the cast
Marya Sea Kaminski
Marya Sea Kaminski is a writer, director and performer based in Pittsburgh, where she serves as the Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theater. As a theatre performer, her favorite roles include: The Angel in ANGELS IN AMERICA PARTS I & II at Intiman Theatre, the title role in the West Coast premiere of MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE, Hedda in HEDDA GABLER (several times), and the lead singer of a badass rock band in her original musical RIDDLED that played to sold-out houses in Seattle. She’s received commissions to create original solo work from the Frye Museum and Richard Hugo House in Seattle, and has also appeared on subway platforms across lower Manhattan. She is thrilled to reunite with Wes Hurley and his creative family for POTATO DREAMS OF AMERICA after their work together in FALLEN JEWEL, and she dedicates her performance to Lena, who reminds us every day that there is nothing more beautiful or radical than the power of sincere kindness.
Tyler Bocock
Tyler Bocock got his start through Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in their production of Oliver!. He spent the proceeding years performing in Village KidStage and Tahoma High School's productions including 5th Avenue Best High School Musical Ghost, The Musical as Carl Bruner and Tarzan as Turk. He has appeared in several short films such as It’s Hidden Within, The Ice Cream Date and Quarters. You can hear his voiceover work in ON World History and HEB Grocery. Tyler enjoys singing - most recently with Green River Jazz Voices and the prior nine years with Tahoma's choir program. He would like to thank his mom and dad for being so supportive and helping him every step of the way, as well as Wes and the rest of the team for being an absolute joy to work with.
Dan Lauria
A beloved veteran of Broadway, TV and film, Dan Lauria is best known for his iconic role as Jack Arnold, the dad on The Wonder Years. Lauria’s career spans hundreds of roles including many in some of TV’s most popular shows like This is Us, Party of Five, Blue Bloods, Cagney & Lacey, From the Earth to the Moon, Smallville, Sullivan and Son, Hot in Cleveland and How I Met Your Mother. A devoted lover of theater, Lauria’s Broadway credits include his critically-acclaimed performances in Lombardi and A Christmas Story: The Musical.
Sera Barbieri
Sera Barbieri is a recent graduate of NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, studying the internet's impact on human interaction, while minoring in studio art and theater. As an intern at some of the nation's largest media companies, she discovered her true love for acting and writing. Now pursuing screenwriting and acting full time, she has appeared in short films, as well as small roles in feature film and television. She could not be more excited to bring Lena to life.
Hersh Powers
Hersh Powers is delighted to be in his first feature film, Potato Dreams of America, featuring a crazy talented creative team and cast! Hersh recently played Kade in the short film Kade. Favorite Seattle theater roles include Prentiss (Peter and the Starcatcher, Edmonds Driftwood Players), Dill (To Kill a Mockingbird, Edmonds Driftwood Players), Harrison (The Flight Before Xmas, Macha Theatre Works), Dancer (Aida, Seattle Opera), Ivar/Actor (Cherdonna’s Doll’s House, Washington Ensemble Theatre), Ollie (Best Xmas Pageant Ever, Seattle Public Theatre), and Charles Wallace (Wrinkle in Time, Seattle Children’s Theatre Summer Production). Hersh is an eighth grader at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Lea Delaria
Lea DeLaria seems to have achieved overnight stardom with her three time, SAG Award winning, stand-out role as ‘Carrie ‘Big Boo’ Black’ in the Netflix hit series “Orange is the New Black.” However, DeLaria’s multi- faceted career as a comedian, actress and jazz musician, has in fact, spanned decades. Lea holds the distinction of being the first openly gay comic on television in America which led to countless Television and Film roles portraying Police Lieutenants, PE Teachers and the Lesbian who inappropriately hits on straight women. Selected TV credits: The Code, Shameless, Broad City, Baroness Von Sketch, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Awkward, Clarence, Californication, The Oblongs, One Live to Live, Law and Order: SVU, Will and Grace, Friends & Matlock. Selected Film credits: Cars 3, Support The Girls, First Wives Club, Dear Dumb Diary, Edge of Seventeen. She’s received Obie & Theater World Awards, and a Drama Desk nomination for her portrayal as ‘Hildy’ in the Public Theatre’s revival of On The Town, and has played both Eddie & Dr. Scott in the gender-bending Broadway musical The Rocky Horror Show. Lea was the featured vocalist at the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival, and has performed in some of the most prestigious houses in the world including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Chicago Symphony, Hollywood Bowl, The Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Lea has five records on the Warner Jazz and Classics label and her book Lea's Book of Rules for the World is in its third printing at Bantam Doubleday and Dell. Her sixth record, House Of David delaria+bowie=jazz, was released in the Summer of 2015 to critical acclaim. Lea can currently be seen as ‘Queenie’ in HULU’s Reprisal, and as ‘Molly Yarnchopper’ in the Netflix and DreamWorks animated series Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts. Follow Lea on Twitter and Instagram @realleadelaria and FaceBook.
