Damn Yankees

GIUSEPPE BAUSILIO

Peña/Ensemble

Giuseppe Bausilio (Peña/Ensemble) is an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, cinematographer, and producer born and raised in Switzerland. His brother is a former ballet dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet and his sister is a carpenter! Giuseppe began dancing at the age of three under the tutelage of his parents and made his Broadway debut as Billy in Billy Elliot: The Musical at just 11 years old. Broadway: Newsies, Aladdin, Cats, Hello, Dolly!, Hamilton, Sunset Boulevard. Film/TV: Alfie in The Next Step, Ode to Passion, Dead Man Down. He’s excited to be making his Arena Stage debut! Proud Brazilian-Italian-Swiss! Speaks seven languages. Instagram: @giuseppebausilio

RAÚL CONTRERAS

Ensemble / Dance Captain

Raúl Contreras (Ensemble / Dance Captain), originally from Monterrey, Mexico, was just seen in the ensemble of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway starring Nicole Scherzinger. He previously served as dance captain, swing, and understudy for Santiago in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway. You can catch him as a featured dancer in the upcoming feature film Kiss of the Spider Woman starring Jennifer Lopez. He danced for Ballet Metropolitano de Monterrey, Metamorphosis Dance Collective, and Ballet Hispánico. He has served as a teacher, choreographer, and artistic director for Universidad de Monterrey’s Dance Group, and as a guest teacher for Cirque du Soleil, Steps on Broadway, and Broadway Dance Center. He is a graduate of the Escuela Superior de Música y Danza de Monterrey with a BFA in Contemporary Dance, and has trained with Comunidad de Danza Urbana, Martha Graham School, and Universidad de Monterrey.

DEANNA CUDJOE

Ensemble

Deanna Cudjoe (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Arena Stage debut in Damn Yankees! Broadway: Smash (OBC, Ensemble, u/s Anita). Int’l Tour: West Side Story (Consuelo, u/s Anita). Regional: My Best Friend’s Wedding (Ensemble, u/s Kimmy), Disney’s Frozen (Swing), Ogunquit Playhouse. BFA in Dance, UNCSA. Voice: Marianne Wells. Endless love and gratitude to God, her family, and amazing team at Lakey Wolff & Co. and Pilot Management! Always, Luke 1:37 Instagram: @deannacudjoe

QUENTIN EARL DARRINGTON

Joe Boyd

Quentin Earl Darrington (Joe Boyd), known as “Q,” was most recently seen leading the Broadway-bound musical 3 Summers of Lincoln at La Jolla Playhouse. A commanding presence on Broadway, he has starred in MJ the Musical (Grammy and Outer Critics nominations), Once on This Island (Outer Critics nomination), Cats, Ragtime, and A New Brain at City Center. Q is also a veteran of the national tours of Memphis, The Color Purple, The Lion King, and Ragtime, and has led acclaimed regional productions at The Kennedy Center, Paper Mill Playhouse, The Muny, and others. On television, Q has guest-starred/recurred on CBS’ Blue Bloods, NCIS: New Orleans, Madam Secretary, The Good Fight, The Code, and NBC’s The Blacklist. He lives and works by the truth of Philippians 3:12–14

JORDAN DONICA

Joe Hardy

Jordan Donica (Joe Hardy) is a Tony-nominated American actor, singer, writer, and director celebrated for his dynamic artistry across Broadway and television. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, he earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Otterbein University. Donica made his Broadway debut as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera and subsequently starred as Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady and Sir Lancelot in Camelot, earning him a 2023 Tony Award nomination for the latter. His acclaimed theater work includes the dual role of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in the first national tour of Hamilton. He recently starred as Max von Mayerling in the Tony-winning revival of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway and is currently captivating audiences as Dr. William Kirkland in HBO’s The Gilded Age Season 3. His television credits include Jordan Chase in the CW’s Charmed.

