Jerica

Ariel Underwood is a Cincinnati native and SCPA alumna, known for her work as a performer, director, and community advocate. A decorated actress, dancer, and international singer, she has appeared on American Idol and The Voice, and was the winning champion of NBC’s Clash of the Choirs with Team Cincinnati. Her credits include directing Through Blind Eyes, For Colored Girls, and HOMEGIRL Holiday. She continues to create impactful work that uplifts her community and mentor the next generation of artists.

“Bridge City is a story that feels deeply personal to me—reflecting the lived experiences of Black and Brown people navigating identity, grief, and growth.”

Lynn/Vocal Captain

Mary Patton, a Cleveland native now based in Cincinnati, is a classically trained vocalist who studied at Morgan State University and has performed worldwide. Her credits include Severance Hall, Carnegie Hall, the First National Tour of Sister Act (Deloris understudy), and international tours of Dreamgirls. She’s also performed on Royal Caribbean ships. A proud wife and mother of four, Mary sends special thanks to her children and Husband (Marcus ) for their love and support.

“ALT is important because of the space it allows for telling an authentic story and experiences.”

Bookie

I’m a musician and writer! 🤷🏽‍♂️

“ALT provides a very safe space for creatives to be themselves and collaborate freely. ALT is also very instrumental in instilling skill and confidence in children with the work they do in schools to empower students and sustain conversations that NEED to be had in society!”

Deja

Kammeron is a Dayton based actress who debuted her first stage at the Dayton Playhouse in The Addams Family. Kammeron is exited to be working with ALT For a third project in her theater career.

“Bridge City helps people understand what many have chosen to be ignorant in educating themselves on .”

Valerie

Kayla is a Cincinnati-based actor who is thrilled to be performing in her first Mainstage with American Legacy Theatre. Recent credits include Rachel in Impaired Vision Production’s Earworm, and Karen Wright in The Children’s Hour with Nomadic Performance Initiative. She received her BFA in acting from Ohio University. She is very excited to be back on stage after a bit of a hiatus! She would like to thank her husband, Robert, for his encouragement and support.

“ALT has made a strong effort to make this important show accessible to as many people as possible, and I can’t wait to help share this beautiful story with the community.”

Mindi

Ariana fell in love with theater at the tender age of 6, and has been acting, singing, dancing, producing, and directing, and generally shenaneganing around since. Favorite credits include Mercutio in Violent Delights (a dance version of R+J) with Act 1 in Nashville, Ilse/Prof. Hart-Payne/Judge in Spring Awakening for the LA Fringe Festival, and Ensemble in Full Circle at Woolly Mammoth Theater in DC dir. by Michael Rohd. Follow her music project Ariana Hodes & The Longest Year to hear more!

“Bridge City strikes such a deep chord of truth within me, it hits at so many different levels, I feel it like a punch to the gut whenever I think about it.”

Hutchins/Roots/Swing

Burgandie is a Cincinnati based performer with a passion for storytelling through movement and theater. Her work includes stage productions such as You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Through Blind Eyes, and Home Girl Holiday, along with ministry based performances and creative collaborations. She is a member of Heart of Worship Dance Ministry and is dedicated to using the arts as a tool for inspiration and transformation, bringing authenticity, passion, and purpose to every role she embodies.

“Bridge City is my story, and I believe it’s something everyone can relate to.”

Mom/Roots

A music theater performer, celebrated for her memorable and standout roles in productions like The Wiz, Moana, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and For Colored Girls. Tangie. is graduate of The School for Creative and Performing Arts, Tangie is also a teaching artist for American Legacy Theater, where she inspires children through her love for the arts As U.S Navy Veteran, who has served and performed in multiple countries, including Italy and Japan. Tangie brings resilience and creativity to her artistry, inviting audiences to experience the powerful connection between music and storytelling.

“Bridge City sheds light on what really matters the people. ALT helps to bring the those stories to life!”

Dad/Roots

R. DeAndré Smith is thrilled to return to the ALT stage, where he was last seen in HIGHER. As an ambassador of theatrical art, his mission is to bring resonant stories to life — no matter how weird or quirky. Favorite credits include Once on This Island, A Wrinkle in Time, Bat Boy the Musical, and Jerry Springer the Opera. Most recently, he produced Forging Legends — his first original work for young audiences — a play about climate change and finding the hero within yourself. He thanks you all for your support of live theatre.

“I believe that stories surround us everywhere, and it is my mission to bring resonant stories to life — no matter how weird or quirky.”

Remy/Roots/Dance Captain

Sienna is a dancer, theatre artist, and educator in the Greater Cincinnati area. Most recently, you may have seen her in Zanna Don’t (Roberta/Assistant Choreographer), Bright Star (Florence/Dance Captain), The Addams Family (Ancestor), at The Cincinnati Fringe Festival, Assistant Directing and Choreographing for Loveland High School, Choreographing for Colerain High School, or teaching at The Cincinnati Ballet and Dance, etc. Sienna is grateful to have the most loving and supportive friends and family!

