BRYAN FENKART

(Huey)  Bryan made his Broadway debut in Memphis as the Huey stand-by, and is honored to originate the same role on the 1st National Tour.  TV/Film:  Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Red Hook, You Tell Me.  He is also a singer/songwriter, and his new album Simple & Grey has just been released and is now available everywhere.  Thanks to God, Mom, Dad, Greg, G’ma, the JYD crew, the Brass Monkeys, and The Strux. Follow him at: www.bryanfenkart.com,  www.twitter.com/Steinway7, and at www.facebook.com/bryanfenkart.

FELICIA BOSWELL

(Felicia)  Broadway: Memphis (Felicia Cover). National Tour: Dreamgirls (Deena, Lorell); AIDA (Aida Standby) Regional: RENT** (Mimi) Atlanta Lyric Theatre; AIDA (Aida) VMT; Caroline Or Change (Radio) Guthrie Theatre; Beehive (Diana Ross, Ikette) Maltz Jupiter Theatre; Boys From Syracuse (Courtesan); Baltimore Centerstage; Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon) Atlanta Lyric Theatre*; Starlight Jazz (Japan). Other Credits: Selma, Lord Selma (ABC); White Noise; Becoming Tennessee (Trombone); The Wiz (Dorothy); Joe Turner’s Come & Gone (Molly Cunningham); For Colored Girls..; Harlem Ladies Knittin’ & Bitchin’ Society (Nichelle).* Suzi Bass Nominee **ATFA Nominee; Visit the Official Fan Page of Felicia Boswell on Facebook for upcoming events!

QUENTIN EARL DARRINGTON

(Delray) is thrilled to be apart of this exciting ride… Memphis!  A Lakeland, FL native and proud University of South Florida alum, Q began his professional career with the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center’s resident repertory theatre company, The Centre Theater Company.  There, he honed his skills for the larger stage creating several cabaret productions from 1997-2001.  Upon graduation, an angel in the name of Robert Freedman, President and CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall, blessed Quentin with an opportunity for his first national tour.  Since that time, Quentin has performed in numerous shows and concerts traveling to nearly 45 US states, Canada, and Europe. Along the way, he consistently volunteers his time and talents serving in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, universities, shelters, and churches, which he undoubtedly deems as his “key to success.” The last 10 years have been a complete joy and an exciting journey from one experience to the next!

Another dream was recently fulfilled when Quentin made his Broadway debut in the 2009 Tony nominated revival of Ragtime.  Following his recent success and Broadway debut starring as Coalhouse Walker Jr., Q also made his cabaret debut with New York’s Broadway by the Year series, Songs of 1927 and his solo concert debut with Jamie, Q and You. Last fall included the honor of the American premiere of Douglas Tappin’s I Dream, the musical about the life of Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr. in which Quentin portrayed the beloved preacher.

Continuing to pursue his personal vision and purpose, Quentin is also currently in production for his second solo concert entitled Q, Chapter 1: Verse 1, then on to grad school for an MFA focus in Performance, Arts Management, Program Development, and Instruction.

Other credits include: Broadway: Ragtime. Off-Broadway: Lost In the Stars, New York City Center; The Roar of the Greasepaint The Smell of the Crowd, York Theatre Company.  Broadway National Tours: The Color Purple, The Lion King, Memphis. Regional: Gee’s Bend, The Cincinnati’s Playhouse; I Dream, The Alliance Theatre;  Ragtime, The Kennedy Center and Paper Mill Playhouse;  A Little Night Music, Sacramento Music Circus;  Abyssinia, Goodspeed Opera House; Dreamgirls, Madame Walker Theatre;  JaquesBrel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Center Theatre Company; The Gift of the Magi, Polk Theatre.

“Paul Hughes continues to be the wind beneath my wings! Much love to all my family, the Church, America, and to my most faithful supporters Robert and Leslie Freedman.

God Bless You All!  GO BULLS!!”

