Meet the First Cast
And hear what they had to say about A Recipe For Us
“Relatable, warm and familial.”
“I absolutely LOVE a good underdog story!!! This Hit”
“I really did get swept away into the story where I was attached to the ending, attached to the outcome.”
“It was lovely and engaging”
Stay-tuned! More cast members coming.
Dr. Lisa Summerour (Writer / Producer)
Lisa D. Summerour is a writer, actor, author, lyricist, and Recalibration Strategist whose work explores identity, resilience, family, and the choices that shape a life. She is the author of the award-winning book Divorce Is Not a Destination and an ASCAP songwriter whose original lyrics have been licensed for Netflix’s Lucifer.
Her acting credits include performances alongside Denzel Washington in Philadelphia, Bruce Willis in The Sixth Sense and Mercury Rising, and Forest Whitaker in The Enemy Within. Lisa holds a doctorate in education and has spent more than two decades working in leadership development, coaching, and ethical leadership. She is also a keynote speaker, avid traveler, and lifelong creative.
A Recipe For Us is Lisa’s feature screenplay debut—a multigenerational family drama about stolen knowledge, inherited shame, food, and the legacies we choose to protect.
Sonita L. Surratt (Director)
Sonita L. Surratt garners a diverse and award winning history in classical/operatic and contemporary stages as a producer, playwright, actor, composer, sound designer and director. She is recently and formerly a professor and artist in residence with leading schools and colleges: Syracuse University, Northwestern University, Columbia College Chicago, and Purdue University to name a few. Her director portfolio and diverse experience in music and theatre includes direction and actor experience in film, stage and opera. She is launching a new chapter of "achieving dreams" waiting to happen. That includes creating debate teams for youth, Impromptu Community Theatre (for adults), and directing opera & short films.
“Really warm and moving. What stuck with me most is how the food and the recipe aren’t really the point. They’re the doorway into family history, migration, regret, pride, and all the things families choose not to talk about.”
Patricia R. Floyd (Script Narrator)
Patricia R Floyd is an actor/director and voice over artist proudly hailing from Detroit, Michigan. She is a two-time AUDELCO Award winner, a Borough of Manhattan President's Award nominee, a three-time Golden Earphone recipient from Audiophile magazine and lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Her television/film credits include the HBO mini-series Show Me a Hero, New Amsterdam and The Godfather of Harlem and the film adaptation of The God Committee. Her favorite stage roles include Sophie Washington in Flyin' West, Martha in American Menu, Faye in the Skeleton Crew at both the Premiere Stages and Huntington Theaters and mostly recently Maxine in Liberty Scrap at the Culture Lab.
Christopher Mann (William "Biz" Isreal)
Best known for his role as Councilman Tony Gray on HBO's critically acclaimed drama series The Wire. Since his television debut on NBC's Homicide: Life on the Street, Chris has built an impressive list of acting credits in television and film. He has guest-starred, co-starred, and recurred on shows including the Peacock series The Calling, Law & Order (SVU and Criminal Intent), Heroes, Kidnapped, Blue Bloods, House of Cards, Mindhunters, and FBI: Most Wanted, among others. His film credits include Michael Clayton, Duplicity, The Bourne Legacy, Creed II, and Loving, to name a few. Chris also holds a supporting lead role in the USA/Japan/Taiwan co-production Dear Stranger, currently awaiting U.S. release.
Jackson Tropp (Teddy Thistlethatch Jr.)
Jackson Tropp is a SAG-AFTRA actor, filmmaker, and educator based in Los Angeles. He holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts & Electronic Media and an M.A. in Communication Studies, and honed his craft under top industry coaches in Los Angeles while developing his comedy and improvisation skills at the Upright Citizens Brigade and the Second City Hollywood Conservatory Program.
Notable on-screen credits include starring roles in the acclaimed short films Last Night and Sexy Grandma, and his award-winning directorial debut, What to Expect When You're NOT Expecting — a sharp, heartfelt comedy that had a successful festival run.
Beyond the screen, Jackson is a passionate college professor, empowering emerging artists to find their voices through performance and storytelling. He teaches public speaking and performance of literature, sharing the techniques that shaped his own creative journey. Jackson brings authenticity, wit, and heart to every role — and to every student he mentors.
