Cast for the Austin Production
Frazier "Fritz" Blaw (Shorty and Company)
Fritz has been an active contact /post modern dancer/performer since 1989. His experience includes performances with Deborah Hay, Heloise Gold, Sally Jacques, Jim Fritzler/Big State, and The New Movement. Fritz has been an Inline Skate teacher since 1990 and the psychedelic mascot of the Lonestar Rollergirls Banked Track Roller Derby since 2003. After reffing for the first 6 years (2002-2008) of Texas Roller Derby (T.X.R.D.), the Masterblader has continued as the Mascot. Additionally, Fritz created Motorblade Postering Service, which provides flyer and poster-hanging services for bands, shows, and businesses in Austin, TX.
Otis Cook (Pan, the Radio and Company)
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Otis is a Creative Director, Choreographer, Performance Artist, and Teacher. www.ocperformance.carbonmade.com
Jack Darling (The Magician Lenny and Company)
Jack is an award winning writer, magician, Rascal and Romantic. Out to prove Beautiful Thangs Come From Trailer Parks....Y'all. Recently did a two part series called Jack Be Nimble for Strangers podcast.
Has performed at Bedpost Confessions, Velvetta Room, Cap City Comedy and perhaps even in your living room. www.JackDarlingMagic.com
Diedre Ehule (The Young Josephine and Company)
Diedre has been acting and performing in musicals since elementary school, but decided to take her acting career more serious after graduating with her Masters in Public Health in 2015. Since then she has been in numerous short films, web series and industrial projects. Earlier this year she landed a role at Southwestern University’s Jones Theatre in the production of In The Next Room as Elizabeth. In her spare time, Diedre enjoys taking acting classes to enhance her craft and lying around with a good book.
Anna Maria Garcia (The Madam Candy Barr and Company)
Anna is a former Miss San Diego (Texas, that is), a Christmas baby (Capricorn with an Aries moon), REALTOR (Armstrong Group, LC), voice, film, stage actor, an activist and Mom of a 5 year old miracle child named Veronica. Her favorite projects include her musical national road shows (Brio Entertainment LLC), theatre (4 Guys Named Jose Y Una Mujer Named Maria), announcing the numbers for the Texas Lottery live, in Spanish working with Texas Hall of Fame Singer Tina Marsh on the Circle of Light for 10 years, singing with CHORUS AUSTIN and ALL of Amparo's projects. Anna earned an Austin Critic's Table Best Supporting for her 10 characters in Amparo's critically acclaimed Under a Western Sky. Anna studied voice with Sylvia Gallo for 10 years and is a Cantor in music ministry. Anna would like to thank her Sister Ampie for creating roles that bring out her "higher talent" on stage and for her unyielding patience, love and support while she exorcised "entities" in rehearsals over the years. Anna would also like to thank Michael for giving her the best role of her life: a Mom.
Surya Garcia-Crow (The Young Candy Barr and Company)
Surya has been immersed in theater her whole life. She has been blessed with two very creative and loving parents who have always supported her in her creative endeavors. She is native Austinite and proud of it. This musical has been one of the most challenging acting experiences she has undergone but also one of the most memorable. It is so important to her to be able to tell this story with such a talented cast and crew. This story can be hard to swallow at times, but Surya dares you all to allow yourselves to strip any preconceived notions of what you believe you are going to witness today. Because if she’s being really real with you…we are daring to tell the truth and hopefully your presence here means that you are daring to listen.
Isaac Garza (Lenny at the Mic)
Isaac is an actor and writer from Laredo, TX. His background is mostly in comedy where he has worked as an intern for Conan O’Brien, CBS Comedy, and studied improv at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade. You can see him perform around Austin with his troupe Eenie Meanie Beanie Babies.
Jolie Goodnight (The Dancer Candy Barr and Company )
Jolie is an international jazz singer, burlesque chanteuse, pin up model, and actress. Classically trained in Theatre and Dance at St. Edward’s University and The University of San Diego, she has starred in productions including Footloose, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Way of the World. Goodnight is a member of The Jigglewatts Burlesque Revue and an instructor at The Austin Academy of Burlesque. Her album "Say Goodnight Gracey” was released in 2011, she’s been awarded Miss Tiki Oasis 2015, Runner Up Miss Viva Las Vegas 2012, and won "Best Tease" and "Audience Choice" at the Texas Burlesque Festival in 2012.