RHETT GEORGE

(Gator) wrote all 16 songs on his 2008 album entitled Something Better. Available on itunes and Cdbaby.com. He just recently completed his second album entitled The Music Will Save My Life, which will be released this fall. Rhett has been featured in numerous Broadway shows, such as Memphis and Wicked where he was an original company member. He starred as Big Daddy in the Broadway Revival of Sweet Charity with Christina Applegate. Other memorable credits include Fame, Rent, Aida, The Lion King, Radiant Baby, The Little Mermaid, and The Color Purple. Favorite Film/TV credits include Sex and The City, Blues Brothers 2000, Glitter, Late Night With Conan O’Brian’s Christmas Special and Prisoner of Love. The George Series is a comedic web series on youtube where Rhett plays the role of Gerren Rhett a Famed Choreographer. Please visit Facebook/Twitter @RhettGeorge and www.Rhettgeorge.com

JULIE JOHNSON

(Gladys) has been fortunate enough to enjoy a varied and exciting career spanning Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre and concerts.  Her recent concert Julie Johnson Sings received critical acclaim and enjoyed a very successful run. Julie made her Carnegie Hall debut singing with the New York Pops Orchestra under the direction of Skitch Henderson in 2003. Prior to beginning the Memphis, Julie portrayed Fraulein Schneider in the critically acclaimed production of Cabaret at the Dallas Theater Center, Emma Goldman in Ragtime at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, and Mrs. Lovett in a concert version of Sweeney Todd at The Morton Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.  Julie starred opposite Sally Struthers in Always, Patsy Cline at Casa Manana in Ft. Worth and has portrayed Patsy Cline in eight productions of A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline with co-star Steve Barcus. Julie also starred in a new musical Look Homeward, Honky Tonk Angel with  music and lyrics by Larry Gatlin at Lyric Stage of Irving.  She returned to New York playing opposite G W Bailey (The Closer) in the Off-Broadway premiere of Roadside by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt. Other career credits include:  Broadway: Hal Prince’s Candide. Off-Broadway: Das Barbecu (Drama Desk Nominee, Theatre World Award); Angel in The Rink (workshop). Regional: Dolly in Hello Dolly, Lyric Stage, Irving; Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast at Bass Hall in Ft. Worth,  Miss Mona in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at Bass  Hall; Mae West in Dirty Blonde at Theatre Three, Dallas; Miss Trixie in Papermoon at the Goodspeed Opera House and Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia; The Mama in Opal at George St. Playhouse; the Godmother in The Plexiglass Slipper at Lyric Stage, plus leading roles in Lucky Guy, Heartbeats, Chess, Blithe Spirit, Crimes of the Heart, Nunsense, Baby, Westside Waltz, Hayfever and Magenta in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  Julie’s cds All Grown Up… So Far and More Than Half Way are available through her website www.juliejohnsonmusic.com. Julie is the voice of Baby Bop on the Barney and Friends series. Movie credits include, Pure Country with George Strait, and The Apostle with Robert Duvall. Julie has also appeared on episodes of As the World Turns. Julie was born in Whitewright, Texas and graduated from Austin College.  Her finest production to date is her wonderful son, Trey!

WILLIAM PARRY

(Mr. Simmons) created roles in the original Broadway productions of James Lapine & Stephen Sondheim’s, Sunday in the Park with George (PBS) and Passion (PBS), as well as Into the Light, The Leaf People, Agamemnon (Lincoln Center), Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Rockabye Hamlet, and the original Jesus Christ Superstar. Also on Broadway, Camelot (HBO) as understudy to Richard Burton and Richard Harris, and Gypsy with Bernadette Peters (dir. by Sam Mendes). Off-Broadway credits include: original production of Weidman and Sondheim’s Assassins (Playwrights Horizons), and Gold! (dir. by Sam Mendes) – later to become Road Show (dir. by John Doyle) at the Public Theater. Also at the Public: Cymbeline, Dispatches, and The Knife (dir. by David Hare). National Tours: A Few Good Men, and Titanic (as Capt. E.J. Smith). Some 50 regional productions, favorites include: Saint Joan, Biloxi Blues, The Rainmaker, Pure Confidence, Time and Again, The History of Invulnerability, last season’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle at Yale Rep., and SCKBSTD at Virginia Stage. Film and television credits include: In & Out, Domestic Disturbance, “The Equalizer”, “The Pretender”, several episodes of “Law and Order”. Two seasons on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion”.

