JESSICA ALVARADO
Jessica Alvarado is grateful and blessed to be a part of the cast of Platanos and Collard
Greens and From Auction Block to Hip Hop. She currently attends Brooklyn College and is working
towards a degree in Television and Radio. She studied at TVI Studios in Manhattan. Her credits
include: The Brave One starring Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard and stage productions which include
A Street Car named Desire and My Mouse is Not a Rat. Jessica first wants to thank GOD, mom, sister,
bff's, family and friends
who support her as well as the cast and the Art Team. She LOVES you guys!
She can be contacted at Silkefine007@yahoo.com
MICHELLE AMOSCO
Born in the Philippines and raised in the Bronx , Michelle brings her
eclectic background to her roles in Between the Lines' production of FROM AUCTION BLOCK TO HIPHOP.
A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Fordham University with a degree in Psychology,
she recently completed an adaptation of the Greek tragedy MEDEA. Her other roles include Martirio in
THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA; Hannah and Linda in BECOMING MEMORIES;
Libby in I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES; and Juliet in William Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET.
BRYONN BAIN
created and starred in "What It Iz: The Spoken Wordical" -the hip hop/spoken word remix of
"The Wiz " - at Yale, Longwharf Theater, and American Place Theater. Credits include
"My Children, My Africa," and independent films "Hunting in America" (Roxbury Festival winner)
and "Filmic Achievement" (Nolita Festival winner). Bain played a cult leader in "Pig Hunt" -- by
Academy Award winner Jim Isaac ("The Fly," "Star Wars") to be released in 2008. A Nuyorican Grand Slam
Poetry Champion, Bryonn has performed at over 100 colleges, toured correctional facilities nationwide
with Blackout Arts Collective,
and hosts BET-J's talk show -- "My Two Cents" -- airing weekly worldwide www.BryonnBain.com.
RAVEN GARCIA
Raven Garcia is a force of nature. This Miami raised, Nuyorican, actress/singer/poet began
performing at the young age of seven. Upon completing her Bachelor's at Florida International
University she decided to move back to NYC to do what she loves best, indulge in the world of
the arts. She received her theater training at the renowned Terry Shrieber Studios and continues
to perfect her craft through lifes experiences. Some of her theater credits include off-off broadways
Sex, Love, & Sometimes Relationships, In My Dreams, and Lover's & Other Strangers. She has also had the opportunity to work and train with martial artist, Demetrius D'Angelo, while filming the indie feature
D.O.L.L.S. She feels blessed to be a part of Platanos & Collard Greens and In Between the Lines.
MAI REINA GOLD
This Nuyorican Actress/Dancer is proud to grace the stage with an electric fusion. She studied acting
at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and H.B. Studio, has a degree in Fashion Design from FIDM
and is an accomplished dancer that began dancing at the age of 3 at Ballet Hispanico of New York. She
has had the honor to travel to Senegal to perform West African Dance under Djoniba Mouflet and has
shared the stage with Latin Legends like La India, Ismael Miranda and Tito Puente. A special Thank You
to the Creative Team behind "Between the Lines Productions" for giving me the opportunity.
SARAH HIMMELSTEIN
hails from Staten Island, New York. A classically trained actress she studied at Shakespeare's Globe
Theatre in London and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the Mason Gross School of Arts
at Rutgers University. Credits include the upcoming Feature Film American Gangster, "And Young Men
Die" with the Pulse Ensemble theatre, and the staged reading of "Politics of Love & Discord". She is
honored to be welcomed into Between the Lines Productions and is excited to be making her dreams of
being a working actress come true, all of which she could not do without the unconditional love and support from her family and friends.
OSAS IGHODARO
is a Bronx, New York native and graduate from Pennsylvania State University. She is blessed to
have earned a Bachelors Degree in Broadcast Journalism and dual minor degrees in Theatre and
Entrepreneurship. Osas has graced productions such as The Colored Museum, Ladies Night at the
Cotton Club, Winceyco's Inc. 'Extreme Truth' and critically acclaimed production of Revenge of
a King. She has also held roles in indie and feature films such as Jewslim, Killa Season, Across
a Bloodied Ocean and My African Uncle. Her motto is: "If you can believe it and your heart
conceives it, then you can surely achieve it" For more info on Osas please
visit www.Osas-Online.com.
