AARON ALON (Book, Lyrics, Music, Arrangements, Musical Co-Director) is an award-winning writer, composer, and director-producer. His stage musicals include The Great White Way: the Bert Williams Musical, a 2023 finalist for the Stanley Drama Awards; The Chosen Ones, and Mad!, which he cowrote with Russell Sarre. His feature film musical Bully was screened in film festivals around the world, winning over 20 festival awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Aaron was one of six international finalists for the 2022 Fred Ebb Award for musical theatre creators. His classical music has also been performed around the world, released on five CDs, and awarded numerous national and international composition honors. He is a member of the Recording Academy (voting member for the GRAMMY Awards), ASCAP, and Mu Phi Epsilon, and is a founding member and president of the Board of Directors of Thunderclap Productions, a nonprofit production company based in Houston. Aaron also runs Aaron Alon Productions, LLC, which produces music and video shorts for his YouTube channel, which has had nearly 10 million views. He holds a doctorate in music composition from Rice University and is an award-winning Professor of Music and Chair of the Visual & Performing Arts at Lone Star College-University Park in Houston, TX. Learn more at aaronalon.com.

RYAN R. BROWN (Choral Conductor) is a conductor and Grammy award-winning baritone. Brown has performed with professional vocal ensembles including the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Voces8, Seraphic Fire, Red Shift, Quartz Ensemble, De Angelis Vocal Ensemble, Areté, and Concora. As a soloist he has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Lone Star College – University Park in Houston, Texas. Previous, Brown served as a Teaching Fellow at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, Associate Conductor for the National Children’s Chorus, Choral Director at California School of the Arts San Gabriel Valley, Choral Director at Wachusett Regional High School, and Founding Artistic Director for Diamonds From The Dust Vocal Ensemble. In 2021, Brown earned his doctorate in choral conducting at the University of California, Los Angeles where he studied with Dr. James Bass and specialized in contemporary oratorio and musical dramaturgy for vocal ensembles. In 2014, Brown graduated as valedictorian at Westminster Choir College where he studied music education.

LOUIS CHUDE-SOKEI (Historical Consultant) is a writer and scholar who teaches at Boston University and directs the African American Studies Program. His work includes the award-winning The Last Darky: Bert Williams, Black on Black Minstrelsy and the African Diaspora (2005) and The Sound of Culture: Diaspora and Black Technopoetics (2015). Forthcoming are Floating in A Most Peculiar Way: A Memoir (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2021) and Dr. Satan’s Echo Chamber and Other Essays (Wesleyan University Press). He is the Editor in Chief of The Black Scholar, one of the oldest and leading journals of Black Studies in America and the founder of the sonic art and archival project, Echolocution.

We are profoundly grateful for the script review, historical and cultural guidance, and advice from our project consultants.

FRANK CULLEN (Vaudeville Historical Consultant) is a former stage performer, designer, director, and producer. He is a co-founder with Donald McNeilly of the American Vaudeville Museum (AVM), whose collections were installed in 2009 at Special Collections, Main Library in the University of Arizona – Tucson. He is the author of forty quarterly issues of Vaudeville Times (1998-2008) and co-author with McNeilly of the two-volume Vaudeville, Old & New: an Encyclopedia of Variety Performers in America (2006, Routledge Press). He and McNeilly were honored in 2011 for “Excellence in the Preservation of Theatre History” by the New York Theatre Museum. He also co-authored with McNeilly seven Porridge Sisters Adventures, an historical fiction series about Boston show business spanning 1908–1933. Cullen currently curates and hosts “Exceptional Films of Every Era and Many Lands.”

We are profoundly grateful for the script review, historical and cultural guidance, and advice from our project consultants.

