{"id":40413,"date":"2018-01-10T23:01:43","date_gmt":"2018-01-11T05:01:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tuts8dev.wpenginepowered.com\/uncategorized\/theatre-stars-casts-local-actress-simone-gundy-lead-role-memphis\/"},"modified":"2025-10-27T23:55:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T04:55:35","slug":"theatre-stars-casts-local-actress-simone-gundy-lead-role-memphis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/theatre-stars-casts-local-actress-simone-gundy-lead-role-memphis\/","title":{"rendered":"Houston’s Simone Gundy Cast in Lead Role for Memphis<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|phone” admin_label=”Related Programs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”40px||40px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||40px||false|false” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”9a1805a3-c29d-4ffa-bf89-82729353589e” header_3_text_color=”gcid-secondary-color” header_2_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_2_font_size_phone=”28px” header_2_line_height_tablet=”” header_2_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”26px” header_3_font_size_phone=”24px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-secondary-color%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-heading-color%22:%91%22header_text_color%22,%22header_4_text_color%22,%22header_5_text_color%22,%22header_6_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n

Houston actress, Simone Gundy<\/strong>, who competed on Season 11 of \u201cThe Voice\u201d, will star as \u201cFelicia\u201d in Theatre Under The Stars\u2019 (TUTS) upcoming production of MEMPHIS<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I found out I was cast in Memphis<\/strong><\/em>, I screamed! I’m just beyond grateful. Felicia Farrell is a dream role of mine, and her character with all of her spirit and tenacity is so much like me that I can’t wait to step into her shoes,\u201d said Gundy.<\/p>\n

The production, which will be directed by TUTS Artistic Director, Dan Knechtges<\/strong>, will feature a cast that is comprised of incredibly talented actors from across the country, with Houstonians making up half the cast.<\/p>\n

Starring alongside Gundy in the role of Huey is Barrett Riggins<\/strong>, whose many regional theatre credits include All Shook Up<\/strong><\/em> at The MUNY, Grease<\/strong><\/em>, and A Little Night Music<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast summer, I had the good fortune to work with the fresh out of school Barret Riggins, who blew everyone away with his performance. I am thrilled he will be able to join us here in Houston alongside Simone. Houston is lucky to have such an incredible talent as Simone who will dazzle our audience\u2019s with her incredible voice and spirit,\u201d said Knechtges.<\/p>\n

Joining Gundy and Riggins is Julie Johnson<\/strong>, reprising her role as Mama, which she performed to great acclaim in the First National Tour of Memphis<\/strong><\/em>, Sheldon Henry<\/strong> as Bobby, Jared Howelton<\/strong> as Wailin\u2019 Joe, Avionce Hoyles<\/strong> as Gator, Philip Lehl<\/strong> as Mr. Simmons, and Warren Nolan Jr.<\/strong> as Delray.<\/p>\n

Henry<\/strong>, who was in TUTS\u2019 2017 production of Dreamgirls<\/strong><\/em>, has appeared in the national tour of South Pacific<\/strong><\/em>, and in many regional theatre productions including The Scottsboro Boys<\/strong><\/em> (Speak Easy Stage Company), and Guys and Dolls<\/strong><\/em> (WestChester Broadway Theatre). Howelton<\/strong> was most recently in the National Tour of Motown The Musical. Hoyles<\/strong> has appeared in numerous regional theatre productions including Jesus Christ Superstar<\/strong> <\/em>(Paramount Theatre) and Sister Act<\/strong><\/em> (Ogunquit Playhouse). Johnson<\/strong>\u2019s notable credits include Candide<\/strong> on Broadway, and roles in many regional theatre productions including Mame<\/strong><\/em>, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas<\/strong><\/em>, Chess<\/strong><\/em>, and The Rocky Horror Show<\/strong><\/em>. Lehl<\/strong>‘s credits include Blood Brothers<\/strong><\/em> on Broadway, Hundreds of Hats<\/strong> <\/em>Off-Broadway, and the national tour of Titanic<\/strong><\/em>. He has also appeared in more than 30 productions at The Alley Theatre. Nolan<\/strong> has appeared in the national tour of RENT<\/strong><\/em>, How the Grinch Stole Christmas<\/strong> <\/em>(Old Globe Theatre), and Falsettos<\/strong><\/em> (Diversionary Theatre).<\/p>\n

