Oliver Jeffers (Author) is a visual artist and author working in painting, bookmaking, illustration, collage, performance, and sculpture. Curiosity and humor are underlying themes throughout Oliver’s practice as an artist and storyteller. While investigating the ways the human mind understands its world, his work also functions as comic relief in the face of futility. Jeffers’ engagements and practice are truly international in scope. His critically acclaimed picture books have been translated into over fifty languages and sold over 14 million copies worldwide. His original artwork has been exhibited at such institutions as the Brooklyn Museum in New York, the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin, the National Portrait Gallery in London, and the Palais Auersperg in Vienna. Jeffers has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award, Bologna Rigazzi Award, An Irish Book Award, and a United Kingdom Literary Association Award. His nineteenth book as author and illustrator was released in October 2021, and he has illustrated several others. Oliver grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland; he currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. 

Madhuri Shekar (Playwright) Shekar was born in California and grew up in India. She is currently based in the New York region, having recently graduated from the Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program at Julliard. She writes on themes of love, relationships and sexuality inspired by her cross-cultural background. Madhuri’s plays include Dhaba on Devon Avenue (commissioned by Victory Gardens), House of Joy (California Shakespeare Theatre, San Diego Rep, developed at South Coast Rep, Juilliard, Atlantic, NY Stage and Film), Queen (Victory Gardens—2017 Jeff Award for Best New Play; APAC—NY Innovative Theatre Award for Outstanding Full Length Script; Geva Theatre Center), A Nice Indian Boy (East West Players, Rasaka Theatre Company, EnActe Arts), In Love and Warcraft (Kendeda Graduate Playwriting contest winner), Antigone, Presented by the Girls of St. Catherine’s (Alliance Theatre), and Bucket of Blessings (Alliance Theatre). Madhuri was one of the first recipients of Audible’s new commissioning program for emerging playwrights. Her audio drama, Evil Eye, debuted at #5 on Audible’s bestseller list, and won a 2020 Audie Award from the Audio Publishers Association for Best Original Work. The film adaptation is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime. In Hollywood, Madhuri was a staff writer on HBO’s The Nevers and is currently at work on a film to be announced soon. Madhuri is a Resident Playwright at New Dramatists. She has an MFA in Dramatic Writing from USC, and a dual Master’s degree in Global Media and Communications from the London School of Economics and USC. 

Jamil Jude (Director) is a highly accomplished director, producer, playwright, and dramaturg focusing on bringing socially relevant art to the community. Jamil is the Artistic Director at Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta, Georgia, where he previously severed as Associate Artistic Director. Additionally, he is the Co-Founder of The New Griots Festival, which is dedicated to celebrating, advocating, and advancing the careers of emerging Black artists in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area in Minnesota. Prior to joining the staff at True Colors, Jamil served as the Artistic Programming Associate at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul, a Producer in Residence at Minneapolis’ Mixed Blood Theatre, a New Play Producing Fellow at Arena Stage in Washington, DC and co-founded the Colored People’s Theatre. Among his many awards, Jamil has been named the recipient of the Turn The Spotlight Fellowship (18/19), Andrew W. Mellon/TCG Leadership U Fellowship (2015/17), Nautilus Music Theater Management Fellowship (2014/15), NNPN Producer Residency (2011/12; 2012/13), Jerome Foundation/The Playwrights’ Center Many Voices Mentorship (2013/14) and the Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship at Arena Stage (2009/10; 2010/11). Jamil received his Bachelors of Arts from Colgate University. 

