Mark Cohen [Lead; Tenor]
A filmmaker and video artist who constantly seeks validation. He connects deeply with his roommate Roger and longs for the days when his group of friends were closer. In his struggles to find his place in the world, he often finds himself on the outside looking in. Mark comes from privilege but desires to understand his responsibility to himself and his community.
Mimi Marquez [Lead; Mezzo-Soprano]
A dancer, Mimi is a woman determined to live in the moment. She is a drug addict who is living with HIV. A young woman on a journey to find who she is and what she is fighting for. Mimi’s addiction and intentions are often at odds. She desperately tries to make the best of life in whatever way she can. Living in the same building as Roger and Mark, Mimi meets the friend group through her unexpected romantic connection with Roger and is forever changed by this chosen family. Her artistry is connected to her body and movement.
Roger Davis [Lead; Tenor]
A musician/singer-songwriter who is a recovering drug addict living with HIV. Roger has mourned members of his community and is grieving the loss of his deceased former girlfriend. Roger longs for connection and meaning through his music. He is roommates with Mark in an abandoned loft space. He is reminiscent of a young Kurt Cobain and/or Lenny Kravitz in his musical styling.
Tom Collins [Supporting; Bass-Baritone]
A professor of technology at NYU that is grounded in anarchy and liberation, Tom Collins is a proud man who is smart, caring, and the backbone of his friend group. His chosen family is lifted by his positive and nurturing spirit. His warmth and empathic presence allow him to invite his friends to examine personal accountability. Tom used to be a roommate in the loft with Mark and Roger. He is also living with HIV.
Angel Dumott Schunard [Supporting; Tenor]
A vibrant street musician who radiates light! Angel moves through the world
as a gender nonconforming human who is also living with HIV. Angel has an incredible spirit with a gift for inspiring human connection all while being a street fashion icon. Angel is magnetic and rooted in living for the moment. Angel meets and swiftly becomes Tom Collins’ partner, a connection that brings Angel into the chosen family group. Angel is the heart of the piece. Angel’s musicality is rooted in their connection and love for rhythm, movement, and storytelling. Angel’s artistry is akin to the artistic qualities of Prince, a young RuPaul, and/or Grace Jones.
Maureen Johnson [Supporting; Mezzo-Soprano]
A performance artist who is constantly raging and ready to fight. Maureen is full of
well-intended passion and anarchist energies of which she pours into her art no matter the medium. She’s a former roommate of Roger, Mark, Collins and Benny. She completes the chosen family rounding out the space with intoxicating energy dripping with sexualized vigor. Maureen is queer and openly dating Joanne after recently breaking up with Mark. Bursting with confidence and a vivacious spirit, Maureen navigates how to be a less self-centered human that is accountable for their actions.
Artistically speaking she is a radical and unexpected arts advocate.
Joanne Jefferson [Supporting; Mezzo-Soprano]
A public interest lawyer who always fights for the underdog, Joanne comes from a
conservative upper-class black family. As an out and proud lesbian, she demands her own liberation. She is smart, purposeful, and grounded. She is dating Maureen Johnson. Joanne’s connection to Maureen brings her into an established chosen family where she discovers the power of being celebrated in your own community.
Benjamin “Benny” Coffin III [Supporting; Baritone]
Mark and Roger's landlord and former roommate. A proud black man, Benny
struggles to find connection with his former chosen family. He is constantly battling being a friend while pleasing his new white in-laws. Despite being seen as a sellout, Benny longs to know who he is and where he fits in his community.
Ensemble
Group of strong singers and dancers that will play featured roles including Mark’s Mom, the Jeffersons, and more.
