WHO'S WHO

- THE CAST -
Pilin Anice Pilin Anice (Black Mama) Select credits: Junie B. Jones (Tour), Ragtime (Lincoln Theatre), Abyssinia (IRAT). NY Reading/Workshop: Wanda's World, Double Time, Trippin' The Musical, Countdown. Howard University BFA. Thanks to the creative team & my family for their constant love and support. For P & Z. www.pilinanice.com


Tamala Baldwin Tamala Baldwin (Taffy) A native New Yorker, Tamala Baldwin is intuitively infectious with boundless energy! She was exposed to the wonderful world of performance when she was really young. At the age of 9 she watched the popular musical Mama, I Want To Sing and fell in love with the story and the performance of the leading actress. She became a fan of the production and often sang the songs featured in it to the top of her lungs. Seeing a potential and great will from her little daughter, Tamala’s mom brought her to a singing teacher who quickly channeled her talent to useful traits. Tamala went on to study classical music at Julliard School of Music and attended the Professional Performing Arts School, which launched the beginning of her career. Theatre credits include: The Saturday Affair (written, directed, and produced by Florence Mills), J.E. Franklin’s Black Girl (Paul Robeson Theater, Brooklyn), In the Silence of the Heart, Bachelor: On Crack, and First Lady of Song where she played “Ella Fitzgerald”. Film: "The Beatdown" (produced and written by Langston Sessoms), "Anything for You," and "Invitations Interviews With Loneliness." In addition to being an actress and singer, Tamala seldom performs her other passion as an online marketing guru for small to medium size businesses. She is driven by her belief in the universe and fully understands that anything worth having involves sacrifice, determination, discipline, and persistence.
J. Cameron Barnett J. Cameron Barnett (Bumpy Ritz) is an Arkansas native where pimpn’ aint easy. Recent credit: Jacob in La Cage aux Folles at the Riverside Theatre. Selected credits: Off- Bway Magpie, Carmen Ghia in The Producers at the Ogunquit Playhouse, National & European Tours of Smokey Joe’s Café, Hair, and The Buddy Holly Story. Regional productions at: Goodspeed Opera House, Ordway Music Theater, Merry Go Round Playhouse, T.U.T.S, Emelin Theater, St. Louis Repertory Theater, Geva Theater, and Studio Arena Theater to name a few. He would to thank God for his many blessings and also gives special thanks to his family, friends, Craig Holzberg and Kevin Kirkwood for the opportunity. Cameron is also an interior designer in NYC. “To my Bee!” jcameronbarnett.com.
James Solomon Benn James Solomon Benn (Preacherman, Don Finnochio) Off-B’Way: The Cradle Will Rock (Dwtn. Music Prods. @ St. Mark’s), Dutchman (Dendewil Prods.). Regional: Five Guys Named Moe (Mill Mountain, Flat Rock), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Starlight Musicals), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo & Juliet, A Christmas Carol, To Kill a Mockingbird (Indiana Rep), She Loves Me (Nebraska Rep), Fences, HAIR, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Phoenix Theatre, IN). James is choir director and a lead vocalist with Reverend Billy and the "Life After Shopping Gospel Choir." He performed with the Reverend Billy Project at the Donau Festival ‘09, Austria. Film: "What Would Jesus Buy?" (2007) to be broadcast on Sundance Channel in October. Cabaret: Lil Butchie Sings!, a biographical revusical. Directing: Weathervane Theatre, NH; Riverside Theatre, FL; Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, IN. Etc...: B.F.A., Indiana University; soloist, St. Mark's Church, NYC. I would like to thank Kevin, Travis, Jake and Jen for this cool project and my amazingly supportive mother, sister and extended family. I dedicate this show to the memory of my dad, Rev. Dr. J.S. Benn, III, who stood up for inclusive ministries.
Katie Boren Katie Boren (Candy) B’way: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. National Tour: Spelling Bee…, Miss Saigon. Regional: Cats (Hangar Theatre). Workshop/Reading: Romeo & Juliet: The Musical (dir. T. Mann/C. d’Amboise/M. Bennett). Member AEA. Ithaca College alumna. Thank you to Kevin, Jake, Travis, and Jen for trusting me with their material! Special thanks to all my friends, D and Dustin for keeping life sweet, and most importantly, to my family, for sticking with me through all the good times and even the bad. As always, for my b. mother.
