Akeelah and the Bee Program

Theatre Guild of Rockingham County Production of

Akeelah and the Bee Friday, March 28, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.

Rockingham Community College Wentworth, North Carolina

“Akeelah and the Bee” Adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West Based on the screenplay by Doug Atchison Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences.

Akeelah and the Bee

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Please turn off your cell phones and enjoy the show.

I would like to Thank & Praise The Creator for the wonderful gifts in my life and the blessings I enjoy each day. Special Thanks to my Family; Collin, Akiyah and Akenya for allowing me to do what I do and still love me regardless.

To TGRC, Justin, Danny, Brandyn, Amy, Tom and Christopher; Thank you again for the tremendous opportunity to do what I love so much. It has been a delight and a blessing to share my love of creating with all of you.

Thanks to the Cast and Crew for your intense effort and commitment to this production and for making this show a success. It was more than a pleasure to have worked with such a dedicated talented group of outstanding Beautiful and Wonderful People.

What seemed impossible became a thing of beauty before my eyes. In the words of Dr. King, “Not all of us can become famous but all of us can become great because greatness is defined by the service that we give to others.”

Keep the faith & always keep Love in your heart.

Thanks for supporting the Performing Arts.

Robin T. Rich-McGhie

Akeelah ............................................................ Trinity Tillett Dr. Larabee .............................................. Sherrod Simmons Gail ............................................................... Taronza Graves Georgia .............................................................. Reign Webb Batty Ruth .................................................... Ellen Anderson Reggie ......................................................... Quentin Anglero Drunk Willie ........................................... Dr. Clinton Wilson Principal ....................................................... Laurie Suthard J.T. / Photographer ........................................ Colton Seacat Dylan .................................................................... Daniel Lin Javier .................................................................. Allan Gwyn Ratchet Rhonda ........................................ Kendall Manning Izzy / Snorting Girl .................................... Kensleigh Meeks Air Speller / Crying Girl ............................... Isabella Bolden Trish .............................................................. Amelia Defalco Horse Girl /Mohawk Girl ....................................... Liz Kratz TV Announcer / Judge / Bee Clerk ........... Dr. Renita Webb Dylan’s Dad ................................................ Eujynn Salvador Pronouncer ......................................................... Lilly Taylor Candy/Chucky & Party Guest ........................... Alexis Hicks Foxy Fay ............................................ Robin T. Rich McGhie

Amelia DeFalco (Trish) is so excited to help bring an amazing story like Akeelah and the Bee to life. She is a very theatrically involved 8th grader, helping keep her school’s drama club alive. Amelia hopes you enjoy this compelling play as much as she does.

Allan Gwyn (Javier) is currently a junior in high school but almost in his senior year. He has been in too many productions he can’t count but was excited to step into the role when they asked. He wants you to enjoy the show!

Bella Bolden (air speller/crying girl) is excited to be performing in her 9th TGRC production! When she is not on stage, you can find her playing the guitar and being active with her Civil Air Patrol unit as First Sergeant! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Dr. Clinton Wilson (Drunk Willie), a native of Raleigh, NC is making his TGRC debut. Dr. Wilson received his undergraduate degree from UNCG and his Masters and Doctoral degrees from NC A&T State University. Clint currently serves as the Chief Officer of Student Services for Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools. Regional credits include: The Black Nativity, Love Machine the Musical, The Color Purple (Mister), The Wiz (Lion), and Dreamgirls (C.C.) just to name a few.

Colton Seacat (J.T./photographer) is a junior at RCHS. He's been doing plays with TGRC since 2014. His favorite roles are villains and antagonists as it pushes him out of his comfort zone. In his spare time he enjoys singing, playing video games, and learning new instruments.

Daniel Lin (Dylan) is a middle schooler attending community Baptist school and a member of the youth philharmonic orchestra of the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra. He is a dedicated violinist and pianist with a strong passion for music. When he isn’t performing or playing music he also enjoys playing basketball and challenging himself to try new things. This is the first play that Daniel has had a role in and he cannot wait to inspire others in music and his performance.

Alexis Hicks (Candy/Chucky/party guest) is a newcomer to TGRC! She is currently in RCHS's production of Cinderella and was part of the tech crew last semester for the one-act production of Aliens VS. Cheerleaders and the Search for Delicious.

Ellen D. Anderson (Batty Ruth) a Fairmont, NC native residing Greensboro is now obtaining her Bachelors Degree in Human Studies and Family Development at UNCG. Ellen been cast in Little Shop of Horrors, Black Nativity, Hairspray, The Amen Corner, A Raisin in the Sun, Crowns, and more in four triad counties. She remains grateful to God for her gifts as well as the encouragement, love, and support from all of her family, and friends.