Alexandria Joy (Artist/Olivia/Reporter/Books/Student/ASM/Dance Captain) [she/her] is excited to join The Incredible Book Eating Boy family. She is an ATL native who loves fun trips and mozzarella sticks. Special thanks and undying gratitude to her husband Terrence J. Smith and her amazing mother Siobhan for their unconditional love, inspiration, and support. Regional: Mother of God: A New Musical by Christian Magby and Christian Albright, Heathers: The Musical (Actors Express), The Boy Who Kissed The Sky, Beautiful Blackbird LIVE!, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience (Alliance Theatre), Spring Awakening, HAIR, Ragtime (Serenbe Playhouse), Ella Enchanted (Synchronicity Theatre), Jekyll and Hyde (Atlanta Lyric Theatre). TV/Film: Lovecraft Country. 2018-2019 Apprenticeship Company (Serenbe Playhouse). Education: BFA in Theatre, Emphasis Musical Theatre, Valdosta State University. “Hey Boba! This is the way. SKOL!” IG: @missalliejoy 

Rhyn McLemore (Ms. Penny/Mom/Books) is thrilled to be back with her Book Eating Boy fam! Other Alliance credits include Darlin’ Cory, Ever After (Suzi nomination), and A Christmas Carol. Other Atlanta credits: The Humans and Safety Net (Theatrical Outfit); Roe (Suzi nomination) and The Cake (Horizon Theatre); Fun Home, Stupid F***ing Bird, and Company (Actor's Express); Cinderella, The Bridges of Madison County, and Split in Three (Aurora Theatre); Dot (Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company). Off-Broadway: Dot (The Billie Holiday Theatre) and A World to Win (The York Theatre). Regional: Violet and The Crucible (Gallery Players); The Sound of Music (Sierra Repertory Theatre); The Spitfire Grill (Cape Fear Regional Theatre); A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Our Town (West Virginia Public Theatre); The Crucible and The Comedy of Errors (North Carolina Shakespeare Festival). Love and gratitude to her hubby, Caleb. BFA, Carnegie Mellon University. IG: @rhynmac. www.rhynmclemore.com

Adrienne Ocfemia (Henry) [she/her] is so honored to return to Alliance Theatre and be reunited with The Incredible Book Eating Boy family! Most recently, she participated in the 2023 Alliance/Kendeda Week staged reading of Ruth and Lydia (Child Ruth) and performed in Alliance’s 2022 production of A Christmas Carol (Melinda Cratchit/Child Wilkins/Want/Tiny Tim u/s). Her other credits include Stage Door Theatre (Prentiss in Peter and the Starcatcher); Aurora Theatre (Jane Banks in Mary Poppins); Horizon Theatre (Madeline in Madeline’s Christmas); Atlanta Lyric Theatre (Amanda Thripp/Matilda Wormwood u/s in Matilda the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Best of Broadway); City Springs Theatre Company (Billy Elliot, South Pacific); and The Atlanta Opera (Dead Man Walking). Special thanks to Jody Feldman, Chris Moses, Jamil Jude, the IBEB Team, and all her instructors and directors who have encouraged and supported her. When not training or performing, she enjoys playing the piano, cello, and ukulele, creating art, and spending time with family and friends. Love to her parents and older sister, Sophia. IG: @adrienne_aly.o 

Brad Raymond (Dad/Doctor/Game Show Host/Books) is so excited to be returning to The Incredible Book Eating Boy! He is especially excited about being a part of such a fun family production! Brad has performed as an actor, singer, or conductor at some of the art world’s most esteemed institutions including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Light Opera Works of Chicago, the Ravinia Festival, Arena Stage, The Broad Stage, The Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Opera, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, Theater Emory, Horizon Theatre, and Spivey Hall. Some of Brad’s favorite roles include: Homer in Lilies of the Field; Fetch in Fetch Clay, Make Man; Ronald in Born For This; and the Suzi Bass Award-winning performance as Blue in Chasin’ Dem Blues.

Juan Carlos Unzueta (Rover/Jeff/Reporter/Books/Student) Atlanta credits: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience, The Incredible Book Eating Boy, The Lizard and El Sol (Alliance Theatre); In The Heights, Christmas Canteen 2020-2022, País de Bicicleta, 2017 Suzi Award-winning TYA Production The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Beat Bugs A Musical Adventure (Aurora Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors, Merrily We Roll Along in Concert, and Fun Home (Actor’s Express); Freaky Friday (Horizon Theatre); Guys and Dolls, Luminous, and The Best of Broadway (Atlanta Lyric Theatre); Miss Bennet Christmas at Pemberley (Theatrical Outfit); Let’s Hang On (City Springs Theatre Company); NINE in Concert and Chess in Concert (Jennie T. Anderson Theatre); Songs for a New World (BUICEntennial Productions). Education: BFA, BA, University of North Florida. Other: Graphic Designer and Marketing Associate at Aurora Theatre, Film/TV/Commercial Representation by People Store. IG: @juancho181

