Cast and Creative
NATE JACOBS* (Founder/Artistic Director)
NATE JACOBS* (Founder/Artistic Director) is Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Founder & Artistic Director. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is the only black theatre company on Florida’s west coast. He is a driving force in Florida’s theatre scene. A graduate of Florida A&M University, Nate founded Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in 1999. He has written, composed, directed and performed in many shows, as an actor, singer, dancer and comedian. He works extensively in the community, training and mentoring youth in the performing arts. As a result of his outstanding contributions to young people, the Sarasota County Branch NAACP Youth Council recognized Nate as one of its 2012 Men of Valor. In the spring of 2013, he was inducted into the Community Video Archives Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the arts and education. In 2015, Nate was recognized as a Champion of Diversity for the arts during the Biz (941) and La Guia magazines’ Unity Awards Luncheon, and was honored with the prestigious Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award during the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C., “for his contributions to Black theatre specifically and American theatre in general.” In 2017, Goodwill Manasota named him a Community Ambassador of the Year. In 2018, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County honored Nate with the Arts Leadership Award for Artistic Achievement. In August 2022 he brought Soul Crooners, featuring Sistas in the Name of Soul to the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C. — WBTT’s fifth appearance there. In 2021 Nate received the Perfect Pitch Award from Key Chorale, which recognized him as a driving force in the arts and for his collaborations with other arts organizations, including American Roots: The Gospel Experience, a series of concert performances with WBTT performers and Key Chorale presented in three area churches in the fall of 2019. In 2021 he was featured in The New York Times, highlighting his mentorship and leadership, as well as WBTT’s community outreach.
MICHAEL JACOBS (Playwright/Lyricist)
MICHAEL JACOBS (Playwright/Lyricist) is excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with his brother Nate Jacobs on the development of Ruby. Michael and Nate last collaborated in the WBTT production of Float Like a Butterfly. In addition, the brothers collaborated on WBTT’s 2016 production of The Sam Cooke Story. Michael has a long-cultivated passion for theatre and the arts. He is an accomplished poet and playwright and was founder and director of two community theatre groups in the Washington, DC area. Michael also served on the board of directors of the Essential Theatre in Washington. Michael is an attorney specializing in employment, labor, entertainment, and sports law. He teaches in the graduate school programs at City University of New York and New York University. As part of his ongoing contribution to the arts, Michael provides pro bono legal services and support to many young and aspiring artists. He is a graduate of Howard University Law School and Florida A&M University, where he studied Pre-Law and Theatre.
DONALD FRISON (Choreographer)
DONALD FRISON (Choreographer) – An accomplished choreographer, dancer and singer for over 30 years, Donald has enjoyed great success. He was a dancer for the NBA Memphis Grizzlies Dance Team and a five-time champion on the syndicated talent competition television show Star Search with Ed McMahon. His theatre credits as a performer include Dreamgirls, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Five Guys Named Moe, Cats, It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues and The Music Man. For WBTT he choreographed Your Arms Too Short to Box with God in 2020, among many other shows throughout several seasons. “As WBTT’s Resident Choreographer I strive to keep the vision growing,” Donald says. “I’ve been fortunate to have had my work showcased at the National Black Theatre Festival with two shows, How I Got Over and Soul Man. I am so proud and honored to be part of such an amazing company with a wonderful vision. Thank you, Nate, cast and creative and Julie, for trusting me and my gift. Thank you to the staff and trustees for all your love and support. I thank God for blessing me with a gift to give to the world. May God bless all of you!”
