New Tampa Players
Akeelah and the Bee
Produced with special arrangement from Plays for New Audiences
Welcome to Uptown Stage!
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Produced with the Generous Support of
Cast (in order of appearance):
Akeelah- Natalie Cline
Dr. Larabee: Lance Felton
Gail: Natasha McKellar
Reggie: Mark Bynog Jr.
JT: Gerard Murray
Drunk Willie: Jonathan Holbrook
Batty Ruth: Vette Berrian
Georgia: Q'Ristien Berrian
Dylan: Kai
Mr. Chiu: Chris Cordero
Javier/Chucky: Jaden Figueroa
Trish/Horse Girl/Mohawk Girl: Sophie Farnan
Ratchet Rhonda: Monica Paine
Izzy/Snorting Girl/Air-spelling Girl: Sarah Fellerhoff
Principal: Joia Holbrook
Natalie Cline as Akeelah
Hi, I’m Natalie Cline, and I’ve always enjoyed pretend since I was young; I feel growing up now having become both a model, and actress, I’ve only heightened my pursuit. With an AA in Fine Arts, from the University of Machias, ME, and a BA in Theater, from Florida State, you could say I’ve been all over. Acting is in my DNA; everyone wants to be known for something in this world, and after years of not pursing my dreams, I want to be known for my creativity. I additionally want to thank my mother for driving me to every single rehearsal, a special thank you Kris Fields.
Lance Felton as Dr. Larabee
Lance Markeith Felton was born in Tuscaloosa, AL raised in Tampa, FL by a mother eager to break away from the slow country lifestyle. He began rapping at age 5 and hosting talent/fashions shows at age 13. He started professional studio recording at age 16, and began studying acting his freshmen year of high school. He has studied classical drama and stage combat in a BFA Program at Florida State University, and abroad in London. Having spent over a decade honing his crafts, Lance Markeith wants to introduce new kinds of works like, The Machine, a gospel/sci-fi stage play, where he juxtaposes Science and Religion, showcasing the folly and hubris in man’s attempt to understand God’s power. Markeith is most passionate about exposing more Hip-Hop music and culture to Broadway and the arts industry. Lance is very excited to be performing with the New Tampa Players
NaTasha McKellar as Gail
NaTasha is thrilled to be returning to New Tampa Players. She said “it was a blessing to be able to play both of my dream roles: Evilene and Addaperle in NTP’s production of The Wiz.” Most recently seen in the role of The Princess Who Kissed the Frog in Disenchanted! with mad Theatre. NaTasha feels that it is blessing to be able to give back through performing. Outside of performing, she is a mentor and tutor to teens in her community. She performs regularly in community events, especially those created to uplift and bring awareness. She lives to uplift people's souls so that they enjoy themselves and celebrate life and living. NaTasha is thankful for her daughter McKenzie London, her sister, family, and friends for their love, support, and unceasing prayers.
Mark Shelton as Reggie
Hi, my name is Mark Shelton! Before I started acting, I served in the Airforce for a little over 5 years as an IT specialist. I deployed twice, once to Qatar and the other time to Al Dhafra, both in the middle east. I also got to travel to other places such as Dubai, Switzerland, France, and multiple places in Germany thanks to the Airforce. Upon getting out the military, I moved to Tampa, FL mid 2019 where I continued my IT career as a contractor for Mac Dill AFB. I am single with no children, my hobbies consist of Acting, Modeling, Entrepreneurship, weight training, traveling, and spending time with family.
Gerard Murray as JT/TV Announcer
Gerard Murray is 20 of age with goals of being a comedian. Played a lead role in comedic one act “This is a Test” and fell in love with the arts since. He is excited to work with such a talented and mixed group of thespians.
Jonathan Holbrook as Drunk Willie
Jonathon Holbrook is a 26-year veteran of the Air Force. This is his first time in a play and he is very excited to have this opportunity. He has really enjoyed working with all the cast members and is extremely proud that his first play is being directed by his daughter, Joia Holbrook. Jonathon thanks his wife and his family for their encouragement, patience and support during his first acting journey.
Vette Berrian as Batty Ruth
Vette Berrian's New Tampa Players debut begins as Batty Ruth. This is also her first time sharing the stage with her daughter, "Q." She and her husband Scot have a combined 34 years of military service. They have the children...Domenique, DeVan and Q'Ristien.