Brooke Blackwell (u/s Ms. Penny/Mom/Book/Artist/Olivia/Reporter) is so excited to be joining Alliance Theatre in telling the delectable story of The Incredible Book Eating Boy! She recently graduated from Brenau University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite credits include Hope Cladwell in Urinetown (Gainesville Theatre Alliance), Jen in John and Jen (Gainesville Theatre Alliance), and Katherine Plumber in Newsies (The Holly Theatre). She also pursues acting for film/television and most notably portrays Young Taylor in the faith-based film: Most Wonderful Time. When she’s not on stage or in front of the camera, you might catch her voice acting behind the mic; most recently in a commercial for Citizen’s Bank. For more, check out her YouTube channel: “Brooke Blackwell” or her website: brookeblackwell.com Follow @brookeeblackwell 

Alexander Chen (u/s Henry) is thrilled and honored to return to this Incredible show! Theatre credits: Hyunsoo in Bina’s Six Apples, the Alliance’s world premiere production, which was Alex’s professional debut. Henry in The Incredible Book Eating Boy; Wizard of Oz (Atlanta Lyric Theatre); Beauty and the Beast; Moana. Alex’s performing includes karate, nunchucks, bow staff, piano, singing, and dancing. Alex would like to thank his Mom and Dad for their support and guidance. He dedicates this performance to his four grandparents, without whom this show would not have been possible. :) Represented by Alexander White Agency. 

Ian Sawan (u/s Dad/Doctor/Game Show Host/Books/Rover/Jeff/Reporter/Student) [he/him] is honored to be back at the Alliance understudying The Incredible Book Eating Boy! A proud Palestinian-Vietnamese actor and creative, Ian was raised in Doha, Qatar, graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s esteemed BA Acting program in 2020, and is now based in Atlanta, GA. Some credits include A Christmas Carol (Alliance Theatre), An Inspector Calls (Untethered Theatre Project), Pinocchio (Citizens Theatre), and Les Misérables (The Doha Players). He'd like to thank his family and friends for their unending support, you mean the world to him. Connect with him on social media @iansawan, and at www.iansawan.com 

Christian Albright (Lyricist) is thrilled to be working with the creative team behind the Alliance Theatre’s production of The Incredible Book Eating Boy. Credits include lyricist for the Seattle Film Festival Selectee, The BoomBox Saints, and Librettist and Co-Lyricist for the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival Selectee, Mother of God. Christian continues to write songs and lyrics for numerous artist in Atlanta as well develop musicals and screenplays. Mother of God, co-created with Christian Magby, will be making its main stage premiere this December! Christian is very thankful for the support of his parents, family and friends!

Follow @christianjalbright 

Kat Conley (Scenic Designer) is ecstatic to return to the Alliance. She has designed more than 30 Alliance productions, including Courtenay’s Cabaret, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Wizard of Oz. Kat has designed scenery for Arena Stage, Orlando Shakespeare, the Kennedy Center, Georgia Shakespeare, Marin Theatre Company, Actor’s Express, The Atlanta Ballet, The Center for Puppetry Arts, 7 Stages, Theatrical Outfit, Synchronicity Theatre, Theatre in the Square, and Aurora Theatre. She continues to be the Charge Scenic Artist for the Alliance Theatre. Whether dramatically challenging, visionary, or escapist, all theater and art is important; thank you for supporting it in our community. 

