Conceived and Directed by Tina Landau

featuring THE BIG MIX ensemble
Marla Louissaint, Zach McNally, Ianne Fields Stewart and Allan K. Washington
*The ensemble has also contributed select material within the show.

Hosted by Peppermint & Qween Jean
With guest performances by: Brandon Contreras, Jose Llana, Idina Menzel, and Beth Malone

AND

Carmen Castillo, Arhm Choi, Natalie Kaye Clater, Chanese Elifé, Ben Franklin & Joshua DeanHouse of LaBeija, Haus of Us, Darriel Johnakin, Grace LeMieux, Andre Malcolm, Mariyea, Chase Maxwell, Andrew Mulet, and Pride Puppets (Christopher Williams, Evan Woodard, Camille Richardson, Heidi Valkenberg, MJ Tims) 

With newly commissioned work from James Alsop and Arhm Choi

and an arrangement by Will Van Dyke

Associate Director Kenneth Ferrone
Costume Design Ari Fulton
Lighting Design Adam Honoré
Sound Design Patrick Lachance
Props Coordinator & Set Dresser Matt Carlin
Costume Design Assistant Jessica Irvin
Associate Lighting Design Shannon Clarke
Wardrobe Supervisor Niiamar Felder
Production Stage Manager lark hackshaw
Assistant Stage Manager Alex H. Hajjar

Music Director & Keys Kimberly Grigsby
Arranger & Orchestrator Jacinth Greywoode
Music Assistant & Copyist Britt Bonney
Bass Parker McAllister
Drums Abe Fogle
Guitar Ann Klein
Trumpet Jami Dauber
Trombone Alejandro Espinosa
Violin Hiroko Taguchi

Composer for THE BIG MIX Opening Ronvé O’Daniel
Choreographer for THE BIG MIX Opening Jon Rua

Casting by The Telsey Office, Patrick Goodwin, CSA & Charlie Hano, CSA
Line Producer Erik Rogers
Stitcher Alissa Jaquin
Production Assistant Cait Johnson
COVID Safety Manager Laurence Plonsky


The Big Mix
runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

SATURDAY JUNE 25 @ 6:30PM AND 10PM 

INVOCATION The Big Mix Ensemble

THE BIG MIX Qween Jean, The Big Mix Ensemble

GUEST PERFORMANCE Choreographed by James Alsop, featuring Darriel Johnakin, Grace LeMieux, Andre Malcolm, Chase Maxwell, Andrew Mulet

HOST WELCOME Qween Jean

HISTORY TIME The Big Mix Ensemble

THIS IS MY LIFE Ianne Fields Stewart, Natalie Kaye Clater, Mariyea, Carmen Castillo, Allan K. Washington

PRESENCE OF A LEGEND Pride Puppets, Ianne Fields Stewart, Natalie Kaye Clater, Mariyea, Carmen Castillo

LIMBO Chanese Elifé

SPEECH Ianne Fields Stewart

WHIP IT/CIRCUS Ben Franklin, Joshua Dean

SHELTER FANTASY Written & Performed by Arhm Choi

LOVE SCENE Ianne Fields Stewart, Marla Louissaint

GUEST PERFORMANCE Haus of Us

RAINBOW CONNECTION The Big Mix Ensemble, Carmen Castillo, Mariyea

DIVA MEDLEY Arrangement by Will Van Dyke, featuring Jose Llana and Brandon Contreras

GUEST PERFORMANCE Qween Jean

AT THIS TABLE Idina Menzel

FRIENDS Idina Menzel, Full Company

I AM WHAT I AM Full Company

THURSDAY JUNE 23 AND FRIDAY JUNE 24 @ 8PM

INVOCATION The Big Mix Ensemble

THE BIG MIX Peppermint, The Big Mix Ensemble

GUEST PERFORMANCE Choreographed by James Alsop, featuring Darriel Johnakin, Grace LeMieux, Andre Malcolm, Chase Maxwell, Andrew Mulet

HOST WELCOME Peppermint

HISTORY TIME The Big Mix Ensemble

THIS IS MY LIFE Ianne Fields Stewart, Natalie Kaye Clater, Mariyea, Carmen Castillo, Allan K. Washington

