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JPA at JPAC
Aug 29–31, 2025
Jefferson Performing Arts Center
6400 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA
At its core, Our City of Saints is about how a city, a football team, and a family can overcome adversity and celebrate life together. It’s a story of pain and joy, of losses and wins, and of passing down traditions that make life meaningful.
Click headshot for bio
A native New Orleanian, Mark is Senior Advisor for The Ehrhardt Group, the Gulf South’s leading public relations firm, and New Orleans & Company, New Orleans’ travel industry’s marketing, sales and promotion organization. He also serves as Honorary Consul in Louisiana for the Kingdom of Thailand.
His public relations career has spanned almost five decades and has taken him from teaching in college classrooms to the 1984 Louisiana World’s Fair, from presidential campaigns to corporate and non-profit public relations and marketing counseling.
In 2013 Mark became the Stadium Announcer for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, succeeding his father, Jerry (who served in the same role for 446 consecutive Saints home games over 44 years). In addition, Mark is a member of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank (NASDAQ: FBLA).
Active in his community, Mark recently served as the appointed volunteer President and CEO of the 2018 NOLA Foundation, the organization responsible for organizing the City of New Orleans’ Tricentennial celebration in 2018. He is also working in several other volunteer roles, including past Chairman of the Board for the Louisiana Travel Association. Among his community activities, Mark Vice-Chair of the Board for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Chair of the Board of Trustees for WYES-TV, Chair of the Board of Fore!Kids Foundation, a member of the Board of Directors of Methodist Health System Foundation and YouthForce NOLA. He recently completed a fifteen-year term of service at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Council. In addition, he serves as an advisor to the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and St. Andrew’s Village.
ANNOUNCER
Paul Soniat is a veteran New Orleans singer-songwriter whose music captures the warmth, humor, and heart of the Crescent City. With a career spanning decade, Paul is known for his lyrical storytelling, melodic sensibility, and deep connection to local culture. His songs reflect the rhythms of everyday life in New Orleans—infused with soul, nostalgia, and joy.
As the composer and lyricist for Our City of Saints, Paul has written a collection of nineteen original songs that form the emotional and thematic foundation of the production. Collaborating with Music Director Michael Esneault, Paul has shaped the musical identity of the show, blending traditional New Orleans flavor with theatrical storytelling. Paul’s songwriting is not only a soundtrack—it’s a voice for the soul of the city.
OLD HENRY
James “Parker” Bennefield (Freddie) is thrilled to be making his JPA debut in Our City of Saints! While he may be new to the JPA stage he is not new theatre! Recent credits include: The Addams Family Jr (Gomez), The Polar Express (Hero Child), Tangled (Flynn Rider), Finding Nemo, Jr (Crush), & Elf The Musical (Michael). Parker is a 7th grade homeschool student and loves to play basketball! He is most excited about sharing the stage for the first time with his mom who plays the role of Alyssa in this production! Who Dat!!
FREDDIE SINCLAIR
Ty is thrilled to be a part of the new work in the city that started it all. A theatre maker and teaching artist, he works with students at Newman School. Ty is a third-year MFA student at UNO’s School of the Arts. He is a vocalist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lakeview. Credits: The View UpStairs; Patrick, Jesus Christ Superstar; Simon Zealotes, Assassins; Giuseppe Zangara, Pageant; Miss Deep South, The School for Lies; Oronte, Enron; Skilling u.s. Ty is thankful to the production team Scarlett and Paul.
TEEN HENRY
Cooper Andry (Young Teen Willie), a proud lifelong Who Dat, is an 8th grader at Jesuit High School and is excited to return to the JPA main stage in the premier of Our City of Saints. He made his main stage debut in 2024 as James in School of Rock, and most recently starred as Charles in Beetlejuice, Jr. this past June. His previous JPA credits include High School Musical and Finding Nemo, Jr., both through the JPAS Youth Musical Theatre Intensives. Cooper has also appeared in Rivertown’s productions of Moana, Jr. and Junie B., Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (Herb).
