LC- Cast Bios

Jenell Biggs (Gail Claxton) – is not from Alabama. Theatre credits include the Georgetown Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s Urinetown, St. Mark’s Players’ South Pacific, K.G. Dance’s, 100 DAYS, and MacBheatha (Lady Macbeth) in the 2017 D.C. Fringe Festival. Jenell graduated from Brigham Young University, and has training in ballet, modern, and ballroom dance. When she’s not doing community dance and theatre projects, she works for the University of Arizona as a dirty, dirty lobbyist. 

Daniyah Prosser (Agatha) – is a Junior B.F.A Musical Theatre major at Nazareth College, and hails from Washington D.C. She discovered her love for the theatre at the age of 11 and has been involved in various shows since then such as Pippin (Leading Player), Rent (Mimi), Annie (Grace Ferrel), Polaroid Stories (Eurydice), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Brenda) and many other wonderful productions. She is grateful for this opportunity thanks to the crew and cast. She gives love & thanks to her mom, little sister Aaliyah, and family. @daniyahjezel 

Nate Daley (Luke Lawrence) – A soul singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, and metal guitarist. Yes, you read that right. A NYC native, Nate learned he could sing at a very young age. He followed his dream of being a musician all the way though school. A graduate of both the world famous LaGuardia, High School for Music and Art and the Performing Arts, and then more recently the illustrious Berklee College of Music, Nate has defied musical genres and worked with everything from classical, to R&B, to Hip Hop, to metal. There are almost no places in the world of music where Nate wouldn’t be able to hop in and add something interesting. Now, as an actor, Nate brings his out-the-box thinking and big personality to a new art form.

Robert Hamilton (Don Juliette) – is a stagehand/actor hybrid making himself a home in the area as he continues to contribute to the arts community here in the DMV. He has worked with Adventure Theatre as the Master Carpenter for Frosty the Snowman and also worked as a Carpenter for Theatre By The Sea’s production of Mary Poppins. He was the Sound Engineer for Mosaic’s The Return. Acting credits include Soldier’s Play, The Clumsy Custard Horror Show, and Colorblind: the Katrina Monologues. After his role as Colby in The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus this past October, Robert also played the role of “Richard” in U-Street, the musical, written by Jason Ellis. He is excited to take on yet another challenging role with Momentum Collective. He loved every single bit of the role he played in this production, and hopes you as the audience member loves it just as much as he works with his cast mates onstage to present an opportunity to reflect on ourselves.

Jason A. Ellis (Clarence) – is tickled pink (if he could get that color) to be able to perform for his many supporters, and expresses his heartfelt gratitude for that continued support today. He has performed in every show he has written, because he loves being part of the special magic that the cast creates on stage. Over the last 7 years he has performed in leading roles with various theater companies in the DMV area including the following productions: A Soldier’s Play, Seven Guitars, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Company, Disney Dazzle, Dreamgirls (twice), and Sister Act. He has choreographed for, and performed in, several productions with Alfred Street Baptist Church. He was most recently the choreographer for South Pacific with St. Mark’s Players and The Fantasticks with Little Theater of Alexandria. He also directed (and won for best staged reading) #WOKE, at the DC Black Theater Festival. Never one to sit still, he is deeply involved and invested in every aspect of the show. A son of Jamaica, he lives by the optimistic slogan for the country’s flag, “hardships there are, but the land is green and the sun shineth”.

Sheron LaSha (Vicki Clark/Thelma) – is a  Washington DC native and has been singing since the age of seven. She has performed in choirs, show choirs, and bands throughout the city. She also has done local theater, performing in record breaking plays such as Tantallon’s theater group production of Dreamgirls where she played Lorrell. She was also a featured vocalist in Jason Ellis’ 2017 production of Not My Baby, and 2018 revival of U-Street, the musical. She is also a regular featured vocalist in Jeremy McShan’s JAM musical reviews. Sheron Has dabbled in play and song writing. Singing to Sheron is like breathing, she just can’t live without it. One of her favorite people in the world is Iyanla VanZant. Who talks about ” Living in your truth and doing the work” This is something that Sheron Lasha loves to live by. “I know you all will enjoy the message that this show will send”.

Sarah Bricker (DJS Dancer) – is ecstatic to be a part of Last Call! This is her first performance in the DMV area.  Recently, she choreographed Urinetown: The Musical for the Georgetown Gilbert and Sullivan Society and has previously choreographed Aida, Jesus Christ Superstar, My Favorite Year, and Hair. Before focusing on choreography, she danced with the Louisville Ballet and Paradise Ballet Theatre. She is currently working on a MA/MFA in dance education and dance performance at NYU.

