Kertu Bell (She/Her/Hers) Squeak

Kertu is a 25 year-old actor and model local to Cincinnati; having majored in Theatre and English at Xavier University. Kertu initially began performing onstage at 3 years old in ballet, and later in theatrical roles such as Mimi in RENT, Tybalt in ROMEO AND JULIET, and Ali in MAMMA MIA! She played Shirley in the Carnegie’s 2024 production of BEAUTIFUL and is honored to be back in THE COLOR PURPLE!

She would like to thank her dad for fostering her love of theatre through her upbringing and programs such as the Carol Burnett Show and musicians like Barbra Streisand, her mom for motivating her to keep doing what she loves, and both of them for teaching her the importance of telling stories.

William Boatwright, Jr. (He/Him) Pa, Understudy: Ol’Mister & Preacher

William Boatwright, Jr is thrilled to be a part of this production. He’s a Dayton, Ohio native who has a passion for the arts. As no stranger to the stage credits include: Footloose (Ensemble), Carousel (Sailor), Children Of Eden (Ensemble), Guys And Dolls (Dancer/Ensemble) , Hunchback Of Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid (Flotsam), Sister Act (Pablo), and A Few Good Men, Eunice: Star Shine and Clay (Andrew Stroud), and The Library (Publisher).Only to name a few. He’s grateful for the opportunity to share his gifts and talents with the world. “I’m Here.”

Jathan “JB” Briscoe (He/Him/His) Ensemble and Understudy for Pa Jathan

“JB” Briscoe is a Senior at Northern Kentucky University and he is also a Governor’s School for the Arts Alumni (MT 2021). He is so excited to be back at Carnegie this summer. A few productions he has been a part of are: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Drifiters/ Ensemble), SHREK THE MUSICAL (Donkey), PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (Jonathan), 9 TO 5 (Franklin Hart Jr.), KINKY BOOTS (Don), JERSEY BOYS (Berry Belson), ANYTHING GOES (Elisha Whitney), and TCT’s CINDERELLA (HERALD) and FROZEN (Weselton). Jathan wants to give thanks to all of his friends and family who’ve supported him on and off stage! Insta: @jb_.in_.the_.houze Tiktok: @Jbsofunny64

Nia Buchannon (She/Her/Hers) Ensemble/ Church Ladies Understudy

Nia Buchannon is grateful to be a apart of her first production at The Carnegie in THE COLOR PURPLE. Although originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, she is a junior musical theatre major at Wright State University and couldn’t be more grateful for her mentors and her family’s guidance in her journey so far. Previous credits there include : BY THE BOG OF CATS, THE APPLE TREE, and EVERYBODY. Regional theatre: COLUMBINUS at Casa Studios, and a number of shows at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Special thanks to all the women in her family for teaching her how to not give up her power. Thank you for coming!

Fiona Capri  Church Lady Jarene

Fiona Capri grew up with a passion for entertaining, mimicking one of her favorite artist, Lauryn Hill on Sister Act 2. She made her debut on stage alongside original Silk member Tyga Graham in the 2017 gospel stage play IS GOD TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING. Since then, she has went on to perform in many other stage productions including DREAMGIRLS, DEEPEST SHADES OF BLUE, FOR COLORED GIRLS, HAVING OUR SAY – THE DELANY SISTERS’ FIRST 100 YEARS, NATIVE SON and more. She can also be seen singing with Ric Sexton and the Red Light Special Band. Outside of entertaining, Fiona Capri works as a NA Analytics & Insights Director at Procter & Gamble and is a loving mother of four children (#FeeFi4um). She is excited to be part of this amazing Carnegie’s production of THE COLOR PURPLE and hopes that the audience thoroughly enjoys this rollercoaster ride of emotions, history, laughter, and love. If you’d like to see more from Fiona Capri, you can catch her starring as the lead character in the 3 Babies Productions, LLC drama, THE BEGINNING OF FOREVER, Saturday, October 25th at 7:30pm at Fairfield Community Arts Center.