DAN SANDER-WELLS (Music Director/Vocal Arranger/Co-Orchestrator)
DAN SANDER-WELLS (Music Director/Vocal Arranger/Co-Orchestrator) is a freelance music director, educator, arranger, and author based in NYC. A graduate of Westminster Choir College, Dan holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the institution. Previous posts include Director of Choral Activities at Delaware Valley Regional High School where he served as Music Director for their Winter Musicals earning accolades from Paper Mill Playhouse, Bucks County Playhouse, and NJ State Thespian Festival for his music direction. Presently, his music direction experience ranges from high school to professional performers in theaters along the East Coast and around the Midwest. Previous collaborations include music directing the 50th anniversary revival of Raisin with Freddi Walker-Browne and Phylicia Rashad as well as conducting for Kate Baldwin’s Live Out Loud cabaret at the Laurie Beechman Theater. Past collaborators also include LaChanze, Matt Sklar, and Andrew Lippa. As an author, he has collaborated with James Jordan on multiple publications (Conductor as Prism, 2017, The Moral Acoustic of Sound, 2018, Intonational Solfege, 2022) and with Frank Abrahams and Ryan John on Becoming Musical (2017, all published by GIA Publications). @dwellsmusic
NEHEMIAH LUCKETT (Music Supervisor/Co-Composer/Co-Orchestrator)
NEHEMIAH LUCKETT (Music Supervisor/Co-Composer/Co-Orchestrator) Nehemiah Luckett has been performing, composing and conducting for over 30 years. He connects his deep love of music to the transformative power of building community through breathing and singing with family and friends which he practiced from an early age in Jackson, Mississippi where he was born and raised. He has been a featured soloist at the National Cathedral, Carnegie Hall and has performed on six continents. He has composed solo, choral and instrumental pieces. Recent projects include: AMANI at Rattlestick Theater with National Black Theatre (Music Director), SCENE PARTNERS at Vineyard Theatre (Music Director) and RUBY with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota, Florida (Co-Composer, Co-Orchestrator, and Music Supervisor). Projects currently in development include: Love Out of Time - a queer Bible-based Afrofuturist opera, Brick by Brick with Ross Wade, Triple Threats with Tracey Conyer Lee, Adia and Clora Snatch Joy with Mfoniso Udofia, and A Burning Church with Zhailon Levingston and Alex Hare. Nehemiah is a member of The Dramatists Guild, American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
DANE AGOSTINIS* (Ensemble)
DANE AGOSTINIS* (Ensemble) Most recently: Don in Kinky Boots at Riverside Theatre and A Tuna Christmas at Cape May Stage. Some favorites: George and Mutt/Don u/s in two productions of Kinky Boots (Norwegian Cruise Line), Beast in Beauty and the Beast (Nat'l Tour, Original Disney Cruise Line), Dave in The Full Monty (Theatre Aspen *Henry Award Nomination), Miss Trunchbull in Matilda (Engeman), Amos Hart in Chicago (Riverside Theatre) Bill in Mamma Mia! (Theatre Aspen, Ivoryton), Jud in Oklahoma (TriArts), and Rick in Debbie Does Dallas The Musical, replacing American Idol's Adam Lambert. (Anita Mann Productions).
LARRY ALEXANDER* (Doctor Leroy Adams)
Larry is thrilled to be reprising his role as Dr. Adams in Ruby. Broadway: Marius-Les Miserables, Off-Broadway: Philip-Party, The Wizard of Oz at Lincoln Center, Europe: Freddy-My Fair Lady with Maximilian Schell, Tony-West Side Story, Opening Act-Liza Minnelli In Concert World Tour. Anatoly-First National Tour of Chess. Regional: TheatreZone, Naples: 15 Seasons including Peter Allen-The Boy From Oz, Jack Diamond-Legs Diamond, Archie, The Secret Garden, Dan-Next To Normal, Robert-Company, Anatoly-Chess, Winter Park Playhouse: Jervis-Daddy Long Legs, A Marvelous Party freeFall Theatre Company: Elwood-Harvey, Dale Harding-One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Mickey-The Normal Heart, Ernst-Cabaret, (Outstanding Featured Actor Award, Theatre Tampa Bay), Jerome Robbins-Fable. American Stage Company: Father-Ragtime, Harry-Mamma Mia!, Kenny-Laughter On The 23rd Floor. Television: The Guiding Light, As The World Turns, Murder One, Tom Snyder, The Rosie O’Donnell Show.
KYLA BOLLING (Ensemble)
Larry is thrilled to be reprising his role as Dr. Adams in Ruby. Broadway: Marius-Les Miserables, Off-Broadway: Philip-Party, The Wizard of Oz at Lincoln Center, Europe: Freddy-My Fair Lady with Maximilian Schell, Tony-West Side Story, Opening Act-Liza Minnelli In Concert World Tour. Anatoly-First National Tour of Chess. Regional: TheatreZone, Naples: 15 Seasons including Peter Allen-The Boy From Oz, Jack Diamond-Legs Diamond, Archie, The Secret Garden, Dan-Next To Normal, Robert-Company, Anatoly-Chess, Winter Park Playhouse: Jervis-Daddy Long Legs, A Marvelous Party freeFall Theatre Company: Elwood-Harvey, Dale Harding-One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Mickey-The Normal Heart, Ernst-Cabaret, (Outstanding Featured Actor Award, Theatre Tampa Bay), Jerome Robbins-Fable. American Stage Company: Father-Ragtime, Harry-Mamma Mia!, Kenny-Laughter On The 23rd Floor. Television: The Guiding Light, As The World Turns, Murder One, Tom Snyder, The Rosie O’Donnell Show.
