Penumbra

LOU BELLAMY (Co-conceiver & Producer) is the founder and artistic director of Penumbra Theatre. He has been a member of the University of Minnesota's faculty for 31 years and is currently appointed to the rank of Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Recent awards include the 2007 OBIE for Direction and the 2006 McKnight Distinguished Artist Award. His most recent directing credits include Fences and The Piano Lesson at Penumbra, and A Raisin in the Sun staged at Cleveland Play House, co-produced by Penumbra, Cleveland, and Arizona Theatre. This co-production will also be staged at the Guthrie Theater this season.

KEITH McCUTCHEN (Musical Director) is a composer/arranger, pianist, and choral director. He has received numerous commissions and grants for his religious choral music as well as his original jazz compositions and arrangements. Under a national endowment grant, Mr. McCutchen was commissioned to write a composition that combined the elements of gospel and jazz. This piece was written for a community choir and was accompanied by legendary jazz artists: pianist Kenny Baron, the late Stanley Turrentine on saxophone, bassist Richard Davis, and Carl Allen on drums. Mr. McCutchen received the Al Smith fellowship for his arrangements of the music of John Coltrane and Miles Davis. As a jazz pianist Keith has performed behind such artist as Mel Torme, Doc Severnson, Diane Shurr, and bassist Richard Davis. The American Spiritual Ensemble, The St. Olaf Choir, Anton Armstrong Director, The St. Olaf Gospel Choir, Trumpeter Michael Suman, as well as The Twin Cities Gospel Choir have recorded Mr. McCutchen’s compositions. He has choral works published by Earthsongs Publishing. Mr. McCutchen is currently music director at Pilgrim Baptist Church. This is Keith’s second season as music director of Black Nativity.

URI SANDS (Choreographer) A principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for five years, he also danced with Minnesota Dance Theatre and James Sewell Ballet, as a guest artist with Complexions under the direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, and as a principal dancer with North Carolina Dance Theatre. He has choreographed for Zenon Dance, North Carolina Dance Theater, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He was awarded a 2004 McKnight Artist Fellowship and a 2005 Princess Grace Award in choreography. Uri Sands and Toni Pierce-Sands received the 2005 Sage Cowles Best Performance Award, and were named 2005 Artists of the Year by the Star Tribune.

AUSTENE VAN (Director & Ensemble Choreographer) directs Penumbra's Black Nativity for the second year. She recently performed in Penumbra's production of Gem of the Ocean, staged at the Guthrie. Other select Penumbra credits include Blue, Dinah Was, The Trial, and Blues for an Alabama Sky. She has also performed at The Children's Theatre, Mixed Blood, Guthrie Theater, Pantages, and The Saint Louis Repertory Theatre. Television credits include Vernie and The Shakedown. Musical endeavors include singing on tour with Karyn White, and writing and co-producing her own album.

RONALD ALOIS SCHULTZ (Stage Manager) has been working as an actor, stage manager, production assistant, and sound board operator in the Twin Cities since 1992. A company member of Penumbra Theatre, Ron has worked on over 60 productions at Penumbra including Jitney, Stage Directions, and the 2006 production of Ain’t Misbehavin’. He has also worked on productions at Mixed Blood, Illusion, Eye of the Storm, Fitzgerald, Pantages, Frank, and Alchemy theatres. Ron was the company manager of Pillsbury House Theatre’s touring production Breaking Ice in 2003 and 2004 and was the assistant stage manager for the Carlson Honors 2005 Awards for the Carlson Company at the State Theatre. He provided technical support for Roxanne Wallace’s Evolution of a Soul Sista at Patrick’s Cabaret and designed the set for Riff Raff at Pillsbury House (2006). Ron is currently pursuing his B.A. in Social Science and his Secondary Teacher Licensure at Metropolitan State University.

ERIKA BLACKWELL (Ensemble) is a Chicago native and alumnus of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Ms. Blackwell began formal vocal instruction at an early age, studying with members of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Northwestern University. Starting at the age of 12, she toured for four years with the hip-hop theater company Good Vibes Prevention Theater Troupe. Ms. Blackwell recently performed her original music at First Avenue, Minneapolis Cafe and the 2005 Juneteenth Celebration. She has sung with the University of Minnesota Jazz Band and Chamber Singers. Ms. Blackwell has also appeared as a soloist at various events including the Men’s Gopher Basketball games, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Lecture Series, and the 2005 Rondo Oratorio at Concordia University. She is in the process of completing a solo R&B album produced by Melody Beats Entertainment. Black Nativity is her first professional theater production.