Caira Carmelle (She/Her) Olivia/Ensemble

Nettie Understudy, Squeak Understudy This is Caira’s first show at the Carnegie Theatre, and is thrilled to be a part of the cast of The Color Purple! She is going into her 2nd year at the University of Cincinnati, CCM, studying Musical Theatre. Some professional credits include, RAGTIME THE MUSICAL (Harlem Ensemble), BRIGHT STAR (Lucy Grant), HEAD OVER HEELS (Pamela). She would not only like to thank her friends and family for their endless support but also her incredible cast. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Kenneth Early Mister

Ken is grateful to return to the Carnegie stage in this production of THE COLOR PURPLE. His regional credits include A CHRISTMAS CAROL, MISERY, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and JITNEY all at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; I NEED THAT, PIPELINE, WHO ALL OVER THERE, RED VELVET, THE WHIPPING MAN and GREY GARDENS all at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati; THE AMEN CORNER, MA RAINEY’s BLACK BOTTOM, GUESS WHO’s COMING TO DINNER, MACBETH, TAMING OF THE SHREW and MICE OF MEN all at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.”

Elana Danielle Elmore (She/Her) Shug Avery

Elana Danielle Elmore (El More) is a Dayton, Ohio, native and proud graduate of Hampton University, where she earned a degree in music vocal performance with a concentration in operatic studies. A lifelong performer, she first took the stage at age three and hasn’t looked back since. Elmore is deeply honored to return to THE COLOR PURPLE, a production that holds profound personal significance. A decade ago, she made her professional debut as Celie—an experience that transformed her as both an artist and a woman. Now, stepping into the role of Shug Avery, she brings new layers of life, love, and liberation to this iconic character. Revisiting this story from a different vantage point allows Elmore to explore its rich themes of healing, identity, and divine feminine strength with renewed depth and wisdom.
Her past credits include Medda Larkin in NEWSIES, Deloris Van Cartier in SISTER ACT, Mama Euralie in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Truvy in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Muzzy Van Hossmere in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and the mother in AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS. Each role reflects her vocal versatility, emotional depth, and passion for storytelling. Outside of the theater, Elmore serves as program director at breakthrough Cincinnati and is currently pursuing a master of divinity at United Theological Seminary—merging her love for the arts with a deep call to spiritual leadership and service. She is eternally grateful to her family for their unwavering support, and to God for the gifts that continue to guide her journey.
Follow her adventure: @el_more_sings

Brittany “Harmony” Hayes (She/Her/They)

Sofia Harmony is a Cincinnati-native singer/songwriter and is thrilled to be returning to The Carnegie stage! She was previously featured in their production of DISENCHANTED as the Frog Princess. Harmony attended Northern Kentucky University during which she had the privilege of portraying the roles of Erzulie in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, the Evil Stepmother in INTO THE WOODS, Ma Rainey in MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM, and more! She is humbled and honored by the opportunity to share this classic and pertinent story to an audience of open minds and hearts.

Austin Hoard (He/Him) Grady, Bobby, Ensemble

Austin is so excited to be making his Carnegie debut in THE COLOR PURPLE! Some recent roles include The Minstrel in SOMETHING ROTTEN (Covedale Center for the Performing Arts), Ham in CHILDREN OF EDEN, and Nick in THE PROM (both with Cincinnati Musical Theatre). Austin studied Musical Theatre and Scenic Design at Columbia College Chicago and loves combining storytelling on stage with creativity behind the scenes. Coming up next, Austin will be performing in HAIRSPRAY at Warsaw Incline Theatre. Huge thanks to the cast, crew, and creative team for such a meaningful experience—and love to friends, family, and mentors for their constant support and encouragement.

Roniece Hutchins (She/Her) Church Lady Doris and Understudy Sofia

Roniece Hutchins graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC in 2020. Since 2023 she’s been keeping herself busy on the stage doing local theater! Once On This Island (Asaka), SpongeBob The Musical (Pearl), Into the Woods (Florinda), Sister Act (Tina). She’s so excited for the opportunity to share one of her favorite stories that has a special place in her heart. She’d like to thank her mother for not only introducing her to theater but to this incredible story and for being loudest cheerleader! She hopes you all enjoy the show!

Javon Cameron Harpo

Javon Cameron has returned to the Carnegie stage. He is not only a actor but a artist (singer-songwriter), as well as an accredited songwriter. He made his Carnegie debut as Marty in DREAMGIRLS and has performed in regional productions like THE WIZ, NATIVE SON, HARD KNOCK LIFE and more. Beyond theater, Javon has appeared in films on Netflix alongside stars like Bruce Willis and Regina King.

