PROGRAM 12

The Frogs by Brennan Saur from Aristophanes

The Gospel of Efunroye by Taiwo Aloba

COLIN BORDEN (Dionysus) is ecstatic to be performing in their first New York production. They have previously been a part of multiple sketch comedy and improv troupes, and was featured in the opening act for comedian Dave Coulier at the Schimmel Theater. They have appeared in several full productions as well, most recently portraying The Father in the Team Starkid musical, The Trail to Oregon.

GRAYSON BRADSHAW (Xanthias) is a New York City based actor/dancer/clown. After receiving his BFA in Theatre from Texas Tech University, he obtained his MFA in Ensemble-Based Physical Theatre from Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre. Grayson has collaborated with individuals and companies to create a multitude of new works such as: Remember This: A Participatory Experience, Mystical Feet, Love Boat, Becky and Leroy's Big Reading Adventure, and Canterville.

ASTILIA CHOKANU-WENHOLZ (Chorus) is a New York based actor who acts in both stage and film/television productions. She is multi-talented, also having skills in dancing, writing, singing and instruments such as the piano, ukulele and guitar. Her most recent projects that she has worked on include: Just As Good (a feature film), Among Us (a theatrical performance), and an appearance in a web series. She is currently seeking representation and is super thankful for all the experience and opportunities she's gotten throughout this year. She would also like to give a special thanks to Brennan for allowing her to be a part of such a wonderful and fun production!

MICHAEL DEROSA (John F. Kennedy/Martin Van Buren) is a queer actor, singer, artist, and Libra based in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Hofstra University (‘19) with a BFA in Theatre Arts, Performance and a Minor in Musical Theatre. Since moving to New York City, Michael has appeared on stage and screen in various cabarets and television series. Some of his favorite previous stage credits include: Baker (Into the Woods), George, Duke of Clarence (Richard III), Woof (Hair), Bobby (Cabaret), and more. TV credits: Katy Keene (The CW), Gossip Girl (HBO Max), and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime Video). This is Michael’s first time working with the Chain Theatre and he’s thrilled to be returning to live theatre in this delightfully zany show! For more information, visit michaelgderosa.com.

ALLIE DONNELLY (Jimmy Carter/Mary Todd Lincoln) is a New York City based actor originally from Texas and is thrilled to be back onstage in person! She holds a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts where she studied film & television as well as musical theatre. Her recent credits include Frenchy in Grease at Garland Summer Musicals, Jay in Donuts & Holes with Brunch Theatre Co, and various film projects including the pilot episodes of Lark & Spur airing this fall on Amazon Prime. Allie is also proud faculty member of The Performing Arts Project. (alliedonnelly.com)

JULIET HURWITZ (Chorus) is a rising senior and theatre minor at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, and this is her first time acting in a play since high school! Theatre credits include Tall Tales (Lallie), Footloose (Rusty), Urinetown (Little Becky Two Shoes), and Beauty and the Beast (Madame de la Grande Bouche). In addition, she is currently serving as the assistant props master and set runner for Write Act Repertory's production of The Importance of Being Earnestly LGBTQ+.

REBECCA PONTICELLO (Chorus) is a recent graduate of Rider University, graduating summa cum laude with a BA in Acting. Originally from Long Island, Rebecca recently made her off-Broadway debut as the assistant director of The Importance of Being Earnestly LGBTQ+, directed by Maarten Cornelis. At Rider, she took part in a production of Everybody by Branden Jacob Jenkins where she portrayed the role of Love. Behind the scenes, Rebecca wrote and directed a short film entitled ‘Ri-Deer University’ for the Rider New Works Festival in the Fall of 2020; the piece is currently streaming on Youtube. She is currently producing a sequel to ‘Ri-Deer University’ in collaboration with the film students at Josai University in Japan. Rebecca has recently taken part in several readings through Write Act Repertory, both as an actor and as a playwright. She is currently seeking representation.

DEREK SHERRY (Charon/Abraham Lincoln) is a graduate of Purchase College, State University of New York, with a Bachelor’s in Theatre and Performance and a minor in Playwriting. This is their first time performing on stage since the start of the pandemic, and they are very grateful to be back.

BRENNAN SAUR (Writer/Director) is a writer and director originally hailing from Rochester, New York. Regional credits include Normal Faces and Break-Up Song (Geva Theatre Center), Night Flight (Curious Theatre Company), and The Millmeadow Trilogy (Spotlight Studios for the Performing Arts). He has a B.A. from Purchase College, where he is Artistic Director of the performance troupe Red Theater Purchase. His production of Team Starkid’s The Trail to Oregon recently surpassed 10k+ views on YouTube. Much thanks and love to his family, and special thanks to John Barthelmes, John Lant, Brian Coughlin, and Basil Kreimendahl.

CAST AND CREW BIO

CREW BIO

Taiwo Aloba (Playwright and Director) is a New York-based writer and director originally from Nigeria. She was educated at Lagos State University in Lagos, New York Film Academy in New York, and Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire. She has sung in an ensemble, written books, and ran a marathon in Coney Island. 

Jenna Kole (Set Designer) is a printmaker by trade who is making her debut as a set designer for The Gospel of Efunroye by Taiwo Aloba. Jenna has worked with artists such as Lady Aiko and the late Robert Indiana in printmaking and has traveled to places like Dubai and Copenhagen to make art. When she isn’t traveling, she is usually cooking something for friends and family at her home in Bellmore, Long Island. 

Omolola Abati (Costume Designer) is an international fashion designer whose work includes theater, dance, and television. She believes costume design is a vital art that serves as a means to communicate ideas.  

CAST BIO

King Downing (Narrator): King Downing is a Lawyer, Filmmaker, Journalist, and Host of GOOD MORNING NUEVA YORK on WBAI Radio 99.5fm. He is a musician and tries his hand at “sit down” comedy. 

Jide Ajisafe (Praise Singer): Jide Ajisafe is an actor based in New Jersey. He studied Graphic Design & Interactive Advertising at Kean University and is currently enrolled in Digital Marketing, MA program at Rutgers University. His stage credits include Ufedo in Strong Island and Olusinigwe in Voice from Heaven.

Enih Agwe (Madam Efunroye): Enih Agwe is a Cameroonian-American actress entering her final year at the Tisch School of the Arts. She has taken on works from Shakespeare to Ahrens and Flaherty and has experience with short films as well as writing and filming her own material. Currently based in New York and DC, she is thrilled to working with such a wonderful cast and crew and to be taking on the role of Madam Efunroye. 

Sean Coffey (Consul Campbell): Sean Coffey is an actor based in Westchester, NY. He studied at Fordham University and has performed locally throughout the tristate area. Recent favorite theater credits include Dear Brutus (Mr. Lob, Alpha NYC Theater Company), Hedda Gabler (George Tesman, Red Monkey Theater Group), Cabaret (Ernst Ludwig, Sherman Playhouse) & A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom, Arachne Theater).