Tituss Burgess (Music & Lyrics) A veteran of the stage, Tituss Burgess was most recently seen on Broadway in Moulin Rouge! in the role of Harold Zidler. Tituss made his Broadway debut as Eddie in Good Vibrations and has played Hal Miller in the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys, Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the 2009 revival of Guys and Dolls, and Sebastian in the original Broadway cast of The Little Mermaid. For four seasons he starred as Titus Andromedon in the hit Netflix comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, receiving nominations for four consecutive Emmy Awards, a SAG Award, and two Critics’ Choice TV Awards. He reprised his role in the Netflix interactive special Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting actor. Tituss was also recently seen in the second season of the Apple TV+ musical comedy Schmigadoon! Previously, he starred in the Netflix films Set It Up and Dolemite Is My Name, as well as MGM’s Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect. An accomplished voice actor, Tituss starred in the animated musical comedy series Central Park for Apple TV+, for which he was nominated for his sixth Emmy Award. Tituss is thrilled to be debuting his music and lyrics in the world premiere of The Preacher's Wife at the Alliance Theatre. 

Azie Dungey (Book) is a WGA-nominated writer and actress who was most recently a Co-Executive Producer on Night Court for NBC. Previously, she was Co-EP on Tina Fey's Girls5eva and consulting-producer on Rutherford Falls, both on NBC/Peacock. Prior to that, she also wrote on Harlem (Amazon), the Emmy-nominated show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix), and on the drama Sweetbitter for PlanB (Starz). She is best known as writer and star of her critically-acclaimed Youtube series Ask a Slave, a satirical critique of race and gender in these here United States with over 2.5 million views, and for which she was featured on NPR, BBC World, MSNBC, New York Magazine, The Washington Post, among others. A graduate of Tisch School of the Arts at NYU in drama, vocal performance, and anthropology, she has been a visiting scholar to Yale, Brown University, Columbia, and was a Fellow-in-Residence at the Center for the Study of Democracy, St Mary’s College. Azie is African American, and Pamunkey/Mattaponi (Powhatan Confederacy of Virginia) and she is committed to confronting issues of race, history, and social injustice with grace, compassion, and humor.

Michael Arden (Director) won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Direction for Parade, which will play a national tour in 2024. Michael was also Tony nominated for Once On This Island and Spring Awakening. Michael wrote and directed Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol which played the Nederlander Theatre last Holiday season and starred Jefferson Mays. Michael will soon helm the new Stephen Schwartz and Lindsey Ferrentino musical The Queen of Versailles starring Kristin Chenowith and a new musical adaptation of the cult film The Lost Boys. Other directing credits include: Maybe Happy Ending at the Atlanta Alliance, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat  at Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, and site specific works: American Dream Study and ALIEN/NATION with his company The Forest of Arden. Arden has been named on Variety’s Impact List and is the winner of an NAACP Award for best direction of his revival of Merrily We Roll Along. In addition to directing theater in America and around the globe, Michael regularly directs “The Connors” on ABC, and has appeared in numerous features and TV shows, most notably: Grey’s Anatomy, Bride Wars, Anger Management, Source Code, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. On stage, Arden has appeared on Broadway in Big River; The Times, They Are A-Changin’, and King Lear. Arden is a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and alumni of the Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School. 

Tinashe Kajese-Bolden (Director, Jennings Hertz Artistic Director) Jennings Hertz Artistic Director at the Alliance Theatre. Originally from Zimbabwe, Kajese-Bolden combines her commitment to great art, deep education and community empowerment with an agile enthusiasm and unflappable, calm energy to inspire new possibilities. Kajese-Bolden honed her directing and producing skills as a freelance director working in regional houses across the country and on set.  As a director and actor, she fosters deep ongoing collaborations with playwrights and has mounted innovative and critically acclaimed productions that merge elegant, theatrical designs with complicated human stories. A Princess Grace Award 2019 Winner for Directing, and Map Fund Award recipient as a director and actor, she has worked On + Off Broadway as well as recurring roles in the Marvel universe Guardians of the Galaxy: Xmas Special, Suicide Squad, Hawkeye, and CW’s Valor, Dynasty, HBO’s Henrietta Lacks, Ava Duverney’s Cherish the Day, among others. Up next, she is developing a new Opera, Forsythe is Flooding: The Joy of Lake Lanier, and proudly serves on the ARTS-ATL Artist Advisory Council. “My mission is the pursuit of what connects our different communities and how we create art that liberates us to imagine a more inclusive future.” Huge thanks to Michael Arden for embracing this collaboration with such love, to Tituss and Azie for bringing such an iconic story to our city, the incredible Alliance staff for going above and beyond, my family who taught me the meaning of faith, and my Angel on earth, Keith.

Jōvan Dansberry (Associate Choreographer) is a St. Louis native who received his Bachelor of Arts from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Now based in New York City, Jōvan is a performer and choreographer in both the theatre and commercial sectors, as well as a professor of dance at Rider University.  Broadway/Tours: Bob Fosse’s Dancin’, Wicked, King Kong. Theater: The Metropolitan Opera, Roundabout Theater Company, New York City Center. TV/Live Performance: “SNL!”, “The Tonight Show”, The Tony Awards, “POSE,” “Up Here.” Outer Critics Circle Special Achievement in Theater. Jōvan is excited to begin this new creative journey as an Associate Choreographer with the Alliance Theatre and The Preacher’s Wife family; an abundance of gratitude to Matthew Johnson Harris for bringing him on board.

