Kinky Boots Cast

Lamont Gleaton (Lola/Simon) is a South Carolina native that is no stranger to the stage, he has entertained in multiple evening and day venues in the North and South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia areas. He has also participated in The Nutcracker with Columbia City ballet, is a board member for Columbia Repertory Dance Company, and is a part of the Miss South Carolina Earth committee where he is the Chorographer. He also contributes his MUA talents for several Vista Queen Pageants with Trustus Theatre, he has appeared on stages at The University of South Carolina (Columbia, Aiken campus), Lander University, Columbia College, and Francis Marion University. Lamont made his debut on Workshop’s stage in The Color Purple, returned for The Wedding Singer, and now starring in Kinky Boots. He devotes his time and talents with different organizations in the Columbia and surrounding areas to help raise money for numerous causes and is currently the show director of a local establishments for the Wednesday Variety, Thirsty Thursday and the Party-time Show on Saturday nights. In addition, he has also been a part of the Miss South Carolina Pageant, Miss SC Plus World, Miss Cinderella, Miss U.S. Plus Intercontinental, Miss South Carolina Earth USA pageant systems.

Taylor Diveley (Charlie) is beyond excited to be back on stage for the first time in five years! Taylor spent time at the University of South Carolina and, most recently, Coastal Carolina University studying Vocal Performance. At Coastal Carolina, he was a part of CCU Concert Choir, club sports, and a barbershop quartet. He also plays music gigs professionally around the state. Now that Taylor is back in Columbia, he is ready to get back to doing what he loves. Before his hiatus, he performed at Columbia Children’s Theatre in shows such as Shrek Jr., A Year with Frog and Toad, and Seussical. Taylor would like to thank Jocelyn, Mandy, and Christyne for trusting him in his first show at Workshop and for their amazing guidance throughout the process. Taylor gives special shoutouts to his brothers, Josh, for following his dream and moving to New York City; River, for constantly amazing everyone with his talent; and Noah, for putting up with him for all these years.

Jessica Roth is an experienced musician with an extensive background performing in both musical theater and with bands of various genres throughout her career. Jessica began her musical career performing in various high school musicals. After high school she moved to New York and began performing in off-Broadway shows. While in New York, she trained at Ripley Grier studios. In 2007, Jessica began performing with corporate entertainment bands. After the birth of her second child, her family moved back to SC. In 2019, she started Girl Interrupted, a 90’s and 2000’s cover band that performs regularly around Columbia. In addition to her music career, Jessica also is an accomplished hairstylist in Columbia. She is an international hair educator with Framesi and frequently travels to teach other hair stylists around the country. She spends her free time with her husband, 2 children, 2 dogs, and her iguana.

Lori Wheat (Nicola) is so excited to be back on the stage at Workshop Theatre for the first time since the big move from Gervais! Lori returned from NYC after a few years running her own Broadway Public Relations firm, Her Story Branding, where she represented 30 of Broadway’s favorite leading ladies. Previous credits include Constance (Trustus); Bye Bye Birdie, Beauty & the Beast (Town), and Thoroughly Modern Millie, Urinetown, Annie (Workshop). Lori studied musical theatre at Broadway Theatre Project in Florida and Circle in the Square Theatre in NYC. She is a Belmont University graduate, and just started her new job as a paralegal with the Capital Defense Division. She is thrilled to be working under Jocelyn, Christyne, and Mandy for the first time along with this fabulous cast. She dedicates this performance to all of the brave and gorgeous souls who proudly rock kinky boots, and hopes the show encourages acceptance for all!

Sadie Wiskes (Young Charlie) is so excited to be a part of this cast! Kinky Boots is one of her favorite musicals. She loves the positive message of this show. Sadie has been seen on Workshop’s Stage in the All You Need is Love youth cabaret and has been in several shows at Columbia Children's Theatre and Town Theatre. She most recently appeared as Bruce in Matilda, Marcy in School of Rock, and Gingy, Baby Ogre, and Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical. When she’s not on the stage, Sadie loves reading, playing games, dancing, singing, and spending time with her cats. She thanks Jocelyn, Christyne, Mandy, Jeni, Dean, Kendal, Andie, and her castmates, friends, and family for their support.

