
The producers of the new musical An Officer and a Gentleman, based on the Oscar-winning film and original screenplay by Douglas Day Stewart, announced today that the world premiere will take place in Las Vegas at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on October 26-31, 2021 followed by a multi-season tour that will visit more than 50 cities in the 2021-2022 season.
The cast for the North American tour will star Wes Williams as Zack and Mia Massaro as Paula in the title roles, along with Emily Louise Franklin as Lynette, Ramone Nelson as Sid, Amaya White as Casey Seeger, Roxy York as Esther and David Wayne Britton as Marine Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley.
Rounding out the ensemble are Zare Anguay, J Travis Cooper, Christopher Robert Hanford, Kyler Hershman, Joey Ledonio, Nathaniel D. Lee, Cameron Loyal, Logan Marks, Nicole Morris, Blake Sauceda, Elise Shangold, KD Stevens, Shelly Verdenand Jillian Worthing.
“A great movie can imbed itself into the cultural memory of a generation. Our goal was to build on that memory, finding new ways into the story through the lens of musical theater,” says producer Stephen Gabriel of Work Light Productions.
“We have been waiting a long time to present shows again to our Southern Nevada community, and hosting the world premiere of An Officer and a Gentleman means that Southern Nevadans will be the very first to ever see this incredible production,” said Myron Martin, president and CEO of The Smith Center. “With our world-class venue and our welcoming community that is eager to see quality shows, we know that The Smith Center will be the perfect launching pad for this exciting national tour.”
“Like all good stories, An Officer and a Gentleman is set in a specific world with its own culture, customs and costumes—the U.S. Navy,” says co-writer and director Dick Scanlan. “And like all great stories, its themes are universal: love, valor and the ways in which our reasons for pursuing a dream determine whether or not we’ll achieve it.”
Featuring a score based on the 1980’s catalogue of music that gave voice to a generation, the show includes hits from Rick Springfield, Styx, Debbie Gibson, Richard Marx, Wilson Phillips, Pat Benatar, and the Grammy-winning #1 hit single “Up Where We Belong.” An Officer and a Gentleman is written and directed by multiple Tony Award-nominee Dick Scanlan (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Everyday Rapture), choreographed by Patricia Wilcox (Motown, A Night with Janis Joplin) and music supervised and arranged by Dan Lipton (The Band’s Visit, The Last Ship), with orchestrations by Dan Lipton and Nathan Dame, dance arrangements by Gary Adler. Matt Kunkel will serve as Associate Director.
The design team includes scenic design by Brett Banakis, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Jen Schriever, sound design by Jon Weston, wig & hair design by Kelley Jordan, video design by Austin Switser and casting by Wojcik | Seay Casting. The live stage production is based on an original book by Douglas Day Stewart and Sharleen Cooper Cohen.
An Officer and a Gentleman celebrates triumph over adversity. Zack Mayo has the raw talent and strength for the US Navy’s Officer Training School. Graduating from the elite program will secure Zack’s career and future. But only the brave and determined can endure the relentless commands of Drill Sergeant Foley, who is determined to weed out all those unable to pass the strenuous tests of knowledge, coordination and strength. On his journey of self-discovery, Zack finds comfort in the arms of a strong-willed local factory worker. But it isn’t until tragedy befalls a fellow candidate that Zack learns the importance of friendship, commitment and honor, finds the courage to be his best self, and wins the heart of the woman he loves.
An Officer and a Gentleman will run technical rehearsals at the Clemens Center in Elmira, NY during October prior to its official premiere at The Smith Center in Las Vegas from October 26-31. The North American tour will then travel to more than 50 cities. Click here to view the current tour route.
An Officer and a Gentleman is produced by Work Light Productions, in association with Jamie Wilson. The musical was developed in part during a quarantined workshop on location in Cleveland, OH at Playhouse Square with the tremendous support from University Hospitals, the Cleveland Clinic, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
For more information visit http://officerandagentlemanmusical.com/.
