The Wiz

MONA SWAIN* (she/her) is thrilled to be back on the Aurora Stage! Aside  from her theatrical achievements, she has also built a social media following of more than 2 million people across her platforms (@monaswain). Other Credits: Tina: Tina the Tina Turner Musical (Tina Turner - Alternate), Sister Act (Deloris Van Cartier), Legally Blonde (Serena), SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical (Disco Donna U/s)

RUFF ALEXANDER (he/him) is both very excited and grateful to ease on down the road in his first professional performance, and what better place to get his start than with family at Aurora Theatre! Outside of the theatre, this 8 month old pup enjoys spending his days playing endless amounts of tag, meeting new people and furry friends, sunbathing, and watching Bluey!

RUSSELL ALEXANDER II (he/him) is so thankful to be back home at Aurora joining the cast of a show that started his passion for theatre as a young child & this time with his pup “Ruff”! Aside from the stage, Russell can be found cruising the seas with his solo headliner show, or inspiring young minds at Savannah College of Art &
Design. Recent Credits- TV/Film: “Ironheart” (Marvel/Disney+), A SPARROW CRIES AT NIGHT(Toshiba Productions), “Jefferson County: Probation” (Comedy Central), “Heaux Phase” (FUBU Prod.) STAGE: Christmas Canteen, Children of Eden, Newsies, Mamma Mia!, Ripcord (Aurora Theatre), The Wild Party, A New Brain (Jennie T Anderson Theatre), The Wiz, Memphis (Red Mountain Theatre), Occupants (Kennedy Center), The Addams Family (Lyric Theatre). Follow Me @_alexanderii

LAWRENCE FLOWERS* (he/him) Joins the cast of The Wiz having most recently lead the cast of “Papa Didn’t Take No Mess”, as James Brown with Jeremy Cormier Pro. Other theatre credits: Reverend Doctor, Young John Lewis(TO); Harpo, The Color Purple(Aurora Theatre & MSMT); Joseph, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat(NBF Theatre); [Jimmy Early, Dreamgirls], Shepherd, Black Nativity, Mus Director, Mahalia ([Lone Tree Arts Center],Dominion Entertainment); Scarecrow, The Wiz (The Fulton Theatre); CC, Dreamgirls (Atlanta Lyric); Black Dude, Toxic Avenger (Horizon Theatre); Little Moe, Five Guys Named Moe (TO); Ken in Ain't Misbehavin (GAE). TV: Greenleaf S 2 & 3 (Own Network) Aretha Genius (NGC) Billboard topping Stellar & Image winner. Grammy Academy Member FSU Alumni

MARCUS HOPKINS-TURNER* (he/him) is an Atlanta native, a proud father of two and Morehouse College graduate. Regional Credits: Prince of Egypt (Tuacahn), Fences, Ma Rainy, Jesus Christ Superstar and Little Mermaid (Springer Opera House), and Porgy and Bess (Red Mountain Theatre) Atlanta Credits: Hands Up and A
Christmas Carol (Alliance Theatre), Julius Caesar (The Shakespeare Tavern), Support Group for Men and Amelie (Horizon Theater), Tarzan the Musical (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), Once on this Island (GET), Home I'm Darling (Synchronicity Theatre), I'm Not Rappaport, Mary Poppins and Sister Act (Aurora Theatre), Father Comes Home and Intimate Apparel (Actors Express), Black Nativity (Dominion Ent.), and 1776 the Musical
(The Legacy Theatre).

BRAD RAYMOND* (he/him) has performed as an actor, singer or conductor at some of the art world’s most esteemed institutions including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Light Opera Works of Chicago, the Ravinia Festival, Arena Stage, The Broad Stage, The Alliance Theatre, The Denver Center, Atlanta
Opera, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, Theater Emory, Horizon Theatre and Spivey Hall. Some of Brad’s favorite roles include: Homer in Lilies of the Field, Fetch in Fetch, Clay Make Man, Narrator in Passing Strange, Ronald in Born For This and the Suzi Bass Award winning performance in Chasin' Dem Blues. Brad is a 2024 winner of the Lunt- Fontanne for excellence in regional theater acting.