JOHN MICHAEL FIUMARA

Gonzalez/Ensemble

John Michael Fiumara (Gonzalez/Ensemble) is excited to throw a few pitches in our nation’s capital. Film: Kiss of The Spider Woman, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story as Big Deal. Broadway: Hamilton, Funny Girl, Newsies, Chicago. Thank you to God, family, friends, teachers, and mentors.

RAYANNE GONZALES

Sister/Ensemble / us/ Meg Boyd

Rayanne Gonzales (Sister/Ensemble / us/ Meg Boyd) is elated to return to Arena Stage, reprising the role of Sister, which she played in the 2005 production. Rayanne last appeared at Arena Stage in Carousel as well as its productions of Oliver, Destiny of Desire, The Music Man, My Fair Lady, and Señor Discretion Himself. She’s also been seen in Signature Theatre’s In the Heights, Sweeney Todd, Bridges of Madison County, and Daphne’s Dive; Ford’s Theatre’s A Christmas Carol; and Olney Theatre Center’s Matilda and In the Heights, earning a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical. Rayanne’s Broadway credits include Phantom of the Opera and Hands on a Hardbody. She appeared in the world-premiere productions of Anastasia at Hartford Stage and Mystic Pizza at Ogunquit Playhouse and La Mirada. Her film and TV credits comprise In the Heights and The Sound of Music Live. Thank you, fam and Alex/CGF Talent! Instagram: @rayannegonzales

DANIELLE MARIE GONZALEZ

Ensemble / u/s Lola

Danielle Marie Gonzalez (Ensemble / u/s Lola)’s credits include Off-Broadway: Rock of Ages (New World Stages), Clueless: The Musical (The New Group). National Tours: Beetlejuice (Miss Argentina), Saturday Night Fever (Stephanie), Flashdance, Rock of Ages. Favorite performances: Anita in West Side Story (5th Avenue), Brooke in Legally Blonde, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre. On screen, Danielle has guest-starred as Simone Rocha on Law & Order: SVU, danced on SNL, and Katy Keane. She choreographed and starred as Ashley Benson’s body double in Clark Duke’s upcoming film Stranglehold. She wants to express her gratitude to Spencer and Merri Sugarman at TRC Company, Marc Tumminelli & Sergio. Instagram: @daniemariegonzalez

MICHAEL HARMON

Smokey/Ensemble

Michael Harmon (Smokey/Ensemble) is excited to be making his Arena Stage debut! Broadway: MJ the Musical. Tour: Hairspray. Regional: Mamma Mia!, A Christmas Carol. Michael would like to thank his mother, Celeste, for her support. With God, all things are possible. @michaelharmon_

NEHAL JOSHI

Van Buren / u/s Applegate

Nehal Joshi (Van Buren / u/s Applegate) is elated to mark his 8th show here.  He has appeared as Ali Hakim in Oklahoma!, Amir in Disgraced, Catch Me If You Can (Helen Hayes nomination), Mother Courage with Kathleen Turner, Unknown Soldier, The Music Man, and Señor Discretion Himself. DC credits include Babbitt at Shakespeare Theatre, Woolly Mammoth, Olney Theatre Center, Kennedy Center, and Theater J. Broadway: The Cottage, All My Sons, The Phantom of the Opera (closing cast), Flying Over Sunset, School of Rock, Gettin’ the Band Back Together, Les Misérables (1st revival), The Threepenny Opera. Off-Broadway: Cyrano, Working (2008 revision), Grand Hotel (Encores!). Regional: Dallas Theater Center, The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Goodman, Huntington. Video Games: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. Television/Film: The Wire, Search Party (HBO), Law & Order: SVU (NBC), Blackout, Under One Roof. Honors: Special Drama Desk Award. He would like to dedicate this performance to the memory of Beth Newburger Schwartz. Instagram: @nehaljoshi

RYO KAMIBAYASHI

Ito/Ensemble

Ryo Kamibayashi (Ito/Ensemble) Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. Broadway: The Outsiders, Pirates! The Penzance Musical. Readings: Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, The Last Man. Ryo recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Music Composition from the University of Michigan. He would like to thank his friends and family!