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS:
Dick Scanlan (Director, Co-Author) has written the musicals Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony Award for Best Musical), Everyday Rapture (co-written with Sherie Rene Scott/Tony nomination for Best Book), Renascence (Transport Group/co-directed with Jack Cummings III/Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical), a revised version of The Unsinkable Molly Brown (Transport Group/ Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Revival/Drama Desk nomination for Best Book) and Extraordinary (A.R.T. at Cambridge). Also with Sherie Rene Scott, he co-wrote the play Whorl Inside a Loop (Second Stage/co-directed with Michael Mayer), and with Jeanine Tesori, he wrote the song “The Girl in 14G” for Kristin Chenoweth. Mr. Scanlan served as Script Consultant to the legendary Berry Gordy in connection with Motown The Musical. In 2015, he directed Jake Gyllenhaal and Ellen Greene in Little Shop of Horrors at Encores! Off-Center, named one of the best productions of the year by every major critic. He also directed Sherie Rene Scott and Norbert Leo Butz in Twohander at 54 Below. His novel, Does Freddy Dance, was published in 1995 to glowing reviews and was reissued in paperback in 1997, both by Alyson Publications. His short fiction has been seen in numerous literary journals and commercial magazines, and is included in the inaugural edition of Best American Gay Fiction (Little, Brown). He has published numerous articles and essays in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, The Village Voice, Playboy and many other publications.
Douglas Day Stewart (Co-Author of the Book and Original Screenplay). Douglas Day Stewart is best known for his original screenplay An Officer and a Gentleman, which was based on his own experiences as a Naval Officer Candidate in 1965, undergoing rigorous training while dating a local factory girl. In addition to the many accolades and awards garnered by the film, “Officer” was recently listed by the American Film Institute as one of the ten highest grossing love stories in cinema history. A medical problem would knock Stewart out of his dream to fly jets but he would go on to serve on a top-secret team of Naval and Marine officers that sent the entire population of Marines at Camp Pendleton to Vietnam, thus ending the United States’ “police action” and starting “The Vietnam War.” Other writing credits include the enduring first Blue Lagoon with Brooke Shields, the acclaimed The Boy In the Plastic Bubble (the ABC television movie that launched John Travolta’s career), and The Scarlet Letter, take on Hawthorne’s classic novel, starring Demi Moore. Stewart wrote and directed the cult favorite Thief of Hearts (which boasts clubs of devoted women around the United States) and the controversial Listen to Me, about college debaters forced to take both sides of the abortion issue. Stewart has been nominated for an Academy Award, an Emmy, and for numerous Writers Guild Awards. He is the father of three, sons Dylan and Sean, and daughter Shady. He is married to artist Judith Gersten. Stewart has recently completed his screenplay An Officer and a Gentleman – The Final Act, the long-awaited sequel to his original, which will go before cameras this year, starring the original actors along with a young leading lady who will play Zack and Paula’s daughter as she relives her father’s journey from the first film.
Sharleen Cooper Cohen (Co-Author). Sharleen Cooper Cohen’s first career was as a highly successful interior designer. Her work appeared in House Beautiful, Architectural Digest and the Los Angeles Times Home Magazine. After losing her first husband she turned to writing to process her grief. Seven published novels later The Day After Tomorrow, Regina’s Song, The Ladies of Beverley Hills, Marital Affairs, Love Sex and Money, Lives of Value and Innocent Gestures, over two million copies are in print in the U.S., Italy, Spain, Norway, Sweden, China and The United Kingdom. Three were optioned for film and television. Her earliest theatre project, Sheba, Sharleen wrote and co-produced (book and lyrics) with music by Gary William Friedman, Off-Broadway in partnership with the Jewish Repertory Theatre. It was on the of JRT’s most successful productions and garnered an excellent New York Times review. The SHEBA CD was released in January 2000 by Original Cast Records. In 2003, SHEBA was updated: songs added, the score re-orchestrated, to make it a Pop Rock Gospel Musical. Presented in Los Angeles in 2004 as a community outreach project, it brought together the African-American and Jewish communities in an entertainment experience and enjoyed the support of L.A.’s religious leaders. Shebawas awarded Honorable Mention in the Stage Play Script Category of the 2004 Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. Amas Musical Theatre produced readings of SHEBA at