Cast
Tech Sergeant Vernon C. Waters………………….…………… Justin Peoples*
Captain Charles Taylor……………………..………….…………… Tim Huffman*
Corporal Bernard Cobb…………………….……….……………… Graham Williams*
PFC Melvin Peterson………………………………….……………… Devin Clark
Corporal Ellis……………………………………………………………… Jonathan Caldwell
Private Louis Henson………………………….……………………… Johnathan McKnight*
Private James Wilkie…………………………………………………… Andrew Roberts*†
Private Tony Smalls……………………………….…………………… Miles Thompson*
Captain Richard Davenport………………………………………… Jonavan Adams*
Private CJ Memphis…………………………….……………………… Dominic Weaver*
Lieutenant Byrd………………..………………………………………… David Hensley ‡
Captain Wilcox…………………………………………………………… Hugh Loomis*
Big Mary……………………………………………………………………… Shar Marlin*
*Denotes first production with Free Reign
† Drill Captain
‡ Fight Captain
Production Team
Director…………………………………………………………………..………………… Corlis Hayes
Stage Manager……………………………………………………………..…………… Chelsea Hunter
Assistant to the Director, Dramaturg…….................................………… Mack Staton
Scenic Designer………………………………………………………………....……… James Duke
Lighting Designer……………………………………………………….......………… Jennifer O’Kelly
Sound Designer……………………………………………………….………………… David Hensley
Costume Designer…………………………………………………...………………… Dee Abdullah
Wardrobe Coordinator…………………………………………........……………… Robert Rankin
Movement Coach……………………………………………..………………………… LaTanya Johnson
Photographer……………………………………………………………………………… Rene Glover
Videographer……………………………………………………..............………………Eye of Storm Productions
Fight Choreographer…………………………………….........……………………… Charles Holmes
Military Consultant……………………………………..........…………………………MSG Richard Day
Military Consultant……………………………………..........…………………………Stan Moore
Tech Sergeant Vernon C. Waters………………….…………… Justin Peoples*
Captain Charles Taylor……………………..………….…………… Tim Huffman*
Corporal Bernard Cobb…………………….……….……………… Graham Williams*
PFC Melvin Peterson………………………………….……………… Devin Clark
Corporal Ellis……………………………………………………………… Jonathan Caldwell
Private Louis Henson………………………….……………………… Johnathan McKnight*
Private James Wilkie…………………………………………………… Andrew Roberts*†
Private Tony Smalls……………………………….…………………… Miles Thompson*
Captain Richard Davenport………………………………………… Jonavan Adams*
Private CJ Memphis…………………………….……………………… Dominic Weaver*
Lieutenant Byrd………………..………………………………………… David Hensley ‡
Captain Wilcox…………………………………………………………… Hugh Loomis*
Big Mary……………………………………………………………………… Shar Marlin*
*Denotes first production with Free Reign
† Drill Captain
‡ Fight Captain
Production Team
Director…………………………………………………………………..………………… Corlis Hayes
Stage Manager……………………………………………………………..…………… Chelsea Hunter
Assistant to the Director, Dramaturg…….................................………… Mack Staton
Scenic Designer………………………………………………………………....……… James Duke
Lighting Designer……………………………………………………….......………… Jennifer O’Kelly
Sound Designer……………………………………………………….………………… David Hensley
Costume Designer…………………………………………………...………………… Dee Abdullah
Wardrobe Coordinator…………………………………………........……………… Robert Rankin
Movement Coach……………………………………………..………………………… LaTanya Johnson
Photographer……………………………………………………………………………… Rene Glover
Videographer……………………………………………………..............………………Eye of Storm Productions
Fight Choreographer…………………………………….........……………………… Charles Holmes
Military Consultant……………………………………..........…………………………MSG Richard Day
Military Consultant……………………………………..........…………………………Stan Moore
*There will be a 15 minute intermission*
Please note: There will be the sound of gunfire during the show
Time: 1944
Setting: Fort Neal, Louisiana
The Production Team has worked diligently to source historically accurate props, costumes and military insignia. However, there are some limitations to resources. Our cast also went through military drill training in order to understand military protocol. We hope that you will forgive any inaccuracies or break from proper military protocol.
