Places Please! Join us for our inaugural virtual cabaret-style benefit concert featuring 1st-class performers, musicians, and artists from Broadway and beyond. All proceeds benefit Madison Street Theatre so we can continue to produce art like we will all experience on Oct. 22nd!
Special Guests
Stephanie J. Block
Stephanie most recently won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, in THE CHER SHOW. Her Broadway credits also include FALSETTOS, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, ANYTHING GOES, 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, THE PIRATE QUEEN and THE BOY FROM OZ (opposite Hugh Jackman). Ms. Block is best known for her portrayal as Elphaba in the Broadway company of WICKED that opened right here in Chicago in 2007
E. Faye Butler
E. Faye Butler is an accomplished and decorated theater actress and singer who is proud to call Chicago her home. She has performed around the globe to international acclaim. E. Faye Butler’s career spans over 35 years in the entertainment industry. Ms. Butler is an Actress –Singer. Most importantly, she is an entertainer with an extraordinary gift to capture an audience and put them in the palm of her hands.
Justin Reynolds - Host
Born in Los Angeles, and raised in Oak Park, Illinois, Justin Reynolds is ecstatic to be hosting MST's virtual benefit concert. In 2003 he was nominated for two of Chicago’s most prestigious theater awards for Clint Holmes’ Musical, Comfortable Shoes; Joseph Jefferson Award and a Black Theater Alliance award both for Best Supporting Actor. Justin has been seen headlining in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood in Vegas! The Show, Princess Cruises, Silversea and the Young Americans. He had the opportunity to play Smokey Robinson in the Broadway National Tour of Motown The Musical. Most recently Justin has been seen in the National Tour of Pride & Joy The Marvin Gaye Musical also as Smokey Robinson. Justin has traveled to over 90 countries in his performing career and has started his own Male Vocal group called Legacy. IG: @justinlouisreynolds
"Places Please! : A Virtual Musical Experience" is our cabaret-style benefit concert featuring performers, musicians & artists from both the local community & Broadway.
Proceeds go to Madison Street Theatre so that we may continue to serve the community in
Oak Park, IL and the surrounding Chicago areas.
Ticket price is based off of a single viewer per device. We encourage a $5 donation per additional viewer in your household. Thank you and enjoy the show! Places Please!
Alex Hairston
Alex is a North Carolina native who worked in film and television as a child. Shortly after college, Alex set sail on the high seas with Norwegian Cruise Line, performing in productions including Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Legally Blonde the Musical (Pilar), Burn the Floor, and Vegas the Show!. She also performed regionally in productions including West Side Story and Hairspray. In 2018 Alex toured the US and Canada in Motown the Musical. Later that year she made her Broadway debut in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical as Janelle Woods. After a year on Broadway, Alex hit the road again, this time to lead the 1st National Tour of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, representing legendary disco queen Donna Summer.
Deaundré Woods
DeAundre’ Woods was born and raised in Schriever, Louisiana where he discovered his love for music in the church. He went on to study classical music at Louisiana State University, earning a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Most recently, Dre’ could be seen performing the lead roles of Hamilton and Aaron Burr in the ‘And Peggy’ company of Hamilton: the Musical touring San Francisco, California. Other roles include: Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson in Motown: the Musical National Tour, Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd, Steven Kodaly in She Loves Me, and Seaweed in Hairspray. drewoods.com
Ta-Tynisa Wilson
Ta-Tynisa Wilson, is a professional vocalist/performer from Aurora,
Illinois. Millions caught a glimpse of her talent as a Top 24 finalist on
Season 10 of American Idol. Ta-Tynisa considers it a blessing to have graced stages all around the world. Traveling the world as a lead performer with Celebrity Cruises allowed her to share her gift with people from all walks of life. Ta-Tynisa Wilson is currently apart of the Broadway Production of Hamilton and cannot wait to see where her future will take her. Ta-Tynisa Wilson is grateful to have such a huge support system in her friends and family, she would not be where she is today if it wasn’t for their constant love and encouragement.
Nolan Maddox
NOLAN MADDOX is thrilled to be performing in Places Please! Madison Street Theatre is Nolan’s second home, a special venue where he is surrounded by amazingly talented friends and instructors. Nolan was most recently seen in Oliver! at Marriott Theatre playing Nipper (Thief) and the Artful Dodger at select performances. Prior to that, Nolan was at Drury Lane Theatre in Matilda! the Musical, playing the role of Tommy. When Nolan is not on stage, he’s learning keys, electric guitar, and songwriting. Nolan is represented by Gray Talent Group.
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Hogan Porter
Hogan is extremely proud to be part of Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts and excited to be a part of the virtual fundraiser for Ovation’s home, The Madison Street Theater. Hogan lives in Oak Park and has had a passion for performing his entire life. At 8, he had his first performance with Ovation as part of the ensemble in Matilda. He also joined Ovation’s Junior Theater Festival Team and has competed with them in Atlanta and Sacramento. He is in 5th grade and loves making and designing puppets and bringing them to life in his home theater productions. He is currently cast as Rapunzel’s Prince in Into The Woods. He had the opportunity to be in his first professional show – Oliver! - at The Marriott Theater.
VERNARD
Vernard is a go-to studio session singer in Chicago with over a decade of BGV credits including hits for Grammy Award Winners Donald Lawrence, Smokie Norful and Take 6. Currently Vernard is finishing up his 2018 debut EP. His first single, “Finish Strong” has become both an anthem and catch- phrase for both men and women, empowering everyone to persevere. Vernard is a student of soul crooners and his signature voice is steeped in a rich musical heritage that will time and again awaken the heart and electrify your soul.
SEE YOU THERE!
Taylor Lane
Taylor Lane is a proud alumni of BRAVO! Growing up in oak park, she has been involved with the program from student to staff for 18 years! Taylor trained with The Young Americans where she toured performing, teaching, and directing on various International Music and Dance Outreach Tours (Japan, UK, Europe, and U.S.) She has also performed abroad at the happiest place on earth Disneyland! (CA & Hong Kong) Chicago Credits Include: Beauty and the Beast (Paramount) You might have also seen her as “Judy Turner” in A Chorus Line (Porchlight Music Theatre).
Anna Marlow
Anna is so glad to join in on this virtual fundraiser and sing again in 2020! Originally from Arkansas, she traveled across the world, performing and teaching children with The Young Americans for several years before moving to Chicago. Currently, she sings with The 479 and The Lakeshore Encores, and enjoys teaching voice and piano at the School Of Rock. Anna has also enjoyed performing improv comedy and musical improv at iO and Second City.
Alan Ball
Alan Ball is an award-winning actor and singer based in Chicago. Over the past 37 years, he has performed in hundreds of theatrical productions and concerts, as well as in TV, radio, and film. His work on stage has brought him to all 48 contiguous United States, Canada, Greece, Austria, Germany, Russia and the Netherlands. Between his twin loves of travel and photography, he has visited Alaska, Hawaii, and over 30 countries around the world. Alan has been a member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1992, and is an Artistic Associate of both the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, and Chicago's Explore Theatre. www.Alanball.biz
Madison Street Theatre is partially funded by the Oak Park Area Arts Council, in partnership with the Villages of Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.