"The Sunset Limited" Team
Dee Abdullah
LaTánya Johnson
LaTánya Johnson
Dee Abdullah-- Director
Dee Abdullah is a seasoned Director, Acting Coach, and Writer with a rich background in the performing arts. Graduating from Southern Connecticut State University, Dee's artistic journey has spanned from her home state of Connecticut to Los Angeles, Iowa, and ultimately to Charlotte, where she has established her long-term residence. It was during this time that Dee co-founded C.A.S.T. alongside the late Ed Gilweit, contributing significantly to the local theater community. In addition, Dee has played a pivotal role in founding other various theater schools and companies, including Distant Voices in Connecticut, A Unique Perspective in Los Angeles, and Ames Few Dance and Theatre Co. in Iowa.
A true veteran of the stage, Dee has excelled as an actor, playwright, director, costume designer and educator. Dee’s extensive credits showcase the high quality of her work. However, Dee's most cherished accomplishments lie in the remarkable individuals she has nurtured and had the privilege to collaborate with throughout her career.
LaTánya Johnson
LaTánya Johnson
LaTánya Johnson
LaTánya Johnson -- Assistant Director
LaTánya Johnson is a multidisciplinary artist whose workflows at the intersection of movement, storytelling, and visual expression. Her creative journey is rooted in the belief that art is both a healing practice and a powerful vehicle for collective truth-telling.
In 2024, LaTánya served as Dancer-in-Residence at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, commemorating 50 years of dance programming in Charlotte and its surrounding communities.
As a choreographer and movement coach, she has contributed her talents to celebrated
productions including A Raisin in the Sun, Seven Guitars, Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Bluest Eye, For the Love of Harlem, A Soldier’s Play, and The Piano Lesson. LaTánya’s collaborative spirit has been embraced by Theatre Charlotte, On Q Productions, Free Reign Theater Company, Brand New Sheriff (BNS) Productions, Matthews Playhouse, and most recently, Carolina Actors Studio Theater.
Beyond the stage, LaTánya holds deep joy in the presence of her grandchildren, whose laughter and love inspire her daily.
Michael Simmons
LaTánya Johnson
Michael Simmons
Michael Simmons-- Managing Artistic Director
Michael is pictured here (on the left) with CAST founder Ed Gilweit in the early days of the Carolina Actors Studio Theatre. The Sunset Limited is the 66th production for the Carolina Actor's Studio Theatre. Earlier this year, after a 10 year hiatus, Michael Simmons and CAST co-founder Dee Abdullah teamed up to revive CAST with a production of Alabaster by Audrey Cefaly at the Van Every Theatre in Charlotte.
When he’s not working on "all things" theatre, Michael can often be found on his South Carolina farm, where he and his wife Victoria tend to a horse, donkeys, goats, dogs, and cats. A devoted steward of the land, he cares for his animals with the same ethic he brings to his art: patience, respect, and a commitment to simply do the work.
Zach Humphrey
Zach Humphrey
Michael Simmons
Zach Humphrey-- "Black"
Zach Humphrey is making his debut with CAST Theatre with this amazing production of the Sunset Limited as "Black". He has been seen on stage from BNS Production's Clyde's, to CPCC's Diary of Anne Frank, and Charlotte Children's Theatre's Catching the Moon. TV appearances on Atlanta and Tulsa King, along with films from The Jukebox, Zaldar and more. Zach has studied at Charlotte's own Film Actors Studio as well as Terry Knickerbocker Studio in New York. He's grateful for his family supporting his acting journey and the tenacious cast and crew of CAST Theatre.
As his mother Lois Humphrey (playwright) taught him, "This work has a way of feeding your soul...so your obligation is to feed their (audience) spirit".
Thom Tonetti
Zach Humphrey
Thom Tonetti
Thom Tonetti--"White"
It's difficult to believe that it's been 20 years since a chance meeting restarted Thom Tonetti's passion for the theatre after a long hiatus.
He is so grateful for the relationship with CAST and Michael that has spanned all of those years. Thom missed CAST, and couldn't be happier to see it mount a comeback.
The Sunset Limited is Thom's 7th production at CAST--both as an actor and director. Thanks to Dee, LaTánya, Stephanie, Zach, and of course Michael.
Special thanks to Wendy for always supporting me in my passion. Love to my children Sam, Sebastian and Karina. You are all by far the best thing I ever had a part in.
Ensemble
Zach Humphrey
Thom Tonetti
- Jo Ann Levine
"Josh" is experiencing homlessness, but is always happy & gets by selling her candy and drinks to people walking by on the street.
- Graham Williams
"Jeremy "Fat" Willison", a street hustler born & raised in NYC. He's walking the line right now as a former felon... Whatever you need--he can get it.
- Vanessa Robinson
"Graciela Martinez" is a single mother that struggles with substance abuse to escape the stress of trying to do it all by herself. She lives in the apartment building.
- Debbie Swanson
"Lynn Walters", is a former corporate planner that is experiencing homelessness & mental illness after a layoff left her unable to afford her medication.
- LaTonya Lewis
"Candy" feels trapped after having a baby at fourteen, and walks the street because she believes she doesn't have any other choices to make money.
- Monique Perez
"Carla" grew up in the church, but now she's just barely making it. Torn between thanking God for taking her in, and hating the church for turning her out. She knows better...she just can't do better.
Production Team
A Special Thank-you:
A Special Thank-you:
Director|Costume Design: Dee Abdullah
Assistant Director: LaTánya Johnson
Production|Set|SFX Design: Michael Simmons
Additional SFX: Greg James
Original Incidental Music: Grover V. Smith
Lighting Design: Kelly Wright
Stage Manager: Stephanie Henrichs Welch
Box Office|House|Marketing: Debbie Swanson
Social Media|Video Production: Zoe Matney
A Special Thank-you:
A Special Thank-you:
A Special Thank-you:
A special "thank-you" to the following:
- Ted & Bonnie Johnson
- Southminster
- Charlotte Rescue Mission
- NAMI Charlotte
- Dorne Pentes & The Arts Factory
- Robin Tynes-Miller & Hailey Gilland with Three Bone Theatre
- James Duke with CPCC
- Lauren Dunlap
- Debbie Swanson
- Tracy Plunkett
Community Partner
A Special Thank-you:
Community Partner
Charlotte Rescue Mission
As you join us for this production of The Sunset Limited, we invite you to take part in the larger conversation. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Your gift to Charlotte Rescue Mission supports vital mental health work—helping those in crisis find hope and healing.
Please consider making a donation today.