An-lin Dauber (Costume Designer; she/her) is excited to be returning to the Alliance Theatre for The Incredible Book Eating Boy! She previously designed sets and costumes for A Christmas Carol: The Live Radio Play. Favorite costume designs include Paul Swan is Dead and Gone; What You Are Now (The Civilians), The Song of Summer (Mixed Blood Theatre), The Kind Ones (Magic Theater), Common Ground Revisited (Huntington Theatre Company), It’s A Wonderful Life; Lost in Yonkers (Hartford Stage), Seven Guitars (Yale Repertory Theatre), Into the Woods (Arkansas Repertory Theater), And Then They Came For Me (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), The Thanksgiving Play (Virginia Stage Company), Macbeth (Theater Alaska), The Seagull (Serenbe Playhouse). She is a company member of The Williams Project, a living wage theater company committed to radical hospitality. MFA Yale School of Drama. Member local USA 829.

www.anlindauber.com 

CBD (Music Director; he/they, aka “Chris Brent Davis”) Chris Brent Davis aka CBD is an Atlanta-born music director, pianist, conductor, arranger, and goofball. Off-Broadway/National Tour: Greenwood: the Musical (Original Cast — NYMF, starring Andrea McArdle), Della’s Diner (Music Director/Conductor, Springer Theatricals). Regional Credits: john & jen, Spring Awakening (freeFall Theatre Co.), Les Misérables (The Springer Opera House), and Children’s Letters To God (Suzi Nom., The Legacy Theatre). CBD served as Resident Music Director for Serenbe Playhouse from 2015-2019, on their landmark productions of Titanic, Miss Saigon (Suzi Bass Award), and Carousel. Following that, CBD served as Resident MD for City Springs Theatre, working on Holiday Inn, Mary Poppins, Hairspray, and A Gentleman’s Guide To Love & Murder (City Springs). He is a member of the Broadway Dreams Foundation faculty, serving as music director and pianist. This performance and every performance is dedicated to his #1 cheerleader, Nana!

Follow @cbd.the.real 

Jeremiah Davison (Sound Designer) is super excited to be back at Alliance Theatre! Some of his credits include: Do You Love The Dark? (TVY Alliance Theatre); Bootycandy, Home Town Boy, Heather's: The Musical, Head Over Heels, and Audio Engineer for The Color Purple Musical (Suzi Award Winner for Best Sound Design – Actor’s Express). The Light (Horizon); Cinderella, Song & Dance (Aurora Theatre); Fires in a Mirror (Theatrical Outfit), Mirandy & Brother Wind, Ella Enchanted (Synchronicity). And Step Afrika’s National Tour of Drumfolk, which appeared Off-Broadway at The New Victory Theatre. He has also served as the Associate Sound Designer for Hands Up (Alliance Theatre); An Octoroon, Jump (Actors Express); Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night Time, Pipeline (Aurora Theatre); Skeleton Crew (Westport Country Playhouse, CT); Too Heavy for Your Pocket (George Street Playhouse, NJ). He is a University of West Georgia and Georgia State Perimeter College alum. Davison is a Co-Founder and the Director of Operations of Multiband Studios LLC.

Follow @MultibandStudiosLLC 

Christian Magby (Music) is an actor and composer, is thrilled to be back at Alliance Theatre, where he was last seen in A Christmas Carol, 2019. He can currently be seen in the CW hit series, The Flash, as Deon Owens, the Still Force, the latest cosmic force to be introduced to the Arrowverse. Magby can also be seen in the Oscar nominated, Amazon feature One Night in Miami, directed by Regina King, starring opposite Leslie Odom Jr., Aldis Hodge and Lance Reddick. Magby has worked in the music departments for the NBC/Universal musical films Dear Evan Hansen and Pitch Perfect 3. He has worked as an actor and music director in many of the theaters in Atlanta, including Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre, Horizon Theatre Company, Theatrical Outfit, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, among others. His newest musical, Mother of God, will be premiering this December at Southwest Arts Center. SCAD Grad. YEA Alum.

Follow @christianmagby 

Sam Provenzano (Associate Director) Provenzano is a director, dramaturg, and teaching artist currently based in Denver and Atlanta. She is a Resident Artist and Teen Programs Manager at the Alliance Theater. She has more than a decade of experience making work as an educator and director with institutions across the globe, including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver Art Museum, Blanton Museum of Art, the University of Exeter, the High Museum of Art, the Contemporary Austin, and the University of Texas at Austin. Recent directing credits include: Knock, Knock (Alliance Theater), Gimme Please! (Alliance Theater), anon(ymous) (UT Austin), Human Enthusiasts (High Museum of Art), and All Smiles (Alliance Theatre). Sam has her MFA in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities from UT Austin with a focus on theater for young audiences, museum theater, and new play development. 

