Tutti Frutti- The Life and Music of Little Richard (A New Musical) at Kalita Humphrey Theater

Dedrick Weathersby, A Emmy Award Winner for Best Interview Discussion with Theatre Corner on PBS/KPBS, episode is still available on The PBS app under Season 2. A Broadway World and NAACP Winner for Best Lead Actor in a Musical. Extremely Excited to take on the role of Little Richard. Few Favorite roles: Regional/Tour: DreamGirls (Jimmy James Thunder Early); Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker Jr); RENT (Angel); IN THE HEIGHTS (Benny); Hairspray (Seaweed); The Fantasticks (El Gallo); The Music Man (Harold Hill); Much Ado About Nothing (Don Pedro); RENT (Collins); The Mountaintop (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr); Ain't Misbehavin (Andre) and Remembering James- The Life and Music of James Brown (James Brown), Most Recently seen in Scottsboro Boys, CABARET and A Soldier's Play. While not on stage, you can catch Dedrick in multiple Nationally Syndicated Commercials and voicing the role of Bernie Canter in the hit video game NBA 2K25. All Praises Goes to God for his undeniable Favor and Grace! www.dedrickweathersby.com

Twon Marcel Pope is actor, director & curator hailing from Oakland, CA. After graduating Oakland School for the Arts with an emphasis in Theatre, Twon became an acting coach for the International Performing Arts Showcase while teaching young performers in various schools & programs around the Northern California. Twon spent two years studying at the African American Shakespeare Co, prior to landing in LA in 2016. In 2017, Twon received a Scenie Theatre Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role for of CROOKS in Of Mice and Men. Some personal favorite roles include, (CLAUDIO) Much Ado About Nothing; (ZONITA) in African American Shakespeare Co. rendition of Cinderella; (GUS GREENLEE) Blackballed: The Rise and Fall of Negro League Baseball and (MS. ROJ) in The Colored Museum. Twon is a proud company member at Towne Street Theatre (LA) and the founder of “A Tribe Called Melanin” an award winning comedy & improv group that produces monthly shows & offers affordable workshops in short form improvisation while building community in the Los Angeles area. His most recent project “Amy & Neil” is currently screening across film festivals and has recently won “Best Short” & “Best Director” among 2 other awards. Twon is excited to return to the stage and take on the beautifully challenging essence of Mr. Richard & is honored to play such a musical pillar.

Matthew Simmons is an award winning actor that’s based in Dallas. Acting found Matthew and his career in film began in 2020. In that time Matthew has appeared in movies with Miguel Nunez Jr, Norman Nixon Jr, Jamal Woodard, Stella Damasus, Hawthorne James and Claudia Jordan. You can follow Matthew’s acting journey on Instagram @stylish_leadership

E'tian LaRue- (Clint Brantley/Ensemble) A Longview, TX native who has had a love of acting since grade school, as well as while attending Grambling State University. Perfecting his craft at Encore Theatre in Houston as well as other production companies allowed him to perform alongside, Carl Payne, Robin Givens, Shirley Murdock, Darrin Henson, Clifton Powell, Dedrick Weathersby and others. He is very excited to take on the Role of "Clint Brantley" and join the cast of Tutti Frutti The Musical! E'tian was last seen in Super Bad Theater's company of Remembering James- The Life and Music of James Brown as Bobby Byrd. "I have a passion for this Art form, being able to embody a character and make it believable is truly a gift, and it is a pleasure to share the stage with others who have the same talent"

Davian Jackson is thrilled to join the cast of “Tutti Frutti.” Davian is a talented singer and actor in the Dallas/Fort Worth area! One of the companies he has worked with is “JF Bailey,” where Demarcus Bailey is the Founder; with the Hit play, “Not My Family” & “One Mama.” He also has worked with “Crossover Arts” where Dennis Raveneau & Kathi Baker are the Founders. Which included shows, “Beauty is a Beast”, “Snow Queen”, “Ebony Scrooge”, “Hocus Pocus”, & “Three Musketeers”. Davian has worked with Play Now studios, where former Cowboy player Greg Ellis is the owner. Davian had a role in his Hit Stage Play, “Juneteenth” & “Watch Night”. He enjoyed his time at Theatre Three with "I love you, You're Perfect, Now Change." He has had the opportunity to be a part of Snoop Robinson’s Movie “Black Diamond”, which premiered in July 2019. You may also recognize him from Jubilee Theatres' productions of “How I Got Over”, “Funky town Christmas”, “Pooled”, “Southern Boys”, “Fabulation”, “Lil & Satchmo”, “Over 40” (Assistant Director), “Dreamgirls”, “Praise the Lord, and Raise the Roof”, "Color Purple", “Bread N Gravy” (Assistant Director), & “Thoughts of a Colored Man.” Davian is a Graduate of Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Cinematography. Davian is grateful for the opportunity to be back on stage doing what he loves. If you would like to follow him on his journey: Facebook (Davian Jackson) & Instagram (@Theatreprince).