LEAH DYER (Musical Co-Director & Vocal Coach) is a classically trained soprano with extensive performance experience in opera, oratorio, musical theater and jazz. She made her Carnegie Hall debut as a soprano soloist with the New York Pops. She has also served as a resident artist with Opera Theater Pittsburgh, Pine Mountain Music Festival, Opera Saratoga, Central City Opera and Quantum Theatre. While she loves performing, her first love is teaching students to develop a deep appreciation of music in its varied forms and settings, whether that be in a classroom, concert or private lesson setting. Dyer is a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing, American Guild of Musical Artist, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Lambda.

DANTÉ ANDERSON (Bert Williams, Ensemble) is a native Houstonian pursuing a master’s in vocal performance at the University of St. Thomas. His credits include Gaith Foster’s PULSATE: A VAMPIRE MUSICAL, Main St. Theatre’s ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY, George St. Playhouse’s AUSTIN THE UNSTOPPABLE, Island ETC’s HAIR, and Horse Head Theatre’s CHURCH.

PRESTON ANDREWS (George Walker, Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of this beautiful new musical. Recent credits for the Houston, Texas native include the world premiere of LADY OF AGREDA (Lady in Blue Productions), AIDA (Houston Grand Opera), FOR TONIGHT (Queensbury Theatre), ELF! (Queensbury Theatre), OKLAHOMA! (TUTS), CAMELOT (Natchez Opera Festival), and SHOW BOAT (Utah Festival). Proud member of Actor’s Equity. Education: Vocal Performance, MA (The University of Alabama), and BA in Music (SHSU). My endless gratitude, and admiration to the entire creative team.

BRIAN CHAMBERS (Ensemble) is thrilled to be joining the cast of THE GREAT WHITE WAY. From Valencia California, Brian has a BA from Texas Tech University. Select credits: PARADE, ADRIFT IN MACAO, MAMMA MIA, BOEING BOEING, THE CHOSEN, TITANIC THE MUSICAL, DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER, LITTLE WOMEN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, MAN OF LA MANCHA, THE CHRISTIANS, FAUST, and Carmina Burana. COMPANIES: Island ETC, Dirt Dog Theatre Company, Cone Man Running, Main Street Theatre, Kirkwood Music Services, Unity Theatre, Lone Star Lyric, Lubbock Moonlight Musicals, Queensbury Theatre, Alley Theatre and Houston Symphony. Thank you to my wife Misty for all her love and support. www.brianchambersactor.com

MONICA DAVIS (Lottie Thompson, Ensemble) is a native Houstonian who has been singing since childhood. Previous theater roles have included Muzzy in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, The Housewife and receptionist in WORKING, and a featured role in CHILDREN OF EDEN. Most recently, she portrayed Glinda the Good Witch of the South in Pearl Theater’s 2019 production of THE WIZ, a role that she had always dreamed of performing. Monica has had the privilege of working with Aaron Alon as a part of the cast of BULLY, a movie musical, and is looking forward to continued collaboration.

LEAH DYER (Ensemble) is a classically trained soprano with extensive performance experience in opera, oratorio, musical theater and jazz. She made her Carnegie Hall debut as a soprano soloist with the New York Pops. She has also served as a resident artist with Opera Theater Pittsburgh, Pine Mountain Music Festival, Opera Saratoga, Central City Opera and Quantum Theatre. While she loves performing, her first love is teaching students to develop a deep appreciation of music in its varied forms and settings, whether that be in a classroom, concert or private lesson setting. Dyer is a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing, American Guild of Musical Artist, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Lambda.

ASHLEY DUPLECHIEN (Ensemble), mezzo-soprano, is a Louisiana native currently residing in Houston. She was trained first at Louisiana State University by Dr. Loraine Sims then at the Royal Academy of Music in London by world-renowned mezzo-soprano Anne Howells and prominent conductor and coach Iain Ledingham. Ashley’s agile voice has allowed her the privilege to explore and perform a wide variety of orchestral repertoire as a soloist across western Europe as well as here in the United States, including Verdi’s Messa da Requiem, Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder, Bach’s St. John Passion, Handel’s Messiah and Purcell’s Welcome to all the Pleasures. Operatic repertoire includes title role in Rossini’s LA CENERENTOLA, Le Feu in Ravel’s L’ENFANT ET LES SORTILÈGES, Diane in Offenbach’s ORPHÉE AUX ENFERS, and both Fiordiligi and Dorabella in Mozart’s COSÍ FAN TUTTE. Ashley has also been a member of the Houston Grand Opera chorus since 2014. In addition to her career in music, Ashley has worked in the energy and fuels industry since 2015, currently as the Manager of Business Development for an alternative/renewable fuels provider. Her commercial projects span the continental US and provide pathways for emissions reductions in the transportation sector resulting in cleaner air.