the 2005 New York Music Theatre Festival, directed by Iona Morris. Her second original musical, the Story of Lena Horne, began with various readings in New York, and Los Angeles. Stormy Weather was awarded Honorable Mention in the Stage Play Script Category of the Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. A workshop of Stormy Weather was produced by Amas Musical Theatre at The Signature Theatre, starring Leslie Uggams. The world premiere of Stormy Weather: Imagining Lena Horne, starring Leslie Uggams, Kearran Giovanni, Davis Gaines and Kevyn Morrow, was presented in February – March 2007 at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia and broke all box office records. In January 2009, The Pasadena Playhouse presented the West Coast premiere of Stormy Weather starring Leslie Uggams. It was held over through March 8 by popular demand and broke all box office records. Sharleen served as producer on Broadway’s Indecent (Tony nomination), An American in Paris (Tony nomination), The Velocity of Autumn and Street Corner Symphony. In London’s West End, she produced Jerry Herman’s The Best of Times at the Vaudeville Theatre. Other co-producing and associate producing credits include: Bingo, Duet and Cookin’ at the Cookery. Other projects in development include: Blackout with lyrics by Cooper Cohen, and music by award-winning composer Debra Barsha (Radiant Baby), Who Killed Marilyn? a play in one act, Paying Natasha, a screenplay in pre-production, and Pop Nation, where she will serve as producer. Cooper Cohen serves on the board of Amas Musical Theatre, Living Heritage Foundation, and is Vice President of The American Friends of The National Trust of Italy (FAI).
Patricia Wilcox (Choreographer) choreographed the Broadway smash hit Motown The Musical for which she received the 2013 Fred Astaire Award and the 2015 NAACP Award for Best Choreography. She also choreographed A Night with Janis Joplin on Broadway which garnered multiple awards both in NY and on tour. Her Off-Broadway/ National credits include the critically acclaimed Little Shop of Horrors at City Center starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Ellen Greene, Children’s Letters to God, Bowfire which included a PBS Television Special, Blues in the Night (NAACP Nomination), and Seussical. West End/London and UK Tour: Motown The Musical. Her selected regional theatres include A Swell Party at The Kennedy Center, The Secret Garden at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Bye Bye Birdie and The Music Man at Goodspeed Opera House, Peter and the Starcatcher and Mamma Mia at Pioneer Theatre Company, Pirates of Penzance at Missouri Rep, Aida at North Shore Music Theatre, The Pajama Game at Marriott Lincolnshire (JEFF Nomination), Jesus Christ Superstar and Cabaret at Sacramento Music, Hair and My Fair Lady at Arizona Theatre Company, and Guys and Dolls at Paper Mill Playhouse. She co-conceived A Marvelous Party which has been produced in over 20 theatres and has garnered as many awards. International credits include Falco, A Cyber Show at the Ronacher Theatre in Vienna, A Magic Night at the Berns Theatre in Stockholm, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Stanislavski-Danchenko Moscow Arts Center. Ms. Wilcox created original works for the Houston Symphony, Minnesota Pops, Phoenix Symphony, Lyrics and Lyricists, Broadway Under the Stars, and ice skating medalists for the 2006, 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. Ms. Wilcox is on faculty at Steps Studio, is a visiting guest artist to the renowned Jacob’s Pillow, and has been a guest lecturer and artist literally all over the world. Ms. Wilcox proudly created, directed and choreographed Elements, Paradis and Illusionarium for Norwegian Cruise Line.
Dan Lipton (Music Supervisor, Arranger, Orchestrator) conducted The Band’s Visit and The Last Ship by Sting on Broadway. He scored the film All These Small Moments, starring Molly Ringwald and Jemima Kirke, released by Orion Classics. Recently: Music Director for Martha Plimpton’s concert of Aimee Mann songs at Lincoln Center American Songbook, supervision and orchestrations for The Other Josh Cohen Off-Broadway. Longtime Music Director for Kelli O’Hara, he has arranged music and led bands for Brian d’Arcy James, Judy Kuhn, Sherie Rene Scott, John Lithgow and Audra McDonald, performing at the White House, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center and on “Live with Kelly Ripa,”“Great Performances,” “Today” and “Late Show with David Letterman.” Pianist on 3 Grammy-nominated albums, other music direction credits include: The Drama Desk Awards, The Coast of Utopia (Broadway), Don’t Quit Your Night Job (Off-Broadway), The Bridge Project with Sam Mendes (BAM, Old Vic) and Herringbone with BD Wong and Roger Rees (Williamstown, La Jolla Playhouse). With Rick Elice and David Rossmer, he is writing Hasbro’s Broadway-bound musical MONOPOLY.