CATARA BRAE (Ruby McCollum) is a native of a small town called Leighton located in Northwest Alabama. She grew up singing in the church and participating in every school and community performance she could. Upon high school graduation, she booked a job as a singer/dancer aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. Catara began her journey with Westcoast Black Theater Troupe in January 2024 with the world premiere of this very show, Ruby, and is very much excited to return to this role in its fresh, new, and exciting production.
CATARA BRAE (Ruby McCollum)
JAZZMIN CARSON (Ensemble)
JAZZMIN CARSON (Ensemble) is thrilled to debut with Nate Jacobs Productions in the Detroit premiere of Ruby the Musical! Credits include: Dreamgirls (Deena), Once on This Island (Erzulie), Ruby (Swing), The Color Purple (u/s Celie), Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul (Ensemble/Kim Weston). An alumna of The Alabama State University, she gives her love and gratitude to God, her family, and Nate Jacobs. IG: @jazzminshonta
NYA CHAMBLESS (Ensemble) a native of Sarasota, discovered her passion for acting at age 2 after seeing Annie on stage. Her theatrical debut came in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Player's Theatre. Since then, Nya has built an impressive portfolio spanning indie films, commercials, and stage productions. Notable performances include Penelope in Ruby at WBTT, Ivonka in Once at Florida Studio Theatre and a lead role in The Growing Garden, a children's TV pilot. She's also gained experience in improv with LA Connection Comedy Theatre Troupe. Nya’s work includes performances with WBTT and Stage of Discovery, as well as roles in films like Bridge to the Other Side, Florida Man, and Shape of the Past. Expanding into filmmaking, Nya has directed two short films. Her second, Just Believe, screened in 15 countries, winning 11 international student film awards. She's trained under industry professionals including Nate Jacobs, Bob Marks, Howard Fine, Kent Skov and Jason Cannon. Currently, Nya is in post-production on her third film, My Guardian Angel and is in 9th-grade with honors, Nya continues to hone her skills in acting, filmmaking, singing, and dance and is excited to be touring in Ruby with Nate Jacobs Productions.
NYA CHAMBLESS (Ensemble)
ASHLEY ELIZABETH CROWE
ASHLEY ELIZABETH CROWE (Zora Neale Hurston) Ashley Elizabeth Crowe is a multi-hyphenated creative performing artist born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Ashley Elizabeth studied Musical Theatre in New York at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), and earned her BA in Global Jazz Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She continues to perform in a dynamic range of mediums, including classical voice (CalPhil Choir, Marina Del Rey Summer Symphony), a cappella vocal ensemble, sketch comedy, and film. A few of Ashley Elizabeth’s theatre credits: Cabaret, Hairspray, Dorothy in The Wiz (Westchester Playhouse), and Deloris van Cartier in Sister Act the Musical (Torrance Theatre Co.). She is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful and important show! @ashleyelizabethcrowe.
ELIZA ENGLE (Ensemble)
ELIZA ENGLE (Ensemble)Is thrilled to be working with NJP productions! Eliza is a Colorado native and found her love for theatre at a very young age and has played roles from Shakespear to modern musicals. A few of her favorite credits include: Caroline, or Change (Rose), Little Women: The Musical (Jo March), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park), Annie Get Your Gun (Annie Oakley), The Merry Widow (Margo the Grisset), A Chorus Line (Bebe), Mystery of Edwind Drood (Rosa Bud), West Side Story (Maria) and Spamalot (Laker Girl). Eliza received her BFA in musical theater at Stephens College and has also been blessed with working with mentors from all over the country including Geno Carr (Come From Away) and Martyl Rowland (Met Opera). Eliza has trained in Ballroom and Latin dance as well as jazz, tap, and musical theatre dance. Eliza loves animals and the outdoors including hiking and rock climbing. She also fancies herself a pretty good baker in her spare time. But most of all she loves her little girl and husband who always support her every endeavor to follow her passions. Eliza feels blessed to be able to share this important story and be able to work with an accomplished and passionate creative team to produce a show that will make an impact for years to come.