Diane Susan Leslie (Dotty Ann Magruder)
Although her own acting career has unfolded on and off for more than 40 years, Diane Leslie has been a steadfast, full-time champion of the arts and the artists who bring them to life. A Philadelphia-based actor, acting teacher, and arts educator, she has devoted decades to nurturing young performers, supporting creative communities, and keeping the transformative power of theater alive. Through her work with New Freedom Theatre’s Performing Arts Training Program and beyond, Diane continues to inspire artists with her passion, generosity, and deep commitment to the craft.
Jenae Thompson (Elaine Isreal)
Los Angeles native Jenae Thompson has spent more than two decades performing professionally across film, television, and — most passionately — musical theatre. Her distinguished performance credits include Dynamite in Hairspray, Ronette in Little Shop of Horrors, Michelle in Dreamgirls, Cinderella in Cinderella, and memorable roles in Beehive: The 60s Musical, 42nd Street, and A Midsummer Night's Dream, alongside three major regional touring productions. Beyond the stage, she nurtures the next generation of theatre artists as a teaching artist and panel judge with the California Thespian Festival since 2022, leads workshops at California Educational Theatre Association annual conferences, and supports creative visionaries through her marketing consultancy, SAYQUOI. She is deeply honored to participate in this project in support of Dr. Lisa Summerour.
Brian Anthony Wilson (Uncle Joe Magruder)
Brian Anthony Wilson is probably best known for his five seasons on HBO's The Wire. Favorite theatre roles include Solly Two Kings in Gem of the Ocean at The Arden (Barrymore Award) and Thurgood (one-man show) at Olney Theatre Center in MD. A Philadelphia native and longtime staple of the city's theater scene, Brian also appeared in David Simon's The Corner and Homicide: Life on the Street, alongside film credits including Rounders, Law Abiding Citizen, and Limitless.
Brittnee Williams (Inez, Hotel Clerk, Cashier)
Brittnee Williams is a Chicago-based actress whose passion for storytelling has taken her across television, film, theater, and national commercial campaigns. Acting since 2016, she has appeared in Chicago Med and The Chi, along with national campaigns for Dove and Illinois State Tax Relief. Known for her authenticity and natural on-camera presence, Brittnee enjoys showcasing her versatility not only in front of the camera, but behind it as well. Her experience in casting and production has given her an appreciation for every part of the storytelling process. Brittnee brings intention, depth, and genuine passion to every role she takes on. She continues to expand her work in film, theater, and television, embracing opportunities that challenge her creatively and allow her to connect with audiences through meaningful stories.
Mattilyn Rochester Kravitz (Monika Joppy Morton )
Mattilyn Rochester Kravitz is an award-winning actress and writer whose career reaches from Jonathan Demme’s Beloved to stages at Lincoln Center and in Tokyo. Her television work includes BMF, Boardwalk Empire, and recurring roles on The Young and the Restless and Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. An NAACP Theatre and Barrymore Award nominee, she brings the same range to her original writing, which encompasses solo shows, a television pilot, and a co-written film screenplay. In The Long Goodbye, her most recent solo show, she inhabits fifteen characters to tell the story of a mother who can’t remember and a daughter who can’t forget.
Nakia Dillard (Mitchell Magruder)
Nakia Dillard is a producer and entrepreneur with over 200 credits to his name, including roles in television hits such as The Wire, Law & Order, Black Lightning, The Wonder Years, and FBI: Most Wanted. A creative visionary both on and off the screen, he is the founder of Aikan Acts Performing, a platform dedicated to training, mentoring, and empowering the next generation of actors. Through education, original productions, and real industry opportunities, Nakia is committed to helping aspiring talent build sustainable careers while creating a lasting legacy through storytelling. He believes that when one artist rises, it creates space for many more to follow — and he's dedicated his life to making sure they do.
"It's amazing how emotional I got with these characters."
