THE PRODUCTION TEAM
FRANK DUNHAM JR, Writer, Director, I would like to introduce myself. I am Frank Dunham Jr., a New Yorker with a passion for theater, music, and dance. I lead a talented group of actors known as my "Tribe." With their support and the contributions of other professionals in the theater community, I have produced numerous plays and musical works for live audiences.
Growing up in a diverse community shaped my worldview and my fascination with people and their motivations. My love for storytelling started in childhood, fueled by my mother's passion for classic movies and live performances. I aim to create the same magical experience of being absorbed in a story for audiences.
Darrell Nickens, music director...was born and raised in New York City. He is a well versed keyboard player, pianist, organist and anything else that has black and white keys. Darrell has been playing and directing in churches and bands most of his life in and around the New York area. His expertise has taken him abroad to Hong Kong, Japan & Europe. Darrell is comfortable in all types of music, be it Gospel, Theatre, Rock, Jazz, Reggae, Calypso, Latin or Alternative. Since 1999 Darrell has been score writer and music director of many stage plays with Creative Stages Entertainment. Darrell has been keyboardist and music director with Vy Higgensen for GOSPEL BRUNCH at Harlem, NYC "RED ROOSTER" since 2013.
Omar Nobles, set design...self taught child prodigy mastering color and perception; attendend Pratt, School of Visual Arts and South Western College. His private collections has inspired Donna Karan and Swatch Watch to translate his works to their design and elements. Set design was a challenge but turned to an elemtary task for stage productions. Besides theatre, Omar is developing and marketing a clothing line and excells in potraits and has written and publsihed a book; "The Etymology of Seven" available at Barnes and Noble on line book store.
LACY DARRYL PHILLIPS - Creative Director, also known as The Uncle Earl, is an accomplished and versatile performer, excelling as a Triple Threat. As an Award-Winning Recording Artist, Choreographer, Creative Director, Music Producer, Songwriter, Teacher, Host, and DJ, Lacy's creativity shines across various artistic disciplines.
Lacy recently showcased his choreography in the NYC production "For All My Girls" and appeared in Carnegie Hall's "100 Years Of Black Men On Broadway" event. He starred in the ICT/Long Beach Performing Arts Center's production of "Ain't Misbehavin'," leaving a lasting impression with his stage presence and performance abilities. Lacy's journey in the arts began at a young age, sharing the stage with Bette Davis in his first professional show, "Miss Moffat," at just nine years old.
His extensive stage experience encompasses national tours and Broadway productions, including memorable performances in "Raisin," "Sophisticated Ladies" with Gregory Hines, Bob Fosse's "Dancin'," "Anything Goes" featuring Patti Lupone, "Sweet Charity" starring Debbie Allen, "Me and Mrs. Jones" with Lou Rawls and Darlene Love, "Play On," "FOSSE," and PBS's "Broadway: The American Musical."
Lacy's contributions extend beyond performance to choreography and creative direction. He choreographed and staged the National Tour of "The Wiz" with Grace Jones and Peabo Bryson, served as Associate Director/Choreographer for Mariah Carey's "Around The World Tour," and worked as Assistant Director/Choreographer for "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (A Celebration Of Stevie Wonder)" at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, featuring Chaka Khan, Peabo Bryson, and Melissa Manchester.
Under the mentorship of Debbie Allen, Lacy worked as an assistant and performed in various projects, including "A Different World," The Academy Awards, Sammy Davis Jr.'s 60th Anniversary Tribute, Disney's "Polly I & II," and the CBS TV Movie "Stompin' At The Savoy," where he portrayed Teddy The M.C. and Cool Women.
Lacy played a significant role in the establishment of The Hinton Battle Theatre Laboratory in New York, contributing as Associate Director/Choreographer, Production Manager, and Casting Director during its inception.
Currently, Lacy is the Creator/Producer of "Ultimate Underground," a global music, arts, and education project. He also hosts and DJs the award-winning radio program, "The Underground Experience with Uncle Earl," now celebrating its 11th successful season. The show reaches audiences through KLED Live FM Los Angeles, iTunes, Podomatic, and the Ultimate Underground website.
Lacy Darryl Phillips continues to leave an indelible mark on the artistic world through his exceptional talents, dedication to the arts, and commitment to promoting diverse and underground music.