DORMESHIA SUMBRY- EDWARDS (Dee "Miss Thang" Miller)
A few years ago, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards made tap history when she became the first female performer in Savion Glover's Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk on Broadway. Tapping since the age of 3, she made her debut on Broadway at the age of 12, in the musical revue Black and Blue. She later became a featured principal in the European tour of 'Black & Blue'. As the only female dancer in a show without female characters. Her film credits include "TAP" with Gregory Hines and Spike Lee's "Bamboozled" (Assistant Choreographer).
DORI KING (Josephine Miller)
Dori King is thrilled to be working with the cast and crew of “ The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang ”. She was last seen in the Purposed One Entertainment premiere of “ What You Don't Know Can Kill You”. Other theatre credits include Kelli's Dilemma (Delowe Theater Group). Recent films include Tower Productions - The history Channel's “Conspiracy Series , HBO-The Mind of a Married Man, Paramount Pictures-The Weatherman. Dori is a graduate of Northwestern University and has studied acting with Shawn Bradley at the Green Room, and John Green at Act One. She would like to thank the Almighty, family, and friends for the love and support.
TRINIA DEFOURNOU (Tanisha)
Trinia De Fourneau is a talented Chicago based actress whose other film credits include Romont Davis' “Lighter” and John Herndon's “Mysterium Tremendum”. She played Mama Curie in New Studio Theater's production of “Sweet Water Taste” and she was Mae Ann in their production of “Sundown Names and Night-Gone Things”. DeFourneau who is also a natural hair care stylist, received her B.A. in Theater from Chicago's Columbia College.
MARTIN 'TRE' DUMAS III (Nicholas)
Tre Dumas is a Chicago native and currently works with Bril Barrett as co-Artistic Director of M.A.D.D. Rhythms. an internationally renowned tap dance company based in Chicago. Tap dancing since the age of 8, Tre first began attracting the tap community's attention by representing Tommy Sutton's Mayfair Academy of fine Arts as an Instructor at the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. Soon after, Tre was cast in the national touring revival of Broadway's "The Tap Dance Kid" where he first worked with Bril Barrett. Shortly thereafter, Tre joined Bril's existing group "Steppin' Out" and they started performing together in numerous tap festivals and events. He was then featured in the North-American, and European tours of "Riverdance" dancing with the show for nearly 3 years.
BRYAN ROBERT SMITH (Ricky)
Bryan Robert Smith began his professional training at the North Carolina School of the Arts and continued his training at The Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in Los Angeles. While at Strasberg Bryan appeared in several stage productions including Shakespeares The Merry Wives of Windsor and Lil Abner. His film credits include such independent films as Chaplin, Friend or Foe, Choices and has recently been cast for a co-starring role in the feature film Rhythm of the Night which is due to begin filming later this year.
MONECA REID (Rhonda)
REID is a woman on the move; obstacles are mere words to her. As a plus model, vocalist, songwriter, actress, MUA and consultant in the entertainment industry she's never too busy to encourage other artists in pursuing their individual careers. She has worked with such notables as Chicago's writer/producer John Ruffin & TJW's writer/producer/director Carolyn Whigam and now debuting in her first feature film, "The Rise & Fall of Miss Thang". There trully are no weights holding down this Chicago superstar.
SHIRL SHANG (Miss Katie)
Shirl Shang is no stranger to south side community theater audiences where she has been an active member of the Center Aisle Players. Her most recent theater credits include Judith Bliss in Hayfever, Albertine Johnson (Inez) in Hot Property, Aunt Queenie in Bell, Book and Candle, and Julie in the Perfect Wedding. Her film credits include the role of Gertrude Rose in the film Barber Shop 2 starring Ice Cube.
TIERZA SCACCIA (Kelly)