Meet the talented performers bringing this thrilling new work to life.

“After seeing the way Urbanite audiences embraced my play ‘At The Wake of a Dead Drag Queen,’ I just KNOW that they are gonna fall in love with the characters and the world of ‘OAK.’” - Terry Guest, Playwright

Too many have fallen victim to the freedoms promised by the red-eyed monster in the community along Odella Creek... Will cousins Suga, Big Man, and Pickle resist temptation, or become the next names in the morning news? Bringing these characters and their stories to life, meet the gifted cast of OAK!

MEET THE CAST

Jaeda LaVonne
Playing ‘Suga’

(she/her) Jaeda LaVonne is a Chicago based actress with recent credits that include: RICHARD III, TWELFTH NIGHT (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); THE OCTOBER STORM (Raven Theatre); CHLORINE SKY(U/S) (Steppenwolf Theatre Company). Other Regional Theater credits include: TONI STONE, DANCE NATION (Unicorn Theatre); THE TEMPEST (Heart of America Shakespeare Festival). LaVonne has an MFA in Acting from University of Missouri-Kansas City. LaVonne is an adjunct professor at Morton College and represented by Gray Talent Group.

DeAnna Wright
Playing ‘Peaches’

(she/her) Originally brought up in High Springs, FL, DeAnna S. Wright has lived in several places that have helped cultivate her artistry and humanity including Philadelphia, New Jersey/NYC, and Sarasota. As an overall artist, DeAnna engages in acting, singing, and rhythmic movement, which all help to bring a blend of skills to her artistry. A graduate of the FSU Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, DeAnna now serves on the faculty of her alma mater. Her journey in the theater world has taken her to regional theaters across the country, where she has portrayed a diverse range of characters. Notable credits include Jane Bennet in PRIDE & PREJUDICE at Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado, Sophie in FLYIN' WEST at Quintessence Theatre in Philadelphia, and Angela in NATURAL SHOCKS, a one-woman show held at Hope Repertory Theatre in Michigan. DeAnna has recently garnered attention for her performance as the leading lady in the award-winning full-length feature film ALONE|TOGETHER, which premiered at the prestigious Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA. She is moved to be invited back to Urbanite for this dynamic production.

William Rose II
Playing ‘Big Man’

(he/him) This will be William’s very first production outside of Chicago, and he could not be more excited for it to be on the Urbanite stage! Embracing a brand-new era in his artistic world, most recent credits include: the adorably charming nerd Kevin in INANIMATE (Theater Wit), Jeff Award-winning Performance for Performer in a Principle Role for a hypnotizing Tambo in TAMBO & BONES (Refracted Theater Co), a sweetly troubled Lyons in FENCES (American Blues Theater), a regal and explosively passionate King Christophe in THE TRAGEDY OF KING CHRISTOPHE (The House Theater Chicago), and a score of others! In addition to his work onstage, he can also be seen in a few commercials and films, as well as doing some work as a voiceover actor, and dabbling in writing. William is so excited for the chance share what he loves to do most and to tell you a story. Please enjoy.

Trezure B. Coles
Playing ‘Pickle’

(she/her) Originally from Newport News, Virginia, Trezure is a recent MFA graduate of FSU Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Some of her works include: INTIMATE APPAREL, INHERIT THE WIND, & EUREKA DAY (Asolo Rep), STICK FLY, LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST (FSU Conservatory), ANTONY & CLEOPATRA, EURYDICE (TAM), COMEDY OF ERRORS (VA Stage Company), ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, THE COLOR PURPLE (NSU Theatre Company). She would like to give thanks and send her deepest gratitude to her family near and far, the Coles and Tillery family.

Enter the world of OAK, playing May 31 to June 30, 2024, at Urbanite Theatre.

GET TICKETS TO ‘OAK’

SPECIAL EVENT ON MAY 28TH:

MEET OAK PLAYWRIGHT TERRY GUEST DURING A Q&A MODERATED BY PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SUMMER WALLACE!

Urbanite audiences may recall the profound impact of Terry Guest’s "moving, hilarious, inspiring, and involving" play, AT THE WAKE OF A DEAD DRAG QUEEN, from our 2021/22 season. We are thrilled to have Terry back for the world premiere of OAK!

All are welcome to join us at Urbanite Theatre on May 28th at 6pm for a unique chance to engage with Terry, one of the most vibrant voices in contemporary theater, and gain insight into his creative process and impressive body of work.

This event is free to attend for Urbanite Insiders: RSVP for no additional cost by calling the box office at (941) 321-1397!

This event is open to all other Urbanites for $15: Purchase your ticket to this Q&A with the playwright at the button below!

Purchase “Toast & Talk” tickets