HOME IS SWEET SORROW Cast

Elly-Anne returns to live performance after having been away for a while . She last performed the role of Sonia in Columbia University’s reconception of “Uncle Vanya”, She played the dual roles of Nurse Bergstrom/Mrs. Arnborg in the staged reading of “PER” at Dixon Place, TADA and Dramatists’ Guild Foundation. Other productions include the role of Marchesa Luisa Casati in “Can’t You Tell?” > At The Kraine Theater, Mrs.Cassidy in “The Killers” at Manhattan Repertory Theater, Rose in the staged reading of “Refraction of Light” with The Theater Collective. > This is probably the most amazing Writer/Directer, cast and crew with whom I have had the pleasure to work, not just for their talent, but their imagination, generosity and compassion. www.elly-anneehrman.com

Patricia is a New-York-City-bred actress who received her training from The School of the Harlem Theater Company and Inspirational Theater. She is wonderfully excited to be performing the role of Shanna Taylor in this remarkable play, directed by the wonderfully-talented playwright Anne Thompson-Scretching. It's an honor to be part of this production and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with God’s remarkably talented “Children”. All things are possible. Connect with Patricia Fields: [email protected]

Joy is a native New Yorker, actress, and mother. She first appeared in Anne L. Thompson Scretching’s debut stage production Looking for Love in Darkness as Milly, and many years later reprised her role as Aunt Lucy in A Lesson in Blood (March of this year). This current production marks her fifth collaboration with Thompson Scretching. After beginning her career in her 20s as a stage and commercial actress, Joy paused to raise her family while also guiding her son, Brandon Khalil, as a young performer. With her children now grown, she has returned fully to acting, bringing depth, authenticity, and a commanding presence to every role.

Laquan Hailey is proud to be returning to the stage, at the American Theatre of Actors. His most recent includes: Iona university: “Master Harold & The Boys.” Off Broadway: “Dream a Little Dream.” Off-Off Broadway: “Resurrection.” Stella Adler studio: “SWEAT.” He’s an actor born and raised in New York and Graduated with conservatory training from Stella Adler studio of acting. Laquan would like to thank all of his family for believing in him and supporting him. Without your love and support none of this would be possible. @Lay_hailey

Sania is a New York–based actor whose work spans classical theatre, contemporary drama, and film, demonstrating both range and endurance. Her classical credits include Othello, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Measure for Measure, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Contemporary theatre credits include Leaves (Winner: Best Production, New York Theatre Festival), When Gold Turns Black, A House Full of Flies, and The Road Ahead. On screen, she has appeared in Violent Nights (Winner: Best Actress, Indie Short Awards), Adult, The Babysitter and From Nowhere. A proud graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Sania trained at Stella Adler Studio of Acting, Atlantic Acting School, and the Classical Studio. She is an Alabama Shakespeare Festival Acting Fellow and brings technical precision, emotional depth, and a grounded physical presence to each role with enthusiasm. She is excited to work with the legendary Anne L. Thompson-Stretching in Home Is Sweet Sorrow as Luella (Swing). Follow her journey at saniahyatt.com or on Instagram @sania_hyatt. For professional inquiries: [email protected].

Carrie is a sophomore Theatre performance) and English major at Fordham University. She is more than excited to work on this production of Home Sweet Sorrow and would like to thank the entire cast for always supporting her through this work as well as her mom, three sisters, and nephew for all of their endless support. Previous credits include Ariel 2 (The Tempest), Ivory (Overwater), Darcy Dukes (Orange Sky at Night), Regina George (Mean Girls), and Hermes A (Hadestown).

Layton is a New York–based actor known for his emotionally grounded and dynamic performances across stage and screen. He most recently led the 2025 production of Bobbie Clearly, earning recognition for his intensity and vulnerability. Trained in conservatory, Layton is committed to bold, truthful storytelling and is honored to be part of Home Is Sweet Sorrow as Swing for Willie Taylor.

Kevin is a versatile American actor known for powerful stage and screen performances across historical, contemporary, and experimental works. His notable roles include Levee in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, a minister in James Baldwin’s Blues for Mister Charlie, “A Long Way From Home”, “The Lewis and Clark Expedition” and Peter Holmes in “Resurrection”, earning Broadway World Off-Broadway nominations in 2023 and 2024. 2026 Jean Dalrymple Award nominee. Leonard’s film and stage credits span drama, satire, and sci-fi, showcasing his range as a timeless, compelling storyteller.

Gina is a New York–based actor who first became interested in acting during her teenage years. After finishing her college education and earning a master’s degree, she enrolled in acting classes, where she had the chance to work with the American Jazz Theater. During this time, she wrote and performed a short play titled ‘Blindsided,’ playing Alicia, a sharp, energetic woman whose relationship turns abusive—a role that pushed her to explore emotional depth and resilience on stage. Like many life paths, Gina’s journey was happily interrupted by the birth of her daughter, leading her to focus away from acting for more than twenty years. Now, over two decades later, she’s returning to the stage with fresh energy and a renewed dedication to her craft. She also utilizes her strong background in public speaking, music, and improv, bringing versatility, presence, and authenticity to her performances. Passionate about storytelling and collaboration, Gina approaches each opportunity with a commitment to excellence, creativity, and a willingness to learn and grow.

Rommell received his BA in Theatre Arts from SUNY New Paltz, where he portrayed such roles as, Brutus Jones in Eugene O’Neal’s “The Emperor Jones." He first caught the acting bug at the age of ten, performing in “The Temple of Youth” at Lehman College, and was also inspired from watching his grand¬father’s sermons every Sunday. Other theater credits include: “The Breakout,” (The Flea Theatre) “A Raisin in the Sun,” (Paul Robeson Theatre) “Somebody’s Calling My Name,” (The Raint Theatre) “The Healing Zone,” Audelco Nominated for Best Ensemble (Black Spectrum Theatre) "Death by Poker" ( Nuyorican Poets Cafe) and "The Resurrection" (American Theater of Actors) which was nominated Best New Off-Broadway play by Broadway World. Rommell would like to dedicate his performance to the Bricks Crew. @rommellsermons