ENCORE 3

The Gospel of Efunroye

Start with I Do

Toxic Norse-culinity

Ruby of Elsinore

CAST AND CREW BIO

CREW BIO

Taiwo Aloba (Playwright and Director) is a New York-based writer and director originally from Nigeria. She was educated at Lagos State University in Lagos, New York Film Academy in New York, and Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire. She has sung in an ensemble, written books, and ran a marathon in Coney Island. 

Jenna Kole (Set Designer) is a printmaker by trade who is making her debut as a set designer for The Gospel of Efunroye by Taiwo Aloba. Jenna has worked with artists such as Lady Aiko and the late Robert Indiana in printmaking and has traveled to places like Dubai and Copenhagen to make art. When she isn’t traveling, she is usually cooking something for friends and family at her home in Bellmore, Long Island. 

Omolola Abati (Costume Designer) is an international fashion designer whose work includes theater, dance, and television. She believes costume design is a vital art that serves as a means to communicate ideas.  

CAST BIO

King Downing (Narrator): King Downing is a Lawyer, Filmmaker, Journalist, and Host of GOOD MORNING NUEVA YORK on WBAI Radio 99.5fm. He is a musician and tries his hand at “sit down” comedy. 

Jide Ajisafe (Praise Singer): Jide Ajisafe is an actor based in New Jersey. He studied Graphic Design & Interactive Advertising at Kean University and is currently enrolled in Digital Marketing, MA program at Rutgers University. His stage credits include Ufedo in Strong Island and Olusinigwe in Voice from Heaven.

Enih Agwe (Madam Efunroye): Enih Agwe is a Cameroonian-American actress entering her final year at the Tisch School of the Arts. She has taken on works from Shakespeare to Ahrens and Flaherty and has experience with short films as well as writing and filming her own material. Currently based in New York and DC, she is thrilled to working with such a wonderful cast and crew and to be taking on the role of Madam Efunroye. 

Sean Coffey (Consul Campbell): Sean Coffey is an actor based in Westchester, NY. He studied at Fordham University and has performed locally throughout the tristate area. Recent favorite theater credits include Dear Brutus (Mr. Lob, Alpha NYC Theater Company), Hedda Gabler (George Tesman, Red Monkey Theater Group), Cabaret (Ernst Ludwig, Sherman Playhouse) & A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom, Arachne Theater). 

BIOS 

MARY LAUREN (WRITER/DIRECTOR) 

Mary Lauren is a Multihyphenate artist who loves to tell stories. She is the artistic director of Heart String Theatrical, whose cabarets have raised money for artists and organizations including the NAACP and ACLU. Her work has been seen Off-Broadway and regionally as a Director, Writer, Performer, Producer and Choreographer. She is a proud member of AEA, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Written works include; My Shadow and Me (Cape May Stage) and Start With I Do (Act One One Act Festival). She choreographed and was the lead dancer in the film, Dream of Spring which has been featured in festivals all over the world. It premiered at The Chain. Recent acting credits include: Louise, Gypsy (The Secret) Donna, Believers (The Workshop Theatre) Sarah, Sarah Was Mine (Cherry Lane) Helena, Midsummer (Mysterium) and Gertrude, Hamlet (Compass Rose). Directing/choreography credits include; Fabulous The Musical (Times Square Arts Center), Hair (The Secret Theatre), Seussical (The Secret Theatre) Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Music Room), and My Shadow and Me (Cape May Stage). Find Mary on IG @ MaryLaurenw on marylaurenonline.com. 

ROMAN ALEC TREVINO (JONATHAN) 

Roman Alec Trevino is thrilled to be working with Heart String Theatrical and The Chain. Stage: The Tempest (Dysfunctional Theater), Parting Shots (Mississippi University Of Women), The Real Life Adventures of Jimmy de la Rosas (Passage Theater). Film: Eyes Of God, Resentment, The Answer, Just Ten, Reasons To Love You, It’s Late. Audio: This American Wasteland, Somewhere In The Skies. Roman is a graduate of the Circle In The Square Theater School. 

REBEKAH RAWHOUSER (AUDREY) 

Rebekah Rawhouser (Audrey) is ecstatic to be in her first live theatre production since March of 2020! She has stayed busy in the meantime with such accomplishments as creating two children’s audiobooks for the Scout Books series, voice acting in several audio drama podcasts including Salem’s Ghosts: The Lynn Lady (for which she earned her first IMDb credit), and honing some mad sourdough baking skills. She also had the honor of taking part in several readings of new pilots, plays, and films created by her crazy talented friends. Favorite previous stage credits include Diana Goodman (Next to Normal), Mary Magdalene (Jesus Christ Superstar), and Gayle (Sunday On The Rocks). Special thanks to her amazingly supportive husband and kids, coach Tessa Faye, teacher Ted Wold, and writer/director extraordinaire Mary Lauren! Find Rebekah on IG @literallybekah ; www.rebekahrawhouser.com

