Anything Goes

JIMMY RAY BENNETT

Lord Evelyn Oakleigh

JIMMY RAY BENNETT (Lord Evelyn Oakleigh) was last seen in Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center in Broadway 3 Generations. He played Nathan Brooks for two seasons on Amazon’s Hand of God, is co-creator of the Off-Broaday “cult hit” the Nuclear Family and is the character of Floyd in Grand Theft Auto games. Past theaters include La Jolla, Barrow Street, NYTW, the McCarter, New World Stages, the Ogunquit Playhouse and NY City Center. 

CORBIN BLEU

Billy Crocker

CORBIN BLEU (Billy Crocker) comes from an extensive background in film, television and theatre. He is probably best known for playing Chad Danforth in Disney’s Emmy Award-winning High School Musical franchise. Corbin was recently seen on Broadway as Ted Hanover in the Tony-nominated production of Holiday Inn, The New Irving Berlin Musical, winning the Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Male Dancer in a Broadway Show. Additional Broadway credits include: Godspell (Jesus) and In the Heights (Usnavi). Other stage highlights include Hairspray (Seaweed) and Mamma Mia! (Sky), both at The Hollywood Bowl. Most recently Corbin starred as Don Lockwood, the role made famous by Gene Kelly in The Muny's centennial season production of Singin' in the Rain. Also in 2018, Corbin was honored as Entertainer of the Year from the Tremaine National Gala honoring his work in the dance industry. His film credits include: To Write Love on Her Arms (starring opposite Kat Dennings), Nurse 3-D and The Monkey's Paw, to name a few. Corbin’s television credits include: Franklin & Bash, Blue Bloods, Psych, Castle, The Fosters and Chicago Med. In 2013, he partnered with Karina Smirnoff on the multi-Emmy Award-winning ABC hit Dancing with the Stars, placing a close second. A Brooklyn native, Corbin currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Sasha.

DeMOYA WATSON BROWN

Ensemble / Angel / Evangeline Harcourt Understudy

DeMOYA WATSON BROWN (Ensemble / Angel / Evangeline Harcourt Understudy) last appeared at Arena Stage in Sophisticated Ladies alongside the legendary Maurice Hines. Off-Broadway and regional credits include The Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Rockette), The WIZ (Ford’s Theatre), Crazy for You, Jelly's Last Jam and Dreamgirls (Signature Theatre) and The Boys from Syracuse (Shakespeare Theatre Company). Other stage appearances include the Washington National Opera’s productions of Champion and Show Boat and Disney’s productions of Finding Nemo the Musical and Beauty and The Beast. Television credits include Dancing with the Stars, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, CMT’s Top 20 Countdown and TBN’s Praise the Lord. She received her M.A. in Arts Management from George Mason University and her B.F.A. in Dance from Florida State University.

JULIO CATANO-YEE

John / Ensemble

JULIO CATANO-YEE (John / Ensemble) is excited make his Arena Stage debut in Anything Goes! D.C. credits: Camelot (Knight) at Shakespeare Theatre Company. Tours: The Addams Family National Tour (Ancestor), West Side Story Centennial World Tour (Chino). New York: Cotton Candy and Cocaine at New York Theatre Barn. Regional credits: Barrington Stage Company, Musical Theatre West, Lamb’s Players Theatre. Operas: Nixon In China, Salome and Romeo et Juliette at San Diego Opera. Television: 20th Century FOX’s “Pitch” and TNT’s “Animal Kingdom.” He has danced with Ballet Hispanico, Momix, City Ballet of San Diego, Unity Dance Ensemble, among many other dance companies and choreographers. Julio is a graduate of the Ailey/Fordham BFA program. Special thanks to everyone at Clear Talent Group! @JulioCatanoYee

STEPHEN DeROSA

Moonface Martin

STEPHEN DeROSA (Moonface Martin) is making his Arena Stage debut. He began his professional career as an apprentice with the Shakespeare Theater after graduating from Georgetown University. His most recent Broadway credits include On the Town directed by John Rando, Betrayal directed by Mike Nichols and standing by for Nathan Lane in The Nance directed by Jack O'Brien. Other notable Broadway credits include Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray and the Baker in Into the Woods. Off-Broadway he appeared in Red Bull Theater's The Government Inspector, Atlantic Theater's These Paper Bullets!, Love's Fire for the Acting Company as well as the acclaimed revival of The Mystery of Irma Vep. Screen credits include The Blacklist, Cafe Society and as Eddie Cantor on HBO's Boardwalk Empire. Stephen received his M.F.A. from Yale Drama School.

