Meet the Current Casts of Broadway's Long Running Shows - MOTOWN

A great, big Broadway season is on its way, with fourteen productions already slated to open in the next few months. With weeks until the craziness begins, there is still plenty of time to catch up on what's been going on at Broadway's already occupied theaters.

BroadwayWorld will be profiling the hits of the Great White Way that continue to draw crowds after months, years, and (in some cases) decades. Meet the current cast of Broadway's MOTOWN below!

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, Motown the Musical is the real story of the one-of-a-kind sound that hit the airwaves in 1959 and changed our culture forever. This exhilarating show charts Motown Founder Berry Gordy's incredible journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross,Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and many more.

Featuring all the classics you love, Motown the Musical tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. You can experience the next electrifying chapter in the Motown story on Broadway throughJanuary 18 and across the country in a city near you.

JOSH TOWER (Berry Gordy)

So HONORED to be here! Cheers to an amazing cast! Bway credits include Simba in Disney's The Lion King (2002-2007), Ragtime (original production). Other jams: Langston In Harlem (AUDELCO nom), Murder Ballad, Superstar, Miss Saigon (umm.... 5 times), Dream Girls, Les Miz, Bubbly Black Girl..., Joseph, Chess, Camelot, a bit of this and that... Some TV, some film. You know. Many thanks to Charles for trusting me, Beth at Telsey for pushing me & the team at DGRW for believing in me. HUGE LOVE to my wife & family. To my friend, Kevin Gray, gone too soon, eternally inspiring. That's all folks.

KRYSAL JOY BROWN (Diana Ross)

Krystal is thrilled and honored to be a part of the Motown cast! Her most favorite credits include: Broadway-Josephine, Big Fish; Ornella, Leap of Faith (Fred Astaire Nomination); Dionne/Abe Lincoln, HAIR; Off-Broadway- Eve, Falling for Eve; National Tour- Mimi, RENT; Regional- Big Fish, Leap of Faith, Calvin Berger, Little Shop of Horrors. TV- ABC's "Castle," Nickelodeon's "Storyforia." She is also a novelist and songwriter with songs recently featured on ABC's "The Neighbors." For more info, follow her on Twitter @KrystalJBrown. She would like to give special thanks to Pete, Michelle & Bill, Mama and GKNK.

CHARL BROWN (Smokey Robinson)

Nominated for a 2013 Tony Award® for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Broadway: Jersey Boys (Barry Belson), Sister Act (Officer Eddie Souther, TJ, Pablo U/S, Ensemble). Off Broadway: Walmartopia (Pearson/Lawrence). Theater: Jersey Boys (Barry Belson) Palazzo Las Vegas, Hair (Hud) European Tour, Johnny Baseball (Tim Wyatt), ART, Dreamgirls (Curtis Taylor, Jr.) SDMT, The Wiz (Scarecrow U/S, Ensemble) La Jolla Playhouse, Ragtime (Coalhouse) Performance Riverside, Six Degrees of Separation (Paul) Long Beach Playhouse, Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas), Chorus Line (Richie) Starlight Theater, Star Wars Trilogy 30 Minutes (Lando Calrissian) Edinburgh Fringe Festival. TV: "America's Got Talent," "Macy's 85th Thanksgiving Parade." www.charlbrown.com

BRYAN TERRELL CLARK (Marvin Gaye)

Baltimore, Maryland native. After graduating from Yale School of Drama, he moved to California to begin a career as actor, singer/songwriter and host. He has starred opposite Laurence Fisburne and Angela Bassett in the play Fences and appeared in television shows such as "CSI New York," "The Unit" and "Tyler Perry's House of Payne." He is a co-writer on Mary J. Blige's current album release "Irreversible," on My Life II. Musically he has performed with such artists as Ne-Yo, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Ciara, Yolanda Adams and Maxwell. He is currently in the studio recording his solo album. He is the host of "Bryan Terrell Clark's Tribute" which has featured such artists as Stevie Wonder, Ledisi, Lalah Hathaway, Rahsaan Patterson and Kenny Latimore. Twitter @therealbtc, www.bryanterrellclark.com. He thanks his Family and Friends for their support. Jer 29:11