Nathan Dame (Orchestrator) is a composer, music director, and orchestrator originally from Ogden, Utah. His musical based on Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle has been developed at Goodspeed Musicals and Bucks County Playhouse. Some credits as Music Director include: Off-Broadway: Pretty Filthy (The Civilians, Original Cast Recording); Dying For It (Atlantic Theater Company); Mr. Burns (associate music director, Playwrights Horizons). Regional: Be More Chill (Two River Theater, Original Cast Recording); A Little Night Music (Berkshire Theatre Group); Pump Boys and Dinettes (Geva Theatre). Developmental work at Playwrights Horizons, Ars Nova, Aspen Theatre Festival, among many others.
Gary Adler (Dance Arranger) is a conductor, pianist and composer in New York City. He served as the music director/arranger/composer for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for eight years. He also music directed Avenue Q for its six year run on Broadway. As a writer, Gary received two 2005 Drama Desk nominations for his music and lyrics for the off-Broadway hit Altar Boyz. For Disney Channel, he created the musical world for Johnny and the Sprites, starring John Tartaglia. Gary also wrote the dance music for Jimmy Buffett’s Escape To Margaritaville on Broadway. He co-produced and arranged two albums for Broadway’s Telly Leung, and has toured extensively with Chita Rivera.
Matt Kunkel (Associate Director). Recent Directing: The Sound of Music, An Evening with the Stars, Celebration of Muny 100 (The Muny), Follow the Fellow… (L&L/92nd St Y), Elf, Sunset Boulevard (Engeman Theatre). Associate/Assistant Credits: Candide (Carnegie Hall), The Music Man, Tommy, Footloose (Kennedy Center), Elf The Musical (National Tour), Renascence (Transport Group), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Actors Fund) and Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (The Muny/TUTS). Faculty: The Growing Studio & The Governors School (Norfolk, VA). BFA: University of Michigan. mattkunkel.com @mattkunkel
Brett Banakis (Scenic Designer) is a designer for theatre, opera, film, environment and live performance based in Brooklyn, NY. Brett’s Broadway design credits include The Cher Show, and upcoming productions of The Devil Wears Prada, The Notebook and Three Sisters. Brett currently serves as International Scenic Supervisor for all worldwide productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Broadway, West End, Melbourne, San Francisco, Hamburg, Toronto, Japan). Brett oversaw the architectural and interior redesign of the Lyric Theater on Broadway as part of the Harry Potter production move from the West End, and has similarly redesigned the Princess Theater in Melbourne, the Curran Theater in San Francisco, the Großmarkt Theater in Hamburg, and the Ed Mirvish Theater in Toronto. Brett is a faculty member of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he teaches a range of graduate design skills courses. Brett holds a B.A. in Theater Arts from UCLA and an M.F.A. in Design for Stage and Film from NYU.