Alyshia Bradley (Ms. Shirley) – is a 31 year old actress, author and spoken word artist from Lusby Maryland. She graduated top of her College with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Urban Arts from Coppin State University and since then has become what she calls “a living artist” “I believe art, life and healing go hand in hand. So much of life is art and has looked that way for me, so my life’s work is to continue to be a living advocate for art, full happy living and healthy mental health practices.” She has 2 books published so far, Thank You Resiliency But I Am Tired, and I See You Mocha Mocha both detailing her poetic and healing journey.

Michelle Brown (The Cymbals/Yvonne) –  is the god-granddaughter of Mary Jackson of Hidden Figures, NASA’s first Black female engineer, and two-time graduate of Hampton University and a Silver Star and Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In addition to committing 30 years of service to mankind in this prestigious organization, she has dedicated her life to sharing her 48 years of experience in cheer, dance and gymnastics with various teams. She serves in the Fine Arts Ministry at Alfred Street Baptist Church where she sings, dance, and Teen Dance Ministry Co-Leader. This is her 3rd production with director Jason Ellis, also having previously performed in U-Street, and Not My Baby. She is an actress and singer for the Chesterfield Children’s Theater and a member of Iron Street Productions, LLC.; dancer for a AFL2 league; dancer, coach, and choreographer for a minor league football association; middle and high school cheer coach; an announcer for two high school bands; majorette and flag core advisor for a high school band; and selected as Who’s Who Amongst Young Women of America. Truly believing in the motto, the only way to fail is not to try, Miss Brown freely gives back daily to the youth what has been given to her.

Caitlin O’Hara (DJS Dancer) – Last Call is Caitlin’s first production since the pandemic began and she is thrilled to be playing Tracey! Past credits include Hazel Longstreet in The Social Secretary (City of Fairfax Theater), Dinah Lord in The Philadelphia Story (St. Mark’s Players), The Cat in the Hat in Seussical (Encore Stage&Studio) and Ensign Connie Walewska in South Pacific (St. Mark’s Players). Thank you to Jason, cast, and crew for making this a memorable experience. A huge thank you to her wonderful parents, friends, and mentors for their support and love. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Chandler Jordan (Otis) – A Washington DC Native and a recent graduate of NC Wesleyan College. He is an actor and singer-songwriter that goes by the name, Chancellor Jay. He has played as Link in his HS production of “Hairspray” in 2018, performed under the Broadway Dreams Foundation and was a vocalist in his college band, Spectrum. He wants to thank Jason Ellis for the opportunity, and his family and friends for their love and support! 

Desiré Barrett (The Cymbals) – hails from Providence, Rhode Island and started singing at the age of 3 in the Ebenezer Baptist Church choir. By age 5 she caught full blown theater-itis starring in Peter Pan and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at a private elementary school. By middle and high school she was singing in competition and show choirs, and as a student at Virginia State University she sang in the gospel choir. She can be currently found singing in numerous choirs for the Music and Worship Arts Ministry at Alfred St. Baptist Church. Over the years she has performed in dance troops, drill teams and was on the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated Step team. Under the direction of Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. and the NEWorks Production she was a part of the Tribute performances at the Kennedy Center as well as the Star Wars in concert at the Verizon Center. For the Miss World pageant she sang back up for Rodrick Dixon of the Three Mo Tenors. She is also part of the Joyce Garrett Singers and performed for a number of years for the Kennedy Center Honors and Christmas in Washington and also sang back up for the legendary Diana Ross. She has appeared in U-Street, the Musical and South Pacific. She lifts all praises to God and sends a special thanks to her mother, Dr. Joyce Garrett, Terry Spann, Mark Prioleau, Tamieka Jones, and Jason Ellis.

Justin Thaxton (MC WIllie) – is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and started his acting career in 2021. He has studied at the McKinnon Acting School and the Studio Acting Conservatory in Washington, D.C. In 2022 he has done voice acting on several national and local projects. Justin is also a writer and producer of The 1528 Podcast and Last Month This Morning New Show. 

