Waitress

Emelie Faith Thompson, she/her, (Jenna) is overjoyed to be back at the Rep! Audiences may remember her from Curious Incident (Siobhan) and MAMMA MIA! (Donna). Her credits include Off-Broadway’s Night Games and A.A. Milne’s The Ugly Duckling (Marvell Repertory Theatre).   Regional credits include Mother in Ragtime (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre), the title roles in Major Barbara and Candida (Washington Stage Guild), Reno in Anything Goes (Barter Theatre), Shelby in Steel Magnolias (Wayside Theatre), and Eliza in My Fair Lady, Violet in Violet, and Annie in Annie Get Your Gun (Virginia Theatre Festival).  National tours include A Christmas Carol and Miracle on 34th Street.  Love to Nathan and their three babies – may we all be so lucky! IG: @emeliefaiththompson.

Miya Bass (Becky) is an actor hailing from Jamaica, Queens NY. Her recent achievements include being a contestant on The Voice, working with celebrity coaches Adam Levine and Alicia Keys. Miya has also performed leading roles in several musical theater productions: Aida, Sister Act, Lion King, Rent, The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors, and many others. Aside from performing arts, Miya also expresses an immense passion for mental health, and provides psychotherapy within her community. She can be found on Apple Music, Sound cloud, Spotify, Youtube, and on all social media platforms as Miya Mayo Bass.

Kylee Márquez-Downie (Dawn) is delighted to return to the November stage for the first time since playing Dolly Proton in Santa’s Enchanted Workshop! Recent credits include Margot in H*tler’s Tasters (5th Wall Theatre), Eliante in The School for Lies (RTCC award nominee: Best Supporting Actress, Best Ensemble, Best Play), Lucinda in Into the Woods, Imogen in Cymbeline (Bootleg), Diana in All’s Well That Ends Well (Richmond Shakespeare); Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Wendla in Spring Awakening (TheatreVCU). Kylee holds a BFA in Performance and minors in MT and marketing from VCU. She thanks her parents for all their love and support, and her abuelo for telling her to “just do a musical already”. @itsmarqymarq www.kyleemarquezdownie.com

Terence Sullivan, he/him, (Dr. Pomatter) is delighted to return to Virginia Rep’s stage, where he previously appeared as Gabe in Next to Normal. Other favorite credits include Chris in Miss Saigon (Broadway By The Bay), Burrs in The Wild Party (Firehouse Theatre), Roger in Rent, and Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, for which he received the RTCC Award for Best Actor. Terence is also a digital creator with over one million followers and ongoing writing projects in film and fiction. He’s honored to bring Dr. Pomatter to life in Waitress.

Bear Manescalchi, he/they, (Ogie) is clogging at the bit to jump into Waitress as Ogie with Virginia Rep! It is an honor to be a part of such a beautiful show. Having just shot off of The Tina Tour as Phil Spector, recent credits include many Frankie Valli’s in Jersey Boys, Seymour in Little Shop, Motel in Fiddler, Hector in Murder on the Orient Express, and Watson in Baskerville. He also sang and performed on Disney Cruise Line and at Universal Japan. Much love to their wonderful supportive family/closest humans: AA,DA,KB,SB,KM,BS,JS. Instagram: @bearquat3

Greg Twomey* (Earl): DC AREA: Olney Theatre Center: Waitress (Earl). Signature Theatre: HAIR (ensemble), Ragtime (Wille Conklin). ArtsCentric: Rent (Roger); Toby’s Dinner Theatre: Memphis (Huey), Rent (Roger), Xanadu (Sonny); Adventure Theatre: Oliver (Bill Sykes), Petite Rouge (Gator); EDUCATION: AA in Theatre from Montgomery College, BA in Theatre University of Maryland. Instagram @g2dot

William Vaughn, he/him, (Cal) is thankful to live in the only southern state that still has full access to bodily autonomy, i.e. abortion. Want to keep it that way? Donate to @rrfpva & @valeague4pp, and don’t forget to vote for the Virginia Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment in 2026 . Why would he bring this up in the bio for this show in particular? No spoilers! William sends a pie full of love to his family, Chelsea, Penny, and Baxter.