INDIA TYREE* (Host/Ensemble) is thrilled to be back performing in Christmas Canteen. Some of her credits include: Passing Strange(Sudabey, Marianna) and The World Premiere of Flex(Cherise) at Theatrical Outfit. Olivia in the World Premiere of Incredible Book Eating Boyat Alliance Theater. She has also been seen in shows here at Aurora such as title character, Cinderella, Eviline in The Wiz, as well as Emma in Andrew Lloyd Webbers Song and Dance. India is represented by Formation Talent Agency and can be seen on TV in Tyler Perry’s "Sistas" and "Zatima" (Heather) and more. IG: @indiatyree

DAJA M. RICE (she/her) is thrilled to return to the Aurora Theatre stage alongside this incredible cast. An actress, teaching artist, and multi-hyphenate creative, Daja holds a B.A. in Theatre and Education from North Carolina Central University and an MFA in Acting from the University of Georgia. Her recent credits include Becky in Waitress at Aurora Theatre, Turtle/Mama Duck in Petite Rouge at Synchronicity Theatre, Ronette in Little Shop of Horrors at Artfarm at Serenbe, and Church Lady in The Color Purple at Aurora. Beyond the stage, Daja is the co-founder of Rice Performing Arts Camp, a theatre program she runs with her husband, Jonathan Rice. Follow her creative journey on Instagram: @dajamrice @thericepac

CHELCY CUTWRIGHT (she/her) is thrilled to be back at aurora theatre! Atlanta credits include: Amelia Sedley in Vanity Fair (Georgia Ensemble Theater), Suzanne in Amelie (Horizon Theatre), Cindy Lou in Winter Wonderettes, Missy in The Marvelous Wonderettes (Marietta Theatre Company), The Secret Garden and White Christmas (Jennie T Anderson), Three Little Pigs and Mary Poppins (Aurora Theatre) Favorite regional credits include: Shug Avery in The Color Purple, Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls, Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias (Springer Opera House), and Deena Jones in Dreamgirls, (Red Mountain Theatre). She sends love to her Mom and Grandma for their constant support. God is Good! For updates follow Chelcy on IG @chelcycut

IRENE POLK (she/her) is excited to "ease on down the road" and make her Aurora Theatre Debut!! Previous Atlanta credits include Immediate Family (Out Front Theatre), Peps! Cola Bitch (Alliance Theatre Reiser Lab &
SheATL), Assistant Director for Cry it Out (Stage Door Theatre), The Exterminating Angel (Vernal & Sere Theatre), The Wolves (Horizon Theatre), and Steel Magnolias (Marietta Theatre in the Square).

MYA BURNS (she/her) is an actress and choreographer based in Atlanta! Some of her recent credits: The Color Purple (Aurora Theatre) Beautiful: The Carol King Musical (Aurora Theater) Hairspray (Outfront Theater) Hot Jambalaya (Dad’s Garage) Milo Imagines the world (Alliance Theatre) She feels so blessed to have been given this opportunity. Mya would also like to give a shoutout to whoever is reading this bio (yeah you!) and taking the time to come see live theatre! Thank You! Insta:@mya.burns_ TikTok:@myaburns_

LENATAA S. GOKA (she/her) is an Atlanta native, proudly by way of Rivers State, Nigeria. The Georgia State University alumna, exhibits dynamism of the modern young professional through her dance & creative works. Through the years she studies different styles of movement such as Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, traditional West African & African street styles. Ms. Goka has been granted opportunities to perform with musical artists Kanye West, Anthony Hamilton, Yemi Alade, Sho Madjozi, Asake, and more. Lenataa is grateful for the warm welcome by peers of the Musical Theater community in Atlanta & is excited more growth. Outside of dance, she enjoys serving as an academic tutor & creative director with her business, TNL Vision Creatives, LLC.

SHANELLE AMOR (she/her) Ensemble is originally from St. Petersburg, FL where she graduated from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School. She has over 17 years of professional experience in the arts and education, appearing on television, film, numerous live performances, and more. She is a multi-faceted artist who's been seen in shows such as the hit 1970’s Musical, Disaster (Levora Verona), I Am Speaking Up! Breaking the Chain of Trauma (Angel), First Wives Club Season 2 & 3 (Choreographer & Dancer), Stories from the Keepsake Box: Christmas Time (Constance Jones), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Panacea), and The Lower Room (Mary Magdalene). Shanelle is excited to perform in The Wiz at Aurora Theatre for the first time!

CHEALSEA STEVENS (she/her) is ecstatic to be performing at Aurora Theatre for the first time. Recent credits include Unveil: A prelude to "Eyes are the Portal to the Soul" by Dani Swatzie, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carowinds Theme Park and The Strand Theatre. Other work includes backup dancing with Queen Naija, Sunshine Anderson and Bobby Wilson. Chealsea began her training in her home state, at Nulook Dance Theatre, in Orlando, FL. Now she trains at multiple dance studios in metro Atlanta and with fellow members of Komanse Dance Theatre Company. Special thanks to God and her family.