Jordyn Jones (They/She) Celie

Jordyn Jones is delighted to be making their professional theatre debut at The Carnegie. Jones is a Washington DC Native and a current student at University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM BFA Musical Theatre 2027) and a 2022 graduate of Duke Ellington School Of The Arts. Favorite Credits include Jutta in IN THE GREEN (CCM), Ensemble in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (CCM), Fiona in SHREK THE MUSICAL (VYP), Ensemble in FLAHERTY CONCERT (Carnegie Hall). Jordyn is also an upcoming solo pop artist with original music on all streaming platforms under the artist name, JØRDYN. She is so grateful to be a part of this amazing cast and crew.
@jordynamanijones @jrdynofficial www.jrdynofficial.com

Edin Kebede (She/Her/Hers) Church Lady Darlene, Church Soloist (u/s Celie)

Edin is thrilled to be back at the Carnegie for this beautiful production! She is a rising junior Musical Theatre major at CCM. Credits include HAIR (Tribe, u/s Sheila), RENT (Joanne), and FORBIDDEN BROADWAY (Woman 2). She’s so grateful to Torie, Jason, Julia, and Tyler for the opportunity to help tell this important story, and to her family and friends for their constant support. The good Lord truly works in mysterious ways!

Brandi La’Sherrill Nettie

Brandi La’Sherrill is an award-winning
playwright, storyteller,
acclaimed vocalist, director,
teaching artist, and devoted
mentor to emerging artists. She is the
founder and visionary behind
Artistic Storytelling
Experiences (ASÉ)—an
innovative platform dedicated
to producing distinctive, one-
person storytelling
experiences. Brandi is excited to return to the Carnegie after her debut at the theatre as Billie Holiday in LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR and GRILL.
brandilasherrill.com

Deondra Kamau Means (He/Him) Preacher, Ol’ Mister, Understudy for Mister

Deondra was born and raised in Cincinnati and discovered his love for the arts through music at church and at Cincinnati’s School for the Creative and Performing Arts.

But Deondra has always been interested in arts integration and artistic expression, helping to develop social skills and self-esteem in children and in highlighting social justice issues – which is what brought him to Ensemble Theater. Currently, he’s on staff at ETC as a. EDUCATION associate.

Carter Minor (He/ Him) Ensemble (Understudy Harpo, Grady, Buster, Adam)

Carter Minor is a rising junior at the University of Cincinnati (CCM), where he majors in Musical Theatre! His recent credits include Ensemble/Claude Understudy in HAIR (CCM), Jojo in SEUSSICAL (The Carnegie), Ensemble/ George Understudy in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Shenandoah Summer Music Theater), Ensemble in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (CCM), Ensemble in 30 Years of Stephen Flaherty at Carnegie Hall (CCM), Jack in INTO THE WOODS (Short North Stage), and TJ in SISTER ACT (Short North Stage).

Mary E. Patton (She/Her) Ensemble, Understudy for Olivia

Mary Patton is a Cleveland native who loves her home here in Cincinnati. She is a classically trained vocalist who has studied music at Morgan State University. She has traveled the world singing and sharing the gift of song. She has performed at Severence hall (Cleveland), Carnegie hall (New York) and many concert halls around the world as a soloist. Mary was apart of the First National Broadway touring show Sister Act as a Deloris U/S. She also toured with the Broadway show Dreamgirls multiple times and sat with the show in Japan. She has done the role of Lorrell and Deena in Dreamgirls. Mary was also a Featured singer on the Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Mary is a proud wife and mother of 4 children Kaitlyn, Marcus, Makai, and Myron. She enjoys crafting, knitting and crocheting. She now has a business dedicated to her crafts called Everything With Luv. Mary is excited to be apart of the Color Purple cast. She wants to send a special shout out to her husband Marcus for his love and support.

Torie Wiggins Director

Torie Wiggins is a multi-hyphenate artist whose Cincinnati theatre credits include Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and Harry and the Thief, Know Theatre of Cincinnati; Mame, Crowns, and The Revolutionists, Human Race Theatre Company; To Kill a Mockingbird, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; To Kill a Mockingbird, Oliver Twist, A Raisin in the Sun, and Fences, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; and Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 by Anna Deveare Smith, Diogenes Theatre Company. Her Ensemble Theatre credits include The Mountaintop, Violet, Alice in Wonderland, Around the World in 80 Days, Cinderella, Cinderella: After Ever After, and His Eye is on The Sparrow. Torie’s directing credits include We Are Proud to Present… and Good Kids, Miami University’s Department of Theatre; Dreamgirls and Proof, The Carnegie Theater; and Blues for an Alabama Sky, Falcon Theatre.