BEN GUNDERSON

Purser / Ensemble / Lady Fair Quartet / Billy Crocker Understudy

BEN GUNDERSON (Purser / Ensemble / Lady Fair Quartet / Billy Crocker Understudy) appeared at Arena in last year’s The Pajama Game. Other recent appearances include Camelot at STC and Still Life With Rocket at Theater Alliance, which received seven HH nominations (including Outstanding Lead Actor) and won Outstanding Production of a Play. Ben was in the Broadway and 25th Anniversary Touring companies of Les Misérables, which led to appearances on The Academy Awards, The Tony Awards, and America’s Got Talent. He served as Asst. Movement Director and Musical Stager on Mackintosh’s Les Mis in Tokyo and Mexico City, respectively. Ben has studied with SITI Company, MICHA, and Eugenio Barba/Odin Teatret in Italy and Denmark. He is a Princess Grace Foundation scholar and a graduate of UNCSA. www.ben-gunderson.com

LISA HELMI JOHANSON

Hope Harcourt

LISA HELMI JOHANSON (Hope Harcourt) is thrilled to be returning to her native D.C. area! NYC: Avenue Q, Three Sisters, Women Beware Women, Rescue Rue. Tours: Into the Woods, Avenue Q. Select Regional: Vietgone (Denver Center), Priscilla... (Ogunquit & Gateway Playhouses), Waterfall (5th Avenue Theatre & Pasadena Playhouse), 4,000 Miles (St. Louis Rep.), Taming of the Shrew (VA Stage). Film/TV: Law & Order: SVU, Z-Rock (IFC), The Onion News Network. Deep gratitude to HCKR, Arena Stage and Geoff Josselson. Micah 6:8 www.lisahelmijohanson.com Insta: @hurricanehelmi

JONATHAN HOLMES

Captain / Ensemble / Moonface Martin Understudy

JONATHAN HOLMES (Captain / Ensemble / Moonface Martin Understudy) This is Jonathan’s first show with Arena Stage. Recent theater includes The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary (Liverpool Everyman/Bristol Old Vic), Crazy For You and The King and I (Gateway Theatre, Richmond), Brief Encounter (Kneehigh/Vancouver Playhouse) and The Thing About Men (Arts Club, Vancouver). Jonathan’s extensive film and television credits include Anne With An E (2 seasons), The BFG, Rogue, Descendants, Nightwatching, Almost Human, 4400 and Stargate: Atlantis. His voice can be heard on numerous animated series, most recently the Netflix Original series The Dragon Prince.

MAXIMILIAN

Cheeky

MAXIMILIAN MOONSHINE (Cheeky) is a newcomer to theater and howling to be at Arena Stage! Born in New Jersey, he relocated to Arlington, VA at the age of 8 weeks. Max is a Papillion but don't let his delicate “butterfly-like” ears fool ya! Although his father is Serenade Dancing in the Moonlight, Max is much more MOONSHINE! His expertise is clearly spinning and bouncing, but he is refining his precision on the agility course at Frolic Dogs. Frequently he can be seen entertaining Grandma & friends at The Jefferson Retirement Home or curbside at Craft House enthralled by the silly patrons. He loves other dogs almost as much as humans. This little guy will be two years old this coming January but his favorite pastime of all still remains smooching…he is French after all! Instagram: @Maximilian_Moonshine

BRENT McBETH

Ensemble / Lady Fair Quartet / Fred / Photographer / Lord Evelyn Oakleigh Understudy

BRENT McBETH (Ensemble / Lady Fair Quartet / Fred / Photographer / Lord Evelyn Oakleigh Understudy) is thrilled to make his Arena Stage debut. His New York performance credits include Big Apple Circus - The Grand Tour (Skip The Clown, Lincoln Center); No, No, Nanette (City Center Encores); Face The Music (City Center Encores); TimeStep (New Victory Theater) and Everybody Gets Cake (59E59 Theater). A few of Brent’s favorite regional and touring credits include White Christmas (cast recording), international tour of Fosse (dance captain), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ogunquit Playhouse), Singin’ in the Rain (Ordway Theater) and Anything Goes (Theater Under the Stars). 

ALLIE O'DONNELL

Swing

ALLIE O’DONNELL (Swing) is thrilled to make her Arena Stage debut with Anything Goes! D.C. credits include Big Fish (Keegan Theatre); Pippin (Monumental Theatre Company); Kiss Me, Kate (Annapolis Shakespeare Company); Five Lesbians Eating A Quiche (Monumental Theatre Company); Show Boat (Toby's Dinner Theatre); Heathers: The Musical (Red Branch Theatre Company) and Sweeney Todd (Red Branch Theatre Company). Allie is a graduate of The Catholic University of America. Instagram: @the_other_odonnell.