Joe Pabst, he/him, (Joe) is excited to join this talented team, and to play a character with such a great name! Previous Virginia Rep roles include Lumiere in Beauty & the Beast; Mayor Shinn in The Music Man; Inspector Andre in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Richmond Theatre Community Circle award nominee); and many more. Joe has received RTCC awards for Faith Healer and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (produced by Richmond Shakespeare). He shares his life with his wonderful wife Debra Wagoner and their fur family. “Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.” – David Mamet

Audrey Baker, she/her, (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her debut at Virginia Repertory Theatre with this talented team! Audrey is a Washington DC-based actor whose recent credits include NextStop Theatre: Footloose; Constellation Theatre: Desperate Measures; Creative Cauldron: Chicks in Heaven, Madeline’s Christmas; Workhouse Arts Center: Xanadu, Urinetown, The Who’s Tommy. A California Bay Area native, Audrey performed in San Francisco for many years, favorite roles including Kate Monster/Lucy in Avenue Q and Muriel in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever.

Imani Blair Crosby (Actor 2) is a dynamic rapper, singer, and songwriter from Richmond, Virginia with music placements on HBO, MTV and Hulu. She’s a 3x Webby Award Winning Podcast Producer and the co-producer of Hypocrite The Musical. Imani has starred in Legally Blonde The Musical, Hairspray, and Wizard of Oz. She dedicates this show to her phenomenal parents and thanks them both for always believing in her.

Emily Goodman (Lulu) is thrilled to be making her stage debut with Virginia Rep in Waitress. She is looking forward to starting Kindergarten at her brother’s school this fall and dreams of becoming an artist when she grows up.

Jennifer Lent Hamilton (Ensemble)  Jennifer is excited to return for a second season with Va Rep having performed in 9 to 5 (u/s Roz/Ensemble) last summer.  Favorite roles include Carol Strong in Catch Me if You Can (Virginia Musical Theater), Ms. Mazeppa in Gypsy (VMT), Blanche in Brighton Beach Memoirs (Williamsburg Players) and Miss Shields in A Christmas Story (Fort Lee Playhouse).  A HoliDiva with Zeider’s American Dream Theater in Va Beach, Jennifer has performed with Legends in Concert and The Lost Colony and is a Dance

Phoebe Janosik (Lulu) is super excited to be in her first professional show and to follow in her dad’s footsteps on the November stage! She is a rising kindergartner and she loves dogs, chickens, and ice cream. She would like to send her love and appreciation to her supportive big sister Lucy, and her amazing, loving, brilliant and perfect parents for driving her around (and writing her bio for her). Enjoy the show!

Mason Jett, he/him, (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in his second show with Virginia Rep this summer in Waitress. He was last seen onstage as Edward in James Madison University’s production of Big Fish and before that as Anatole in their production of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. He graduated this May with a B.A in Musical Theatre and a minor in Nonprofit Studies from James Madison University. He would like to thank his family for their unconditional support and all those that keep pushing him to pursue this dream!

Calvin Malone, he/him, (Ensemble/Dance Captain, U/S Dr. Pomatter) – Calvin is elated to be back at the November for another summer! Recent Richmond appearances include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and 9 to 5 at Virginia Rep, and Which Way to the Stage and Head Over Heels (RTCC nom) at Richmond Triangle Players. Regional credits include Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Studio Tenn, Virginia Music Theatre, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Kentucky Repertory Theatre, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, Toby’s Theatre of Columbia, ATMTC, and more. Special thanks to Troy, his family and loved ones for their unconditional support. As always, this is for Mom <3 @calvinsings

Lindy Pokorny, she/her, (Ensemble, U/S Jenna) is ecstatic to be part of this dream-come-true production. Favorite past credits include Much Ado About Nothing (Richmond Shakespeare), BKLYN (Swift Creek Mill; RTCC Best Musical), Beautiful (Virginia Rep; RTCC Best Musical), Mamma Mia (Homefront Players), A Broadway Christmas (Virginia Rep), and Julie, Monster (OC, Firehouse Theatre/RVA Baroque). She has a BA in Theatre Performance from Wagner College in New York City. Infinite love and gratitude to Mom, Dad, Nana, Skyler, and Sina.

Sarah White Pruden, she/her, (Ensemble, U/S Nurse Norma) is absolutely thrilled to be back on the Virginia Rep stage! Some of her favorite regional credits include: Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Grease (Marty), Hairspray (Prudy Pingleton), The Music Man, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Proud Alumna of Theatre VCU. Sarah considers herself incredibly lucky to teach her passion as she is the Theatre teacher at Glen Allen High School. Huge thank you to my wonderfully supportive family and friends. “Have courage and be kind!”

Brie Ramirez (Ensemble, U/S Dawn) is thrilled to make her regional theatre debut! She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Lynn University, where favorite credits include Velma in Chicago and Eva Perón in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. She was honored to perform “All That Jazz” for Chita Rivera. Originally from the Bronx, she sends love and gratitude to her family, partner, friends, and Virginia Rep for this opportunity.

