The Speakeasy 2024 Cast
ANNE YUMI KOBORIVirginia
Anne Yumi Kobori is a Japanese-American actor, playwright, director, producer, and teaching artist. Select performance credits: title role in Hamlet (Silicon Valley Shakespeare), Celia in As You Like It the musical (SF Shakespeare), Henrietta in The Hollow (City Lights Theater), Simca in To Master the Art (CCCT), Nina in The Seagull and Masha in Three Sisters immersive (Utopia Theatre Project). Recent playwriting projects include Braided at Theatre of Yugen and CalShakes, A.C.T.’s Neo Symposium, and Apertures of Love in Times of War with PlayGround New Works Festival. She has taught with A.C.T, Word for Word, SF Shakespeare Festival, Magic Theatre, Shakespearience, and Young Performers Theatre. www.anneyumikobori.com
ANTHONY P. CARDOZAFloyd
Anthony is making his Speakeasy debut as Floyd. Past roles include Peter Timms in Chinglish (San Francisco Playhouse & Plethos Productions), Herr Zeller in Sound of Music and Egeus in Midsummer Night’s Dream (Foothill Theater Arts), and Spinoza in Blessed Thorn (Palo Alto Jewish Community Theater). Anthony completed Foothill College’s theater arts program and currently studies acting at ZA Studios in San Francisco. Special thanks to Carmen for faith in me and to my father for showing me how to be bigger than life. www.anthonypcardoza.com
AUDREY ELLA GARLANDViolet / Understudy Viola / Dance Captain
Audrey Ella (she/her) is a Chuukese-American, Non-Equity dancer, actress, singer, social media manager, and website designer. She is a bicoastal performer — thus far, her adventures have taken her to Southern California, Maryland, Florida, and now, San Francisco! Her most recent credits include Judy Haynes (WHITE CHRISTMAS), Martha Cratchit/Ensemble (A CHRISTMAS CAROL), Babs/Bubbles (CAPONE’S DINNER SHOW), and Constance Bonacieux (THE THREE MUSKETEERS). She has worked as a teaching artist for Sacramento Theatre Company, Starbound Theatre, and Royal Stage Visual & Performing Arts. She graduated from Jessup University last year, earning her B.A. in Theatre Arts with a Musical Theatre concentration. She would like to thank her mom and her teachers for their constant love, support, and encouragement. @audrey.ella.garland
DAVID "BOSWICK" MAGIDSONOliver
David (Boswick) Magidson is a former Ringling Brothers Clown and has been performing family shows for 35 years. During the shutdown Boswick became a Tik Tok celebrity, garnering 40 thousand followers. Tik Tok led to hosting a children’s cartoon show in Chicago/Peoria for TV station VPOD channel 54. Boswick has been in every incarnation of the Speakeasy, from the tiny version in the Tenderloin (2014), to each version that’s been created. In the current show you can find him running around as Oliver, The Preacher and Joe the clock shop owner. It’s truly a privilege to work with such a caring talented cast, crew, front of house and bar staff. Thank you to Nick Olivero for creating a circus for me where – I don’t have to travel.
CLAIRE YOUNG ANDOUnderstudy Violet / Understudy Virginia
Claire Young Ando graduated with a BA in Musical Theatre in 2016 and has been doing theatre professionally in the Bay Area ever since. Her journey through Bay Area theatre has included performing in theme parks, various immersive shows, murder mystery shows, and traditional stage theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Bazzard in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Marin OnStage), Eleven in Stranger Things: The Experience (Mycotoo), Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Musical! (Berkeley Shakespeare Company) and Mobley in Meerkats-The Musical (Palo Alto Children’s Theatre). She would like to thank everyone in her life who has supported her and her love of theatre.
DONNA MARIE MCMILLANDorothy
Donna Marie is a socially engaged performance artist, actress, and activist dedicated to using the power of performance arts to share culturally resonant stories that reflect the experiences of people of color and their diverse communities. Through her work, she aims to expand minds, promote healing, and foster deeper understanding. Known for her captivating portrayals, Donna Marie has brought characters such as “Lena Younger” (A Raisin in the Sun), “Dean Hernandez” (Baltimore), and “Dr. Bessie Delany” (Having Our Say) to life on stage. Her favorite roles allow her to explore complex narratives and bring depth to her many performances. Since 2018, Donna Marie has been an integral part of the SpeakeasySF production as “”Dorothy.”” She is thrilled to return and reprise her role in the new iteration of the play, and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with a talented cast, dedicated crew, and supportive management team.
DUSTIN KATZCliff Adams
Dustin Katz is pleased to be working with such a lovely cast in this production of The Speakeasy. He is also a writer whose short stories have appeared online in Fantasy Magazine as well as in print in the Lost Films and Lost Contact anthologies from Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing.