Jonathan Bennett
Jonathan Bennett is known for his roles as Aaron Samuels in the 2004 comedy film Mean Girls, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, the title character in the 2009 direct-to-DVD comedy Van Wilder: Freshman Year, and his recurring roles as Casey Gant in the UPN mystery drama Veronica Mars and JR Chandler in the ABC soap opera All My Children. He is the host of the Food Network series Halloween Wars, and he previously hosted Cake Wars.
Rizo
Rizo aka Amelia Zirin-Brown is a NYC based performance artist, comedienne, singer, composer, and actor. She won the inaugural Time Out London and Soho Theatre Award, and the 2013 London Cabaret Award. She is also a Grammy winner for a 2010 collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma on the Holiday album Songs of Joy and Peace. A recipient of the NY Foundation for the Arts fellowship, her original pieces have shown at the Public Theatre in New York (resident artist for 3 years Joe's Pub) London's Leister Square Theatre, and the Sydney Festival. Rizo created the 6-piece house band and was the mistress of ceremonies for the popular NYC supper-club The Darby, performing alongside musical luminaries such as John Mayer, Leann Rimes and Bruno Mars. She co-created the web-series and composed the theme song VIDS for the Fuse network and E! Entertainment. Along with Yo-Yo Ma, she has recorded with Moby, Reggie Watts, and her recent collaboration with musical group CocoRosie is documented in the film Eyes of the Moon which was recently shot in Marfa, TX. Her debut album is entitled Violet and her second album Indigo are both available at www.Rizo.love INSTA: @rizo.love
Sophia Mitri Schloss
Sophia Mitri Schloss is currently filming as a series regular for the original Disney+ series Big Shot, alongside John Stamos. She starred in the title role of Sadie in Megan Griffith’s 2018 feature film, Sadie alongside Melanie Lynskey, John Gallaher, Jr. and Danielle Brooks. For her role in Sadie, Sophia won Best Performance in a Narrative Feature at the Tacoma Film Festival. Preceding this, Sophia starred in the title role of Lane in Lane 1974, the story of a teenage girl’s coming of age during the 1970’s American counterculture. Written and directed by SJ Chiro, the film received the Grand Prize for New American Cinema at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). Sophia was nominated at SIFF for best actress for both films and won the Best Actress in a Leading role in the DTLA film festival. Previous roles include a leading role in Amazon’s The Kicks, and the starring role of Isabel in NBC’s comedy pilot Isabel alongside Marcia Gay Harden and Kevin Nealon. In addition, she guest-starred on NBC’s Grimm, TNT’s The Librarians, and IFC’s Portlandia..
Cynthia Lauren Tewes
Ms Tewes has been acting for more than 40 years and has worked on stage, in television, film, radio and online. She is best known for her Golden Globe-nominated work in the late 1970s and early 1980s on the hit TV show The Love Boat. Playing cruise director “Julie McCoy” gave her the opportunity to work with many famous and not so famous actors and introduced her to the world through travel.
In 2003 Cindy took some time away from acting to graduate from culinary school and spent the next 12+ years working in the food industry to fill in the gaps between acting jobs. She loves to cook for friends and is always delighted to bring food to rehearsals!
Living in the Pacific Northwest has provided ample opportunities to work in regional theatres and speaking engagements and personal appearances give her plenty of travel.
Cynthia Lauren Tewes is an avid gardener, a loving cat mom and a good friend.
Jule Johnson
Jule Johnson grew up in Sedona, Arizona and quickly developed a passion for acting. After receiving five years of private coaching, and acting in several local films and plays, Jule made the move to Los Angeles in 2014. He worked steadily for five years in both commercials and film. He trained at Gray Studios for nine months, and then completed the two year Professional Acting Program at the Sanford Meisner Center in North Hollywood. A lull in work and a gut feeling brought Jule up to Seattle, to explore what the Pacific Northwest had to offer in the arts. He signed with TCM Models & Talent and went on to book roles in East of the Mountains (directed by SJ Chiro) and Potato Dreams of America. Jule is very grateful for the way the film community has embraced him here in Seattle.
Alycia Delmore
Alycia Delmore was born and raised in Seattle, WA. Her background and training are in theater, and she has worked for many years in the Seattle theater community. She is known for her work in Humpday, Gayby, Touchy Feely and Rocketmen. She is an actor, writer and producer.