Emilio Sosa (Costume Designer). Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Emilio is one of Broadway’s most unique talents. He began his theater career at Grace Costumes, starting as a shopper, and eventually becoming its Creative Director. He credits this time as the foundation for his career. Emilio went on to tour the world with Celine Dion, The Alvin Ailey Dance Company, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Emilio made a name for himself styling music videos for Hip Hop pioneers, Salt & Pepa, MC Lyte, and Kid & Play to name a few. He has also designed for music icons Diana Ross, Mariah Carey and Gloria Estefan. Catching the eye of director Spike Lee, Emilio became his in-house stylist, working on national and international ad campaigns, before setting his sight on Broadway, where he was mentored by director George C. Wolfe, for whom he designed his first Broadway show, Topdog/Underdog. His other Broadway credits include, On Your Feet!, Motown The Musical, Porgy and Bess (Tony Award nom) and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. He shares the unique distinction of being the first designer of color to design The Radio City Music Hall Spring Spectacular and a new permanent number for the legendary Christmas Show, both starring The Rockettes. He has received both Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations and has been the recipient a Lucille Lortell Award, NAACP Theater Awards, and LA Ovation Award. Emilio’s talent was also evident on season seven of Project Runway and Project Runway All Stars, where he showed his final collection on all models of color, a first for the popular franchise. The proud Chair of the American Theater Wing. Emilio shares his vast theater knowledge with communities rarely represented, by sponsoring theater trips, workshops and talk backs. “I believe theater is the perfect way to build bridges amongst different people to create a greater understanding of the world we live in.” @esosafashion
Jen Schriever (Lighting Designer). Broadway: Grand Horizons, What the Constitution Means to Me (also on Amazon),The Lifespan of a Fact, Eclipsed, Ghetto Klown. Off-Broadway: Power Strip (LCT 3), A Strange Loop (Playwrights Horizons); Superhero(Second Stage); Thom Pain, Night is a Room (Signature); Collective Rage, School Girls…. (MCC); Usual Girls, Bobbie Clearly, On the Exhale (Roundabout); Dan Cody’s Yacht, In the Body of the World (Manhattan Theatre Club);The Amateurs (Vineyard);Strange Interlude (Transport Group); The Moors (Playwrights Realm); Eclipsed, Toast, and A Second Chance (The Public). Currently on Tour: Blue Man Group National, What the Constitution Means to Me. Opera: Die Fledermaus, Pearl Fishers (Metropolitan); Faust, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, La Traviata (Mariinsky, Russia); and The Pearl Fishers (ENO). Mom: Henry. jenschriever.com
Jon Weston (Sound Designer). Paris and West End: An American in Paris; West End: Thoroughly Modern Millie; Rent; The Who’s Tommy. Broadway design credits include: Prince of Broadway; She Loves Me; Amazing Grace; An American in Paris; On the 20th Century; You Can’t Take It With You; The Bridges of Madison County; How to Succeed in Business…; The Color Purple; Caroline, or Change; Nine; The Green Bird; Thoroughly Modern Millie. Off Broadway and Regional: Unmasked: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber(Papermill Playhouse); Footloose(The Kennedy Center); Scotland, PA(Roundabout); Evita(Bay Street); Grey Gardens(Bay Street); The Last Five Years(Second Stage); Death Takes a Holiday(Roundabout); Parade (Mark Taper Forum); Family Guy, Live!(Carnegie Hall).
Kelley Jordan (Wig & Hair Designer) is a seasoned wig/hair designer, licensed cosmologist and savvy business woman with over 30 years of theatrical and concert experience. She has worked in hair and make-up at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis for over 30 years, including the most recent national tours of Hamilton and The Lion King. She is a member of IATSE Local 805 and a wig supervisor at The Muny, where she recently served as a wig designer for All Shook Up, Matildaand Annie. Her talents have also been seen in the movie A New Holiday and Oprah’s Lifeclass. Kelley credits her talents and her love for hair to her mother, Clara “Mickey” Wings – dreams do come true and all things are possible through God! Kelley is proud to be the first African American female wig designer at The Muny. K. Jordan Theatrical Academy opens soon!
