 |
|
 |
Fracaswell "Cas" Hyman (Writer/Director) recently completed two seasons as a writer and Executive Story Supervisor on the hit Nickelodeon children's show "Gullah Gullah Island." He was a member of the core writing staff for the popular PBS literacy mystery series "Ghostwriter," stepping into the role of head writer for the final season. Hyman has also worked extensively in film and theater as an actor, including five years as a member of the improvisational Living Stage Theater Company in Washington, D.C.
Liz Nealon (Producer) most recently served as Executive Producer and Co-creator of the successful PBS children's literacy mystery series "Ghostwriter." Prior to that she had a ten-year career with MTV as a writer, producer, and eventually Senior Vice President of International Programming. Nealon is a founding member of JP Kids, L.L.C., a new company which is developing quality multimedia products for kids and their families.
Howard Rollins (Chimbuko)
Audiences first accorded Howard Rollins attention when he created
the role of the disenchanted veteran in Medal of Honor Rag. He has
appeared extensively on Broadway in G.R. Point, The Mighty Gents, and
We Interrupt This Program... Off-Broadway theater credits include The
Passing Game, in addition to Streamers, Measure for Measure, The
Taking of Miss Julie, and Fathers and Sons, all at the New York
Shakespeare Festival. International productions include I'm Not
Rappaport in London, and Othello at the Stratford Festival in
Canada. Television roles have included "Roots: The Next Generation,"
"Children of Times Square," "The Johnny Gibson Story," and "For Us-The
Living: The Medgar Evers Story." He is perhaps best known for his work
as Virgil Tibbs in the popular television drama "In the Heat of the
Night." Rollins' film credits include Ragtime (Golden Globe and
Academy Award nominations), A Soldier's Story, and the soon
to-be-released Drunks.
Aaron Beener (JoJo Barnes)
Aaron Beener began his acting career at the age of six, playing
the role of Marlon on "The Bill Cosby Show." Other television and film
credits include "Another World," "One Life to Live," "The Adventures
of Pete & Pete," and "My Brother and Me," as well as the film Jungle
Fever. He has performed as a background singer for Tori Amos on
"Saturday Night Live," "Joan Rivers," and "Live with Regis and Kathie
Lee." His theater credits include The Nutcracker (Apollo Theater) and
City of Angels. He is also the veteran of numerous voice-overs and
national commercials.
Novella Nelson (Queenesther)
On Broadway Novella Nelson originated the role of Aunt Missy in
the musical Purlie, performed as Pearl Bailey's stand-by in Hello
Dolly!, and appeared in Caesar & Cleopatra and The Little
Foxes. Off-Broadway and regional theater acting credits include the
Ariel Dorfman/Tony Kushner adaptation of Widows at the Mark Taper
Forum, for which she was honored with a NAACP Image Award. After
Joseph Papp saw her direction of Walter Jones' Nigger Nightmare she
joined him at The Public Theater as Artistic Consultant from 1970-76,
producing "Sundays at the Public." Her film credits include An
Unmarried Woman, Girl 6, Clockers, and The Cotton Club. Nelson's
extensive television credits include "Citizen Cohn," "Law & Order,"
"New York Undercover," and a recurring role as Judge Barbara Fitzwater
on "One Life to Live."
Brenda Pressley (Yvonne Barnes)
Brenda Pressley has performed in virtually every facet of
entertainment. On television she co-starred in the acclaimed series
"Brewster Place," as well as "Daddy's Girl," "New York Undercover,"
"Street Smarts," "Ghostwriter," "Here & Now," "All My Children,"
"Loving," and "One Life to Live." Recent film credits include Twisted
and It Could Happen to You. Her Broadway work includes Cats, the
original company of Dreamgirls, and The Moony Shapiro
Songbook. Pressley starred in And the World Goes 'Round: The Songs of
Kander & Ebb (for which she received the Outer Circle Critic's Award,
and is featured on the Original Cast Recording), and in both the
Off-Broadway and international touring productions of Blues in the
Night. Other Off-Broadway credits include Marvin's Room. She is the
recipient of a George London Grant, given to accomplished performing
artists.
Paula Newsome (Maxine)
A native of Chicago, Paula Newsome made her Broadway debut in the
original revival cast of Carousel at Lincoln Center Theater in
1993. Her film credits include Straight Talk and the soon
to-be-released Charlie Hoboken. Television credits include "Swift
Justice," "Keeper of the City," and "Angel Street." Also known as a
gifted singer, Newsome has received critical acclaim as Billie Holiday
in cabaret performances of "Lady Day" at Emersons Bar and Grill.
China Jesusita Shavers (Shanora)
Although born in New York City, China Jesusita Shavers prides herself on
being Afro-Caribbean. She attended LaGuardia High School for the Performing
Arts, but her thirst for acting started after being accepted to East Harlem
Performing Arts High School, where she appeared in Joe Turner's Come and Gone
and The Young and the Fair. Her most recent acting roles include Martina in
the TV series "Here & Now," Ebony in a Board of Education pilot project
entitled "Endangered Species," Krya in "R.E.A.L.," and Debbie in "Time to
Save." She received the East Harlem Arts Award for Outstanding Achievement in
Drama.
Tristin Mays (Angel)
At the ripe age of two Tristin Mays began modeling for the Ford
Modeling Agency, and has accumulated an extensive portfolio in just
three years, including many appearances in national television
commercials. Tristin loves to dance, and looks forward to a career in
film. HARAMBEE! marked Tristin's television debut, and she can be seen
each week in the new "Cosby" series.
Merlin Santana (Flex)
A co-star (with James Earl Jones) of the series "Under One Roof,"
Merlin Santana began his acting career as an extra in Woody Allen's
Purple Rose of Cairo. Subsequently he landed a recurring role on "The
Bill Cosby Show," and guest starred on "Major Dad," "Law & Order,"
"Matt Waters," "Sister, Sister," "Hanging with Mr. Cooper," and
"Moesha." His daytime television work includes appearances on "All My
Children" and "As the World Turns." Santana's theatrical work includes
the Off-Broadway productions Tap Man and Hey Little Walter. Other
series work includes a co-starring role in "Getting By."
|