Jimmy Brooks, Jr. Jimmy Brooks, Jr. (Doodlebug) A native of Liberia West Africa, Jimmy has traveled far and seen a lot, but he’s never been to a place as unique as New York City. Jimmy is very proud and excited to be working with such a talented, beautiful, and fierce team on a production with so much heart and soul. He graduated from Washington University with a B.A. in Acting, and B.S. in Mathematics. Among his past favorite productions are Wole Soyinka’s Lion and the Jewel, Maria Irene Fornes’ Mud, Seussical, Hair, and a very special dance piece entitled Grid. Jimmy is also a member of The Actor's Project NYC. He’d like to thank his friends and family for their unwavering support and for all the free food. “Live it. Want it. Relax and be….”
Bree Daniels Bree Daniels (Fancy) Bree is a New York City native. She attended LaGuardia High School and studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as the School for Film and Television.  This is her 1st production with us, and we are happy to have her.




Kevin Smith Kirkwood Kevin Smith Kirkwood (Br'er Negress, Music, Addt'l Lyrics, Music Director, Vocal Arr.) is proud and tickled that this production is finally a reality! A native of Toledo, Ohio, Kevin earned a B.A. in Fine Arts (Music Concentration/Theater Minor) from Fordham University where he co-founded and conducted the award winning Fordham Ramblers. Since then, he’s proud of his work with Community United Methodist Church in Jackson Heights (Choir/Praise Leader) and the outreach and service based Jaradoa Theater Company (Founding Member) www.jaradoatheater.org. As an actor, Kevin made his Broadway debut in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and toured with the 1st Nat. Tour. Other tours include Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar (Europe), and Grease. Off-Bway shows include How to Save the World…in 90 Minutes (Original Cast Recording), Dragapella!, and It’s Karate, Kid! The Musical (NYIT Award Nom., Outstanding Lead Actor). Kevin has performed at regional theaters across the country including: Actor’s Playhouse, FL; John Engeman, NY; Marriott Lincolnshire, IL; and three awesome seasons at the Weathervane Theater, NH (2008 NH Theater Award Best Supporting Actor, Rent and a Nomination for Best Lead Actor, Violet). Kevin has grown to love the ‘blaxploitation’ genre and dedicates this show to anyone who ever wanted to be a ‘bad mamajama!’ Art is power!!!
James LaRosa James LaRosa (Mario) Winner of the ACoT Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in Music Theatre (Abraham, Altar Boyz), James recently portrayed Joe Longobardo for the upcoming A & E series, "The Fugitive Chronicles." He is thrilled to be part of another "Four Corners" project having originated the role of Freddie Fernandez in the NYIT Award-winning It's Karate, Kid! The Muscial. Select credits: Sleeping Beauty and the Beast (York), Altar Boyz (FST), The Scarlet Pimpernel (Barter), Gypsy (Arkansas Rep), West Side Story (Allenberry), and Working (Di Capo). Catch James as Ethan on Season 2 of the web series, "Drama Queenz." A graduate of NYU (Tisch) and the High School for Performing Arts, he would like to thank his family for love and support always! Thank you Jake, Jen, Kevin, Travis, P, and Poon! www.starringjameslarosa.com
Emily McNamara Emily McNamara (White Mama) is an actress, singer, dancer and all around funny blonde. New York off-Broadway credits include: The Awesome 80’s Prom (also co-wrote), My First Time, Minimum Wage, The Karaoke Show, and Slut. Regional favorites include: Fiddler On The Roof, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Dreamgirls, A Grand Night For Singing, Godspell, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Chicago, and Grease. You might also recognize Emily from her various NYC nightclub performances. After winning the American Idol-esque XL Star competition, Emily has gone on to give campy greatness at Splash, the Duplex, Vlada, The Ritz, Dillon's, Joe's Pub, and more. More at EmilyMcNamara.com
Eric Roediger Eric Roediger (Dick McGuffin) Eric is excited for his turn as one of Soulsville's resident "bad guys!"  National Tour: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Barfee). Some other favorite credits include: Robin Hood (Prince John), Frog and Toad (Toad), Junior (Junior), and Godspell (Judas).  Web Series: "The Battery's Down" (L. Dorman)  Thank you to family, friends, Scudder, and Mickey!  Love you!

Julius Thomas III Julius Thomas III (Antonio, Bum) Julius is thrilled to be kicking butt and taking names in Soulsville! National Tours: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Nov.), Xanadu 1st National (Tersicore/Young Danny), 25...Spelling Bee 1st National (Mitch/Chip U.S.). He recently created the role of Buford in Hunter Foster's Bonnie And Clyde with Sutton Foster, Will Swenson and Debra Monk! Other regional credits: C.C. White in Dreamgirls (West Virginia Public), Mereb in Aida (Lyric Theatre Oklahoma), No Moe in 5 Guys Named Moe (Lyric & Stage One), and lots more! Thanks to cast, crew, and family! Thundercats HO!