CODY FARKAS (Ensemble)
CODY FARKAS (Ensemble) has been an actor in the Tampa Bay area since he was introduced to community theatre at 13 years old. Since then he's been involved in numerous stage/film productions. His most recent theatrical credits include the roles of John Lennon in the U.S. Premiere of Off-Central Player's Whiskey & Soda, and Arturo Ui in USF's The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. He'd like to thank his family and his friends for their unconditional love and support.
SIEGLINDA FOX (Olivia/Hill Woman)
SIEGLINDA FOX (Olivia/Hill Woman) is a native of St. Louis, MO and has performed in numerous stage plays such as The Amen Corner, Ain't Misbehavin, Flyin' West, A Raisin in the Sun, Passing Strange, Raisin: The Musical, Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, Ghost: The Musical, Hair, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Rock Of Ages, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and other performances on various stages in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. She was in the 2013 film Cronies (A Spike Lee Production) as "The Gospel Singer".
SARAH HAUN (Ensemble)
SARAH HAUN (Ensemble) is a Florida based actor and theatre educator. As part of the original cast, she is excited to reprise her role in the ensemble in this exciting production of Ruby. Some of her favorite credits include: Lita Encore in the Starlite Room's production of Ruthless! and Antonia in USFTheatre’s production of They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay! Sarah is a University of South Florida graduate earning her BA in Theatre Performance. As an educator, she loves working with future artists and giving them the opportunity to shine and build confidence. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous love and support.
LAKESHA LORENE* (Ensemble)
LAKESHA LORENE* (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be a part of the Ruby Musical Tour! She was last seen on the WBTT stage in last season's 2024 production of Marvin Gaye Prince of Soul as Anna Gordy. Lorene is an actress, producer and creative entrepreneur. Her award-winning film production company Loving Life Productions LLC turned 10 this year, and she is founder and producing director of the first Black Equity Theatre in Indianapolis, In, called the Naptown African American Theatre Collective. Lorene is an artist and arts leader who is passionate about telling stories on stage, television and film. She is grateful to be able to live her lifelong dreams and thankful for every opportunity to share her gifts. Big love to God, her family, and Nate Jacobs for their support and this wonderful opportunity!
RALEIGH MOSELY II (Ensemble)
RALEIGH MOSELY II (Ensemble) was last featured on WBTT’s stage in the sold-out production of Soul Crooners: Solid Gold Edition and Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul. Prior to that audiences saw him in the holiday show, Joyful! Joyful! and in his two sold out performances for his Young Artist Showcase titled titanium: a soul experience. Mosely was also seen in WBTT’s Dreamgirls as Jimmy “Thunder” Early and traveled to North Carolina with the Troupe for the staging of Soul Crooners: Solid Gold Edition at the International Black Theatre Festival this past August. Making his WBTT debut in the summer 2017 production of Broadway in Black, Raleigh has appeared in two productions each season since, including Black Nativity, Joyful! Joyful!, Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul, In the Heights, and A Motown Christmas among other shows. Born and raised in Miami, he earned his BFA in musical theatre from the University of Central Florida. His other theatre credits include In the Heights (Orlando Shakes, Theater West End), Violet (Garden Theatre), Ragtime (Titusville Playhouse), Broadbend, Arkansas (Studio Theatre at TDS), Oklahoma! (Gulf Coast Symphony) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Raleigh has music available for streaming, download, and purchase on all corresponding platforms. “God is Love. Love is wealth.”
CEDRIC PAIGE* (Ensemble)
CEDRIC PAIGE* (Ensemble) is honored to be a part of Ruby! He holds a BFA in Music Theatre from Florida State University and an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Favorite Credits include After Midnight (Norwegian Cruise Lines, Quartet Leader), Sister Act (Circa 21 Theatre, Lt. Eddie Souther), and Vegas! The Show (Norwegian Cruise Lines, Sammy Davis Jr.). Glory to God and many thanks to his family, friends, and the Ruby creative team. IG: cedricpaige_
KATHRYN PARKS* (Ensemble)
KATHRYN PARKS* (Ensemble) is an award-winning actor, singer, improviser, and filmmaker based in Florida. Notable stage credits: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (Maggie), KING AND I (Anna), VIOLET (Violet), MY FAIR LADY (Eliza), KISS ME KATE (Lois/Bianca), and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Titania). Kathryn is a celebrated soloist with the 35-piece Sarasota Concert Band and has earned acclaim as a filmmaker, with her short films receiving the “Best Florida Film” award. She performs and teaches musical improv at Florida Studio Theatre, and has appeared onstage with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Asolo Rep, American Stage, Urbanite Theatre, and St. Petersburg Opera. Follow her journey: @kathrynparks | KathrynParks.com
LINDA ROEMING (Ensemble) is delighted to be telling the story of Ruby along with this group of talented people. Some of her favorite previous shows have been Caroline or Change (Grandma Gellman), West Side Story (Rosalia), Deathtrap (Myra), and as a dancer/singer in 42nd Street, Mary Poppins, Catch Me if You Can, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Enjoy the beautiful music!
