CAST
(in alphabetical order)
TRISHA JEFFREY
TRISHA JEFFREY (Mother Brown) is overjoyed to join this amazing company and tell the remarkable story of Henry Box Brown. A NYC native, she was recently seen on the world wide web in John Bronston’s Revue Of Revues, Ep. 2., combatting the pandemic with “You Mustn’t Be Discouraged”. Featured in the 2019 Urban World Film Festival/ HBO/BET, she made her film debut starring as “Lisa” in the short film An Anomalous Love. On Broadway, Trisha debuted as Crystal, one of the highly acclaimed “Urchins” in the 2003 revival of Little Shop of Horrors.
Tyler Symone
is thrilled to be joining the cast of Henry Box Brown for this amazing tour! Favorite credits include Caroline, Or Change and 9 to 5 (Firebrand Theatre) The Full Monty and A New Brain (Theo Ubique), New Faces Sings 1941 and
Michael Simon Hall
Michael just completed shooting the lead role in WOMEN, by Anton Sigurdsson. He will be appearing opposite Mark Ruffalo in the upcoming HBO series I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE, and will appear opposite Maggie Gyllenhaal in the final season of THE DEUCE for HBO. His recent stage work includes playing the title role in the 100th ANNIVERSARY OF PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST...by Olivier Award winner….
MiKayla McKasy
(US/ SWING) is thrilled to be apart of this incredible cast. She recently obtained her BFA at Penn State for Musical Theater and journeyed to the Big Apple. Favorite credits include: Cynthia-SWEAT, Judith-Love in Hate Nation and Enid-Legally Blonde. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Jamilah Rosemond
is so excited to be apart of the cast of Henry Box Brown. She is a musical theater major at NYU and some of her favorite credits include: the host of American Girl’s web series, AG Life; host of Youtube web series, Dream Mining; performer/ writer in Girl Be Heard’s production, 2030: The Future is Ours; and Emily (supporting) in the NYMF’s Peace, Love, and Cupcakes. When Jamilah is not performing, she is working on her girl empowerment blog, Girls with Beauty and Brains! A huge thanks to God, her parents, her family, and Mehr!
Instagram: @jmils www.girlswithbeautyandbrains.com
Cecil Washington
Cecil Washington Jr, born in Birmingham, AL. B.A. in Theatre Arts from Alabama State University; Certificate in film and television from The NY Conservatory For Dramatic Arts, Manhattan, NY. A few of his most recent shows include: Porgy in “Porgy & Bess”, “Men with Money”(Marvatech), George in “Sunday in the Park w/George,” Benny in “In the Heights”, Delray Jones “Memphis”, Sam Cooke “The Sam Cooke Story”, Mister “The Color Purple”,and Curtis Taylor Jr in “Dreamgirls”. Along with a couple of Featured TV roles on “The Resident”, “Law &Order”, “Black Mafia Family”, and several commercials, to name a few. Cecil is thrilled to make his debut performance with Children’s Theatre Company and looks forward to more opportunities with them.
Jef Canter
Jef (Sam the Storekeeper) is thrilled to be starting his fourth year with Henry Box Brown. US Tour: Peter Pan: The Show (Smee). Off-Broadway: Stand Tall: A Rock Musical, Regional: The Odd Couple (Oscar), Watson (Watson), It’s A Wonderful Life (Clarence), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom), Around the World in 80 Days (21 roles!). Film/TV: BULL, Puppet Seizure, Soon By You. Actor’s Equity-SAG/AFTRA. Love to Lisa, Jake and Maggie and in memory of my Mom and Dad who have permanent front row seats now.
Paul Gee
has studied acting and performance under Tony award-winning actor, Ben Harney as well as in school for over a decade, and has had vocal training, under numerous vocal instructors, as well as MTI (Music Theater International), He is a versatile and seasoned vocalist who produces and performs his own music as well as writes for other artists. He has performed in multiple productions on screen and theater productions and has performed on platforms like the Lincoln Center, The Apollo, The Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and more locations around the world.