Stephen Hando
Stephen has been an actor/dancer/writer in Seattle since he moved to the city in1992. He was a company member of Printer's Devil Theatre. He has also worked with Greek Active Theater (with Dan Savage), Piece of Meat Theater, Book-it Repertory Theater, Seattle Repertory Theater, On the Boards (Pinkk- w/Laura Curry) among others. Along with Juliet Waller Pruzan, he was one of the co-creators and performers in the dance/theater performance duo Juliet + Stephen. His solo show Keefee's House of Cards, has been a monthly feature at The Rendezvous since 2018. Find more information on that at iamkeefee.com
James Grixoni
James Grixoni was born and raised in Seattle Washington. He attended his local conservatory for four years at the age of fourteen and began doing professional theatre at the age of eighteen with his debut of Peter-Pan at Book-it Theatre. After a couple years of professional theatre, James decided to stay true to his original focus, film. Whilst creating a comedy troupe, performing skits and starring in local indie films, James was granted the opportunity to shadow Tobey Maguire as his body double in The Details, directed by Jacob Aaron Estes. The education he received was invaluable. A few years later, James found himself performing in a punk band in Philadelphia; and subsequently the film, The Bhakti Boy, directed by Joy Marzec. The experience allowed him to grow as an artist and really work on honing his skills in front of the camera. Upon returning to the west coast, James had the pleasure of working on films, television series, music videos and shorts. A few favorites include Worst Laid Plans directed by Mark Jones and Nesib CB Shamah, You Cant Win directed by Robinson Devor and Twin Peaks directed by David lynch.
Sara Porkalob
Sara Porkalob (she/her) is an award winning artist-activist and creator of the DRAGON CYCLE based in Seattle but soon to be working all over the nation. She’s featured in Seattle Times “11 Movers and Shakers to Watch this Decade”, Seattle Magazine’s Most Influential People of 2018, and City Art’s 2017 Futures List. She is a co-founder of online journal of intersectional performance critique DeConstruct, and was a 2019 nominee for Americans for the Arts Johnson Fellowship for Artists Transforming Communities. She will be making her Broadway debut in 2021 playing Edward Rutledge in the official revival of the musical 1776
Nicole Santora
Nicole Santora is an actor and writer from the Pacific Northwest. Her credits include NBC's Grimm, a featured role in Iron & Wine's Call It Dreaming and recently voice acting for Nintendo's Ring Fit Adventure. Nicole is proud to be part of the talented cast and crew of Potato Dreams of America.
Justin Huertas
Justin Huertas is a Seattle-based, award-winning theatre playwright, composer-lyricist, and actor. His original musical Lizard Boypremiered at Seattle Rep, toured to San Diego’s Diversionary Theatre, and had two staged readings at Playwrights Horizons. As an actor, he has worked at Seattle Rep, Playwrights Horizons, ArtsWest, Village Theatre, 5th Avenue Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Seattle Shakespeare Company, Book-It Repertory Theatre, and Diversionary Theatre. Social Media: “Justin Writes Musicals.”
Consuelo Aduviso
Classically trained, Consuelo has performed in Shakespeare plays as well as modern and contemporary works. She has also appeared in a national commercial. Some of her favorite theatre roles are Emilia (Othello - Paradise Theatre School), OG (Men on Boats - Key City Public Theatre) and Starveling (A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Will & Co). Consuelo trained at the American Conservatory Theatre with Nancy Houfek and Sabin Epstein, and the Professional Actors Conservatory with Victor Pappas and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. Most recently Cons performed concurrently as Marcy in Mercy Falls and Tze Hong/Spirit of the Yule in Spirit of the Yule (Key City Public Theatre). She is passionate about social issues, especially equal rights and arts in education.
The Luminous Pariah
The Luminous Pariah is a Seattle-based interdisciplinary cabaret performance artist. While new to film, Lumi tours extensively for live shows and has performed in over 150 international productions throughout Europe, Canada, and Australia.
Sarah Rudinoff
Sarah Rudinoff has been making theatrical work in Seattle for over 25 years. As an actress, she has performed in every major theater, most recently as Rosie in Mamma Mia at the 5th Avenue and Well at Seattle Rep. Sarah was the first actor to play Yitzak in Hedwig and the Angry Inch outside of the original production and she sings Led Zeppelin in the burlesque extravaganzaHouse of Thee Unholy at the Triple Door. With collaborators Gretta Harley and Elizabeth Kenny, she co-created and starred inThese Streets at ACT Theatre, about women musicians of Seattle’s “grunge” years. She has worked on films locally with Dayna Hanson, Lynn Shelton and with Wes Hurley on Waxie Moon in Fallen Jewel and the series Capitol Hill. Sarah has a Stranger Genius Award in Theatre.
Annette Toutonghi
Annette Toutonghi has been an active member of the theatre community in the Northwest for many years. Some of the theatres she’s worked with locally include ACT Theatre, The Seattle Repertory Theatre, On the Boards, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Theatre Off Jackson, The Empty Space Theatre, the 14/48 Theatre Festival, Seattle Children’s Theatre, The Seattle Group Theatre, and Intiman Theatre. Favorite performances include The Rich Grandeur of Boxing with Megan Murphy and Company at the Centre National de la Danse in Paris, The Women at ACT Theatre and You Can’t Take It With You at The Seattle Repertory Theatre. Annette works in voice over and film as well. Credits include Freddi in the acclaimed video game series Freddi Fish, Sly Cooper, Thin Skin, Lane 1974 , Wes Hurley’s Capitol Hill series and Guy Maddin’s Brand Upon the Brand.