Theresa Shenell Stuckey is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She got her musical start at New Zion Gospel Apostolic Church, where she would be the only 6 year old child singing in the adult Sanctuary Choir. Her singing position didn’t stop there. At 18 years old she began serving as the leader of the Praise Team and Choir director. Her mother, seeing that her child was gifted, helped to cultivate her gift. Not only in church did Theresa sing, but she also sang in groups, choirs, and even solo performances. Her parents founded a singing group called Covenant of Praise where Theresa, along with her mother and sisters, sang across the state. During her high school career, Theresa sang 1st and 2nd soprano in the Robert M. Callaway High School SATB mass choir. Upon graduation, she attended the illustrious Jackson State University and was a part of the Interfaith Gospel Choir there on campus. She sang at many churches and events in the city. In 2018 she was offered the opportunity to travel and sing background for the talented, Elisha St. James. She sang with him, not only in states across the nation, but also internationally. Her gift also granted her a position to sing background for the anointed and appointed, Kelontae Gavin. Theresa has worked many jobs in her lifetime, but always felt as though she was meant to sing and act. In July of 2021 Theresa made the decision to move to the DFW area. Although only knowing three people in the area, she moved in faith. One of her hopes in moving to Dallas was to be able to turn her passion for acting and singing into a profession. She didn’t know how that would happen or if that would be possible, but God heard her heart’s desire. In March of 2023 Theresa received a Facebook message urging her to try out for the Musical, “The Color Purple.” Even with unsettling nervousness and feeling a bit unqualified, she auditioned anyway. To her surprise, she was casted in The Color Purple and now the she’s apart of the talented cast of Tutti Frutti The Musical. Her hopes are that her musical and acting career doesn’t stop there, but expands and sends her across the nation. With the help of God and support of her friends and family, Theresa knows that her dream will come true!

Ben Tinsley debuted in show business at age 9, touring the country as a second soprano with the Texas Boys Choir. As a young performer, he segued from the TBC to stage acting at such venues as Fort Worth's Casa Mañana. After time in the military and graduating from Tarleton State University in 1991, Tinsley veered into three decades as a newspaper reporter before re-immersing -- once and for all --in full-time film acting and professional singing. In March 2018 he performed at Carnegie Hall with his brothers in the Gary Bryant McGrath-led TBC alumni group, the Texas State Men and Boys Choir. As evidenced on Tinsley's IMDB page, https://m.imdb.com/name/nm8008358/, he has performed in numerous movies, including his 2021 role as an immigration attorney in AMARAICA (still streaming on Max), and as a Roman Captain in 2022's JOSEPH'S DREAM. He is represented professionally by Normita Joven, the CEO/Director for Icon Studios Dallas.

Landan Berlof is a NYC-Based actor, originally from McKinney, TX! Fresh off the press from Montclair State University in 2023; Credits including Into the Woods, Bright Star, and Pirates on Penzance. Most recent credits include Bobby in Cabaret at CenterREP and an Audience Wrangler in Here Lies Love on Broadway! Enjoy the show! Ig: @berlobster