Stephanie Hunt (Etta, Velda and Company )
Stephanie is an actress, musician, writer, and songwriter from Austin, Texas. She has appeared on Friday Night Lights (NBC), Californication (Showtime), Glee (Fox), Greek (ABC FAMILY), The Catch (ABC). She was a cast member on How To Live With Your Parents For The Rest of Your Life (ABC), and Your Family or Mine (TBS). She has appeared in two Indie Movies Somebody Up There Likes Me, and Poorboy, and starred in the SYFY channels halloween original movie, The Hollow. She currently is living in Austin, writing and collaborating with the creative community in her life.
David Kendall (Doc Slusher and Company)
David was born in rural, northwest Tennessee where he heard some of the incredible stories that he’s told at various events in New Orleans and Austin, as well as on the NPR storytelling show, The Moth. He got his performing start through improv at The New Movement and was a founding member of a troupe that produced a weekly variety comedy show in New Orleans. He's also a singer, songwriter, musician, and writer.
Feliz Dia McDonald (Diva Josephine and Company)
Feliz (quadruple threat) Dia McDonald hails from Columbia, Mo. Before coming to Austin, she graduated from American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, where she studied Theatre, Music, and Dance. Feliz Dia has been very active in the Austin theatre/ film community. Some of her favorite productions include, but not limited to: Funny House of a Negro, Robert Johnson trick the Devil, Anything Goes, Red Balloon, Seven Wonders of The World (plus one), Julius Caesar, Sycorax, Beauty is The Best Priest, Single Black Female, and Pretty Fire (just to name a few) with ACC, Tongue and Groove Theatre, Present Company Theatre, Weird Sister Theatre Collective, ACC/Pro-Arts, UT, and Spectrum Theatre Company (member). She was ecstatic to be wearing a Director/Choreographer's hat and been given the opportunity to direct/ choreograph "Color Struck" in Beauty Is the Best Priest for ACC. Just completed Rosetta, A Musical. It's been an honor to portray Josephine Baker and be an ensemble member. Thanks, Amparo Garcia-Crow for this opportunity. Also thanks to the composer Arthur Shane, talented cast, and crew. "Team Work Makes The Dream Work." Feliz Dia would like to thank god, family, friends and supporters for your continual, unconditional support and love. Most of all thanks to: YOU, yes YOU!!… for coming to see the show!! Please follow me on facebook or twitter for upcoming projects. ENJOY!!!
Tolly Moseley (J.C. Tootin', Aerialist)
Tolly loves aerial! She began her aerial dance training in 2011 at Blue Lapis Light, where she now teaches aerial silks. She is a proud company member and co-owner of Rapt Aerial Dance, whom she has been dancing with since 2013. Specializing in aerial silks, Tolly has performed at some of the most iconic theaters in Texas, including the Tobin Center in San Antonio and the ACL Moody Theater in Austin. She is a regular cast member of Austin Oddities, and continues her training by studying with aerialists from all over the country, including Sante Fe's Paper Doll Militia, Pittsburgh's Iron City Circus Arts, Banyan Aerial, Holly Ann Jarvis, and Dara Minkin. In addition to silks, she enjoys training on aerial hammock, static trapeze, and harness.
On terra firma, Tolly is forever indebted to her dance teachers and choreographers, especially Austin-based Roxane Gage, Catherine Solaas, and Darla Johnson. In 2017, Tolly was a regular cast member of the 11:11 modern dance series from Jennifer Sherburn and Natalie George, which won a 2017 Austin Critic's Table Award from the Austin Chronicle. Tolly loves intersectional art and collaboration, and is continually inspired by her students and by the creative souls around her.
Tanner Parker (Billy Dabbs and Company)
Tanner is an Austin native who studied Theatre Arts at Baylor University. He is an alumni of the Theatre Department at Rouse High School. He has performed as Henry Jekyll in Chemical Imbalance, Lord John of Lancaster in Henry IV, Nikos in Big Love, and King Arthur in scenes from Spamalot. Apart from being a thespian, he is a musician with a deep love for the arts. He would like to thank his loving family and friends for all of the support.