Melanie Taylor (Roberta "Birdie" Isreal)
Born in New Orleans on New Year's Day, Melanie Taylor was one of Bette Midler's legendary Harlettes for nearly a decade. Career highlights include Midler's Emmy Award-winning Diva Las Vegas and Barry Manilow's Emmy Award-winning special, Manilow: Music and Passion. Melanie has performed at legendary venues including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and Carnegie Hall, as well as on the Grammys and the 92nd Academy Awards broadcast.
An in-demand featured vocalist on major world tours, film, television, and recordings, Melanie has worked with artists including Steven Tyler, David Foster, John Mayer, Joe Walsh, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Ashford & Simpson, Billy Preston, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Billy Joel, Sheryl Crow, Michael McDonald, Tears for Fears, Michael Bolton, Patti LaBelle, Ronnie Spector, Jeffrey Osborne, Brian Wilson, Paula Abdul, Dionne Warwick, Melissa Manchester, Dave Koz, and Deepak Chopra. In 2012, she became the first female vocalist to sing with legendary rock band Aerosmith on their Music from Another Dimension album and tour.
Melanie is also an audiobook narrator (Audible), a Creative Process coach, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She is a NARAS voting member, a 33-year member of SAG-AFTRA, and was selected as a Grammy U mentor in 2022.
Reneé Summerour Brown (Renee Brown)
Renee Summerour Brown is a former award-winning journalist of 12 years turned content strategist and brand storytelling expert, known for her passion for storytelling, authenticity, and vibrant, multifaceted personality. As the founder of FOCUS365, she helps brands and entrepreneurs clarify their message, tell better stories, and show up online with purpose — built on the belief that content should build trust before it tries to convert. A wife, mother, and business owner based in Las Vegas, she shares her journey through family life, beauty, and the city's unique lifestyle, bringing the same authenticity to her own platform that she brings to every client's.
Dr. Shannon Sloan-Spice (Mrs. Thistlethatch )
Dr. Shannon Sloan-Spice is thrilled to be joining the cast of A Recipe for Us. A professional actress, director, and theatre educator, she received her training at the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, UK. She holds a doctorate in mythology and depth psychology, and now works with clients to heal their narratives through creative practice, nature-based wellness, and spirituality. She teaches world mythology at Oakton College in Chicago.
Curtis Thompson (Professor Harmon, Mr. Joppy, Old Man)
As a lifelong entertainer Curtis has written the score for a stage play entitled “Mama’s Dream.”He has also worked with Michael Jackson on his “Remember The Time” and “Black or White” videos and was a part of his “Dangerous” world tour. He currently leads Vancurt Productions creating videos and curating live performances.
Raun Ruffin (Cousin Roy Morton, Master Baker, Mr. Joppy )
Raun Ruffin's stage career spans three decades, from originating regional and Off-Broadway roles to his Broadway debut in The Civil War at the St. James Theatre. His performance credits include Judah in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Livent, Inc., national tour), Nomax in Five Guys Named Moe, Randy Newman's Faust at Chicago's Goodman Theatre, Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical at Arena Stage, Harrison Brown in Love Lies — Treat Her Like a Lady, Paul Hudson in Me and Caesar Lee, and the York Theatre Company's concert staging of Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope.
Beyond the stage, Raun is a proud father and husband. During the pandemic, he organized a weekly online singing experience where people could log on and sing their favorite songs together — a much-needed stress reliever and a reminder that, even apart, we were all in something together.
Jamil Mangan (Cousin Roy Morton)
Jamil A.C. Mangan is an award-winning actor and director whose work spans regional theater, Off-Broadway, national tours, film, and television. His stage credits include the First National Tour of CLUE, Crumbs from the Table of Joy at Crossroads Theatre Company, the world premiere of Ken Ludwig’s Death on the Nile at Arena Stage, Murder on the Orient Express at Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Radio Golf at Everyman Theatre, Mother Courage and Her Children at Classic Stage Company, and Romeo & Juliet with Apocalyptic Artists/Classical Theatre of Harlem. He won the Connecticut Critics Circle Award for Best Actor for Fences and received a Best Actor nomination for portraying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in The Mountaintop. His theater work has also earned multiple AUDELCO Award nominations and two wins. Television credits include FBI, Blue Bloods, Manifest, Quantico, Gotham, The Following, and Netflix’s The Good Cop. As a director, his credits include Toni Stone, The Mountaintop, Pipeline, and The Gospel of Colonus.