Austin Switser (Video Designer). Recent projects include the operas Wustenblume (Theatre St Gallen), Tree of Codes(Spoleto Festival USA), Onegin (Spoleto Festival USA), Trojan Women (National Theater of Korea, Singapore International Festival of Arts, LIFT, Holland Festival, Wiener Festwochen), Paradise Interrupted (Spoleto Festival USA, Lincoln Center Festival, Singapore International Festival of Arts, Taipei National Theatre, MGM Theater Macau), Facing Goya (Spoleto Festival USA, Singapore International Festival of Arts), Émilie (Spoleto Festival USA, Lincoln Center Festival, Finnish National Opera) and Tristan and Isolde (The Dallas Opera). Select theatrical projects include He Brought Her Heart Back in Box (Theatre for A New Audience; Obie Award), Big Love (Signature Theatre), Sontag: Reborn, ¡El Conquistador! (New York Theatre Workshop), Strange Window: Turn of the Screw, Elements of Oz, House/Divided and Jet Lag 2010 (The Builders Association). Austin has worked regionally at the Mark Taper Forum, Ahmanson Theater, The Geffen Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, The Globe Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, Syracuse Stage and Second Stage. Austin is a graduate of California Institute of the Arts, and the creative director for the Brooklyn based projection design studio Switser + Knight. www.switserknight.com
Wojcik | Seay Casting (Casting Director). Owners Scott Wojcik and Gayle Seay cast in all mediums with Holly Buczek and Courtney Hammond. National and International tours: Jesus Christ Superstar, An Officer and a Gentleman, Something Rotten!, Rent 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour, Kinky Boots, Dreamgirls, Rock of Ages, Motown The Musical, Jekyll & Hyde, West Side Story-Tokyo, Nice Work…, Flashdance, Joseph… Dreamcoat, and A Chorus Line. Off-Broadway: Othello: The Remix, Church & State, The Portal, Tennessee Williams’ The Two Character Play, Handle With Care, Triassic Parq and more. In Development: SuperYou, Austen’s Pride. Regional: Multiple seasons/shows for Riverside Theatre, FL; Arvada Center, CO; John W. Engeman Theatre, NY; Theatre Raleigh, NC; Stages St. Louis, MO; Seattle 5th Avenue Theatre, WA; Theatre Aspen, CO; Tuacahn Performing Arts Center, UT https://wscasting.com/ @WScasting
Work Light Productions (Producer) is dedicated to creating and producing live entertainment. Formed in 2005 for purposes of developing new work for young audiences, WLP has since grown into a producing, investing, general management and technical supervision company with offices in Summit, NJ and Charleston, SC. WLP regularly employs over 200 actors, musicians, managers and technical crews on productions throughout the world. Broadway Investments: Ain’t Too Proud, Jagged Little Pill, Mrs. Doubtfire, Waitress, and Hamilton. Current and upcoming touring productions: Ain’t Too Proud, Rent 20th Anniversary Tour, and the Olivier Award winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar in North America, Australia and the UK. Producing Clue, a new comedy based on the Paramount movie, throughout the UK. Produced Julie Andrews, The Gift of Music at The Hollywood Bowl and London’s O2 Arena. Other recent touring productions include Motown, Mamma Mia!, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Bandstand, Something Rotten, R+H Cinderella, the Tony Award-winners American Idiot, In the Heights, and Avenue Q. WLP is led by founding partners Stephen Gabriel and Nancy Gabriel.
Jamie Wilson (Producer) born and raised in London, set up Jamie Wilson Productions in 2008. Now 33, Jamie has produced or co-produced over 75 productions in London, on Broadway, and on tour throughout the UK and internationally. For three years running, The Stage newspaper listed Jamie among the top 100 most influential people and partnerships in the theatre industry. London productions in 2019 included: On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas andNativity! The Musical. In 2022, Jamie is co-producing a highly anticipated, new version of Sister Act The Musical with Whoopi Goldberg, which will open in London before embarking on a 3 year international tour. Working alongside the Tony Award winning producer, Kevin McCollum, Jamie is co-producing Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical (currently on Broadway), and developing musical adaptations of The Devil Wears Prada, The Notebook and Night at the Museum. In summer 2021, as part of the reopening of theatres around the UK, Jamie will be relaunching The Watermill’s production of Tell Me on a Sunday, starring Jodie Prenger. Nativity! The Musical will also return for its fourth year in 2022, playing the Birmingham Rep Theatre, while the critically acclaimed production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will tour the UK in 2021 and 2022. Jamie is also co-producing the North American tour of the musical An Officer and a Gentleman, launching in Las Vegas this fall, and in 2022 will produce the European Premiere of Something Rotten! Jamie is a proud member of SOLT, the UK Theatre Association, the League of Independent Producers and is also a trustee of ‘Stage One’, supporting new producers. Jamie Wilson Productions management arm provides a wide range of services to the industry including market research and consultancy, general management, tour and logistics planning and a full accountancy service.
