Katrina Wood (writer, producer), child of film actor (and POW) Percy Herbert, worked in theater/television most of her life, including a stint with the English National Opera. Her first musical, “A Christmas Carol,” adapted/composed at age 19 and produced in London, was revived in L.A. as “Bob Cratchit and Mr. Tightwad.” Her most recent credit is the multiple award-nominee “Spindle City: The Lizzie Borden Musical.” The new drama “The POW and the Girl” is Katrina’s first departure from writing musicals. Katrina is excited to reunite on the project with her longtime collaborators Chas Mitchell and Trace Oakley.
Chas Mitchell (lead actor, the POW) has been an L.A. film, theater and voiceover actor for more than 35 years, with TV credits including “General Hospital” and “The X-Files.” For writer-producer Katrina Wood, he played Andrew Borden in “Spindle City: The Lizzie Borden Musical” (2016) and Scrooge in “Bob Cratchit and Mr. Tightwad” (2011). Chas is thrilled to be part of the world premiere of “The POW and the Girl.” SAG/AFTRA, AEA; Daily Talent, Idiom Worldwide Talent.
Samantha Mallory (the Girl) most recently played Lydia in the Culver City Public Theater’s production of “Pride and Prejudice.” Other regional theater credits include “Angel Academy,” “T.I.T.S,” “Vanities,” “Gypsy” and “The Women.” Film work includes lead roles in the shorts “Missy,” “Cia, Isabella,” “The Bench,” “Connection” and “Jack and Jill.” Improv training with the Upright Citizen’s Brigade. Studied the Meisner Technique with Don Bloomfield.
Adrian Burks (Paul the boy). In college, Adrian developed his passion and technique for acting. Studying theater, the classics and playing trumpet provided the groundwork for a career in the arts — while playing on a football scholarship. He moved to L.A. after graduation to pursue acting. This led to his first feature, “First Period” (2013), and then a supporting role in the award-winning “Whiplash” (2014). TV credits include CBS’ “Code Black.” Adrian mostly recently was seen as Sagot in “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” at the Norris Center for the Performing Arts. Represented by Marc Chancer at Activity Talent and Timothy Garret at TG Management. SAG/AFTRA.
Natalia Bilbao (Alice, Mother) is a native Spanish and English actress who has been classically trained in London, Bilbao and Madrid. She has worked on films in supporting and leading roles, and was nominated for a best actress award at the Terror Film Festival in 2017. Stage work includes Shakespeare, contemporary, musical, improv and sketch plays both in English and Spanish.
Lucas Helmersson (Kyle the bully) ascends from the northern country of Sweden and recently graduated from New York Film Academy. Swedish stage credits include Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray” and Victor Ejder in “The Gangster on the Stars Restaurant.” U.S. credits include Sir Despard Murgatroyd in the musical “Ruddigore” and Pale in the play “Burn This.” Lucas spends most of his spare time developing his athletic abilities via volleyball, soccer and boxing. Lucas has mostly worked in film lately and is now content to create art on the theatrical stage.
Trace Oakley (director) is happy to reunite with the key creative team from “Bob Cratchit” and “Lizzie Borden.” Trace has directed more than 50 productions, with more than 100 additional productions to his credit as actor, playwright, producer or administrator. L.A. directing credits include “RuddiGORE,” which he also adapted and co-produced, “Pearly Gates,” “Crimes of the Heart,” “Lovers and Other Strangers,” “Standing on My Knees” and ” ‘Carrie’ that Tune: Hit Songs from Flop Musicals,” which he conceived and wrote.
Natasha Aldridge (costume designer) is a native of Austin, Texas. She started costuming in 2009 while studying acting at Webster University in Missouri. She did wardrobe and costumes for the St. Louis Repertory Theatre and other local theater and film productions. After university she moved back to Austin, continuing to dress and style for photoshoots and film productions, and soon moved into art direction and creative coordination. She moved to L.A. a year ago.
Aaron Glazer (set designer). California born, Aaron has lived on both coasts, the Caribbean, Mexico and England. Schooled in four countries, he earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Columbia University in New York City, where he then worked in advertising, independent cinema and freelance fabrication. Aaron lives in Los Angeles, working as a production designer, set designer and prop fabricator in film, television and theater.
Averi Quinn (choreographer) has trained and worked in many dance styles including jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, and of course musical theater. Averi has choreographed multiple musicals as well as music videos and live performances for music artists. Credits include Alena Bernardi, BGlo, Ginuwine, Magic Mirror Theatre Company, Proof Doubt Closer Theatre Company, Royal Caribbean, Cali4nia Jones, Young Fresh and Shameless, Gess and Jon Hart. She is happy to add some fun dance flair to this show.
Matt Steele (stage manager, lighting board) was born for a special kind of want; in between military silos, somewhere rich with climate. He gave himself to the strange flit of passions vibrating from the cellar halls in empty lots, gave until it was a strain to trace his bleary presence. Factory life pursued it nonetheless, and he gathered a density that eventually carved him some ballast; ripened him a sudden Grove.
Jeffrey Gibson (the Japanese Soldier and stage manager). Before graduating from Alhambra High School,
Jeffrey had the opportunity to be a company member of the Mosaic Lizard Theater. Credits there include Dismas in “A Child Is Born” and Fred in “A Christmas Carol.” Jeffrey has begun his career in stage management, at Highways Performance Space. He currently can be seen in “La Bête” at his college in Pasadena. He recently appeared in “Oh, the Humanity and Other Good Intentions” as Gentleman. He graces the Sherry Theater all the well knowing that this will be his professional theater debut.