Theatre Under The Stars Casts Local Actress Simone Gundy in Lead Role for MEMPHIS

Houston actress, Simone Gundy, who competed on Season 11 of "The Voice", will star as "Felicia" in Theatre Under The Stars' (TUTS) upcoming production of MEMPHIS!

"When I found out I was cast in Memphis, I screamed! I'm just beyond grateful. Felicia Farrell is a dream role of mine, and her character with all of her spirit and tenacity is so much like me that I can't wait to step into her shoes," said Gundy.

The production, which will be directed by TUTS Artistic Director, Dan Knechtges, will feature a cast that is comprised of incredibly talented actors from across the country, with Houstonians making up half the cast.

Starring alongside Gundy in the role of Huey is Barrett Riggins, whose many regional theatre credits include ALL SHOOK UP at The MUNY, GREASE, and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC.

"Last summer, I had the good fortune to work with the fresh out of school Barret Riggins, who blew everyone away with his performance. I am thrilled he will be able to join us here in Houston alongside Simone. Houston is lucky to have such an incredible talent as Simone who will dazzle our audience's with her incredible voice and spirit," said Knechtges.

Joining Gundy and Riggins is Julie Johnson, reprising her role as Mama, which she performed to great acclaim in the First National Tour of MEMPHIS, Sheldon Henry as Bobby, Jared Howelton as Wailin' Joe, Avionce Hoyles as Gator, Philip Lehl as Mr. Simmons, and Warren Nolan Jr. as Delray.

Henry, who was in TUTS' 2017 production of DREAMGIRLS, has appeared in the National Tour of SOUTH PACIFIC, and in many regional theatre productions including SCOTTSBORO BOYS (Speak Easy Stage Company), and GUYS AND DOLLS (WestChester Broadway Theatre). Howelton was most recently in the National Tour of Motown The Musical. Hoyles has appeared in numerous regional theatre productions including JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Paramount Theatre) and SISTER ACT (Ogunquit Playhouse).

Johnson's notable credits include CANDIDE on Broadway, and roles in many regional theatre productions including MAME, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, CHESS, and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Lehl's credits include BLOOD BROTHERS on Broadway, HUNDREDS OF HATS Off-Broadway, and the National Tour of TITANIC, THE MUSICAL. He has also appeared in more than 30 productions at The Alley Theatre. Nolan has appeared in the National Tour of RENT, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (Old Globe Theatre), and FALSETTOS (Diversionary Theatre).

Rounding out the cast in the Ensemble are: Courtney Chilton, Taylor Daniels, Chloe Davis, Laura Henning, Liam Johnson, Zach Jones, Logan Keslar, Ashley Lee, Alexa Magro, Khori Petinaud, Christopher Tipps, Mya Tucker, and Sharrod Williams.

Both Johnson and Magro are TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) alumni, who will share the stage with 26 current HSMT students who will be joining the cast. The Student Ensemble cast includes Jazmyne Charles, Abriel Coleman, Bryce Cooper, Daelin Elzie, Emma Kate Farlow, Chase Fontenot, Isabella Forney, Haylee Harris, Sydnie Harris, Laci Hepler, Fallon Jones, Anneliese Kelly, Kelly Lomonte, Molly Oubre, Sarah Pendergrass, Tobias Rytting, Lauren Schweers, Drew Shaffer, Annie Shouse, Cohle Smith, Alyssa Sunew, Antonio Teodoro, Claire Valdez, Ayvan Jo Williams, Hailey Wolfe, and Christopher Wolff.

As previously announced, Knechtges will be joined on the production by Jessica Hartman as Choreographer, Darryl Ivey as Music Director, Ryan O'Gara as Lighting Designer, Andrew Harper as Sound Designer, Kevin Depinet as Set Designer, Leon Dobkowski as Costume Designer, and Jeff Knaggs as Hair and Makeup Designer. Casting for MEMPHIS was provided by Stewart/Whitley.

Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves - filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony® Awards including Best Musical, MEMPHIS features a Tony®-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE and ALL SHOOK UP) and a Tony®-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan.

MEMPHIS is made possible thanks to the generous support of production sponsors, ConocoPhillips, Apache, and Freeport LNG.

Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital is the official healthcare partner of Theatre Under The Stars. United Airlines is the official airline partner of Theatre Under The Stars. KTRK ABC-13 is the official media partner of Theatre Under The Stars. TUTS is supported in part by the City of Houston through the Theater District and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

 

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