MARKIANO ROBICHAUX
(Benjamin Wright)
Markiano Michael Joseph Robichaux (“M&M”) studied at Louisiana State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with concentrations in Jazz, Interdisciplinary Music, and Classical Saxophone. A highly regarded saxophonist, improviser, composer, and woodwind doubler, Markiano is an established musical talent with frequent performances of live jazz in the Big Easy and across his home state of Louisiana. Additionally, he serves as an instructor at Fletcher Technical Community College in Thibodaux, LA, teaching adult education. As a child, Markiano played bucket drums in Jackson Square, and he is proud to come full circle by portraying Benjamin, a young street performer, in The Heartbeat of Bourbon Street—his first leading role in a theatrical production.
NAKIA JACKSON
(Ms. Mary Hippopins)
Nakia is the proud mother of 8 lovely children & a New Orleans native. Her natural maternal instincts shine through in this inaugural role as a music instructor that mentors and inspires the protagonist of The Heartbeat of Bourbon Street. She is a newly discovered creative actor that brings love and kindness to her character.
DYLAN CANNATELLA
(Noah Lott /Ray N. Beaux)
A writer, historian, and actor with experience on stage and on screen, Dylan’s complex mental life lends gravitas, depth and crackling wit to his characters. As a youth actor, Dylan performed in classical productions including “A Christmas Carol” and “Robin Hood.” Since then, he has featured in multiple major on-screen productions in New Orleans including, The Corps, Interview with a Vampire, Queer as Folk, and The Purge TV Series. Most recently, He starred in the short film, The Lost Boy, produced by Sue-Lynn Ansari. He also played the role of Henry in the short film Queendom, by Sue-Lynn Ansari. He is the creator and producer of the podcast series, The Deadly Crescent: A History of Crime and Punishment in New Orleans available on SoundCloud. He was also a math teacher for St. Bernard Parish School Board. Dylan earned his undergraduate degree in film, drama, and history in 2013 and earned his master’s degree in history from the University of New Orleans in 2017
MICHAEL LLOYD (Hewlett Barr XIV / Mystery)
Michael Lloyd is a United States Marine Corp Veteran with active combat deployments under his belt as well as experience in private security. This intense personal experience and training in lethal force gives him a perspective on life and a way of carrying himself on stage that is rare among actors. Transplanted from Arizona, after relocating to New Orleans in 2015, Michael has been featured in multiple films and shows such as Queen of The South, LBJ, Scream Queens, Into The Badlands, NCIS: New Orleans, and more. He earned his Bachelor's of Science in Digital Filmmaking from the Los Angeles Film School.
ELOUISE ROBINSON
(As Herself)
Founder of an early childhood education program, Minister Elouise cares deeply about bringing up the next generation on the right path. She has dedicated the last several decades to pastoral care and clergy connection with her congregation. A welcoming and constant presence for her community, her Noonday Encounters Ministry offers warmth and encouragement for those seeking fellowship and ministerial instruction. She was “born again” on April 13th, 1983, when God changed her life forever. She is now an associate minister at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
BROOKSIE EAST (Rita Bybell-Wright /Anita De Monet)
Brooksie is a passionate advocate for children’s rights with experience in marketing, public relations, and non-profit leadership. She spent several years working in New York City’s creative scene before returning south to stage theatrical productions and pursue various campaigns to for the bettermet of income-eligible communities. A gifted vocalist, impressionist, and creative actor. Her vocal range and emotional intelligence allow her to inhabit a variety of characters and personas on stage.