Matthew Johnson Harris (Choreography) [he/him] is excited to be making his Alliance Debut! His favorite credits include choreographing Take Me To The World: A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim at Carnegie Hall and serving on the directing teams for the Tony Nominated Play Hangmen, Tony Winning Musical Revival of Parade, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He is a core instructor at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Extension. In 2016, Matthew founded The Mosaic Project in collaboration with Middle Church, which raises money for different nonprofits that support marginalized groups and promotes interfaith through concerts and productions starring Broadway performers. Under his direction there have been 13 productions, featuring 100+ Broadway Performers, and over $100,000 raised. He aspires to tell stories that celebrate individual identity while simultaneously creating more intersectionality. He would like to thank Tituss Burgess for consistently supporting him in his career and Jovan Dansberry for helping him articulate his vision with precision. Special shout to Mark and Louie. He is a proud alum of The BTC Apprenticeship Program, The William Esper Studio, and Collin College. Instagram: @MatthewJohnsonHarris

Emilio Ramos (Associate Director) Honoured to work amongst this incredible cast and creative team. www.emilioramosonline.com @lilporkbunz

James Sampliner (Music Supervisor/Music Director/Orchestrator/Arranger) is a highly regarded veteran music director, keyboardist, record producer, arranger, and orchestrator in the NYC theatrical community and beyond. NYC theater credits include: (Encores!) The Life (Bway) Prince Of Broadway, Honeymoon In Vegas, Legally Blonde, The Wedding Singer, BKLYN, Never Gonna Dance. (Off-Bway) Songs For A New World, Himself & Nora, The Mistress Cycle, Ghetto Superstar, Radiant Baby. Regionally, Mr. Sampliner has been involved in countless productions as MD and/or orchestrator for new musicals in development. Mr. Sampliner is also an MD for countless Broadway artists for concerts worldwide. Artists include Billy Porter (20 years as writing partner/MD), Tituss Burgess, Mandy Gonzalez, Patina Miller, Norm Lewis, Shoshana Bean, Eden Espinosa, Rob McClure, Bobby Conte, Amanda Green, Javier Muñoz, and countless others. TV work includes music for FX’s Pose (S2, Ep 6), American Horror Story (S11, Ep 6) and Fox’s Accused (S1, Ep 5). TV appearances include two specials for PBS’ American Songbook series (Patina Miller & Billy Porter, respectively). Recordings include seven original cast recordings, as well as with Billy Porter (At The Corner Of Broadway & Soul, Billy’s Back On Broadway, The Soul Of Richard Rodgers), Bobby Conte (Along The Way) & Tituss Burgess (Saint Tituss). Many thanks to this fantastic team for continuing to bring him along for the ride and he is happy to be back in the ATL after many years. IG: @samps42

John Gentry Tennyson (Associate Music Director) is an emerging conductor for Broadway who is well-known for his skills as a pianist, orchestrator, composer, and music director. He has worked with numerous Tony and Grammy-winning artists, including Jennifer Holliday, Siedah Garrett, BJ Crosby, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Nita Whitaker, The Pointer Sisters, Holland Dozier & Holland, Maurice White, Al Di Meola, and Les Paul. At present, Tennyson serves as music director and composer for the new Broadway show, ”The Book of Ruth," written by Harry Lennix of, “The Blacklist.” He is also the lead orchestrator and music director for the upcoming show "Here's To Life," which showcases the life of the legendary American jazz singer Joe Williams, starring Keith David. Additionally, Tennyson is orchestrating "Tin Angel," an opera by the world-renowned American composer Daniel Asia, scheduled for a world premiere at Teatro Grattacielo in New York City in 2025. Tennyson has worked with esteemed opera and musical theatre directors such as Francesca Zambello, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, George C. Wolfe, Wayne Cilento, George Faison, Otis Sallid, and Andre De Shields, as well as Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sarah Brightman. He has also served as the music director for Opera Noir, the African American opera ensemble in Los Angeles.

Sarafina Bush (Costume Design) Broadway: The Who’s Tommy, The Outsiders, How to Dance in Ohio, For Colored Girls… (Tony Award Nominee), Pass Over. Off-Broadway: Oliver! (City Center Encores), Evanston Salt Costs Climbing (The New Group), Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Playwrights Horizons), Broadway Bounty Hunter (Greenwich House), Plot Points, Pass Over (LCT3). Regional: Peter Pan (National Tour), The Who’s Tommy (Goodman Theatre), The Outsiders (La Jolla Playhouse), Life After (Goodman Theatre), Afterwords (5th Avenue). Education: BA, Adelphi University.

