Nine Oglethorpe Theatre students have been cast in the upcoming dance musical “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,” a co-production of Atlanta theatre company Actor’s Express and Oglethorpe University, set to premiere at the Conant Performing Arts Center on Feb. 17.
Student Shashi Yammada was cast in a leading role as “Pritti,” Jamie’s supportive best friend, while student Ash Cuthbert was selected as the understudy for the leading role of “Jamie.”
The following students were selected for roles in the musical:
Pritti – Shashi Yammada
Tray Sophisticay – James Patrick
Bex – Wynne Kelly
Becca – Eloa Noir
Cy/Jamie (understudy) – Ash Cuthbert
Dean – Ryland Moore
Fatimah – Viveca Harjani
Bex (understudy) – Madelyn Wright
Lad 1/ Dean & Jamie’s Dad (understudy) – Paul Danner
Oglethorpe alum Caroline Grammage was also cast as the understudy to Miss Hedge. Grammage was previously cast in both co-productions at Oglethorpe; notably, her performance as “Martha” in 2021’s “Heathers: The Musical” earned praise in a review from ArtsATL.
Oglethorpe students also lend their talents behind the scenes during these collaborations. The following students are part of the “Jamie” crew:
Assistant Stage Manager
Caroline Steinberg
Scenic Crew
Anthony Allen
Anna Becknell
Emerson Brasfield
Chloe Campbell
River Doerr
Zach Hamley
Brandon Lawhorn
Amelia Leroux
Shashawat Pradhan
Justis Searcy
Ben Shackleford
Allison Smith
Marques Tomme
Electrics Crew
Joy Carpenter
Katie Cutts
Courtney Phillips
Costumes Crew
Shyanne Scott
Niles Torrence
Aviva Dean
Jade Haslett
Njeria Lewis
This exciting endeavor marks the third consecutive year of collaboration between the Oglethorpe University and Atlanta-based theater company Actor’s Express. “Jamie” follows two immensely successful productions of “Heathers: The Musical” and “Urinetown,” which featured both professional and student actors performing together on the Conant stage.
With this collaboration, Oglethorpe students are not only given the chance to work alongside seasoned actors, directors, and producers, but they also perform on their own campus—a remarkable experience that bridges the gap between academia and the professional world.
For these students, it’s an opportunity to learn from the best, refine their craft, and gain invaluable insights into the theater industry. The journey is meant to instill confidence, hone their skills, and inspire a love for the performing arts.
“Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” is set to hit the Conant stage Feb. 17, 2024. Tickets on sale now at Actor’s Express.
Oglethorpe University students, faculty and staff may reserve one complimentary ticket. To claim a ticket, present a current Petrel Pass at will call on the night of the performance or call ahead to the Actor’s Express box office at 404-607-7469 and indicate that you are a current Oglethorpe student, staff or faculty. Additional tickets may be purchased with your complimentary ticket.