Mandy PRICE
Mandy Price spends much of her time improvising and teaching at Jet City Improv in Seattle. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, she holds a BA in Theatre from Belmont University and fights against her accent every day.
Amy Love
Amy Love is thrilled to be a part of Wes’ magical orbit, appearing in Capitol Hill series and Fallen Jewel. Other credits include the 2020 pilot Everybody’s Watching, Third Option (Official Selection, 2018 SOHO International Film Festival), Kenny the Shark(Discovery Kids/NBC), and Law & Order: SVU (NBC). She is a member of Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York, traveled the US and Canada with The Vagina Monologues (1st National Tour), and has worked in regional theaters across the country.
Opal Peachey
Opal Peachey is a performer based out of Seattle, Washington. She was voted Best Actress in the 24 Film Festival for her performance in The Stray by Team Juicebox. Opal had a cameo appearance in Wes Hurley's series Capitol Hill, 2nd season. She is best known for her work as a theatre artist and founding member of Nordo, Seattle's immersive dinner theater, and her original cabaret musicals (Bohemia, Seattle Vice, Modern Luv, The Champagne Widow) that have toured to NYC and performed many sold out shows for Seattle's vibrant arts community. www.opalpeachey.com
THE Lady B
The Lady B is Seattle’s Première TransFabulous, Femtastic, Draglesquing, Sass-Mouthing Negro. She is a visceral story-teller, performance artist, community organizer, activist, twerk facilitator, and a Middlebury College graduate. Responding through the performance mediums of burlesque, original choreography, Drag, and the spoken word, she investigates how the politics of race, sexuality, gender, and ability are projected onto and performed through the physical body. Recently serving as the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors with Ingersoll Gender Center, she is an independent event producer and hostess, movement teacher, and acclaimed public speaker (TEDx Middlebury- Voice and Vulnerability: Healing the Scars of My Political Body).
In dedication to honoring intersectional identities as a social scientist, Black trans (cendant) person, and feminist, The Lady is dedicated to the healing force of the creative process, loving kindness, and intentionally dismantling structures of systematic oppression while building the self-determination of the oppressed. The ultimate goals of her work are to engage, to connect, and to empower.
Davora Lindner
Davora Lindner is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Prairie Underground a sustainable clothing company established in Seattle in 2004. She has co-designed over 65 collections with retail distribution in the United States and Canada. In 2015 she launched their Artist Series as part of Prairie Underground’s socially responsible business practice that provides a platform Artistic inquiry in the context of manufacturing. Since 2014 she has served on the Board of Directors for On the Boards, a contemporary performing arts center.
Ro Yoon
Ro Yoon is a queer Korean-American transgender immigrant, harm reduction and social justice advocate in HIV/AIDS clinical research.
Forrest Campbell
Forrest Campbell is an actor from Seattle, Washington. Forrest was drawn into acting when he was nine and in four short years Forrest has gotten roles in twelve independent films and several web series around the Pacific Northwest. In his spare time he loves playing his guitar with School of Rock bands and playing basketball.
Eban Tracy
Eban Tracy has been modeling and acting for 4 years. His foray into the acting world started in a local youth theater program and he has since been in short films, ad campaigns and theater programs. He plays the guitar, competitively rows for the Vashon Island Rowing Club, is working toward his Eagle merit badge in Scouts and is an active member in the Joint Base Lewis McChord squadron of Civil Air Patrol. Eban is represented by Big Fish NW.
Elliot Gantner
Up until being cast in Potato Dreams of America, Elliot’s acting career had been mostly on the stage. He has worked with Hi-Liners Musical Theater on many occasions, and performed in the Seattle opera's production of Aida. Outside of acting he really enjoys competing in the Pokemon trading card game, reading science fiction, and playing with his two dogs Tilly and Freya.
Max Willoughby
Max Willoughby’s first role was the Big Bad Wolf in the Three Piggie Opera in Kindergarden, he loved every second. Max is now 15 and has been acting in commercials and films for years, a few recent roles include playing Finn in Roseblood, Phil Bozeman in the Whitechapel music video Hickory Creek, & Jayden in Disappeared on Discovery Channel. Max’s favorite genre is horror, he loves doing the Seattle Horror 48 Hr Film Projects and has been in too many bloody scenes to list. He was thrilled to work with Wes, cast & crew in Potato Dreams of America.
Mikhael Bajazet
Originally from France, Mickael Bajazet studied in the famous Fratellini circus school; after 5years of circus school he started to perform with the unique trio act "Les Petits Freres " in all major stages in Europe and USA, Kaleidoscape U.S tour (Ringling bross ) Cirque D’hiver Bouglione, Wintergarden, Apollo, Friedrichsbau, Tiger Palast, Gop, Palazzo , performing with Teatro Zinzanni (USA) in last 14 years, as well TV shows around Europe (Le plus grand Cabaret du monde , Star in die Manège)and at the opening and closing show for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. A choreographer for Teatro ZinZanni, Bajazet works as an artistic director and choreographer for visual acts.