BRYONHA MARIE

Meg Boyd

Bryonha Marie (Meg Boyd) was last seen at Arena as Susan in Dave, which earned her first Helen Hayes nomination. Her second came with her depiction of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd at Signature Theatre. She has also appeared in The Kennedy Center production of Ragtime and the touring production of Falsettos. Her Broadway/Off-Broadway credits include the recent revival of Our Town, Prince of Broadway, Book of Mormon, After Midnight, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, and Ragtime. Other NY credits include Lincoln Center Live’s Show Boat and Sweeney Todd (Emmy Award), and NYCC’s Promenade. Favorite recent regional credits include Noises Off (Old Globe); Life After (Goodman, Jeff Award nomination);and Sister Act and Sound of Music (Muny). On television, she can be seen in How to Die Alone, Long Bright River, Madame Secretary, The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!, and the 66th and 68th Tony Awards. Visit bryonhamarie.com for more info or follow @bryonhamarie on Instagram.

GEORGIA MONROE

Ensemble

Georgia Monroe she/her (Ensemble) Arena debut! Broadway: Sunset Boulevard. National Tour: Escape to Margaritaville. Regional: Cabaret (Goodspeed); Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid (The Muny); Rock of Ages (Pittsburgh CLO). Pace University: BFA Commercial Dance. Much love to my family, Ryan Sanders (Suite Talent), and Hank! Instagram: @georgiaemonroe

KEENAN McCARTER

Welch / u/s Joe Boyd, Van Buren

Keenan McCarter (Welch / u/s Joe Boyd, Van Buren) is a vibrant baritone from Birmingham, Alabama, known for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. In DC, he’s appeared at Ford’s Theatre in Shout Sister Shout! and 1776, and at Signature Theatre in The Color Purple, Ragtime, and Hair. He toured nationally and internationally for over a decade as a musical ambassador with The U.S. Army Field Band and The U.S. Army Chorus. Keenan has performed with the New York Pops, Cleveland Symphony, Southern Illinois Symphony, and Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Opera in the Neighborhoods. A proud graduate of Alabama State and Southern Illinois University, he’s also been recognized by NATS, Opera Idol of Chicago, and The Schuyler Foundation. Keenan is passionate about storytelling through music, both onstage and in service.

ROB McCLURE

Applegate

Rob McClure (Applegate)’s most recent appearance in DC was in Spamalot at The Kennedy Center. His Broadway credits include Mrs. Doubtfire (Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations), Chaplin (Tony, Drama League, Astaire, and Outer Critics Circle nominations; Theatre World and Clive Barnes awards), Beetlejuice, Something Rotten!, Noises Off, Honeymoon in Vegas, I’m Not Rappaport, and Avenue Q, as well as Where’s Charley? and Irma La Douce at Encores!. He starred Off-Broadway in the currently running production of Little Shop of Horrors. Regionally, he’s performed at The Muny, Paper Mill, The Old Globe, Arden Theatre, Cleveland Play House, A.R.T., Walnut Street, Delaware Theatre Company, Flat Rock, McCarter Theatre, Ogunquit, and La Jolla Playhouse. His acclaimed solo concert, Smile, has been performed on stages all over the world. Film: Recursion (Best Actor at The Queen’s World and Williamsburg film festivals.) TV: Elsbeth, PBS Great Performances’ 50th Anniversary Concert, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Julia, Blue Bloods, Servant, Evil, Person of Interest, Elementary, and The Good Fight.