CAST BIOS:
Wes Williams (Zack Mayo). Having trouble articulating how lucky I feel for the opportunity to help tell this story. Recent theatre credits include: Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy), Proof (Hal) and Spring Awakening (u/s Melchior/Moritz, Swing). To Dick, Steve, Dan, the entire O/G team, Becky & Paul, Michele & Lisa, Mom, Dad, and the rest of my wonderfully supportive circle of friends & family: Thank you, so much. Nobody does it alone. Eris Talent Agency | CCU |wesawilliams.com | @wes.williams
Mia Massaro (Paula Pokrifki). So grateful to be making her National Tour debut with An Officer and a Gentleman. Regional credits: Nikki Sixx’s: The Heroin Diaries(Charlotte) Titanic (Kate McGowan), Merrily We Roll Along(Beth), Bare(Rory), Starlight Express (Dinah). BA, Marymount Manhattan College 2019 graduate. Much love and many thanks to the O&G team, Avalon Artists Group, Work Light, Wojcik | Seay Casting, Mom and Dad, and the whole squad! “You have nothing to prove, only to share.” @miacmassaro
David Wayne Britton (Marine Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley, Admiral Worley, Mr. Seeger) is a NYC based actor. TV/Film credits include “Law & Order”(Co-Star) and “American Gangster”(film starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe). Regional Theatre credits include: An Officer and a Gentleman (Readings and Workshop), A Few Good Men, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Alzheimer’s Monologues, The Exonerated and King Lear. David served in the United States Navy as an Aircraft Director on the USS Constellation and the USS Enterprise. Management: The Talent Express.
Emily Louise Franklin (Lynette Pomeroy) is stoked to be making her National Tour debut in An Officer and a Gentleman. She was last seen in the International Tour of A Chorus Line as Maggie. Thank you to Dick, Patty, Dan & Matt for making this the best experience possible, and to Wolf Talent Group for being the best agents. Pace MT 2018. Big hugs to my fam and my other half. @emfrank
Ramone Nelson (Sid Worley Jr.) is ecstatic to be joining the company of An Officer and a Gentleman! Originally from Atlanta, GA, he is a graduate of The Florida State University with a BFA in Music Theatre (Go Noles!). Regional credits: Footloose (Ren), Guys and Dolls (Nicely), In the Heights (Benny), Chicago (Billy Flynn). Thank you to the O&G Team, LINK, all of my teachers, The Hybrid Agency, and my family and friends for their love and support. @RamoneNelson. ramonenelson.com
Amaya White (Casey Seeger) is a native of New Jersey. She is thrilled to be in An Officer and a Gentleman. Recent credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Diva), Baby (Lizzie), and A Chorus Line (Bebe). Education: BFA, Montclair State University (Musical Theater), Growing Studio’s LINK Class of 2021. Huge thanks to my friends and family for their love and constant support. @yourstrulyamaya
Roxy York (Esther Pokrifki). A graduate from The Boston Conservatory and a Long Island native, Roxy has been to every contiguous state in the country after being on the National Tours of Bandstand (Mrs. June Adams), Beauty and the Beast (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Annie (Mrs. Pugh) and Flashdance (Ms. Wilde). Other credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Golde), Full Monty (Vicki Nichols) and several productions of Mamma Mia! Unending thanks to Stephen Gabriel and the entire Work Light Team for keeping the arts essential during an unparalleled time. Follow along at roxyyork.com and @roxyyork on Instagram.
Jillian Worthing (Ensemble, Dance Captain, u/s Paula, Lynette), a recent graduate of The Institute for American Musical Theatre in NYC, is thrilled to be going out on the road for the first time with the amazing cast and crew of An Officer and a Gentleman. Regionally, Jillian has been seen in Playhouse on the Square’s Tuck Everlasting, Matilda and Kinky Boots. All the thanks and love to An Officer and a Gentleman team, Wojik | Seay Casting, family, friends, IAMT instructors and c/o 2021, and my incredible parents. @thechillpilljill
Zare Anguay (Leung, Taekwondo Instructor). Last Seen in the 20th anniversary tour of Rent, Zare joins us from Honolulu, Hawaii. He thanks family, friends, Mr. Bright & Marcelo for (supporting) bringing him all this way! God bless!
J Travis Cooper (Swing, u/s Sid Worley Jr., Marine Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley) is a theatre artist raised in Norfolk, VA, a lover of video games and an educator. They received a B.A. in Musical Theatre from James Madison University in 2020, and are grateful for the help of their family and friends as well as Hudson Artists Agency.