SKYLAR FOX (Magic & Illusions Designer) is an Obie Award-winning director, writer, and designer based in Brooklyn, NY. He is the co-artistic director of Nightdrive, where he has directed, designed, and co-written The Grown-Ups (Time Out New York's Top 10 NYC Theatre Productions of the Year), Alien Nation, Providence, RI, Thank You Sorry, and Apathy Boy. Other directing includes the world premiere of Pussy Sludge (Here Arts Center), and the Boston premiere of Sarah Ruhl’s Passion Play (IRNE Award Nomination). In his other life, he designs and stages magic for theatre. Broadway: Fat Ham; associate designer for Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, Back to the Future, and A Beautiful Noise. Off-Broadway/International: Once Upon A Mattress (City Center ENCORES!), Boop! (Broadway in Chicago), The Comeuppance (Signature Theatre, Almeida), You Will Get Sick (Roundabout Theatre Company), Wicked, Matilda (Atelier de Cultura, São Paulo) Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (London Grand, Ontario) and Damn Yankees (Shaw Festival). skylarfox.com & nightdrive.org

Cookie Jordan (Wig Design) Broadway: Merrily We Roll Along, Camelot, The Piano Lesson, Into the Woods, Trouble in Mind, Clyde’s, POTUS, Slave Play, Choir Boy, The Cher Show, Once on This Island, Sunday in the Park with George, In Transit, Eclipsed, Side Show, After Midnight, Fela!, A View from the Bridge. Off-Broadway: Familiar, Hir, Cloud Nine, Skeleton Crew, Eclipsed, Gloria, Liquid Plain, Hurt Village, An Octoroon. Regional: Side Show (La Jolla Playhouse, Kennedy Center). Tours: Fela! (national tour), Fela! (European tour), Dirty Dancing, Flashdance (national tour). Television: Makeup designer, NBC’s The Wiz Live!

Dane Laffrey (Scenic Design) is a designer and creative based in New York City. At the Alliance Dane previously designed the set for Maybe Happy Ending. With Michael Arden on Broadway: set for Parade (Jacobs); set and costumes for Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (Nederlander), which he co-conceived with Arden and for which he was nominated for Hewes and Tony Awards; the 2018 Tony-winning revival of Once On This Island (Circle in the Square) for which he received Henry Hewes, Drama Desk and Tony Award nominations; set and costumes for the acclaimed Deaf West revival of Spring Awakening (Brooks Atkinson). Elsewhere he and Arden have collaborated on Guys and Dolls (Toho, Imperial Theatre Tokyo), Merrily We Roll Along (Wallis Annenberg), Annie (The Hollywood Bowl) and many forthcoming projects, including Queen of Versailles. Laffrey and Arden are partners in At Rise Creative which won a 2023 Tony For Best Revival of a Musical for Parade. He has designed for most major off-Broadway theaters including Roundabout, Manhattan Theatre Club (also Fool for Love on Broadway), Lincoln Center Theatre, Second Stage, The Public, Playwrights Horizons, and others. Laffrey also designed Disney’s Hercules, currently running in Hamburg, Germany.

Joshua D. Reid (Sound Design) [he/him] is a sound and systems designer based in New York City and has worked extensively on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional, and International Productions, National Tours, and Sound System Installations. Recent design selections include: RENT (Stratford Festival), A Christmas Carol (Broadway: w/Jefferson Mays, Tony Nomination, Outer Critics Circle Award), Ragtime (Calgary Philharmonic), Million Dollar Quartet (Theatre Calgary), A Little Night Music (Arizona Opera), Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (National Tours), The Color Purple (National Tour), Girlfriend (TheatreWorks Hartford, CT Critics Circle Award), Jerry Springer: The Opera (Signature Theatre), A Time Like This (Carnegie Hall). Full credentials listed at ReidSoundDesign.com

Jennifer Schriever (Lighting Design) BROADWAY: Mother Play, A Strange Loop (Tony nomination), Death of a Salesman (Tony nomination), 1776, Birthday Candles, Lackawanna Blues, Grand Horizons, What the Constitution Means to Me, The Lifespan of a Fact, Eclipsed, John Leguizamo’s Ghetto Klown. SELECTED OFF-BROADWAY: Spain, White Girl In Danger, To My Girls, SuperHero (Second Stage); Which Way to The Stage, Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties, School Girls or the African Mean Girls Play (MCC); The Moors (Playwrights Realm); Shhhh (Atlantic); A Bright New Boise, My Broken Language, Thom Pain, Night is a Room (Signature); Strange Interlude (Transport Group). REGIONAL: The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical (ACT), A Transparent Musical (Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles). OPERA: A Thousand Splendid Suns (World Premiere, Seattle Opera), Die Fledermaus, Pearl Fishers (Metropolitan); Faust, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, La Traviata (Mariinsky, Russia); and The Pearl Fishers (ENO). Obie Award for sustained excellence in design. TEACHING: Adjunct Professor, Purchase College. Mom: Henry. www.jenschriever.com.

Teresa L. Williams (Scenic Design) is a theatre and film designer originally from New Orleans, LA and currently based in New York. Recent NY: Triple Threat (T32 Theatrical), The Cotillion (New Georges/The Movement Theatre Company), Til Death (Abingdon Theatre Company), Queens Girl in the World (Abingdon Theatre Company). Regional: Ragtime (American Stage Theater), Slave Play (Short North Stage), Into the Woods (Short North Stage), The Dutchman (American Stage Theater). Education: MFA in scenic design (NYU Tisch School of the Arts). tlwilliamsdesign.com @T_Louise_

Wesley J. Barnes (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Alliance Theatre debut. LA native-CUI Alum. Favorite credits include Broadway National tour of Mean Girls, the 50th Anniversary National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, Kinky Boots, Choir Boy, The Tap Dance Kid, Newsies, Godspell, The Scottsboro Boys, Hairspray, Sophisticated Ladies, In the Heights, etc. When not performing, his passion is put to work as an arts educator, inspiring performers to continue to reach their full potential. To aid this mission Wesley has just founded an organization called The MPACT (Mentoring Performing Artists and Curating Talent) Group. Jer 29:11 www.wesleyjbarnes.com 