Rounding out the cast in the Ensemble are: Courtney Chilton<\/strong>, Taylor Daniels<\/strong>, Chloe Davis<\/strong>, Laura Henning<\/strong>, Liam Johnson<\/strong>, Zach Jones<\/strong>, Logan Keslar<\/strong>, Ashley Lee<\/strong>, Alexa Magro<\/strong>, Khori Petinaud<\/strong>, Christopher Tipps<\/strong>, Mya Tucker<\/strong>, and Sharrod Williams<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Both Johnson and Magro are TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre alumni, who will share the stage with 26 current HSMT students who will be joining the cast. The Student Ensemble cast includes Jazmyne Charles<\/strong>, Abriel Coleman<\/strong>, Bryce Cooper<\/strong>, Daelin Elzie<\/strong>, Emma Kate Farlow<\/strong>, Chase Fontenot<\/strong>, Isabella Forney<\/strong>, Haylee Harris<\/strong>, Sydnie Harris<\/strong>, Laci Hepler<\/strong>, Fallon Jones<\/strong>, Annelise Kelly<\/strong>, Kelly Lomonte<\/strong>, Molly Oubre<\/strong>, Sarah Pendergrass<\/strong>, Tobias Rytting<\/strong>, Lauren Schweers<\/strong>, Drew Shaffer<\/strong>, Annie Shouse<\/strong>, Cohle Smith<\/strong>, Alyssa Sunew<\/strong>, Antonio Teodoro<\/strong>, Claire Valdez<\/strong>, Ayvan Jo Williams<\/strong>, Hailey Wolfe<\/strong>, and Christopher Wolff<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As previously announced, Knechtges will be joined on the production by Jessica Hartman<\/strong> as Choreographer, Darryl Ivey<\/strong> as Music Director, Ryan O\u2019Gara<\/strong> as Lighting Designer, Andrew Harper<\/strong> as Sound Designer, Kevin Depinet<\/strong> as Set Designer, Leon Dobkowski<\/strong> as Costume Designer, and Jeff Knaggs<\/strong> as Hair and Makeup Designer. Casting for Memphis<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0was provided by Stewart\/Whitley<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Inspired by actual events, Memphis<\/strong><\/em> is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves \u2013 filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock \u2018n\u2019 roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony\u00ae Awards including Best Musical, Memphis<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0features a Tony\u00ae-winning book by Joe DiPietro<\/strong> (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change<\/strong><\/em> and All Shook Up<\/strong><\/em>) and a Tony\u00ae-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Memphis<\/em><\/strong> is made possible thanks to the generous support of production sponsors, ConocoPhillips<\/strong>, Apache<\/strong>, and Freeport LNG<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Children\u2019s Memorial Hermann Hospital<\/strong> is the official healthcare partner of Theatre Under The Stars. United Airlines<\/strong> is the official airline partner of Theatre Under The Stars. KTRK ABC-13<\/strong> is the official media partner of Theatre Under The Stars. TUTS is supported in part by the City of Houston<\/strong> through the Theater District<\/strong> and the Texas Commission on the Arts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Houston actress, Simone Gundy, who competed on Season 11 of \u201cThe Voice\u201d, will star as \u201cFelicia\u201d in Theatre Under The Stars\u2019 (TUTS) upcoming production of MEMPHIS! \u201cWhen I found out […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":42104,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"

Houston actress, Simone Gundy<\/strong>, who competed on Season 11 of \u201cThe Voice\u201d, will star as \u201cFelicia\u201d in Theatre Under The Stars\u2019 (TUTS) upcoming production of MEMPHIS<\/strong>!<\/p>

\u201cWhen I found out I was cast in Memphis, I screamed! I'm just beyond grateful. Felicia Farrell is a dream role of mine, and her character with all of her spirit and tenacity is so much like me that I can't wait to step into her shoes,\u201d said Gundy.<\/p>

The production, which will be directed by TUTS Artistic Director, Dan Knechtges<\/strong>, will feature a cast that is comprised of incredibly talented actors from across the country, with Houstonians making up half the cast.<\/p>

Starring alongside Gundy in the role of Huey is Barrett Riggins<\/strong>, whose many regional theatre credits include ALL SHOOK UP at The MUNY, GREASE, and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC.<\/p>

\u201cLast summer, I had the good fortune to work with the fresh out of school Barret Riggins, who blew everyone away with his performance. I am thrilled he will be able to join us here in Houston alongside Simone. Houston is lucky to have such an incredible talent as Simone who will dazzle our audience\u2019s with her incredible voice and spirit,\u201d said Knechtges.<\/p>

Joining Gundy and Riggins is Julie Johnson<\/strong>, reprising her role as Mama, which she performed to great acclaim in the First National Tour of MEMPHIS, Sheldon Henry<\/strong> as Bobby, Jared Howelton<\/strong> as Wailin\u2019 Joe, Avionce Hoyles<\/strong> as Gator, Philip Lehl<\/strong> as Mr. Simmons, and Warren Nolan Jr.<\/strong> as Delray.<\/p>

