CREE CARRICO* (Audrey) is “a notably versatile performer” who is delighted to join Virginia Stage Company's production of Little Shop of Horrors! Theatrical credits include: Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd (Virginia Arts Fest), Sarah Brown in Guys & Dolls (UFOMT), Miss Adelaide in Guys & Dolls (Charlottesville Opera), Eliza Doolittle U/S in My Fair Lady (Utah Symphony Orchestra), Carousel (Lincoln Center). Operatic Credits: Cunegonde in Candide (Opera Tampa, Opera Company of Middlebury, Rapides Symphony), Norina in Don Pasquale and Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro (Piedmont Opera), Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi (San Francisco Opera). Cast Recordings: The Difficulty of Crossing a Field, Insomnia, Proving Up, The Shards of an Honor Code Junkie. When not performing, Cree runs ButtaBeeFitness, where she makes fitness fun! She would like to thank Tom for this incredible opportunity, her partner and family for supporting her dreams, and the 3 angels watching over her.

SHAANI DENT*‡◆ (Crystal, Voice of Audrey II u/s) is thrilled to return to Virginia Stage Company in Little Shop of Horrors. VSC credits include Dreamgirls (Lorrell Robinson) and The Color Purple (Celie, preview). Other regional credits: Annie (Annette, Ronnie Boylin), A Christmas Carol, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Shirelle/Lucille) with Virginia Musical Theatre. Additional credits: Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Armelia McQueen) and The Magic and Music of Motown (Martha Reeves/Gladys Knight). A graduate of Norfolk State University (BFA in Music), ShaaNi is an elementary music and musical theater teacher, dedicated to inspiring young artists. She is especially thrilled to share this production with her sister Corasha Dent and longtime friend Teresa (Nikki) Wilson. Love and gratitude to her family, mentors, and the VSC team for their support!

DIEGO ECHEVERRIA DE CORDOVA* (Seymour) is thrilled to be joining Virginia Stage Company for the first time in one of his dream roles! Born in Venezuela and raised in Brookline, MA; Diego’s previous credits include George Gibbs in Our Town (Syracuse Stage) and Lysander in Midsummer Night’s Dream (Redhouse Arts Center). Diego would like to thank Mami, Papi, Dani, Luna y Soleil, his amazing friends, the insanely talented company of Little Shop, his incredible reps at UIA Talent Agency, and all of his educators at Syracuse University for their love, strength, and support through the years! Diego would also like to express his gratitude to you the viewer for supporting live theater and begs you to NOT FEED THE PLANTS! @diegs.alejandro

ROOK A. HADDOCK (Puppeteer) is excited to be returning to the VSC mainstage! Rook is a current member of VSC's touring production of Greenbeats LIVE! in partnership with WHRO. Previous Virginia Stage credits include The Hobbit and Henry V. You may have also caught glimpses of her working backstage both here and at Zeiders American Dream Theater; most recently for their workshop production of My Brother Death. She would like to thank her family, her friends, and every house plant who ever believed in her. An avid environmentalist, she is excited to help bring Audrey II to life, and to help Mother Nature get her dues!

DARIUS HARPER* (Orin Scrivello & Others) is thrilled to make his Virginia Stage Company debut with Little Shop! Credits include: The Book of Mormon (1st National Tour), Kinky Boots (1st National Tour), After Midnight and most recently the world premiere of The Preacher’s Wife at The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. Darius originated the emcee and vocalist in Cirque Du Soleil's Volta, streaming on AppleTV, Tubi, Spotify and Apple Music. Thank you to my Hudson Artists Family. Love you nana. @dariusharius