Valentyna Sidenko
Ukrainian circus artist, Valentyna Sidenko was accepted to famous Kiev State College of Circus and Variety Acts, where she was studied for four years. After graduation she started to perform duo hand to hand all over in Europe: GOP Variety Theatre, Traumtheater Salome, Les Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde French TV show. In 2007 she joined Cirque du Soleil where she performed in : Zaia in Macau, China; Zed in Tokyo; Quidam in USA tour and JOYA in Cancun, Mexico.
Jordan IOSUA Taylor
Jordan Iosua Taylor had his feature film debut in the hit Jinkx and Dela Holiday Special (Hulu) playing sexy Jesus. Jordan is a performer based out of Seattle and was fortunate enough to work at theaters around town including The 5th Avenue Theater, Can Can Culinary Cabaret, ACT, and ArtsWest among others. To all who have been apart of the adventure thank you for the companionship and love. Love you Mom and Grandma!
Paul Budraitis
Paul Budraitis is a Seattle-based director, actor, writer, and solo performer, as well as a teacher of acting, stage movement, solo performance, and interdisciplinary art. He was the recipient of a Fulbright grant to study directing at the Lithuanian Music and Theatre Academy in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he earned his master's degree under the mentorship of visionary theatre director Jonas Vaitkus. In Lithuania, Paul worked with the National Drama Theatre of Lithuania, the State Youth Theatre of Lithuania, the Kaunas State Drama Theatre, and Oskaras Koršunovas/Vilnius City Theatre (OKT). He acted in a contemporary re-imagining of Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard directed by acclaimed Finnish director Kristian Smeds, which was performed in Lithuania, as well as in a refugee settlement territory on the outskirts of Vienna as part of the Vienna Festival. In Seattle, Paul directed the world premiere of Elizabeth Heffron's Bo-Nita at Seattle Repertory Theatre, the world premiere of Kristen Kosmas’ The People’s Republic of Valerie at On the Boards, and the Northwest premiere of Will Eno’s The Realistic Joneses with New Century Theatre Company. Last year, he directed the Northwest premiere of David Greig’s The Events at Intiman Theatre, and the critically acclaimed Seattle premiere of David Harrower’s Blackbird. Before the lockdown, he was collaborating on Timothy White Eagle’s The Violet Symphony, which was to premiere at On the Boards in March, but which is currently postponed until a later date.
Michael Monicatti
Based out of the Pacific Northwest, Michael Monicatti is an actor and a graduate of the University of Washington's School of Drama. While pursuing his BA, Michael studied abroad in Edinburgh as well as London (where he completed an intensive at Shakespeare's Globe through Fulbright's Summer Institute Program). Professional stage credits include Viola in Wooden O's Twelfth Night and Edward in ACT's Skylight (dir. John Langs). Up next: MA in Classical Acting from LAMDA (Fulbright Scholar 2020-2021).
Devin Bannon
Devin Bannon is a locally-grown artist, best known as the acclaimed impersonator of 1980's New Wave singer Klaus Nomi, from his 2019 world-premiere about the star, Alien/Angel, named "the best homage ever" by the Nomi Estate. A classically-trained singer, and certified in physical theatre at l’Accademia dell’Arte in Italy, Devin performs regularly with ArtsWest, Cafe Nordo and WET.
Alan Sutherland
Alan Sutherland's career is embossed with the names of the people and troupes he's worked with: The Degenerate Art Ensemble, Dappin Butoh, Katsura Kan, Saint Genet, the seminal PAN (of which he was a founding member), Laura Curry and Sheri Brown. Alan previously starred in Wes Hurley's VR experience Potato Dreams and Capitol Hill series.
Paris Original
Paris Original has been involved in the arts since they were just a child. Starting in theater, they found their way to musical theater, then dance, and later burlesque, which has given them the opportunity to tour all over the world. They've since won numerous awards at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, establishing themselves as a prominent figure in the worldwide burlesque scene, showcasing their work in Europe, Australia, and all across North America.
Bo Mellinger
http://www.bomellinger.com/
Michael Place
Michael Place is a director, producer, actor and educator living in Seattle. After co-founding Washington Ensemble Theatre and then receiving an MFA at the Yale School of Drama, Michael started connecting artists from both coasts towards the development of Seattle as a national new play destination and in support of creators of new work. He worked around the country as an actor before resettling in his home town of Seattle, and is teaches movement and acting at Cornish College of the Arts, Lakeside school, Seattle University, and Seattle Film Institute. The associate artistic director for P3/East, Michael has trained in Suzuki Method and Ohta’s Slow Tempo for almost two decades with master teachers Robyn Hunt and Steve Pearson, and was also co-artistic director of Yale Cabaret (44), co-director of the Seattle Children Theatre’s YAI Program, and is a former member of the Intiman Collective.
