DAMARAS OBI (Lynda Blackmon) is a published author, actress, and voice-over artist. She received theater training at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, New York. Her publications include her novel, An Immortal Angel, and a collaboration with the Lincoln Center Theatre Review. Damaras performed on Broadway for the Shubert Foundation Awards Festival in an excerpt from In the Heights, and she originated the role of Lynda Blackmon in Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom. When not performing, Damaras gives educational tours on American slavery, civil rights, and the Underground Railroad. She is thrilled to be a part of this next chapter of Turning 15!
LaRON GRANT (Ensemble/Music Coordinator) is excited to make his Loire Valley Theatre Festival debut! Training: Quincy University (Quincy, IL). Recent performance credits: Big River, The Toxic Avenger, Dreamgirls, Festival of the Lion King (Hong Kong Disneyland), Avenue Q, The Little Mermaid, Ragtime, Carousel and many others. LaRon is also a Teaching Artist and has taught throughout the Midwest, as well as in schools throughout Upstate New York and New York City. He would like to give all praise to Jehovah God. Special thanks to Pat McCorkle, Miranda Barry, Amy Sprecher, Fracaswell Hyman, the production team, cast mates, family, friends and especially to Marquise. Phil. 4:13-01.05.18
QUEADE NORAH (Ensemble/Understudy) is thrilled to join the cast of Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom! Queade has performed lead roles in productions such as Dreamgirls (Lorrell Robinson), Hairspray (The Dynamite’s), Ragtime (Sarah), Phantom of the Opera (Carlotta) and more. In addition to theatre, she has sung with Motown songwriter Ashlee Simpson and former La Belle Nona Hendryx. In 2017, she competed and won first place in three musical theatre competitions; one of which was national! Academically, Queade recently graduated from Berklee College of Music, where she earned her B.A in Music Business.
CHANTÉ ODOM (Ensemble/Understudy-Lynda Blackmon) has emerged as an up-and-coming theatre/film actor in New York City. After graduating from St. John's University and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts-East, she began working in regional and conservatory theatres, including the Manny Greenfield Theatre, the Bridge Theatre, and most recently, the Playground Theatre. Odom also has several film, commercial, and professional dance credits on her résumé. Chanté is more than grateful to participate in this world-class tour of Turning 15 on The Road to Freedom!
CLAXTON RABB III (Ensemble) is thrilled to join the incredible cast of Turning 15 and tell this important story. Claxton most recently appeared in Arizona Broadway Theatre’s production of Hair as Hud. Other credits include: Three Little Birds National Tour (Swing); Choir Boy/JAG Productions (David Heard); Jesus Christ Superstar/Kennsington Arts (Peter); A Year with Frog and Toad/Scranton Cultural Center (Toad). Claxton is a proud graduate of American University, where he earned his BA in Musical Theatre with honors. He sends all the love and thanks to his family and his tribe for their endless support. www.claxtonrabb.com Instagram: @claxtonrabb #ownyourhappiness
RENÉE REID (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of the cast of “Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom” with such amazing performers. She is a graduate of Professional Performing Arts High School in Time Square and has been performing and touring ever since. Renée has most recently been seen in The Children's Theater Company’s adult production of “Henry Box Brown” in Michigan and Scotland, where she played Nancy Brown. Some of her previous credits include "Guys and Dolls" (Sarah Brown), "Dolores" (Dolores), "The Wiz" (Dorothy) and “Ragtime” (Sarah’s Friend). Special thanks to my agent Padraic at JC William Agency. God bless!