Maria Barnes (She/Her) Wig Manager

I am very excited to be returning for the Carnegie’s production of The Color Purple. My past Carnegie credits include wig run crew for HELLO DOLLY, ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, & SEUSSICAL. My other credits include wig run crew for productions at The Cincinnati Opera, The Cincinnati Ballet, & Assistant Wig Stylist for Texas Shakespeare Festival’s 2023 season. I am very excited to be stepping into the role of Wig Designer for The Carnegie’s upcoming production of ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE.

Julie Cowger (She/Her) Lighting Designer

Julie Cowger recently moved to Cincinnati from Los Angeles, CA where she was on the Lighting team at the Geffen Playhouse. She was recently honored with the 2024 Broadway World Cincinnati Award for Best Lighting Design for THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. She is currently head of Lighting at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) and was previously in the Lighting Department at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park (CPIP) where she led and programmed in the Rouse Theatre. This included productions like FRIDA, A CHORUS LINE, SEVEN GUITARS, RING OF FIRE, SHANE, CLYDES, & A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Recent projects include TICK, TICK, BOOM! and SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL at The Carnegie where she is excited to remount THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW in October 2025! She designs and teaches lighting with the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Academy LIVE! program. She co-designed and programmed Drew & Lea Lachey’s LABEL-LESS at CPIP and continues to help grow the production. Julie was the Associate Lighting Designer for TCT’s SANTA CLAUS THE MUSICAL in their final season at the Taft Theatre and is looking forward to becoming the Lighting Supervisor at the newly renovated Emery Theatre in 2025. Visit www.juliecowger.com for more information.

Marcia Fortner (She/Her) Assistant Stage Manager

Marcia just graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a BFA Degree in Stage Management. She is excited to return to the Carnegie for her 7th show! Her recent credits include: Northern Kentucky University: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (SM), ANYTHING GOES (SM), and THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (SM). The Cincinnati Arts Association: THE OVERTURE AWARDS (PSM). The Cincinnati Ballet: 60th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (ASM) and THE NUTCRACKER (ASM). The Carnegie: SEUSSICAL (Wardrobe Manager), BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (ASM) and GUYS AND DOLLS (ASM). She would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support. Enjoy the show! Philippians 4:13

Jason Alexander Holmes (He/him) Music Director

Jason Alexander Holmes, Associate Director of Choirs at the May Festival, is a music educator, conductor, and performer from Ridgeway, VA. Before coming to Cincinnati, Jason worked with the Boston Children’s Chorus, public schools in Rochester, NY, and opera and musical theatre companies. Recently, Jason has been music director for THE WIZ, PRINCESS AND FROG, and CINDERELLA at The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati. With The Carnegie, Jason music directed LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL. At the core of Jason’s teaching and performing is the belief that we are all expressive and musical beings who deserve to witness and create moments of truth and beauty.

Tiara M. Jones Wig and Hair Designer

Tiara Jones is a Wig/ Hair Designer, Licensed Cosmetologist, Makeup Artist and Apparel Designer originally from Alexandria, Virginia. Her professional design work has been seen at The Carnegie, Manhattan Class Company, The Cincinnati Opera, The Santa Fe Opera, The Glimmerglass Opera Festival, New York Fashion Week, The Empire State Building and Ensemble Theater Cincinnati. She obtained her Master of Fine Arts in Wig and Makeup Design at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, and her Bachelors degree in Fashion Design at UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. Tiara resides in New York City and continuously travels to work on Wig Design, hairstyling, makeup artistry to apparel. Tiara gives thanks to God, her family, her artistic team and supporters of her talents.

Maura Kesterson (They/She) Wardrobe Supervisor/Assistant Costume Designer

Maura is a grad student in Costume Design and Technology at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where they were recently the costume designer for HAIR. Other credits include Assistant Costume Designer for TICK TICK BOOM! (The Carnegie), CLUE (CCM), THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES (Porthouse Theater) and Wardrobe Supervisor for EMILIA (CCM), WITCH (CCM/The Carnegie), BEAUTIFUL, and TICK TICK BOOM! (The Carnegie).

Danielle Lobello (She/Her) Sound Designer

Danielle(Dani) Lobello is the Director of Production for The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. She was previously the Director of Production for the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. She began her career as the Production Manager at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL where she developed and managed several IAAPA award-winning theme park shows and parades. Danielle received her B.A. in Theatre from Winona State University in Winona, MN.

Maria F. Ortiz Lopez (She/Her) Costume Designer

Maria F. Ortiz Lopez (Costume Designer) (She/her) returns to The Carnegie after having designed costumes for Tick Tick Boom and The Witch.

