MEET THE CAST
THE HAT THEATER COLLECTIVE PRESENTS…
The Ballad of Old Manatee
Created by Danae DeShazer and Derek Brookens
Story by Danae DeShazer and Derek Brookens
Book & Lyrics by Derek Brookens
Original Music by Derek Brookens
Directed by Danae DeShazer
This show was presented in April and May 2023—tickets are no longer on sale.
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as James C. Vanderipe
Alexander Zickafoose (he/him) is the current Co-Music Chair of Booker High School VPA, teaching Modern Band and Choir and directing a multitude of Music Performances on Campus and in the Community. Recent performances include the title role in Pippin as well as Finch in "How to Succeed..." at MPAC, Mendel in the Players Centre’s "Falsettos," Jamie in "The Last Five Years" at Venice Theatre, and Floyd/Ensemble in a reading of "Fountain: A New Musical" at the Asolo Theatre. Directorial Credits include "Pets!" at MPAC and "Children of Eden" at Spotlight Theatre Productions.
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as Sarah Lee
Ashley Figlow is known in the greater Sarasota area for her performances in roles that explore the complexities of femininity, which is why she is so excited to dive deep into the life of Sarah Lee, and to be a part of the inaugural production for The Hat Theatre Collective! Strong female representation in theatre is so important, and she is beyond thrilled for everyone to learn more about Sarah Lee!
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as Reverend Edmund Lee
Mr. Gundersheimer (he/him) is a performer, director, writer, producer and theatre administrator.
He was based in New York City for many years and built his first theater on the upper west side, Avalon Rep, before he was thirty. He then helped plan, build, and was the Producing Director of the Century Center for the Performing Arts in Union Square, where two Pulitzer Prize winning plays had their off-Broadway commercial runs. He was the Managing Director of the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, MN and served as that city’s first Arts and Culture Coordinator.
His directing and writing career has brought him all over the country from off Broadway to Cape Cod to Rochester, Minnesota, staging well over seventy plays. His play, Pas De Deux, won the Best New American Play Award on Theatre Row, and another play, Incommunicado, was produced by Tony Award Winner Woodie King Jr. and was nominated for four Audelco Awards including for his writing and directing.
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as Electa Lee
Donna DeFant (she/her) moved here 33 years ago from Massachusetts, where her theater experiences started at an early age. Having retired after 32 years as a Certified Financial Planner, she devotes her time to theater arts.
Donna has been a board member for TheatreWorks, The Players Centre for Performing Arts and Theatre Odyssey as well as seen onstage and worked backstage for all. Favorite roles include: Titania - “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”; Elvira – “Blithe Spirit”; Katherine – Taming of the Shrew”; Dolly Levi – “The Matchmaker”; Ginny Jenny – “Three Penny Opera” and Corie in “Barefoot in the Park”. Love to hubby Pete!
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as Eliza Burts
Grace Wolfe (she/her) is thrilled to be taking part in her first production with The Hat Theater Collective. Previous credits include: Godspell (Disciple), Miracle on 34th St. (Doris Walker), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Greta Van Hudson), Once Upon A Mattress (Winnifred), All Shook Up (Sandra), Frozen Jr. (Anna), The Addams Family (Wednesday U/S), Cinderella (Cinderella), and others.
“I’ve been a history nerd since I was little, so being given this opportunity to bring Old Manatee’s history to life is an absolute dream! Enjoy the show!”
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as Bo (The Narrator)
Originally from Pennsylvania, Derek (he/him) spent a decade performing professionally across the country. He’s been an actor and songwriter since age 15 and a playwright since 25. His works include “The Ballad of Old Manatee”, “Gin Rickey” (a finalist at The Player’s New Play Festival 2022), and “The Sword in the Stone”, an original musical adaptation for student performers. He’s also completed 28 Plays Later, a daily playwriting challenge, twice.
Derek also serves as the co-creator, playwright, music and lyrics for The Ballad of Old Manatee.
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as James C. Vanderipe understudy
Born and raised in Bradenton, Florida - Jason (he/him) is a true local and is ecstatic to be a part of The Hat Theater Collective’s inaugural production.
Jason has been heavily involved in the bay area theatre scene for over a decade with some of his favorite roles including Mark [RENT], Bobby Strong [Urinetown], Brad Majors [The Rocky Horror Show], Finch [How to Succeed], and Musidorus [Head Over Heels]. All his love is with Cait & the furry kids.
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Ensemble
Susie Lowe (she/her) is thrilled to be involved in The Ballad of Old Manatee! Some of the fun roles she’s enjoyed on stage in the past are Jinx in Savannah Sipping Society, Celia in Calendar Girls, Dorris in Same Time Next Year, Leona in Exit Laughing, and Agnes Gooch in Mame. She is a retired Allstate Insurance Agency Owner.
Thanks to Danae and Derek for this new journey with an incredibly talented cast!
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Ensemble
Brandy Harlan (she/her), a Florida resident for the last 22 years hails from the small town of Salyersville, Kentucky. Although she cherished her down home, simple upbringing she’s also a city girl at heart. With a degree in Fashion, Design and experience in events, she loves mixing styles, colors and planning fun parties. Brandy and her family often joke and play tricks on each other while speaking in various accents to keep the atmosphere light among her 3 boys and husband. You’ll often find Brandy playing music and singing along like no one is listening.
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Ensemble
Sean Harlan (he/him) is a 6th grader at Rowlett Middle Academy, where he studies film, enjoys extracurricular activities such as Cross Country and Marching Band playing the trombone. When not studying fine arts, he plays tournament baseball on the weekends. Sean is often the comedic relief at home with his brothers, one older and one younger. Having always had a bit of character in him, he’s excited to expand his repertoire to include the performing arts.