OLLY

Cheeky

OLLY (Cheeky) is making his acting debut. A very good boy, Olly has won awards at multiple local and regional Halloween costume contests, including Georgetown Petco, Boston’s Faneuil Hall, Boston’s SOWA market and the Weiner 500 costume contest. Originally from South Carolina and abandoned with his mother and 4 siblings as a young puppy, Olly is a local rescue dog from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Big thanks to his owner/adopter Jordan Levy, and bigger thanks to anyone who rescues or has rescued animals in need. Adopt don’t shop! Follow Olly's adventures: @olivrtwst

MICKEY ORANGE

Ensemble / Lady Fair Quartet / Reporter / Elisha Whitney Understudy

MICKEY ORANGE (Ensemble / Lady Fair Quartet / Reporter / Elisha Whitney Understudy) is honored to make his Arena Stage debut. He was last seen in D.C. at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center in Rock of Ages. Favorite regional credits include Sweeney Todd in Concert (Anthony, Pasquerilla PAC), Pittsburgh Jazz Greats (Gene Kelly, GCSB), Forever Plaid (Frankie, Lamp Theatre), Rocky Horror Picture Show (Brad Majors, Split Stage and Stage Right Professional Theatre), Frank (Frank Sinatra, GCSB) and 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip Tolentino, AAFC). B.A. Saint Vincent College. M.S. Georgetown University. Endless thanks to the creative team of Anything Goes. Love to friends, family and his wonderful fiancé Noelle. Instagram: @mickey.orange

LIZZ PICINI

Ensemble / Angel / Dance Captain / Erma u/s / Assistant Choreographer

LIZZ PICINI (Ensemble / Angel / Dance Captain / Erma u/s / Assistant Choreographer) is elated to make her Arena Stage debut! Favorite regional credits include: A Chorus Line (Cassie), Singin’ in the Rain (Girl-in-Green), Crazy for You (Tess), Oklahoma! (Gertie), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Dawn), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Ruth), West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, On the Town and When You Wish. She is on faculty at Broadway Dance Center in NYC, a proud member of AEA and happily represented by CESD Talent Agency. Endless gratitude to God, her supportive family, Parker, Molly, Paul and CESD. www.lizzpicini.com Instagram/Twitter: @lizzpicini

KRISTYN POPE

Ensemble / Angel / Reno Sweeney Understudy

KRISTYN POPE (Ensemble / Angel / Reno Sweeney Understudy) is grateful to Molly, Parker, Geoff, Lizz and the Arena family for this opportunity, with special thanks to Paige at Resolute Artists Agency for her guidance and support. “You have to take risks…We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.” ~Paulo Coelho. In loving memory of her incredible mom. Agape…Ps100.

MARIA RIZZO

Erma / Ensemble

MARIA RIZZO (Erma / Ensemble) is elated to be back at Arena Stage having last appeared as Chava in Fiddler on the Roof. Other regional credits include Crazy For You, A Little Night Music, The Gulf, West Side Story, Cabaret, Gypsy (Louise - Helen Hayes nomination), Spin, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Xanadu (Signature Theatre); Evita, Grease! (Olney Theatre Center); Chicago, Cabaret (Sally Bowles - Helen Hayes nomination), The Sunshine Boys, Spring Awakening (Keegan Theatre); Carrie the Musical (Studio Theatre); Bat Boy (1st Stage); and Hairspray, Nunsense, Cinderella (Toby’s Dinner Theatre). Upcoming production is Grand Hotel at Signature Theatre. Instagram: @mariarizz9o

SOARA-JOYE ROSS

Reno Sweeney

SOARA-JOYE ROSS (Reno Sweeney) After coming off the heels of John Doyle’s New York revival of Carmen Jones as Frankie, the “Beat Out Dat Rhythm of the Drum” songstress Soara-Joye is thrilled to be making her Arena Stage debut as Reno! She was last in D.C. with the National Tour of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess (The National Theatre). Broadway: Les Misérables, Dance of the Vampires. Off-Broadway: Jerry Springer the Opera (Carnegie Hall, dir. Jason Moore), Dessa Rose (Lincoln Center), Tin Pan Alley Rag (Roundabout Theatre Co.), Single Black Female (Playwrights Horizons & The Duke, dir. Colman Domingo), The First Noel (The Apollo, dir. Steven Broadnax), Disenchanted (Westside), Cross That River (Outstanding Individual Performance NYMF Award). Film: Garden State. TV: Crashing (HBO). Soara-Joye also has a solo show entitled This Is My Life, Gotta Fly! Training: The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Performances dedicated in loving memory of her mom, Rita. www.Soara-Joye.com

CHRISTOPHER SHIN

Luke / Ensemble

CHRISTOPHER SHIN (Luke / Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Arena Stage debut! He made his Broadway debut in Mary Poppins, where he was a part of the closing company. Regional credits include Goodspeed Musicals, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, Sacramento Music Circus, North Shore Music Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse and Kansas City Starlight. Chris has a B.F.A. in Drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Instagram: @chrisshinsplints.

