AMDA Alumni Newsletter - May 19, 2023

May 19, 2023 - Alumni

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
May 12, 2023

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Chicahua Zipactonal Martínez ’21:
Selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of Lucille Lortel Theatre’s musical theatre development program, Immigrant Experiences. Works created will be presented at a concert on May 15. Chicahua’s play Monica, Richie, & Angel: A One-Act Traumatic Comedy was recently presented at the New Play Workshop in NYC.

TV/FILM

Gina Omilon ’16:
Wrote, starred in, directed, and produced the film Before. Before has scored 40 nominations and 6 wins at film festivals worldwide, including a Best Actress win for Gina at the New Creators Film Festival. Fellow alumni J.G. Murphy ‘16 is Cinematographer / Editor and Kayla Marie Peterson ‘15 worked on the sound and as a Production Assistant.

Marissa Jaret Winokur ’92:
Was a guest on NBC's California LIVE discussing her Broadway career and her new role on the Peacock series Bupkis. Marissa also visited the Hairspray National Tour cast, with fellow graduate Melanie Puente Ervin ’22 as "Dynamite."

Emily Padgett-Young ’05:
Will star as "Ruth" in Fathom Events’ upcoming Soul Doctor Movie Musical, debuting in theaters this June. Emily recently performed in Amas Musical Theatre's 54th Annual Gala Benefit Concert at Theatre 555.

Anthony Ramos ’11:
Discussed Transformers: Rise of the Beasts in a Fandango interview with his fellow cast members. The film announced it will have an Early Access Premiere on June 7 at participating theatres nationwide, with an official release of June 9.

BROADWAY

J. Harrison Ghee ’09:
Featured in the newly released show-stopping performance video of "You Coulda Knocked Me Over with a Feather," and shared more about their Tony nominated performance in Some Like It Hot on Broadway with Queerty. J. Harrison performs alongside Jarvis B. Manning Jr. ’06 in the production.

TOURING

Maite Uzal ’13:
Discussed touring with Fiddler on the Roof, as well as her career journey as a lawyer and performer in a new article. Maite has starred as “Golde” for over 800 performances of the production.

REGIONAL THEATRE

Mauricio Martinez ’99:
Stars as “Cervantes/Don Quixote” in Man of La Mancha at Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, FL through June 11. Get a first look at the production here. Mauricio will perform a solo show at Greer Cabaret Theater at Theater Square Complex in Pittsburgh, PA on October 2.

Maria Briggs ’11:
Performs in Monty Python's Spamalot at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in D.C. through May 21.

Zhailon Levingston ’15:
Will direct Skyward: An Endling Elegy from July 7 - 9, for Vassar College's 37th Powerhouse Theater Season. Zhailon directed Kayla Davion's concert at Chelsea Table & Stage on May 8.

Ashley M. Cowles '22:
Wrote and directs Company of Man, running May 30, June 3 and 4 at the Latea Theatre as part of New York Theatre Festival. Fellow graduate Michala Calahan '22 is the production’s Head of Wardrobe.

Isaiah Aldridge '18 and LeVane Harrington '19:
Join the cast of sTrapped. The one night only performance takes place on June 17 at Peter Jay Sharp Theater at Playwrights Horizons in NYC.

INTERNATIONAL THEATRE

Kyle Ramar Freeman '13:
Will lead the London transfer of A Strange Loop as “Usher” in his West End debut. Performances begin June 17 at the Barbican Theatre ahead of a June 29 Opening Night. Kyle played “Usher” as an understudy in the production’s Broadway run.

Schele Williams ’91:
Directs Disney's AIDA in the Netherlands, which has released a new production trailer. Schele will direct the Broadway-bound production of The Wiz.

G.A. James ’19:
Will star as “Mary Sunshine” in Chicago for a special limited engagement in Korea from May 27 through August 6. G.A. currently plays “Mary Sunshine” in the Chicago National Tour.

PODCAST

Jesse Tyler Ferguson ’95:
Hosts the new podcast Dinner's on Me, premiering on May 23. Jesse discussed the new podcast and life lately on TODAY. Jesse recently participated in the Drag Isn’t Dangerous telethon alongside Peppermint ’99.

MUSIC / CONCERT

Caissie Levy ’02:
Joins previously announced Charity Angel Dawson ’05 in the lineup of performers set for Janice Jam: Broadway Rocks for Breast Cancer taking place June 5 at Haswell Green’s. Caissie is set to make a virtual appearance, and Charity is set to appear in-person in NYC.

Abby Berry ’20:
Will make their Assistant Directing debut in the new cabaret series called “Uplift” at Reagle Music Theatre in Boston, MA. The concert takes place on May 20, uplifting underrepresented voices in the musical theatre industry.

DANCE

Nathan Lopez ’21:
Choreographer of Grammy-nominated artist K.Flay’s music video for “It's Been So Long.” Nathan is represented by BlocLA and works as a Dance Instructor.