Christopher Hanford (Greer, u/s Zack Mayo) grew up performing in Memphis, TN with his entire family. Credits: Cherchez La Femme (Off-Broadway); Saturday Night Fever (John W. Engeman Theater/Royal Caribbean Cruises); Legally Blonde, Hairspray (Playhouse on the Square). He would like to thank his family and friends for all their love and support.
Kyler Hershman (McNamara, u/s Zack Mayo) is elated to be making his National Tour debut! Kyler is a proud recipient of the 2019 Bobby G Award (Best Actor in a Leading Role) and was nominated to perform at the 2019 Jimmy Awards. Most recently, he graduated from The Institute for American Musical Theatre in NYC. Endless thanks to the AOAAG team, Wojcik | Seay Casting, family, friends, and teachers. All glory to Him. IG: @kylerhershman
Joey Ledonio (Swing). Grateful to be making his National Tour debut in An Officer and a Gentleman. Recent theatre credits include Signature Theatre’s A Chorus Line as a Swing. Thank you to Wojcik | Seay Casting, Mom & Dad, and you for being here! Pace MT 2019. The Luedtke Agency & Blue Ridge Entertainment. joeyledonio.com
Nathaniel D. Lee (Ensemble, u/s Sid Worley Jr.), otherwise known as Nate, is making his National Tour debut in An Officer and a Gentleman. He is a graduate of Millikin University where he received his BFA in Music Theatre. He would like to shout out to his mom and coach for their never-ending support and guidance. Huge thank you’s sent to the #HamFam and Wojcik | Seay Casting for the amazing opportunity. You can find Nate online @nathanieldlee
Cameron Loyal (Perryman, u/s Marine Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley). National Tour Debut! Most recent regional credits include Aida (WPPAC) and Legally Blonde (ARTSHHI). Workshops: An Officer and a Gentleman. Huge thanks to the creative team and Wojcik | Seay Casting. Grateful for the unending love and support from family, friends, and a great mentor. IG: @camomile.t
Logan Marks (Swing) was last seen on stage as Mark Cohen in the Rent 20th Anniversary tour and is thrilled to once again be traveling and sharing this new story! Much love and thanks to his family, friends, and everyone else who helped get him here. As always, for my parents. @loganalexmarks
Nicole Morris (Ensemble, u/s Casey Seeger) is thrilled to be joining An Officer and a Gentleman. Regional/Summer Stock: Dynamite in Hairspray (Laguna Playhouse); Sophie in Mamma Mia!, Rusty in Footloose (Clear Space Theatre Company). Nicole has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College. Thanks to Katie Murphy, Mom & Dad, Grandma & Grandma Honey, and Jenna.
Blake Sauceda (Zuniga, u/s Mr. Ruddiger, Captain Wagner, Troy, Zack’s Dad). National Tour debut! Blake is a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University, where he received his BFA in acting. He would like to thank his friends, family and mentors for the ongoing love and support. Instagram: @blakesauceda23
Elise Shangold (Ensemble, u/s Paula Pokrifki, Lynette Pomeroy). National Tour Debut! CT native and proud Belgian! Regional: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Lucy), Beehive (Wanda), 9 to 5 (Roz). Hair (Sheila). Workshops: An Officer and a Gentleman. Rider University BFA. GHAA & FWF alum. Much thanks to Wojcik | Seay Casting, Dick, Mom & Dad, family & friends! @eliseeshangold
KD Stevens (Cohen). Buffalo, NY native! National Tour: Rent 20th Anniversary (Swing, Mark u/s). Off-Broadway: Big Bang Theory Parody (Leonard). Regional: Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Spring Awakening (Georg). Workshops: An Officer and a Gentleman (Cohen). Lead Vocalist aboard AIDAcara. BFA from Fredonia State University. MWAH to Wojcik | Seay Casting and the creatives. KD-Stevens.com @kd_stevenz
Shelly Verden (Mr. Ruddiger, Captain Wagner, Troy, Zack’s Dad) is a songwriter and actor from Kansas City, MO. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Tristan, Matthew, Coldin, and friends. BFA Montclair State University. Represented by UIA Talent Agency.
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