Othello Cast

Gabriel Drouet lives his day as a full-time high school teacher and adjunct professor all the while staying active and keeping fresh in his skills of acting. Gabriel began acting in high school where he an unplanned cast in "Zooman and the sign" and "Comedy of Errors" exposed him to his love of theater. Gabriel would perform in numerous college performances such as "The Good Woman of Setzuan", "Dracula", and "The Drowsy Chaperone". Gabriel furthered his experience as an actor by doing short films, music videos, and short acts throughout the years, leading him to Shakespeare's "Othello". Along side his busy schedule, Gabriel is currently earning his Doctorates degree in Leadership and Development, taking his experiences and skills to work in more advanced fields of research for education.

Joseph Jones is delighted to play the devilishly villainous Iago. Upcoming productions include Oliver Rivers in Puffs at WHATCO and Kinky Boots at Dover Little Theater. Previous productions include The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio show at WHATCO, 12 Angry Jurors, the stage production of Murder Gurl, What a Drag! When not indulging his passion for the stage, Joseph can be found lobbying for low-income communities or not finishing his novel.

Janna Epstein is elated to be making her Shakespearean debut, performing alongside the dynamic WHATCo theater community in collaboration with the Teaneck New Theater. For Janna, this opportunity represents a long-held dream of exploring the world of Shakespearean theater, making this production a special milestone for her. Janna has loved the rewarding challenge of portraying the loyal and gentle Desdemona in this complex and tragic play. Favorite recent roles include Daisy in WHATCo's radio play production of The Great Gatsby, and Doris in Miracle on 34th Street at Studio Playhouse. She would like to thank her endlessly supportive husband, incredibly loving family, darling cat children (and froggies) and amazing friends.

She’s always wanted to do Shakespeare She’s thought about it for many a year To play Emilia was just devine She’s had herself a wonderful time Some other shows (admired hotly) Were “Noises off” - she played Dotty Otley In “Pirates of Penzance” she played “Ruth” But one of her favorites - to tell you the truth Was Steel Magnolias - when she played Truvy Her hair and costumes were really groovy

Nelson is thrilled to be able to bring Cassio to life on stage. This summer was his first foyer into the world of Shakespeare and he's loved every minute of it. An amazing director and crew and a superbly talented cast made it easy for him to navigate the bard's work. Nelson has had an exciting 2023, being fortunate enough to act in the following WHATCo productions: PUFFS (Certain Potions Teacher, and others), Midsummer (The Wall), The Great Gatsby Live Radio Play (Tom Buchannon), and Trivia Night Murder (Sammy the Host).

James Phillips makes his WHATCo debut. Recent credits include: Romeo & Juliet (Paris/Prince) with the Castle Shakespeare Repertory; Radium Girls (Tom Kreider), For Whom the Yell Tolls (Joss) and House of Blue Leaves (Man in White) at Old Library Theatre; Ripchord (Derek) with Chester Theatre Group; and Inherit the Wind (Bertram Cates) at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre. All his love to the cast and production team, his family near and far, and his friends, especially soon-to-be newlyweds Rachel and Jeff. May your marriage be, as Roderigo would say, full of most blessed condition!

John is pleased to be returning to the WhatCo stage after last appearing in “Drop Dead! And the “Trivia Show Murders” and also for TNT in "Radium Girls". He has been active in NJ Community Theatre for almost 20 years producing, directing, and acting in more than 30 productions. His first role came after a call from his wife, “There are no men auditioning for this show”. He was cast, progressed and now is on the Board at Studio Players in Montclair and Teaneck New Theatre. On the stage, some favorite roles have been Robert in "Boeing Boeing" and Avram in "Fiddler on the Roof" at Theatre League of Clifton; the Emperor in "New Clothes for the Emperor", Krojack in "Don't Drink the Water", Schmendiman in “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” and the Magistrate in "Fools" (Perry nomination) at Studio Players; Gage Holland in "Clark Gable Slept Here" at Nutley Little Theatre; and Gribble in “Room Service” and the Snail in “A Year with Frog and Toad” for TNT. Love to talented, beautiful Donna.

Miranda has enjoyed making her Shakespearean debut in this production as the Duke and Bianca. She previously performed at WHATCo in “The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play.” You can catch her next working on a haunting play called “Anna Bella Eema” with Puffy Shirt Productions.

Othello is Anne’s debut WHATCO production. She can be seen in I Don’t Know Joe, winner of two NJ Film Awards, currently on Sparkk TV. Previous theatrical performances include the Perry nominated Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus, Miracle on 34th Street, Miserable Love Stories, the off Broadway production of A Sketch of New York, and various NJSDA Black Box productions. She is a graduate of The New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts and has studied with Howard Fine. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a fun, talented and amazing director, cast and crew!”