Margaret Wheeler (Judge Abigail Nolan), soprano, performing solo, as well as, leading roles in numerous concerts, operas, musicals
and church choirs. Credits include the Philadelphia Grand Opera, Lake George Opera, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, two tours of THE
SOUND OF MUSIC and many other performing engagements. She directed AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, also singing the part of
the Mother. Ms. Wheeler has a Master's Degree in Vocal Performance. She is a member of The National Association of Teachers of
Singing and currently teaches Voice privately and for the Bronx Conservatory of Music.
and church choirs. Credits include the Philadelphia Grand Opera, Lake George Opera, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, two tours of THE
SOUND OF MUSIC and many other performing engagements. She directed AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, also singing the part of
the Mother. Ms. Wheeler has a Master's Degree in Vocal Performance. She is a member of The National Association of Teachers of
Singing and currently teaches Voice privately and for the Bronx Conservatory of Music.
Christine Quigless (Miriam Cook), a graduate of North Carolina School of the Arts in Theater and Architecture, is making her New
York stage debut. The year of 2004, she was a member of the Powerhouse Theater Repertory Company, produced by New York
Stage and Film. Among her list of roles was the lead, "Fannie Kemble", in "The Journals of Fannie Kemble".
York stage debut. The year of 2004, she was a member of the Powerhouse Theater Repertory Company, produced by New York
Stage and Film. Among her list of roles was the lead, "Fannie Kemble", in "The Journals of Fannie Kemble".
Jacqueline Hankins (Amanda Warren, Lawyer), is a graduate of Boston Conservatory and has enjoyed a 27-year career in which
she has toured the United States, Europe, the Caribbean and performed in Kenya, Iceland and the former Soviet Union. In addition to
being a much sought after pianist, singer, actress and singer-dancer, two critically acclaimed albums, "Christmas Joy" and "Let's
Dance to Blues, Swing and Latin Music" were released in Europe. Fluent in German and French, she also sings in Italian and
Yiddish.
An accomplished orchestrator, music director, lyricist, composer, she has composed a series of folk operas she calls "Hip Hop
Musical Mysteries". The critically acclaimed "A Murder At The Church", produced June 2002, was the first. "Cooking The Books: A
Recipe For Murder" is the second in the series.
she has toured the United States, Europe, the Caribbean and performed in Kenya, Iceland and the former Soviet Union. In addition to
being a much sought after pianist, singer, actress and singer-dancer, two critically acclaimed albums, "Christmas Joy" and "Let's
Dance to Blues, Swing and Latin Music" were released in Europe. Fluent in German and French, she also sings in Italian and
Yiddish.
An accomplished orchestrator, music director, lyricist, composer, she has composed a series of folk operas she calls "Hip Hop
Musical Mysteries". The critically acclaimed "A Murder At The Church", produced June 2002, was the first. "Cooking The Books: A
Recipe For Murder" is the second in the series.
Eric Walker (James Delroy, Assistant DA), graduate of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting (Radio & News), studied acting
technique at the HB Studio under Micheal Beckett. He has appeared in many films, "Analyze That", "City By The Sea", "Finding
Forester", as well as, TV shows, "Law & Order", "As The World Turns", "New York Undercover". This is Eric's first time working with
Jacqueline. He finds this mixed media format challenging and fun!
technique at the HB Studio under Micheal Beckett. He has appeared in many films, "Analyze That", "City By The Sea", "Finding
Forester", as well as, TV shows, "Law & Order", "As The World Turns", "New York Undercover". This is Eric's first time working with
Jacqueline. He finds this mixed media format challenging and fun!
Anna Hill (Mary Hill, Barfly), a graduate of Butler Conservatory, Indianapolis, in Voice. She has performed in off-Broadway and
off-off Broadway Productions, as well as touring with the Schreiber Repertory Group in the U.S. After a hiatus, this writer, actress
and singer made her return to her first love, the theatre, in Jacqueline Hankins' Hip Hop Musical Mystery, "Cooking The Books: A
Recipe For Murder" in her critically acclaimed portrayal of a corporate lawyer. She finds her role as the Barfly witness challenging
and fun.
off-off Broadway Productions, as well as touring with the Schreiber Repertory Group in the U.S. After a hiatus, this writer, actress
and singer made her return to her first love, the theatre, in Jacqueline Hankins' Hip Hop Musical Mystery, "Cooking The Books: A
Recipe For Murder" in her critically acclaimed portrayal of a corporate lawyer. She finds her role as the Barfly witness challenging
and fun.