- THE PRODUCTION TEAM -
Travis Kramer (Book & Lyrics)
is the creator and writer/lyricist of It's Karate, Kid! The Musical (Best Musical, NYIT Awards 2005), co-book writer of Wine Lovers the wine-tasting musical, writer/lyricist of Sex Road To Ruin from The Paperback Musical, and lyricist of original compositions for the Resonance Ensemble premiere of Charles L. Mee's Mail Order Bride. Travis has also written pop culture parodies for Cracked Magazine, illustrated "Florida Marlins From A To Z" for Barnes & Noble, and designed publicity and props for the Off-Broadway cabarets It's Me, Baby, It's Kevin! and Impossible Bitch!. Other freelance work includes feature articles and editorial illustrations for various trade publications and commissioned tattoo designs. Travis is currently preparing the musical biography of Natalie Larios entitled "Every Girl Wants To Be A Chelsea Girl, Girl." Viva la buss!
Tom Oster (Music)
Tom co-created, co-wrote, and co-directed the original 1999 version of It's Karate, Kid! The Musical. As Tommy Shagreen, he has produced and remixed various hip-hop, rock, and dance acts, notably Tokyo's "Yellow Peril," Moscow's "Miusha," and Toledo's "The Flosse Posse," and is currently working on an album with Congolese singer/model Josianne Mpwo, aka "Lady Lungs." As Bat Markles, he is a local events planner in Toledo, Ohio whose recent successes include "The 3rd Annual Jalapeño-Popper-Hop" and "Lebanese Thanksgiving in March." Next on his agenda is the score to "Miriam Mirabal" - a docudrama about a Cuban Palo Mayombe priestess accused of stealing corpses in New Jersey. Tom extends a very special merci beaucoup to the "Four Corners" for inviting me to be a sort of 5th Corner (or is it wheel?), to Matt & Yentl for patience, tolerance and suggestions, to Ryan for kicking the whole thing off, and to Sam, Helen, Matt & Lisa, and Jacques de Heaule for inspiration and other stuff.
Jake Hirzel (Producer, Director)
Produced and directed the 2005 NYIT Award-winner for Best Musical, It’s Karate, Kid! The Musical. Other directing credits include: Comme Tu Veux (Laurie Beechman Theatre); the New Orleans production of Wine Lovers, The World’s First Interactive Wine-Tasting Musical; Conor McPherson’s This Lime Tree Bower (The Belt Theater); and It’s Me, Baby! It’s Kevin! (Upstairs at Rose’s Turn). He is grateful to have spent the past 9 years in general management at Alan Wasser Associates, where he is currently Associate General Manager for the Tony Awards.
Jennifer L. Mudge (Choreographer)
Jen is excited to be a part of this hot show. She has been dancing since the age of 8 in both Virginia and New York. A former competitive dancer, she has competed and attended master classes at Dance Masters of America and Dance Makers, Inc. A graduate of the theatre program at James Madison University, her performing, directing and choreography credits include: Little Shop of Horrors, Man of La Mancha, Blood Brothers, Follies, and Brigadoon. Choreography credits also include: It's Karate, Kid! The Muscial (winner, NYIT Award for Best Choreography), The Chris Betz Show and the Off-Broadway production of Tango 'Til They're Sore at the Flea Theatre.
Nick Francone (Scenic Design)
Design credits include work with the Vampire Cowboys (Resident Scenic and Lighting designer), Roundtable Ensemble, Prospect Theater Company, the Summer Play Festival, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Second Generation, Alter Ego, Six Figures, Ballet Hispanico, the Four Corners Project, Princeton University, ReVision Theater, and many more.  Associate Design Credits include the Tony Award-winning set for Wicked (and adaptations around the world), 9 to 5, The Pirate Queen, You're Welcome America, The Homecoming, Drunk Enough to Say I Love You, A Number, and Imagine This with Eugene Lee, Scenic Coordination for Pope Benedict's visit (Yankee Stadium and St. Joseph's Seminary).
Sidney Shannon (Costume Design)
SIdney has designed multiple shows for Prospect Theatre Company, Resonance Ensemble, Milkcan Theatre Company, 78th Street Theatre Lab, Boomerang Theatre Company, and Oberon Theatre Ensemble. Design credits also include: It’s Karate, Kid the Musical; Love According to Luc at The Greenwich Street Theatre; Fit to Kill at 42nd Street Stages; Crazy for the Dog at Jean Coctaeu Rep; Follow Me, the Musical for Praise Motion Inc.; and Hell House for Les Freres Corbusier. Assistant Design credits include: Producers (1st and 2nd National Tours, Las Vegas), Hairspray (1st National Tour and Toronto), Double Feature (New York City Ballet), Saddle Up! (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre), Company (Cinncinnati Playhouse and Broadway), The Most Happy Fella (New York City Opera), Peter Grimes (The Metropolitian Opera), and A Catered Affair (Broadway and The Old Globe). Sidney is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon School of Drama, and winner of the 2005 NYIT Award for Costume Design.
