The Cast
Marcus Hopkins-Turner as Buddy Bolden Marcus Hopkins-Turner is an Atlanta native and Morehouse College graduate. He is a proud father of two and loves football and the outdoors. Regional Credits: Prince of Egypt (Tuacahn), A Christmas Carol (the Alliance Theatre), Fences (Springer Opera House), Porgy and Bess (Red Mountain Theatre). Atlanta Credits: Julius Caesar (The Shakespeare Tavern), Tarzan the Musical (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), Once on this Island (GET), I'm Not Rappaport (Aurora Theatre), Father Comes Home (Actors Express) and 1776 the Musical (The Legacy Theatre). Marcus is very excited about being a part of this project and cannot wait to bring Buddy Bolden to life. Timothy Parrott as Alphonse Picou Timothy Parrott is a native of Atlanta, GA., and has performed with The Atlanta Opera, Alliance Theatre, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, Tyler Perry Studios and San Francisco Opera. Tim has recorded with the Legendary Ray Charles and has sung in many countries throughout Europe. He is a proud member of The Atlanta Opera, The Atlanta Symphony Chorus and The Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus. Recent vocal performances include: “The Colour of Music”- Black Classical Musicians Festival in Houston, Texas, Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, Giacomo Rossini’s La Cenerentola and Ruggero Leoncavollo’s Pagliacci with the Atlanta Opera. Timothy dedicates this performance to all who have been personally affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Sheldon Michael as Louis Sheldon Michael, baritone, is a graduate of Morehouse College where he received his BA in Arts in May of 2013. In 2015, Mr. Michael graduated with a MM in Vocal Performance from Georgia State University and currently studies with Dwight Coleman. He has had the honor to sing for the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s “Red Hook Summer”, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas with the ASO, and the American Baptist Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His roles of study and performance include Le Bailli in Massenet’s Werther, Reverend Hale in Robert Ward’s The Crucible and Basilio in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia to name a few. The Edgewood Saxophone Trio Jeff Crompton - alto saxophone Ben Davis - tenor saxophone Bill Nittler - baritone saxophone The “orchestra” for Buddy Bolden is the Edgewood Saxophone Trio. For nearly a decade, the EST has performed edgy music poised between jazz and “new music” in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast. Their Snake Nation album, combining composition and improvisation, typifies their unique musical approach.
Jayme Alilaw as Alice Bolden
Jayme Alilaw is honored to be part of the premiere production of
Buddy Bolden. At home in musical theater and opera, Jayme's c
redits include The Sound of Music (Mother Abbess), Wicket:
A Parody Musical (Teebo/The Ensign), The Marriage of Figaro
(Susanna), En Mis Palabras (Ana Maria), and Suor Angelica
(Suor Angelica). As a Sergeant in the Army, Jayme sang for
military ceremonies throughout the United States and the Middle East.
A California native, Jayme is a graduate of California State University,
Northridge. Jayme is now based in Atlanta, GA with her daughter,
who is soon to graduate from high school.
Audrey Gámez as Beatrice
Jimmy is a vocalist, trombonist, and a keyboardist who has been an
active member in the Atlanta music community since the late 60’s.
He was a founding member of Darryl Rhoades and the Hahavishnu
Orchestra, which had a national cult following in the mid 70’s, and
toured a great deal of the United States with many known acts. Jimmy
put out his own CD on Southern Tracks with The Zoots and the
Swinging Suits, doing swing music during the re-birth of swing music
in the late 90’s. Jimmy and Jeff Crompton’s paths have crossed many
times on live gigs together as well as studio work.
Jimmy Royals as the speaker
Audrey Gámez is a mezzo-soprano originally from Spring, Texas.
Audrey’s work spans multiple genres, and she has been a featured
soloist in opera, classical chamber music, rock and roll, and
performance art. Notable performances include the premiere of
“Opera in the Shower” with director Rachel Parish in New York City,
featured soloist for Jessica Caldas’ exhibition “Love/d & Sex/ed” at
Atlanta’s Mammal Gallery, Ciesca in Gianni Schicci (Capital City
Opera, Atlanta, and Fidalma in Il Matrimonio Segreto in Montegridalfo,
Italy. Audrey was lead singer for the Broyles Street Band, utilizing her
training in opera and classical performance to bring dynamic vocal
dexterity to classic rock songs. Audrey maintains a private voice
studio and is the Education Manager for C4 Atlanta. She holds a
Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas and a
Master of Music degree from Louisiana State University.