ALEXANDER AGUILAR

(Ensemble) A Graduate of The University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, he was last seen on Broadway in Lysistrata Jones. Other credits include Marriott Lincolnshire, North Carolina Theater, and Ravinia Festival.

CHELSEY ARCE

(Swing) Regional: Guys and Dolls (Barrington Stage) A graduate of The Boston Conservatory BFA Dance Program. She has had the pleasure to have worked in both concert dance and commercial. Credits include: Italian TV show AMICI under the direction of Daniel Ezralow, MOMIX,  Coca-cola, and Microsoft. Chelsey Also has had the pleasure to work with other amazing artist including; Beyonce, Nicola Roberts, and DJ Fresh. Chelsey is very excited to be joining the first national tour of MEMPHIS. Special thanks to Joshua, family and friends along with BlocNYC for the continued support of her dreams. LOVE.

WHITNEY LEIGH BROWN

(Ensemble) Whitney Brown was born and raised in Washington D.C. where she received most of her early training including Dance Theater of Harlem, Washington Ballet, and Dance Institute of Washington she was also a graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts. She continued her studies at the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase College where she was given opportunities to perform classic works such as Paul Taylor’s “Cloven Kingdom” and to perform new works by Hubbard Street’s Lauri Stallings. Ms. Brown has also had the opportunity to work with a variety of choreographers from the best of both worlds such as Debbie Allen, George Faison and Desmond Richardson as well as various hip-hop choreographers. In 2003 she became a company member of Creative Outlet Dance Theater. Ms. Brown’s film credits include Step Up, HAIRSPRAY, and Big Momma’s House Like Father Like Son and the upcoming FOOTLOOSE. She has also performed in the musical theater production Lost & Found.  She has performed in a host of international dance festivals, concerts, and music videos as well, most recently instructing a Hip-hop workshop in Russia’s Open Look Festival 2010. When she is not dancing she can be found as a background singer in eclectic reggae band Under the Rasta Influence, which recently won battle of the band in NYC to perform in the 2010 Jamaican Jazz and Blues Festival; They are now working on their debut album. Since 2007 she has been a company member of Ballet Noir, reconnecting with her first love of ballet. She is very excited to be joining the touring cast of MEMPHIS!

WHITNEY COOPER

(Ensemble) is blessed and overjoyed to be apart of this incredible show! National Tours: The Music Man (Zaneeta Shinn). Regional: Music Theatre of Wichita and Surflight Theatre: 42^nd Street, Cabaret, On Your Toes, High School Musical 1 & 2, Cats, Fiddler On The Roof, The Drowsy Chaperone, My Fair Lady, All Shook Up, Singin’ In the Rain, Footloose. Training: Oklahoma City University. MANY, many thanks to Telsey Casting and the Memphis creative team for this unbelievable opportunity! Endless love and gratitude to the fam, the friends, and the Father above. Philippians 4:13.

TAMI DAHBURA

(Ensemble, Gladys u/s) Off-Broadway: Pajama Game. National Tours: In the Heights, A Chorus Line. Regional: Gypsy, Company, Into the Woods. Soloist: Oakland, Sacramento, Hawaii Symphonies. Special thanks: Telsey and Co. Love: My family. www.tamidahbura.com

SCOTT DIFFORD

(Ensemble)  Scott is thrilled to join the Memphis family! Selected credits include: A Christmas Carol (MSG); Ragtime (National Tour); Joseph…Dreamcoat (TOTS); The Producers (Riverside Theatre); Miss Saigon, Oklahoma!, White Christmas, Cats (PCLO); High School Musical, Cats (WVPT); Joseph…Dreamcoat (Mountain Playhouse); He was also seen last season tumbling for the New York Knicks. Much thanks to Bart and John at Frontier Booking International and my friends and family for their continued love and support.

