Asherella
Asherella is a take on Cinderella where the heroines are African-American females and the person rescued is a young white male. Asher lives at home with his cruel stepmother and cruel stepbrothers. With the help of The One, an African-American magical being who is the source of all Black Girl Magic, Asher is able to escape his cruel stepmother and stepbrothers and live in the castle with the ruler of the queendom.
Asherella is written by playwright Lori Taylor and directed by Laila Rodriques.
Biographies
Laila Rodriques
Laila Rodriques (Director) is a Chicago-based actor and recent graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University. Favorite credits include All Quiet on the Western Front (Red Tape Theatre) and The Wong Kids in the Secret of the Space Chupacabra, Go! (The Theatre School). She is thrilled to be making her directorial debut with Ghostlight Ensemble Theatre!
Cullen Clancy
Cullen Clancy (Michael) is excited to have the opportunity to take the stage with Ghostlight. Cullen proudly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Theater School at DePaul University, and is currently represented by Grossman & Jack Talent. He would also like to thank Laila Rodriguez for the chance to be a part of this fun filled journey into the Kingdom of Queen B.
Noah Glaser
Noah Glaser (Jordan) is from Los Angeles, California. He has a passion for ensemble devised work, theatre for young audiences, and new play development. His most recent credits include the world premieres of: Jeff and the Dead Girl; Good Samaritans; Growing Up Blue; and The Call of the Wild. Other past credits include: Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook, and Misalliance. Noah is also a certified wig-maker and wig-stylist with extensive training and work in stage makeup. When he’s not onstage or making wigs, Noah can be found attempting DIY home improvement projects and hanging out with his dog/bff, Pixie.
DANI MOHRBACH
Dani Mohrbach (Evil Stepmother) is thrilled to be working with Ghostlight Ensemble for the first time! Recent credits include Nan in Exit Pursued By a Bear (Joy Productions), Jade in Break Through (Death & Pretzels) and Toni in Last Laugh: A Contemporary Clown Tramedy (Clock Productions). Dani would like to thank her directors John and Laila, with an additional shout-out to Laila for letting her play an evil stepmother, since no one else ever casts her as a bad guy.
Joshua Parrack
Joshua Parrack (Asher) is pleased to make his Chicago stage debut after living and working in St. Louis for the past six years. Favorite credits from his time there include: Macbeth, Farragut North, August Osage County, Elephant's Graveyard and Gossip. Joshua holds a Bachelor of Arts in both drama and anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis. He would like the thank C, A, D, A, and K for all their love and support.
Toma Lynn Smith
Toma Lynn Smith (The One, Asherella) is thrilled to work with Ghostlight Ensemble again. She was previously seen in Traitor (A Red Orchid Theatre), Little Match Girl Passion (Facility Theatre) and Best for Winter (Idle Muse Theatre Company). She received her training from Acting Studio Chicago, Babes With Blades, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, The Second City and Vagabond School of the Arts. She dedicates this performance to her nieces and nephews.
Courtney Marie Tucker
Courtney Marie Tucker (Queen B) is an artist originally from Chicago, and is proud to return, but also calls Jackson, Tennessee home. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in theatre and speech from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and is currently a graduating Master of Fine Arts actor at The Theatre School at DePaul University. Theatre School credits include #25 in The Wolves, Sister Evangelique in Our Lady of Kibeho, Maria in Twelfth Night and Kayla in Jane of The Jungle. Courtney is honored to be at Ghostlight for the first time and looks forward to what the future has in store.
Brennan Urbi
Brennan Urbi (Scottie) is excited to work with Ghostlight for the first time! Previous Chicago credits include: Peter and the Starcatcher (Big Noise Theatre); The Rover, Two Gentlewomen (Lakeside Shakespeare); Baby with the Bathwater (Eclipse Theatre); Walk Across America…, Animal Farm, A Touch of Madness and Urinetown (Miller Studio); My Dear Boy (Pride Films and Plays). Brennan is one semester from receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting, from the Chicago College of Performing Arts. All the love for my family, friends and mentors — thanks for your endless support. Proudly represented by Paonessa Talent.