LEON JOSEPH
trained at the School for Film and Television and earned his BFA at Adelphi University. He has starred
in the Bennet Players productions "Uninvited" and "72-84 Hope Street." He toured with National
Theater for Arts and Educations productions, "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" and "Romeo and Juliet."
Leon would like to thank the cast/company for being "so damn cool," David for getting him back into
comics; Gaia for being Gaia!!!; his friends for constant support; his brothers for the Light!!!!!!!; his family
for strength, his mother for love, and God for making him a BEAST!!!
MICHAEL LAMB
was born and raised in New York City and had the good fortune to be involved wit
the staged reading of this very same play last December. Michael received coaching/training
at the Crucible of the American Theater Workshop and has worked one on one with Sevien Akbar.
He is also a voice-over artist and extends a heart felt thanks to David, Jamillah and Alim for
this wonderful opportunity. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear
is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are
you not to be?" - Marianne Williamson
CHANTÉ LEWIS
most recently appeared in Death of a Salesman starring Frankie Faison .
She previously toured with George Street Playhouse and understudied several George Street
mainstage plays, including Pillowman, Inspector Carol, and Two Lives. She also appeared as
Chantal Kayigira in the world premiere of Maria Kizito. Chanté has studied at Columbia University,
American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center.
SANDIE LUNA
studied Sociology and Theatre at Florida State University. She has trained at Atlantic
Theater School, SITI Company, and with the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater's writers division.
She has performed
in tv, radio, commercials, and several theatre productions for the English and Spanish markets.
Her most recent credits include 'I Heart U.S.' at Capfringe, which she produced
and co-directed with
Nettles Artists Collective, of which she is co-artistic director/founder (http://www.nettlesonline.com).
She is part Mud/Bone, a creative community of artists, with which she performed as part of 365Plays/365Days.
Her most recent project is directing the one-woman show 'Songs of an Immigrant' starring
chanteuse-accordioniste & theater artist Marni Rice. Playing the role of Samana for the last
two years has been an enlightening and joyful ride she hopes to stay on.
http://www.sandieluna.com
MERA
the talent behind the Reincarnated Street Soul EP was born in North Philly at Temple University
Hospital, but was raised in West Philly by this grandfather, influenced by the soul music that was played
in the early days of hip hop and true R+B Soul. Sitting at the window as a child and absorbing the beats
and lyrics that came out of his small boom box every Sunday as Lady B played them... he was inspired
to pursue his goals in the culture of Hip-Hop, the new and fresh sounds of the streets at that time. Every
aspect of the Hip-Hop culture consumed him. From DJing, to rhyming, to break dancing, to graffiti…He
made it a point to become one with this way of life…a desire to continue the legacy of the artists that
came before him...Look out for his upcoming album, All of Me.
MARIA OLIVARES
is working off-Broadway in the hit play "Platanos and Collard Greens" and
"From Auction Block to Hip Hop". She also recently shot two independent feature films,
"Bronx 3M," by Judith Escalona and "Rosaries and Vodka," by Daniel Haben-Clarke.
Maria had roles in "Betty La Flaca" (winner of the 2006 HBO/NYILFF Short Film Award),
currently airing on HBO On Demand, and in the multiple award-winning feature film
"Four Dead Batteries," which was released on DVD. She has also appeared in Univision and
Televisa commercials for Latino-Mix, Northfork Bank and Hoy. Maria had featured roles in
Carlito's Way, Rise to Power, Get Rich or Die Trying and Without a Trace.
She trained at the Lee Strassberg Theatre Institute and Stella Adler Conservatory.
She also graduated, cum laude, from Fordham University and majored in
Economics, with a minor in Philosophy.
TERESA REYNOLDS
is from Indianapolis, IN, and, after earning her Bachelor's Degree in acting from Ball State University in
2003, she moved to New York to pursue a professional acting career. Her first show in NYC was an original
feminist punk-rock musical, God in a Girl. Since then, she has done film, television, commercials and
industrials. Teresa was thrilled to be cast in Platanos and Collard Greens, and From Auction Block to Hip
Hop, both by David Lamb, which she feels both have very important and meaningful messages to spread.
Teresa thanks her parents for their undying support and love, and encouraging her to follow her dreams.
