CREATIVE TEAM

Kathleen’s work spans three decades, encompassing television, film and theater. She has been referred to as “literary rebel,” a “pioneer and visionary,” “uncategorical,” and “ground breaking.” With numerous awards and accolades, her place among female writers in Hollywood is cemented. McGhee-Anderson’s work as a showrunner and Executive Producer of the acclaimed black family drama series, “Lincoln Heights,” has spawned a new generation of writers and artists both in front of the camera and behind it. Her focus remains on telling stories that haven’t been told, creating art that makes a statement and opening the camera lens a little wider.

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.

Tonye Patano has garnered multiple accolades on both stage & screen, most notably as Heylia James on Showtime’s WEEDS. She was recognized by the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle for Outstanding Lead Performance in the La Jolla Playhouse tour of RUINED & nominated for an Ovation Award for her work in FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS, performed Off Broadway at the Public Theatre, CTG and ART. Theatre credits include: LEGENDS! (National Tour), 45 SECONDS FROM BROADWAY (Broadway), SKELETON CREW, THE LAST GOODBYE, CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION and SWEAT at A.C.T. Film credits: EILEEN, TOPSIDE, THE SAVANT, A VIGILANTE, ROXANNE, TIME OUT OF MIND, EVERY SECRET THING & DIVING NORMAL. Current TV: heavily recurring roles on FBI: MOST WANTED, LAW & ORDER & LAW & ORDER: SVU Past TV: TOMMY, ELEMENTARY, MADAME SECRETARY, SMILF, THE UNTITLED PUPPET SHOW, YOUNGER, SNEAKY PETE, THE BLACKLIST, THE AMERICANS, COUNTY & BROOKLYN ANIMAL CONTROL (pilots).

Jamiel - an alumni of The Fame School - is a familiar face in the NYC theater scene as well as a regional favorite. He’s also the Artistic Producer at MilkyWay Theatre Company, developing new musicals and plays premiering soon as well as producing various cabarets at venues like The Green Room 42, Chelsea Table & Stages, and 54 Below in NYC. He is so blessed to be able to do what he loves every day, having worked in various capacities with Off-Broadway companies like MCC, EST, and Amas. Jamiel is so excited to bring this poignant new play to life in its World Premiere here at Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse! Thank you to Kathleen, MJ, Michele, Tim, and this incredible cast and crew for all the support. Thank you to Kreativ Media Partners as well for their support! Recent Acting Credits include: TITANIC THE MUSICAL (Frederick Fleet/U/S Mr. Etches/Jim Carlson), HIPHOP CINDERELLA (U/S Prince, Runka/Dance Captain), GREASE (Danny Zuko), ELF THE MUSICAL (Fake Santa/Ensemble), WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TALE (Tigger), A SYMPHONY FOR PORTLAND (Aaron), COMEDY OF ERRORS (Dromio), ROCK OF AGES (Ja’Keith Gill/Mayor/Ensemble), CABARET (Herr Schultz), INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella's Prince/the Wolf), PIPPIN (Pippin/Lewis), and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Caiaphas). Insta & TikTok: @jamielburkhart | jamieltburkhart.com

Renee is thrilled to be making her Martha's Vineyard Playhouse debut with this exceptional cast! She an actress, certified personal trainer, and teaching artist. Selected theatre credits include: METAMORPHOSES at Folger Shakespeare Theatre, JULIUS X at Nell Gwynn, MONUMENTAL TRAVESTIES (World Premiere), NATIVE SON and MILK LIKE SUGAR at Mosaic Theater Company, INTIMATE APPAREL at Theater J, RADIO GOLF and NOLLYWOOD DREAMS at Round House Theatre, MOON MAN WALK at Constellation Theatre Company, AIN’T NO MO’ at Woolly Mammoth Theatre, THE HULA HOOPIN’ QUEEN (World Premiere) at Imagination Stage, SKELETON CREW, DOUBT, and WHITE NOISE at Studio Theatre, TEMPESTUOUS ELEMENTS and SEVEN GUITARS at Arena Stage. International: RED SHOES (World Premiere) Film: SMOKE OUT, VERACITY. BFA NYU Tisch School of the Arts @actpoetic88

Jerry Is a New York transplant originally from Miami Fl, by way of Haitian descent! He Is thrilled and excited to return to MV Playhouse, where he previously appeared in FLY, as Tap Griot. He is currently in the process of creating his one man show, to be performed next summer. Jerry thoroughly enjoys teaching as an advocate for arts healing, through theater and tap dance, to senior citizens at various centers and schools in NYC. TV Credits include: LAW & ORDER,, LAW & ORDER: SVU, and LAW & ORDER: ORGANIZED CRIME, HARLEM, POWERBOOK, RAISING KANAN and WU-TANG: AN AMERICAN SAGA. Theater Credits include: FELA (37Arts), PLAYON! (Crossroads Theater), and DREAM ON MONKEY MOUNTAIN (Classical Theater of Harlem) Jerry has trained in classical theater at NCSA and is a graduate of Miami’s New World Schools of the Arts. Jerry thanks his friends and family for their support on this journey….as mentioned in this play!.. “Excelsior”!!! New to IG! jerry_clicquot

Molly is delighted to be back on stage at the MV Playhouse. She has performed in many Playhouse shows including: THE WINTER'S TALE, THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and multiple seasons of SHAKESPEARE FOR THE MASSES. Molly also works at Island Counseling Center as a therapist. She holds a BFA from Tisch/NYU and an MA from Lesley University. She would like to thank MJ for the opportunity to work with such a wonderful cast. Special thanks to her husband, Curtis, for supporting her acting habit and for holding down the fort while she was in rehearsal, at work and performing.