Joining Gundy and Riggins is Julie Johnson, reprising her role as Mama, which she performed to great acclaim in the First National Tour of MEMPHIS, Sheldon Henry as Bobby, Jared Howelton as Wailin’ Joe, Avionce Hoyles as Gator, Philip Lehl as Mr. Simmons, and Warren Nolan Jr. as Delray.

Henry, who was in TUTS’ 2017 production of DREAMGIRLS, has appeared in the National Tour of SOUTH PACIFIC, and in many regional theatre productions including SCOTTSBORO BOYS (Speak Easy Stage Company), and GUYS AND DOLLS (WestChester Broadway Theatre). Howelton was most recently in the National Tour of Motown The Musical. Hoyles has appeared in numerous regional theatre productions including JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Paramount Theatre) and SISTER ACT (Ogunquit Playhouse).

Johnson’s notable credits include CANDIDE on Broadway, and roles in many regional theatre productions including MAME, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, CHESS, and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  Lehl's credits include BLOOD BROTHERS on Broadway, HUNDREDS OF HATS Off-Broadway, and the National Tour of TITANIC, THE MUSICAL.  He has also appeared in more than 30 productions at The Alley Theatre.  Nolan has appeared in the National Tour of RENT, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (Old Globe Theatre), and FALSETTOS (Diversionary Theatre).

Rounding out the cast in the Ensemble are: Courtney Chilton, Taylor Daniels, Chloe Davis, Laura Henning, Liam Johnson, Zach Jones, Logan Keslar, Ashley Lee, Alexa Magro, Khori Petinaud, Christopher Tipps, Mya Tucker, and Sharrod Williams.

Both Johnson and Magro are TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) alumni, who will share the stage with 24 current HSMT students who will be joining the cast. The Student Ensemble cast includes Jazmyne Charles, Abriel Coleman, Bryce Cooper, Daelin Elzie, Emma Kate Farlow, Chase Fontenot, Isabella Forney, Haylee Harris, Sydnie Harris, Laci Hepler, Fallon Jones, Kelly Lomonte, Molly Oubre, Sarah Pendergrass, Tobias Rytting, Lauren Schweers, Drew Shaffer, Annie Shouse, Cohle Smith, Alyssa Sunew, Antonio Teodoro, Claire Valdez, Ayvan Jo Williams, Hailey Wolfe, and Christopher Wolff.

As previously announced, Knechtges will be joined on the production by Jessica Hartman as Choreographer, Darryl Ivey as Music Director, Ryan O’Gara as Lighting Designer, Andrew Harper as Sound Designer, Kevin Depinet as Set Designer, Leon Dobkowski as Costume Designer, and Jeff Knaggs as Hair and Makeup Designer.

As previously announced, the creative team for the production includes Director, Linda Goodrich (TUTS 2016 production of MARY POPPINS), Choreographer, Spencer Liff (Emmy nominee for So You Think You Can Dance), Music Supervisor, Michael Orland (American Idol), and Music Director, Jim Vukovich.  SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINTER KNIGHT is written by Kris Lythgoe, with unique Houston customization to the script.   His producing partner and co-founder of LFP, Becky Lythgoe, also serves as Casting Director and loves to bring stars from stage and screen together with local artists in their productions.  

Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves – filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony® Awards including Best Musical, MEMPHIS features a Tony®-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE and ALL SHOOK UP) and a Tony®-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan.

MEMPHIS is made possible thanks to the generous support of production sponsors, ConocoPhillips, Apache, and Freeport LNG.    

Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital is the official healthcare partner of Theatre Under The Stars. United Airlines is the official airline partner of Theatre Under The Stars. KTRK ABC-13 is the official media partner of Theatre Under The Stars. TUTS is supported in part by the City of Houston through the Theater District and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

THEATRE UNDER THE STARS (“TUTS”) - (Dan Knechtges, Artistic Director; Hillary J Hart, Executive Director) -  was founded by Frank M. Young in 1968 and is Houston’s leading musical theatre company for performance, arts education and professional theatrical training; ranging from the classics to new work development.  As a 501c3 performing arts organization, TUTS is dedicated to breaking down barriers to access by focusing on inclusivity, education, and community engagement through a commitment to artistic excellence, programs in the community, technique-based curriculum at the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, and explorative, creative life-skills at The River Performing and Visual Arts Center.  For more information, visit www.tuts.com.