Whitney Washington-Lampkin is a multifaceted talent from Dallas, TX. She is known for captivating an audience through her performance abilities of acting, singing, and dancing. Lampkin started her entertainment career early in childhood when her seventh-grade teacher, who, unbeknownst to her, was a director and noticed her charisma while reading a syllabus. He asked her to audition for his musical and she made her debut which went on a multi-city tour. Lampkin has since gone on to be in over a dozen productions including theatrical, film, and television. When she is not in front of the camera or an audience you can find her as the key makeup artist for a film, television show, or video. She also enjoys writing and plans to release a few upcoming projects. Her mission is to enlighten and educate the world about current social injustice through film, television, and music to bring an end to the damage and root causes. One of her favorite quotes is: I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Kayla Marshall is an establishing singer, actress, dancer, choreographer, two time Irma P Hall Award Nominee, and 2024 “Live Theatre League of Tarrant County” Bill Garber Young Theatre Artist Award Winner. She’s studied theater at Oklahoma Baptist University and later cultivated a body of work with Kennedale Community Theatre in the Park from 2019-2022. In her third season with Jubilee Theatre she has choreographed two shows: “Praise the Lord and Raise the Roof” by Celeste B. Walker and, “A Gospel: Black Nativity” by Langston Hughes. Has starred in roles such as (Massassi) in “If Pretty Hurts Ugly Must Be A Muhfucka”; (Stepsister/ Dancer/Ensemble) in “Dreamgirls” at Bass Hall; (Rosa) in “Take The Soul Train To Christmas”; (Sweet Mama) in the stage reading of “Bread ‘n’ Gravy: The Songs & Life of Ethel Waters”; (Olivia) in “The Color Purple” at Scott Theater; (Ensemble) in “A Gospel: Black Nativity”; (Sweet Mama) in the premiere stage play of “Bread ‘n’ Gravy”; (Emily/Ensemble) in “Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin”; and currently (Michelle) in “Sister Act” at Bass Hall. Kayla is beyond excited to embark on this new journey in the premiere of “Tutti Frutti- The Life and Music of Little Richard”. All glory and honor goes to God for His many blessings and constant covering over her life.

Ashley Tysor is a musical theatre performer and choreographer from Austin, TX. She moved to DFW for a BFA in musical theatre from UT Arlington with a minor in dance. She has been performing and teaching around the area with various theatres and studios. Ashley’s choreography has recently been seen in Something Rotten and Guys and Dolls with Stolen Shakespeare Guild, Anastasia and Ragtime at Plaza Theatre Company. Her other credits include Singer swing/dance captain in Jingle Belles and Skellie in Monster Shoppe (Six Flags); Charlotte in Cinderella (Plaza); Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime and Kathy in Company (Maverick Theatre Company); Bring It On, The Music Man, and H2$ (Summer Stock Austin); background actor on Walker, 1883, Love and Death. ashleytysor.com

Louisiana born & Texas raised award-winning singer-songwriter, Irma P. Hall award-winning actress, model, influencer & writer, Jada Jay, began her career opening in concert for artists such as Kirk Franklin and Alison Wonderland. Jada Jay later released her first Pop EP and single “Love To You” which she won Best Director, Best Editor and Best Music Video for at the Texas Indie Filmmakers awards in 2024. She appeared in Church's Chicken's "First Bite Campaign,” Six Flags commercials, modeled for Famous Footwear and 7-Eleven, sang the national anthem for the Texas Rangers on TV and has worked with huge streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and more. Jada Jay made her Nickelodeon tour debut in the world premiere of the production "Paw Patrol Live Heroes Unite." She has been recognized worldwide for her iconic role in the multi-award-winning film “Older Man Younger Woman.” She has written books, screenplays, is the CEO of her own entertainment company, and became a Tik Tok viral sensation. Jada Jay has always sought to inspire and motivate others to work hard to make their dreams their reality, and she truly believes that if you keep God first, you can achieve anything!

Growing up in Los Angeles during his early childhood Jamaal first fell in love with the acting industry when his aunt who worked in Hollywood took him to the set of poetic Justice . This experience sparked the entertainer that was always within and landed him a short appearance on the show Reading Rainbow. Through the years he was the entertainer of his family from doing impersonations to make his family laugh to being the class clown in school that got him in trouble at times. Currently living in Dallas Texas and As years transpired he had plans to play professional football but suffered numerous injuries that prevented him from going to the next level. From that point of lack of direction God Used his cousin to open the door to his acting journey and he hasn’t looked back since With Over 14 years of professional experience Jamaal has studied at KD College and T. Bell and other acting workshops to build his resume. Over 20 plus stage plays and now currently working on predominantly film. He has films now streaming on TUBI , Peacock, HULU and other streaming platforms such as “ The Creep” , “Why Women Trip”, “The Drop Spot” , “ mojo savage” , “Christmas on my Block” and was also on the Blockbuster Hollywood film “ American Underdog” which featured Dennis Quaid just to name a few with 20 plus other films under his belt. He is also experienced as a director, Camera operator , script supervisor, stage manager and editor; definitely a jack of all trades when it comes to the art of Entertainment.

Averi has been dancing and performing for over 20 years. Averi trained, performed, and received a degree in Musical Theater in New York City at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. For TV credits, Averi was on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Averi has also received numerous awards for her dancing and choreography.