GREGG C. LLOYD (Ensemble, Mushnik u/s,Carnivorous Vegetation Consultant) has served as Fight Director for many VSC productions, but is excited to be a cast member for the first time. Fight Direction Credits include: Fat Ham, Henry V, The Hobbit, Fences (VSC); Carmen, The Valkyrie, Pagliacci (VA Opera); West Side Story (VA Rep); and Romeo & Juliet (Richmond Shakes). Acting Credits: Krupke in West Side Story (VA Rep); Arthur in Spamalot , Father in Violet, Rothko in Red (Heritage Theatre Festival); Capulet in Romeo & Juliet (VA Shakes); MC/Knight at Medieval Times (Chicago & Dallas). Directing Credits include: Pride & Prejudice, 9 to 5, Spitfire Grill, Pippin, HMS Pinafore, I Hate Hamlet (CNU). Prof. Lloyd is Head of Performance Studies for TheatreCNU at Christopher Newport University and would like to thank his fellow faculty, Dean Jana Adamitis, and his spouse, Laura, for their support and affording him the time to be a part of this production!

ROBYN RIDDICK (Voice of Audrey II) is excited to join Virginia Stage Company's production of Little Shop of Horrors. Credits include: Stage to Screen, Vibeology (Royal Caribbean Entertainment), Vocal Performance (Berklee College of Music). This is her Professional Theatrical debut. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love, support and prayers throughout her career. @robyn__elle

JHAYDA WASHINGTON◆ (Chiffon) is thrilled to join Virginia Stage Company’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. A seasoned performer, she has been gracing the stage since her elementary school days at C.W. Henry in Philadelphia. Recent credits include Reflections (Danielle, J.L. Deans Productions) and The Color Purple (Church Lady Darlene, Norfolk State University). As a solo R&B artist, Jhayda has opened for legends such as Angie Stone, Eric Benét, and more, and even performed for former President Bill Clinton. She recently toured with R&B singer Jacquees, continuing to share her passion for music. A Philadelphia native, Jhayda holds a BAS in Communications and finds joy in all things musical theatre. She dedicates every performance to her late sister, her guiding light. “To my Jenny Jenn, everything I do is for you.” Special thanks to God and her loving friends and family for their unwavering support. IG @jhayda.raquel

SCOTT WICHMANN* (Mr. Mushnik) is proud to return to the Wells. Previous VSC appearances include Sherlock Holmes in A Sherlock Carol, Cardinal Richelieu in The Three Musketeers and Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof. Recent credits include Black ‘Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher (Firehouse Theatre), part of the all-star ensemble of Sweeney Todd (Va Arts Festival) and Frank Abignale, Sr., in Catch Me If You Can (VMT). Regional credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, 1776, The Producers, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Say Goodnight Gracie (Va Rep); I Am My Own Wife (5th Wall); Brimstone (Berkshire Theatre Festival) The Life of Galileo (Studio Theatre), and Old Tom in The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama. On the small screen, Scott was featured as John Adams in FOX’s Legends & Lies: The Patriots. Other film and TV credits include Lincoln, Loving, TURN: Washington’s Spies, The Red Badge of Courage and The Good Lord Bird. Host of The Richmond Forum with John Lithgow. A graduate of Wagner College, (Staten Island, N.Y.), Scott moonlights as Mister Showtime, a one-man Rat Pack with a killer jazz trio, and proudly serves as a chief petty officer in the United States Navy Reserve. IG: @scottwichmann.

TERESA (NIKKI) WILSON‡◆ (Ronette) is excited to share the stage and her talents with the Virginia Stage Company and her fellow castmates. An alumnus of NSU, Teresa has sung with the NSU Concert Choir and Chamber Choir. Teresa’s stage experience includes performances in The Color Purple (Sophia’s sister/Ensemble) (NSUTC) Reflections (Shanae) (J.L. Dean Productions) and Wouldn’t Miss Heaven for The World (Little Faith). A talented singer and actress, Teresa brings passion and dedication to every role she performs. She would like to thank her family, friends, and loved ones for their unwavering love and support. Follow her: @nik_thesinger