KEVIN MUNHALL

Commissioner/Ensemble / u/s Ito, Peña, Welch

Kevin Munhall (Commissioner/Ensemble / u/s Ito, Peña, Welch) is thrilled to be back onstage after a five-year hiatus running Habit Disruption, a company focused on helping executives, professionals, athletes, and performers with stress, anxiety, burnout, and performance. In this capacity, he has worked with Amazon, WeWork, Avocado Mattress, Fleet Feet, TouchCare Health, Igneo Infrastructure Partners, Two Circles, Sikich, Canyon Ranch, Brazen Athletics, University of Michigan, Vassar College, Howard University, University of the Arts, American University, and more. As a performer, his credits include Broadway: Tootsie, Anastasia, Allegiance, Anything Goes; National Tour: Dirty Dancing; NYC: Encores!, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall; Regional: Boston Pops, Golden Gate Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, Walnut Street, Ogunquit Playhouse, MTWichita, and more. TV: Smash, One Life to Live.  Find him at www.habitdisruption.com or on Instagram @kevin_munhall.

J SAVAGE

Sohovik/Ensemble

J Savage (Sohovik/Ensemble) is a New York-based actor from South Florida. In DC, he was seen at The Kennedy Center in Footloose. Broadway credits include Smash (OBC), Elf (ORC), and Bad Cinderella (OBC) Off-Broadway, he could be seen in Empire: The Musical, A Sign of the Times,and the revival of Seesaw. He is also an avid outdoorsman and a vintage Barbie collector. A former van lifer, he spent the pandemic in Yellowstone teaching preschool to the rangers’ children where he wrote his first one-man show, Farewell to the West. He then returned as the 2022 Artist-in-Residence where he wrote his second one-man show, After the Adventure, both featuring his original music. Major thanks to Arena, the whole Damn Yankees team, PSU, DGRW, his family, and his home Jared and Sky. @jasavage5

JUSTIN SHOWELL

Rocky/Ensemble / u/s Joe Hardy

Justin Showell (Rocky/Ensemble / u/s Joe Hardy) is a proud DMV native! He is profoundly grateful to return to Arena Stage – where he once sat in the audience, as a young dreamer – now as a player onstage! In his youth, he played Scipio in the 2006 and 2010 productions of Porgy and Bess at The Kennedy Center. He recently made his Broadway debut in Floyd Collins at Lincoln Center Theater. Other credits include Hamilton: An American Musical (North American Tour), Buena Vista Social Club (Atlantic Theater Company), A Sign of the Times (New World Stages), and Frozen (Maltz Jupiter Theatre). Endless gratitude to his parents, mentors, friends/family, and agents – DGRW! Praise to the Divine Maker from Whom all blessings flow. University of Michigan BFA Musical Theatre ’19. Instagram: @justinbshow

SARAH ANNE SILLERS

Doris/Ensemble / u/s Gloria Thorpe

Sarah Anne Sillers (Doris/Ensemble / u/s Gloria Thorpe) is over the moon to be making her Arena debut! Select DC area credits include Olney Theatre Center’s Frozen, Kinky Boots, The Music Man (Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical), Singin' in the Rain, Elf the Musical; Signature Theatre’s Sweeney Todd, She Loves Me, RENT; Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences’ Through the Sunken Lands, The Dragon King’s Daughter, The Day You Begin; NextStop Theatre Company’s The 39 Steps, Ordinary Days, 45 Plays for 45 Presidents, A Grand Night for Singing; Monumental Theatre Company’s Songs for a New World, Urinetown; and Avant Bard Theatre’s Visible Language (Helen Hayes nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress). Education: Princeton University. www.sarahannesillers.com Instagram/TikTok: @sarah.anne.sillers

JORDYN TAYLOR

Ensemble / u/s Sister

Jordyn Taylor (Ensemble / u/s Sister) is thrilled to return to Arena Stage! Her credits include Arena’s Unknown Soldier (Swing); Olney Theatre Center’s Senior Class (Ty’Quasia, u/s Marva); Spooky Action Theater’s Professor Woland’s Black Magic Rock Show (Margarita); Theater Alliance’s Covenant (Avery); Adventure Theater MTC’s She Persisted (Harriet Tubman/Flo Jo) [Helen Hayes nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performer], Junie B. Jones (Lucille, Bobbi Jean, José); Monumental Theatre’s American Psycho (Evelyn Williams) [Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble]; Signature Theatre’s Ragtime (Sarah’s Friend). TV/Film: PBS’s How Great Thou Art: A Sacred Celebration; Direction/Music Direction: NextStop Theatre’s Summer Theatre Adventures’ The Marvelous Wonderettes; Howard University’s Heathers the Musical. Howard University: BFA Musical Theatre (2023). Instagram: @favvvgeminiii TikTok: @jordyntaylorrr