Brianna Bellamy (Ensemble, u/s Jeremiah, Hakeem) aka Brianna Raquel is excited to be a part of the cast of The Preacher’s Wife. Her credits are: The Color Purple the musical as Celie, Aida the musical as Aida, Seussical the Musical as Gertrude, and Once On This Island as Erzulie, just to name a few. She holds the Lead Thespian title, the most likely to be on Broadway Award, Artist of the Year and The Peer Choice Award, all in the years of 2022-2023 at Rainbow Park Elementary Magnet School, in Miami, Florida. Under the study of Yensina Ozuna, who is now the theater teacher at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts in Atlanta, Georgia. Brianna is currently enrolled at Utopian Academy Of The Arts, under the mentorship of Ms. Fredena Williams, who is the theater teacher at the school and also a talented opera singer. Brianna, would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her and shines a big light on her parents for believing in her and supporting her dreams.

Angela Birchett (Ensemble, u/s Marguerite Coleman) [she/her] is over the moon to be a part of The Preacher's Wife at the Alliance! She was last seen on the PaperMill Playhouse stage (Recipient of the 2016 Regional Theater TONY award) in After Midnight and ACT’s (San Francisco) world premiere of Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. Birchett made her Broadway debut with the 2015 Revival of The Color Purple. Other credits include: Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Once On This Island, Rent, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Grease. Television and film highlights include Lifetime’s The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas, and Kevin Can Wait (CBS). @angelabirchett (IG) for more!

Laila Bollar (u/s Jeremiah, Hakeem) is thrilled to be making her professional theater debut at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta playing understudy and onstage ensemble in the world premiere production of The Preacher's Wife. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Laila has loved acting, singing, and theater since she was four years old! She trains at Studio 27 Talent, and attended the Mike Beaty Model and Talent Expo in 2023, where she was named Entertainer of the Year! She is thankful to her agent, Susan Wright of Ann Wright Representatives (NY), to Cheryl Harris of Studio 27 (ATL) and for her previous work at The Legacy Theatre, where she performed in The Little Mermaid and Encanto. In her spare time, Laila enjoys time with her younger brother, family and friends. Laila would like to express her gratitude to her parents for their encouragement and support as she continues to pursue her acting career. Visit her at @lailabee2023 on social media.  

Melessie Clark (Ensemble, u/s Monique) is thrilled to join the cast of The Preacher’s Wife at Alliance Theatre! Hailing from Pittsburgh with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Point Park University, Melessie recently made her Off-Broadway debut in A Sign of the Times at New World Stages. Her other credits include PCLO’s Once on This Island (Mama Euralie), Into the Woods (Lucinda), The Wizard of Oz (Glinda), Pittsburgh Public Theatre’s Two Trains Running (Risa), Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette), School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play (Eloise), and Goddess (Grio Trio) at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Melessie would love to thank her friends and family for their continuous love and support. “To God be the glory for the things He has done!” Instagram: @melessieclark 

Rebecca E. Covington (Beverly) is thrilled to be making her Alliance Theatre debut! Favorite credits include: Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds in Hamilton (National Tour), Janelle Woods in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Broadway & National Tour), Grace Farrell in Annie (Alabama Shakespeare Theatre), Charlayne in Ain’t Misbehavin' (International Tour), Ali in Mamma Mia (National Tour), and ensemble in the Original Broadway Cast of Motown: the Musical! She holds a BM from Belmont University. Thank you to The Preacher’s Wife team and Stewart Talent. To Donald Webber Jr — I love you. For D3 & LZ — our beautiful children. Thank you to my beyond supportive family — mommy is back to work! Isaiah 40:31 Instagram: @RoRoWebb

Loretta Devine (Marguerite Coleman) Originated on Broadway the role of Lorrell in Michael Bennett’s Dreamgirls, followed up by Bob Fosse’s Big Deal, George C. Wolfe’s The Colored Museum, and Lady Day at the Emerson Bar and Grill. Known in television for her Emmy-winning role of Adele in “Grey’s Anatomy” as well as starring in the series “Boston Public,” “Eli Stone,” “The Carmichael Show,” “Family Reunion,” and recurring roles in “P-Valley,” “Kingdom Business,” and “Being Mary Jane.” In movies she is well-loved from Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher’s Wife, Urban Legend, Jumping the Broom, Madea’s Big Happy Family, For Colored Girls, and the Academy Award-winning Crash. She has won ten  NAACP Image Awards for film and television. Loretta voices many animated series including  the Award-winning Disney series “Doc McStuffins” as well as “The Loud House,” “Young Love,” and “Eureka.”

In 2020 Cyniah walked onto the national stage of American Idol, where she captured the hearts of not only the judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan but also the hearts of America. She made it all the way to the top 20 and was brought back the following season as a fan favorite in the top 10. Since then, she’s appeared in The Wiz, A Chorus Line, Hairspray, and Dreamgirls. Cyniah has gone viral numerous times, most recently for singing “And I Am Telling You,” which has reached over 2 million views and she was given the stamp of approval by Jennifer Hudson herself! Follow @cyniah.elise and stay tuned to her upcoming music release later this year.