His love for acting began in 2021 with The Taming of Katy Lou, where Mrs. Cindy Adams helped spark his passion for theater. Cooper extends heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Scarlett Lancon, Mr. Dennis Assaf, and the entire JPA team for their continued support and this incredible opportunity. When he's not on stage, Cooper enjoys cheering on the New Orleans Saints, playing basketball, and diving into video games. He is especially grateful to his parents, brother, family, and friends for their unwavering love and encouragement. WHO DAT! (IG:@cooper_andry)
YOUNG TEEN WILLIE
Katie Kitchen is ecstatic to be in that number when the Saints go marching in, especially in her principal debut with JPA! She graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a BA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance. While born and raised in New Orleans, Katie also spends her time touring the country with The National Theatre for Children to perform educational shows for several schools and organizations, through which she has performed all over the country. Some of her past credits include Billy Elliot (Ensemble), The Polar Express Train Ride (Bailey), School of Rock (Ensemble), Sondheim on Sondheim (Company), The Stonewater Rapture (Carlyle), Legally Blonde (Serena), Girls Like That (Girl In Shoulder Pads), Songs For A New World (Woman 1), and more. Special thanks to everyone at JPA for this opportunity to originate a role in a musical as well as this amazing cast and crew. Katie would also like to thank her family and friends for always loving and supporting her throughout this crazy adventure. Who Dat, and Go Saints! (IG: katieannekitchen)
TEEN/ADULT ETTA
Nicole Washington (Teen Ruby/ YA Ruby) is a New Orleans Native who has performed in previous JPAC/JPAS productions such as Dreamgirls (ensemble member) & Sistahs (Tamika). She wears many hats such as a Theatre teacher at LFC, a Praise & Worship Leader, and director. Nicole received her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts at Dillard University. She has loved performing since a young age, and doesn't show any signs of slowing down.
TEEN/ADULT RUBY
Frank von Hoven (Young Adult Henry) - Frank is excited to return to the JPA stage since last appearing as Bertram Batram in Young Frankenstein. Recently he was Gerry Goffin in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Le Petit and Mr. Sowerberry in Oliver! at Tulane Summer Lyric. Other credits include A Chorus Line, Chicago, Footloose, Plaid Tidings, The Big Easy Boys, and more. He is grateful to Scarlett and Dennis for the opportunity to perform for this local audience in the telling of this uniquely New Orleans story and to be able to share the stage with this wonderful cast.
YOUNG ADULT HENRY
Adriel Aviles is proud to be a part of the premier of Our City of Saints! Last seen on stage as Jean Michel in River Region Drama Guild's performance of Roger and Hammerstein's Cinderella, Aviles has been blessed to perform with JPAS over the years, including performances like Billy Elliot, Jeckyll and Hyde, In the Heights, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hunchback of Notre Dame and Young Frankenstein. Aviles was also blessed to work with TWTC on Night of the Iguana. Adriel has been grateful for the many opportunities given to him my JPAS, and hopes that this is another good experience for himself, his fellow actors, the crew, and most importantly the audience! Please enjoy the show!
YOUNG ADULT WILLIE
ALLEE PECK (Adult Etta) is thrilled to show her WHO DAT pride on the JPAC stage. She was most recently seen in last season’s School of Rock and Jekyll and Hyde. Some of her favorite past JPA productions include Petite Rouge (Crawfish), Nunset Boulevard (Sister Robert Anne), and Avenue Q (Lucy T. Slut/Others). She has performed in numerous productions throughout NOLA, was a Big Easy Award nominee for her role as Maggie Jones in Rivertown’s 42nd Street, and a Patchwork Player for three years. Offstage, Allee choreographs year-round with Scott Sauber on OverallPro’s school shows throughout the metro and Slidell area. She is also an award-winning karaoke host, voted Flame Magazine’s Best Karaoke Host of 2020! During the pandemic, she pounced on the chance to launch her own karaoke business, DJ AlleeCat’s MEOWvelous Karaoke, a one-woman karaoke party experience. You can catch her at her regular and pop-up karaoke nights around New Orleans—where she’s always feline fine behind the mic—or book her for private events, purrfect for all ages (IG: djalleecat). Her heartfelt thanks goes out to Scarlett and, as always, Maestro, for this wonderful opportunity. Love to Mamee—kiss kiss, hug hug. Look for her next as “the greatest prospector of the North,” Yukon Corenulis, in JPA’s production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
OLD ETTA
Ms. Rechell Cook is a celebrated R&B, jazz, and blues vocalist whose powerful voice and dynamic performances have made her a cornerstone of New Orleans’ live music scene for over three decades. Born and raised in the heart of the city, she hails from a musical family that instilled in her a deep appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans.
