AMDA Alumni in the News - February 12, 2021
February 12, 2021 - Alumni
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Ebony Marshall-Oliver ’05 will reprise her role as “Beverly” in a live virtual reading of Chicken and Biscuits, directed by Zhailon Levingston ’15. Tickets are available to purchase for the live stream on February 27 and a recorded option that can be viewed through March 3.
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
TV / FILM
Natalie Zea ’95:
Stars as “Karen” in the dark romantic comedy, Happily. The film will be available in theatres, on digital, and on demand starting March 19. Check out the new trailer here. Natalie recently appeared on ET to discuss joining the cast of CBS’ The Unicorn. Natalie stars as “Shannon” alongside former Justified co-star Walton Goggins.
Phillip Garcia ‘09:
Appeared in the McDonald’s and Anheuser-Busch Super Bowl commercials. Last August, Phillip led a virtual master class about his experiences in the industry for TippityTop Theatre Company, founded by AMDA alumna Jackee Frome (Bianchi) ’12.
Natalie Hall ’07:
Stars in Fit for a Prince, premiering as part of Hallmark Channel’s “Spring Fling” programming on March 6 at 9PM EST. Encore showings will air throughout March. Natalie starred in the 2020 holiday releases Midnight at the Magnolia on Netflix and A Very Charming Christmas Town on Lifetime.
Julia Konrad ‘12:
Stars as “Gabriela” in the Brazilian TV show Invisible City on Netflix. Julia released her second single “Colores” last year, available on all streaming platforms.
Sam Underwood ‘07:
Stars as “Adam Carrington” in Dynasty on the CW, renewed for season 5. Sam performed in "Oscar & Walt" in the New Works Virtual Festival last October.
WEB
Vasthy Mompoint ’99:
Founded and hosts the show Vasthy’s Friends, which will celebrate Black History Month with two virtual events. Vathy appeared on NCIS last month. Vasthy made her feature film debut in The Prom on Netflix, currently nominated for Critics Choice and Golden Globe Awards.
Michael Restaino '15, Amanda Felicia Foote '14, Bryce Charles '15, Sy Chounchoaisit '15, and Joshua Tavares '13:
Featured in The Music of: RENT, A Celebration of the 25th Anniversary, produced and directed by Michael. The virtual cabaret airs on February 18 at 7 PM EST on Michael Anthony Theatrical's YouTube channel.
Kyle Taylor Parker ’08:
Set to perform in Diamond Delirium, a virtual party and fundraiser celebrating Forestburgh Playhouse’s 75th anniversary on February 24 at 6:30 PM EST. Kyle was a guest on Thursday’s episode of Backstage LIVE with Richard Ridge. His new concept solo album “Broadway Soul, Vol. 2” is now available to purchase and stream!
Jason Derulo ’06:
Joins Radio.com on their Facebook for a conversation in honor of Black History Month on February 12 at 1:00 PM EST. Jason is nominated for FAVORITE MALE SOCIAL STAR at the 2021 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, airing March 13 at 7:30 PM EST.
Amanda Kloots ‘02:
Discusses grief and seeing beauty in the world during the pandemic in 92Y’s virtual talk The Beauty of What Remains: Rabbi Steve Leder in Conversation with Amanda Kloots on February 23 at 7:30 PM EST. Amanda also discusses resilience on a new episode of the podcast Teach Me Something New with Brit Morin.
PODCAST
Adante Carter ’14:
Leads The Say-La-Vees in One Million Musical’s latest podcast musical Lady Jane’s Radio Takeover. Adante performed in NBC’s One Night Only: The Best of Broadway on December 10 benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Schele Williams ’91:
Guest on the new episode of Mama’s Talkin’ Loud podcast. Schele directed the “Seasons of Love / Let the Sunshine In” mashup with Christopher Jackson ‘94 and Peppermint ’99 for the Celebrating America broadcast, honoring the Biden-Harris inauguration. Schele discssued the making of the video on Stars in the House.
Clara (Cheng Liang) Tan ’20:
Hosts and gamemasters the podcast "Star Trek: Columbia.” Clara also voices “Finley,” Director of the Interstellar Criminal Investigation Agency, in the podcast Starcrossed. Season 1 is now available on streaming platforms.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Anita Reyes ’99:
Is an educator for Teatro Vision in Santa Clara Valley CA, and participated in their “La Hora del Mitote” weekly conversation on February 5 about how theater can contribute to students' education. Anita founded The Newyorkettes, is a company member of World Renowned El Teatro Campesino, and is Head of the Theatre Arts Department at San Jose City College.
Vanessa Price ’05:
Author of Big Macs & Burgundy, named on this week’s Washington Post Bestsellers list. Vanessa appeared on TODAY to provide some budget-friendly wine pairings for Valentine’s Day menus. Vanessa is also a partner of Maverick’s, a restaurant opening in Montauk in 2022.