Alan H. Green (Joe Hamilton) Broadway: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, School of Rock, Sister Act, Play On!. Original Cast Albums include Broadway shows and: The Jerusalem Syndrome, 17 Again, Broadway Bounty Hunter, Freaky Friday, and Carols for a Cure. First National Tours: 25th Annual... Spelling Bee, Swing!, Smokey Joe’s Cafe. International: Miss Saigon (sung in German). PreBroadway: The Karate Kid at Stages St Louis, The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation at Seattle 5th Avenue, AD 16 at Olney Theatre. TV: Almost Family, Unforgettable, Murphy Brown, 30 Rock, Peter Pan Live!, Law & Order SVU, The Guiding Light. Awards: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical (Berkie), Best Performer in a Streamed Musical (BroadwayWorld). Board Member Barrington Stage; BA in Vocal Performance Rice University; Deacon at Metro Baptist Church NYC. IG: @alanhgreen   

Darius Harper (Ensemble, u/s Dudley, Joe) 
[he/they] is thrilled to bring this production to the iconic Alliance Theatre. Credits include Kinky Boots (Lola) [1st Natl Tour, PCLO, Riverside Theatre], Once On This Island (Papa Ge) [PCLO], Grease (Teen Angel) [Fulton Theatre]. Darius originated the vocalist in Cirque Du Soleil's VOLTA, streaming on AppleTV and Spotify. Huge thanks to Tara Rubin casting, Tituss Burgess, and my Hudson Artists Family! @dariusharius 

Toneisha Harris (Ensemble, u/s Marguerite) [she/her] is thrilled to join the cast of The Preacher’s Wife at the Alliance Theatre! Favorite credits include Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray (Broadway National Tour), Shug Avery in The Color Purple (CFRT Fayetteville), and Pharaoh in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Riverside Theatre). She is the Runner Up from season 18 of NBC’s The Voice, and performed with Nick Jonas on Saturday Nite Live. Toneisha is grateful for her family and friends for their support! Find her on social media: @iamtoneishaharris   

Shaq Hester (Ensemble/Partial Swing, u/s Ol’ Mac) [he/him] is proud to join the cast of the much-anticipated new musical, The Preacher’s Wife premiering at The Alliance Theatre! His favorite roles include Harpo in The Color Purple (Short North Stage, dir. by Vasthy Mompoint), Wes in The View Upstairs (The Progressive Theatre), Little Moe in Five Guys Named Moe (Workshop Theatre of SC). His off-Broadway features include Antigone in Ferguson (Theater of War) with Chris Noth and Lewberger & the Wizard of Friendship (Theatre Row), directed by The Try Guys’ Keith Habersberger. He performed as a Vocalist-Musician in Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company’s Bessie Award-Winning Deep Blue Sea (Park Avenue Armory, 2021) and Vocal Arranger in the 2021 Pyer Moss Couture Runway Show (Villa Lewaro). He holds music degrees from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and the University of South Carolina. As a Paterson, New Jersey churchboy who religiously watched reruns of The Preacher’s Wife (1996), Shaq shouts out his beloved village, family, and the Divine. God be God’ing. Learn more at shaqhester.com & stream his single, “Soft.” | Instagram: @shaq.hester 

Brianna Javis (Partial Swing/Ensemble, u/s Ensemble) is blessed with the opportunity to join the cast of The Preacher’s Wife at the Alliance Theatre! Past credits include: The international tour of Dreamgirls (Effie,alt), National Tour of The Magic TreeHouse: Showtime with Shakespeare (Morgan LeFaye). Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Disaster! (LeVora Verona), The Rochester Opera House. Grease (Jan), Axelrod Performing Arts Center. Smokey Joe’s Cafe (BJ), Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center. Other credits include: Pippin (The Leading Player) and Hairspray (Dynamite/Shayna). With training from various programs in the New York/New Jersey area, she is thrilled to be a part of something that stirs up so many good memories! A special thank you to ALL her friends, family, and Hell’s Kitchen Agency for all the support! Find her on instagram: @brijavis 

Ashley Jenkins (u/s Julia, Ilona, Delphine) [she/her] is thrilled to join the cast of The Preacher's Wife at the Alliance Theatre! Favorite credits include Zulena in PASSING (Netflix), Celie in The Color Purple (Nat'l Tour), and Sarabi in The Lion King (Broadway). She holds a B.S. in Sociology from Shenandoah University and was formally trained at Stella Adler Acting Conservatory. Ashley is beyond grateful for the undying support of her husband, Anthony, her mom, Tari, and her sweet babies, August & Alex. Find her on IG: @ashleywjenki 

Jahi Kearse (Deacon Lewis, u/s Henry Biggs) [he/him] is overjoyed to return home to the Alliance Theatre, as part of this vibrant musical. He was last seen in productions of 5 Guys Named Moe, A Christmas Carol, Seussical The Musical, Debbie Allen’s Souls Possessed, Woody Guthrie's American Song, and The Hobbit (The Alliance Theatre); Broadway credits include: Ain’t Too Proud (The Imperial Theater); Holler If Ya Hear Me (The Palace Theater); Baby It’s You (The Broadhurst Theater). Off Broadway and Regional Theater Credits include: The Total Bent; Fortress Of Solitude (The Public Theater); Maurice Hines’ Yo Alice (Radio City Music Hall); Anais Mitchell’s Hadestown (NSF); The Hippest Trip: The SoulTrain Musical (A.C.T); Passing Strange; Motherf**ker with the Hat; Topdog/Underdog. (Studio Theater). Satchmo at the Waldorf (B St Theatre) Fun Fact: As a founding member of The Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and an alumni of Tri-Cities Highschool VPA, Jahi began his lifelong theatrical career in 1987, as a child performer in the Alliance Theatre’s production of The Gospel at Colonus, starring Morgan Freeman. Follow my journey online at IG/FB: @jahikearse To my Family & Friends….143. 

