WHO'S WHO

Ian Allred (Ensemble). Tess of the d’Ubervilles was my English teacher’s favorite book my sophomore year of high school, so Ms. Smith, if you’re out there, I think you’d love this. Previous credits include Riff Raff / Eddie / Dr. Scott in Rocky Horror (different productions), Doctor / Escapologist / Sergei in Matilda (same production), Sargent of Police in The Pirates of Penzance, Chandler in Friends the Musical Parody, and as a vocalist for Princess Cruises. Co-host of SLAY!!! A Queer Buffy Podcast (née Recovering Gleek: A Glee Podcast). Occasionally posting (hopefully) funny videos @ijallred95 on Instagram. Find more at ianallred.com

Lindsey Belisle (Ensemble) is a Brooklyn-based performer and is thrilled to be back performing with Tess, A New Musical! She was seen most recently in Law & Order: SVU as Darcy Hamlin and originated the role of Juliet in the Off-Broadway production of Verona Falls at the Flea Theatre. She also recently produced and performed in a series of new play readings. Thank you to my amazing and supportive family. Training: Barnard College, British American Drama Academy. Rep: Eris Talent Agency. IG: @lindsbelisle

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Olivia Bernàbe (Rhetty) 54 Below debut - Thank you, Tess Team! A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Olivia (they/them) focuses on musical theatre, puppetry, and theatre for young audiences. In 2023, Olivia made their Off-Broadway debut in The Eric Carle Story Show, followed by The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show in 2024. They have also performed at various professional theatre companies including Ars Nova, La MaMa ETC, and HERE Arts Center. Most recently, Olivia played Anne in the satirical new musical Slam Frank, and will next be in D.C. as the Special Guest in Sesame Street: The Musical. For my Mama. IG: @oliviab_24

Kyra Lynn Burke (Tess Durbeyfield, Social Media Manager) is elated to return as Tess for the 5th time and to make her 54 Below debut! She recently appeared as Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol at the Argyle Theatre. Other credits include performances around NYC with Tabletop Broadway, and Off-Broadway with Drunk Musicals. Kyra is proudly represented by The Hell’s Kitchen Agency and sends heartfelt thanks to her agent, Brian Herrick. To Annie, Margot, Jordan, & Jen: Thank you for trusting me with Tess. Getting to know you all has been the best part of this journey. TikTok: @keekaleeek | IG: @kyralynnburke

Annabel Cromwell (Ensemble) is so excited to be back at 54 Below! Originally from Frederick, Maryland, Annabel studied classical vocal performance at the New England Conservatory before pivoting to musical theatre. She has recently been seen at numerous cabarets around the city, and was a part of Tess's original production at the Kraine Theater. In her spare time, she enjoys memorizing useless trivia knowledge and spending time with her cat, Oliver.

Sean Morán (Ensemble) is a Brownsville, TX native, now living in the Bronx. They received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a focus on Voice from UTRGV. With Tess, they got the privilege to perform as John Durbeyfield. At the Georgetown Palace Theatre, they were Pepper in Mamma Mia. They performed as Carl in Lonely Planet at ACC Theatre. They performed as William Desmond Taylor in the Alchemist production of Mack & Mable.

Angelique Rodriguez (Ensemble) (she/they) is very grateful to be performing again with Tess, A New Musical at 54 Below! She has trained with the Performing Arts Project and is a proud graduate of Vassar College, where she received her BA in Drama and Psychology. Some of their favorite roles include Susan Snell (Carrie), Joan (Fun Home), and Hope Cladwell (Urinetown). They have also been a part of various cabarets in the city and perform original music with their band all across NYC! Her latest performance was opening for Eurydice Off-Broadway at the Signature Theatre. When they’re not performing, you can find them at the NYU McSilver Institute, where they provide coordination with Peer Advocacy/Mental Health-related events across New York State. Special thanks to her cast/crew, loved ones, and mentors for always believing in her. www.angeliquerodriguez.squarespace.com IG: @angeliquerodriguezmusic | Tik Tok @authenticallyangelique

Pearle Shannon (Ensemble) (he/she/they) is thrilled to be working on Tess, A New Musical at 54 Below and making their 54 Below debut! He has just wrapped up Spectrum: A New Musical in Concert at Greenroom 42 and All About Mae at Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center. They are forever thankful for the love and support of their family, friends, and partner. Find them at www.pearleshannon.com | IG: @officialpearle.shannon. 