Ann Estill (The Housekeeper), made her European debut as "The Queen of the Night" in Mozart's THE MAGIC FLUTE in Rome,
European debut as "The Queen of the Night" in Mozart's THE MAGIC FLUTE in Rome, Italy. She has performed on Network and
Cable TV, as well as, in over sixty Oratorios, including Bernstein's MASS at Kennedy Center, Washington, DC, Carl Orff's CARMINA
BURANA at Wolf Trap Farm for the Performing Arts and was in the cast of Scott Joplin's TREEMONISHA at Wolf Trap.
She has performed numerous recitals and presented a recital of opera and operetta arias and duets in Vienna, Austria with her
sister, Jeni, touring as "The Coloratura Sisters". She has participated with the Amato Opera Theater, Henry Street Opera
Workshop, Essex County and Garden State Opera Companies, NYU Opera Workshop and the American Institute of Musical
Studies, Graz, Austria. "Dr. Ann's" roles include ZERBINETTA, GILDA, OSCAR, DESPINA and AMAHL. She was critically acclaimed
in her portrayal of 'Lethal Liz' Carson in Hankins' Hip Hop Musical Mystery, "Cooking The Books: A Recipe For Murder".
European debut as "The Queen of the Night" in Mozart's THE MAGIC FLUTE in Rome, Italy. She has performed on Network and
Cable TV, as well as, in over sixty Oratorios, including Bernstein's MASS at Kennedy Center, Washington, DC, Carl Orff's CARMINA
BURANA at Wolf Trap Farm for the Performing Arts and was in the cast of Scott Joplin's TREEMONISHA at Wolf Trap.
She has performed numerous recitals and presented a recital of opera and operetta arias and duets in Vienna, Austria with her
sister, Jeni, touring as "The Coloratura Sisters". She has participated with the Amato Opera Theater, Henry Street Opera
Workshop, Essex County and Garden State Opera Companies, NYU Opera Workshop and the American Institute of Musical
Studies, Graz, Austria. "Dr. Ann's" roles include ZERBINETTA, GILDA, OSCAR, DESPINA and AMAHL. She was critically acclaimed
in her portrayal of 'Lethal Liz' Carson in Hankins' Hip Hop Musical Mystery, "Cooking The Books: A Recipe For Murder".
Rashawn Strife (Bob Brannigan) a native of Peekskill, NY, studied theatre arts at Westchester Community College. He has
performed many roles with the Long Island based Jelly Bean Theatre Company, operated by Dr. Bertram A. Holmes, the Red
Monkey Theatre Company and 2cities Productions. Trained in the art of Karate (Okinawa Te) and Tae Kwon Do, Rashawn has
his own production company, specializing in formats for promoting minorities and martial artists. "Lyrical Arts" will be his first
original martial arts/hip hop play, coming soon in a theater near you.
performed many roles with the Long Island based Jelly Bean Theatre Company, operated by Dr. Bertram A. Holmes, the Red
Monkey Theatre Company and 2cities Productions. Trained in the art of Karate (Okinawa Te) and Tae Kwon Do, Rashawn has
his own production company, specializing in formats for promoting minorities and martial artists. "Lyrical Arts" will be his first
original martial arts/hip hop play, coming soon in a theater near you.
Erika Myers (Amy Best, Secretary), a native of Greenville, NC, was recently seen in the AEA showcase of "Shakin' the Mess
Outta Misery" with the Vital Theater company. Her many theater credits include a leading role in a play entitled "Images"
which was performed at the 2001 National Black Theatre Festival. She was also critically acclaimed for her supporting role as
Natashna in the 47th Street Theater's off-Broadway production of "Corner Wars":
"...Erika Myers brings a fire and immediacy to her role that elevates everything else in the play." Phillip Hopkins, Theater Mania
After a successful theater run in 2005, the filmed version of A WEAPON MOST UNUSUAL won 2006 Best Musical Film Short in
both the Spring and Fall Festivals at the New York International Independent Film Festival, New York City.