Plant City Entertainment is her theater home. Currently, she is also in rehearsals for "Urinetown" as Penelope Pennywise. When not on stage she is a event coordinator, writer and life coach.
Thank you family and friends for your many years of love and support.
I really appreciate the opportunity you presented me with. Thank you very much Joia for trusting me with such a wonderful character.
Q'Ristien Berrian as Georgia
Q'Ristien Berrian is excited to announce this is her first show and her mother will be on stage with her.
She is a spunky a 26 year old that has a youthful face. Besides being a proud military brat, she is a USF senior who's goal is to educate the minds of the future.
Her hobbies include painting, reading and traveling. The beach is her favorite place to relax.
"Q" would like to thank her family and friends for all of their love and support.
Thank you New Tampa Players for giving me this amazing opportunity.
Kai as Dylan
Kai is a massive fan of 80s and 90s movies. He enjoys drawing, animating, singing, (hardcore) parkour, playing piano and practically all stereotypically “nerdy” things. Akeelah and the Bee at New Tampa Players is Kai’s first official show. Prior to this experience, he has participated in many plays and performances at school and piano recitals as well. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support, and his Spanish teacher for encouraging him to get up on stage.
Chris Cordero as Mr. Chiu
Chris Cordero (Dylan’s Dad) is thrilled to be joining New Tampa Players. He has most recently been seen in Seussical as Cat in the Hat at Carrolwood Cultural Center. Some of his past favorite roles have been Snoopy (“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”) and Harold Bride (“Titanic: The Musical”). Chris has also previously been a cast member of NYC’s S.T.A.R. Theatre Company and USAF’s Tops in Blue. Chris can be seen next at J Stage’s production of “Biloxi Blues” and St. Pete City Theatre’s “All Together Now” musical revue.
Jaden Figueroa as Javier/Chucky
Jaden is excited to be a part of Akeelah and the Bee - his first non-musical production. He recently played Sky Square in NTP's Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical and is looking forward to performing in Mary Poppins and Matilda next spring. Jaden is an 8th grader at Center Academy, where he hosts the morning show, and he enjoys playing football IRL and on the PS4. Jaden would like to thank his mom and dad for their love and support and for driving him everywhere.
Sophie Farnan as Trish/Horse Girl/Mohawk Girl
Sophie Farnan is a theater and commercial actress, as well as, a competitive dancer. She is thrilled to be back with New Tampa Players, after having performed in NTP’s Annie (Orphan), Aladdin (Acting Mentor for The Penguin Project) and The Little Mermaid (Dance Ensemble). Other theater credits include CSA’s production of CATS (Mr. Mistoffelees and Victoria), Carrollwood Players’ A Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim), Show on the Road Theater’s Cinderella (Cinderella), and Peter Pan (Wendy) for her school production. Special thanks to Joia, Josh, Nora and everyone at NTP for this P-R-O-D-I-G-I-O-U-S experience!
Monica Paine as Ratchet Rhonda
Monica is a 17 yr old senior in high school. Her first show with NTP was Beauty and the Beast and she has been enjoying theater ever since then. One of her favorite projects is the Penguin Project, which brings theater to children of all abilities. She’s looking forward to NTP’s new season and plans to tryout for several more shows in the future.
Sarah Fellerhoff as Izzy/Snorting Girl/Air-Speller Girl
Sarah Fellerhoff is 14 and is a talented athlete who enjoys swimming and soccer. She likes to collect all things Eiffel Tower and hopes to visit Paris someday. Sarah played a fortune teller in Aladdin Jr. and a Lost Boy (Twin 2) in Peter Pan Jr and has been part of several other projects with New Tampa Players. Sarah is excited to be part of Akeelah and the Bee and especially enjoys getting to dance on stage. She thanks her parents for their support and the whole Akeelah and the Bee cast and crew for being so nice and fun to work with.
Joia Holbrook as Director/Principal Welch
Joia has truly enjoyed this production with New Tampa Players. She would like to thank Nora and Josh for having faith in her abilities. She would like also like to thank her family and friends for their unending love, support and patience in all that she does.