BEN RIVERS
BE Rivers ("The Original O.K") The Bronx Bred Actor graduated from The High School of
Performing Arts where he studied Drama. Then BE toured the U.S Acting. Some of BE's acting
credits include "Sesame Street","Los Banditos Chocolates Improv group", Riff Raff", and
"The Colored Museum", BE is an Original company member of the Classical Theater of Harlem,
where he starred as Bigger Thomas in "Native Son" and Sylvester in
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"-for which he an AUDELCO Acting award Nomination against Mos
DEF. BE wrote, directed, and starred in the Short Film "My Little Brother Cliffy" for
the Showtime Cable Network.(studied Directing at S.V.A.), He was quoted as being the
"The Spielberg of Tomorrow". He is excited about sharing his latest creation with the
world "The Urban Chase" A Singles Dating Game/TalkShow based on relationships,dating and Love.
Theurbanchase.com BE is a Drama Teacher, Director, and Producer For Booking Info he can be
reached at Dramahouse@hotmail.com ,
Theurbanchase.info, Myspace/Dramahouse
PHILLIP J. SMITH
Phillip Smith made his professional debut when he originated the role of Freeman when Platanos
and Collard Greens opened the summer of 2003. A graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
(class of 03) Phillip has been studying acting seriously since he was a freshman in highschool.
Upon completion of the initial run of Platanos in 2003, Phillip was invited, and became a member
of the Academy Company for one year. Since then Phillip has worked on various productions including,
"The Urban Chase" an improv show with fellow cast member Ben Rivers, an industrial for Major League
Baseball, originating the role of Shaun Wilson in "The Newlyweds", and working with the up and coming
student oscar winning director Randy Dottin on two short films. Every once and a blue you might catch
Phil at one of NYC's many comedy clubs working on his stand-up ability. Phillip would like to dedicate
his performances to his Mom (Christy) and little brother (Zachery) back home in Georgia.
PRESTON TAYLOR
was born June 19, 1982 in Brooklyn New York. He attended Girard College a boarding school in
Philadelphia until 9th grade. He then attended Martin Luther King High School where he majored in
Finance. Upon graduating he studied at BMCC and then transferred to Alabama State University where
he studied Theater. He has since been featured in several television shows and commercials. Preston is
a returning cast member of Platanos and Collard Greens.
CARISSA JOCÉTT TORO
Carissa Jocétt Toro is a native of Clifton, N.J. and alumni of Marymount Manhattan College.
17 years of classical dance training is the foundation for her freelance choreography taught in
various studios, schools, events, and clubs. She was recently featured on NBC Live, FOX Live and
ABC. Experience as a teacher of Hip-Hop, Jazz and Latin dance for the City of NY Parks &
Recreation and Artistic Consultant for NYC schools, she has also graced the stage in productions
of West Side Story, Footloose, Chicago, Guys & Dolls plus others. This dancer breached into the
Acting realm with this indispensable production and would like to thank David and Jamillah for
this opportunity.
TOI WILLIAMS
Toi began his professional acting career in 2003. He caught the acting bug at Hampton University,
where he starred in Dreamgirls and Little Shop of Horrors. NY credits include, The Accused (Theatre
for the New City), A Special Gift (The Riant Theatre), and Impromptu (Impact Theatre). Toi has modeled
for magazines such as Black Issues Book Review and Today's Child. Currently studying under professional
acting coach Ann Ratray, Toi previously studied at Freedom Theatre (Philadelphia), Walnut
Street Theatre (Philadelphia), and HB Studios (NY). Toi thanks his family and friends for their love and
support, and the Most High for blessing him with ONEMODAY!!!!!
Art Team
SUMMER HILL SEVEN (Artistic Director)
As an actor he has created roles for stage and screen.
Most recently he was seen as Lincoln in Suzan-Lori Park's TopDog/UnderDog directed by Walter Dallas and Booster in August
Wilson's Jitney directed by John Pryor in Miami. He is the director of Platanos, Auction Block and the innovative and neoteric
cinematic Poemedy - A Poet's Pilgrimage - now viewable on YouTube.
Finally, he is an author,
frequent speaker and performance Poemedian. His first book, Notes of a Neurotic! is noteworthy for
introducing the idea of Poemedy into the lexicon and is described as "bombastic" - "piercing" and "as poetic as Paul Laurence Dunbar".
His latest work Hang Time! is a poetic memoir about his
journey to Artist from Attorney - described as "fiercely powerful" - "gifted" - "entertaining" and "thought-provoking". He is currently touring colleges with his opus and homage
to Langston Hughes, Miguel Piñero and Amiri Baraka entitled: Shakespeare N. Haarlem.