MARY RUTH BAGGOT (CONNIE) 

Select shows, Brokers [Web Series], Alana Stands Up, Alana [Short] Stupid F*cking Bird [LICA/Stripped Scripts], The Rubber Room [Artistic New Directions/WTco], Eat Dessert First; Sugar Plum; Lightning from Heaven [Workshop Theater Co], Psyche [Tongue in Cheek], Boy’s Life [The Seeing Place], and Reflections of a Heart [The Clurman Theater/Stepping Stone]. Circle in the Square, UCB. MaryRuthBaggott.com 

RACHEL EMMANUELA FROST (JO) 

Rachel is a graduate of the William Esper Studio conservatory and is thrilled to join the stellar cast of I Do as Jo. Post-pandemic she has performed in a short play at the Theater for the New City as part of the LES Festival of the Arts, and written, produced and acted in her own short film. Special thanks to David Newer & Rob McCaskill.

Cast and Crew Bios:

Matthew McLachlan (Playwright) - Matthew McLachlan is a Dramatist Guild Member and current Artist in Residence with Abingdon Theatre Company. He was born in Scotland, raised in Florida, and currently survives in New York City. His published works A Collection of One-Acts & Other Things You May or May Not Enjoy and full-length play Orion are available now at The Drama Bookshop and on Amazon.

David Zayas, Jr. (Director) - David Zayas Jr. is a Director, Actor, Photographer. Originally from the Bronx, NY. Growing up around theater and film, he started becoming more involved, starting with photography. He later joined a theater company, and produced and directed 14 short films with them. Then directed “ The Head Hunter” by Mark Borkowski for a theater festival which got him a nomination for best director. He then joined the director program at the Actors Studio. Now he’s directing his own written short films among others that are in festivals right now such as “Santa Force” by Peter Collier. And “ Uptown Dave” by himself which won him best actor in a super short with the Chain Film Festival

Alex Staub (Sven) - Alexander Staub is a Comedian, Actor, TV Producer & Podcast Host. Originally from Boston, MA he grew up in the theater and then went on to Full Sail University to study film in Florida. Over the last 10 years he has been a tv producer for shows such as, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Housewives of New York, Live PD, America’s Got Talent and many more. When Alex isn’t working on TV he is the Co-Host on the “Men of Doozy Podcast” and performs Stand Up Comedy all around the country.

Andrew Goebel (Bretl) - is so excited to get to work on this hysterical piece. He is grateful to get to be in a physical space again working with such wonderful people. While the world was paused, Andrew kept himself busy by working with Planet Connections on their virtual pieces. He also has been working with Kimille Howard to start a company to bring the work of Black Actors and Playwrights to the forefront. Thank you to Erika for dealing with him and his family for always supporting him.

Kirk Koczanowski (Kevin) - Kirk Koczanowski is thrilled to be originating another role in one of Matthew McLachlan’s plays (Murder Play/Jack/The Artists Co-Op & Guardian/Derrick/TaDa! Theater). Kirk recently finished filming the lead role in the exciting new tv sitcom pilot “The Big Time”/Leaving Normal Productions, opposite Maitland Ward (Boy Meets World) and Brett Azar (Young Rock, Terminator). When not acting, Kirk enjoys producing his self-help/comedy podcast "Men of Doozy" with fellow co-star Alex Staub. He is so pleased to be back on-stage for the first time since playing the lovable Buddy The Elf in MTKC’s midwest premiere of “Elf: The Musical” pre-pandemic. Kirk is forever thankful to McLachlan for continuing to trust him to bring his work to life. Alumni: Maggie Flanigan Studio. Nebraska Wesleyan U. IG: @Kirk_Koz

Bruce Kane (playwright) is a California based playwright whose comedies have been presented in over 600 venues in 22 countries. His play “Ruby Of Elsinore” was a winner of the All Ireland One Act Play Competition. He is the creator of the much performed series of plays featuring Justin Thyme, a hard boiled detective who investigates crimes in such literary masterpieces as Hamlet and MacBeth among others. Kane has also written and produced for American television and film.