ASHLEY COMMODORE (Ensemble) was born into a truly musical family. So, it is not unusual that she displays talent, wisdom and creativity beyond her 18 years. She is a senior at DeLaSalle High School, Minneapolis MN where she plays flute in Concert Band, and is alto section leader in the Choir. She has appeared in every musical since she started at DeLaSalle and was cast in the lead role of Dorothy in The Wiz as a sophomore. She has studied at the Children’s Theatre, has performed at numerous school and church events, and has lent her voice to several recording projects. She enjoys track, dance, and is a member of DeLaSalle High School’s state and national championship competitive cheer team.

GINGER COMMODORE (Ensemble) has been a member of the Twin Cities music scene for many years and was recently inducted into the Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame. During the summer, Ginger appeared as a featured soloist in Jazz at Lincoln Center, NYC with the Lincoln High School Choir of Thief River Falls, MN. She is currently a teaching artist with the Vocalessence Witness School Program. Through this program students of all ages in Minnesota schools have the opportunity to interact with nationally renowned African American artists, writers, storytellers, musicians, and dancers.

CAMERON HUGHES (Ensemble) was last seen at Penumbra in Black Nativity-A Homecoming. Cameron has been a featured performer on the nationally syndicated Maury Povich Show. In 2003, Cameron won first place in the Minnesota State Fair Talent Competition, and also performed the National Anthem at a Minnesota Lynx WNBA game. Cameron’s most renowned accomplishment to date is a personal invitation from Stevie Wonder to perform at his annual House of Toys Event in Los Angeles, California in December 2003. Cameron shared the same stage with Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Michael McDonald, India.Arie and a host of other artists and legends.

TONIA HUGHES KENDRICK (Ensemble) has been a featured soloist in numerous concerts and recordings, including background vocals for Mary J. Blige's single "No More Drama," vocals for gospel artist Judith McAllister, and opening for gospel artist Fred Hammond. Tonia also has a solo project, "Just For Hymn," and was nominated by Minnesota Music Academy for the 2004 Gospel Artist of the Year. She appeared in the debut of Encounters at Minneapolis' Southern Theater. This is Tonia’s fifth consecutive year performing in Black Nativity at Penumbra Theatre.

GEOFF JONES (Ensemble) can be heard at local music venues performing his distinctive vocal blend of jazz, soul, and gospel. Mr. Jones is a touring member of the Grammy Award-winning music ensemble “Sounds of Blackness,” with whom he has performed and recorded with Stevie Wonder, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, BeBe Winans and numerous others. He is the voice of the title character in Disney’s animated short feature, John Henry. Mr. Jones has graced local stages in feature roles in Mishegoss at the Women’s Club of Minneapolis Theatre, Wild Swans at In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, and the “Sounds of Blackness” production of The Night Before Christmas at the Fitzgerald Theater. He has also appeared in Amazing Grace at Illusion Theater. Mr. Jones has been seen at Penumbra in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Lost In The Stars, and the inaugural year of Black Nativity. Mr. Jones also does commercial work in television, radio, and print. In addition, he is busy with music recordings, and as an artist and designer.

PATRICA A. LACY-AIKEN (Ensemble) has been back up vocalist for the past six years for Luther Vandross on national and international tours, and has made several television appearances as part of his group. She is also a longstanding member of the Grammy award-winning “Sounds of Blackness.” Ms. Lacy-Aiken has been singing all her life. As a member of the Minnesota Gospel Twins she sang weekly on “Your Church on the Air” on KSTP for over 20 years and on “The Prairie Home Companion” with Garrison Keillor on Minnesota Public Radio for eight years. Ms. Lacy-Aiken has been involved in musical theatre, working with SteppingStone Theater as a musical director for several plays such as Sweet Freedom, MLK, and The Black Snowman. She was cast in the role of “Ronette” in the Twin Cities stage production of Little Shop of Horrors. Her versatility with gospel, jazz, and R&B makes her a much sought after vocalist. She has been featured at such events as the Minneapolis Urban League Annual Dinner, the Minnesota Twins’ games, and most recently as the opening act for gospel recording artist Karen Clark-Sheard.

GRETA OGLESBY (Ensemble) has performed in several productions at Penumbra including The Piano Lesson, Black Nativity – A Homecoming, Dinah Was, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, and A Love Song for Miss Lydia. She has performed at the Guthrie Theater, Goodman Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Steppenwolf Theatre, Dreamstreet Theatre, ETA Theatre, the Chicago Theatre Company, and played the role of "Aunt Ester" in the world premiere of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean. Television and film credits include Early Edition and Unsolved Mysteries, Passing Minds, Time Saved, Four-way Stop, The Fugitive, My Life, and Conversations with God. Awards include the Joseph Jefferson Award and two Black Theatre Alliance Awards for Best Actress.