Jackson Caesar (Cain James) – From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  An American singer, songwriter, recording artist, vocal arranger, producer and educator.  Notable instruments; Piano and Percussion.  Caesar is one of Washington, DCs prominent male vocalists.  Praised for his distinguished stage presence, extended high range, lyrical and light tones, fine diction, song interpretation and phrasing.  Caesar’s versatility has wowed audiences with his talent and skills. He performs in four languages and four genres appealing to crowds of various ethnic backgrounds.  In addition to his singing and teaching, he has been in various productions: As a Pop entertainer for Six Flags, Langston Hughes, “Don’t You Want to Be Free?,” “Ragtime Broadway,” “Treemonisha,” a Scott Joplin Opera, and Don Giovani, Mozart Opera. Words and phrases that best describe his talent are:  (G.R.I.P.) Graceful, Refreshing, Inspiring, and Powerful. 

Ira F. Coats Jr. (The Tricksters) – has been singing since before he could form words, according to his mother. Although he is a practicing attorney, his passion is most certainly music. He has a degree in vocal performance from Chowan University and has been apart of the cast of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity for the past 10 years, both in Georgia as well as New York. Recently, he has graced the stage of JAM here in Washington, DC. He has won numerous awards for his vocal abilities and looks forward to sharing his gift with the world. 

Brandon Wright (The Tricksters) – is excited to be in Last Call Musical.   He is born in Alexandria, VA and has been into music all of his life.  Brandon’s musical background and experiences include performing in Woodbridge Senior High School’s 2006 production of “Wizard of Oz” where he played several characters and served as the understudy to Uncle Henry.  Brandon also sang with the Woodbridge Senior High School Singers and the Concert Choir. Brandon’s last production in 2018 was with St. Marks Players production of “South Pacific” where he played Radio Operator Bob McCaffrey.  While Brandon has free time he enjoy singing with Alfred Street Baptist Church’s Royal Priesthood and Psalms of Praise Choirs. Brandon has also had numerous opportunities to sing with various groups at the Kennedy Center.

Joyvell Henry (Shake dancer) – was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Jamaica. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and is currently an AmeriCorps Community  HealthCorps Member in Alexandria, VA. She has participated in liturgical dance since she was 10 years old and has been a member of the Alfred Street Baptist Church Liturgical Dance Ministry since 2006. She has performed in various productions at ASBC, including Great Joy and Hope Springs. She wants to thank Jason Ellis for this opportunity to perform on a different stage, first with U-Street, and now this production, and her family and friends for their continuous love and support.

Justin Latus (Charles Claxton) –  is delighted to be part of another show written by director Jason Ellis!  His last show was “Senior Moments”, also with Momentum Collective Inc., where as Karl Hannah he won the heart of one of the leading ladies with his “Slow Dance.”  Before that he was a sailor in St. Mark’s Players South Pacific. In the summer of 2019, he played a somewhat tone-deaf college administrator in a reading of #Woke as part of the D.C. Black Theatre Festival. Audiences may also remember sitting uncomfortably through his long-in-the-tooth portrayals of Motel the Tailor in St. Mark’s Players’ Fiddler on the Roof and Arpad the Delivery Boy in Dominion Stage’s She Loves Me.

Kris Humphrey (Martha Claxton) – has loved being on stage since her star turn as “Wanda the Witch” in her 3rd grade musical. Locally, she has performed in original political satirical shows with Hexagon, several Music Halls with the British Players, and in HMS Pinafore with the Arlington Players. She is thrilled to be part of the Last Call cast! Thanks to both my fake and real husbands Justin for their support. 

Taryn Murphy (The Cymbals/Yvonne) – is a third year BFA Musical Theater major at Temple University who has performed in over 20 productions in Philadelphia and the DMV. Her most recent credits include Spring Awakening (Wendla) and her work as a choreographer with the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA. Many thanks to Momentum Collective and the cast & crew of “Last Call!” @tarynstv

Taryn Murphy is thrilled to be back for another Momentum Collective production!Taryn is a third year BFA Musical Theater major at Temple University who has performed in over 20 productions in Philadelphia and the DMV. Her most recent credits include Spring Awakening (Wendla) and her work as a choreographer with the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA.  Many thanks to Jason Ellis and the cast and crew of “Last Call!” @tarynstv

Jovita Tolbert (Shake Dancer) – is a Maryland native and is elated be a dancer in the production of Senior Moments. Since childhood she has found joy in dancing. Jovita has studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and African dance. She believes dance is a form of communication and works to use it regularly to edify, praise, and worship.