THOMAS ADRIAN SIMPSON

Elisha Whitney

THOMAS ADRIAN SIMPSON (Elisha Whitney) returns to Arena Stage where he was most recently seen in Dave. Other Arena appearances include Karl Lindner in A Raisin in the Sun; Col. Pickering in My Fair Lady; Abraham Lincoln in Mary T. & Lizzy K.; and Roy in A Light in the Piazza, among others. Recent regional credits include: Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame at The Riverside Center; Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar and Pete the cowboy in Crazy For You at Signature Theatre; and Judge Turpin in Sweeny Todd at The Olney Theatre Center. Tom can be seen in season four of Netflix’s House of Cards. Tom is proud to be a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

LISA TEJERO

Evangeline Harcourt

LISA TEJERO (Evangeline Harcourt) was last here at Arena in Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, which she performed in on & Off-Broadway, and will next be doing again in Berkeley and at the Guthrie in winter of 2019. Regional credits include Do You Feel Anger? in Louisville Theatre's Humana Festival; Henry V and The White Snake (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Stop/Reset, Ghostwritten, Mirror of the Invisible World, Silk, The Odyssey, As You Like It (Goodman Theatre); Ethan Frome, Argonautika, Old Curiosity Shop, 1984, S/M (Lookingglass Theatre Company); Kafka on the Shore (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); and Importance of Being Earnest as Lady Bracknell at Iowa Summer Repertory. Lisa has also appeared at Victory Gardens, Court Theatre, Huntington Theatre, Cincinnati Repertory, Mark Taper Forum, Seattle Rep, Berkeley Rep and Missouri Rep. Film credits include Medicine Show, Chain Reaction, Above the Law, De-evolution of Ethan Chadwick and A Man’s Woman. Lisa received a 2002 Drama League Distinguished Performance nomination for Metamorphoses and a Jeff Award nomination last year for her portrayal of Vivian Bearing in The Hypcrite's Wit.

BRETT URAM

Swing

BRETT URAM (Swing) has made the move from NYC to Washington D.C. to join the cast of Anything Goes! Previous credits include National tour: Click, Clack, Moo! (Loretta); Regional: The Christmas Show (Dance Ensemble); University: Drowsy Chaperone (George), Seussical (Horton); Community: Man of La Mancha (Sancho). Graduate of the University of Oklahoma (BFA) Boomer Sooner! Instagram: @bretturam www.bretturamonline.com

ANDREA WEINZIERL

Ensemble / Angel / Hope Harcourt Understudy

ANDREA WEINZIERL (Ensemble / Angel / Hope Harcourt Understudy) makes her Arena Stage debut! A Pittsburgh native, Andrea is a Point Park University Musical Theatre graduate. Off-Broadway: Bells Are Ringing, Funny Face. National Tour: A Chorus Line. Regional: 42nd Street, Seven Brides...Brothers (PCLO), Mame (Riverside Theatre), Guys and Dolls, A Funny Thing Happened...Forum (Pittsburgh Public), Judy in A Chorus Line (Westchester Broadway), Ursula in The Little Mermaid, ‪Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein (Pittsburgh Musical Theatre). Andrea was a dancer in the Easter Bonnet and the Lucille Lortel Awards in New York. She can be seen in the upcoming Martin Scorsese movie The Irishman as ‪Jerry Vale’s Backup Singer. Andrea will be featured as a nurse in the National World War 1 Memorial Sculpture in D.C. unveiling TBD. With The Hybrid Agency. Follow her @_andi_rae

NICHOLAS YENSON

Ensemble / Lady Fair Quartet / Minister / Luke Understudy / John Understudy

NICHOLAS YENSON (Ensemble / Lady Fair Quartet / Minister / Luke Understudy / John Understudy) returns to Arena Stage with no small amount of joy. Previously he appeared in the Fichandler in You, Nero and The Music Man and in the Kogod in Red Hot Patriot. Other D.C. engagements include The Taming of the Shrew at the Shakespeare Theatre and Miss Saigon at Signature Theatre. He worked Off-Broadway in the New York Musical Festival and further afield at American Conservatory Theater, Hampton Theatre Company, McCarter Theatre Center, San Francisco Playhouse, and Wellesley Rep. Nicholas has sung in concert at Radio City Music Hall, the Kennedy Center Opera House, São Paulo’s Espaço das Américas and the West End’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. A boatload of gratitude to Molly, Parker, and Paul. For mom, my favorite angel. @nicholasyenson