Noah Duffy
Comic stripper Woody Shticks been hailed as "razor-sharp" by Seattle Star, "comedy gold" by BroadwayWorld, and "too gay to book anything but children's theatre" by his college acting teacher. Woody has been headlined the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, tap danced with Cherdonna Shinatra and Kitten N’ Lou, taught master classes at Seattle FringeCon and Intiman Theatre, and toured his sparkling solo shows Schlong Song, Maniac, and Liquid Hot, and Who Cares! A founding producer of acclaimed interarts gang The Libertinis and a prized performer with Bawdy Storytelling, New Orlean's NOLAW, and house parties everywhere, Woody gleefully harnesses the unruly power of sex to dive deep into privilege and queer power around the globe.
Drew Highlands
Drew Highlands, an actor and filmmaker. Drews's theatrical credits include guest-starring on Z Nation and appearing in feature and short films The Dinner Table directed by Andrew B Scott, Return To Seattle directed by Brock Mullins, Five Dollars directed by Ty Coughenour, and Acts of Witness directed by Annie Grosshans. Stage credits include The Nance and Death of a Salesman (ArtsWest), Luna Gale (Seattle Rep), Balconies and Chaos Theory (Annex Theatre), Miracle! and Romeo and Juliet (Intiman Theatre), and Twelfth Night (Seattle Shakespeare Company). Drew co-created and produced the web series The Last Video Store on Earth (IG: @lvsoe_webseries). Representation: Melissa Baldauf at Big Fish NW. IG: @drew_highlands
Hisam Goueli
Hisam Goueli completed a dual residency in Family Medicine and Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University. He specializes in the medical and psychiatric care of geriatric patients. He is a gay Muslim Arab-American from Minnesota who has worked to develop successful healthcare solutions and acheive progress around the world through engagement with diverse communities. He got into politics when the suffering of his patients inspired him to run for Seattle City Council. In 2020, he packed up a suitcase and his dog to help with the COVID pandemic in New York City and developed a political action committee, Doctors in Politics, to source, fund and train 50 patient nominated progressive doctors to run for Congress. Twitter: hisamgoueli Facebook: hisam.goueli Website:doctorsinpolitics.org
L. Gabriel Gonda
L. Gabriel Gonda is a director who has helmed several award-winning short films and TV pilots. He also has a side career appearing in cameo roles in Wes Hurley films. Twitter: @lgonda website: www.lgabrielgonda.com
Brenden Williams
Brenden is an actor/model from Federal Way, Washington. Brenden was drawn into acting as a senior in high school for his church plays. He’s part of two modeling agencies ( Seattle talent/Colleen Bell agency) and played Semi Professional Basketball in Seattle. In his spare time he loves writing Poetry, hanging out with friends and playing basketball.
drew Cardillo
Drew Cardillo has appeared on Seattle stages as Troilus in Sound Theatre Company's production of Troilus and Cressida and Valentine in Greenstage's production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Elsewhere, he has appeared in national commercials for American Idol and Miller Lite, and as Meshach in The Book of Daniel on Netflix. He received his BA in Drama and Journalism from the University of Washington where he acted in principal and secondary roles in addition to performing and composing music for undergraduate and mainstage productions. He holds an MBA from Seattle University
Quinlan Corbett
Quinlan Corbett graduated from the University of Washington Professional Actor Training Program. His film credits include Kill Your Darlings (starring Daniel Radcliffe), and Frayed, amongst others. In New York he has appeared Off-Broadway in the Signature Theatre's revival of Incident At Vichy, and with INTAR Theatre Co in American Jornalero, plus premieres by playwrights Eduardo Machado, Mac Wellman, and Jason Grote. In Seattle he has starred in productions with ACT Theatre (People of The Book) and Intiman (The Little Dog Laughed, The Plays the Thing.) After meeting Wesas a fellow student in a playwriting class years ago as undergraduates, Quinlan is excited to be back in Seattle and working with the likes of Mr. Hurley.
Jimmi Cook
Selected credits include Luke in Next Fall at Fantastic Z, Tarzan in Tarzan at Kitsap Forest Theatre Born, and Fred Graham/Petruchio in Seattle Musical Theatre's Kiss Me Kate! Raised in the rainy fields of Washington state, Jimmi grew up on a horse ranch. If he wasn’t singing songs while cleaning stalls, he was surely making a play with all his animals he called friends. From his humble start as a bumble bee to his big debut as a Boy Named Sue, he found his passion for the arts. An avid I Love Lucy rewatcher, steak eater, Disneyland tour guide, and self proclaimed interior designer, but still his heart draws him towards the theatre.