CORASHA DENT◆‡ (Urchin Cover) joined The NSU Theatre Company under the direction of Professor Anthony Stockard, where she performed in various shows like A Tribute to Whitney Houston as Cissy Houston, Dreamgirls as Effie White, and The Wiz as Soprano 1/Ensemble (VSC collaboration). Corasha has performed in productions with regional theatre companies in Hampton Roads such as The Virginia Stage Company, NIVLACO productions, and J. L. Dean productions. Corasha earned her Master’s degree in Nursing Education from Regent University in 2022. She currently works as a nursing professor for NSU’s Department of Nursing. Corasha has directed music for productions such as Queen’s Tribute, The Color Purple and In the Red & Brown Water (NSU). Corasha is thrilled to share the stage with her sister, ShaaNi. Corasha would like to thank her family for their support.

SHARNECIA JONES◆ (Urchin Cover) Sharnecia “Necie Jayy” Jones, hailing from Fort Pierce, Florida, developed a deep passion for the arts from an early age. Sharnecia pursued her academic journey at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida, where she began to hone her skills and expand her knowledge in the field of fine arts. Sharnecia’s dedication to drama and performance led her to Norfolk State University, where she performed in shows such as The Color Purple (Sofia), Reflections (Keisha) and In the Red and Brown Water (Aunt Elegua) under Anthony Stockard. The professional training she received there provided a solid foundation in drama and theatre, setting her up for a promising career in the performing arts. In addition to her passion for theatre, Sharnecia is an accomplished vocalist with a broad range of musical genres under her belt. For over 10 years, she has been performing and captivating audiences with her voice, mastering different styles and developing a versatile skill set. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Sharnecia works within Norfolk Public Schools, where she nurtures the next generation of creative minds. Her work spans both fine arts and science, reflecting her belief that creativity and academic excellence go hand in hand. Now a proud resident of Hampton Roads, Sharnecia continues to pursue her passion for both the arts and education.

RAYMOND DIMAANO (Seymour, Orin et. aln Cover) is delighted to be back at Virginia Stage Company! He is a Proud AAPI/BIPOC Performer and a Designer. Ray has done makeup design for Broadway productions including recently The Cottage (Hayes Theater), Macbeth (Longacre Theater) with Daniel Craig, Mrs Doubtfire (Sondheim) as well as the UK production (pre-West End) Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat one night show at the Lincoln Center. Performing Credits: The King and I (Broadway National Tour), Tiananmen: A New Musical (Phoenix Theater Company) Rathskeller (The Zeiders American Dream Theater), Guys and Dolls (Virginia Stage Company), Mary Poppins (Virginia Rep), Annie, A Christmas Carol, Evita, Catch Me If You Can, School of Rock, Grease, Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast, Mame, Hello Dolly, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (VMT), A Christmas Story (Riverside), Oktoberzest( Busch Gardens), The Lost Colony (Waterside Theater). Ray is part of UPAC (The Underground Performing Arts Collective) who believe in producing works that reflect underrepresented communities and allow for creative exploration and collaboration! Thanks to all my family and friends for the constant support! insta @Raydimaano

YAYRA MCGODFRE (Puppeteer Cover) is delighted to work with VSC once again. Her most recent credits include The Elf and the Reindeer with Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads, A Soulful Christmas: A Groovy Musical Revue with the Underground Performing Arts Collective, and Dracula, A feminist revenge fantasy really on The Wells stage. Yayra studies Theatre Arts at, and has made several appearances on, the Tidewater Community College stage, her most current show there being The Cry of the Peacock. She is also presently working as a part of VSC and WHRO’s touring educational show, GreenBeats Live!