Marina Michelle York (Young Charlie) is thrilled to take the stage at Workshop Theatre. She is not new to theatre, however, and has been acting and singing since the age of 6. She has previously performed in Aladdin Jr. (Jafar), Welcome to the 50’s showcase with the TRI-district arts consortium summer program, Here Comes the Snow, and The Wild Things. She is in the sixth grade and attends Crossroads Intermediate School. She also loves art, animals, acrobatics, fashion, and spending time with her friends. She has enjoyed working and meeting everyone in the cast and crew and wants to thank everyone. Hope you enjoy the Show!

Vinny Lopez (Young Lola/Simon) is excited to be doing his first show with Workshop Theatre and especially this show. Vinny is happy to be on stage again with Taylor Dively since his very first CCT show Shrek Jr. Vinny is a 7th grader at Midlands Arts Conservatory with an arts focus in Theatre. Vinny's voice teacher at Freeway Music is Illia Dia. Vinny has been in every Columbia Children's Theatre YouTheatre production since first grade and in the youth ensemble for the Mainstage Christmas productions. Some of his favorite roles have been Olaf in Frozen (CCT), The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz (CCT), Pinocchio in Shrek (CCT/Freeway), Zach in School of Rock (CCT/Freeway) and most recently as Eric in Matilda (CCT). Vinny's first stage appearance was in The Lorax dance recital in Fredericksburg, VA. Other stage experiences have been in The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Dracula with Columbia City Ballet as well as in The Little Mermaid at the Arts Center of Kershaw County in Camden, SC. Vinny enjoys writing, drawing, and spending time with their friends and their many pets.

Bill Arvay (Don) has been acting on Columbia area stages for the past 43 years. Favorite roles include Gandalf, King Arthur, Atticus Finch, Pontius Pilate, Chief Bromden, Daddy Warbucks, Prince Hal, and Trekkie Monster. A member of the Screen Actors Guild, he has appeared in movies with Burt Reynolds and Patrick Swayze. Bill is twice past president of the Columbia Drama Club, former business manager at Town Theatre, former marketing director for USC's Theatre Department, owner of the company that built the world's largest fire hydrant (corner of Taylor and Marion Streets), and currently employed as the mellifluous phone voice of Prisma Health Orthopedics. But Bill’s all-time favorite role is as father to his three daughters, and partner-in-crime with Resi Talbot.

Brandi Smith (Pat) is excited to be back on stage at Workshop Theatre. She attended the University of South Carolina and now works at Carelinc Medical. Brandi has been an avid member of Columbia's theater community for many years and has worked on over 50+ productions in the area. Some of her favorite roles include Next Fall (Holly) at Tustus, Andrew Lippa’s Wild Party (Madeline True) at Workshop, Seussical (Sour Kangaroo) at CCT, Great American Trailer Park: The Musical (costumer) and Heathers (Stage Manager) both at Trustus. Brandi has had such an amazing time with this cast and learning how to "celebrate yourself triumphantly!"

Darla Davenport-Powell (Trish) is an artist educator, entrepreneur, poet, and professional drummer. She discovered her talents at an early age and was known for memorizing long Easter speeches at her church, Big Zion, where she sang in the choir and played drums. It was at Hampton Institute (University) where Darla perfected her acting chops as a member of The Hampton Players appearing in Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls," Lorraine Hansberry, "A Raisin in the Sun," and "God's Trombones" by James Weldon Johnson. Darla landed the role of Samantha Simmons in the “House of Cards” television series and has been featured in several commercials. In her latest movie, The Bell Affair (2022) she plays the role of Lucy Bell, the matriarch of the family. This is Darla’s first time appearing on the Workshop Theatre stage where she dedicates her performance to the memory of William and Dorothy Davenport (her parents) who modeled unconditional love and encouraged her to dream out loud.