A native of Mexico City, she studied fashion design in Mexico and earned her MFA in costume design and technology at the University of Cincinnati. Maria has worked as a production assistant on Apple TV’s The Afterparty and won best wardrobe on the Tombstone film festival for the short film On Earth as It Is in Heaven, an 1800s western short film.Her latest design jobs have been: The sound Inside, The Match Game and Fiona! The Musical at Ensemble theater Cincinnati, Alice by Heart at Sinclair College, The Latinx Vote at The Studio Theater, and Legally Blonde at Short North Stage.

Check more of her work in the sites below: ferorlop.wixsite.com/portfolio Instagram: @costume_designs_by_maria

Gina Cerimele-Mechley (She/Her/Hers) Fight Director

One of the few female Fight Directors in the country with the Society of American Fight Directors. Regional credits include: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Opera Theatre St. Louis, Denver Center Theatre Company, Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre, Sterling Renaissance Festival, Human Race Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and Nintendo Motion Capture Studios. Gina focuses much of her time on her nationally recognized educational theatre company, Cincinnati Actor’s Studio & Academy. Awards: The USA Distinguished Teacher Award, first recipient of the Cincinnati Arts Association Arts Educator Award, and knighted by the order of The Knights of Madoc, in honor of her “work in the art of stage combat and in recognition of her fine character and enduring good will.”

Julia Schick (She/They) Choreographer

Carnegie: KINKY BOOTS(Choreographer), INTO THE WOODS(Assistant Director, Swing), SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN(Assistant Choreographer), RENT(Joanne). Other: HADESTOWN 2nd NATIONAL TOUR (Swing, U/S Eurydice & Fates, ADC), AFTER PINOCCHIO (Kiminy), ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Choreographer, Asaka). Recent graduate from CCM. All love to the wonderful team here at The Carnegie! Julialschick.com.

Tyler Gabbard (He/Him) Producer, Scenic Designer

Tyler is the Producing Director of Theatre at The Carnegie, recognized as Cincinnati’s “Favorite Local Theatre” by the BroadwayWorld Cincinnati Awards and praised by The Sappy Critic as the city’s “go-to theater for musicals.” The League of Cincinnati Theatres declared, “Under its new Theatre Director, Tyler Gabbard, The Carnegie has soared to new heights, quickly becoming one of, if not the, top choice for theatregoers in Cincinnati.” Before joining The Carnegie, Tyler held administrative roles at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University, and the School of the Arts at Northern Kentucky University. He is on the board of CCMPower and previously served as Vice President of the League of Cincinnati Theatres. Tyler worked with Ms. Tina Knowles for three years as the VIP Manager for her annual Wearable Art Gala, and with artists including Stephen Sondheim, Patti LuPone, Jonathan Groff, Alec Baldwin, Alice Ripley, and Maggie Gyllenhaal as a production assistant. Tyler’s career began as the general management intern with Dodgers Theatricals, working on Broadway productions of MATILDA THE MUSICAL, JERSEY BOYS, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. As a scenic designer, his work has been seen in New York City, Los Angeles, and over a dozen venues in Kentucky and Ohio, including more than 20 productions at The Carnegie. He earned the BroadwayWorld Cincinnati Award for Best Scenic Design for his work on THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Tyler holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and is an alumnus of the Emerging Leadership Institute of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals. His accolades include the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Next Generation Leader Award, features in Movers & Makers’ Notables in Performing Arts, Queer Kentucky’s 25 Faces of Fairness, and Cincinnati Magazine’s Power 100 Rising Stars. Tyler resides in Bellevue with his husband, Jack Manion—an artist and educator—and their dog, Popsicle.

Doug Stock (He/Him) Technical Director

Doug is in his sixth season at The Carnegie, where he has designed sets for LITTLE SHOP…, JOSEPH…, PROOF, AMERICAN IDIOT, DREAMGIRLS, and THE FULL MONTY in addition to overseeing tech for hundreds of concerts and rental events. Previously, he was Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s Assistant Technical Director and Master Carpenter. He was also the Technical Director and Scenic & Lighting Designer at Thomas Worthington High School, his Alma Mater. Graduate of UC-CCM.

Kyle Imbronyev (He/Him) Production Technician

Kyle is thrilled to be joining The Carnegie! Kyle holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northern Kentucky University. After working both on stage and screen in Los Angeles, CA, he moved back to Cincinnati and became the Artistic Director for a local high school. Kyle would like to thank his friends and family for their constant support, especially his beautiful wife Ellen and their amazing daughter, Millie!