Davis Matthews (Hakeem/Ensemble, u/s Jeremiah) Born in Chicago and raised in New York, Davis is thrilled to join the world premiere of this extraordinary production! Davis started performing when he was six and feels incredibly blessed to share his talents. His previous credits include Broadway: The Lion King (Minskoff Theater), and Off-Broadway: A Soulful Christmas (Marjorie S. Dean Theater). Davis hopes to inspire other kids to pursue their dreams and just be themselves! He extends his deepest gratitude to God for this wonderful opportunity and to his loving family, supportive friends, and Gill Talent Group. Let’s Gooo! I Cor 10:31. IG: @iamdavismatthews

Cameron McCrae (Jeremiah/Ensemble) [he/him] is making his professional stage debut in the opening of The Preacher’s Wife at the Alliance Theatre! Cameron has been part of many ensemble groups performing at the private learning institution, The Ron Clark Academy, where he is currently a fifth grader. You may have caught his viral video on social media as he sang alongside Keyshia Cole! Performing on stage is only one of his many talents. Cameron also plays the keyboard, is mastering his drumming skills, and enjoys flexing his vocals. Outside of the performance arena, Cameron excels in sports, playing quarterback for the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation where he’s achieved all-star status in both football and basketball. 

Harper Miles (Ensemble, u/s Ensemble) feels extremely blessed being a part of A Preacher’s Wife. She was last seen originating the role of La Chocolat in the 1st National tour of Moulin Rouge The Musical. She was also Radio 3 in the hit Broadway revival Caroline, or Change at Roundabout Theatre Company. Her other credits include; Zahara in Bat Out of Hell at New York City Center, Lucille/Shirelles in the National tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and LA PRIDE 2021 with Christina Aguilera. Harper wants to continue to tell black stories and be representation for young people who look like her. Grateful to God, family, and her LG management team for the constant support. IG @harpermiles 

Amma Osei (Ensemble, u/s Beverly) [she/her] is excited to be making her Alliance Theatre debut! Amma most recently completed her second season at Broadway at Music Circus, playing Joanne Jefferson in Rent and Sarah's Friend in Ragtime. Broadway: Rock of Ages (Justice). National and International Tours: Pretty Woman: The Musical (Violetta), Rock of Ages (Justice), Dreamgirls (Effie), Fame (Ms. Sherman). Regional: The Color Purple (Sofia), Saturday Night Fever (Candy), Gypsy (Mazeppa), Seussical (Sour Kangaroo), Big River (Alice), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Armelia), All Shook Up (Sylvia), Little Shop of Horrors (Ronette), The Who’s Tommy (Acid Queen), A Night with Janis Joplin (Joplin Aire). Thanks to Whole Artist Management, Daniel Hoff Agency, and to my friends and family for your guidance, support, and belief in me. @AmmaOseiNYC

Wayne Pretlow (Ol’ Mac/Ensemble, u/s Deacon Johnson, Deacon Lewis) is pleased to join the Alliance family and work with such an amazing cast and crew. He has worked with some of Broadway’s most respected directors from Charles Randolph-Wright to the late Hal Prince… Broadway, Off-Broadway, international theater: 1999 Tony Nominated for The Civil War (original cast member), 2017 World premiere of Roman Holiday, European tour: Ain’t Misbehavin’. Many New York City Centers Encores! Concerts: critics mention New York Times for New York Encores! Off-Center production of Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope, directed and choreographed by Savion Glover. Television: guest and co-starring roles: Law and Order, Law and Order SVU, Hulu: Monsterland, HBO: Love Life, Blue Bloods, Madam Secretary, The Good Wife, Person of Interest, Madam Secretary, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Luke Cage, and House of Cards. Films: Like Sunday Like Rain, Cannes Festival winner Next Stop Wonderland, The Accident, and Yardbird Houston in the short film In Retrospect. He has appeared on The Rosie O’Donnell Show: The David Letterman Show, The Chris Rock Show, and The Dave Chappelle Show and has done over 100 regional and national commercials. Awards/Nominations: Winner Boston’s 2013 * I.R.N.E. Nominated 2000 *Helen Hayes Award. TGBTG
 

Brad Raymond (Deacon Johnson/Ensemble, u/s Ensemble)  is so excited to be a part of this amazing World Premiere!! 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, The Denver Center, 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, Narrator in Passing Strange, Ronald in Born For This, and the Suzi Bass Award-winning performance as Blue in Chasin’ Dem Blues. You may have recently seen Brad as Big Slim in the Warner Bros. movie version of The Color Purple Musical! 

Amber Riley (Julia Biggs) is a multi-faceted entertainer who has accumulated various titles over the years including GRAMMY-nominated singer, SAG Award-winning actress and acclaimed theater performer. The Compton native rose to success for her portrayal of Mercedes Jones on FOX’s critically-acclaimed series, Glee, where she shined as the show’s powerhouse vocalist. Riley went on to star in live TV adaptations of The Wiz Live! and The Little Mermaid Live! She is also notably known for her stunning performance as Effie White in the West End debut of Dreamgirls in the fall of 2016 for which she won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2017. In 2020, Amber released her debut EP, titled after her new moniker, RILEY, which received praise from outlets like Good Morning America, ESSENCE, Interview, ELLE, UPROXX, VIBE and Rated R&B. Riley made history in 2022, becoming the first celebrity ever to win both The Masked Singer and Dancing With The Stars. Most recently, she starred in the Lifetime original film, Single Black Female 2: Simone’s Revenge, which is the sequel to the 2022 film that brought in over 8 million total viewers and was the network’s No. 1 original non-holiday movie of 2022. 