LaDawn Taylor
is an aspiring Broadway actress, her faith has given her strength to overcome obstacles, that has pushed her to finally live her Dreams out loud. She is no stranger to the stage. She has lived and sang Abroad from Europe to Asia and now so thrilled to Join, CTC yet again, First time performing with “Glimmerings of Hope” and ,Now “Henry Box Brown.” as Nancy. My Motto is… “You become what you believe, so live out Loud, One step at a time”.
Amaris Harney
Amaris has been involved in every aspect of the arts, from backstage in wardrobe, lighting and stage management, to choral, ensemble and leading roles, on stage. But her greatest joy has always been sharing her art with students. Her love of the arts began when she was a little girl with her parent’s theater company, By All Means Save Some (BAMSS) Theatre Works Inc. In her professional career, a few of her backstage credits include: Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) (2013-2019) - Brooklyn Reads Program, Arts and Justice Program and DanceAfrica; Entertainment Events Company (2013-2017) - Regional Stage Manager; American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) (2011-2013) – Stage Manager (Dance Dept.)
Tarrence Taylor
Tarrence J. Taylor is thrilled to be performing in the production of "Henry Box Brown" again and sharing the stage with such amazing actors. Some of Tarrence’s credits include "Black Wall Street" where he played Dick Rowland, "Whistle in Mississippi: The Lynching of Emmett Till"(Emmett Till), "Into The Woods”(Steward), and the independent film "Night of Something Strange"(Brooklyn). He recently booked a costarring role in the Hulu series WuTang: An American Saga. He would like to thank the creative team for their awesome vision and open mind and for making Henry Box Brown special. Everyone here has been so incredible. I hope and pray this show is an inspiration to all. God Bless!
Amara Haaksman
(Mrs. Smith) is thrilled to be joining this amazing group to continue tell ling this incredible story. She recently just had the pleasure of playing Mrs. Smith in Henry Box Brown’s run at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival in August. New York Theatre: That Lady from Maxim's (Crevette) at the New York Music Theatre Festival (2013 New York Innovative Theatre Award: Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role)…
Hannah Lundy
(u/s, swing) hails from St. Louis, Missouri and brings with her a desire to bake cookies for everyone. New York Theatre: An American Hero (Chorus). Regional Theatre: Nunsense! (Sister Robert Anne, Holland School of the Arts), The Days of ’98 (Squirrel Tooth Alice; Alaska), Alexander Who’s Not Going to Move (Mother, Int’l tour). BFA Musical Theatre, Conservatory of Theatre and Dance at Southeast Missouri State. Hannah is thrilled to be a part of this timely and important story. HannahLundy.com.
Jewell Noel
Is thrilled to be a part of this production. Her favorite credits include: Dorothy in THE WIZ, Doralee Rhodes in 9 TO 5, Trix in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Irene Molloy in HELLO, DOLLY! and Gertrude McFuzz in SUESSICAL THE MUSICAL. Jewell would like to extend her love and gratitude to her friends and family for the constant support. Hope you enjoy the show!
Kenneth Washington
U.S / SWING; Kenneth is a native of Charleston, SC. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Anderson University in SC. Off- Broadway credit: Revelation the Musical. Regional credits: Shrek The Musical, Children of Eden, HAIRSPRAY, Little Women the Musical, The Magic Flute, Bastien And Bastienna, etc. He has performed as a singer/dancer for Six Flags Fiesta Texas and a lead vocalist for Royal Caribbean Cruises. He has also performed in many productions with Sight & Sound Theatres. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Taylor Moore
Taylor Moore, a Chicago native, is an award-winning, drummer, percussionist and actress. Dubbed The Princess of Percussion, Taylor Moore has played with a multitude of great musicians like Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer Shirley Alston Reeves of The Shirelles, jazz fusion artists Roy Ayers and Shelia E, as well as jazz icons, the late Jimmy Cobb and Grammy Award-winning vocalist Cassandra Wilson. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Taylor received her Bachelor's in Music Performance and Production. In 2018, Taylor Moore toured extensively with Jay-Z’s personally signed artist, Victory Boyd and toured Europe with The Richard Waters’ Blues Band. Before the COVID19 Pandemic, Taylor was recording and touring with Blue Note Records artist, Kandace Springs. Also, with a number of acting credits to her name, Taylor has been featured in various film and theater productions as lead and supporting actress. Taylor’s acting and drumming talents were combined when she was called upon to shoot a commercial for an energy drink called, MAX by Maxwell House Coffee. Follow Taylor Moore via FB/IG @MsTaylorMoore
Youth Cast
Isabel Kreitzer
Sasha Mitchell
is a New York City native. Henry Box Brown is his first play and Sasha is very excited to join this distinguished cast. Sasha loves everything about being a part of this incredible production and hopes he will get to continue acting once the play completes its US tour. He would like to live in a world where people are not harmed for their skin color, where everyone can vote, and be able to dress how they like and have the same rights. A world where other people welcome other humans instead of shutting them out and not doing anything. A world where people can be friends even if they look different and are different, a world where you can be friends with everybody on earth.