BRAD GOERTZ (Follies Singer, Ensemble) is a native Houstonian who has been involved in several Thunderclap Productions including FAMILY PORTRAIT (2010), WILDE (2011), and Aaron Alon’s award-winning short film BULLY: A MUSICAL (2017). Most recently appeared in PULSATE: A VAMPIRE MUSICAL (Detroit) at Prohibition. Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center: MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS (Ben Hecht), GOD OF VENGEANCE (Shlyome), LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR (Milt Fields), THE CHOSEN (Reuven Malter), and STARS OF DAVID (multiple characters). Stages Repertory Theater: A MIDNIGHT CLEAR (Raymond Tester, 2017 world premiere), NEXT TO NORMAL (Dan Goodman) and THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL (Norbert Garstecki, 2011 and 2018). Music Box Theater: COMPANY (Harry) and I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE! (Man 1). Obsidian Art Space: NEXT FALL (Adam). TheatreLaB: GONE MISSING (multiple characters). Texas Repertory Theatre: FOREVER PLAID – PLAID TIDINGS (Smudge). Country Playhouse (now Queensbury Theatre): RENT (Roger) and LITTLE WOMEN – THE MUSICAL (John Brooke). Brad holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Development.

SEKOU NANCE (Young Bert) was born in New Orleans, LA on May 1st, 1994. He began his studies of music theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, CA in 2017. It was there that Sekou understudied for the roles of The Student (HELLO AGAIN), Paul (KISS ME KATE), and Mitch Mahoney (SPELLING BEE). Sekou also performed two cabaret shows at AMDA called the Cafe Series where he performed Callum Scott’s rendition of “Dancing on My Own” by Robyn and “Bad Idea” from the musical WAITRESS. Special thanks to his mother for the support she has given him throughout life and his two sisters who love him unconditionally.

AMANDA MARIE PARKER (Ensemble) is a Houston based actor, singer, and entertainer. She is a proud resident company member of Strange Bird Immersive, an award winning immersive theatre escape room and of The Broad’s Way, a Montrose-based musical theatre review show. Amanda enjoys a rich career in theatre. Some of her favorite Houston credits include: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (Vera Claythorne), A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING (Lynne), at Unity Theatre; LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL (Meg) at both A.D. Players and Unity Theatre; and EURYDICE (Eurydice) at the Pearl Theatre. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Sam Houston State University. There are rumors that she moonlights in burlesque shows around the city and works as a part-time Disney princess as well. For behind the scenes adventures connect with her on Instagram @pamandabelle.

TAMARA SILER (Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Ensemble) is a veteran of over 80 theatrical productions in around Houston. Thunderclap Productions: THE GREAT STORM; Stages Repertory Theatre: PANTO HANSEL AND GRETEL (Witch), XANADU (2014, 2017 – Melpomene), BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL (Ruthie/Ned). Ensemble Theatre: FRONT PORCH SOCIETY (World Premiere – Winnie), ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Asaka). Main Street Theater: WORKING (Maggie Holmes), PUTTING IT TOGETHER (The Wife), DOG ACT (Zetta Stone), CAROLINE, OR CHANGE (Caroline), SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL (Sour Kangaroo). TUTS: THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (Jewel), CHESS (Ensemble), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Ronnette). Music Box Theatre: AVENUE Q (Gary Coleman). Bayou City Concert Musicals: ON THE TOWN (Hildy). Country Playhouse/Queensbury Theatre: HAIRSPRAY (Motormouth Maybelle), DREAMGIRLS (Effie). The Little Room Downstairs: A NEW BRAIN (Lisa). New Heights Theatre: THE LIFE (Queen). KMS Musicals: CHILDREN OF EDEN (Ensemble), PARADE (Ensemble, Angela). Film: First Mourner in the award winning short film BULLY: A Musical, Thunderclap Productions. Graduate of Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Rice University (BA, History). Tamara is also Deputy Director of Admission – Access and Inclusion at Rice University.