Education: BA - Richard Stockton College, NJ; JD - New York School of Law; MFA - University of Delaware (PTTP). To contact and/or learn about his work visit: www.poemedy.com.
DONI COMAS (Director, Actor)
was born in Atlanta, Georgia to two wonderful parents, Mr. Don Comas and Dr. Jacqueline C. Comas. He
has lived in over eight (8) different states and inhabited or visited 24 different countries. His travels led
him to study theater abroad and now here in New York. He is looking forward to finishing his Master's
in Fine Arts, while pursing a promising photography career at his home studio, The Darkroom
Chronicles. His most recent credits include Othello, Boy Willie from the Piano Lesson and Sizwe Banzi is Dead, one of the first South African plays to deal with apartheid in America. Doni would like to thank the Director, Producer, Playwright, Stage Manager, the Actors, and you for supporting my process.
LOUIS A. VELÁZQUEZ (Stage Manager)
A native of the Bronx , Louis is also an actor, director and playwright. Having stage managed
NYC, Regional, touring theater companies. He has appeared in several Shakespeare festivals across
the country including "Julius Ceasar" for the Dallas Shakespeare Festival. Has directed many
shows including "A Chorus Line" and is in the process of producing his own original play
"The Shop" about a family struggling to maintain a print shop in the South Bronx. Louis would
like to thank David Lamb for writing such powerful words and hopes that audience members will
remember…"it's up to us, the next generation of decolonized minds…"
RENÉE FERRARA (Assistant Stage Manager)
recently was the stage manager of Ensemble Studio Theater's One-Act Marathon and the Production
Assistant of a Staged Reading of Rock of Ages produced by Richard Frankel Productions. She also
stage managed The Actor's Workshop production of A Thoroughly Modern Millie and Once Upon a
Mattress. While studying theater at LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, fellow students
and her created Turtle Teens Productions, which successfully presented a run of De Donde?
in 2004. She is working towards her BA in Theatre Management at Wagner College. Renee is the
proud recipient of a Drama Desk Award.
MARTIN "SHISH" CABA & EDWIN "ATRANE" CABA (Music Score)
Shish & Atrane make up the production team called the Manorail. The Dominican brothers were raised
in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and are honored to contribute to Platanos & Collard Greens. The
production team recently scored Dink Entertainment's independent film on Arthur Ashe called "Arthur"
and are currently scoring Alim Akbar's independent short "A Poet's Pilgrimage". Contact info: Manorail,
128 East Broadway P.O.Box 1059, New York, NY 10002. 212-613-5701. music@manorail.com
WAYNE OLIVER (Front of House Manager)
served as Director of Book Promotions when the novel "Do Platanos Go Wit Collard Greens?" was first launched and has returned
to Between the Lines as Front of House Manager. Wayne oversees the front of house staff, manages merchandise sales, coordinates the show starts with the
Stage Manager, and is responsible for hosting the on-air radio personalities who host the show. Wayne was the Assistant Director for Radio and Street Team
Promotions for Hitmen Marketing. He has promoted artists such as Ghost Face Killer,
Suns of Man, Dougie Fresh, Nelly, PM Dawn, The Gravediggaz and Mic Geronimo. Wayne also served as a consultant for DJ Polo and did A&R for
Roxanne Shante's EP.
Jessica Alvarado is grateful and blessed to be a part of the cast of Platanos and Collard
Greens and From Auction Block to Hip Hop. She currently attends Brooklyn College and is working
towards a degree in Television and Radio. She studied at TVI Studios in Manhattan. Her credits
include: The Brave One starring Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard and stage productions which include
A Street Car named Desire and My Mouse is Not a Rat. Jessica first wants to thank GOD, mom, sister,
bff's, family and friends
who support her as well as the cast and the Art Team. She LOVES you guys!
She can be contacted at 
Born in the Philippines and raised in the Bronx , Michelle brings her
eclectic background to her roles in Between the Lines' production of FROM AUCTION BLOCK TO HIPHOP.