Production Team
Stage Manager: Joshua Eberhart
Lighting: Joshua Eberhart, Craig Hartfield
Sound Technician: Rajah’ria Peterson
Props: Janet Kennedy, Andi Laaker
Set Construction:
Keith Postle, Carlyn Postle, Ozias Figueroa, Dianne Geiger, James Cass
Scenic Artist: James Cass
Production Manager: Joshua Eberhart
A Note from the Director:
Hi everyone!
Thank you so much for coming to see Akeelah and the bee. This is my first time directing and thus , my first time writing a directors note. I want to tell you about the story, why this story was important for me to tell, little bit about the story itself and a little bit about me.
Akeelah and the bee was a movie that came out in 2006 featuring a young Keke Palmer and Lawrence Fishburne are two main characters Akeelah and her coach Dr larabee . I remember seeing the movie and I really loving the story and the positive message it portrayed. A message that we are powerful beyond measure.
When I saw that NTP was doing Akeelah the stage play version I was very excited that my home theater was going to tell this uplifting story. At the time when Director selection was going on I was in the midst of another production and shied away from the prospect of diving into another show and directing at that. With the encouragement of several people in theater whom I look up to, I applied. They encouraged me to try something new and to expand beyond my stage manager repertoire. I was beyond excited to be selected to direct Akeelah and the Bee.
For me the most important part about the story was that a black girl was getting to tell the story of another black girl. I think that it is crucial part of Akeelah’s experience because there are so many moments that happen that I’ve either experienced or seen up close. always . While we know that little Akeelah does have some obstacles in her life The story is mostly positive and I genuinely appreciate that. Every story about black people doesn’t have to be steeped in sadness. Earlier this year art imitated art and a black girl, Zaila Avant-Garde won the national spelling bee for the first time and it’s history. I am very lucky to get to tell the story at this time, with these people.
Thank you first to my family whom I have depended on heavily during this time. Specifically to my dad and my cousin Gerard who both heeded the call when I said I need a person. To my friends whom I have mostly neglected for the last 10 weeks. Thank you for lending an ear and helping me work out ideas when I needed. Thank you to my PCE family for quickly obliging me when I said I needed things be it people or props. Last but certainly not least my stage crew (Josh, Nora and Roe) thank you for helping me put this show together I couldn’t do it without you… literally.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. -Marianne Williamson
Love,
Joia
Thank you to all of our volunteers who have worked so hard to make this production of Akeelah and the Bee possible.
Carrollwood Day School
Carrollwood Players
Carrollwood Cultural Center
Derek Baxter
Craig Hartfield
Gene Kish
Jim Russell
Plant City Entertainment
Todd Wiener
Support Live Theatre
Thank you so much for supporting New Tampa Players, the arts, and live theatre through your presence tonight. As NTP reopens and recovers from COVID, your financial support is crucial. With reduced seating, your support can help bridge the gap between ticket sales and operating and production expenses, keeping us financially healthy and able to provide diverse and accessible performing arts opportunities.
About Uptown Stage
Welcome to Uptown Stage, New Tampa Player’s new space! For your safety and the safety of those around you, please wear a mask while you are inside Uptown Stage. Restrooms are located in the main mall near Burlington Coat Factory. Maps are provided at the front of the theater.
Thank you so much for supporting New Tampa Players and live performance!
Our Next Production
The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later
On October 6, 1998, gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard left the Fireside Bar with Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson. The following day he was discovered on a prairie at the edge of town, tied to a fence, brutally beaten, and close to death. Six days later Matthew Shepard died at Poudre Valley Hospital in Ft. Collins, Colorado. On November 14th, 1998, ten members of Tectonic Theatre Project traveled to Laramie, Wyoming, and conducted interviews with the people of the town. Over the next year, the company returned to Laramie six times and conducted over 200 interviews. These texts became the basis for the play The Laramie Project. Ten years later on September 12th, 2008, five members of Tectonic returned to Laramie to try to understand the long-term effect of the murder. They found a town wrestling with its legacy and its place in history. In addition to revisiting the folks whose words riveted us in the original play, this time around, the company also spoke with the two murderers, McKinney and Henderson, as well as Matthew’s mother, Judy Shepard. THE LARAMIE PROJECT: TEN YEARS LATER is a bold new work, which asks the question, “How does society write its own history?”
Produced with special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service.
Produced with the generous support of Hillsborough Arts Council, Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, and Florida State Division of Cultural Affairs