PRESENCE OF A LEGEND Pride Puppets, Ianne Fields Stewart, Natalie Kaye Clater, Mariyea, Carmen Castillo

LIMBO Chanese Elifé

SPEECH Ianne Fields Stewart

WHIP IT/CIRCUS Ben Franklin, Joshua Dean

SHELTER FANTASY Written & Performed by Arhm Choi

CHOSEN ONE Peppermint

LOVE SCENE Ianne Fields Stewart, Marla Louissaint

GUEST PERFORMANCE House of LaBeija

RAINBOW CONNECTION The Big Mix Ensemble, Carmen Castillo, Mariyea

DIVA MEDLEY Arrangement by Will Van Dyke, featuring Jose Llana and Brandon Contreras

FRIENDS Beth Malone, Full Company

I AM WHAT I AM Full Company

COMPANY BIOS

JAMES ALSOP (Commissioned Choreographer, I’m Coming Out) – James Alsop most recently choreographed Girls5Eva, executive produced by Tina Fey. Her choreography has also appeared on PoseSoundtrackThe Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtEmily in ParisGossip Girl, and Maya & Marty. Her credits include Beyoncé’s “Run The World (Girls),” “Dance For You,” and “Love On Top”; “Booty” by Jennifer Lopez; HAIM’s “Just A Little of Your Love” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

MATT CARLIN (Props Coordinator & Set Dresser) Previous credits include Lessons in Survival: 1971 (Vineyard Theatre), Wish You Were Here (Playwrights Horizons), Directorfest 2020 (The Drama League) White Pearl (Studio Theater, DC) FAME en Español (GALA Hispanic Theater), Spring Awakening (Gallery Players), Happy Birthday, Wanda June (Wheelhouse Theater Company), Beauty & the Beast (White Plains Performing Arts Center). mattcarlindesign.com @mattcarliin

CARMEN CASTILLO (Guest Performer/Sylvia Rivera)  – Carmen Castillo (She/They) is thrilled to be playing Mother Sylvia for you here at Little Island! New York- New Golden Age (59E59), Queering the Canon (Joe’s Pub) National Tour- Once (Apex Touring) Regional- The OK Trenton Project (Passage), Nick Blaemire’s Soon (11th Hour, Prima), Once (Arden, Olney). Many thanks to Brian at Hell’s Kitchen, mom, and to the dolls of NYC! Follow Carmen on Instagram @carmenesperanza_

ARHM CHOI (Guest Performer, Commissioned Poet) – Arhm Choi is the author of Cut To Bloom, the winner of the 2019 Write Bloody Prize. They received a MFA from Sarah Lawrence College and their work appears in Barrow Street, Blackbird, The Massachusetts Review, Pleiades, Split this Rock and others. Arhm was shortlisted for the Poetry International Prize and received the Ellen Conroy Kennedy Poetry Prize, alongside fellowships from Kundiman, the Sewanee Writers’ Conference, and the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing.

SHANNON CLARKE (Associate Lighting Design) Shannon Clarke is a New York based lighting designer. Her design credits Notes for Now, Oscar Micheaux Suite, Rule of Three, Reignite, MoveMEANT and Ship in a Bottle for Prospect Theatre Company; Broadway Holiday Spectacular for Transendence Theatre Company; The Ballroom, Almost Ritual, and Any/Which/Way for Co•Lab Dance. She recently made her Broadway debut as the associate lighting designer on Chicken & Biscuits. www.shannon-clarke.com @sclarke.design

NATALIE KAYE CLATER (Guest Performer/Stormé DeLarverie) – Natalie Kaye Clater is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. TV/Film- Disney’s Better Nate Than Ever, Killision Course, Blue Bloods. National Tours- Hamilton: An American Musical (2018-2022) Other credits include Songs for Littles (YouTube), A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, and various music videos. Much love to my family. Happy Pride!

BRANDON CONTRERAS (Guest Performer) –  Brandon Contreras is a NYC born & raised multi-hyphenate creative. They will be making their Broadway debut this season in the new musical Almost Famous. Other credits include:  Bhangin’ It! (La Jolla Playhouse), Road Show (Encores!),  In the Heights (1st National), Jerry Springer: The Opera,  Beauty & the Beast & more. TV Credits: WeCrashed, Mr. Robot & Awkwafina is Nora from Queens. They are a freelance filmmaker and a co-creator/writer of the Queer sketch platform, The HomoSapien Experience.