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

◆ Norfolk State University Theatre Company Member

‡ Norfolk State University Alum

MUSICIANS

Piano/Conductor ..................... Calvin Hitchcock

Keyboard ................................... Barton Kuebler

Guitar ......................................... Eldon Sully

Bass ............................................ Jordan Ponzi

Bass (Alternate)....................... Nicholas Cressotti

Percussion ................................ Randolph Hagin

CREATIVE TEAM

TOM QUAINTANCE† (Director/Producing Artistic Director) is in his ninth season with Virginia Stage Company. At the Wells, Tom has directed The Three Musketeers, Henry V, A Merry Little Christmas Carol, Pride and Prejudice, The Santaland Diaries, Matilda The Musical and Every Brilliant Thing. He also directed the tour of Every Brilliant Thing, which continues across Virginia. Regionally Tom directed Twelfth Night at the Guthrie Theater, and as an Associate Artist at PlayMakers Repertory Company he directed An Enemy of the People, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and The Little Prince. As Artistic Director of Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Tom produced over 35 plays and directed many others, including the World Premiere of Downrange: Voices from the Homefront, a play based on interviews with military spouses from Fort Bragg. As the founder of FreightTrain Shakespeare in Los Angeles, he earned a Drama-Logue Award for his direction of Pericles. Other Los Angeles credits range from King Lear to The Devil With Boobs. A member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Tom is a graduate of Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT) with a B.A. in Theatre and Economics, and the University of California, San Diego MFA directing program, where he was the assistant director on the original production of The Who’s Tommy. Tom and his wife Wallis are the proud parents of Mireille Julia and Annika Christine.

CHRISTOPHER TULYSEWSKI (Scenic and Puppetry Designer) is excited to work again with long time friend and collaborator, Tom Quaintance, at Virginia Stage Company. He also finds it difficult to say no to Little Shop of Horrors - call it an addiction. Scenic and Puppetry Design credits include: Avenue Q (CFRT), The 39 Steps (CFRT and Virginia Theatre Festival), Little Shop of Horrors (Sierra Canyon School). Scenic Design Credits include: JCS and Pride & Prejudice (CFRT), Sweeney Todd (Playmakers Rep SYC/CFRT Co-Production), Buried Child (Whitefire Theatre LA). Broadway credits include: Legally Blonde the Musical (Creative Producer). Love and thanks to partner Sean for caring for the dogs, cats, and fish back in Los Angeles in my absence (I know it’s a big ask).

JENI SCHAEFER (Costume Designer) is the Director of Design and Resident Costume Designer at the Virginia Stage Company in her 23rd season. Regional credits include: The 39 Steps at Westport Country Playhouse, The 39 Steps at White Heron Theatre, A Christmas Story at Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Hound of the Baskervilles at The Hangar and White Heron Theatre, Always...Patsy Cline PCPA Theatrefest, World premiere of Tom Jones for Florida Studio Theatre, Wit for Playmakers Repertory Theatre. VSC productions include; Arsenic and Old Lace, The Three Musketeers, Dial M for Murder, Henry V, The 39 Steps, The Hobbit, Every Brilliant Thing, Dreamgirls, Merry Little Christmas Carol, Dear Jack Dear Louise, Hold These Truths, Sense and Sensibility, Guys and Dolls, Matilda, Secret Garden, Fun Home, Always Patsy Cline, Crowns,The Hound of the Baskervilles, Pride and Prejudice, The Wiz, and many others. Jeni Schaefer holds a MAC in Theatre/Costume Design from Wichita State University. Thank you to my family Tony, Sara and Ethan for being my inspiration and for always believing in me.

MICHAEL BOSO (Sound Designer) Virginia Stage Company: The Parchman Hour, A Raisin in the Sun, Billy Bishop Goes to War, A Moon For the Misbegotten, Centennial Casting, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, The Piano Lesson, Doubt, To Kill a Mockingbird, A Christmas Carol (2005 and ‘06), Crowns, Contact, and The Taste Test. Kentucky Shakespeare Festival (Resident Sound Designer 2005-2010): The Tempest, Richard III, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar, Pericles, Twelfth Night, Measure for Measure, The Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet (2005, 2009), Macbeth (2005, 2009), and The Comedie of Errors. Actors Guild of Lexington (KY): Checking In, Stop Kiss, a.m. Sunday, and Art. Lexington (KY) Musical Theater: Jesus Christ: Superstar. Film/Television- Earth Day Network/Woodsongs, Inc: Walden, The Ballad of Thoreau. Virginia Arts Festival: numerous theatrical/concert events and recordings including Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, Amadeus, Virginia International Tattoo. Michael studied his craft as Audio Engineer of Lexington, KY’s acoustic music Troubadour Concert Series and as Assistant Audio Engineer of the internationally syndicated live-audience folk music radio show, Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour.