Kala Ross (Ensemble, u/s Ilona, Delphine, Ensemble) returns to the Alliance Theatre for the world premiere of The Preacher’s Wife! Her recent credits include For Colored Girls (Broadway), Show Way the Musical (Kennedy Center Tour), The Gospel Woman (Off-Broadway), and Hands Up (Alliance Theatre). Kala is also the creator of the independent web series, “Welcome to NY.” A Georgia native, Kala earned an M.F.A. from the University of Louisville and a bachelor’s in theatre from Tennessee State University. She was a True Colors Theatre August Wilson Monologue Competition finalist and an Irene Ryan Award Winner. Kala is also a former theatre teacher at Luella High School! Kala thanks Hudson Artists Agency, family, friends, her cast mates, and the production team. With hard work and faith, any dream is possible. Connect with Kala on Instagram @KalaRoss or visit www.kalaross.com.

Drew Shade (Ensemble, u/s Joe, Deacon Johnson, Deacon Lewis) [he/him] is elated to be making his Alliance Theatre debut with The Preacher’s Wife musical. He is the founder of Broadway Black, a renowned platform dedicated to uplifting Black theatre artists. He is also the creator of Off Book: The Black theatre podcast, known for his insightful commentary and thoughtful analysis of stage productions and theatre news. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of theatre’s cultural impact, he built The Awards formerly known as The Antonyos created to celebrate riveting work within the community each season. His expertise extends across a wide range of disciplines. Favorite acting credits include Curtis in Dreamgirls, Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Miss Roj in The Colored Museum, and Tyree Fisher in The First Deep Breath. He also made his Carnegie Hall debut in Tituss Burgess’ Sondheim Tribute, Take Me To The World. Drew would like to thank his family & friends for all their love and support. You can follow his work on all platforms: @drewshade & @broadwayblack

Michael Stiggers (Ensemble, u/s Dudley, Henry) [he/him] is thrilled to be back at the Alliance Theatre! Broadway: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Disney's The Lion King. ATL/Regional: Born For This (Alliance Theatre, Arena Stage), White Christmas (City Springs Theatre), and Les Miserables (Aurora Theatre). Film/TV: My Killer Reunion (Lifetime), Theatre School Dropouts (Amazon). Love to Maggie and Josie, the loves of my life and to Mom, whose favorite movie of all-time is The Preacher's Wife. IG: @yungstiggy 

Alicia Thomas (Ensemble, u/s Beverly, Ensemble) feels extremely blessed to make her Alliance Theatre debut with The Preacher’s Wife. Alicia is a proud Detroit native. Favorite credits include Motherless, written by Cherise Kimoy, Lorrell in Dreamgirls, The Colored Museum and The Producers at American Stage, Alais in The Lion in Winter and Ernestine in Crumbs From the Table of Joy at freeFall Theatre, Beneatha in A Raisin in the Sun, and Raisin at Astoria Performing Arts Center. She’s had the pleasure of being a BGV for Laurént Grant Williams’ concerts. Alicia gives all the glory to God and many thanks to her family and friends for their love and support. Matthew 5:16. itsmealicia.com //  IG: @itsme_alicia_ 

Damani Van Rensalier (Ensemble, u/s Monique) is humbled to be joining the company of The Preacher’s Wife at the Alliance Theatre! This Paterson native holds her BFA in Dance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Recent theater credits include: vacation swing in Hadestown (Broadway), featured ensemble member in Hamilton (national tour and Broadway). Damani gives all glory to God and thanks her Mom, Dad, Brother, family, friends, and CESD for their love and support! Proverbs 3:5-6 {IG: @damanivr} 

Akron Lanier Watson (Henry Biggs) Most recently seen as “Cody” in the Off-Broadway new musical, A Sign Of The Times. His credits include: Broadway the Tony, Emmy, and Grammy award-winning The Color Purple Revival (Bobby), Tony winning The Play That Goes Wrong (Trevor), Broadway Chicago’s Hamilton: An American Musical (Aaron Burr). Off-Broadway: The Public Theater’s Fortress of Solitude (Subtle Distinction), The New Group’s Black No More (Ensemble). Regional: The Kennedy Center’s Guys & Dolls (Rusty), Papermill Playhouse’s Sister Act (Curtis), Ogunquit Playhouse’s Mr. Holland’s Opus the Musical (Glenn Holland). Film: Spilt Milk (2010, Rodney), Seasons of Gray (2013, Chris), Miss Juneteenth (2020, Bacon) Older Man, Younger Woman (2023, Anthony). TV: FOX’s Empire (Eric Houston), NBC’s Chicago Med (Trevor). Voice- over: Anime — One Piece: Heart of Gold the movie (Psycho P). Video Games — Borderlands Pre-sequel (Dunks Watson), The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct (Chris Brian). American Idol Season 7.