David Wenzel (Director) As an actor, Mr. Wenzel has appeared in several Theatre productions Off-Broadway in NYC, as well as Film, TV, and daytime serials including Ray Donavan, Rescue Me, One Life To Live, All My Children, Guiding Light, Another World, Evil Lives Here, Who Killed Jane Doe, Wild Crime premiering on ABC Fall 2021, OLD DOGS, The Hustler. David Wenzel is also an Award Winning Producer/Director for such films as Hamlet/Horatio, Echelon 8, Preying For Mercy, The Hostage! David has worked with such notables as Brad Pitt, Leonardo Dicaprio, Anthony Hopkins, Fisher Stevens, Scott Rudin, Jace Alexander, and the great Oscar Winning Cinematographer Emmanuel “Chivo” Lubezki & Oscar Winner Gordan Willis. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0921173/ www.davidwenzelactor.com

Irma Cádiz (Ruby Irma Cádiz) is a New York City based actress. Having studied under the late Yvonne Suhor at Art's Sake studios, Irma was introduced to the Meisner Method which she fell in love with. Currently, Irma is an active member of the Chelsea Repertoire Theater under James Price where she continues to develop her craft. She has also studied under notable coaches Ronnie Marmo and John Pallotta. Irma has recently been cast as a series regular in the award winning web series pilot: Peri- Street & also plays a series regular in “The New York Effect '' web series which was one of HBO’s NYLFF2020 official selections for new media. Irma is excited & considers it a priviledge to be performing in The Chain Theater's 2021 One Act Festival! In addition to performing in the arts, Irma can be found on Instagram running her "Support Group for Latinas who Can't Dance."

Jessica Angeline (Ophelia) Jessica Angeline is a true Southern Belle; born and raised in South Carolina. She left home at 16 to live abroad and study in France and Italy respectively. Upon her return, Jessica settled in Savannah, Georgia to pursue acting and modeling. Life brought her to Boston and tonight is Jessica's Off Broadway New York debut. Jessica has been training to perfect her craft since she was 13 years old with various industry coaches around the country. She is trained in film, theatre, and voice acting. She is represented by Engage Artists Agency in Los Angeles and managed by Bruce Kivo in New York City. Jessica is seeking to join the SAGAFTRA union as soon as possible and is ready to relocate to the New York City area. Her joys in life are her faith in God, her family, world languages, and travel.

Skyler Easterbrook (Ophelia) Skyler Easterbrook is so excited to be working with such an awesome cast and crew. No stranger to classic work, Skyler recently worked with EgoPo Classic Theater on Nocturne, and more contemporary work such as The Wolves. In her free time, Skyler enjoys all things Disney and looks forward to being a part of one of their next live-action films!

Shari Linick (Gertrude) Shari Linick was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Shari was always performing in plays and shows in school, having been a performer since coming out of the womb. She officially got her start in comedy and improv at the age of 18. It was her talent, wit and clever impressions that led her to perform at comedy venues in and around New England, and eventually securing a role as Viola in Joey and Maria’s Wedding for many years. Shari was accepted to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, where she further expanded her craft to television, film, voice-over work, and especially her love of theater. She has performed in shows at the Producer's Club and NYC's Manhattan Repertory Theater, and seeing she can't afford therapy, continues doing comedy - having done shows all over, and among other venues has been featured at the New York Underground Comedy Festival twice. As a member of SAGAFTRA, her credits include My Crazy Love, Drifters, and American Whisper. Shari has Epilepsy - never letting it get in the way, she'd like to put an end to the stigma attached to it, and hopes to inspire those with it, especially performing arts, to never ever stop chasing their dream. As Shari puts it "I have Epilepsy but it doesn't have me". Shari continues to divide her time between Boston and New York, and the one thing she loves more than eating, sleeping and performing are animals.

Matthew Brent (Claudius) Matthew Brent was born in Philadelphia PA. He has been acting for 8 years now and has won Best Actor in the Playhouse West Philadelphia 21 Day Film Festival 2018. He enjoys the art and the ability to tell a story. In addition to performing, he is co-owner for a company that is building an app that is helping minimize police brutality called Cavalry App. His website is actormatthewbrent.com. You can follow Cavalry on Instagram @thecavalryapp.

Jourdan Taylor (Hamlet) Couldn't be more honored to be a part of this cast of phenomenally talented actors. Born in NYC he's always had a love & deep respect of the arts & it's artists, with dreams of Broadway in his back pocket. Such previous projects include East Lynne, Jesus Christ Superstar, La Malinche to name a few. He's been cast in the upcoming production of It's A Wonderful Life in December directed by Robyne Parrish.

Keith Keyes (Ghost) Keith Keyes is an actor and comedian who started out over two decades ago doing stand up comedy, then went on to work in several dozen productions in theatre and film. He currently can be seen as ‘Ghost’ in the short play ‘Ruby of Elsinore’.

Lindsey Wayne (Understudy) Lindsey is a New York based actor happy to be participating in live theatre once more! Favorite credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre), Spring Awakening (Martha), Young Frankenstein (Ensemble), and touring as a Tour Actor/Director with Missoula Children’s Theatre. She sends her thanks and appreciation to all who have supported and encouraged her, especially the past year and a half! Enjoy!

McKenzie Patterson (Virtual Stage Manager) McKenzie is based in Knoxville, Tennessee and has had an interest in acting since she was a teenager. McKenzie began taking classes with David Wenzel earlier this year and looks forward to growing her knowledge and network through experience as she begins her journey into the acting universe.