Tatiana Rossello
is excited to be part of the cast of "Henry Box Brown" again and is a New York native. She continues to study acting techniques and attends vocal training. She has a love for acting and singing. Her goal is to always leave the audience with an unforgettable performance.
Richard Phillips
Richard Phillips (Young Henry / Emmet) is a NYC based actor with recent credits including The Lion King Broadway tour (Young Simba), Pose FX (Freddy), Sesame Street (Mandarin Chinese speaking student), and Power Starz (Student). Richard was also a featured dancer in the Nickelodeon TV promo for the Halo Awards starring Nick Cannon. In 2019, Richard was selected by Nickelodeon to participate in their highly competitive children’s television comedy intensive. He was one of only 8 students selected to participate. Richard has worked as a voiceover artist for children’s programming and was featured in the ESPN PSA “Just You and Me Kid”. Richard is a student at The Avenues World School in NYC and has studied there since the age of 3. As a student at The Avenues World School, Richard has studied under a Mandarin Chinese curriculum and is fluent in the language. Richard has used his bilingual studies to publish a book titled “Learning with RAZP”. This book uses a patented electronic interactive design to provide an audio and visual self-teaching tool for children studying the Mandarin Chinese language. Richard is managed by The SquarePeg Group, Inc. and represented by NYC agencies A3 Artists (theatrical) and Stewart Talent (commercial).
Araya Sickles
ArayaJoy Sickles (Robinette) has worked with the Children's Theater Company for 8 enjoyable years and has performed in The Ugly Duckling, Kunka Bunka, and in Yertle the Turtle and more. Araya just graduated as valedictorian and is now accepted into Bard High School Early College where her goal is to graduate with a high school diploma and associate's degree. Her hobbies include homework, reading, studying, and practicing for HBB. She is very grateful for her mother and Ms. Mehr for being the 2 biggest supporters in her dream to maybe one day become an actress. She believes that if you have confidence in yourself and your abilities that the job will become less difficult and you will see the other side of the rainbow.
Bahiyyih Grover
Bahiyyih Grover is thrilled to be a part of this amazing cast and to help tell the story of Henry Brown. Some of her favorite credits include Much Ado About Nothing (Don Pedro), Pirates of the Curry Bean (Slack), and Mary Poppins (Mr. Punch) all staged at the Manhattan Arts Center. One thing she would do to make the world a better place is to make sure that everyone is accepted and loved regardless of race, gender, religion…and height. A huge thanks to Mehr, the crew, and especially her family for always being so supportive
Creatives, Consultants & Crew
Melina R. Salifoski
Chapter Coordinator
is a Turkish Macedonian Romani American, born and raised in New York City. She just graduated BMCC and is planning on furthering her studies in Educational Theatre. A Romani activist, she hopes to educate the public on who the Roma are and how the one-sided Myths and Stigmas still hurt them around the globe. Melina has worked with and has been a part of The Children’s Theater Company for half of her life. The work that this company does, not only in theater, but the fulfillment of creating change and doing positive work to understand racism and unity. Simple communication and discussion will always facilitate positivity and greater awareness of each other’s point of view.