EMILY CORBOVivian / Understudy Velma
Emily Corbo is excited to be returning to the stage of The Palace Theatre as Vivian after playing the role six years ago. Favorite past Bay Area credits include the musical Follies (SF Playhouse), Fahrenheit 451 (Quantum Dragon Theatre), Dora Spenlow in the world premiere of David Copperfield, The New Musical (Jewel Theatre Company), and of course, Vivian at The Speakeasy. IG @the.art.of.em
ERICA FLORLois Lipstick
Erica Flor fell in love with the Speakeasy in 2018 and still cannot believe she is performing in her dream show. A proud graduate of the UC Santa Barbara BFA program, she most recently starred as Beatrice in Bard Theatre SF’s inaugural production of “Much Ado About Nothing”. She has also written, produced and performed a two-woman show about the UK’s infamous “fake penis trial” of 2013, as well as a solo show about real-life murderess Elizabeth Bathory. You can see her next at the San Francisco Mint in Peaches Christ’s “Terror Vault“! www.ericaflor.com
GREGG GEOFFROYOscar / Tap Dance Specialty
Gregg is a native Rhode Islander and a jazz musician, tap teacher, choreographer, and piano teacher based in the East Bay Area. Gregg has been teaching tap, piano, and performing for over 25 years. Gregg’s education in music is evident in his teaching of rhythm tap and makes him an innovative teacher/choreographer. He makes an ongoing study of tap masters like Eddie Brown, Honi Coles, Cholly Atkins, Baby Laurence, and Jimmy Slyde. In his desire to keep tap dance fresh Gregg has performed in a variety of settings, with many local tap dance groups, among fellow musicians such as the Escovedo Family, middle eastern drummer Mary Ellen Donald, and as the percussionist for a jazz trio featuring the late Regina Maria Pontillo. For the past 10 years he has found new challenges & delights as a duo act with Katie Baritell. They’ve danced at The Fox and Paramount Theaters (Oakland), Bimbo’s 365, Jack London State Park, and for many commercial gigs throughout Northern California. Together they create dances that give a wink to the past and a nod to the future.
HEATHER MAE STEFFENVelma Louise Cole
Heather Mae studied musical theatre at Foothill College and music at SSU. You may have last seen her as Cheryl in Evil Dead the HD National Tour, Patsy Cline in Always, Patsy Cline (SJMT), Bea in Something Rotten (WVLO), or Vanessa in In the Heights (Western Stage). When she’s not singing on stage she loves horse back riding and hiking with her dog. Shoutout to her dad for his endless love and support.
HOLLY SILKEloise Di Stefano
Holly Silk, a fourth generation San Franciscan, began her career in the arts as a dancer, ultimately touring with Dick Bright’s SRO for 16 years, performing throughout the world. You may recognize her as the “Girl in the Fishbowl” from San Francisco’s legendary Bimbo’s 365 Club. She’s been nominated for a Bay Area Critics Circle Award for her role as Avis in Spare Stage’s A Body of Water, and has been with The Speakeasy since the premiere version on Hyde Street. In 2019 she’ll be keeping the joint running tip-top once again as Eloise DiStefano for the full season.
ISABELLA DAVISUnderstudy Vivian / Understudy Viola / Tarot Reader
A proud Bay Area native, Isabella Davis is a passionate actress; Utilizing her depth of emotion, and empathy towards humanity to craft vibrant characters. Her previous castings include Mercutio, in Nebraska Shakespeare’s production of Romeo and Juliet, as well as staring roles in numerous short films such as: Hotline (directed by Vanessa Rodriguez), Stonefrenge: The Fourth Kind (directed by Leslie Alarcon and Nicolas Da Silva), and The Chat Room (directed by Adam Alloy); All available for viewing on YouTube. Davis has continued to strengthen her storytelling abilities at z/a Studios, through vigorous scene study classes. She would like to thank her teachers, mentors, and community at z/a Studios for giving her the tools and structure to create this meaningful acting career.
JIMI WHEELERUnderstudy Tom
Jimi (he/him) first debuted with The Speak in 2017 as Oliver, and is honored to be a part of this incredible cast and crew. The amount of work from all involved has reinvigorated his passion for the arts. Most recently, he finished his 2nd overseas contract with Universal Japan in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and before that spent 5 years with The Walt Disney Company. He studied at University of Hawaii where he sang with Jimi Nabors for 5 years, and finished his Theatre and Music degree at SFSU. He’d like to thank Nick, Laura, Charis and this phenom group of artists for keeping him sane. www.JimiWheeler.com
KATHARINE BARITELLGracie / Tap Dance Specialty
Katie is a Bay Area native and UC Santa Cruz alum. At an early age she developed a passion for dance, specifically tap dance and the Golden Age of Hollywood. Katie has been tap dancing for over 20 years and for the past decade she has been dancing professionally as a duo with her partner, Gregg Geoffroy. She is also Gregg’s teaching assistant for tap classes and they love creating new choreography and mastering classic tap dances. Her big imagination plays a significant role in her and Gregg’s tap acts. Aside from frequently working as a specialty act tap dancing with Boxcar Theater, Katie and Gregg also dance throughout the Bay Area for many events and theater companies, from the Fox Theater with Gregangelo’s Velocity Circus to smaller independently hired commercial events. She is also often hired for character work, from mythical creatures to a Bond girl. The past three years they have been sponsored to tap dance at the Art Deco Preservation Ball and have graced the historic stages of The Paramount Oakland and Bimbo’s 365 Club. Katie enjoys listening to music, specifically jazz, singing with Gregg, and when she’s home, loves to be with her cats.