Tamya J. Simmons was raised in Dallas Tx where she studied classical, chorus, and a cappella vocal performance under the direction of Grammy award winning Music Educator Pamela Dawson. As a sophomore in high school she was soloist at Carnegie Hall and throughout high school she received many accolades and awards for her vocal performance. She continued her education in Musical Theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy of New York City where she graduated in 2023. After a few cabarets and private performances she took time off to mourn the loss of her dear friend and life partner Regi Mahari, who she is dedicating her performance and professional debut to. She is honored and excited to be a part of this project and can’t wait for you to see it!

Snoop Robinson (Director), a native of Dallas, Texas, discovered his passion for the fine arts at an early age. Snoop has gained many accolades throughout his years in the entertainment business in film projects such as “Her Eyes” (Short Film of the Year), “Love and Drugs” (Best film of the year), and “Unexceptional love”(Movie of the Year), “Why Women Trip”, “A Sir Charles Christmas” and “My brothers Wife”. Not only does Snoop impress his audiences through his films but also through his hit stage plays such as “Why Women Trip”, “Who Are We to Judge”, “Frenemies”, and “You Can't Raise a Man” and over 20 other productions from on the stage to producing and directing the content. The time and energy he puts into his craft has given him the opportunity to receive awards such as “The Real Boss Award” as well as the “Entrepreneur of the year Award”. Snoop produced and directed, “She’s Not Our Sister,” the stage play, which sold out on opening night and launched him the opportunity to showcase his film on The Gospel Music Channel also known as GMC. “She’s Not Our Sister” was the top-rated show in GMC network history. GMC TV and Swirl Films turned this stage play into the first scripted television series which featured Kellita Smith and Jackee Harry. Snoop’s diversity as a writer, director, actor and stage designer has allowed his work to hit the shelves of Wal-Mart and other streaming sites such as Netflix and Tubi. Snoop is a national household name with films such as the critically acclaimed “Black Diamond”, “Unexceptional Love”, “Deceptions of Love”, “Stolen Virginity”, Why Women Trip” and “Older Man Younger Women”. Snoop is well respected for his directorial techniques and as the creative genius behind many successful stage plays such as, “Torn between 2 Lives”, “Body Parts”, “Dream Girls” and other successful projects. Snoop is extremely excited to collaborate with the Super bad theater group and writer Dedrick Weathersby on the new venture of the musical “Tutti Frutti - The Life and Music of Little Richard,” anticipating that audiences won't stop talking about it after experiencing this captivating production.

Terrance M. Johnson is a distinguished dance artist hailing from Alexandria, Louisiana. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Southern University A&M College. @southernu_br Following his graduation, he relocated to Dallas, Texas, where he pursued a successful career in marketing and sales with prominent Fortune 500 companies, including Bank of America, Chase Bank, and International Business Machines (IBM). While advancing his corporate career, Mr. Johnson enrolled in evening adult courses at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and subsequently became a member of Dallas Black Dance Theater II. He attributes his comprehensive dance training to institutions such as the Dallas Black Dance Academy, The Ailey School,Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and the School of Contemporary Ballet Dallas. His performance experience encompasses collaborations with several organizations, including Dallas Black Dance Theater II, Exhibit Dallas Collective, Beckles Dancing Company, Contemporary Ballet Dallas, and the Dallas Opera. Mr. Johnson also holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography from Texas Woman’s University, where he studied dance theory and praxis. Upon completing his graduate studies, he established the Terrance M. Johnson (TMJ) Dance Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families in historically underserved communities through the medium of dance. @tmj_danceproject @thetmj_school Currently, in addition to his role as the Executive Artistic Director of the TMJ Dance Project, Mr. Johnson serves as the coach for the Langston University Golden Feline Dancers, the official dance auxiliary of the LU Marching Pride.

From humble beginnings in Brinkley, AR, Passion discovered her love for fashion at a young age. Passion is a multidimensional creativepreneur! She has always seen style as a powerful tool for change, defying expectations and reshaping the industry with her unique perspective. Passion attributes her innovative spirit to her upbringing, where she learned to transform thrifted pieces into fashion statements. Her journey includes notable achievements like the "Not A Stain On Me" award during college and her impactful debut as Costume Designer on the award-winning TV series #WASHED in 2018 and went on to Costume Design for Tubi hit movie "My Brother's Wife" , Shadows Of My Past and others that are set to Premiere soon. Passion continues to shine brightly in the Film and Entertainment Industry, leaving an indelible mark with her boundless energy and unwavering dedication. It is with this same spirit and intention that Passion is elated and humbled to get to pour it all into this exciting new project with Super Bad Company, “Tutti Frutti - The Life and Music of Little Richard,” and believes it will undoubtedly, SHAKE THE EARTH!