Dr. Michelle Chamblin
Education Consultant/ Parent Cafe Facilitator
Michelle Chamblin is an Associate professor in the Division of Education at Molloy College. Early in her career, she worked for Planned Parenthood as a Community Health Worker at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She counseled youths and worked closely with pregnant teenage mothers. Michelle continued her service in health care and joined the United States Peace Corps. Michelle worked for the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone, West Africa in health clinics that served children and families with the goal to decrease infant mortality and increase the general health and welfare of the community through education. Upon returning to the United States, Michelle worked as a Foster Care caseworker and in time transitioned to a Homefinder and Parent trainer. In her desire to continue to serve children and families, Michelle decided to become a Special Education teacher. She attended Columbia University as a Returned Peace Corp Volunteer and Urban Fellow. Michelle has taught students in a variety of settings from K-12. In 2003, Michelle joined the faculty at Molloy College. Her professional pursuits and publications address special education, inclusive environments and improving education for all children. Michelle's greatest aspiration is to encourage everyone to become lifelong learners; especially her triplet daughters who teach her something new every day.
Angelina Meccariello
Stage Manager
is so excited to work on her first show with the Children’s Theater Company as assistant stage manager and carpenter. Recent credits include Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble, Vineyard theater, The PIT, Theater for a New City, Medicine Show Theater Ensemble, and TADA. Thank you so much to the cast and crew for making this an incredible experience!
Dr. Susan Soetaert- Costume Designer
is a tenure professor at Lehman College, Theatre Department where she teaches and directs. She has produced costumes for hundreds of theatri-cal productions around the country and designed the costumes for the Broadway and national tours of The Gathering, starring Hal Linden. For ten years she served as resident designer at the Jean Cocteau Repertory Theatre and has designed for Ringling Brothers Circus, La Gran Scena Opera Co., Little Orchestra Society, Ice Theatre of New York and La Mama. Professor Soetaert has designed costumes for, and consulted on, the construction of 28 theatrical productions.
Courtney Chamblin
As an emerging senior college student attending Molloy College as a Communications Media Major, Courtney Chamblin is a filmmaker, producer, and editor. She is producer and editor of the Youtube Show, SummerTime, and was editor for the Instagram live tv show, TheJuneandSummerShow. Courtney is also a videographer and editor for her college’s Media group, MolloyLife, in the video department.
Leo Nobiletti
holds a B.F.A. in Theatre Tech and Design from Long Island University - Post. He is a stage manager by trade but a sound designer by passion. Recent credits include: Peter/Piper directed by Mia Rovegno (Post Theatre Company), Burdens of The Body directed by Aaron Cooper (Hudson Guild Theatre), Spring Awakening directed by Stephen Tyler Davis (Post Theatre Company), and La Cage aux Folles directed by Andrew Parker Greenwood (Woodstock Playhouse).
Nia Fraser
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Nia Fraser currently serves as a Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for CTC in NYC. Nia recently graduated with a BA in Marketing from Temple University and is a CTC alumna herself. She was an ensemble member from age 6-14. During her time with CTC she has performed at the United Nations, and has appeared on NY1 and Good Morning America. Nia has performed in over 15 of CTC’s musical productions and was an original cast member of Henry Box Brown. Her love of theater and desire to use art as a catalyst for social change has followed her into adulthood and led her back to her CTC family.
Based on original narrative by Henry “Box” Brown
Book by Mehr Mansuri
Music & Lyrics by Mehr Mansuri & Frank Sanchez
Co-Composers: Eric Dozier, Mehr Mansuri & Frank Sanchez
Additional Music & Lyrics by Jeffrey Bolding, Aaron Jensen, Jack Lenz & Sam Urdang
Orchestration & Music Supervision by Jack Lenz
Costume Design by Susan Soetart
Set Design by Donovan Mason, John Hutchison (J&M Construction, Edinburgh)
Royalty Pool will also include payments towards public domain music and original narrative.
To learn more please contact prhenryboxbrown@gmail.com