Please note: There will be the sound of gunfire during the show
Time: 1944
Setting: Fort Neal, Louisiana
The Production Team has worked diligently to source historically accurate props, costumes and military insignia. However, there are some limitations to resources. Our cast also went through military drill training in order to understand military protocol. We hope that you will forgive any inaccuracies or break from proper military protocol.
mEET THE CAST
Justin People as Tech Sergeant Vernon C. Waters
Justin Peoples is a local Actor from Durham NC who currently lives in Charlotte NC. He graduated from North Carolina A&T with his degree in Professional Theatre. He has been working as a professional Actor for about thirteen years. He's so excited about this production, having done this show in college. It's an honor being able to portray the role of Tech Sgt Waters and it's been an amazing process. This ensemble is so talented, and I'm blessed to be able to share the stage with them. Justin was last seen in Stuff Inside my Head. He will be performing the play again on October 14 @ The Parr Center located on CPCC campus. Frankie Day taught Justin that it's not about you it's about the WORK.
Justin Peoples is a local Actor from Durham NC who currently lives in Charlotte NC. He graduated from North Carolina A&T with his degree in Professional Theatre. He has been working as a professional Actor for about thirteen years. He's so excited about this production, having done this show in college. It's an honor being able to portray the role of Tech Sgt Waters and it's been an amazing process. This ensemble is so talented, and I'm blessed to be able to share the stage with them. Justin was last seen in Stuff Inside my Head. He will be performing the play again on October 14 @ The Parr Center located on CPCC campus. Frankie Day taught Justin that it's not about you it's about the WORK.
Jonavan Adams as Captain Richard Davenport
Jonavan Adams obtained a BA in Theatre Performance from Appalachian State University. He has been fortunate enough to work with most of the theatre companies in Charlotte over the last 18 years in dozens and dozens of productions, most recently seen as Anthony Reynolds in Stuff Inside My Head by Mike Garcia and Levee Green in BNS Productions’ production of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. He thanks his family, fraternity, friends and YOU-the patron-for the support.
Jonavan Adams obtained a BA in Theatre Performance from Appalachian State University. He has been fortunate enough to work with most of the theatre companies in Charlotte over the last 18 years in dozens and dozens of productions, most recently seen as Anthony Reynolds in Stuff Inside My Head by Mike Garcia and Levee Green in BNS Productions’ production of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. He thanks his family, fraternity, friends and YOU-the patron-for the support.
Tim Huffman as Captain Charles Taylor
Tim Huffman is thrilled to have the great good fortune of appearing in A Soldier’s Play with an amazingly talented group of actors and crew. Getting to know this band of brothers (and sisters) on the way to his first appearance on the Free Reign Stage has been a wonderful experience that will not be forgotten. Recent favorite roles include Man in Now and Then at FMCP, Mortimer in The Fantasticks and Captain Slank in Peter and the Starcatcher for Theatre Charlotte, and the wily Myles Connor Jr. in Art Heist with the Blumenthal. Thanks, and much love to all those who took the time to come and see this fantastic show and a special thanks to my patient wife who made so many early meals and late-night snacks through all the rehearsals to keep me going.
Tim Huffman is thrilled to have the great good fortune of appearing in A Soldier’s Play with an amazingly talented group of actors and crew. Getting to know this band of brothers (and sisters) on the way to his first appearance on the Free Reign Stage has been a wonderful experience that will not be forgotten. Recent favorite roles include Man in Now and Then at FMCP, Mortimer in The Fantasticks and Captain Slank in Peter and the Starcatcher for Theatre Charlotte, and the wily Myles Connor Jr. in Art Heist with the Blumenthal. Thanks, and much love to all those who took the time to come and see this fantastic show and a special thanks to my patient wife who made so many early meals and late-night snacks through all the rehearsals to keep me going.
Graham Williams as Corporal Bernard Cobb
Graham Williams is excited to be joining Free Reign Theatre Company for the first time. He has appeared in various productions around Charlotte including: August Wilson’s Jitney, Fences, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Dominique Morisseau’s Pipeline and Detroit 67, BNS’ The Musical Be A Lion, and many others.
Graham Williams is excited to be joining Free Reign Theatre Company for the first time. He has appeared in various productions around Charlotte including: August Wilson’s Jitney, Fences, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Dominique Morisseau’s Pipeline and Detroit 67, BNS’ The Musical Be A Lion, and many others.