CHRISTOPHER GURR

(Ensemble, u/s Mr. Simmons)  The last time Christopher Gurr “hit the road” he played the entire First National Tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot, directed by Mike Nichols and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. His Mrs. Galahad was seen throughout the U.S and Canada, and his King Arthur led the company in San Diego, San Jose, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Kansas City, Tucson, Nashville, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, and Hershey, Pennsylvania, where the air really does smell of chocolate.

Since shedding his peasant dress and his knightly chain mail, he has “fiddled about” in the Berkshires as Uncle Ernie in The Who’s Tommy and seduced the somewhat stunned audiences of Dayton, OH as Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone. (Latin- and Sino-American relations will never be the same. Trust me.) His New York debut was as Hitler (yes, that Hitler) in The History Of War, a new musical by composer Deborah Abramson, lyricist Amanda Yesnowitz, and book writer Chip Zien (yes, that Chip Zien) as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival.

Regional acting credits include: Copenhagen (Heisenberg), 1776 (Rutledge), The Lion in Winter (Geoffrey), Twelve Angry Men (Juror #2), Measure for Measure (Claudio), Ostrovsky’s A Family Affair (Lazar), Candida (Lexy), Trask & Fenn (William Fenn), and The Boys Next Door (Barry). Regional directing credits include: Camelot, Die Fledermaus, Guys & Dolls: In Concert with Jeff Tyzik and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Billy Bishop Goes To War, Wesley Middleton’s Tomato Plant Girl (director/composer), James Still’s Meet Me Incognito (director/composer), and the world premier of José Cruz Gonzáles’ Earth Songs. Christopher has been an artistic associate with Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, NY, The Theatre Building in Chicago, and Metro Theater Company in St. Louis. He is proud to have taught with and designed curriculum for the nationally recognized education department of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Christopher graduated from and has served as guest director and faculty member at Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre & Dance, St. Louis.

Born and raised in Americus, Georgia, he has made his home in St. Louis, Chicago, Santa Cruz, CA, and the mountains of Harlan County, Kentucky. He is a member of Actors’ Equity, The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

DAISY HOBBS

(Ensemble, Felicia u/s) is thrilled to be a part of Memphis! Past credits include: Disney’s Aladdin (World Premiere), directed/choreographed by Casey Nicholaw,  Live! Nude! Girl! (Reading) New York Theatre Workshop, Camelot (Nimue) Pittsburgh Public Theatre, The Wiz Baltimore Centerstage, Hello Dolly!, The Pajama Game St. Louis MUNY, and Cinderella (Fairy Godmother u/s) Paper Mill Playhouse.  Film/TV: Law and Order, Nickelodeon. Commercials: Red Lobster, Rock the Vote, Dr. Pepper.  Education: B.F.A. Acting/Musical Theater, Carnegie Mellon University. Daisy is a recipient of Carnegie Mellon University’s West Coast Drama Achievement Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre, and the National Society of Arts and Letters Award for Acting, ’10. Thanks to the amazing creative team, Telsey & Co., Stewart Talent, friends and family, Mommy and “Mags”! www.DaisyHobbs.com

ADRIENNE HOWARD

(Ensemble) National tour debut! She is ecstatic to join the Memphis family! Theatre: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Rockette). Proud graduate of Indiana University. Love and thanks to Tony and my family for your support.

KYLE LELAND

(Dance Captain, Swing)  National Tour Debut! Credits: Memphis (Broadway), Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Pepsi, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, the world tours of several music artists. “Give thanks for another day of loving.” Hockadoo!