TIMOTHY J. ALEX (Ensemble)

Timothy is truly honored to be involved with Motown The Musical. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Timothy has been calling NYC home since 2000. Original Broadway casts: Elf (2010/12), How to Succeed in Business, Pal Joey, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Man of La Mancha, Sweet Smell of Success, Thou Shalt Not, Chicago, Titanic. Original Toronto Cast: Ragtime, Fosse, Sunset Boulevard, Crazy for You. TV: "Dancing with the Stars," "All My Children," "Grand Theft Auto IV."

MICHAEL ARNOLD (Ensemble)

Broadway: Billy Elliot, South Pacific, Jumpers, 42nd Street, Kiss Me Kate, Cabaret, Little Me, Chicago, Tommy, Guys and Dolls, ...Forum, Cats. Michael has been nominated for an Ovation Award, Joseph Jefferson Award, two Helen Hayes Awards and is a recipient of the Fred Astaire Award. Choreography includes: Original companies of Songs for a New World (Daisy Prince / Jason Robert Brown), Flight of the Lawn Chair Man (Hal Prince),

GERALD AVERY (Ensemble)

Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Broadway: Spider-man, Turn Off The Dark (original cast). Concerts: Jennifer Lopez Mohegan Sun, LL Cool J at Carnegie Hall. I would like to thank my family and friends for their support. For you, Uncle Tom.

DWAYNE COOPER (Ensemble)

Dwayne is a native of Florence, SC! Broadway: Hairspray. National Tours: Smokey Joe's Cafe, Showboat, Seussical. TV: "SMASH," "Law and Order" (SVU and CI), "Girls," "Orange Is The New Black." Film: American Gangster. FLAWLESS THANK YOU Motown Creative team, my family, Stas, and friends! Say YES!

REBECCA E. COVINGTON (Ensemble)

Rebecca is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut with Motown the Musical! National & International Tours: Mamma Mia, Ain't Misbehavin', Thoroughly Modern Millie. Regional: Aida, Little Shop of Horrors, Smokey Joe's Café, Ragtime, Hair, and 42nd Street. Sending love to Mom, Dad and Virgil for their endless love and support!! Thanks to God, BG, CRW, Stewart Talent, and Telsey. This one is for my angels DTC & AMJ! Isaiah 40:31! @RoRoCov

DARIUS CRENSHAW (Ensemble)

Recipient of the Mae L. Wien Award (School of American Ballet), Cincinnati Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, LA Opera, The Color Purple (Broadway and 1st National Touring companies), Un Ticket Pour Broadway (A Ticket for Broadway) and Street Scene with Opera de Toulon (Toulon, France), The Phantom of the Opera (Broadway).

NATHANIEL XAVIER CULLORS (Young Berry Gordy, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder)

Nathaniel was born in Japan. Later, moved to North Carolina and was in the film The Red Cape. He now resides in San Antonio, TX, has been in TV commercials, and is represented by Entourage Agency. Nathaniel loves to perform in singing, dancing, and acting!

PRESTON W. DUGGER III (Swing)

A Washington, D.C. native, he has had an extensive career performing with ballet companies across the nation from Dance Theatre of Harlem to Ballet San Jose. He made his Broadway debut in Memphis and is ecstatic to be a part of the cast of Motown. He would like to thank all his family for their support. Monette McKay, I wouldn't be here without you.