Ben Rawson (Lighting Designer) is an Atlanta-based Lighting Designer for Theatre, Opera, and Dance, member USA 829. Theatrical/Opera design work can be seen at The Alliance Theatre, Michigan Opera Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, Atlanta Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Theatrical Outfit, Actors Express, Aurora Theatre, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, 7 Stages, and Synchronicity Theatre. Dance design work includes choreographers Ana Maria Lucaciu, Troy Schumacher, Danielle Agami, and Claudia Schreier as well as with Atlanta Ballet, Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre, BalletCollective, Fly On A Wall, Staibdance, Bluebird Uncaged, Proia Dance Project, and Emily Cargill and Dancers. Ben has also worked across the country as an Associate & Assistant Lighting Designer for San Diego Opera (CA), The Alliance Theatre (GA), Berkshire Theatre Festival (MA), Atlanta Opera (GA), Utah Opera (UT), Atlanta Ballet (GA), and Playmakers Repertory Company (NC). benrawsondesign.com 

Danielle Swatzie (Choreographer; she/her) is thrilled to join the creative team of The Incredible Book Eating Boy at the Alliance Theatre. Danielle Swatzie was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance from The University of the Arts under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield in Spring 2019. Swatzie is a Director, Choreographer, Movement Artist, and Freelance Dancer based in the southern city. She has presented growing roots through concrete, her debut dance film premiering at The Modern Atlanta Dance Festival (MAD). In addition to her latest work, META, created through Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company as a Dihvinely Konnecked Fellow, which later won Best Music and Dance Video at the BronzeLens Film Festival. Swatzie’s work extends into academia, where she has set work on Spelman Dance Theatre, and has nourished her craft through residencies through organizations like Dance Canvas. As a freelance dancer, she can be seen on Television Networks such as BET, YouTube RED, Amazon Video, and Apple TV, in addition to performance on independent films, and with project based companies.

Follow @daniswatziee
www.danielleswatzie.com

Liz Campbell (Stage Manager) local credits include: Bina’s Six Apples, A Christmas Carol, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, Max Makes a Million, The Wizard of Oz, Paige in Full, Winnie the Pooh, The Jungle Book, The Dancing Granny, Cinderella and Fella, Ugly Lies the Bone, Pancakes, Pancakes!, Tiger Style!, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, James and the Giant Peach, Shrek, and Charlotte’s Web (Alliance Theatre); The Drowsy Chaperone, Camelot, The World Goes Round, Million Dollar Quartet, Monty Python's Spamalot, and Ragtime. (Atlanta Lyric Theatre); Book of Will and It’s a Wonderful Life (Theatrical Outfit). She has been the Stage Manager for the GHSMTA (Shuler Awards) since 2015. She holds a BFA in Theatre from Niagara University. Member of Actors’ Equity Association. Co-founder of Atlanta Theatre Artists for Justice. Love to Ali and Maggie. 

Eliza Craft (Stage Management Production Assistant/Young Performer Supervisor) is so excited to work on her first production with the Alliance! Previous credits include Guys and Dolls (Atlanta Lyric Theatre); Bootycandy (Actor’s Express); RENT, Jitney, The SpongeBob Musical, and The Spitfire Grill (Kennesaw State University). She just graduated with a BA in Theatre and Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University. Lots of love to her amazing family and mentors. 

Amanda Perez (Stage Management Production Assistant) Alliance Theatre credits include: Bina’s Six Apples, Dream Hou$e, A Christmas Carol, Beautiful Blackbird Live!. Other Atlanta credits include: Chess, Nine (Jennie T. Anderson Theatre); The Best of Broadway, Luminous, Oliver (Atlanta Lyric); Leading Ladies, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Driving Miss Daisy, Bullets Over Broadway (Georgia Ensemble Theatre). She’d like to thank her husband and daughter for all their love and support.