Tom Curbishley - (Theodore Thistlethatch Sr.)
Long-time member of Shakespeare '70, Inc., an amateur classical theater company in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Currently serving as their business manager. Experience includes many supporting roles in various works by Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Thornton Wilder, and so on. Very occasionally, a principal role comes along, such as Dracula. Very much looking forward to participating in any work written by Lisa!
Damali Mason (Mrs. Pinkett, Women #2 )
After an extended hiatus, Damali Mason is returning to her creative roots and reentering the acting arena. She performed in theatre, television, and film from the 1980s through 2011. A member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA, she enjoys screening performances and attending events with and by fellow actors in Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, LA, and the DMV. Damali has had the opportunity and privilege to perform with — to name a few — Denzel Washington, Steve Buscemi, Bradley Cooper, Mickey Rourke, Willem Dafoe, Anthony Mackie, Rosario Dawson, Bruce Willis, Whitney Houston, Robert De Niro, and Al Pacino, and to be directed by Peter Jackson, Spike Lee, and Tanya Hamilton, among others. She enjoys her solitude, the company of family and friends, traveling to reconnect, and hopes to return to the game of golf. As a 22-year breast cancer survivor, she gives all honor and glory to her Master Healer, Jesus Christ.
April Casey (Ida, April)
April Casey is making her acting debut in the table read, discovering that a varied career can lead to some unexpected roles. April’s professional background spans business ownership, marketing, operations, and community recreation, including owning and operating D-BAT Tucson, a baseball and softball training facility. She holds a bachelor degree in Business Administration and a masters degree in Education. Always open to a new experience, April is delighted to add “actor” to the list - at least for one zoom call.
Joey Perrilo (Tony Colella, Terry Glenn)
Joey Perillo is a 35-year member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors' Equity Association — proof that persistence, if nothing else, is a skill. His screen credits include recurring roles on HBO's The Sopranos, The Wire, and Veep, along with appearances in Rachel Getting Married, The Manchurian Candidate, Unbreakable, Philadelphia, Twelve Monkeys, Hairspray, and Cry Baby, working with directors including Jonathan Demme, M. Night Shyamalan, Terry Gilliam, and John Waters. He has also logged decades on Philadelphia-area stages and currently teaches acting classes in Bucks County — somewhere in between finding time to serve as an aged Fire Police Officer and play mediocre rhythm guitar. His most significant credit, by his own account, remains having appeared in a well-received picture with Lisa Summerour.
Marcia Matsen (Theresa Thistlethatch, Claire)
Marcia Matsen acted as a brand expert for Shiseido Americas Corporation for 30 years, serving as a storyteller for cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances. Offered specialized knowledge and created interactive educational opportunities for beauty consultants and consumers, conducting thousands of seminars for diverse groups, delivering educational programs and presentations, and leading consumer panels with Q&As. Musician/singer in Grooveology, a rhythm and blues band. Theater major, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
CeCeLia Ann Birt (Mama "Ide" Ida)
Cecelia Ann Birt is a member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity Association, with 40 years of performing experience across Europe and the United States. Her film and television credits include Ocean's Eleven, Beloved, Law Abiding Citizen, Head Space, China, Do No Harm, Cleveland Abduction, and Those Who Kill. A singer as well as an actor, Cecelia brings decades of stage and screen experience to every role, and is happy to be part of this project.
Adam Sietz (Ralph Colella, Clef Morrison)
An award-winning writer, producer, comedian, and actor, Adam has recently added bestselling author and keynote speaker to his list of accomplishments. Throughout his career, he has worked with industry icons like Woody Allen, David Chase, Dick Wolf, Todd Field, Spike Lee, Scott Elliott, and Robert Falls. His absolute best work, however? His children—Sophie, Noah, and Benjamin—co-created with his beautiful wife, Melissa. Broadway: Barefoot in the Park, Talk Radio, The Ritz. Film: Celebrity, Sweet and Lowdown, Brittney runs a Marathon, Noise, Little Children TV: The Sopranos, Third Watch, L&O, L&O: CI, Ed, Chappelle’s Show, The Chris Rock Show, Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, nnnnn
“I have conversations with my friends in real life about their families and their family legacies.”