GREG HUNTER (Ensemble) is a Georgia native and has had many opportunities to perform around Atlanta; his recent credits include The Wiz, Waitress, Christmas Canteen2024, The Color Purple(Aurora Theatre), The African Company Presents Richard III(Shakespeare Tavern), Ghastly Dreadfuls'24 & '25 (Center for Puppetry Arts), and Wait Until Dark(Georgia Ensemble). He sincerely hopes you enjoy! www.gregmhunter.com

MAURICE CLERMONT (he/him) is a rising senior at Kennesaw State University (KSU) with a major in Theatre & Performance Studies, and a minor in Dance. He is so excited for his second show at the Aurora Theater! His recent credits include PIPPIN at KSU as a Leading Player and GREASE at The Strand Theater as Doody. He was also recently the Male Swing in Sister Act at the Aurora! Maurice is so blessed to be in the cast of The Wiz as this is one of his dream shows! He gives all credit and glory to GOD for this opportunity amongst many others, and he is so excited to tell this story with his peers and cast mates! You can find him on Instagram and TikTok @maurice.cjr

Jemarcus Kilgore (he/ Him)  is an Atlanta-based actor who’s been acting in the TV/Film and Theatre Industries for the past 12 years. He’s worked on several projects including hit shows Black Lightning on The CW and BMF on STARZ. He’s beyond excited to bring his talents back to the stage!

KARMYN NICOLE MOTON (she/her) is an Atlanta native and a proud graduate of the DeKalb School of the Arts. She went on to earn her BFA in Dance from Florida State University. After graduating, Karmyn moved to New York City, where she signed with Bloc Talent Agency. Her career spans stage, screen, and television, with credits including performances with Madonna, Ice Cube, and Keke Palmer. She has also appeared in acclaimed television series such as Godfather of Harlem and Power Book III.

JORDAN COWAN (he/him) was born in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. Eager to learn more about dance, Jordan then went off to school at Alabama State University(ASU) where he started his formal training at the age of 22 in Ballet, Modern (Horton), Jazz, African, Hip-Hop, & Improvisation. Under the direction of Micheal Medcalf , James Aktinson, Lindsay Renea Benton, Jerome Stigler & the late but forever great Kavin T. Grant. Jordan received his BFA in dance from ASU Spring 2019. After graduation Jordan then joined Garth Fagan Dance summer 2019- 2021. Jordan has worked with other artists such as Pj Pennewell, Raianna Brown, Dewitt Cooper, Savery Morgan, Theater West Virginia,& Super Bowl LV 2021 with R&B/Pop singer The Weeknd.

ROSE SETON (Swing) is so excited to be working on this show! Rose is a member of Aurora's AppCo26. Professional credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musicalas Little Eva, The Color Purpleas Olivia, and The Wizas Ensemble (Aurora Theatre). She hopes to continue spreading her love for artistry!

JOEL HARLAN-LEDBETTER (Crew/Featured AppCo26 Ensemble) Happy Holidays! Joel is an Atlanta-born singer, actor and dancer. Previous Credits: The Wiz(Aurora Theatre), Cabaret(Actor's Express), Young Frankenstein(GTA), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee(GTA). Joel has recently graduated from Brenau University and is a member of Aurora's AppCo26. Thank you for coming to see the show. Joel thanks his friends and family.

XAVIER SHEPHERD (Swing) was last seen in The Wiz and is beyond excited to be swinging Christmas Canteen! He's grateful for these opportunities as a member of Aurora's AppCo26! Favorite credits: Footloose, Freaky Friday, The Wiz,Big Fish, Ragtime, and Our Town. Many thanks to his family, friends, and boyfriend for all of the love and support! <3 IG: @xavierqshepherd

MICHAL ATKINSON (she/her) is ecstatic to be in the ensemble of The Wiz. This is her second show with Aurora Theatre, as she was previously ensemble in The Color Purple. She would like to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support, the directing team for teaching her so many valuable lessons, and her cast mates for making this experience so much fun. She hopes y’all enjoy the show!

ASHLEE MCNEILL (she/her) is a senior Theatre and Performance Studies major at Kennesaw State University. Previous credits include Rock of Ages (Justice), Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), and Pride and Prejudice (Miss Bingley). With this being her Aurora Theatre debut, she'd like to thank her mom, her aunt, Ms. Kelly, and the rest of her Village/mentors for supporting her through and beyond this journey. She's very grateful to honor her dad and her uncle on the stage once again. God is good!

JEROME STEPHEN MANNING (he/him) is thrilled to be back at Aurora Theatre after swinging and performing in Waitress! Recent stage credits include The Color Purple at Red Mountain Theatre and HAIR! in Cortland New York at Cortland Rep. Theatre. He would like to thank his Mom, family and friends for all of their continued love and support! Follow his journey and future projects on Instagram @__JSMproductions