Outta Misery" with the Vital Theater company. Her many theater credits include a leading role in a play entitled "Images"
which was performed at the 2001 National Black Theatre Festival. She was also critically acclaimed for her supporting role as
Natashna in the 47th Street Theater's off-Broadway production of "Corner Wars":
"...Erika Myers brings a fire and immediacy to her role that elevates everything else in the play." Phillip Hopkins, Theater Mania
After a successful theater run in 2005, the filmed version of A WEAPON MOST UNUSUAL won 2006 Best Musical Film Short in
both the Spring and Fall Festivals at the New York International Independent Film Festival, New York City.
Mykeko E. Bryant (Arthur Cook, Murder victim), has recently returned to New York City after living and working in
Barcelona, Spain where he studied Spanish and Catalan at Universitat de Barcelona. He received a Bachelor of Arts
degree from New York University.
He has appeared in Off-Broadway productions such as "Who Collects the Pain" at Theatre for the New City and "Hair" at
Theatre 22. He also appeared on Nickelodeon's "Don't Just Sit There". Mykeko was murdered in Jacqueline's first Hip Hop
Musical Mystery, "A Murder At The Church", and again in "Cooking The Books: A Recipe For Murder". He is thrilled yet
again to be the "dead guy" in "A Weapon Most Unusual!"
Barcelona, Spain where he studied Spanish and Catalan at Universitat de Barcelona. He received a Bachelor of Arts
degree from New York University.
He has appeared in Off-Broadway productions such as "Who Collects the Pain" at Theatre for the New City and "Hair" at
Theatre 22. He also appeared on Nickelodeon's "Don't Just Sit There". Mykeko was murdered in Jacqueline's first Hip Hop
Musical Mystery, "A Murder At The Church", and again in "Cooking The Books: A Recipe For Murder". He is thrilled yet
again to be the "dead guy" in "A Weapon Most Unusual!"
Vincenzo Vaccaro (Juror Abe Johnson), his film credits include participating in the 1993 film, "A Bronx Tale", as a shoe shiner. (Director,
Robert DeNiro). From 1995 to 2000, he has actively taken acting classes with Sandra Lee acting academy. He also participated in
"Saturday" as a bartender, "Confessions" as a wiseguy/tough guy. In addition to those roles, he has also participated in comedic short
film roles.
Robert DeNiro). From 1995 to 2000, he has actively taken acting classes with Sandra Lee acting academy. He also participated in
"Saturday" as a bartender, "Confessions" as a wiseguy/tough guy. In addition to those roles, he has also participated in comedic short
film roles.
Carmen Mathis (Juror Janis Ramirez), a veteran performer of 20 years, has appeared on stage at Theater for the New City, The Negro
Ensemble Company, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, among others, as well as in film and television. She is also a director and playwright
and a member of Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA, Actors Equity Association and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.
Ensemble Company, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, among others, as well as in film and television. She is also a director and playwright
and a member of Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA, Actors Equity Association and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.
LeRoy Hankins, (Juror Randy Wilson), cousin to Jacqueline, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. He repeats his position
as conductor and sound engineer, having made his debut in "A Murder At The Church". With "Cooking The Books: A Recipe For
Murder", portraying a hitman, he made his acting debut. His role as the impatient Juror, Randy Wilson, is great fun.
He has played in various popular bands, including The Blue Notes, Hank Ballard and The Midnighters, Frank Cornelius of the Cornelius
Brothers & Sister Rose, Herman Kelly and Life Beat, Timmy Thomas and Leon Parker. Recently, he has branched out to performing his
own music. His songwriting and stage performances blend world beat, pop and inspirational influences.
as conductor and sound engineer, having made his debut in "A Murder At The Church". With "Cooking The Books: A Recipe For
Murder", portraying a hitman, he made his acting debut. His role as the impatient Juror, Randy Wilson, is great fun.
He has played in various popular bands, including The Blue Notes, Hank Ballard and The Midnighters, Frank Cornelius of the Cornelius
Brothers & Sister Rose, Herman Kelly and Life Beat, Timmy Thomas and Leon Parker. Recently, he has branched out to performing his
own music. His songwriting and stage performances blend world beat, pop and inspirational influences.