“I am a firm believer that theatre should be accessible for all people in a variety of different forms. ALT makes this happen for the Cincinnati community!”

Michael/Roots

Originally from Morehead, Kentucky, Jordan is a Cincinnati based performer and teaching artist. After graduating from Northern Kentucky University in 2023, he completed the Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Professional Acting Apprenticeship. Since then, he has been performing locally and internationally. Most recently, he spent his summer in Japan, touring with The Young Americans. He is grateful to be creating art every day as a teaching artist for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and American Legacy Theater.

“Bridge City is important to me because it represents everything this world needs right now: unity.”

James/Scott

Andrew is a Cincinnati based actor and director. One of the co-founders of Southbank Shakespeare, he has been nominated for local theater awards for the past five years of producing and writing works that reexamine the bard’s most impressive texts. His next project is a musical adaptation of the themes of Taming of the Shrew that you can catch at Thomas More University from July16-19! Enjoy the show!

“I am constantly impressed by the ability of ALT to create work for artists in Cincinnati that engages with a community in need of that art.”

John/Roots

Dev Moore, also known as Dev Marvelous, is a singer, songwriter, music producer, actor, and artist born in Louisville, Kentucky, and based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bridge City marks Dev's second musical theatre performance, and his first outing as an ensemble member. Dev would like to thank Kelly Mackenzie-Thurley, Matthew Gellin, Kennen Butler, and all the cast and crew involved in the making of Bridge City for the remarkable experience of telling this story.

“ALT is committed to community, and embracing and supporting local voices and talent!”

Iggy/Roots

Ian is a Cincinnati native who has been acting for 12 years. Credits include Mike in Zanna Don’t, Gomez Addams in Addam’s Family, and Ren McCormack in Footloose. Ian is excited to be a part of his first production with ALT doing such a unique show. He’d like to thank his family and friends for all their support and ALT for giving him this chance. Enjoy!

“I think this story really just goes to show the ongoing struggles of society today. Between the issues of race, economic standings, and more. It is very important that people see this.”

Playwright & Composer

Kennen Butler is a NYC-based performer, composer, and storyteller whose career spans musical theatre, commercial music, and international stages. A graduate of Berklee College of Music and a current master’s student at NYU Tisch, Kennen brings a bold, genre-bending voice to American Legacy Theatre. They are currently developing Bridge City, a joyful, unflinching exploration of the Black experience in America.

“ALT has been an incredibly safe space for me. I was given room to grow and stretch as myself.”

Director & Producer

Matthew has successfully acted and directed across the country, in Europe, and in Asia. He is proud to have served as a U.S. representative at the UNESCO
International Theatre Institute Research Lab in Romania. He was named a Promising Artist of the 21st Century by the International Arts and Cultural Exchange, and he has published papers on directorial theory in international peer-reviewed journals. He has also been recognized as one of Cincinnati Business Courier’s Forty Under 40.

Assistant Director

Anita is a full time Diva and sometimes actress. She has been a part of ALT for over a year and has expanded her talents in the process. She sings all over the world with several gospel groups and kills people for a living as a Murder Mystery Immersioneer.

“ALT stands behind projects that reflect overlooked and relatable issues. Bridge City brings a bit of my personal life alive with music, laughter and love.”

Music Director/Keyboard 1

Stephen is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He’s a graduate of Morgan State University. His credits include Crowns, The Color Purple, and Ain’t Misbehavin’ to name a few. Special thanks to all involved in the production and those attending.

Choreographer

Julius “Eclypse” Jenkins is a street dance professional with 20 years of experience, specializing in robotic animation. He has performed locally and internationally, including the StreetArt Festival of Gabon, Devil’s in the Details (Chicago), and the Cincinnati Music Festival, sharing stages with KRS-One, Lupe Fiasco, and Flux Pavilion. His choreography credits include John Adams’ Alleged Dances and Beautiful: The Carole King Story, and he currently teaches at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Xavier University, and Miami University.

“This show matters because it boldly confronts the reality of Blackness in America—both intentional and imposed—exposing how corporations and the arts profit from Black culture while still undervaluing Black lives. Companies like ALT, willing to take these risks, are essential to pushing us toward real, honest representation.”

Assistant Choreographer

Nyjul Byrd is a street dancer blending performance, teaching, and community. His credits include Cincinnati Ballet New Works, the Cincinnati Music Festival, Hip Hop International, and Dance Worlds. He teaches through Cincinnati Public Schools enrichment programs and workshops, continuing to grow in culture and craft.