JAMI DAUBER (Trumpet) – Trumpeter Jami Dauber is a multi-faceted musician, most recently performing with The Who at MSG & Bethel Woods (Woodstock), countless Broadway shows, including The Music Man, Chicago, Frozen, A Bronx Tale, as well as being a longtime member of and also performing with The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Ellington Legacy, Maurice Hines, Jason Robert Brown, Rob McClure, Wycliffe Gordon, Christian McBride, as well as numerous other luminaries of the jazz & theater world. www.jamidauber.com. Love to Amy.

CHANESE ELIFÉ (Guest Performer) – Vocal powerhouse, Chanese Elifé is a songwriter, producer and proud Harlem native, who plays more than 40 musical instruments. As an avid meditator she has developed her own unique brand of music fusing healing frequency tunings and various pop genres. Chanese is currently working on setting a new World Record for instrumentation in 2023.

ALEJANDRO ESPINOSA (Trombone) – Alejandro Espinosa, originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, grew up in Queens NY. He started playing the trombone at age 13 and has since earned a Bachelor of music from City College of New York and a Master of Music from NYU. In addition to being an established educator, Alejandro has no musical limits; he has played extensively in all genres, from classical music to Jazz, Pop, Musicals and Latin music. He is very excited to be performing this brand new show at the beautiful new Little Island!

NIIAMAR FELDER (Wardrobe Supervisor) Select credits: two AUDELCO nominations, Excellence in Costume Design. Off-Broadway, August Wilson’s ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2012), ‘Reparations’ (2020), directed by Tony Award nominee Michele Shay. Billie Holiday Theater’s ‘Old Settler’ starring Pauletta Washington; ‘Yellow Man’, ‘A Walk Into Slavery’. New Federal Theatre: ‘Sowa’s Red Gravy’ starring Tony Award nominee Lonette Mckee. Live broadcast: ‘12 Angry Men and Women,’ starring Wendell C. Pierce and Lisa Arindell. Wardrobe Supervisor: Little Girl Blue, B-Boy Blues, The Big Mix. www.niiamar.com.

KENNETH FERRONE (Associate Director) – Kenneth Ferrone is an Emmy-Nominated Director and Producer. Recent directing credits include the world-premiere musical, THE WANDERER (PaperMill Playhouse), CRUEL INTENTIONS (1st National Tour); COLIN QUINN: THE NY STORY (Cherry Lane). On Broadway, he Associate Directed SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS (also, National Tour), LOVE LETTERS and WONDERLAND. TV producing credits include ANNIE LIVE!, GREASE LIVE!,  RENT ON FOX, SMASH, RISE, DECEPTION, IRONSIDE, and upcoming Apple+ series, ECHO 3. Thanks to Tina and the Little Island Team!

ABE FOGLE (Drums) – Abe Fogle is currently the drummer for ROB THOMAS’ solo projects and is a freelance musician/drummer capable of playing various styles. Along with his musicianship, Abe also does voice overs for cartoon characters and serious works.

BEN FRANKLIN & JOSHUA DEAN (Guest Performers) – Ben Franklin and Joshua Dean have been creating and collaborating for years in a vast array of entertainment discliplines including circus arts, plays, musicals and burlesque. They are co-founders of 2 Ring Circus, 2toFly Burlesque, and are often seen as modern vaudevillian team Franklin & Jojo. Together they manage and run circus school Aerial Arts NYC located in midtown. www.2ringcircus.com, www.2toflyburlesque.com, www.aerialartsnyc.com

ARI FULTON (Costume Design) – Ari Fulton is a New York-based costume designer who has built a diverse career creating characters for stage and film. Recent theater design credits include: The  L’Amant Anonyme (MINN Opera), Confederates(Signature Theatre, NY), A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical (Miami New Drama), Off-Broadway, directed by Robert O’Hara (Streaming). Film credits include: Nigerian Prince (Executively produced by Spike Lee), Cupids (Cannes Film Festival), and Disney Talent Showcase (ABC Entertainment). Ms. Fulton has served as the Interim Head of Costume Design at the University of Connecticut, (2020/2021).