LINDA ROEMING (Ensemble)
DAVID SITLER* (Judge Adams)
DAVID SITLER* (Judge Adams) is thrilled to be returning to tell this amazing story after its premiere at WBTT last year. He has been in over 160 productions spanning Broadway (AN INSPECTOR CALLS with Rosemary Harris) National Tours ( FROST/NIXON with Stacy Keach), Off Broadway and Regionally from coast to coast. Film credits include CHANG CAN DUNK, WE WANTED CHILDREN , GIRL BOXER and a few more in the can, and TV- DIARRA FROM DETROIT, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, and HUNTERS. Also RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 and the Charlie Puth video LEFT AND RIGHT with over 445 Million hits. Thanks to Nate and this great cast and crew. Proud member of AEA.
NATE SUMMERS* (Sam McCollum)
NATE SUMMERS* (Sam McCollum) is so excited to be in this wonderful and talented cast RUBY! Select credits: Motown: The Musical (National Tour), Lead Soloist (Norwegian Cruise Line), Dreamgirls, Once on This Island, Joyful! Joyful!, A Motown Christmas (Westcoast Theatre Troupe), Pippin, Freaky Friday, Heartbreakers in Hell (Rubber CityTheatre), Ragtime (Cain Park), Beautiful, The Prom (Phoenix Theatre Company), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Four Corners Musical Theatre), Choir Boy (Pearl McManus Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors, Mamma Mia! (Chagrin Valley Little Theatre), The Wiz, Xanadu, Leap of Faith (Karamu House), Shrek (Beck Center), Aida (Mad Factory). Film credits: Finding Fish, directed by Denzel Washington. Education: B.A.C. (Bowling Green State University), A.A. (Cuyahoga Community College). “I am beyond grateful to help tell the pivotal and important story of Ruby McCollum and pray that each audience leaves provoked with the desire to be the change that we will all need to see.
CODY TAYLOR (Sheriff Gary)
CODY TAYLOR (Sheriff Gary) Cody is a character actor, musician, and clown/physical comedian, originally hailing from Lexington, Kentucky. Selected credits: Million Dollar Quartet (Johnny Cash), and Once (Billy) with Theatrezone; Ragtime (Willie Conklin/Henry Ford), and Indecent (Mendel) with American Stage; Jersey Boys (Bob Crewe), and Oliver (Mr. Bumble) with Palace Theatre; Once (Bank Manager) with Red Mountain Theatre; Narnia (Aslan/Father Christmas/Professor Diggory) with West Virginia Public Theatre; La Cage Aux Folles (Francis), and Urinetown (Mr. McQueen); Equivocation (Robert Armin and others) with AthensWest Theatre Company. He has also worked/toured extensively with the Lexington Children's Theatre, Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama, Virginia Rep, and many others. Taylor holds a B.F.A. in physical theatre from Coastal Carolina University, in association with the Accademia dell'Arte in Arezzo, Italy. He would like to thank the wonderful team at Nate Jacobs Productions for the opportunity to help tell this story, as well as his family and friends for their unwavering love and support. @cody_the_irish_guy
RICKEY TEDESCO (Ensemble) last appeared on West Coast Black Theatre Troupe’s stage in A Motown Christmas. He was also last seen on Asolo Repertory’s Jane B. Cook stage, as Alfred in the 10-minute play The Florida Highway Men, in Theatre Odyssey’s 10-minute play festival. Past productions include Ruby, Joyful! Joyful, Dream Girls, and Black Nativity! He also appears on First United Methodist Church’s stage, as a featured soloist on Gospel Sundays. Rickey graduated from the State College of Florida’s music program in the summer of 2022. He is a versatile entertainer, whose dream is to inspire change through music and performance of all kinds. Rickey plans to further his studies obtaining a bachelor’s degree in either Musical Theatre, or Music Production, while reaching a goal to make it to Broadway! He is very grateful to reprise his role in Ruby and thanks patrons, his family, and friends for their constant support on his performing journey!