PROGRAM 9

(3RD FLOOR)

Gifted Child by Kai Xing Mun

Listen to Me by Edward Gibbons-Brown

Spinning Tops by Katrina Mattson

Unidentified Female by Felicity Winter

Who The Hell Killed Adele? by Reese Carmen Villella

Director:

VERONICA DANG @iveronicadang

Veronica Dang is an award-winning director/writer/actor of stage and screen. They created globally acclaimed webseries Subway: The Series and founded sketch comedy team Model Majority which has been featured on Good Morning America, CBS and more. Select theater credits include directing a night of 11 one act plays/18 actors for Athena Theatre (Symphony Space), political satire with puppets Birds Should Fly Free (New York International Fringe Festival), breast cancer drama Scars (Best Play finalist at Between Us Productions' Take Ten Festival) and a musical about bipolar called Polarized (The Kennedy Center). www.iVeronicaDang.com

Actors:

ANNIE played by ARMANI COOPER @okokarmani

Armani Cooper (she/her) is an NYC actor, model and content creator. She trained in acting at Abrons Arts Center where they got to perform Off-Broadway in her teens. Now while still pursuing her acting dreams, she also gets to model print and walk the runway for Fashion Week.

SUSIE played by EPIPHANY SAMUELS @epiphanyentertainment

Epiphany Samuels is an Actress, Director, Writer, and Art Activist. She also holds a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch. Some of her Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway acting credits include “Time Is On My Side” from “Past, Present and Future” produced by Tribeca Performing Arts/WIP and “Empire (TV parody)” from “In Living Color” produced by “I Act, You Act! Harlem Theater”.“Graphite” produced by her theatre company Affirmation Theatre Company, and “What Do They Want?” Written, Directed and Produced by her.

CLAY played by KIRA VIERA @its.kira

Kira Viera (she/they) studied under various directors at Abrons Arts Center as Urban Youth Theater alumni as well as studying classical vocal performance with the National Chorale through high school. They now study at Hunter College while continuing their pursuit of acting and the arts. 

JAKE played by KAI XING MUN @kaixingmun

Kai Xing Mun (she/they/he) is a Malaysian-Chinese American actor who writes their own stories. Born and raised in Lenapehoking, also known as NYC, Kai has grown up performing Off-Broadway while training in acting, singing, and dancing at Abrons Arts Center. They became a theatre arts graduate of Marymount Manhattan College and have since appeared in theatre, film, and television. Highlighted theatrical roles include playing Viola in Twelfth Night, Magenta in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Peach in Calico, and being part of the ensemble for The Vagina Monologues.

Owen Brooks Larson (Mel) is an actor, singer, and Equity member candidate originally from California. He is currently pursuing his BFA in Acting at SUNY Purchase. This marks Owen's debut performance in New York City, and he is grateful to Edward Gibbons-Brown for the opportunity. His previous theatre credits include Peter Van Daan in "The Diary of Anne Frank" and Jem Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" at Sacramento Theatre Company, as well as Casca in "Julius Caesar" at Ithaca College. Film credits include lead roles in "Beyond The Homestead" (SUNY Purchase) and "Dreamcatcher" (Ithaca College). Owen's training includes studies at Ithaca College BFA Acting program, Artsbridge-Dramatic Acting, and the Broadway Dreams Foundation. He is skilled in various dialects and is certified in unarmed combat by the SAFD. Owen thanks his family for their constant love and support.

Kendra Foster McBride (Koda) is an actor, singer, dancer, composer, and lyricist. Originally from London, she has American and British citizenship and graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in February 2024. Theatre: “Clytemnestra” - Electra, The Lab Productions, London, England. “Cassandra” - Sender, dir. Diane Ciesla, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, NYC. “Maureen Johnson” - Rent, Creators Theatre Company, Birmingham, England,  “U/S Kate,” “Swing” - The Wild Party, Cosmo Theatre, Los Angeles. Film: “Maureen” - Ave Rat, Christopher Clucas Productions, NYC “Young Chef’s Girlfriend” - Gusto Della Vita, Wide Shot Production, NYC Vocalist: Featured Soloist - Scott Siegel’s Broadway’s The Next Generation, The Green Room 42, NYC Featured Soloist - Broadway’s Greatest Hits, 54 Below, NYC Vocalist - Merrilee Mannerly, Off-Broadway concept album, NYC. Featured Soloist - West End Live, London, England.