Rechell (a former member of A-Train and Elate’ Band) founded her own ensemble, Rechell and The Regeneration Band in 2008; blending classic R&B, soul, jazz, and blues with a contemporary flair. The band quickly became a fixture at major local festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and French Quarter Festival, where they have graced stages such as the Jack Daniel’s Stage . Rechell has also shared the stage with national acts like Jeffrey Osborne, Chante Moore, Kenny Lattimore, and LL Cool J, and has performed the National Anthem at professional sporting events.
Known for her sultry and commanding vocal style, Rechell has often been compared to legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, and Jill Scott . Her versatility allows her to connect with audiences in intimate venues and large festivals alike, delivering heartfelt renditions of classic hits and original compositions. Beyond her musical talents, Rechell is a beloved figure in the New Orleans community, known for her generosity and dedication to preserving the city’s musical heritage.
As of 2025, Rechell continues to perform regularly, captivating audiences with her timeless voice and unwavering passion for music.
OLD RUBY / ENSEMBLE / BACKUP SINGER
OLD WILLIE
Colin Richard (Miles/Ensemble) is excited to be back on JPAC stage and thrilled to be a part of this world premiere of a show that brings the WHO DAT Nation to life. Colin is a Sophomore at Loyola University New Orleans where he is majoring in Classical Vocal Performance and Communications. He recently played the role of Jon Styx in the Opera Orpheus in the Underworld (Loyola University). Other credits include, Pig No. 2 in Shrek the Musical (Wing & A Prayer Productions-St. Luke’s United Methodist Church), The Dutchess in Alice by Heart (River Region Dram Guild), Davey in Newsies- The Musical (Wing & A Prayer Productions-St. Luke’s United Methodist Church), TJ in Sister Act, The Musical at Rivertown Theaters, Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz (Wing & A Prayer Productions-St. Luke’s United Methodist Church), and many more. When Colin is not in the theater, he enjoys being a part of the chorale at Loyola, he is part of the cast for NOLA Pixie Dust, enjoys being an extra in movies, playing the guitar and hanging out with friends. Colin would like to thank Mr. Paul Soniat, Scarlett and Maestro for giving him this amazing opportunity!
MILES/ENSEMBLE
Alyssa Duke Bennefield (Alyssa/Ensemble) is beyond excited to be making her debut with JPA in Our City of Saints! She has family ties dating back nearly 300 years in New Orleans. Her love for the Crescent City runs thick through her blood! This show hits home for her, as she just retired from being a NFL Cheerleader with the New Orleans Saints from 2022-2025. Prior to that, she was a NBA dancer for the Atlanta Hawks from 2017-2020. She has been seen performing with many famous artists such as Ciara, Migos, 21 Savage, New Kids On The Block, Ying Yang Twins and more.
Recent stage credits include: Rock of Ages (Sherrie), Kinky Boots (Nicola/Angel), The Prom (Angie), Moulin Rouge (Dancer), The Odd Couple (Pigeon Sister), & The Honky Tonk Chicks (Singer). In her free time she loves to spend time with her husband Brandon, and their two sons - Parker and Denver! Special shout out to her oldest son, Parker, who plays “Freddie” in this production!! Break A Leg Bud!! Last but not least - GEAUX SAINTS!!!
ALYSSA/ENSEMBLE
JENEVIEVE BOURGEOIS (Stage Manager) is delighted to be part of Joe & Marilyn, marking her first time stage managing with JPA. She recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, with an emphasis in Musical Theatre, from Loyola University New Orleans. Her recent credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne), Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio), Urinetown (Urinette/Little Sally US), Into the Woods (Little Red Ridinghood), Head Over Heels (Philoclea), and multiple JPA productions as Crew. A 2025 bride-to-be, Jenevieve is joyfully planning her fairytale wedding this fall! Endless thanks to God, JPA, her family, and fiancé for their love and support.
LUCY/ENSEMBLE