Gus Lanza
Gus Lanza is typically found behind the scenes helping to produce his partner BenDeLaCreme’s myriad creative endeavors. However, he has had a few forays on stage in front of a crowd, most notably as “Hunky The Elf” in BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon’s touring holiday show, All I Want For Christmas Is Attention.
Dexter Kwon Do
Dexter is an entertainer with several passions: author of the popular young-adult novel, The Slender Man, as well as a musician, an actor, and a model. Born in North Carolina, Dexter spent his childhood as a homeschooled army brat. That took him to South Korea, exposing him to a broad set of cultures, and then to Colorado where he volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol while also taking his first steps into LGBT activism. This has all led him to expand his roots within Seattle’s alternative community. Dexter’s diverse upbringing taught him to balance the life of military-style discipline with his artistic ambitions. As a result, he published his first book at seventeen; publishing five by the time he graduated Franklin University. Pursuing a double major and earning a bachelor’s degree in both Marketing and Business Administration led him to discover the power of networking. Introduced to freelance modeling, he seized the opportunity to shake hands with hundreds of fellow creatives, eventually signing to an acting agency. Beginning in the limelight as a dancer, Dexter eventually brought his bass onto the stage to perform live music. Now, he spends most of his time in the artistic scene writing, performing, and collaborating with the close friends he’s made.
Aaron Jin
Aaron Jin is an actor, writer, and producer. He recently music directed and swung The 5th Avenue Theatre AMT'S Baseball Saved Us and Northwest Bookshelf. He can break an apple with his head. Follow them on social media @theaaronjin
Randy Phillips
Randy Phillips is widely known for his burlesque alter ego Faggedy Randy. Seattle Spotlight Awards - Burlesque Performer of the Year 2020, Faggedy is a staple in Seattle’s burlesque. He's also performed across the nation from SF to NYC and has featured in many cult live shows including BenDeLaCreme’s Gaylord Manor, Homo for the Holidays, and Scott Shoemaker’s War On Christmas!
Bailey Thiel
A P.N.W. native, Bailey is extremely happy to have been a part of this production. When he is not pursuing artistic projects, Bailey is focusing on civil rights and justice oriented work, with intentions to pursue work that combines his passion for acting, film, and political action and education.
Dylan Smith
A Washington native, Dylan has trained at some of the finest performance institutions in the region including the Guild Hall School of Music and Drama and the Freehold Theatre stage combat training program and worked in Seattle area stage and film for the better part of a decade. Notable film roles include Carl Swangee in Automata: The Series, voiced by Doug Jones (The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth) and a blink-and-you'll-miss-him role in Laggies (directed by the immensely talented, late Lynn Shelton). Most recently Dylan offered his voice talent and physical likeness to the character Teper Kasdani in the upcoming fantasy web series, Chaldea. Dylan is grateful and proud to be a part of this film, its message, and looks forward to how it will positively impact to the greater Seattle community.
Nick Palmieri
Nicholas Sage Palmieri is a skilled actor and member of SAG-AFTRA. After graduating with a BFA in acting, he honed his craft while working in New York, Seattle, and Texas. Nick has 17 years of experience in both film and stage work. He has a passion for storytelling and exploring the nuances of the human spirit. You can follow him on Instagram @nikolaibrotski
Clyde Petersen
Clyde Petersen is a Seattle-based artist, working in film, animation, music, installation and fabulous spectacle. He is a proud member of the transgender community. Clyde is the director of Torrey Pines and two upcoming features, Even Hell has its Heroes and Our Forbidden Country. https://www.clydepetersen.com
Cameron Lee Price
Cameron Lee Price is an actor born and raised in the PNW. After moving to Seattle in late fall of 2016, Cameron has submerged himself in the film communities of Portland, Seattle, and beyond. Thriving on narrative short and feature films, starring in commercials for Delta Airlines, Sounders FC, Amazon, etc, his appearances on network television including his role in Investigation Discovery's The Wonderland Murder, as well as various music videos, Cameron is thrilled to move to Los Angeles in fall 2020.
Chris Jeffries
CHRIS JEFFRIES has written book, music and lyrics for the musicals Vera Wilde and Moon of My Delight (Empty Space Theatre); Kaleidoscope Eyes (Northwest Film Forum); and The Glory Booty Club (Garland Award); I See London, I See France; Radio Pirates; and The Fatty Arbuckle Spook House Revue (Annex Theatre, Footlight Award). Fatty was later produced at Yale School of Drama. Vera Wilde has been produced throughout the U.S. and abroad, most recently in Berkeley (four SFBATCC awards). Music/lyrics credits include Laura Comstock’s Bag-Punching Dog (Los Angeles, Ovation and LA Weekly Awards, Best Musical); Horse Opera (Seattle, Minneapolis, Washington; NEA Consortium Grant); and most recently, an adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion (book by Harold Taw), produced at Taproot in Seattle and Lamb's Players in San Diego (persuasionmusical.com; cast recording available on all platforms). His music for Bunnicula (Kennedy Center/Seattle Children’s Theatre) has been heard in dozens of productions in the U.S. and Canada. He is also the longtime accompanist/arranger for internationally disclaimed chanteuse Dina Martina. Chris received The Stranger’s first “Genius” Award in Theatre and was twice a finalist for CalArts’ Alpert Award in the Arts. A graduate of Yale University, he lives in Seattle, Washington.