JAMELA PETTIFORD (Ensemble) comes from a theatrical and musical family, singing since the age of four, and performing since the age of eight. Ms. Pettiford has spent many years with Walker West Music Academy. Recently, Ms. Pettiford has been seen dancing in a Mall of America television commercial, and in a Qwest commercial. Ms. Pettiford runs her own business, “Singing Down The Reign,” where she sings for businesses, banquets, weddings, and funerals. In addition, Ms. Pettiford is an actress, teacher, and singing coach. As a singer, she has recently performed for “Chosen to Achieve,” the “Boy Scouts,” “Limited 30,” the “Martin Luther King Rally,” and many others. Ms. Pettiford is currently working on her debut CD.

THOMASINA PETRUS (Ensemble) was most recently seen at Penumbra in Ain’t Misbehavin’. She has also performed at Mixed Blood, Illusion, and Old Arizona Theater. Thomasina cultivated her talents as an actor and jazz vocalist through mentorship and friendship with some of the Twin Cities most beloved artists including James “Cornbread” Harris, Sr., Jevetta Steele, Stokley, Regina Williams, Prince, T. Mychael Rambo, and Lou Bellamy. Thomasina established her own production company where her first production, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill by Lanie Robertson, allowed her to portray Billie Holiday, her musical muse. Her tribute CD “If Only...Billie Unsung” continues to sell locally and worldwide. Thomasina can be seen regularly performing in local jazz venues.

T. MYCHAEL RAMBO (Co-conceiver & Ensemble) returns for his 17th year in Black Nativity. Other recent Penumbra credits include The Piano Lesson and Gem of the Ocean. T. Mychael has performed with the Guthrie, Illusion, Minnesota Opera, The Ordway, Mixed Blood, Park Square and Hey City. He has performed at Carnegie Hall with the Minnesota Orchestra, throughout the United States and Canada as well as Europe, Africa and Brazil. Television and film credits include HBO's Laurel Avenue, Endeavor, She Led Two Lives, Mighty Ducks, Crossing the Bridge, Grumpy Old Men, The Cure, Equinox, Wooly Boys and Justice. T. Mychael is the recipient of a 2008 Emmy Award for a regional KTCA documentary/community programming series, Minnesota Minute.

JACK YATES (Ensemble) is a member of the renowned James Grear and Company of Minneapolis where he serves as one of the lead singers and staff songwriters of GrearCo Productions. He has toured and recorded extensively with this ensemble. Several of these recordings have reached national acclaim. Jack has worked with the famous duo, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, performing on The Prince of Egypt and Emperor’s New Groove soundtracks. He is well known for his vocals on “Don’t Give Up (1998), “Set Me Free” (2000) and “Peace Be Still” (2002), all of which he recorded on the James Grear Projects. Jack provided the lead vocals on a remake of Youngblood’s classic from the 70s, “Get Together,” which has received rave reviews in both the gospel and mainstream markets. Jack graduated from St. Olaf College in 1994.

BERNARD BROWN (Dancer) hails from Los Angeles, CA. He honed his craft at Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Idyllwild Arts Academy, Dance Theater of Harlem, Southern Methodist University and SUNY Purchase (BFA, Dance). Dancing professionally since age 16, Mr. Brown has been seen on stages nationally and in Europe, including the Kennedy Center, Peacock Theater (London’s West End) and the Joyce Theater. He has performed with the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, bopi’s black sheep/dances by kraig patterson, Louis Johnson Dance Theater Ensemble, Shaluza South African Gum Boot Dancers, Doug Elkins Dance Company, Jazz Antiqua Dance and Music Company. Bernard has taught at NYU, University of Minnesota, and Lula Washington Dance Theatre School, among other regional dance facilities. Recent work includes choreography for SUNY Purchase, choreography and co-direction of the premiere “Love Songs” and a collaboration with his mentor, Lula Washington, on her world-premiere “Spontaneous Combustion.” Since relocating to Minneapolis, Mr. Brown has choreographed “Treemonisha,” presented by North Star Opera, and is currently touring with ANYTOWN, choreographed by Shapiro and Smith. Mr. Brown is a founding member of TU Dance (Artistic Directors Uri Sands and Toni Pierce-Sands). Bernard is very happy to return to Black Nativity for a second season.