Eujynn Salvador (Dylan's dad) is super excited that he does not have to do the spotlight or the popcorn machine this year! He is a natural comic and has done several shows in his youth. He played the Constable for Music Man in 2023. Currently he works at Amedysis as a physical therapist.

Kendall Manning (Ratchet Rhonda) is a student at RCMS. She has been in several shows including Frog and Toad, Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo and Descendants. She enjoys playing sports and is on the tennis and soccer team at school. She is so excited to be working on TGRC’s production of Akeelah and the Bee. Kensleigh Meeks (Izzy/snorting girl) is very excited to be in Akeelah and the Bee, playing the part of Izzy/ Snorting Girl. This will be Kensleigh's 4th TGRC production and she looks forward to continue pursuing her dreams by being in productions and taking extra acting classes whenever possible!

Laurie Suthard (principal) is a TGRC Board member and is excited to be part of this dynamic cast. When not participating in shows on stage, you can find her helping backstage with props and costumes. She hopes you enjoy this production and encourages you to get involved in creating fabulous live theater in Rockingham County!

ELilly Taylor (pronouncer) has been with TGRC since the 2024 season. This is her 4th production plus summer camp. She loves being part of TGRC and being on stage.

She is thankful for every opportunity to be part of a production.

Elizabeth (Liz) Kratz (horse girl/mowhawk girl) is thrilled to be in her third show with TGRC including Finding Nemo JR, Descendants and is excited to a part of Akeelah and the Bee. An eighth grader at Community Baptist School, Liz enjoys singing, acting, traveling with her family, being with her friends, and is actively involved in her church. She is excited for future shows with TGRC! Quentin Anglero (Reggie) is a Reidsville native, alumnus of NC A&T SU and the current Sports Director for the Reidsville YMCA. In his free time he enjoys the life of showbiz and has been in numerous musicals with the Community Theatre of Greensboro including Dreamgirls, The Wedding Singer and more, as an actor and Stage Manager.

Reign Selah Webb (Georgia) - actress, dancer, singer, model, beauty queen. She is an Elite Company member at THE POINTE! . She has performed at the National Black Theatre Festival, in community theatre, and in a touring show. Special shout out to Mrs. Gina, Mrs. Robin, Coach Sky, & Coach Ramon for their training. Reign would like to thank God, her parents, siblings, GeeMa, extended family, and friends for their support. She is excited to make her TGRC debut.

Dr. Renita L. Webb (Judge/TV announcer) - actress, singer, dancer, wife, mother of 4, Leadership Strategist, author, educator, speaker, founder, and producer. Over the past few years she's been able to play some amazing roles Dreamgirls, Memphis, The Wiz, The Color Purple. She is excited to perform in her first show with TGRC. Dr. Renita thanks her husband, children, mother, and extended family and friends for their support of her passions and God for EVERYTHING. Robin T. Rich-McGhie (Foxy Fay) has been performing since age 7; she is an accomplished Singer, Actress, Director and Producer.

Sherrod Simmons (Dr. Larabee) is a native of Madison, NC. Sherrod graduated from Winston Salem State University with a degree in Exercise Science. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He has performed as the lead male in Sins of a Good Wife, A Raisin in the Sun, and One Hell of a Valentines.

Taronza L. Graves (Gail) is a multi-talented creative from Virginia, currently residing in Greensboro. She is a poet, author, award-winning actress, comedienne, and podcaster. With over 20 years of acting experience, she has starred in plays like "A Raisin in the Sun" with TGRC and "The Old Settler" with the 40+ Stage Company. Taronza's mission is to inspire others to live authentically, embracing their God-given uniqueness with courage, vibrancy, and freedom.

Trinity Tillett (Akeelah) is excited to be coming back to TGRC in her sixth play with them. She is definitely not new to the stage, but this is her very first “ starring role." She attends Rockingham County Early College High School. In her spare time you can always catch her with a drumstick in her hand, because she is a member of the RHS Marching Band. She also frequently participates in plays with RHS as well. Trinity hopes that you will enjoy Akeelah and the Bee.

TGRC would like to thank the following people/ organizations for their ongoing support in the making of this production.

Rockingham Community College Rockingham County Arts Council Reidsville Area Foundation

We are so proud of you, Trin!

You have worked so hard!

We love you!