Donald Webber, Jr (Dudley) is excited to make his Alliance Theatre debut! BROADWAY: Purlie Victorious, Hamilton, Motown: the Musical (OBC), Holler If Ya Hear Me (OBC). TV/Film: Severance (AppleTV+), The Punisher (Netflix), The WIZ: Live! (NBC), Da Bronx U.S.A. (Music in Media nominations & Oscar short list), Killing Me Softly With His Song (Music in Media nomination). OFF-BROADWAY/TOUR: Children of Eden (Lincoln Center; Manhattan Concert Productions), Hamilton (‘Aaron Burr’), Jersey Boys, Born For This, Renascence, Whorl Inside A Loop, Bella: An American Tall Tale. University of Southern California, BFA Acting. “RC, for you always. We love you so much, D3 & LZ!” Thank you to Michael, Tinashe, James, Azie, and Tituss for this blessing. To God be the glory!  @donaldwebber

Helen Marla White (Ensemble, u/s Julia) [she/her] I am truly excited to be a part of the cast of The Preacher’s Wife and thrilled to make my debut at the Alliance Theatre! Favorite credits include: Women/Singer in Bayard Rustin in Ashland at People's Light Theatre, Sangoma in Dreaming Zenzile at Arts Emerson, Roberta/Gloria in Sistas the Musical at St. Luke Theatre, Armelia in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Theatre by the Sea and Surflight Theatre, Mrs. Phelps in Matilda at Surflight Theatre, Ms. Orna Mint in Light it Up at Cleveland Playhouse, Ensemble in The First Noel at the Apollo Theatre. Helen was a Music Performance major at The University of Kentucky. Helen would love to thank her friends, family, teachers, and coaches for all their love and support. Most importantly, she thanks God and her mother in heaven for loving her and being her best teacher (my Shero). Tituss, so happy to see your vision come to fruition. Psalm 23 and Prov. 3:5-6 

Aryianna Brewer (Stage Management Production Assistant) is thrilled to join the cast of The Preacher’s Wife at the Alliance Theatre! Favorite credits include Stage Manager in Bunmi and Babajide presented by Atlanta City Theatre, Stage Manager in Everybody presented by Atlanta City Theatre, and Stage Manager in Circadian: When Will We Wake presented by Atlanta City Theater. She is perusing a Film and Media degree from Georgia State and also likes doing photography on the side. Aryianna would love to thank her family and friends for always supporting her. Find her on social media: @aryib_04

Julie DeVore (Production Stage Manager) @jcdevore: Stage Management Broadway credits include: A Beautiful Noise, Sweeney Todd, Bad Cinderella, Into The Woods, American Utopia, King Kong, School Of Rock, On The Town, Wicked, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and The Motherf**ker With the Hat. National Tours: Once, Wicked, The Addams Family, and Billy Elliot. She is very grateful to all her mentors, friends, and family that have been encouraging her to follow her dreams. Julie is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro where she now teaches. Her work on this show is dedicated to her guardian angel Iris, a woman who lived her life dedicated to improving her community. 

Adriana Guerrero (Assistant Stage Manager) Broadway: The Book Of Mormon, Bad Cinderella, Some Like It Hot, and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. National Tour: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Selected Off-Broadway: Here We Are, The Wrong Man, Seared, Moscow X6, and Hatef**k. BFA Montclair State University. Agradecida por siempre.

Samantha Honeycutt (Stage Management Production Assistant) studied Stage Management at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro before beginning her career working across the country. Her credits include: Year of the Rooster, When January Feels like Summer, and Five Times in One Night (Ensemble Studio Theater). Legally Blonde, Hello! Dolly, My Fair Lady, and Music Man (Cape Playhouse). Frankenstein, Hairspray, Penny Candy, American Mariachi, Supreme Leader (Dallas Theater Center), Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous (Hartford Stage), and Trading Places the Musical, Everybody, A Gift of Love with Adam L. McKnight, Hot Wing King, The Boy Who Kissed The Sky, Water For Elephants, Into the Burrow: A Peter Rabbit Tale, and Furlough’s Paradise (Alliance Theatre).

Mesa (Assistant Stage Manager) [they/them] is the National Vision BIPOC Stage Management fellow for the Alliance Theatre’s ‘23/24 season. Mesa’s Alliance Theatre credits from this season include Furlough’s Paradise (Stage Manager), A Christmas Carol (Assistant Stage Manager), and English (ASM). Other stage management credits include After Juliet (South Coast Repertory), Appropriate (SCR), A Small Man (SCR), The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (Chance Theater), The SpongeBob Musical (CSU Fullerton), and Beauty and the Beast (CSUF), among others. Member of Actor’s Equity Association. 

Ashani Smith (Assistant Stage Manager) [she/her] So thrilled to be making her Alliance debut! National Tours: Company, Jagged Little Pill, and Pretty Woman. Regional: Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, A Chorus Line, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry IV, Part II (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Jelly’s Last Jam (NC Black Rep). Proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc! All the love goes to mom, dad, Zi, and her amazing friends who continue to uplift her. IG: @ashanihadiyah

LaMarr White, Jr (Stage Management Production Assistant) [he/him] graduated from Jackson State University with a BA in Speech and Theatre. He started in theatre in high school as an actor and musician but found a love for Stage Management while in college. His first production at Alliance was A Christmas Carol (2023), with a new work, A Tale of Two Cities (2024), following. He is excited to be working on his first musical production at the Alliance Theatre as a SM PA. With his background in music, dance, and growing up in the church, he feels very connected to this production. LaMarr would like to thank his friends and family for all of their love and support. He would also like to thank his mentor for encouraging him to continue growing in his passion.