DIONNE FIGGINS (Swing)

Broadway: Leap of Faith (Assistant Choreographer), Memphis, Hot Feet. Off-Broadway/Regional: Flashdance (Assistant Choreographer), Soul Doctor (Dance Captain/Nina Cover), Chocolove Voices: A One Woman Musical (writer/performer), Smokey Joe's Café (Ovation nomination), Ray, Sophisticated Ladies, The Wiz. Film/TV: "Girl on Fire" Reebok commercial, "Bolden" (Nurse Dionne/Muse), Memphis on PBS, "House," "80th Annual Academy Awards," Louis, Walk Hard, Across the Universe. Dance Theater of Harlem, Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

MARVA HICKS (Ensemble)

Broadway: Caroline, or Change, The Lion King, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music. Off-Broadway: Thunder Knocking on the Door (Minetta Lane), Caroline, or Change (The Public), The First Breeze of Summer, (The Signature Theatre). Regional: Thunder Knocking on the Door (Arena Stage, Helen Hayes Award), Cuttin Up, The Women of Brewster Place, Arena Stage/Alliance Theatre (Suzi Award, Helen Hayes Nomination), Crowns, and Sophisticated Ladies (Helen Hayes Nomination). Bess (Austin Circle of Theatres B. Iden Payne Award) in the Zach Scott Theatre's Jazz/Blues production of Porgy and Bess. TV: "One Life to Live," "Mad About You," "Star Trek: Voyager," "Sister Sister." Film: Labor Day, Asunder, Virtuoisity, Preaching to the Choir. Recording: Polygram Records. Tours: Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

AFRA HINES (Ensemble)

Broadway: Soul Doctor (original Broadway cast, dance captain), Ghost (original Broadway cast, u/s Clara, u/s Louise, u/s Mrs. Santiago), In The Heights (original Broadway cast), Wicked. TV: "Boardwalk Empire", "Smash". Other: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Rockette). Love and thanks to my Mum! www.afrahines.com

TIFFANY JANENE HOWARD (Ensemble)

Tiffany is beyond thrilled to be a part of this historic Motown family! Broadway: Mary Poppins, Leap of Faith, Memphis. Nat'l Tours: Mary Poppins (1st Nat'l), All Shook Up, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Fame. FSU grad, blessed with a loving family, the Posse, Fame-ily, GREAT friends, and my heaven-sent angel Mike. Gratitude to God ALWAYS!

DANA MARIE INGRAHAM (Swing)

Broadway: Hot Feet, Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark (Original B'way Company). Tours: The Lion King, The Color Purple (u/s Squeak). Concert Dance: Philadanco!, Armitage Gone! Dance. TV: "Smash." SMU (BFA Dance, BA Sociology). Esper Grad.,U.S. Presidential Scholar of the Arts. Co-founder, Broadway Serves. Family, this is for you! Jeremiah 29:11

JAWAN M. JACKSON (Ensemble)

Jawan is thrilled to make his Broadway debut in Motown The Musical! Born and raised in Detroit, MI., Jawan Jackson worked as a Detroit Radio and Television Personality. Film: Sparkle. A recent graduate from Eastern Michigan University, who worked as an enrichment instructor for surrounding area high school students enrolled in theatre, he is ready to stamp his name on Broadway! I want to thank God, my family, and my wonderful support system!

LAUREN LIM JACKSON (Ensemble)

Broadway: Memphis, Wonderland (OCR), Finian's Rainbow. Off-Broadway: The Wiz (Encores!). Regional: Rocky Horror Show (Old Globe), Wonderland (Straz Center), Memphis (La Jolla, 5th Ave), High School Musical II (TOTS). Tour: West Side Story World Tour. Film/TV: "Smash," The Smurfs, Mrs. Santa Claus. Choreography credits include Off-Broadway: Sistas (AUDELCO nomination) and Art.Party.Theater.Company. Orange County School of the Arts and Harvard graduate. Thanks to The Mine, family, and VIO.

MARCUS PAUL JAMES (Swing)

Marcus was last seen in the off-Broadway cast of RENT (Mr. Jefferson). He also played the role in the original Broadway closing cast production and RENT: Filmed Live on Broadway. Bway credits: the Tony Award winning musical In The Heights. Marcus is a singer/songwriter with his last CD project titled "Meant to Be." More info at marcuspauljames.com.