Henry<\/strong>, who was in TUTS\u2019 2017 production of DREAMGIRLS, has appeared in the National Tour of SOUTH PACIFIC, and in many regional theatre productions including SCOTTSBORO BOYS (Speak Easy Stage Company), and GUYS AND DOLLS (WestChester Broadway Theatre). Howelton<\/strong> was most recently in the National Tour of Motown The Musical. Hoyles<\/strong> has appeared in numerous regional theatre productions including JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Paramount Theatre) and SISTER ACT (Ogunquit Playhouse). Johnson<\/strong>\u2019s notable credits include CANDIDE on Broadway, and roles in many regional theatre productions including MAME, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, CHESS, and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Lehl<\/strong>'s credits include BLOOD BROTHERS on Broadway, HUNDREDS OF HATS Off-Broadway, and the National Tour of TITANIC, THE MUSICAL. He has also appeared in more than 30 productions at The Alley Theatre. Nolan<\/strong> has appeared in the National Tour of RENT, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (Old Globe Theatre), and FALSETTOS (Diversionary Theatre).<\/p>

Rounding out the cast in the Ensemble are: Courtney Chilton<\/strong>, Taylor Daniels<\/strong>, Chloe Davis<\/strong>, Laura Henning<\/strong>, Liam Johnson<\/strong>, Zach Jones<\/strong>, Logan Keslar<\/strong>, Ashley Lee<\/strong>, Alexa Magro<\/strong>, Khori Petinaud<\/strong>, Christopher Tipps<\/strong>, Mya Tucker<\/strong>, and Sharrod Williams<\/strong>.<\/p>

Both Johnson and Magro are TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) alumni, who will share the stage with 26 current HSMT students who will be joining the cast. The Student Ensemble cast includes Jazmyne Charles<\/strong>, Abriel Coleman<\/strong>, Bryce Cooper<\/strong>, Daelin Elzie<\/strong>, Emma Kate Farlow<\/strong>, Chase Fontenot<\/strong>, Isabella Forney<\/strong>, Haylee Harris<\/strong>, Sydnie Harris<\/strong>, Laci Hepler<\/strong>, Fallon Jones<\/strong>, Annelise Kelly<\/strong>, Kelly Lomonte<\/strong>, Molly Oubre<\/strong>, Sarah Pendergrass<\/strong>, Tobias Rytting<\/strong>, Lauren Schweers<\/strong>, Drew Shaffer<\/strong>, Annie Shouse<\/strong>, Cohle Smith<\/strong>, Alyssa Sunew<\/strong>, Antonio Teodoro<\/strong>, Claire Valdez<\/strong>, Ayvan Jo Williams<\/strong>, Hailey Wolfe<\/strong>, and Christopher Wolff<\/strong>.<\/p>

As previously announced, Knechtges will be joined on the production by Jessica Hartman<\/strong> as Choreographer, Darryl Ivey<\/strong> as Music Director, Ryan O\u2019Gara<\/strong> as Lighting Designer, Andrew Harper<\/strong> as Sound Designer, Kevin Depinet<\/strong> as Set Designer, Leon Dobkowski<\/strong> as Costume Designer, and Jeff Knaggs<\/strong> as Hair and Makeup Designer. Casting for MEMPHIS<\/strong> was provided by Stewart\/Whitley<\/strong>.<\/p>

Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS<\/strong> is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves \u2013 filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock \u2018n\u2019 roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony\u00ae Awards including Best Musical, MEMPHIS<\/strong> features a Tony\u00ae-winning book by Joe DiPietro<\/strong> (I LOVE YOU, YOU\u2019RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE and ALL SHOOK UP) and a Tony\u00ae-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan<\/strong>.<\/p>

MEMPHIS<\/strong> is made possible thanks to the generous support of production sponsors, ConocoPhillips<\/strong>, Apache<\/strong>, and Freeport LNG<\/strong>.<\/p>

Children\u2019s Memorial Hermann Hospital<\/strong> is the official healthcare partner of Theatre Under The Stars. United Airlines<\/strong> is the official airline partner of Theatre Under The Stars. KTRK ABC-13<\/strong> is the official media partner of Theatre Under The Stars. TUTS is supported in part by the City of Houston<\/strong> through the Theater District<\/strong> and the Texas Commission on the Arts<\/strong>.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[642],"class_list":["post-40413","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mainstage","tag-barrett-rigginsdan-knechtgeshoustonhsmthumphreys-school-of-musical-theatrejulie-johnsonmemphismusical-theatremusicalsnightlifesimone-gundythe-voicetheatre-under-the-starstuts"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40413","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40413"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40413\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42104"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tuts.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}