JACINTH GREYWOODE (Arranger & Orchestrator) – ​​Jacinth Greywoode is a Brooklyn-based composer, arranger, and music director. Recent compositional credits include HOW TO BREAK (Village Theatre; music with Rebecca Hart and Yako 440, book and lyrics, Aaron Jafferis);  IRON JOHN (2020 Richard Rodgers Finalist, 2019 O’Neill NMTC Semifinalist, NAMT 31st Festival of New Musicals, 2019 O’Neill Incubator Residency; book and lyrics, Rebecca Hart) and BLACK GIRL IN PARIS (Joe’s Pub, Civilians 2020 R&D Group; book and lyrics, AriDy Nox). Recent credits as music director/music arranger include A SOLDIER’S PLAY and THE ROSE TATTOO at American Airlines Theater, A STRANGE LOOP at Woolly Mammoth (associate), WiLDFLOWER at the Apollo Theater (assistant) and THIS IS B.S., a new web series. Jacinth received a Bachelor of Arts in music with a Certificate in collaborative piano performance from Princeton University, a Master of Arts in composition from Stony Brook University, and a Master of Fine Arts from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. www.jacinthgreywoode.com

KIMBERLY GRIGSBY (Music Director/Keys) – Kimberly Grigsby is a New York City based music director, enjoying collaborations with composers Jeanine Tesori, Adam Guettel, Tom Kitt, Michael Friedman, David Byrne and directors George C. Wolfe, Michael Mayer, Bartlett Sher, James Lapine, Alex Timbers, Pam MacKinnon, Leigh Silverman, Julie Taymor and Tina Landau. Her credits include To Kill A Mockingbird; Caroline, or Change; Spring Awakening; The Light in the Piazza; Head Over Heels; The Full Monty; The Fortress of Solitude; Here Lies Love; and this past season’s Flying Over Sunset.

lark hackshaw (Production Stage Manager) – lark hackshaw is a Production Stage Manager who has worked with the Alliance Theatre for more than 30 seasons. She line produces for Winston-Salem’s National Black Theatre Festival and has worked on productions regionally, nationally and internationally — including the Tony Award winning A Soldier’s Play on Broadway. Recently, she’s worked on film projects. lark has worked with many Tony winners: Directors (Kenny Leon, George C. Wolfe), Writers (Lin-Manuel Miranda), Choreographers (Savion Glover, Andy Blankenbuehler), Theatres (The Alliance, Dallas Theater Center) and actors (Billy Porter, Adrienne Lenox, Blair Underwood, David Alan Grier, André De Shields) to name a few. Broadway credits include: Stick Fly, A Soldier’s Play, Chicken & Biscuits, and Tony nominated for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf.

ALEX H. HAJJAR (Assistant Stage Manager) – Alex H. Hajjar is an Iranian & American stage manager based in NYC. Credits include: Les Miserables, The Realistic Joneses, After Midnight (Broadway) blast! (Japan Tour) English (Atlantic), Everybody Black (Humana43/ATL), Head of Passes (The Public), Aubergine (Playwrights Horizons), Mother Courage (CSC), Which Way to the Stage, Georgia McBride, Yen (MCC), Big Love (Signature), This American Life (BAM), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (TFANA), Belleville (NYTW), We Are Proud to Present a Presentation… (SoHo Rep)

HAUS OF US (Guest Performers – 6/25) – Haus of Us’ initiative is to empower the youth. Coordinating events to provide a safe space for all ages, where young people can express themselves. Utilizing the newest talent of ballroom to create a platform for the youth of ballroom to strive and succeed. Haus Of Us was granted fiscal sponsorship from Madonna’s Ray Of Light Foundation and Universal Music Group for the past year to curate many LGBT youth experiences.

ADAM HONORÉ (Lighting Design) BROADWAY: Chicken and Biscuits. OFF-BROADWAY: Select: The Public: Ain’t No Mo; Classic Stage Company: Carmen Jones; Out of the Box: The Last Five Years. REGIONAL: Select: Arena Stage, Alliance Theatre, Asolo Rep, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Cleveland Play House, Dallas Theater Center, Huntington Theater Company, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival. AWARDS: Drama Desk, Elliot Norton, Helen Hayes, Henry Hewes Nominee; AUDELCO Award recipient. www.HonoreLighting.com @itsadamhonore 

HOUSE OF LABEIJA (Guest Performers – 6/23 and 6/24) – In 1972, Crystal and Lottie LaBeija presented “The 1st Annual House of LaBeija Ball” in response to racist standards in New York City’s drag pageant system. Today, ballroom is an international phenomenon celebrating people of every body type, identity, and expression. Today, the House of LaBeija is as loud and proud as it was in 1972! With many chapters across the country and multiple internationally the vision of Crystal, Lottie & Pepper is clearer than ever.