DINITA NICOLE (Dancer) was born, raised, and introduced to dance in Buffalo, NY. She went on to study at the University of Michigan and later the University of Minnesota where she received her BFA. Dinita has worked as a guest artist for Ruth Cansfield Dance, Newton Moraes Dance Theater, and Cathy Young Dance. In addition to being a founding member of TU Dance, Dinita has recently devoted time to conducting research on the Candomble practices of Brazil.

TONI PIERCE-SANDS (Dancer) of St. Paul, Minnesota began her dance training at Minnesota Dance Theater and School (MDT) under the artistic direction of Loyce Houlton. She then traveled to New York City to continue her training as a scholarship student at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Toni joined Ailey II and later the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she appeared as a soloist, performing signature pieces such as Revelations and Cry. Toni has also performed with Company Rick Odums of Paris and Tanz Forum of Germany. Her command of the Ailey repertory and Horton technique has led her to teaching posts throughout the United States and Europe, most recently the University of Minnesota as well as several St. Paul and Minneapolis Public Schools. While currently serving as rehearsal director for University Dance Theater in Minneapolis, Toni continues to be involved with the Ailey organization’s outreach efforts and summer intensive program. Having lived and traveled throughout Europe, she is deeply grateful for the experiences she has had with other cultures.

CRAIG DION (Percussion) is a drummer and multi instrumentalist born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Dion has been a musician for over thirty years, and currently heads a successful music company. Mr. Dion is also an ordained minister who recently graduated with a doctrine in ministry out of Dallas, Texas. This is his second year with Black Nativity, and he would like to share his joy in being part of the ensemble.

J. YOUNG III (Bass) studied with C. Scott Hood of Indiana State University and at the School of Music at the Navel Academy. Mr. Young contributes his musical talents to the Twin Cities as a freelance performer, music educator, and founder and president of Cartouche Records. Locally, he has performed at the Ordway Center, Guthrie, Children’s Theatre, Walker Art Center, and the Kool Jazz Festival. He has performed internationally in numerous concerts. He has also performed on television, radio, and in commercials. He is a recognized clinician, having appeared with Ray Brown and Malachi Favors. Mr. Young is in demand as a recording artist, and appears on scores of local and national recordings. Personal accomplishments include recognition and awards from the Minnesota Black Music Awards and the Minnesota Jazz Music Awards. Mr. Young is a founding member of the nationally recognized group, “Moore by Four.”

MARK DOUGHERTY (Light Design) has been the lighting designer for Penumbra Theatre's Black Nativity for the past three years. He is currently the Master Studio Technician at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.

ALEXANDRA GOULD (Costume Design) This is Alexandra's second design for Penumbra, and she is extremely excited to be back. She moved to the Twin Cities straight after grad school, and for the past four years Alexandra has been working as a costume designer both in Minnesota and Wisconsin. For two and a half seasons she ran the costume department for St. Croix Festival Theater, where she also designed the shows. Black Nativity in 2005 was Alexandra's first design for Penumbra. She has also designed for companies such as Theater Unbound, The Paul Bunyan Playhouse, and Gustavus Adolphus College.

MARTIN GWINUP (Sound Designer) is an associate professor in the Theatre Arts and Dance Department at the University of Minnesota. He teaches audio and video technology, design and production. He has also worked in the Twin Cities area as a freelance sound/video designer and technician for 18 years. Martin has worked for the Frank Theatre, History Theatre, Children's Theatre, Cricket Theatre and Eye of the Storm. Recent design credits at Penumbra include Fences, REDSHIRTS, Get Ready, Blue, Black Nativity - A Celebration of Family, A Celebration for the Soul…Testify!, and Grandchildren of the Buffalo Soldiers.

SEITU KEN JONES (Scenic Design) a Penumbra Company member, has designed sets for over twelve plays at Penumbra, and has sculpted props and created projections for another ten productions. He has created sets for Macalester College, Pangea World Theater, First Stages Milwaukee, and the Chernin Center for the Arts in Chicago. He has created designs for Minneapolis Children’s Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Illusion Theater, Walker Art Center, and PS 122 in New York. Mr. Jones also creates large-scale public artworks. His art has been exhibited at Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, American Craft Museum in New York, Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C., Kentucky Craft Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, and the National Black Arts Festival. Mr. Jones has been awarded a Minnesota State Arts Board Fellowship, a McKnight Visual Artist Fellowship, a Bush Artist Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts/Theater Communication Group (NEA/TCG) Designer Fellowship, a 2001-2002 Loeb Fellowship, and a Bush Foundation Leadership Fellowship. Current projects include an outdoor classroom for North Hennepin Community College and an artwork for Rondo Community Library in St. Paul.

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