Yvette Ganier (Jackie, Mrs. Sato, Women #1)
Yvette Ganier is an Obie Award-winning actor based in New York City, known for her extensive work with August Wilson on three of his final four plays. She originated the roles of Rena in Jitney and Black Mary in Gem of the Ocean, and played Tonya in King Hedley II at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. Broadway credits include The Miracle Worker and King Hedley II. Off-Broadway and New York credits include Second Stage Theater, Playwrights Horizons, The Working Theater, New Federal Theatre, Cherry Lane Theatre, Union Square Theatre, Women’s Project Theater, and Houses on the Moon. Other stage credits include Jitney in London, Steppenwolf, Mark Taper Forum, New Freedom Theatre, The Wilma, and Baltimore Center Stage. Yvette recurred for five seasons as Nurse Linda Weber on NBC’s New Amsterdam, with additional television credits on ABC, CBS, Netflix, and Lifetime. Recent screen credits include The Table and Ms. Manage on BlackOakTV.
Jacqueline "Jackie" Perry (Head Usher Jamison)
After a remarkable 50-year career in nursing, much of it spent at a heart and lung specialty hospital and in the critical care unit of another, she is bringing her calm presence, empathy, and life experience to acting. Her on-camera experience includes industrial and commercial work, and she is excited for the opportunity to bring authentic, thoughtful characters to life. At 80, she is living proof that it is never too late to pivot—and that the best experiences are the ones you choose to live.
Lanette Ware (Mrs. Sato, Jackie, Woman #1)
Lanette Ware is a seasoned actress, published author, proud mother of two creative teenagers, and executive producer. Born and raised in Manhattan, New York, she began performing at age three and was classically trained in piano and violin. She later earned a B.A. in Drama from the London Academy and studied Cinematic Language at the Toronto Film School. As a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio, Ware has accumulated dozens of screen credits. Notable roles include appearances in The Madness, The Sopranos, Revival, Supernatural, Law & Order, and Five Days at Memorial, along with recent Toronto International Film Festival premiere features like The Fire Inside and Seven Veils. Beyond acting, she is an award-winning storyteller and the CEO of A WWB Production, Inc., a company dedicated to amplifying underrepresented communities of color. Recognized as a 2025 RBC Women of Influence nominee, her short film Now What? has won Best Screenplay, Best Executive Producer, and Best Short awards at festivals across the U.S., Canada, Madrid, and Durban, South Africa.
Vanetta Thompson (Neriah, Genise, and Siri)
VANETTA THOMPSON — Born in Aurora, Illinois, into a large family, Vanetta Thompson was driven to Los Angeles by poverty, abuse, and a passion for acting, where God's plan took her from acting to singing, and eventually to marriage — to a bassist-turned-cop. She has had the privilege of backing O'Brien, Ray Charles, Tracie Spencer, and Chanté Moore, and sharing the stage with Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, and a host of world-renowned celebrities. She has been blessed to pen several music projects, two of which graced Billboard's Top 40 charts in the '80s. She currently sings background vocals on the worship team at her church and is a co-lead singer in the upcoming band Classic Fire.
Greg Gilmore (Hotel Clerk, Master Baker, Driver)
Greg Gilmore is a Cleveland-born artist, writer and storyteller based in Los Angeles. For more than two decades, he has used hair, visual art and live presentation to explore identity, transformation and the stories people carry. His work as a creative director and educator has taken him from intimate conversations to stages before large audiences. He brings that same curiosity about people and emotional honesty to acting.
Ailie Snyder (Bruce Sato, Desk Clerk)
Ailie Snyder is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where they earned their B.F.A. in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance Performance. They are well-versed in the Milwaukee theatre scene, having worked with First Stage Children's Theater, Skylight Music Theatre, Outskirts Theatre Company, and All In Productions. Along with their stage work, they have film and TV credits under their belt as well, including their TV debut on Chicago Fire. Next, you can catch them playing Christian Bechdel in Fun Home with Outskirts Theatre Company at the beginning of the new year.