Malynne Smith (Liza Lu Durbeyfield) is a NYC-based singing actor. Recent NYC credits include Cat Kid Comic Club off Broadway (female U/S), Leaves (young Muriel), Maguires in Mineral Bluff (Josie). An original cast album debut with CKCC is to be released very soon. She's beyond excited to continue her theatrical journey with the phenomenal cast and crew of Tess. IG: @malynnesmith

John Henry Stamper (Angel Clare) (he/him) is thrilled and honored to be a part of this original musical. Past credits include Anthony in Sweeney Todd, King Basilius in Head Over Heels, and a soloist in concerts at 54 Below and Don’t Tell Mama. All the love to his friends and family for their everlasting support! IG: @johnhenrystamper

Christopher Brian Williams (Ensemble) has been seen on Broadway in Billy Elliot. Off-Broadway as Chad in Bedbugs! The Rock Musical and Danny in Freckleface Strawberry. Regional credits include Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof (Walnut Street), Ryan in High School Musical 2 (North Shore), featured roles at The Connecticut Opera, The Hartford Stage Company, North Carolina Theatre, The MUNY, A.C.T. of CT, Gateway Playhouse, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Summer Theatre of New Canaan and others. BFA from CCM. Christopherbrianwilliams.com IG: @christopherbrianwilliams
 

Mario Fontes (Bass) is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and music educator. He performs with an eclectic range of composers including Orchid McRae (orchidBB, House of Ax), Marc Edwards (Slipstream Time Travel) and Annie Mullee (Tess, A New Musical). He is dedicated to helping his collaborators express their creative visions and to performing works that promote liberation and community.

Dr. Vivek Menon (Violin) started playing violin at the age of 3. He has extensive performance experience in several styles of music and has worked with notable artists such as Jennifer Koh, Ray Chen, Graham Haynes, Daedelus, and members of the Kronos, Emerson, and JACK string quartets. He is a founding member and violinist of free improvised ensemble Dot Iso as well as a core member of avant-garde quintet orchiddBB. Vivek holds a doctorate degree from Stony Brook University, where he studied with Emerson Quartet violinist Phil Setzer. He holds a master's degree from Mannes School of Music and a bachelor's degree from UNC Chapel Hill.

Henry Oliver (Violin) is a violinist and composer from LA. After graduating from USC's film scoring program, they founded Queertet, LA's LGBTQ+ string quartet. Henry loves collaborating with all types of artists and genres, but musical theater holds a special place in their heart.

Adam Sapiro (Guitar) has been the guitar player of Tess since its first iteration at the Kraine Theater. He has also played guitar for other off-Broadway cabarets and musical revues, the most recent being In Harmony at Playhouse 46. Adam grew up in Miami, Florida. He holds an associate's degree in jazz vocal performance from Miami Dade College and a bachelor's degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has 13 years of experience playing guitar in many styles of music, including pop, rock, bluegrass, jazz, metal, and folk. He is also a very passionate music educator and is currently the Music Director of School of Rock NYC.

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Chris Veliz (Drums) is a drummer with a passion for collaboration. He is involved in several projects with many of today's band members: Jen Sapiro’s Buried Giant, among others with Mario Fontes and Adam Sapiro, and even Tess’s very own Annie Mullee. Chris is also a dedicated music instructor set on inspiring others to make music too. www.drumswithchris.com

Annie Mullee (Writer, Composer, Iz Heuette) (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based writer and musician from Cincinnati, Ohio. She studied Music (Vocal Performance) and Literature at Chapman University, where her love for storytelling through song and theater grew. In New York City, she released her debut album Stages, led a band performing across the city, and became part of the local music scene. Her latest project, Tess—created with Margot New and Jordan Yampolsky—premiered to a sold-out audience at the Kraine Theater in 2023. Outside of music and theater, Annie loves books, vegetarian food, and dogs (especially hers). She’s grateful for the continued opportunity to create in the world’s greatest city for the arts!

Jordan Yampolsky (Director, Marian) (she/her) is thrilled to be directing, producing, and performing in Tess at 54 Below!  Jordan is a Chapman University graduate and an NYA Award Winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical.  Laguna Playhouse audiences saw her in The Graduate starring Melanie Griffith, and she was featured in the 10th Anniversary Concert of Ryan Scott Oliver’s 35MM at 54 Below. More of her credits include Legally Blonde (Serena), Significant Other (Vanessa), and Cabaret (Fritzie). 

Jen Sapiro (Music Director, Band Lead) (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based operatic soprano, keyboardist, songwriter, and vocal coach. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance/Pedagogy from Stetson University. A versatile musician, Jen is equally at home in the genres of classical, musical theater, rock, folk, and jazz. She is the vocalist for avant-garde quartet orchiddBB and keyboardist for indie rock band Tree Signs. Jen’s project, Buried Giant, is a chamber pop vehicle for her own songwriting. As an educator, Jen emphasizes healthy technique and open communication. She teaches voice (including gender-affirming vocal training), piano, and songwriting in the greater New York City area.

Margot New (Producer, Video Graphics Designer) (she/her) is a producer, director, and founder of New Story Productions, with a career spanning theater, film, and live events. Early on, she pursued stage management, earning her BA in Theater Technology from Chapman University, before pivoting to film production. Margot has produced every iteration of Tess since its inception in 2021 and directed the 2023 concert at The Kraine Theater. She is passionate about pushing the boundaries of the performing arts through innovative storytelling and equitable collaboration. To Annie, Jordan, and Jen: Thank you for being trusted collaborators and beloved friends.