A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Fordham University with a degree in Psychology,
she recently completed an adaptation of the Greek tragedy MEDEA. Her other roles include Martirio in
THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA; Hannah and Linda in BECOMING MEMORIES;
Libby in I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES; and Juliet in William Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET.
created and starred in "What It Iz: The Spoken Wordical" -the hip hop/spoken word remix of
"The Wiz " - at Yale, Longwharf Theater, and American Place Theater. Credits include
"My Children, My Africa," and independent films "Hunting in America" (Roxbury Festival winner)
and "Filmic Achievement" (Nolita Festival winner). Bain played a cult leader in "Pig Hunt" -- by
Academy Award winner Jim Isaac ("The Fly," "Star Wars") to be released in 2008. A Nuyorican Grand Slam
Poetry Champion, Bryonn has performed at over 100 colleges, toured correctional facilities nationwide
with Blackout Arts Collective,
and hosts BET-J's talk show -- "My Two Cents" -- airing weekly worldwide 
Raven Garcia is a force of nature. This Miami raised, Nuyorican, actress/singer/poet began
performing at the young age of seven. Upon completing her Bachelor's at Florida International
University she decided to move back to NYC to do what she loves best, indulge in the world of
the arts. She received her theater training at the renowned Terry Shrieber Studios and continues
to perfect her craft through lifes experiences. Some of her theater credits include off-off broadways
Sex, Love, & Sometimes Relationships, In My Dreams, and Lover's & Other Strangers. She has also had the opportunity to work and train with martial artist, Demetrius D'Angelo, while filming the indie feature
D.O.L.L.S. She feels blessed to be a part of Platanos & Collard Greens and In Between the Lines.
This Nuyorican Actress/Dancer is proud to grace the stage with an electric fusion. She studied acting
at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and H.B. Studio, has a degree in Fashion Design from FIDM
and is an accomplished dancer that began dancing at the age of 3 at Ballet Hispanico of New York. She
has had the honor to travel to Senegal to perform West African Dance under Djoniba Mouflet and has
shared the stage with Latin Legends like La India, Ismael Miranda and Tito Puente. A special Thank You
to the Creative Team behind "Between the Lines Productions" for giving me the opportunity.
hails from Staten Island, New York. A classically trained actress she studied at Shakespeare's Globe
Theatre in London and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the Mason Gross School of Arts
at Rutgers University. Credits include the upcoming Feature Film American Gangster, "And Young Men
Die" with the Pulse Ensemble theatre, and the staged reading of "Politics of Love & Discord". She is
honored to be welcomed into Between the Lines Productions and is excited to be making her dreams of
being a working actress come true, all of which she could not do without the unconditional love and support from her family and friends.
is a Bronx, New York native and graduate from Pennsylvania State University. She is blessed to
have earned a Bachelors Degree in Broadcast Journalism and dual minor degrees in Theatre and
Entrepreneurship. Osas has graced productions such as The Colored Museum, Ladies Night at the
Cotton Club, Winceyco's Inc. 'Extreme Truth' and critically acclaimed production of Revenge of
a King. She has also held roles in indie and feature films such as Jewslim, Killa Season, Across
a Bloodied Ocean and My African Uncle. Her motto is: "If you can believe it and your heart
conceives it, then you can surely achieve it" For more info on Osas please
visit 
trained at the School for Film and Television and earned his BFA at Adelphi University. He has starred
in the Bennet Players productions "Uninvited" and "72-84 Hope Street." He toured with National
Theater for Arts and Educations productions, "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" and "Romeo and Juliet."
Leon would like to thank the cast/company for being "so damn cool," David for getting him back into
comics; Gaia for being Gaia!!!; his friends for constant support; his brothers for the Light!!!!!!!; his family
for strength, his mother for love, and God for making him a BEAST!!!
was born and raised in New York City and had the good fortune to be involved wit
the staged reading of this very same play last December. Michael received coaching/training
at the Crucible of the American Theater Workshop and has worked one on one with Sevien Akbar.
He is also a voice-over artist and extends a heart felt thanks to David, Jamillah and Alim for
this wonderful opportunity. 
most recently appeared in Death of a Salesman starring Frankie Faison .
She previously toured with George Street Playhouse and understudied several George Street
mainstage plays, including Pillowman, Inspector Carol, and Two Lives. She also appeared as
Chantal Kayigira in the world premiere of Maria Kizito. Chanté has studied at Columbia University,
American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center.
studied Sociology and Theatre at Florida State University. She has trained at Atlantic
Theater School, SITI Company, and with the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater's writers division.
She has performed
in tv, radio, commercials, and several theatre productions for the English and Spanish markets.