Frank Thompson (Mr. Price/George) is delighted to be with Workshop again, having appeared as Igor in Young Frankenstein and directed Around The World In Eighty Days, Don't Dress For Dinner, and Boeing Boeing. His other stage credits include Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, Harold Hill in The Music Man, Thurston Howell III in Gilligan's Island: The Musical, Thenardier in Les Miserables, and Lumiere in Beauty And The Beast. Frank is a graduate of The University of Alabama and Cumberland School of Law and wishes to thank Jocelyn and the rest of the Kinky Boots gang for a wonderful experience. Just be!

Joey Weaver (Harry/Ensemble) After a year of being away from the curtain, Joey W. is back onstage baby! They studied Theatre and Dance at Palmetto Center for the Arts and Classical Ballet, jazz, and tap with Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet. Their favorite roles include Spongebob in Spongebob: The Musical, Ursula in The Little Mermaid, Kaliope Darkwalker in She Kills Monsters, and finally Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter: The Ballet. In the past they’ve been a part of Town’s Teen Troupe and has been in several of Workshops youth productions. They’re so excited to finally be back in the Theater.

Bobby Craft (Mr. Simon/Ensemble) is a native of Columbia and has been entertaining audiences in and around the Midlands for 50 years. He has performed at Workshop, Town, Chapin, Lexington, and Trustus Theatres. In addition, his talents have been shared by U of SC, Columbia City Ballet, Columbia Ballet School, The Palmetto Mastersingers and The South Carolina Philharmonic. In November 2021, Bobby was the recipient of the Living Legend Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated work in the Arts Community.

Don Phillips (Richard Bailey/Ensemble) is making his debut with the Workshop Theatre family; however, he is no stranger to the stage. He performed with the Sumter Civic Dance Company for 28 years. He started acting with the Sumter Little Theater in the production of Five Guys Named Moe. Right after that, he played a Cagelle in La' Cage, Lyons in Fences, and A Soldier's Story as Cpl Cobbs. Don loves the stage and manages to be part of this wonderful cast as he is busy with United Airlines as the General Manager. Don does have one son, John Alexander. Don would like to thank everyone for the opportunity and is looking forward to opening night!

Tyler Broughton (An Angel) is making Workshop Theatre debut with Kinky Boots. In the past he has done shows at Town Theatre, which include Beauty and The Beast (Lefou), Jekyll & Hyde (News Boy) and Elf The Musical (Buddy the Elf). He is honored to finally join the Workshop family. He would like to thank everyone for coming out and seeing the show. He would also like to thank his family for the support. He loves you all!

Brady Davis (An Angel) is a sophomore at Spring Hill High School. Kinky Boots is Brady's debut production with Workshop Theatre and is so excited to be joining them. Brady is a dancer at Dance Dept and enjoys spending time with all of his animals. He has been in several shows with Chapin Theatre Company, ICRC, On Stage Productions and the Stallion Theatre Group. He plans to get a degree in cosmetology and move to NYC to pursue a dancing, acting and makeup artistry career. With that being said, he wishes all of his cast and crew mates a FABULOUS show!!

Gabrielle “Gaby” Walker (An Angel) is excited to play an Angel in Workshop’s production of Kinky Boots. Gaby was last seen playing the role of Zuzu in Trustus theatre’s production of Dance Nation. Gaby has been in various musicals such as Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (et. al.), Company (Kathy) and Memphis (ensemble). She was also recently seen in Workshop’s Production of The Color Purple as Nettie’s understudy/ensemble. With a bachelor's in fine arts-Theatre, she has performed in shows such as Goodbye Charles (Barb), Life Sucks (Babs), Doubt (Mrs. Muller), Spring Awakening (Thea), Rocky Horror Picture Show (Columbia), and Aida (Aida). Gaby wants to thank her momma and papa for their never-ending support throughout the years, and wants everyone to know, that she loves hugs! (In case you want one after the show!)