DARRIEL JOHNAKIN (Guest Performer) – Darriel Johnakin is from Miami, FL. She began dance at an early age and graduated from New World School of the Arts in Miami, FL in 2018. She is 22 years old and has graduated PACE University with a BFA in Commercial Dance. She was voted the 2019 Dance Spirit Cover Model.  She has performed many works with several choreographers including Martha Nichols, Peter Chu, Jenn Freeman, Dee Caspary, Jenn Hamilton and Ray Leeper. She is currently represented by CESD.

CAIT JOHNSON (Production Assistant) – Cait Johnson (she/they) is an NYC-based stage manager. Previous credits include: Time100 Summit & Gala, The Young People’s Chorus Gala, Scarlet Pimpernel in Concert, and Bridesmaids: A Dance Narrative.

JESSICA IRVIN (Costume Design Assistant) – Jessica Irvin, a Maryland born, New York raised Costume Designer and Wardrobe Supervisor, is currently the Costume Shop Supervisor at Queensborough Community College. She has worked for The New School for Performing Arts, and took on many different roles within the Costume Department. She has worked with The Classical Theatre of Harlem as the Assistant Costume Designer for several of their shows. #EndALZ

ANN KLEIN (Guitar) – Ann plays guitar/mandolin. As a singer/songwriter, she has toured in Europe and the US. She has written music for documentaries for French television and has had her music used in TV shows worldwide. Theater credits include: “Head Over Heels”, “SUFFS”, “Grease”, “9 to 5”, “Kinky Boots”, and “Waitress”. Ann has produced recordings for other artists and received a MacDowell Colony grant. She’s most proud of her ability to wahwah her way out of any solo.

TINA LANDAU (Creator/Director) – Little Island’s Artist in Residence, Tina Landau, is a Tony Award nominated writer and director whose credits include the Broadway productions of Spongebob Squarepants (Drama Desk & Outer Critics Circle winner Best Direction and Best Musical, 12 Tony Award noms), Superior Donuts, and the revival of Bells Are Ringing (Tony noms), and Off-Broadway productions of Old Hats, Big Love and Iphigenia 2.0Head of Passes, In the Red and Brown Water, and her original musical Floyd Collins. Tina’s an ensemble member at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, where her over 20 productions include Ms. Blakk For President , The Brother/Sister PlaysThe Time Of Your Life and Space. She’s the author, with Anne Bogart, of The Viewpoints Book.

GRACE LEMIEUX (Guest Performer) – Grace LeMieux began training at Sweatshop Dance in Denver, Colorado. She received her dance minor from Point Park University under the leadership of Garfield Lemonius. There, she performed works by Al Blackstone, Christopher Huggins, Rocker Verastique, Kijaunta Lucas and Kiesha Lalama. Ms. LeMieux has had the opportunity to perform a work by Grace Buckley at The Joyce Theater in New York City as a scholarship recipient of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation.

JOSE LLANA (Guest Performer) – Jose Llana starred as The King of Siam in Lincoln Center’s production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King & Idirected by Bartlett Sher. Other Broadway: Bill Finn’s The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee (Drama Desk Award), Wonderland, Flower Drum Song, RENT, Streetcorner Symphony and Lun Tha in the 1996 Revival of The King & I. Off Broadway: Here Lies Love (Public), Shaina Taub’s Twelfth Night(Public Works), On the Town(Delacorte) and Adam Guettel’s Saturn Returns (Public). Regional: Oliver!(Papermill), Martin Guerre(Guthrie Theater, US Tour), Ballad of Little Jo (Steppenwolf) and Candide (Prince Theater). Concerts: Lincoln Center’s American Songbook Series in 2015 and 2019. TV/Film: Sex and the City and Hitch. @thejosellana www.josellana.com