Bill Sheehan (Lighting Design)
Bill Sheehan has been a theatrical lighting designer for the past twenty-five years. He has designed lighting and pyrotechnics for drama, dance, musical theatre, and special events. He learned film lighting as a cameraman with Michael Landon Productions in Hollywood and has applied those techniques to the stage. His designs have been seen in California, Northwest Ohio, and New York. Bill has authored many articles in professional lighting publications and has recently published his first children’s novel. In 2005 he was nominated for a NYIT Award for his lighting design on It’s Karate, Kid! The Musical. He currently lives in New York and designs for the Off-Broadway theatre community.
Carl Casella & Chris Cronin (Sound Design)
Teaming up for some new shows, they have between them more then 30 years of experience designing theater, corporate and film events. Christopher Cronin: Broadway credits include: Will Ferrell’s Your Welcome America, The Vertical Hour, Faith Healer, Bridge and Tunnel, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Life (x) 3, The Graduate (B’way and Tour), Jackie Mason’s Prune Danish, and Much Ado about Everything. Mr. Cronin holds an M.F.A. from the Yale School of Drama. Carl Casella: Broadway credits include: Story of My Life; A Tale of Two Cities; Americian Buffalo; Xanadu;Ray Charles the Musical; Moon for the Misbegotten; Ring of Fire; Sly Fox; Little Shop of Horrors; A Member of Sound Associates, Inc. Both thank their families for the love, patience and support.
Justin Joseffy (Props Design)
Justin Joseffy is a designer and actor originally from New Hampshire. Favorite projects and designs include Evita in Guatemala City and the regional premieres of RENT (staring Kevin Smith Kirkwood!) and The Full Monty. www.weathervanetheatre.org
JP Nardecchia (Associate Lighting Design)
Currently living and working throughout NYC.  Lighting credits include A Chorus Line on Broadway (Lighting Intern), Altar Boyz First National Tour (Associate Lighting Design) and other smaller fun stuff.   So glad to be back with the "Four Corners" a mere 5 New York years later.  Thanks to Cody.
Justin Nardecchia (Assistant Lighting Design)
Justin has designed numerous events, theatrical and dance to television, clubs, and industrials. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, his work has been seen throughout the country, including the 2004 presidential campaign of John Kerry. Justin is also an accomplished actor and singer. He is thrilled to be a part of Dial 'N'.
Nehemiah Luckett (Assistant Musical Director)
Nehemiah is the Associate Director of Music/Composer-in-Residence at Asbury United Methodist Church in Westchester, NY. Music Direction credits include: Company, Man of No Importance, Bat Boy, Promenade, and Urinetown at Sarah Lawrence College (SLC) and Cyrano with the Asbury Summer Theater. Mr. Luckett is the director/conductor of the SLC Gospel Choir and assistant conductor of the SLC Chamber Choir. He is also a member of the voice faculty at The Dwight School in New York City. As a composer, he has written both sacred and secular choral music, chamber music and theater music; he serves as the Music Director/Composer for Private Ear Audio Theater; and his full-length musical, Brick by Brick ( Book and Lyrics by Ross Wade) was performed during the 2006-07 season and will have a reading at the Sage Theater in late October.
Brian D. Gold (Production Stage Manager)
graduated from Emerson College in 2006 with a BFA in Production/Stage Management. Select Credits: Pre-Broadway/Broadway Credits: Pal Joey (Production Assistant), 9 to 5 (PA). Off-Broadway: Forbidden Broadway (PA/Props); Public Theater: Twelfth Night (Shakespeare in the Park, PA), Fever Chart (PA), King Lear & Durango (SM Intern), Connect/Disconnect (Midtown Theater Festival, PSM). He is an alumnus of the Weathervane Theater after being part of their 2006 season. He is thrilled to be working on Dial 'N' and thanks everyone involved for their effort and support. Brian is a proud member of AEA. He dedicates his work to his brother Eric Gold, R.I.P. 1/20/08.
Meredith Brown (Assistant Stage Manager)
Meredith Brown is a recent graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in Theater. Originally from North Carolina, she also works as an electrician in her spare time.