JARVIS D. McKINLEY

(Ensemble) Jarvis McKinley is from Hattiesburg, MS. He began his dance training at The Dance Place and Pine Belt Youth Ballet at age 6. He also trained at Virginia School of the Arts where he was granted a full four year scholarship throughout his High school year and also trained underneath Jaquec D’ambois under scholarship with the National Dance Institute. He got his (AA) certificate in dance at New World School of the arts while granted a four full year scholarship. Jarvis has also trained with the Kirov Ballet Academy, Jacobs Pillow, Bates Dance Festival, and the Ailey School, where he then ended up joining Ailey II in 2008. After finishing his contract with Ailey he then become a soloist at Armitage Gone Dance in 2010.  He has also danced with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, under the direction of Dwight Rhonden and Desmond Richardson. Mr. McKinley has performed works by Alvin Ailey, William Forsythe, Robert Battle, Judith Jamison, Christopher L. Huggins, Francesca Harper and also have dance with music’s best artists such as Usher Raymond, Jojo, KiCi & Jojo, and The Dream.

KENNA MICHELLE MORRIS

(Swing, Assistant Dance Captain) Originally from Louisville, KY and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma (B.S. in Physical Therapy), Kenna has had a performing and teaching career that has taken her all over the world.  She has toured and performed with such recording artists as Missy Elliott, Diddy, Nelly, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, and Black Eyed Peas.  Film/Television credits include MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Japan & European Awards, Fashion Rocks, Broadway: The American Musical, and the feature films Idlewild—with recording artists Outkast; and Louis—recently released silent film about Louis Armstrong.  She has performed in various Off-Broadway & regional theater productions including The Wiz (starring Grammy Award winner Ashanti), Aida, Smokey Joe’s Café, and Bronx Casket Company, which was directed and choreographed by legendary Tony Award-winner Hinton Battle. Much love and thanks to my husband and family for their continued love and support.

JILL MORRISON

(Ensemble) Jill made her Broadway debut in MEMPHIS and also performed in the original workshop productions for La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle’s 5th Ave Theatre. This is her second National Tour after performing in Garry Marshall’s Happy Days as a Pinkette (Joanie, Marion and Lori Beth u/s). Jill’s favorite regional roles include: Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors; Val and Cassie in A Chorus Line; Nanette in No, No, Nanette; Liesl in The Sound of Music; The Narrator in Joseph…Dreamcoat; Louise in Gypsy; Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes; Sandy in Grease. Jill resides in Southern California and has performed for various local venues, including Universal Studios, The Hollywood Bowl, Queen Mary, Welk Resort Theatre, REPRISE!, Musical Theatre West, Falcon Theatre, McCoy Rigby, Center Stage, Curtain Call, Rose Center Theater, Fullerton CLO, ANMT, CLO of South Bay Cities, and La Jolla Playhouse. Film: Valentine’s Day (Garry Marshall, dir.) She sings with the Linda Ronstadt Tribute Band, Different Drum. She has also played “Barbie” for Mattel events for the past six years. This summer, she was “1980 Roller Skating Barbie,” singing and skating to the song “Xanadu”! She is a graduate of the University of Arizona with degrees in Dance and Media Arts. Jill would like to thank her family and loving boyfriend Johnny for their continuous support! www.jillmorrison.com

KENT OVERSHOWN

(Ensemble, u/s Gator, Delray, Bobby) is a native of Oakland, Ca and has been performing since the age of 3. At the age of 9 he became an apprentice with the experimental theatre group Artship Foundation and a company member of the Augustino Dance Theatre. Soon after at the age of 13 he became an apprentice with The Oakland Opera Theatre where he performed in productions of La Belle Et La Bette by Phllip Glass, and Four Saints in Three Acts, as well as new experimental works.  He attended Oakland School for the Arts, which ultimately prepared him for his acceptance to the University of Michigan Musical Theatre Department. After his freshman year he was cast in the summer season at the St. Louis MUNY and worked there 3 summers thereafter. Kent is unbelievably humbled and excited to be a part of this wonderful production with such phenomenally talented people. This is a dream come true. Endless thanks to friends, family, mentors, and my family at Harden-Curtis without whose love and support he wouldn’t be here.