MARLA LOUISSAINT (Ensemble) – Haitian born and NYC raised first generation Computer Science graduate (Fordham University ‘20), internationally published model (Vogue ItaliaOprah Magazine, SavagexFenty), award winning theater performer, TV/Film actor (Netflix’s Seven Seconds, Showtime’s Flatbush Misdemeanors), and the Founder & CEO of abolitionist nonprofit Claim Our Space Now. She has claimed her purpose to make the revolution irresistible through her art and community building. Honey, she’s just getting started! Follow along on the journey IG/Twitter @marlalou_

MARIYEA (Guest Performer/Marsha P. Johnson) – Mariyea is a Brooklyn based performer and drag artist. She was most recently seen in On Sugarland at New York Theatre Workshop. Mariyea regularly hosts and performs in Drag throughout the city. Instagram: @mariyeaj

ANDRE MALCOLM (Guest Performer) – Andre Malcolm is a Brooklyn native and graduated from American Musical and Dramatic Academy where he studied Theatre Dance. He has worked with various choreographers all around New York and has traveled with many Broadway tours. His favorite credits include Finding NeverLand National Tour, Pippin National tour and Bandstand National Tour. He would like to thank his mother Blossom for giving him the guidance in his life.

CHASE MAXWELL (Guest Performer) – Since Chase Maxwell was born in Los Angeles he has graced stages all over the world; assisting the likes of Baayork Lee, Debbie Allen, and many others.  He simultaneously graduated, receiving his BFA from Boston Conservatory and moved to New York in 2016 to perform with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.  Which has led to him dancing for Jennifer Hudson, J Balvin, and making his broadway debut in Wicked.  He is excited to be performing in his first show at Little Island.

PARKER MCALLISTER (Bass) – Parker McAllister is an award-winning touring and recording bassist/producer based in New York City who is equally proficient on upright and electric bass and adroit in performing jazz, Latin, rhythm & blue, rock, pop, and gospel genres. McAllister is touring and producing regularly for internationally acclaimed artists. Most recently and noticeably, grammy-winning trumpet powerhouse Maurice Brown, Chilean Hip-Hop superstar Ana Tijoux, and the renowned activist grammy-nominated group Sweet Honey in the Rock.

ZACH MCNALLY (Ensemble) – Zach is so excited make his debut on Little Island! Broadway: West Side StoryFiddler on the Roof. Off-Broadway: The Lucky OnesHelpSleep No More. Television: Recurring roles on STARZ’ Hightown and HBO’s The Plot Against America Thanks to my family, friends, and team Katz for their unending love & support. Follow: @_ZachMcNally

ANDREW MULET (Guest Performer) – Andrew Mulet is a professional dancer & choreographer originally from Miami, Florida. He has a BFA in Commercial Dance from Pace University, and recently joined Soul Project Dance Company – an NYC based performance group curated by Candace Brown. In addition to his continued performance career, he has had the honor of presenting work as a finalist at the Young Choreographer’s Festival, the YoungArts Foundation, and the Capezio A.C.E. Awards.

RONVÉ O’DANIEL (Composer for THE BIG MIX Opening)Ronvé O’Daniel is a songwriter, lyricist, playwright, and director. His work has been produced at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley New Works Festival, Eugene O’Neill National Music Theater Conference, as well as NYU Tisch School for the Arts. He was the recipient of Eugene O’Neill National Music Theater Conference’s Georgia Bogardus Holof Lyricist Award. Ronvé’s other works include: Once Upon a Rhyme (Theatreworks Silicon Valley) and The Earth Remembers (Virginia Stage Company). Ronveodaniel.com.

PEPPERMINT (Host – 6/23 and 6/24) – For over 10 years Peppermint has dominated NYC and international audiences with her high-energy personality, comedic skills and live singing performances. She’s been featured on MTV’s The Real World Brooklyn, Ugly Betty and Season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Peppermint has performed alongside Chaka Khan, Martha Wash, and Ultra Nate. She serves on the board of GLAAD and is deeply involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS joining forces with the HIV vaccine trials Network and the M.A.C. Aids fund.