Devin Clark as PFC Melvin Peterson
Devin Clark’s credits include Lank in Detroit 67’ at Theatre Charlotte, Brutus in Julius Caesar for Free Reign Theatre, Othello in Othello for Belmont Abbey College, Booth in Topdog/Underdog for Shakespeare Carolina, Bud in Bud, Not Buddy at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, and Styles/Buntu in Sizwe Bansi is Dead at CAST theater. He thanks his mother, family, friends, and the unit for their continued support.
Devin Clark’s credits include Lank in Detroit 67’ at Theatre Charlotte, Brutus in Julius Caesar for Free Reign Theatre, Othello in Othello for Belmont Abbey College, Booth in Topdog/Underdog for Shakespeare Carolina, Bud in Bud, Not Buddy at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, and Styles/Buntu in Sizwe Bansi is Dead at CAST theater. He thanks his mother, family, friends, and the unit for their continued support.
Jonathan Caldwell as Corporal Ellis
Jonathan Caldwell is a Charlotte native whose passion for acting runs deep. It all started as a kid mocking his favorite characters on TV shows, and now he is bringing that same passion and energy to the stage and film. He has been in numerous theatre performances and some of his most memorable roles include Youngblood in Rory Sheriff's production of August Wilson's Jitney, Carl Lee Hailey in Theater Charlotte's production of John Grisham's A Time to Kill. |
Miles Thompson as Private Tony Smalls
Miles is super excited to be a part of A Soldiers Play. A recent graduate of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Miles is looking to continue to experience and embrace the theatrical community around him. He would like to thank this amazing cast and creative team for their guidance and inspiration. Favorite credits include These Shining Lives (UNC Charlotte) and Toni Stone (Three Bone Theatre). Instagram @milo_said_hi
Miles is super excited to be a part of A Soldiers Play. A recent graduate of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Miles is looking to continue to experience and embrace the theatrical community around him. He would like to thank this amazing cast and creative team for their guidance and inspiration. Favorite credits include These Shining Lives (UNC Charlotte) and Toni Stone (Three Bone Theatre). Instagram @milo_said_hi
Dominic Weaver as Private CJ Memphis
Dominic Weaver is originally from Gary, IN. He started his acting journey at Winston-Salem State University. Dominic has studied his craft under professionals like Avis Gray, Faiger Blackwell, Todd Bridges, Ron Dortch and April Turner. Dominic has done some film/TV as well as independent film work and voiceover work. He's done theatre shows such as FABULATION OR THE REEDUCATION OF UNDINE (Flow/Herve'/ensemble), THE AMEN CORNER (Brother Boxer), THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT (Pontius Pilot), RIPCORD (Derek), THE EXPLORERS CLUB (LUIGI). He's performed other shows such as JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE (Jeremy), FENCES (Gabriel), TWO TRAINS RUNNING(Hambone) all three under the direction of Dr. Corlis Hayes. This is his first show with Free Reign Theatre. Dominic enjoys being a Dad. He would like thank Jeremy DeCarlos(Guitar instructor), the cast, crew and YOU as the audience for supporting the Arts and this production... Without YOU none of it would be possible... Someone recently said that YOU are the most important part of any production. "If you think you're too small to make a difference try sleeping in a small room with a mosquito." -BELIEVE-"Your miracle is not in what you lost but in what you have left."
Dominic Weaver is originally from Gary, IN. He started his acting journey at Winston-Salem State University. Dominic has studied his craft under professionals like Avis Gray, Faiger Blackwell, Todd Bridges, Ron Dortch and April Turner. Dominic has done some film/TV as well as independent film work and voiceover work. He's done theatre shows such as FABULATION OR THE REEDUCATION OF UNDINE (Flow/Herve'/ensemble), THE AMEN CORNER (Brother Boxer), THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT (Pontius Pilot), RIPCORD (Derek), THE EXPLORERS CLUB (LUIGI). He's performed other shows such as JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE (Jeremy), FENCES (Gabriel), TWO TRAINS RUNNING(Hambone) all three under the direction of Dr. Corlis Hayes. This is his first show with Free Reign Theatre. Dominic enjoys being a Dad. He would like thank Jeremy DeCarlos(Guitar instructor), the cast, crew and YOU as the audience for supporting the Arts and this production... Without YOU none of it would be possible... Someone recently said that YOU are the most important part of any production. "If you think you're too small to make a difference try sleeping in a small room with a mosquito." -BELIEVE-"Your miracle is not in what you lost but in what you have left."