Geoffrey Baskir (John) – has appeared in a number of community and small professional stage productions in Maryland, DC and Virginia, most notably with Hexagon between 2017 and 2020 (acting, writing and production) and most recently at Fauquier Community Theatre (“Shoah”, Henrik Gawkowski). He has also appeared in several DC Fringe performances, including a memorable season as the MC of a fire circus (“8 Bit Circus Sh*t”) and several 48 Hour Films in DC, Maryland and Texas. When not acting or cartooning, he is seen in the company of two redheads for whom this theater life is a diversion. Love to Genie and Emma for being a part of this.

Joshua Devine (Melvin) – is thrilled to be performing and making his acting debut in “Last Call, the Musical” production. Relatively new to the Greater Washington area, Joshua is a Pittsburgh, Pa. native, a burgeoning singer-songwriter and musician. He has been a member of his local church’s praise and worship team and has supported the production of holiday plays and musicals in Youth and Sunday School Ministry for over the last decade. Joshua always seeks to utilize his gifts to share his Christian faith and encourage those who need light, love and hope. Outside of the arts, Joshua is passionate about community and civic engagement and building a more inclusive economy that truly serves the people. He serves professionally as the Director for Racial Economic Equity at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition and holds a bachelor’s degree in Community, Environment and Development from the Pennsylvania State University.

Rashad Roberts (The Tricksters) – Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Rashad M. Roberts matriculated through Prince William County Public Schools. His relationship with God, love for music, performing arts, and upbringing in the church have been driving forces. Rashad began singing at the age of 5 and later with small groups and choirs. His musical gift has provided opportunities to perform in arenas and more intimate settings; before former presidents, secretaries of state, and civic organizations. 

A licensed minister, Rashad is a 2020 graduate of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology on the campus of Virginia Union University, where he received his Master’s of Divinity. A soon-to-be-published author, Rashad, is an advocate for mental health, the arts, the work of the church, and youth and young adults. Rashad is the creator and founder of YoungGiftedandBlack365, LLC. While he is not new to the theater nor Momentum Inc, this will be Rashad’s first production in more recent years.

Dani Maxwell (Shake Dancer) – is a native of California and started dancing at a young age specializing in jazz and competitive dancing. Dani danced in numerous parades and shows at Disneyland and was a member of the Los Angeles Rams cheerleading team. After moving to Florida, Dani continued to hone her craft, adding hip hop to her repertoire and dancing for the Orlando Predators arena football team. She used her talents to teach hip hop at LA Fitness and for the middle school students she taught in Broward County. She was a member of Pfuzion Dance Theatre in Miami. Dani currently dances with Afta Shock DC and is a cast member of JAM. She works currently as a middle school science teacher.

Cameron Rhode (Tic Tacs) – is enjoying his first Momentum production. He thanks his mother for raising him on (among others) Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, and the Beatles and is confident she too would have loved Jason’s compositions. Cameron earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in biotechnology from UMBC. He lives and tutors in Gaithersburg, Maryland and follows his lord and savior, Elton John.

Timothy Brown (Ensemble) – is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College with a BA in Music Applied Emphasis (Voice). His musical background included singing and acting performances in the Opera and Theatre productions and playing the Saxophone for the Concert Band. He is currently a member of Patrick Lundy & the Ministers of Music as well as the gospel group Millennials 4 Christ.

Carla Wheaden (The Cymbals) – is very excited to make her theater debut in Momentum Collective Inc.’s “Last Call, the musical.” She has danced with the Afta Shock DC dance troupe since 2019, and outside of work, she is a dance student in several disciplines, from Hip Hop to Tap. For fun, you can find her singing karaoke throughout Northern Virginia. She wants to send a big thank you to her friend Jody for taking on this new challenge with her. Also thank you to her boyfriend Brandon and her family for all their support and love.

Stuart Conrad (Little Frankie) – has acted in a wide variety of projects with several companies including Synetic Theater and Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theater. He performed in productions such as Bye Bye Birdie, Mary Poppins, Oliver, Grease, The Little Mermaid, The Hobbit, and Rock the Vote. He is a recent high school graduate from Alexandria City Public Schools and was very involved in the drama department where he performed in numerous productions including Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, and Identity. He was nominated for a Cappy for best lead actor in a musical, for his role in Little Shop of Horrors. He would like to thank the Department Chair, Ms. Leslie Jones for directing him to this opportunity to perform with the amazing cast of Last Call, the musical.

Jody Hestick (The Cymbals) – began singing from a young age due to growing up in an a cappella only church. Currently, she is a student at University of Maryland Global Campus studying Software Development. She also works as a program specialist for NIH. Last Call will be her first time participating in a professional musical production.