Terri Lynn Raridon (Choreographer, Mae Weinstein and Company)
Lynn earned her BFA in dance from the University of Texas in 1983. She was a featured performer and co-choreographer in the Dee McCandless Dance company Invisible Inc. from 1982-92, performing locally and nationally and featured on PBS in the video short "Aquamirabilis" on Alive from Off Center. Lynn has been performing in, choreographing and directing musicals in Austin since 1982. Show credits include: Gypsy, The Boyfriend, La Cage Aux Folles, The King and I, Carousel, Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum w/ Joe Sears and Jaston Williams of Greater Tuna fame, Jesus Christ Superstar, Will Rogers Follies, Divine Words, Four Guys Named Jose and Fame. In 2004, Lynn transitioned her directing talents into the burlesque revival started in Austin by Kitty Kitty Bang Bang and became their Consulting Artistic Director and guest choreographer from 2004-2009, in which time she created 2 signature pieces for the group and contributed movement, ideas and choreographic oversight to numerous other pieces. Currently, Lynn directs most of her talents to event production and serves as Director and Co-Producer of the Texas Burlesque Festival ( 2008-present) and Co-producer and Talent coordinator for The Austin Zombie Ball (2011-present). Lynn has been a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for the State of Texas and a Director of local non-profit, Bill Hicks Foundation for Wildlife and Wolfdog Rescue since 1998. She is the co-owner and operator of iconic and award winning local business Forbidden Fruit with her sister Jere. She was an adjunct faculty member/teacher in the Kinesiology and Dance Departments at Austin Community College (1987-2015). Blissfully married, she is the mother of one.
Alejandro Rose-Garcia (Deus ex Machina)
Known as "Shakey Graves,” Alejandro is an Americana musician whose music is a cross between blues, country and rock and roll who performs at many festivals and concert venues around the U.S. and abroad. Whenever possible, he enjoys acting in films, television and plays--especially his collaborations with friends and family which in some cases he's been doing since before he was born! (Check out Shakey Graves videos.)
Ben Seidman (The Sgt. Bumpers Lenny and Company)
Ben is a singer, musician, and actor who holds a BFA in theater from NYU and an MAT in music education from the University of the Arts. Ben has played roles in New York, regionally, and in national tours. Some shows include Pippin (Pippin), The Spitfire Grill (Joe Sutter), Rocky Horror (Rocky), Sweeney Todd (Pirelli) and Waiting for Godot (Estragon). Ben has been teaching music and theater at ASPVA and his private voice and acting Studio.
Skye Stickler (Bud Collyer, Jo Boullion, Gay Talese and Company)
Austin’s emerging pop artist Skye Strickler is breaking barriers with his cross-pop, genre-bending songwriting skills. His EP “DNA” has won him the John Lennon Songwriting Contest twice this year, and Austin.com & The Orange County Register both called him a “rising star” last month. He’s been named Austin Music Foundation’s May Artist of the Month, headlined Portland Pride Festival, and partnered with Facebook at Austin Pride this August for a live performance of his single “Dance the Night Away.”
Ryan Alexander Williams (Mickey Cohen and Company)
Ryan is a student director, writer and working actor based in Austin, TX. Originating from Brownsville, TX, he relocated to Austin to strengthen his craft and become involved in a more productive theatrical community. He’s made appearances in ACC shows, such as: All My Sons, Euridice, Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] and more. He would like to thank his family, friends and others who share their support in his endeavors. It has been an honor working with such a fantastic cast and crew, and he hopes you all enjoy the show.
Creative for the Austin Production
Amparo Garcia-Crow (Book and Lyrics, Director)
Amparo is an inter-disciplinary artist who acts, sings, directs, and writes plays, screenplays, and songs. As a playwright, Garcia-Crow has been developed at South Coast Repertory Theatre and has had world premieres Off-Broadway, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Latino Chicago and various theaters and universities in the Southwest and beyond.
Recently, as an artist in residence with NYC’s Mabou Mines, she began developing Strip a new musical which will receive its world premiere in Austin in January 2018. Her other musical Appeal: The New American Musical of Mexican Descent has been featured in Hector Galen’s PBS documentary: Visiones: Latino Art and Culture on PBS.
As an actress, Amparo has performed at the Kennedy Center and other regional theaters in the Southwest and can be seen on NBC’s Friday Night Lights and ABC’s The Lying Game.
As a director, Amparo has received the prestigious NEA/TCG Director’s Fellowship and worked on new play development at various theaters including the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Her most recent film, Love in the Sixties is currently in film festivals; Death Rattle which she wrote and produced premiered at the Los Angeles Latino International and Cine las Americas; Loaves and Fishes (which she also stars in) aired on the PBS series Territories, after premiering at SXSW Film Festival and the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. She has also been a Master Acting teacher for the MFA Acting program at the University of Texas where she also taught directing and playwriting.