Her most recent credits include 'I Heart U.S.' at Capfringe, which she produced
and co-directed with
Nettles Artists Collective, of which she is co-artistic director/founder (
the talent behind the Reincarnated Street Soul EP was born in North Philly at Temple University
Hospital, but was raised in West Philly by this grandfather, influenced by the soul music that was played
in the early days of hip hop and true R+B Soul. Sitting at the window as a child and absorbing the beats
and lyrics that came out of his small boom box every Sunday as Lady B played them... he was inspired
to pursue his goals in the culture of Hip-Hop, the new and fresh sounds of the streets at that time. Every
aspect of the Hip-Hop culture consumed him. From DJing, to rhyming, to break dancing, to graffiti…He
made it a point to become one with this way of life…a desire to continue the legacy of the artists that
came before him...Look out for his upcoming album, All of Me.
is working off-Broadway in the hit play "Platanos and Collard Greens" and
"From Auction Block to Hip Hop". She also recently shot two independent feature films,
"Bronx 3M," by Judith Escalona and "Rosaries and Vodka," by Daniel Haben-Clarke.
Maria had roles in "Betty La Flaca" (winner of the 2006 HBO/NYILFF Short Film Award),
currently airing on HBO On Demand, and in the multiple award-winning feature film
"Four Dead Batteries," which was released on DVD. She has also appeared in Univision and
Televisa commercials for Latino-Mix, Northfork Bank and Hoy. Maria had featured roles in
Carlito's Way, Rise to Power, Get Rich or Die Trying and Without a Trace.
She trained at the Lee Strassberg Theatre Institute and Stella Adler Conservatory.
She also graduated, cum laude, from Fordham University and majored in
Economics, with a minor in Philosophy.
is from Indianapolis, IN, and, after earning her Bachelor's Degree in acting from Ball State University in
2003, she moved to New York to pursue a professional acting career. Her first show in NYC was an original
feminist punk-rock musical, God in a Girl. Since then, she has done film, television, commercials and
industrials. Teresa was thrilled to be cast in Platanos and Collard Greens, and From Auction Block to Hip
Hop, both by David Lamb, which she feels both have very important and meaningful messages to spread.
Teresa thanks her parents for their undying support and love, and encouraging her to follow her dreams.
BE Rivers ("The Original O.K") The Bronx Bred Actor graduated from The High School of
Performing Arts where he studied Drama. Then BE toured the U.S Acting. Some of BE's acting
credits include "Sesame Street","Los Banditos Chocolates Improv group", Riff Raff", and
"The Colored Museum", BE is an Original company member of the Classical Theater of Harlem,
where he starred as Bigger Thomas in "Native Son" and Sylvester in
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"-for which he an AUDELCO Acting award Nomination against Mos
DEF. BE wrote, directed, and starred in the Short Film "My Little Brother Cliffy" for
the Showtime Cable Network.(studied Directing at S.V.A.), He was quoted as being the
"The Spielberg of Tomorrow". He is excited about sharing his latest creation with the
world "The Urban Chase" A Singles Dating Game/TalkShow based on relationships,dating and Love.
Theurbanchase.com BE is a Drama Teacher, Director, and Producer For Booking Info he can be
reached at 
Phillip Smith made his professional debut when he originated the role of Freeman when Platanos
and Collard Greens opened the summer of 2003. A graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
(class of 03) Phillip has been studying acting seriously since he was a freshman in highschool.
Upon completion of the initial run of Platanos in 2003, Phillip was invited, and became a member
of the Academy Company for one year. Since then Phillip has worked on various productions including,
"The Urban Chase" an improv show with fellow cast member Ben Rivers, an industrial for Major League
Baseball, originating the role of Shaun Wilson in "The Newlyweds", and working with the up and coming
student oscar winning director Randy Dottin on two short films. Every once and a blue you might catch
Phil at one of NYC's many comedy clubs working on his stand-up ability. Phillip would like to dedicate
his performances to his Mom (Christy) and little brother (Zachery) back home in Georgia.
was born June 19, 1982 in Brooklyn New York. He attended Girard College a boarding school in
Philadelphia until 9th grade. He then attended Martin Luther King High School where he majored in
Finance. Upon graduating he studied at BMCC and then transferred to Alabama State University where
he studied Theater. He has since been featured in several television shows and commercials. Preston is
a returning cast member of Platanos and Collard Greens.