Jiles King (Stage Manager) is a multi-talented motivational speaker, artist, theater and film director, and producer. He is also the founder of DFW Black Arts and Urban Arts Collective, organizations dedicated to promoting and supporting minority arts and artists. Additionally, he is the publisher of Urban Arts Magazine, a quarterly publication showcasing urban arts and culture. Jiles created and serves as Executive Producer for the annual Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Awards and the Urban Arts Festival, a transformative three-day community arts empowerment movement. He was recently honored with the prestigious President Joseph Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. A few of his favorite theater directorial credits include "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" and "An Oak Cliff Carol" (Urban Arts Center), "Bondage" (Undermain Theater), "Detroit ’67" and "First Noel" (Jubilee Theatre), "Black Nativity" and "Fairview" (Bishop Arts Theatre Center), "Intimate Apparel" (Stephen F. Austin University), and "Flyin’ West" and "Once on This Island" (Skyline Theater). In 2013, Jiles returned to Dallas, Texas from New York City to become the inaugural Chief Executive Director of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL). During his tenure at TBAAL, he had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed artists such as the late Ruby Dee and Diahann Carroll, Debbi Morgan, Fantasia, Kim Fields, Ledisi, Loretta Devine, Malik Yoba, and Malcolm Jamal Warner. Jiles has been involved in numerous noteworthy projects throughout his career. Notable roles include serving as an associate producer for "A Night with Ruby Dee" at the renowned Apollo Theater and for the Tony Award-winning Negro Ensemble Theater's production of "The Monkey on My Back," starring Debbi Morgan. Jiles obtained his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College and holds an MFA from Columbia University in Theater Producing and Management. During his time in New York, he collaborated with the Disney Theatrical Group on Broadway and produced a diverse range of theatrical plays and festivals.

Shan Marie is a licensed cosmetologist with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. A native of New Orleans and a graduate of Empire Beauty School, Shan has trained under some of the most knowledgeable and talented artists in the field. She is the co-owner of The Texture Experience, where she and her team cater to men, women, and children, creating innovative styles for multicultural texture hair. In addition to her salon work, Shan is the owner of Savage Luxe Hair Extensions, a business she has successfully run since 2018. With over a decade of experience working as a hairstylist on set, Shan Marie continues to make her mark in the industry through her passion, talent, and commitment to her clients.

E.K. BONNER (Producing Managing Director), a native of Longview, TX has a great passion for the Arts! He is an actor, producer, director, and playwright! He has worked with and featured in his play productions various renowned actors such as Brian White, Pooch Hall, Darrin Henson, Countess Vaughn, The Late Tommy Ford and many more. EK also has a big heart for youth! His desire is to continue to mentor and motivate youth of today and encourage them to stay on the right path!! One way he effectively does this is by being the choreographer and director of his Christian dance & mime group called Dramatic Praise for over 20 years! This group of youth have travelled across the nation performing in places such as Dallas, New York, and Atlanta, GA. Currently, he teaches Theater Arts in Texas at a public middle school and he’s also an entrepreneur that has been running his Barber & Beauty Salon business for 20 years. He has been happily married to his wife Tina Bonner for 16 years and in his spare time he enjoys spending time with his teenage triplet boys! He is honored and excited about being the managing director of Superbad Theater Company.

Morgan Becker (Production Manager) is a Cincinnati native and a Northern Kentucky University college graduate. Morgan has been involved in the arts for as long as she can remember. She has worked on several productions with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Ballet, The Carnegie, Cincinnati Landmark Productions, Stage Right Musical Theatre Company, Commonwealth Theatre Company, and even stage managed a Bay Area Premiere at Custom Made Theater Company in San Francisco, CA. She was also a production assistant for the film EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE starring Zac Efron. Morgan can be seen on screen as a background extra in the film ALAN AND THE RULERS OF THE AIR. Morgan is thankful to be able to create art, and to be working with other talented artists telling these fantastic and educational stories. God is good. All the time. Forever and Always #D&M www.morganstagemanagement.com

Candace Green (Public Relations/Production Assistant) Candace Green is a native of Dallas Texas. A career stage and technical professional. Her notable industry position would be The Color Purple National Tour, Working as the Assistant Stage Manager. She has worked with DP Productions as Production Manager and Customer Relations Director. With God's favor, she has been blessed to work with actors such as Brian White, Darrin Dewitt Henson and Pooch Hall and The late Tommy Ford. Theater has always been her passion as she hopes to inspire little brown and black girls to chase their dreams, while making technical theater appealing. Very Thankful to be apart of Super Bad Theater Company.