CREATIVE TEAM

An Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG and Image Award winner for her performance in the film LACKAWANNA BLUES, Merkerson has won critical acclaim for her work in theatre and television. She is best known for her 17 season run as LT. Van Buren on LAW AND ORDER, just completed the 8th season of CHICAGO MED on NBC, and can be seen in the Peacock series POKER FACE. Merkersons' theatre credits include THE PIANO LESSON and COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA (Tony noms) BIRDIE BLUE and I'M NOT STUPID (Obie Awards), THE OLD SETTLER (Helen Hayes Award), and THE ROOMMATE and A RAISIN IN THE SUN at Williamstown Theatre Festival.

is Antigua born - raised in New York - artist. Starting at Stella Adler Studio of Acting, to Black Arts Institute, and now a recent graduate of Brooklyn College BFA - Acting, Alleyne has always been drawn to creating life through the embodiment of characters. His recent credit includes I DON'T DO THAT at the Cherry Lane Theatre. Alleyne is thankful for to be here with this amazing cast, and give thanks to his loved ones back home.

Theatre credits include Broadway: MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS. Hartford Stage: AH WILDERNESS!, and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at San Diego's Old Globe. He's co-starred in several television series; THE GOOD FIGHT, SPIN CITY, CHINA BEACH, ARLISS and INSTANT MOM, and guest-starred on GOSSIP GIRL, LAW AND ORDER SVU, THE GOOD WIFE, and GHOSTS. He's the author of the novels Revenant Road, Last God Standing, and Who Wants To Be The Prince of Darkness?, numerous works of fiction and several humorous articles. He earned a BA in Acting from Western Illinois University. ('86)

Cate is so very happy to return to the Playhouse and is honored to be able to take part in the reading of this beautiful new play. She was last seen at MV Playhouse in 2019 as Sonia in VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE. Cate comes back to the Playhouse fresh off runs as Amanda in THE GLASS MENAGERIE and Donna in MAMMA MIA, both at The Majestic Theater in West Springfield. She will head to Lake George later in the summer to appear in MARRIAGE IS MURDER.

Michelle Wilson’s recent stage credits include: the Lincoln Center Theater's production of THE COAST STARLIGHT, and the premiere production of Dominique Morisseau's CONFEDERATES, at Signature Theater (Drama Desk and Drama League 2022 nominations) More theatre credits include: Cynthia (Tony Nomination) in SWEAT (Pulitzer Prize) at The Public Theatre/Studio 54 Broadway. THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND. A RAISIN IN THE SUN (Broadway), DETROIT ’67, FOLLOW ME TO NELLIE'S, FAHRENHEIT 451, TWO TRAINS RUNNING, THE PEOPLE BEFORE THE PARK. TV credits: AMAZING STORIES, SIGNS OF LIFE episode; EVIL, BULL, THE GOOD FIGHT, BLUE BLOODS, and MADAME SEXRETARY. Apollo Theater (documentary), and Ta-Nehisi Coates, Between the World and Me. Film credits: SARITA IN PREMATURE Sundance; Pollok in THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF WOLFBOY; the Adrien Brody led film, CLEAN; The 2022 Sudance film, A LOVE SONG.

A writer of television, stage and screen, Kathleen earned a BA from Spelman College and an MFA from Columbia University’s School of the Arts in Film. Her plays OAK AND IVY and FIVE MOJO SECRETS were produced at MV Playhouse. Kathleen recently returned from Crossroads Theatre in NJ, where she participated in the Genesis Festival '23. (please visit kathleenmcgheeanderson.com/bio/ for full bio)

MJ serves as Artistic & Executive Director of MV Playhouse. Her work as a stage director spans over 30 years. Her most recent credits include A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, the 12 x '20 PROJECT, OUR TOWN and VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE. Developing new plays is one of her theatrical passions.

is pleased to return to Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse for another season at the Playhouse, where he has stage managed over two dozen productions since 2003. In addition, he has worked at numerous regional theatres including Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, NY; Kansas City Rep; San Jose Rep and fifteen years at Arizona Theatre Company. A member of AEA since 1974, he has been a summer Island resident since 1992 and an annual Vineyard visitor for 15 years prior to that.