Darlene Sellers
Darlene Sellers was lucky enough to meet Wes Hurley at a table read for a project in which the duo were cast as Romulans. To this day, Sellers remains an avid fan and supporter of everything Wes creates and she is beyond honored to join the Potato Dreams of America cast. Sellers also happens to be Seattle based artist that started as an actress, director and choreographer on local stages and eventually added film production (as an actress, writer, director, show producer and festival producer) to her resume. To date she has contributed to sixty-ish locally made films, some of which have premiered at SIFF, STIFF, Cannes, Sundance, SXSW and Raindance. In addition to the acting thing, Sellers has also tinkered as a Co-Founder of the Seattle Web Fest and Co-Producer at Chop Socky Boom films. By day, Sellers is fortunate to work for King County Parks and Recreation in White Center.
Alexandra Tavares
Notable performances include Darja in Ironbound at Seattle Public Theatre (Outstanding Production Nomination, Outstanding Actess Nomination - Gregory Awards, Best Leading Performer in a Play Honorable Mention - BWW Critics Choice Award); Frost in Frost/Nixon at Strawberry Workshop Theatre (Outstanding Production Nomination, Outstanding Ensemble Nomination - Gregory Awards), Penelope in The Odyssey (Seattle Repertory Theatre's Public Works Project), Marianne in Constellations (Outstanding Actress Nomination-Gregory Award), and C in Three Tall Women at Seattle Repertory Theatre; Sarah in The Great Moment at Seattle Repertory Theatre; Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice (directed by John Jory) , Mathilde in The Clean House, and Janice in Italian-American Reconciliation at Actors Theatre of Louisville; the world premiere of the new Jane Martin play Somebody/Nobody, Sherlock Holmes and The Suicide Club at Arizona Theatre Company; Middletown and Rock ‘n’ Roll at ACT; Ellie in Heartbreak House and Irina in The Three Sisters (directed by Bartlett Sher) at Intiman Theatre; Medea in Medea at Seattle Shakespeare Company (Outstanding Actress Nomination-Gregory Award); Leni, The Elephant Man at Strawberry Workshop Theatre; Nina in The Seagull (performed at ACT and The Ilkholm Theatre in Uzbekistan) and Masha in The Three Sisters (Outstanding Actress Nomination-Gregory Award, BBW Critics Choice Award, and Outstanding Production Recipient-Gregory Award) with The Seagull Project of which she is a founding producing member. She has an M.F.A. in acting from University of Washington. TV/Film Credits include Capitol Hill and Find Him.
Carter Coonrod
Carter is an outgoing, energetic and playful toddler that has been working in print and film since he was 9 months. His work includes print for national retailers, online store fronts and national commercials. Potato Dreams of America was Carters first feature film and had an amazing experience working and playing with cast and crew.
Henry DiStefano
Henry DiStefano started his acting career at the age of six months in the film Lucky Them. He has worked on several films and has performed in commercial/industrial projects for Amazon, Microsoft and Crocs footwear. Henry lives on a small farm near Seattle with his parents and siblings. He loves school especially math and science classes. He enjoys Pokémon, Beyblades, skiing, golf and playing outside.
Kamren Lemieux Bell
Kamren Bell is honored to be a part of Potato Dreams of America. Kam is a vibrant 9 year old who enjoys making art, dancing with a local Hip Hop team and learning the piano. His previous work includes appearing in the Discipline Gap, a short film shown at the South Seattle Film Festival and training videos for Microsoft. When not performing, Kamren is learning new tricks on his BMX bike, playing video games with friends or paddle boarding on the Puget Sound.
Kristi Krein
Kristi Krein /JESSE BELLE-JONES, The Modern Sexual Intellectual, is Seattle's post-disciplinary priestess of tease, challenging the imagined borders between artist, healer, activist, and scholar. Their work is body-centered with an emphasis on self-sovereignty, celebrating sexuality and death as our human birthrights. They have toured North America and the UK performing, producing, and teaching about burlesque and cabaret. They were a member of Sinner Saint Burlesque and Naked Girls Reading, and have performed as an affiliate artist with UMO Ensemble and Gender Tender. They have appeared at the Seattle International Dance Festival, the Northwest New Works Festival, and alongside Taylor Mac in Songs of the American Right (2015) and A 24 Decade History of Popular Music (2016). Offstage, they serve as the performance director for the Seattle Erotic Art Festival, the president of the board of the Pan Eros Foundation, and on the board of directors of A Sacred Passing Death Midwifery.
Izzy Richter
Izzy Richter