David Ramirez, he/they, (Ensemble) was born and raised in the Richmond region. He attended VCU where he earned degrees in both Philosophy & Urban Planning. He’s super excited and grateful to be able to work with Virginia Rep again, after performing in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Swing), 9 to 5 (Ensemble, Detective), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Swing) and in Mamma Mia (Ensemble, Harry u/s). David’s other Richmond theatre credits include: Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street at Dogwood Dell and Freddy in Carrie: The Musical with 5th Wall Theatre company.

Garrett D. Reese, he/him, (Ensemble) is a Richmond, Virginia-based actor, singer, dancer, and educator. His notable credits include One in Two at Richmond Triangle Players, Bob Enright in 9 to 5, Scrooge in Scrooge No More, Cityweed in BKLYN, and Clark in Firebringer. He has also performed as a soloist at New York’s The West End Lounge Cabaret. Garrett is thrilled to be working with Virginia Repertory Theatre again alongside the talented cast and crew of Waitress. He extends his deepest gratitude to the Virginia Repertory team for this incredible opportunity and thanks his friends, partner, and family for their unwavering support. Follow his journey at www.garrettdreese.com or on social media @Garrett.dreese.

Patrick Rooney, he/him (Actor 3) is an actor, musician, singer, director, and writer based in Richmond. Selected credits include: Moriarty, (VA Rep); Buried Child, Roman á Clef (Firehouse Theatre); Straight White Men (TheatreLab); The Lyons (Curtain Call Theatre); Big Maggie (Albany Civic Theatre). Film credits include: Deb and Seth Save the World, Earworm (DSP). Patrick also performs with a traditional Irish music ensemble throughout the region. He’d like to thank his wife, Claire, and those who advocate and support art in any form.

Josie Sledd, she/her, (Lulu) is thrilled to make her acting debut as Lulu in Waitress! She thanks her mom, dad, brother, grandparents, cousins, aunt and uncles, and her beloved cats for their love and support. A big thanks to her dance family at Barbara Hammond School of Dance and her amazing SPARC theater teachers. When she’s not on stage, Josie loves building with LEGO. She’s excited to share this special moment with everyone—especially her family!

Maria Carpinelli, she/her, (Swing) is so thrilled to be a part of this beautiful show! She is a brand new graduate from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) where she graduated with her degree in musical theatre. Most recently, Maria has been seen in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 at JMU (Sonya), Dragons Love Tacos at Va Rep (Leroy the Dog), and finished up her time at JMU as Jenny Hill in Big Fish! She is so excited to be joining this team and hopes you enjoy the show! Bring tissues!

Joey Gravins, he/him, (Swing) is excited to be back in Virginia Repertory Theatre for the production of Waitress. Past VA Rep credits include; Gold: The Midas Musical, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Santa Clues, and Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience. Other credits Include; Count Dracula, Drifty’s Picture-Perfect Holiday, and Schoolhouse Rock Live (Swift Creek Mill Theatre); Saturday Night Fever and Grease (Riverside Center); The Sound of Music (Wintergreen Resort); Firebringer (Dogwood Dell); Plaid Tidings (HTC); and he was last seen in Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook (HATTheatre). He would like to thank his family and friends for their support. For Papa.

Rick has worked as an award-winning, DC-based actor, director, filmmaker, and arts manager for over three decades.

He received a 2018 Helen Hayes Award for his direction of Lela & Co. and a 2020 Helen Hayes Award nomination for his direction of Agnes of God, both for Factory 449. Other directing credits include Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Revue’s The Brontes (New York Musical Theatre Festival), Reykjavik (Rorschach Theatre), Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight (WSC Avant Bard), Driving Miss Daisy featuring Karen Grassle (Riverside Center for the Performing Arts), Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook (Adventure Theatre MTC), Dead Man Walking (American University) and Closet Land (Factory 449).

As an actor, he has performed Off-Broadway and regionally, receiving a Helen Hayes Award for his turn as Hedwig in Signature Theatre’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as well as nominations for his work in Angels in America (Signature Theatre), Me and Jezebel (MetroStage) and Oliver! (Adventure Theatre MTC).

His debut film, signage, which he wrote, directed, and produced, has screened in over 60 film festivals worldwide, receiving 6 film festival awards and was subsequently licensed by MTV’s LOGO Channel.

He is a founder and the current Producing Artistic Director of Factory 449, the recipient of multiple Helen Hayes Awards, including the John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company, and the Executive Director of the Washington Area Performing Arts Video Archive (WAPAVA).

As Virginia Rep’s Artistic Director, he provides leadership of our programming, including our strategic planning processes. He is also our key liaison with the national theatre industry.

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