Kam and Kay

Director: Robin T. Rich-McGhie Stage Manager: Angel Howze Costumer: Felisha Vestal Light Design: Tom Murphy Lighting Assistant: Christopher Wright Props: Otelia Spinks Set Design/Build: Collin McGhie Assistant Set Design: Isabella Bolden Sound Design: Karlos King Sound Assistant: Braedon Seacat Asst. Stage Manager: Quentin Anglero Technical Assistants: Alexis Hicks & Zoe Graves Producer: Danny Tanner

Angel Howze (Stage Manager) is an Actress, Talent Supporter, Director and Writer. She currently is Cheif Executive Officer of Vmac515, her boutique company that works with talent in the entertainment industry. The Arts continues to provide a creative journey for Angel that never gets old. This journey allowed her to work with the Late Traci Baxton and the Rude boy as well as amazing local talent. She is the recipient of the ACE Award Best Production Stage Manager 2022 Collin McGhie (Set Builder) has recently worked with TGRC on Steal Away and A Raisin in the Sun and with Gallery Players on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and CROWNS. He has been building and designing sets for over 20 years getting his start under the tutelage of Joe Nierle with Open Space Cafe Theatre and perfected his craft working with Elise Jonell Perforance Ensemble, City Arts and The Pointe!

Felisha Vestal (costume coordinator) has been the primary coordinator of costumes for The Pointe! Studio of Dance productions to include: “It’s a Hard Knock Life”, “The Fantasy and Adventure of Oz”, “Pride Rock”, “Let My People Go” and “Four Little Black Girls”. She has coordinated costumes for TGRC’s “Steal Away” and “Akeelah and the Bee.” Also, she has supported the Prop and Stage coordinators for these productions as well. She loves being involved with theatre and the performing arts.

Karlos King (Sound Design) is the Producer and Production Director at Entercom Communications (102 JAMZ ) in Greensboro, NC, and in 2006, developed his own marketing, management, and voiceover radio production company: BlackStar Media. BlackStar Media has produced and marketed promotions for The National Step Show Tours, area concerts, as well as local promotion and commercials for parties, companies, and theatre productions including sound design for TGRC's A Raisin in the Sun and Steal Away, and Akeelah and the Bee. Otelia Spinks-Fitch (Prop Master) is thrilled to be working with TGRC! Previous credits include A Raisin in the Sun, Crowns, Pride Rock, and Let My People Go). She worked with Elise Jonell and TPCTC in several productions as stage manager. Offstage, she enjoys teaching,reading and spending time with her family. She thanks her family, friends, and director for their support!

Robin T. Rich-McGhie (Director) is an Acting Instructor at The POINTE!. She received her artistic/dance training at The Newark Community Center of the Arts, Garden State Ballet, Alfred Gallman (Gallman Newark Dance Theatre), Phil Black Dance Studio and City Arts African Dance; acting and the stage are her first loves.

She has directed several productions in the Triad at TGRC, The Gallery Players, Stained Glass Playhouse, Kernersville Little Theatre, and her company Elise Jonell Performance Ensemble including A Raisin in the Sun, 12 Angry Men, Fences, Crowns, HONK!, Guys & Dolls, The Wiz, West Side Story, and several theatrical ballets along with Gina Tate.

She was also a Program Coordinator of We Are One Artistic Collective at Caldcleugh Multicultural Arts Center/City Arts, Talent Coordinator/Executive Director of The Busta Brown Television Show, Music Supervisor of Civil Rights Documentary “Wall That Bleed,” Managing Partner with T.K.R. Entertainment Group, Executive Director & Artistic Director for Inner Village Arts–South and Board member of Open Space Café Theatre. Robin is the CEO & Artistic Director of Elise Jonell Management, Talent Agency & Performance Ensemble.

Tom Murphy (Sound Engineer) is a Reidsville native, RHS theatre teacher, TGRC warehouse manager, and most importantly father to Harper and husband to Claire who hopes you enjoy the show.

Our little Trin is now such a blossomed young lady on stage shining bright!

Break a leg! We love you!

Love: granny and pap

I-S-A-B-E-L-L-A We are so proud of you and your air spelling!

Break a leg!

We love you!

Mom & Brad, Dakota & Jenn, Grace, Jack and Wyatt

TGRC’s Second Annual Opening Bid Online Auction April 5-13 on Facebook

Auditions April 4 & 5 at Reidsville High School Details online: www.TGRC-NC.com

36th Season Sponsors Please support those who support the arts!

Producers ($2000+)

Directors ($1000)

5820 N Church St d, Greensboro, NC 27455

Stage Managers ($750) ~ Reidsville Orthodontics ~ ~ Salvation Army ~

Playwrights ($500) ~ B.F. Myers Photography ~ City of Eden ~ ~ Dr Paul R. Barrett DDS, PA ~ Farm Bureau agent Carla Holt ~ ~ Home Trust Bank ~ Replacements ~

Actors ($250) ~ Chez Lindsey ~ Eden’s Own Journal ~ Elise Jonell ~ First Piedmont ~ ~ Reidsville Chamber of Commerce / Visitor Center ~ ~ Roger Ward Insurance ~ Woodmont UMC ~

This project received support from the Rockingham County Arts Council, the NC Arts Council an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.