JOHN JELLISON (Ensemble)

Broadway: Memphis, All Shook Up, The Phantom of the Opera, Caroline, or Change, Oklahoma!, Putting It Together, On The Town, Paul Simon's The Capeman, Titanic, Crazy For You, Mastergate, Me And My Girl, Sunday in the Park With George, Nick and Nora, Wind in the Willows, Baby, Zalmen or the Madness of God and Sweet Bird of Youth. Off-Broadway: original Assassins, A New Brain, The Waves, Deathbed, Lennon. TV: "Law &Order"(s).

DAVID JOSEFSBERG (Ensemble)

Broadway: Les Miserables, Grease, Wedding Singer. Off Broadway: Altar Boyz, Rated P, Slut. Tours: Music of ALW, Tommy. Regional: Honeymoon in Vegas, Lend Me a Tenor, Drowsy Chaperone. Comedy: Stephen Lynch tour (Carnegie Hall). Signed to Comedy Central Records. Thanks to everyone at Telsey. Love to Lizzie, Coop, and Ben. ILYEJCJBJ!

CRYSTAL JOY (Ensemble)

Dreamgirls ("Lorrell Robinson," Signature Theater), Memphis The Musical (First national tour), Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical (West End), Legally Blonde ("Pilar," First national tour), Dreamgirls ("Lorrell Robinson," Theater Under The Stars), The Wiz ("Dorothy," Hangar Theater). 2004 Bertelsmann World of Expression Scholarship Recipient 1st Place: Vocal Composition.

AARON KABURICK (Ensemble)

Broadway: Sister Act (Monsignor and Joey, u/s), Billy Elliot (original cast). National tours: Billy Elliot, Annie (30th Anniversary), and The Full Monty. Regional: St. Louis Muny, North Carolina Theatre, and New Harmony. College: Boston University. Hometown: Carlinville, IL. Thank you to every single teacher who helped me get here!

MYKAL KILGORE (Ensemble)

Mykal was most recently seen in The Book of Mormon (Tour). Other theater credits: Hair (Broadway), Freckleface Strawberry (Off-Broadway), Band Geeks (The Human Race Theater Co.). To every Teacher, Parent, and Shug... I Love You! Faith.Trust.Integrity.Love. This one's for Sonya Yvette Garcia.

RAYMOND LUKE, JR. (Young Berry Gordy, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder)

Raymond has been singing since he was 3 years old after being taught by his grandmother. In the summer of 2011, he attended Beverly Hills Acting School FABA (For Actors by Actors) President Alex Fieldman. He graduated earlier this year and has completed two commercials for Toys"R"Us and Volkswagen in association with ESPN. Stage credits include the Tammi Mac Minute Mixer hosted by Vanessa Bell Calloway and Tammi Mac, and he has also sung the National Anthem for the Penny Marshall Celebrity Softball game. Film: Bad Father, directed and produced by Jerry Jackson, and is currently shooting the film Failure is Not an Option, written by Lavell Grisom. He is also a band member of the new group "3 plus 1."

TRACY MCDOWELL (Ensemble)

Tracy is thrilled to be back on Broadway with the amazing Motown cast. Broadway/NYC Credits: RENT, Jawbreaker, Atlantis. Regional: Hair, Godspell. Soloist for UN, Broadway in South Africa, "The Next Big Thing" on Oxygen Network. Love my Family, CLA, Telsey, Henry, Rich, Eric, Ruby, Roomies, and BUNS!

JEVON MCFERRIN (Ensemble)

Broadway debut! Originally from San Francisco, Jevon is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts NY. Thank you to my family, fiancé Megan for always supporting my dreams, the AGR crew, The Red Coat Crew, and his agents at Across The Board for their love and support.

MOEISHA MCGILL (Swing)

Broadway: Mamma Mia!, RENT. Off-Broadway/Regional: They Wrote That?, Baby (Lizzie, Papermill), Bagdad Café (Phyllis, International Tour), Lil' Shop of Horrors (The Miracle Theatre), Princesses (5th Avenue Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar. Thanks to friends, family, Jason and to Clara and Bea for continued guidance.

