FLYIN' WEST BY PEARL CLEAGE

Shelbi Lauren Nelson-Alford was born and raised in Baltimore City and has loved the arts since she was a child. She promised herself she was going to be like the black women she saw on tv. Shelbi has worked on numerous pieces in Maryland from Single Black Female to Dreamgirls. The Cosby Satires, Pillar Rabbit and the list go on. Shelbi feels honored to be part of this production of Flyin’ West.  Shelbi thanks God every day for the opportunity to be able to tell stories that entertain, enlighten and enrich the life of those who watch her art.

Sharon Carter Brown begins her debut with AmaZing Theatre as Miss Leah. Most notably she appeared as Aunt Ester in Gem of the Ocean (Arena Players) which kicked off the August Wilson Celebration in Baltimore in 2024. Sharon follows this show with her portrayal of the law-abiding corporate attorney, Val in the Baltimore debut of Blood of the Lamb(Rapid Lemon Productions). She will appear next in back-to-back shows at Arena Players Love in Rhythm and Celebration. For more information, go to www.sharoncarterbrown.com. Hugs, kisses, and love always to Mom, Dad, Khay, Nyeemah, Miriama, and Azaiah. Jude v.24,25

Tarita Turner is an Annapolis native. She is excited about being cast as (Fannie) in Flyin’ West for AmaZing Theatre. Her prior performances include Dreams of My Soul at City of Annapolis, The Trip to Bountiful at Arena Players, Steel Magnolias, Just Off Broadway, and Pillar Rabbit at the 2024 Baltimore Playwright Festival. She has also been Assistant Stage Manager for the play, Pipelineat Vagabond Players, and Sound Board Operator for The Grotto at the 2025 Baltimore Playwright Festival. Rounding out her talents Tarita is an expert in American Sign Language.

Joshua Prescott is blessed and grateful to join the production of Flyin’ West by Pearl Cleage at AmaZing Theatre this season. Trained in the craft at Studio Acting Conservatory he is an avid believer in the dramatic arts having the power to shape and change the world for the better. Some credits include: Save My Black Soul at Laurel Mill Playhouse, Tartuffe and Abdication at Silver Spring Stage, Sunset Baby at Anacostia Playhouse, and Sweatat Greenbelt Arts Center. Readings of Park Road at Atlas Theatre and Radiatorat Anacostia Playhouse. Thank you, KonijinAdd a short description.

Treava Hopkins-Laboy is making her theatrical debut in the acclaimed play Flyin' West in the role of Minnie. A SAG-AFTRA actress with a lifelong passion for storytelling, her film and television credits include House of Cards, Homeland, Jack Ryan, Cake Hunters, Takers, and Free Rayshawn, along with numerous commercial and industrial productions. She also spent more than 15 years as a print and lifestyle model and enjoys working behind the scenes as a production assistant and script supervisor, bringing a performer’s perspective, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit to every production.

Denyzio Laboy is an American actor, public speaker, and former federal law enforcement professional. A bilingual performer, he is known for his work in The Taker, Cold Hearted, and Out of the Shadows. Before launching a distinguished 20-plus-year career as a U.S. Special Agent specializing in counterterrorism, Denyzio served as a federal police officer and Special Operations Response Team member. Beyond the screen, Denyzio is the founder of T.A.I.N.O. (Taíno American Indigenous National Organization), advocating for the preservation and recognition of his Arawak Taíno heritage. He recently received a Maryland state Governor Citation for his work.