Edward Gibbons-Brown (Writer/Director) is pleased to return to The Chain Theatre after directing his play ‘Walk It Off’ in the Winter One-Act Festival this year. Edward’s broad variety of experience over many years includes: “Coriolanus” - Worlds Elsewhere Theatre Company, NYC/Seattle (Director), “Miracle on 34th Street” - The Henegar, Melbourne, FL (Director), “Romeo & Juliet” - Beacon Theatre, Beacon NY (Director, Dramaturg, Producer), “A Few Good Men” - The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, Rhinebeck, NY (Director, Producer), “Lucy, Illuminated” - Ritz Theatre, Newburgh, NY (Director, Writer, Producer), and more. Edward lives in Brooklyn and can be reached via his website at edwardgibbonsbrown.wixsite.com/director or follow him on Instagram at @edwardgibbonsbrown. He is available and willing to travel for exciting creative work, so hire him for stuff! He dedicates this production to the memory of Lou Trapani.

Lindsay Ross (Stage Manager) Lindsay Ross is excited to work with the production of Listen to Me. She premiered at the Chain with her original play I Am Here. She hails from Ohio and holds a BFA in Acting from Cleveland State. She has been both onstage and behind the scenes. She has been in plays like, Check Please, Anything Goes, and selections from The Invisible Man. She would like to thank her many friends and family, and especially those who inspire her every day. She wants to thank you for coming and hope that you enjoy the show! IG:  @linds_ross28

Elizabeth Compère (Sound Designer) is a sound engineer, designer, musician, and consultant with over a decade of experience working on diverse projects worldwide. Her credits include “Sleep No More” and “Life and Trust” in New York City, “Sleep No More” in Shanghai, and numerous theatrical productions including at the Henegar Center in Florida, The Colonial Theatre in Westerly, Rhode Island, and more. Her expertise spans live mixing, system design, and immersive audio experiences. Elizabeth currently freelances with event companies and live music venues in NYC and provides remote support for cutting-edge recording software. She holds a B.A. in Music Production from Thomas Edison State University.

Katrina Mattson (writer/director, she/her) is thrilled to be returning to the Chain One Act Festival for a third time! Katrina is an actor and writer, as well as an enthusiastic, though technically terrible, dancer. She is a huge fan of all the people who have come together to work on the strange art that has come from her brain, and she hopes to work on other people’s strange brain art soon. Much love to the everyone!

Juliana Conte (Kimberly, she/they) is so excited to be here and celebrate Katrina’s work! She is a Vermont native and graduate of CAP21/Molloy College's BFA musical theater program. Some of her favorite roles include Wendla in Spring Awakening (CAP21/Molloy College), Magenta in Rocky Horror (Tenacious Theatrics), and Katie Weiner in Triangle: Scenes from a Prosecution (MCS Studios). She loves being a part of new work, such as SB in Experience Marianas (New York Theater Barn & Spotify) and Myling in The Myling (The Chain). But most importantly, she loves to be SiLly! @julianaconte_

Kristin Cantwell (Charlie) has appeared on The Path (Hulu) and most recently performed in Katrina Mattson's Forget Me Not at The Chain Theatre earlier this year. She has a BA in Theatre from the University of Mary Washington and has studied with Austin Pendleton at HB Studio and at Kimball Studio. Head to www.kristincantwell.com for more information and to see a picture of her cat, Thom, who is the real star. 

Bios

Felicity Winter (she/her) Playwright/ Director : 

Felicity Winter (playwright/director) is a New Jersey-based director, writer, and actor. Past directing credits include Constellations, American Idiot, Into the Woods, and Heroes of the Fourth Turning. Past production credits include Twelfth Night (Costume Designer), Puffs (Technical Director), and The Last Five Years (Props and Costumes Coordinator/Co-Stage Manager). As a performer, her credits include Spring Awakening (Adult Man, Adult Woman), Ideation (Hannah), and Plano (Genevieve). She would like to thank Nia for all of her support through this process.

Nia Abdullah (she/her) Producer/Stage Manager : 

Nia Abdullah is a producer, lighting designer, stage manager, and art administrator from Somerset, New Jersey. Her work credits include Education and Engagement fellow at New York Theatre Workshop, and now currently a General Management Intern at RCI Theatricals as well as stage management and lighting gigs at Ferrell Studios and Playhouse 22 (both in New Jersey). She would like to thank the cast for their talent and most importantly, Felicity Winter, for not only being her best friend, but for letting her be on this journey with her!

Talli Basile (she/they) Victim: 

Talli Basile (she/they) is a NY based actor and Jazz vocalist from Washington, D.C. She recently graduated from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Growing up, Talli trained as a singer and dancer. They attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where their pursuit of a career in the arts began. Talli is thrilled to be entering the entertainment industry and hopes to have a long-lasting career chock-full of joy and contribution.