MARIELYS MOLINA (Ensemble)

Caracas, Venezuela native. Broadway: Twyla Tharp's Come Fly Away (Kate's Alternate/Swing), Sweet Charity (ensemble), First national tour of Swing! (featured Latin swing), The Wizard of Oz (NSMT). Awards: World Salsa Open 2003 (1st Place), ESPN World Salsa Championships 2005 & 2007, 3rd and 2nd place. So honored to be part of Motown!!

JESSE NAGER (Ensemble)

Broadway: Mary Poppins (OBC), Good Vibrations (OBC), Mamma Mia! (u/s Pepper). National Tour: Xanadu. Off-Broadway: Fame on 42nd Street. Favorite Regional: Stephen Sondheim's Being Alive (Philadelphia Theater Company), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Papermill Playhouse/McCarter Theater), Once on This Island (Reprise LA!). He has sung with Mariah Carey, Shania Twain, Jason Mraz, Patti LaBelle and currently records vocals for "Smash" on NBC. Jesse is the Artistic Director of The Broadway Boys, a collection of singers whose contemporary arrangements redefine the Broadway sound. www.bwayboys.com

MILTON CRAIG NEALY (Ensemble)

Broadway: Dreamgirls (original and revival companies); Ain't Misbehavin'; Mail; Once On This Island; Miss Saigon; Caroline, or Change; Five Guys Named Moe. National tours: The Full Monty, Jesus Christ Superstar (25th Anniversary tour). Film: The Blues Brothers. Television: "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," "The Arsenio Hall Show," "NYPD Blue," "Person of Interest."

N'KENGE (Ensemble)

Broadway: Sondheim on Sondheim. West End: The Genius of Ray Charles. Regional: 3 Mo Divas (Helen Hayes Nomination for Outstanding Actress), Aida (Arizoni Theater Award for Best Lead Actress). Solo Concerts: Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall w/Wynton Marsalis and Ornette Coleman. Opera Houses: New York City Opera, Vienna KammerOpera. Graduate of the Juilliard School. Hailed by Stephen Holden/ NY Times as "a classically trained diva who can stretch from Broadway pop-soul to opera." www.nkengemusic.com

DOMINIC NOLFI (Ensemble)

Broadway: Jersey Boys, "Tommy DeVito" (1st replacement), original cast /cast recording (Grammy Award). European Tour: Grease, "Danny." Regional: Jersey Boys (La Jolla) "Frankie," "Bob." Workshops/Labs: Motown The Musical, "Barney Ales;" Piece of My Heart, "Young Wazzel." TV: CBS' "Broadway Under the Stars." Film: Zombie Prom, "Joey" (Best comics-orientated film, Comic Con International). BFA, Boston Conservatory. Founding member of The Doo Wop Project. Thedoowopproject.com.

ANGELA WILDFLOWER FOLK (Ensemble)

Broadway Debut. Off-Broadway: Venice (The Public Theatre). International: Hinton Battle's Variety Bang (Osaka, Japan). Regional: Avenue Q, All Shook Up (3D theatricals), Venice (Kirk Douglas), Crowns (Pasadena Playhouse/Ebony Repretory), Dangerous Beauty (Pasadena Playhouse) & many more. Angela is a music artist, graduate of Spelman College & native of Kansas City, KS. www.angelawildflower.com.

JUSTIN PRESCOTT (Ensemble)

Broadway: Fela!, After Midnight. Tour: Fela!, Memphis (first national tour). Regional: Lost in the Stars (City Center Encores!), The Scottsboro Boys (Ahmanson Theater), TV: NBC's "Smash." NYTW: Bacha Bazi. BFA, SUNY Purchase (Cum Laude). Major thanks to my Creator and loving family!