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Locally, she is the founder and host of The Living Room: Storytime for Grownups, teaches in Austin Community College’s Creative Writing and Drama Departments, and is an Ecstatic Dance facilitator at Yoga Yoga.
And most importantly, she is the proud mother of two very creative beings, Alejandro Rose-Garcia (aka Shakey Graves) and the lovely Surya Garcia-Crow who you can regularly enjoy in various commercials, films, tv projects and plays.
Arthur Shane (Composer, Additional Lyrics)
Arthur is the Composer for STRIP! and an earlier musical original work, Appeal, also with long-time writing partner, Amparo Garcia-Crow. Arthur resides in Los Angleles where his keyboard skills can be heard on soundtracks including Dolphins (IMAX Feature), the Rugrats Movie, and Disney Feature, Rushmore. His formal studies with Colombia-Princeton music lab veterans Davidovskya and Lester Trimble juxtaposed by years of work with groups including The Drifters, Vito /& the Saluions and commercial writing, including Station IDS for MTV, Citibank and other clients have helped to hone his unique musical sensibilities.
Arthur has served as an active Music Educator for the past 20 yeas; As Chairperson for The Performing Art Department at University High School, he was responsible for bringing in more than $1.5 million in matching funds to completely transform a 3500 SF' space into a state-of-the art keyboard lab and recording studio. After spending many years wondering just when 'Spielberg' would call, turned out it was Amparo who called me to see if I was intersted in this musical theater adventure known as Strip. I am grateful for the trust and love she has brought to this collaboration and to all the amazing talent drawn to our work here in Austin that have brought it to life.
David Rose (Sets and Lighting)
David is a swashbuckling, nomadic, musical mystic with tendencies towards beauty, individuality, fierce self-determinism and although he is slow, he is also dense. He has had a long career in technical theatre. He then switched to construction to actually make money, toured all over the country with a trippy new age show called The Living Tarot for 4 years in a converted 64 greyhound bus, and currently is performing his own music around town while preparing to record his first album....as he often says, "time to quit this pesky day job."
John Henderson (Music Director)
John is a pianist, composer, music director, and teacher. A newcomer to Austin, John hails from the D.C./Baltimore area and brings a rich performance background in musical theater, chamber music, and art song. His compositions range from orchestral to musical theater and have been performed at the Washington International Piano Series, the Rolfs Piano Series, the International Double Reed Society Convention, the Kennedy Center’s Page to Stage Festival, and Pope Francis’s visit to the United States. He has served as musical theater faculty at both The Catholic University of America and Montgomery College. He currently freelances as a pianist and music director and teaches piano, theory, composition, and voice at Greater Austin Music Academy and Georgetown Palace Theatre.
Kate Blaising (Videographer, Photographer)
Kate is a photographer and filmmaker with heavy influences from music. She is a fierce supporter of the music and art community, her photos tell stories, give shape to emotions, and solve mysteries. Her experience includes directing and creating music videos, live music photography, documenting and touring with some local artists like Calliope Musicals, Otis the Destroyer, Lowin and Quiet Company to name a few. She finds the vulnerability in her subjects-- and somehow manages to capture introspective secrets that are typically hidden from the eye of the outsider. www.KateBlaising.com
Stephen Bittrich (Dramaturg)
Stephen lived most of his adult life pursuing acting, then playwriting in New York City. His most fruitful period was working with The Drilling Company Theater for 15 years on the Upper West Side where he had 15 plays, shorts and full-lengths, produced there over the years including his favorite short play, La Mouche, a riff on the old “fly in the soup” gag featuring two overzealous French waiters. His plays or monologues have been published 9 times, including his full-length Texas comedy, Home of the Great Pecan, which is available for licensing through Broadway Play Publishing. One-acts and excerpts from full-lengths may be read at – www.StephenBittrich.com
Robin Anderson (Co-Stage Manager)
Robin has been involved in theater, both on-stage and behind-the-scenes, since she was a child. Favorite roles have included Ellen Terry in Christopher Durang’s The Actor’s Nightmare, Edna Louise in Ed Graczyk’s Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, and Bridgey Sullivan in Patrick Shanahan’s OZ. Robin is also a writer and artist. She lives in Austin, TX with her cat, Puck, and dog, Ruby.
Rodolfo Galván (Co-Stage Manager)
Rodolfo is a computer engineering student at Austin Community College and specializes in web development and design. He created Amparo Garcia-Crow's website and has created online utilities for other companies. Additionally, Rodolfo has had an affinity for music and theatre his whole life which sparked his initial attraction to STRIP.