Blythe Long (An Angel) is so excited to be returning to the Workshop Theatre stage! Blythe has returned to Columbia after graduating DePaul University with her BA in Communications and Media with a minor in Theatre. She has previously been seen in Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Lucy), Grease, The Sound of Music, Little Shop of Horrors, and Fame. She would like to thank Jeni and Jocelyn for the chance to be part of this beautiful story and her family and friends for always supporting her talents.

Jada McClellan (An Angel) attends a fine arts school where she majors in dance. Her love for theatre began in middle school with Columbia Children’s Theatre, and her roles range from a Lioness in The Lion King, Jr. to Sarah’s Friend in Ragtime. She is excited to “dance in heels” as one of the Angels since dance is her first love. Jada is very thankful for this opportunity.

Michelle Jacobs (An Angel) is excited to be performing again after a small hiatus. Credits include: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Color Purple (Workshop Theater); By the Way Meet Vera Stark, Good People, The Motherfucker with the Hat, The Glass Menagerie, HAIR: The Tribal Love-Rock Musical, For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide/ when the Rainbow is Enuf, (Trustus Theater); Knock Me A Kiss, Henny Penny, & Whisper @ The Movies (The NiA Company). She would like to thank the cast & crew of Kinky Boots for their tireless efforts in the success of this production. Thank You Marcia Leigh & Jeni for the push.

Semaj Whitener (Ensemble) is excited for the opportunity to appear in the production of Kinky Boots at Workshop Theatre. This will be Semaj’s first show with Workshop; however, Semaj has participated in productions such as Matilda and West Side Story at community theaters in the Columbia Area. Their love for acting started with productions such as Shrek the Musical, Memphis, Sleepy Hollow, Aladdin and The Color Purple as a performing arts High School Student. When Semaj is not acting, they enjoy singing. A highlight in Semaj’s singing career was singing the National Anthem at a Dallas Cowboy’s game. Semaj resides in Winnsboro SC and is currently pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies.

Amanda Hines (Ensemble) Amanda is so excited to be a part of this fabulous, positive show! Amanda has been a part of the Columbia theatre scene for several years, either musically directing, on stage, or at the sound board. Some of her favorite shows have been Jekyll and Hyde (Music Director), Les Mis (Ensemble), Big Fish (MD), Beauty and the Beast (Wardrobe), Catch Me If You Can (MD), and Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Sound Design). She would like to thank her fiancé, Steve Wrona, and her parents for their endless love and support of her time at the theatre. Let Love Shine!

Madeline Kunz (Ensemble) is a senior at Heathwood Hall. She hopes to study Musical Theatre in college. Madeline’s past show credits include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Matilda (twice), Miss Daphne in Murderous Mansion of Mr. Uno, Princess Prospera in Mask of the Red Death, Ensemble in Mary Poppins, and Gandalf in The Hobbit. She would like to thank her mom and dad, her pets, and the whole Kinky Boots team for supporting her.

Shannon White (Ensemble) is a proud member of the SC Army National Guard and a chiropractor’s assistant, but she has many great memories of theatre and is happy to return to the stage. Her versatility landed her roles such as Annie in Annie, Jr. and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. Singing is her favorite thing to do, and it is a funny coincidence that this is her second musical involving Charli(e) inheriting a factory, since she was also Mike TV. Shannon would like to thank Workshop Theatre and the production team for welcoming her into the family.

Jamie Windham (Ensemble) is excited for her first on stage appearance since 2014! Since then, she has been at Winthrop University, earned a BA in Theatre and a Masters in the Art of Teaching. She has been at Ridge View High School as the theatre teacher since 2019 and is excited to show her students that she can act too! Jamie is taking a break from her Masters in Directing work to have some fun and get her creative juices flowing! This is Jamie’s first show with Workshop Theatre and is so happy to have joined the family. Many thanks to her supportive friends, parents, and husband, for putting up with her hectic schedule and still loving her anyway!