inc. Monique is very excited to be joining the Summer Stage team, and is blessed to share the joy that is Memphis with Upper Darby.
Maura Taylor
(Gladys Calhoun)
Maura is thrilled to be performing in her third Mainstage production. Maura graduated from the University of Scranton and is starting a new job at Bryn Mawr Hospital as a Registered Nurse. Recent roles she has played are Carmen Bernstein (Curtains), Joanne (Rent) and Ariel (The Little Mermaid). She wants to thank her family and friends for always supporting her, and the cast and crew of Memphis for all coming together to create a great show!
Sierra Wilson
(Felicia Farrell)
Sierra Wilson is thrilled to be returning to Upper Darby Summer Stage! She recently graduated in 2020 with her B.A. in Musical Theatre at Temple University. She was last seen at Upper Darby Summer Stage as Esmeralda in the Philadelphia Regional Premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Regional credits include Man of La Mancha (Aldonza, Delaware Theatre Company), Dreamgirls (Lorrell Robinson, Roxy Regional Theatre), Sweet Charity (Helene, Bucks County CPA), Rocky the Musical (Ensemble, Walnut Street Theater), A Christmas Carol (Ensemble, North Shore Music Theatre), Sister Act (Deloris u/s/Ensemble, Media Theatre), and Other World: A New Musical (Swing, Delaware Theatre Company), She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her dreams. Instagram: @sierrajwilson and @mezzomango for her cosplay.