Crystal Roman (Juror Mavis Jones), born into an already artistic family with her great grandfather as a musician in the Duke Ellington
band and two of her uncles playing along side Latin legends such as Tito Puente and now Marc Anthony. She expanded her artistic
talents further in the fields of acting and singing by attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts at the age of 17. Since then, Crystal
has acquired vocal and acting coaches and has trained professionally.
band and two of her uncles playing along side Latin legends such as Tito Puente and now Marc Anthony. She expanded her artistic
talents further in the fields of acting and singing by attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts at the age of 17. Since then, Crystal
has acquired vocal and acting coaches and has trained professionally.
Cecelia Hankins (Juror Thomasina Moore), cousin to Jacqueline, was a member of the Peekskill Drama Workshop under the direction
of Mrs. Uddyback. Also, the Westchester Drama Workshop, under the direction of Swani Johnson. In October of 2004, she had a
singing role, portraying Dinah Washington in Goldie Green's screenplay, "Sprang Thang". At present, Cecelia is a jazz vocalist with a
band called, "Doug Smith and Friends".
of Mrs. Uddyback. Also, the Westchester Drama Workshop, under the direction of Swani Johnson. In October of 2004, she had a
singing role, portraying Dinah Washington in Goldie Green's screenplay, "Sprang Thang". At present, Cecelia is a jazz vocalist with a
band called, "Doug Smith and Friends".
Amir Levi's (Juror Herschel Myers), New York credits include REQUIEM with the Kirkos Theatre Company, as well as, "The World May
Be Ending . . . But Atleast The Sex Is Good" at the WOW Cafe. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, he has trained at the National
Theater Institute at the O'Neill Center and also the British American Drama Academy in London. Amir is currently working on the
development of his solo show, "Male Matriarch", as well as the process of starting his own dance company.
Be Ending . . . But Atleast The Sex Is Good" at the WOW Cafe. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, he has trained at the National
Theater Institute at the O'Neill Center and also the British American Drama Academy in London. Amir is currently working on the
development of his solo show, "Male Matriarch", as well as the process of starting his own dance company.
Brookshire (Juror Thomas Martin, Salesman), a model, dance and actor, among his many engagements, appeared in "The Fall
Fashion Week 2004", modeling clothes by Franklin Rowe. Cory is currently under the tutelege of master hip-hop & dance instructor,
Robin Dunn, and works out regularly at her classes at the prestigious Alvin Ailey dance studio and Steps on Broadway. He makes his
acting debut in Hankins' A Weapon Most Unusual.
Fashion Week 2004", modeling clothes by Franklin Rowe. Cory is currently under the tutelege of master hip-hop & dance instructor,
Robin Dunn, and works out regularly at her classes at the prestigious Alvin Ailey dance studio and Steps on Broadway. He makes his
acting debut in Hankins' A Weapon Most Unusual.
Christine Bardes (Juror Lorna Mathis), was featured in several big budget films such as "A Beautiful Mind" and "Vanilla Sky".
Her theatre credits are impressive. She portrayed Hillary Clinton in "MacBush", produced by the Mind The Gap Theatre Co. In the
United Kingdom, she has portrayed several famous Shakespearian ladies including "Ophelia" in HAMLET, "Olivia" in TWELFTH
NIGHT, and "Julia" in THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. This is her debut performance with the HIP HOP MUSICAL
MYSTERIES.
Her theatre credits are impressive. She portrayed Hillary Clinton in "MacBush", produced by the Mind The Gap Theatre Co. In the
United Kingdom, she has portrayed several famous Shakespearian ladies including "Ophelia" in HAMLET, "Olivia" in TWELFTH
NIGHT, and "Julia" in THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. This is her debut performance with the HIP HOP MUSICAL
MYSTERIES.
Thomas Blake (Juror Roger Clark), has appeared in over thirty plays and musicals in North Carolina, as well as, many
independent films in New York. He starred as Andy Warhol in the Chelsea Girl's Production of "Andy and Edie", produced in New
York.
independent films in New York. He starred as Andy Warhol in the Chelsea Girl's Production of "Andy and Edie", produced in New
York.
Francesca Bellenis (Juror Alicia Post).
Giovanni Trosa (Juror Richard MacLean).
Chris Johnson (Juror Ron Thomas).
| CAST |
| Click on Photos to see resumes and filmclips! |