NICK SZOEKE (Ensemble) has been seen around the US in regional houses such as Theatre Under The Stars (TX), The Public Theatre (TX), The Playhouse San Antonio (TX), Queensbury Theatre (TX), Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre (ID), and The Trinity Repertory Company (RI), and has also been a soloist with the Houston Symphony (TX). Favorite credits include Curly in OKLAHOMA!, Robert Kincaid in THE BRDIGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and Quasimodo in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. You can also hear Nick as Mark on the Original Cast Recording of SOLE MATES: THE MUSICAL. Nick is a die hard FRIENDS fan who never turns down an ICEE. INSTA: szoekefit

EMMA THOENI (Ensemble) is thrilled to be part of THE GREAT WHITE WAY! From June to December of 2019, Emma served as a resident artist for Mountain Rep Theatre in Cripple Creek, Colorado where she performed in several musicals and plays. Credits include: Sandy Dumbrowski (GREASE), Donna Pickles (THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL), Alice Sycamore (YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU), Penny Pingleton (HAIRSPRAY), and Ariel (THE LITTLE MERMAID). Emma would like to thank her family, friends and wonderful husband for their continuous support and encouragement.

NOAH TIERNEY (Charlie Fields) is thrilled to be singing the role of Charlie Fields for this project! He is from Waverly, Nebraska and a recent graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University (BFA Musical Theatre), with credits including AMERICAN IDIOT (Tunny), TRIBES (Billy), NEWSIES (Davey), [TITLE OF SHOW] (Hunter), and ALL SHOOK UP (Dennis). He was also a part of the ASCAP workshop in Lincoln, NE in REBEL GENIUS (Albert Einstein).

JOHN WATKINS (Ensemble) is an actor and singer based in Houston, Texas. John trained at the William Esper Studio in New York City and has performed in Houston for the last five years at various companies including Houston Grand Opera, Alley Theatre, Rogue Productions, Obsidian Theatre, and others. Favorite credits include SUNSET BOULEVARD (Joe Gillis), THE WILD PARTY (Burrs), THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (Bazzard), and PETER AND THE STARCATCHER ( Leonard Aster).

Cast & Creative

Click on a headshot to see their bio.

Creative & Production Team

Cast of the
Concept Cast Recording

Musicians of the
Concept Cast Recording

Aaron Alon (Keyboards)

Russ Ballenger (Trombone)

Julian Hernandez (Clarinet)

Garrett Hudson (Flute)

Samuel Park (Violin)

Sebastian Sarre (Trumpet)

Christoph Wagner (Cello)

Drums, double bass, oboe, and English horn
were virtually orchestrated for this recording by Aaron Alon.

Special thanks to Betsy Baytos and Susan Roberts for additional research/consulting assistance, and to all of the friends and colleagues who have read or listened to drafts of the musical and provided their feedback!

Cast & Creative

Creative & Production Team

Aaron Alon

RYAN BROWN

LOUIS CHUDE-SOKEI

FRANK CULLEN

LEAH EDMONDSON DYER

Cast of the Concept Cast Recording

Danté Anderson

Preston Andrews

Brian Chambers

Monica Davis

LEAH EDMONDSON DYER

Ashley Duplechien

Brad Goertz

Sekou Nance

Amanda Marie Parker

Tamara Siler

Nick Szoeke

Emma Thoeni

Noah Tierney

John Watkins

Musicians of theConcept Cast Recording