Carissa Jocétt Toro is a native of Clifton, N.J. and alumni of Marymount Manhattan College.
17 years of classical dance training is the foundation for her freelance choreography taught in
various studios, schools, events, and clubs. She was recently featured on NBC Live, FOX Live and
ABC. Experience as a teacher of Hip-Hop, Jazz and Latin dance for the City of NY Parks &
Recreation and Artistic Consultant for NYC schools, she has also graced the stage in productions
of West Side Story, Footloose, Chicago, Guys & Dolls plus others. This dancer breached into the
Acting realm with this indispensable production and would like to thank David and Jamillah for
this opportunity.
Toi began his professional acting career in 2003. He caught the acting bug at Hampton University,
where he starred in Dreamgirls and Little Shop of Horrors. NY credits include, The Accused (Theatre
for the New City), A Special Gift (The Riant Theatre), and Impromptu (Impact Theatre). Toi has modeled
for magazines such as Black Issues Book Review and Today's Child. Currently studying under professional
acting coach Ann Ratray, Toi previously studied at Freedom Theatre (Philadelphia), Walnut
Street Theatre (Philadelphia), and HB Studios (NY). Toi thanks his family and friends for their love and
support, and the Most High for blessing him with ONEMODAY!!!!!
As an actor he has created roles for stage and screen.
Most recently he was seen as Lincoln in Suzan-Lori Park's TopDog/UnderDog directed by Walter Dallas and Booster in August
Wilson's Jitney directed by John Pryor in Miami. He is the director of Platanos, Auction Block and the innovative and neoteric
cinematic Poemedy - 
was born in Atlanta, Georgia to two wonderful parents, Mr. Don Comas and Dr. Jacqueline C. Comas. He
has lived in over eight (8) different states and inhabited or visited 24 different countries. His travels led
him to study theater abroad and now here in New York. He is looking forward to finishing his Master's
in Fine Arts, while pursing a promising photography career at his home studio, The Darkroom
Chronicles. His most recent credits include Othello, Boy Willie from the Piano Lesson and Sizwe Banzi is Dead, one of the first South African plays to deal with apartheid in America. Doni would like to thank the Director, Producer, Playwright, Stage Manager, the Actors, and you for supporting my process.
A native of the Bronx , Louis is also an actor, director and playwright. Having stage managed
NYC, Regional, touring theater companies. He has appeared in several Shakespeare festivals across
the country including "Julius Ceasar" for the Dallas Shakespeare Festival. Has directed many
shows including "A Chorus Line" and is in the process of producing his own original play
"The Shop" about a family struggling to maintain a print shop in the South Bronx. Louis would
like to thank David Lamb for writing such powerful words and hopes that audience members will
remember…"it's up to us, the next generation of decolonized minds…"
recently was the stage manager of Ensemble Studio Theater's One-Act Marathon and the Production
Assistant of a Staged Reading of Rock of Ages produced by Richard Frankel Productions. She also
stage managed The Actor's Workshop production of A Thoroughly Modern Millie and Once Upon a
Mattress. While studying theater at LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, fellow students
and her created Turtle Teens Productions, which successfully presented a run of De Donde?
in 2004. She is working towards her BA in Theatre Management at Wagner College. Renee is the
proud recipient of a Drama Desk Award.
Shish & Atrane make up the production team called the Manorail. The Dominican brothers were raised
in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and are honored to contribute to Platanos & Collard Greens. The
production team recently scored Dink Entertainment's independent film on Arthur Ashe called "Arthur"
and are currently scoring Alim Akbar's independent short "A Poet's Pilgrimage". Contact info: Manorail,
128 East Broadway P.O.Box 1059, New York, NY 10002. 212-613-5701. 
served as Director of Book Promotions when the novel "Do Platanos Go Wit Collard Greens?" was first launched and has returned
to Between the Lines as Front of House Manager. Wayne oversees the front of house staff, manages merchandise sales, coordinates the show starts with the
Stage Manager, and is responsible for hosting the on-air radio personalities who host the show. Wayne was the Assistant Director for Radio and Street Team
Promotions for Hitmen Marketing. He has promoted artists such as Ghost Face Killer,
Suns of Man, Dougie Fresh, Nelly, PM Dawn, The Gravediggaz and Mic Geronimo. Wayne also served as a consultant for DJ Polo and did A&R for
Roxanne Shante's EP.