RYAN SHAW (Stevie Wonder, Ensemble)

Ryan is excited to make his Broadway debut in Motown The Musical. This two time Grammy nominee signed with Columbia records in 2007 and since he has toured the globe and shared the stage with such artists as Bonnie Rait, Van Halen, and BB King. His theater journey started with Tyler Perry in I know I've Been Changed. Most recently Ryan has been proud to launch www.souloutloud.net, a website and bimonthly event to celebrate soul music's return.

JAQUEZ ANDRÉ SIMS (Swing)

Chicago native is overjoyed to make his Broadway Debut! NYC/Off-Broadway: Spandex The Musical (Off B'way; Trip Allen), Apollo Club Harlem (Apollo Theater, Dancer). Regional: Chicago the Musical (Emcee/Swing). Tisch School of the Arts BFA Dance. Thanks to CTG and Telsey! Mom and Brick you are my heart and support!

SABRINA SLOAN (Ensemble)

Broadway/1st Nat'l: Catch Me..., In the Heights (Vanessa), Hairspray. Regional: Sleepless in Seattle (Becky), Peepshow, RENT (Mimi), Children of Eden, Ray Charles Live!, Dreamgirls. TV: "Up All Night," "Legally Mad" (pilot), "Boston Legal." Northwestern University graduate. Many thanks and all my love to Chip, Jackson, and our whole family!

ERIC LAJUAN SUMMERS (Ensemble)

Broadway: Elf (Original 2012 Cast), The Little Mermaid ("Jetsam"), Disney's Aida ("Mereb"), The Wedding Singer (original cast recording). New York Workshops: Aladdin, Get Shorty, A Bronx Tale, Toxic Avenger and "Basquiat" in Basquiat. Film: Reunion 108 (Young Alphonzo). Performed with the Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Oklahoma and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras.

JULIUS THOMAS III (Ensemble)

Broadway: The Scottsboro Boys (Roy), The Gershwin's Porgy & Bess (Crabman/Mingo/US). Off-Broadway: The Scottsboro Boys, Dial 'N'. National Tour: Xanadu (Terpsicore), Shrek (Donkey/US), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Ensemble), The Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Soloist). Regional: Guthrie, Stage One, West Virginia Public, Musical Theatre of Wichita, KC Starlight, NYMF and more.

RICKEY TRIPP (Ensemble)

Dance Educator, Certified Zena Rommett Floor-Barre® Technique. B.A. Dance, SJSU. Broadway: In the Heights (original cast). Off-Broadway: In the Heights (Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance). TV/Film: "Smash," Whatever Lola Wants, JaneMann. Assistant Choreographer: FLY- DTC World Premiere, Soul Doctor (NYTW), Fortress of Solitude. Dedicated to God and my Family!

NIK WALKER (Swing)

B'way debut! Street cred includes the world premiere of Des McAnuff's Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots at La Jolla Playhouse. Thanks to God, Sarah, The Mine, all fam/friends, and the Motown fam for carrying me through. GDStevie. For my mama! www.nikwalkersworld.com

DASHAUN YOUNG (Ensemble)

Credits: "Simba" in The Lion King (Broadway, West End, Tour, Vegas), Hairspray (1st National Tour), Legends (NY Premiere), Sex and The City 2 (Film and Soundtrack). Workshops/Readings: Hunchback of Notre Dame, A Strange Loop, Triassic Parq, The Scottsboro Boys, and Emerald Man. Excited to join the Motown family. Hi Mom!

LISA NICOLE WILKERSON (Ensemble)

Performing artist, public speaker. Broadway: The Lion King, Gershwin's Porgy and Bess (Astaire Award, "Outstanding Female Dancer in a Broadway Show;" Tony Award, "Best Musical Revival.") Tours/Off-Broadway/NY: The Lion King (Nala), Mamma Mia! (Ali), River Deep, Purlie (ENCORES!), Once On This Island (TiMoune). Northwestern University, BS, journalism. Love&hugs Dad, family! www.lisanicolewilkerson.com