"The Sunset Limited" Team

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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.

LaT'Anya Johnson -- Assistant Director

LaTanya 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, LaTanya 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. LaTanya’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, LaTanya holds deep joy in the presence of her grandchildren, whose laughter and love inspire her daily. 

Michael Simmons-- Managing Artistic Director

Michael is pictured here with CAST founder Ed Gilweit in the early days of the Carolina Actors Studio Theatre. He is enjoying his work  "behind the scenes" on The Sunset Limited with this talented cast & crew. 

 When he’s not in the 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-- "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--"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, LaTanya, 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.

• 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 in NYC. He's walking the line right now as a former felon. Whatever you need--he can get it.

• Lisandro D. Caceres-Zelesa

DJ "Ricky Delgado" hopes to make it big one day, but sells his personal burn mix CD's on the side. In a relationship with Graciela. 

• Vanessa Robinson

"Graciela Martinez" is "makin' something of herself" and attends nursing school while working at a Rainbow Shop to keep food on the table for her & Ricky. 

• 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.

Director|Costume Design: Dee Abdullah

Assistant Director: LaT'Anya Johnson

Production|Set|SFX Design: Michael Simmons

Additional SFX: Greg James

Box Office|House|Marketing: Debbie Swanson

Lighting Design: Kelly Wright

Stage Manager: Stephanie Hendrichs

Social Media|Video Production: Zoe Matney

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 Turner Gilland with Three Bone Theatre
• Lauren Dunlap
• Debbie Swanson
• Tracy Plunkett

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.