NICK DICKSONLeland Mahoney / Fight Captain
Nick Dickson is an actor and clown performing in the Bay Area. He graduated from UCSC with degrees in Literature and Theatre Arts and studied at the Clown Conservatory at the SF Circus Center. Most recently, Nick has performed as the White Knight in We Players’ production of Adventures With Alice in Golden Gate Park, Philip Marlowe in 13th Floor’s immersive show, The Lost Inn: a Dark Faerie Noir at SF Mint Building, and with his Improvised One Act Company, Cirque Oui Et. To return to the Speakeasy as Leland has been incredible. He feels fortunate to have met so many fantastic people over the years here.
NIKOLAI LOKTEFFTom
Nikolai Lokteff is an actor, singer, and team building facilitator. He appeared in the immersive 1920’s play, The Speakeasy, as Harold (2017-18). Nikolai has appeared in numerous Bay Area productions including including 12th Night and The Seagull with the Livermore Shakespeare Festival. He studied with The Moscow Art Theater’s Summer Conservatory in 2004.
OLIVIA BROWNLois Lipstick / Understudy Virginia
Olivia Gregor Brown is an actor, San Francisco native, and working Teaching Artist with the American Conservatory Theatre. She is a BFA graduate of New York University Tisch’s Stella Adler Studio of Acting and an MFA graduate of the UK’s Bristol Old Vic School of Theatre. She has worked in immersive theatre previously on the West End’s Great Gatsby. She has worked with such local companies as Novato Theatre, Into the Dark, Awesome Theatre, and others.
RACHAEL RICHMANLois Lipstick
Rachael Richman is an actor, writer, song-smith, movement artist, and avid collaborator. She played Charlotte in the previous run of The Speakeasy, and for Age of Scofflaws she co-created and originated the role of Lois Lipstick. Additional credits include: THEATRE: Innocence (San Francisco Opera), The Karamazovs (New Ohio Theatre), Portrait of an Angel a Lion a Monster (Central Stage, TheatreLab), Aunt Leaf (Hudson Opera, HERE Arts Center), Body Drama (Whitney Museum), Love and Geography (HERE Arts Center), Soulographie (La Mama Theatre), Offending the Audience (Flea Theatre), Are We Here Yet?, AOI (PS 122), Silent Sky, To Kill a Mockingbird (Bristol Valley Theatre), Funeral Game (Potrero Stage), and Man of La Mancha (Custom Made Theatre) for which she received the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award for Principal Actress. FILM: “The Karamazovs” (NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival award winner), “Janelle’s Baby” (Santiago Film Festival award winner), “A Gentle Art,” “Refinery Surveyor Black,” “The Aleph.” She co-devised immersive mixed-reality adventure Private(i) at the Brooklyn Navy Yard/BEAT Festival, and wrote the libretto for Art Monastery Project’s Prime, which toured internationally.
ROBBIE DIAZClyde
Owing to his versatility as an actor, Robbie Diaz (he/they) has performed in a variety of roles, from Malvolio in “Twelfth Night,” to Benny in “Rent.” He studied Theatre Arts and writing at the University of Puget Sound under directors and dramaturgs such as Jess K. Smith and Geoff Proehl. He has also studied at Voice One in San Francisco, and pursues voice acting alongside stage work. His SF debut was with the Custom Made Theatre Company’s production of “References to Salvador Dalí Make Me Hot.” A storyteller at heart, Robbie passes his time with independent writing projects, improv exercises, and roleplaying games when not onstage.
ROBERT KITTLERClyde
Robert Kittler is thrilled to be part of The Speakeasy. He has acted locally with San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, California Shakespeare Theatre, New Conservatory Theatre Center, Playwrights’ Center of San Francisco, and Theatre Rhinoceros. Robert has studied acting at Bard College, American Conservatory Theatre, and Studio Acting Conservatory in his hometown of Washington DC. Besides theatre, Robert is passionate about environmental causes. He would like to thank his incredibly supportive family and friends for always being there for him.
SHANEEN BLACKViola
Shaneen Black has enjoyed her time being a part of The Speakeasy SF (Age of Scofflaws). Some of her Bay Area credits include: “Crystal” Little Shop of Horrors (South San Francisco High School and Ohlone College: Summer Fest), “Marya” The Government Inspector (Ohlone College), “Nun” The Sound of Music (Hillbarn Theater and Conservatory), And The World Goes Round, A Musical Revue from Kander and Ebb (Cal State East Bay), “Lauren” (in an Illumeably Short Film).
TORY WILLIAMSVinnie
From Little Rock, AR, Tory loves acting movies, music, writing, reading and fighting games. He’s appeared on stage in “Words That Made a Difference”, “A Soldier’s Play” and “Group Therapy”, and is also currently writing short and feature scripts to make his own films.