“ALT has given me an opportunity to work with my mentor on my first production. This show in particular is important to me because it highlights issues i rarely see addressed on stage.”

Production Stage Manager

Elijah is an actor, operator, and stage manager based in Cincinnati. Elijah has stage managed a number of shows and short films with highlights such as Leveling Up (Xavier Theatre), Instructions Not Included (Xavier Theatre), See Me, Hear Me (American Legacy Theatre), and even Bridge City’s second public workshop with ALT! Elijah also works as an a cappella arranger and performer. Elijah would like to thank Matthew for always believing in him, his family for always supporting him, his kids Nova, Sunny, Pluto, Eggbert, and Paula for all of the emotional support, and Ellie, his muse!

“ALT has consistently given me opportunities to be a part of something bigger than myself; Bridge City is no different. Everyone who sees it can find at least one moment where they feel seen, heard, or related to. I think that’s what makes Bridge City so special. It celebrates joy and community amidst division.”

Assistant Stage Manager

Chase Johnson is a local Playwright, Historian, Reviewer and Theatre Artist. He's been fortunate enough to work with several local theatre companies including American Legacy Theatre, The Know Theatre, Falcon Theatre and several others. Chase also reviews shows for the League of Cincinnati Theatres. He holds degrees in Theatre and History from Northern Kentucky University. He’s very grateful for the opportunity to work on Bridge City and he hopes you enjoy the show.

“Bridge City is important to me because it’s brand new work. ALT produces and encourages new play development constantly, and Bridge City is the latest example. Supporting new works in Theater is crucial to keeping Theater as an art form alive.”

Sound Designer

Jake Tillmann is a sound designer, percussionist, audio engineer, and technician from the Cincinnati area. He has performed in and designed many productions over his twelve year career including Godspell, The Producers, Next to Normal, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Tick Tick Boom, Ride the Cyclone, and more. Jake found theater during his studies at Valparaiso University, where he obtained a degree in Music Industry. Jake has consulted and designed for many theatres, venues, studios and other organizations all across the country. He is excited to make his debut with American Legacy Theatre for Bridge City. Outside of music and theater, Jake can often be found traveling with his wife, Ashley, and Goldendoodle, Charlie.

“For me, the true power of the performing arts lies in their ability to spark change. I am drawn to ALT because of its focus on social advocacy—a mission that mirrors my own dedication to theatre that transcends the stage.”

Associate Sound Designer

Joey is retired military with over 30 years in the music industry. His experience in the industry spans across running sound and studio mixing. Joey is married to wife, Colleen, and has 4 kids.

Costume Designer

Georgia Fried is a new artist in Cincinnati! She grew up in Maryland and has worked in six states across the country. She holds a bachelors degree from Salisbury University and a masters degree from Ohio University.

“Fostering the creation of new works grows increasingly important in our era of history.

Lighting Designer

Chris is a lighting designer and production manager based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. He recently served as the lighting director for the national tour of Nutcracker, Magical Christmas Ballet, and served as the lighting designer for Come From Away, American Idiot, Hair, The Color Purple, Rocky Horror, The Wild Party, and Spring Awakening at Short North Stage, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at The Carnegie, as well as The Garbologists and Where The Lost Children Play at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Chris completed his B.F.A. in Lighting Design from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Chris is currently the Associate Production Manager and Production Master Electrician at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati.

Keyboard 2

Caleb Hixon is a teacher, pianist, and vocalist originally from the Pittsburgh area. He is currently studying at CCM, working on his master’s degree in Choral Conducting. Caleb is also an avid theater lover who enjoys watching, performing in, and conducting shows. He has music directed at various levels, with credits including Fiddler on the Roof, Songs for a New World, Antigone & the King, Titanic, and Hadestown. With a passion for collaboration and storytelling, Caleb is always on the lookout for his next musical adventure.

Guitar

Amir is a Cincinnati-based guitarist.

“ALT and Bridge City are important to me because they both show that the arts as a whole are still thriving and should be celebrated.”

Base

Joe is a native Cincinnati musician. Recent theatre work includes As You Like It (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company), Judith: Deliver Us (One Off Productions), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and The Color Purple (The Carnegie), and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Cincinnati Landmark Productions). He is grateful for the love and support of his partner, Kelly and Cavapoo, Arthur.

“I love bringing new work to life, and am thrilled to be a part of the world premiere of Bridge City.”

Drums

Stan Ginn is a freelance percussionist in Cincinnati. He is an adjunct faculty member at Northern Kentucky University, teaches private lessons around town, and can be seen performing with Tropicoso, The Beasts of Joy, and many other groups in he area as well as his own steelpan group, Pancaribbean. He is also the director of the Queen City Samba batucada.

“I have enjoyed working with ALT in the projects that I have been involved with. The sense of community and open dynamic of the group is energizing.”