Stephen Solomon (he/him) Ex-Boyfriend: 

Stephen is a New York Based actor and model. He is represented by Bright Artists Management and Eris Models. He most recently was in Hell's Kitchen NYC, a one act in The New York Theater Festival. Other notable credits include, The Importance of Being Earnestly LGBTQ+ off Broadway, Maybelline x Microsoft teams commercial, Shopify Commercial, and many short films and music videos.

Benni (they/them) Medical Examiner 

Benni is a young, non-binary actor from Boston, Massachusetts. They have performed at the University of Massachusetts - Boston in New Voices, New Stories, a collection of new stories written by fellow colleagues. This is their first performance in New York City.

Gil Torres (he/him) Hot Misogynistic Detective:

New York credits: Michael Wormwood in Matilda The Musical (Gallery Players), Peter Pinkerton in Pinkalicious The Musical (Vital Theatre Company), David in If/Then (Gallery Players), The Duke/Dr. Carrasco in Man of La Mancha (Astoria Performing Arts Center). Regional credits: Hairspray (Berkeley Playhouse), Mamma Mia! (Yorktown Stage), West Side Story (Tibbits Opera House), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Tibbits Opera House). For more fun stuff, www.gil-torres.com. Follow on Instagram at @giltorresnyc or X (RIP Twitter) at @giltweetsstuff.

Emily O’Leary (she/her) Young Detective:

Emily O’Leary is a New York-based actor, singer, and voice teacher originally from Cape Breton, NS, Canada. Off-B’way/NYC: Brighter than the Sun (Chain Theatre), 54 Sings Andrew Lippa. Favourite credits include Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), Next to Normal (Natalie), Fun Home (Medium Alison). Special thanks to her family, friends, and Michaela. www.emilyvoleary.com / emilyvoleary@gmail.com 

Hannah Vliet (she/they) Best Friend : 

Hannah Vliet (she/they) recently completed William Esper Studio’s two-year program, where she trained under Barbara Marchant. She has also graduated with degrees in Theatre Arts, Cinema Studies, and Creative Writing from Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts. 

Reese Carmen Villella (she/her), Writer/Director

Reese is a playwright, filmmaker, poet, and rising NYU senior from DC. Previous playwright credits include Dinner With The Headmistress (The Tank), Funeral Party (The Tank, also director), Kayla Definitely Didn’t Kill Her Boyfriend (NYU Gallatin Theatre Troupe), and Annie Made Meatballs (New York Theatre Festival, upcoming). She is currently in post-production for her short film Glutton (which she wrote and directed) and a music video for indie artist Jules Wade (which she directed). This is her third collaboration with Mincy Barbosa, her second with Sofía Ko, and her first with Madison Chase since they did theatre together from ages 9-13! She is passionate about horror, comedy, female-led narratives, and subversive storytelling and is excited to share Who The Hell Killed Adele? with this audience. @reesevillella

Edie Turquet (she/her), Stage Manager

Edie Turquet is a filmmaker and writer studying at NYU Gallatin. Approaching her senior year, her concentration involves the intersection of film, philosophy and the female body. An avid fan of horror, she has always been interested in the space women hold in the genre and how that space has continued to evolve and shift throughout history.

Mincy Barbosa (she/her), Mallory

Mincy Barbosa (she/her) is an upcoming senior at NYU Tisch studying Drama. Starting at The Meisner Studio and this past year being a part of the Atlantic Theater Company’s transfer track program, she has valued every moment she has gotten the chance to work, learn, and grow amongst such talented, brilliant artists. Mincy finds the human experience fascinating, which she devotes to infuse within her work. Mincy also has a deep love for film photography, where you can check out her work on Instagram @turtlesonfilm 

Madison Chase (she/her), Aria

Madison is an actress based in New York City and will be a rising junior at NYU this upcoming fall, pursuing a double major in Drama and Journalism. Having graduated from Idyllwild Arts Academy, a performing arts high school in California, and now studying at the Lee Strasberg Studio, Madison deeply loves the arts and respects her fellow student artists. Most recently, Madison played Lyd in Texas Town with Horton by the Stream Productions. She is thrilled to join the cast of Who the Hell Killed Adele? alongside her amazingly talented cast, crew, and director. 

Sofía Ko (she/her), Adele

Sofía Ko is an Asian-Latina actress based in NYC. She recently graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and has been loving working on independent theatre/film-based projects with her friends and peers! She recently wrapped up "The Bride!" directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, an episode of Blue Bloods and some indie shorts. She is represented by STW Talent and Bullett Management. Creation is art, and art is love; enjoy the show! <3