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Meet The Cast Of The Musical Comedy Murders Of 1940


DeJuan ‘DJ’ James (Michael Kelly) is excited to make his Swamplight debut (thanks to some peer pressure from Carter). Previous acting credits include “Radium Girls” (Roeder), “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” (Milt), “The Jungle Book” (Baloo), “The House on Haunted Hill” (Dr. Trent), and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (Dr. Jekyll). He is glad to work with his wonderful cast mates and production team. He would also like to make you aware that Cool Ranch Doritos are his favorite chips.



Jim Winter (Ken De La Maize) has been the Artistic Director of the Columbia Theatre since 2019. He is also a Theatre Professor at Southeastern Louisiana University. Jim has worked as a director, actor, writer, and producer throughout the U.S., as well as in the United Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China. He has written and edited several theatre textbooks. Some of his favorite places he's performed include Madison Square Garden, Cleveland Public Theatre, and the Kennedy Center.



Miguel Garcia (Patrick O’Reilly) is ecstatic to be making his Swamplight Theatre debut! Hailing from Marrero, he is a frequent collaborator with Southeastern Louisiana University’s theatre department. You may have most recently watched him as Sonny LaTierri in the Southeastern and Columbia Theatre co-production of "Grease." He was also a national member and previous treasurer for the national theatre society on campus, Alpha Psi Omega. Other selected stage credits include Frank in “Melancholy Play: a Contemporary Farce” (Southeastern Theatre), Carmen Ghia in “The Producers” (30 by Ninety), and Benvolio in “Romeo and Juliet” (Columbia Theatre). He will soon make his Southshore theatrical debut as Pablo Gonzales in the upcoming Tennessee Williams Theatre Company production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” this July. Miguel is beyond grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank his incredible friends and family for their continued support.



Rayna Myers (Helsa Wenzel) is a Biology major at Southeastern Louisiana University. During her time as a student, Rayna has participated in many shows including “Break a Leg," "Love/Sick," “Big Love," “The Way We Say Goodbye," “The Bald Soprano” and “Radium Girls." Rayna took last year off to participate in the Disney College Program where she worked as a park greeter and in entertainment. She published a book in her time away, “R.M. With Love: Poetry to Inspire the Soul." She is so excited to be a part of this show and can’t wait for you to see it! She would like to thank her parents for supporting her in everything she does.



Kayla Wood (Nikki Crandall) is an actress and musician. Her most recent performance at Swamplight Theatre was the role of Sherry in “Witches of Belle Foret." She has worked mostly in Film and Television on projects such as Hulu’s “Looking for Alaska” and Sony Pictures “Where the Crawdad Sings." She is very excited to be joining this cast.





Anthony Fazzio (Eddie McCuen) hails from the vibrant city of Austin and brings his unique blend of talents to his debut production with Swamplight Theatre. While his background may lie in the meticulous world of accounting and the nurturing realm of teaching, Anthony's passion for storytelling and performance has led him to explore the exciting realm of theatre. His journey into the world of acting is a testament to his adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace new experiences. As he takes his first steps onto the stage, Anthony eagerly invites you to join him on this thrilling theatrical journey.



Wendy Kinchen Savarino (Marjorie Baverstock), a proud Ponchatoula resident, shares her life with her husband, Tony Savarino, and their cherished daughter, Bette Savarino. Known as "Mrs. Wendy" to her 650 students at Tucker Elementary School, she imparts her passion for music and choral instruction as the General Music and Choir Teacher. Beyond the school day, Wendy actively engages with Swamplight Theatre by contributing as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors and frequently taking on the role of music director for their Summer Musicals. Stage credits include Rhetta in "Pumpboys and Dinettes" and Frenchy in "Grease."  Wendy is thrilled to have recently become a member of the ladies' marching group "The Snoballs", which raises money for scholarships for Arts Summer Camps in the community.



Karen Dubret (Bernice Roth) is so excited that this wonderfully zany show is her third time on stage. Her most recent role was in “Witches of Belle Foret” as Agnes. She may be new to acting, but you also may have seen her playing piano for the annual Swamplight Cabaret shows and she has also worked backstage for several shows. Offstage, Karen works as a Social Worker in a private practice in Hammond. Karen enjoys crocheting, gardening, reading, and cooking. She is married to Michael Dubret, and they have four beautiful children: Katelyn, Cole, Arden, and Remy. She would like to thank her family for their love, encouragement, and support, and Kendel for believing in her and giving her this awesome opportunity. Have a few drinks (with me) and enjoy the show!



Michael Dubret has been a regular on the Swamplight and Columbia Theatre stages. Recent appearances at Swamplight Theatre include Reverend Shaw in "Footloose" and Fagan in "Oliver". Michael is married to Karen Dubret and looks forward to his first-ever opportunity to share the stage with his lovely wife. Michael and Karen have 4 children: Katelyn, Cole, Arden, and Remy. Go ahead laugh out loud!




Remy Dubret (Slasher) is a lifelong resident of Tangipahoa Parish and has been doing theatre for eight years mainly at Ponchatoula High, Swamplight, and Columbia Theatre. Notable roles include Evan Goldman in “Thirteen the Musical," Joseph in “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," and Chuck in “Footloose." He recently completed a run as Kenickie in "Grease" at Columbia Theatre. He is on stage with both his parents for the first time in this production.



Kendrel Luster (Slasher) is a 16-year-old actor who hails originally from Natchez, Mississippi. He has done multiple shows at Swamplight and Ponchatoula High School. He has performed in productions like “Seussical," “A Christmas Story," “Footloose,” and “Clue." He'd like to thank his family and friends for the lasting opportunities to better himself.





SHOW DATES

April 19, 20, 26 & 27 | 7:30 PM

April 28 | 2:30 PM



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