ALYSHA UMPHRESS

Gloria Thorpe

Alysha Umphress (Gloria Thorpe) returns to Arena Stage after making her debut here in The Bedwetter earlier this year! Previously seen in the DC area originating the role of Cee Cee Bloom in the world premiere of Beaches at Signature Theatre (Helen Hayes nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress). Broadway credits include On the Town, Bring It On, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, and American Idiot. She was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for her work in the NYC revival of Smokey Joe’s Café. Her television credits include Murphy on two seasons of Netflix’s Bonding, Royal Pains, Girls5eva, Chicago Med, Blue Bloods, Law & Order: SVU, Fosse/Verdon, and Nurse Jackie. She performs with symphonies throughout the US and Europe and made her principal soloist debut at the world-famous La Scala opera house in Milan, Italy, in 2023. Instagram: @alyshaumphress

ANA VILLAFAÑE

Lola

Ana Villafañe (Lola) recently starred in N/A at Lincoln Center opposite Holland Taylor, directed by Diane Paulus; and as Ava Gardner in Sinatra: The Musical in the UK, directed by Kathleen Marshall. Her Broadway debut was originating the role of Gloria Estefan in On Your Feet! (Theatre World Award, Drama League Award, Outer Critics Circle nomination), directed by Jerry Mitchell. Ana played Roxie Hart during the 25^th Anniversary of Chicago and Nina in The Kennedy Center’s 2018 production of In the Heights. She earned her second Drama League Award in 2019 for MCC’s Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties by Jen Silverman. TV: New Amsterdam (NBC/Netflix), Younger (Paramount+/Netflix), Sunnyside (NBC). Film: title role in Castro’s Daughter. Named New York Times’ “30 Under 30” and honored by the NHMC for trailblazing Latin representation in entertainment. @anavillafaneofficial

DRAKE LEACH

Swing

Drake Leach he/him/his (Swing)’s credits include Signature Theatre’s Into the Woods, We Shall Someday, She Loves Me; Ford’s Theatre’s The Trip to Bountiful; Delaware Theatre Company’s Stompin’ at the Savoy; Arts Center of Coastal Carolina’s Something Rotten!; North Shore Music Theatre’s Jersey Boys, The Sound of Music; Theatre By The Sea’s Jersey Boys; Imagination Stage’s Snow Queen. Drake is so excited to be making his Arena Stage debut! Thank you Mom and Dad and Jim - and go Patriots! GMU ‘22. Facebook: /drake.leach Instagram: @drake_leach

DANI SPIELER

Swing

Dani Spieler (Swing) Arena Stage debut! Dani has appeared on Broadway in Chicago, A Bronx Tale, Cats, and Legally Blonde. She has appeared in the National Tours of Cabaret, West Side Story, Elf, and Flashdance. Other NYC credits include the pre-Broadway workshops of Nerds and First Date, as well as American Dance Machine for the 21st Century and  Illuminati Lizards from Outer Space. Regionally, Dani has performed at Paper Mill Playhouse, Marriott Theatre, Houston TUTS, and Goodspeed Opera House. TV/Film credits include Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., Magnum P.I., Are You Joking?, That’s What She Said, and The Battery’s Down. Proud graduate of the University of Michigan. Love & thanks to Cory, Mom & Dad, CESD, Sergio & the entire DY team! Proud new Mom of Ruby! danispieler.com Instagram: @danispieler