Andrew C. Roberts as Private James Wilkie
Andrew C. Roberts is a stage, film and voiceover actor who has performed on stage and film throughout the Charlotte, NC and Hampton Roads, Virginia areas.
Some notable credits Andrew has performed include: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Blessed Assurance, 12 Angry Jurors, The Gift (The Musical), Then There Were None, Prophesy to the Bones: And Other Stories Black Folx Whisper, Christmas Spirits and Missing Lisa Part III, Twisted Island and Vices (voiceover) and A Solidiers Play.
Additionally, Andrew’s commercial and extra credit include: Phillips Electronics Inc, South Bank of Tennessee and Canon Virginia, Box of Moonlight, Iron Fist Angel. Andrew is looking forward to expanding his acting in film and theatre.
Andrew C. Roberts is a stage, film and voiceover actor who has performed on stage and film throughout the Charlotte, NC and Hampton Roads, Virginia areas.
Some notable credits Andrew has performed include: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Blessed Assurance, 12 Angry Jurors, The Gift (The Musical), Then There Were None, Prophesy to the Bones: And Other Stories Black Folx Whisper, Christmas Spirits and Missing Lisa Part III, Twisted Island and Vices (voiceover) and A Solidiers Play.
Additionally, Andrew’s commercial and extra credit include: Phillips Electronics Inc, South Bank of Tennessee and Canon Virginia, Box of Moonlight, Iron Fist Angel. Andrew is looking forward to expanding his acting in film and theatre.
David Hensley as Lieutenant Byrd
David is a graduate of Winthop University, where he received a bachelors degree in theatre performance. He is the owner and creative director of Long Walk Productions, a Rock Hill based multimedia company, as well as a founding member of Free Reign Theatre Company. David would like to thank his wife Katie for her love and encouragement, the cast and crew for making him part of the family, and Dr. Corlis Hayes for this opportunity.
David is a graduate of Winthop University, where he received a bachelors degree in theatre performance. He is the owner and creative director of Long Walk Productions, a Rock Hill based multimedia company, as well as a founding member of Free Reign Theatre Company. David would like to thank his wife Katie for her love and encouragement, the cast and crew for making him part of the family, and Dr. Corlis Hayes for this opportunity.
Hugh Loomis as Captain Wilcox
Hugh is honored to be working with this extremely talented cast and crew! He wants to thank Corlis for the opportunity.
Hugh is honored to be working with this extremely talented cast and crew! He wants to thank Corlis for the opportunity.
Shar Marlin as Big Mary
SHAR MARLIN is beyond thrilled to be part of the The Soldier's Play cast and first time performing with Free Reign. Her list of performances includes Four Old Broads as Maude with Lee Street Theater, The Color Purple as Sophia with Hickory Community Theater, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom as Ma Rainey, BE A LION as Teenie, and BOY2BAGHDAD both from Brand New Sheriff Productions, Three Bone Productions in KING LIZ, CPCC - GYPSY as Mazeppa, FOR THE LOVE OF HARLEM as Bessie Smith- On Q Productions, Piedmont Players Theater in Salisbury, NC in THE WIZ as Addaperle, Under The Red Cloak and many more projects. She believes that being on stage is like taking a mini-vacation…I can be anyone, anywhere, at any time...and create memorable moments for anybody! She believes that it's never too late to start living out your dreams.
SHAR MARLIN is beyond thrilled to be part of the The Soldier's Play cast and first time performing with Free Reign. Her list of performances includes Four Old Broads as Maude with Lee Street Theater, The Color Purple as Sophia with Hickory Community Theater, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom as Ma Rainey, BE A LION as Teenie, and BOY2BAGHDAD both from Brand New Sheriff Productions, Three Bone Productions in KING LIZ, CPCC - GYPSY as Mazeppa, FOR THE LOVE OF HARLEM as Bessie Smith- On Q Productions, Piedmont Players Theater in Salisbury, NC in THE WIZ as Addaperle, Under The Red Cloak and many more projects. She believes that being on stage is like taking a mini-vacation…I can be anyone, anywhere, at any time...and create memorable moments for anybody! She believes that it's never too late to start living out your dreams.