DANIELLE SAUNDERS (Associate Sound Designer/Audio Engineer [A1]) is excited to join Virginia Stage Company's production of Little Shop of Horrors. Audio Engineer credits include: Season 45 & 46 [over-hire A1/A2] (Virginia Stage Company), Resident Sound Designer (Black Girls Love the Bard). This marks her debut production as a member of the design team at Virginia Stage Company. Currently serving as the Audio Engineer at the Wells Theater, she is dedicated to building, growing, and collaborating on innovative shows with the design team and production staff. When she’s not behind the mixing console, you might catch her subbing in the pit orchestra, adding another layer to her versatile skill set."

ALYSSANDRA DOCHERTY § (Lighting Designer) (she/her) is a two-time Barrymore Award-winning lighting designer based in Philadelphia. After graduating from DeSales University, she continued her training as an apprentice at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut. She tours internationally with Koresh Dance Company and BalletX having visited stages in Belarus, Mexico, Bermuda, Serbia, Italy, and all across the USA. At Virginia Stage Company, her work was last seen in The 39 Steps. Selected credits: Tuesdays With Morrie (Delaware Theatre Company); Intimate Apparel, Once on This Island (Arden Theatre Company); The Garbologists (Philadelphia Theatre Company); The Color Purple (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Beautiful: The Carole King Story (Walnut Street Theatre); The Play That Goes Wrong (1812 Productions). She has also designed for Brian Sanders’ JUNK, Westport Country Playhouse, Hattiloo Theatre, and Florida Repertory Theatre, among others. Her designs have been recognized with Barrymore and Ostrander Award nominations in Philadelphia and Memphis respectively. www.alyssandradocherty.com

CALVIN HITCHCOCK (Music Director/Conductor) is a composer, performer, and music director currently based in Jersey City, NJ. His original music has been described as “impressive” and having “a fine ear for sonority” (Pittsburgh Tribune Review), and has received awards from the Kennedy Center and The American Prize. Calvin holds a Masters in Music Composition from Mannes/The New School. He is most at home at the intersection of music and theatre, working equally as a creator, interpreter, and collaborator. Recently, Calvin was an 2022-23 Artist-in-Residence at the cell theatre in Manhattan, developing his new opera-theatre work PROPHET$. In addition to frequently music directing for worship services and live entertainment, he also writes, arranges and produces shows for theme parks. Selected credits: Dorney Park (Band/Vocal Director), the cell theatre (Composer/Music Director), Windish Entertainment (Music Director/Coach) Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Arranger/Music Director), Opera Praktikos (Music Director), TADA! Youth Theater (Music Director), Columbia University Theatre (Music Director/Orchestrator). He is thrilled to join this talented cast and team for VSC’s Little Shop! IG: @calvinnotalfred www.calvinhitchcock.com

BRIANA J. REED (Choreographer) is elated and grateful to join Virginia Stage Company's production of Little Shop of Horrors. Choreography credits include: Bat Boy The Musical (CCNY), As You Like It (Molloy University), Divinity In Paradox (vildwerk.), Peace Be Still (WWU Residency), Steps On Broadway Academy and Conservatory, Tonya Pinkins' Womyn Working It Out, Tonya Pinkins' NYC Little Island Residency, Vingt-Deux (Ballet Support Foundation). Associate Choreography credits include: Cinderella (TBTS), The Wiz (The Fulton Theatre), The Wiz (New Bedford Theatre). Performance Credits include: The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, Beyoncé (MTV VMAS), GMA, New York Fashion Week, SNL, The Get Down (Netflix). Briana is a graduate of The Julliard School. She would like to thank her Mom, Deloris and Sister, Teena, for their love and support and the incredible VSC cast, crew and staff.