PRIDE PUPPETS  (CREATED BY CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS) – Pride Puppets’ collection of LGBTQ Heroes and Activists is the creation of NYC artist Christopher Williams in collaboration with young adult and youth artists from the Ali Forney Center and The Door. Thank you to our artists and puppeteers in the show Christopher Williams and Evan Woodard with additional puppeteers Camille Richardson, Heidi Valkenberg, and MJ Tims. Christopher Williams is proud to reach his New Yorker status living here for the past 10 years as an artist. While NYC Christopher has grown artistically by designing and producing works for theater, event design, continued his own artwork and has taught students of all ages in public and private schools. Christopher gives thanks to his loving family who supports his artistic dreams, especially his fiancé Ed and stepson Anthony who fuel his creative energy.

QWEEN JEAN (Host – 6/25) – Qween Jean is a NYC based Costume Designer who has designed over 50 shows. She commits her voice to the advocacy of marginalized communities, emphasizing Black Trans people, and is currently among few costuming professionals in the NYC theatre who live their trans identities out loud. Qween founded the Black Trans Liberation in 2020, which aims to provide access and employment resources for the TGNC community.  She believes in the preservation and support of Black Trans people and how one can thrive when adequately paid, supported, and loved. “Hire the girls” is her motto. Qween has an MFA in Design from NYU Tisch.

JON RUA (Choreographer for THE BIG MIX Opening)  Jon was the co-creative director/choreographer of the Madison Square Garden NYE PHISH concert Send in the Clones. He continues to innovate movement on stage and screen. Credits include Coheed & Cambria, Lawrence, West Side Story, Godspell, Aida and Jesus Christ Superstar. He co-choreographed numbers in Broadway’s The Cher Show, SpongeBob Squarepants, SpongeBob Musical Live on Nick, Isn’t It Romantic. Other credits include Live Lab Creative, Travelers Insurance, The Beacons Jams, ABC’s Celebrity Wife Swap, and NBA.

IANNE FIELDS STEWART (Ensemble) – Ianne Fields Stewart (pronouns: she/her/they/them) is a black, queer, lesbian, and nonbinary transfeminine New York-based storyteller and activist. As a performer (actor, singer and dancer), Ianne has worked consistently in stage productions at NYC venues such as: Joe’s Pub, Dixon Place, La Mama, and many more. Film/TV acting credits include: Dash & Lily (recurring guest star), The Bold Type (guest star), and Pose (recurring). Ianne played opposite Sara Ramirez in the 3-Time Emmy Nominated web series The Feels.

HIROKO TAGUCHI (Violin/Viola) – Hiroko Taguchi has performed on stage since the age of six. She graduated a Bachelor of Music at the Juilliard School and Master of Music at Manhattan School of Music. She has toured with The Chicks, Jimmy Cobb Quintet, The RUSH, and Sam Smith. She has also appeared live on stage with such artists as Wynton Marsalis, Josh Groban, Harry Connick Jr., Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper. And played recording album with James Taylor, David Bowie, Phish, and many others. She has performed in many Broadway musicals, including Frozen, Kinky Boots, Spring Awakening, West Side Story, Next to Normal, The Addams Family, Ghost, Amélie, Prince of Broadway, and she is currently at Wicked. 

THE TELSEY OFFICE (Casting)With offices in both New York and Los Angeles, The Telsey Office casts for theater, film, television, and commercials. The Telsey Office is dedicated to creating safe, equitable, and anti-racist spaces through collaboration, artistry, heart, accountability, and advocacy.

WILL VAN DYKE (Music Arrangement, Diva Medley) – Will is a New York City based songwriter, music supervisor, and a 2020 Grammy Award nominee. Will has orchestrated and arranged shows both on Broadway and off, and is a frequent collaborator with many of New York City’s finest talents. Will has released multiple albums, which are available wherever digital music is sold. He writes musicals with Jeff Talbott and has a band. For the latest information visit: www.willvandyke.com

ALLAN K. WASHINGTON (Ensemble) – Allan K. Washington is so excited to return to Little Island after appearing in last summer’s Bring Your Own Beautiful! Most recently, Allan starred in the world premiere of Mansa Ra’s play In the Southern Breeze at Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre. His Broadway credits include SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical and the recent revival of Once on this Island. TV credits include The Deuce (HBO) and High Fidelity (Hulu). Allan is a graduate of UNCSA.