AUSTIN OWEN

(Ensemble, u/s Huey)  is originally from Oklahoma City, and holds a B.M. Music Theatre from Florida State University. Following graduation, Austin hit the road in the smash hit The Producers in the role of Leo Bloom touring 49 states and Canada. Austin has performed extensively all over the US and has been seen in concert halls, regional theatres and numerous commercials throughout the NY area. Most recently Austin joined the National tour of the new musical Virtuosity starring the legendary two-time Tony nominee, Vivian Reed, in it’s world premiere in Toronto. Favorite regional credits include La Cage Aux Folles as Jean-Michel at Riverside Theatre; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Drowsy Chaperone at Flat Rock Playhouse; Godspell, Footloose, and Fiddler On The Roof at The Lyric Theater of Oklahoma.

His debut solo album Awakening, an eleven-song collection of original music can be found for purchase on iTunes and www.cdbaby.com. Awakening, Owen’s first solo effort, introduces the world to an essential, charismatic performer whose rich talent and energy has garnered him rave reviews in the United States and Canada. The album offers emotive and soulful vocals combined with expressive song craft. Awakening’s intensity and heart attest to Austin’s vision of his identity as an artist. “I play what’s in my soul. Music makes us feel things. What good is a song if it doesn’t move you?  I want my music to transcend what is ‘fashionable’ and instead meet people in a place of real emotion.” www.austintayorowen.com

ALFIE PARKER, JR.

(Ensemble) is elated to finally join the Memphis Family!  Fresh off the HMS PINAFORE at the Guthrie theatre, including the PBS Masterworks fall festival TV taping. Alfie has also been seen in Live at Lincoln Center, South Pacific. South Pacific (Broadway), The Wiz (CenterStage), Barnum (Asolo/Maltz), Seven Brides, Swing (Lyric), Chicago (CandleLight), Aida (Media).  He has trained at Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Koresh Dance Company, and performed with Bill T. Jones Company, and Pilobolus. Graduated from Penn State with a BA in Integrative Arts, Theatre/ Dance.

JUSTIN PRESCOTT

(Ensemble) graduated from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX where he received the NFAA Silver Award in tap. He then received his BFA in Dance (Cum Laude) from SUNY Purchase College and shortly thereafter he made his Broadway debut in the energetic and revolutionary Broadway hit Fela! Other credits include Fela! (tour), Lost in the Stars (City Center Encores), Josephine (developmental lab), TV: NBC’s Smash!. Justin continuously gives thanks to his Creator, Mom, Dad, family and friends.

JODY REYNARD

(Ensemble, u/s Gator) has appeared on Broadway in Legally Blonde, Taboo, Saturday Night Fever and Fosse.  In addition to Memphis, he’s toured the country in performances of Kiss Me Kate, Camelot & My Fair Lady.  He’s been seen regionally in roles such as Mitch Mahoney (Spelling Bee – Theatre Aspen), Phaedra (La Cage aux Folles – Walnut Street Theatre), Ken (Smokey Joe’s Café – Maltz Jupiter Theatre) and Darren Lemming (Take Me Out – Zachary Scott Theatre).  His film and TV credits include The Oprah Winfrey Show (“Farewell Spectacular” – ABC), Rosie Live! (NBC), One Life to Live (ABC), Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (Bravo), Show Business: The Road to Broadway (Documentary film) and a cable national commercial for Road Runner High Speed Online.  Jody has also performed in concerts with the Omaha Symphony and the New York Philharmonic Orchestras.

DEREK ST. PIERRE

(Ensemble) is ecstatic to tour for the first time with Memphis! Broadway: Rock of Ages (Franz). Regional: The Huntington Theatre, MUNY, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. Graduate of The Boston Conservatory. Love and gratitude to Mom, Dad, Henderson/Hogan, Telsey, and BoCoX!

PETER MATTHEW SMITH

(Ensemble, u/s Huey)  Proud equity member. Broadway: RENT, Cry Baby, Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), Original casts of both Mamma Mia and Hairspray. Peter is also a member of the Broadway Boys (bwayboys.com). Peter’s greatest achievement was marrying his beautiful wife Amy.