EMEL ERTUGRUL (Resident Casting Director) officially joined the Virginia Stage Company team in 2017 but worked on various projects with the company well before. Her first casting adventure was the beautiful production Pride and Prejudice for Season 39. Since then it has been a goal to strengthen and cultivate VSC's relationship with professional local and out of town artists. Each season has provided new challenges and each production a new opportunity to find the perfect showcase of talent. Emel has most recently been seen performing in The Twelve Dates of Christmas on the Wells Stage and currently serves as the Operations Manager for VSC and the Producing Artistic Director for Core Theatre Ensemble.

KATHRYN SAM HOUKOM* (Stage Manager) is happy to be back at VSC. Stage Management credits include: The Bluest Eye (VSC); The Tempest, Dial M for Murder, Vietgone, The Glass Menagerie, Skeleton Crew (Guthrie Theater); White Christmas, Prom (Chanhassen Dinner Theatre); Beauty and the Beast, In the Heights, Annie (Ordway Center); Twelfth Night (Ten Thousand Things); Children’s Theatre Company (19 seasons). Sam started her career in Chicago with Slavs!, Supple in Combat, The Mesmerist and the world premiere of Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Steppenwolf Theatre Company). National credits include the Kennedy Center, the Pearl Theatre Company (Off-Broadway) and six seasons with the Contemporary American Theater Festival. Sam is a proud thirty-year member of the Actors’ Equity Association and now serves on the AEA’s Central Regional Board and the National Stage Management Committee. Sam is a McKnight Theater Artist Fellow at the Playwrights’ Center for 2024-25.

TIA COLLIER*‡ (Second Stage Manager) Tia Collier (Stage Manager) is excited to be joining the production of Little Shop of Horrors. Having previously worked as Assistant Stage Manager for A Sherlock Carol and Fat Ham, she is thrilled to return in this new role. A proud graduate of Norfolk State University with a BFA in Performance, Tia is looking forward to collaborating with her Alma Mater in this capacity. She is deeply grateful for God’s continuous blessings and for her new creative home.

ABBIGAIL LAROCQUE* (Assistant Stage Manager) is very excited to be joining Virginia Stage Company's production of Little Shop of Horrors. Previously, she has worked on VSC’s productions of A Merry Little Christmas Carol and Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy Really as an assistant stage manager. Abbigail is from Virginia Beach and has her B.F.A in Theatre Design & Production from Coastal Carolina University. Before joining the VSC team she worked at King’s Dominion Halloween Haunt and Winterfest as a stage manager. During the summer she can be found working in Staunton, Va for the Heifetz International Institute of Music as their festival stage manager. She would like to thank her family for their support in her passion for theatre.

JEFF RYDER (Managing Director) has been Managing Director of Virginia Stage Company since March 2022. In addition to his work at VSC, Jeff is proud to serve as the president of the board for Hampton Roads Pride. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Norfolk, for which he serves as the Director of Fundraising and is a member of the Civic Leadership Institute’s Executive Class of 2025 (best class ever!). Prior to coming to VSC, Jeff served in several roles at Cleveland Play House from 2013 to 2022. Jeff holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from the Levin College at Cleveland State University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Tufts University. At Levin, Jeff was inducted into Nu Lambda Mu, the international honor society for the study of nonprofit management and philanthropy. Jeff also holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion for HR Professionals from Cornell University. He has served on the boards of the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, Theatre Forward, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Cleveland, and the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club. In Cleveland, Jeff was honored to be a part of the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Advanced Leadership Institute and the Cleveland Foundation’s Foundations for Philanthropy Program. Jeff has also been a stage manager at several theatres including Talespinner Children’s Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Berkshire Theatre Festival.

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

† The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent labor union

§ Member of United Scenic Artists, local USA-829 of the IATSE.

‡ Norfolk State University Alum