1. The Magic Orange Tree Bios
May 2013
The Magic Orange Tree
A note from the playwright
The evil stepmother story has always intrigued me because
most cultures have a version of it. I am particularly
smitten with Haiti’s version, The Magic Orange Tree, because
itdoesn’t have the happily-ever-after ending found in
American tales like Cinderella. Yet the Haitian story is still
magical and hopeful. The play is also an effort to raise
awareness for Helping Hands for Limonade,
www.HelpingHandsforLimonade.org, an organization
that gives hope to Haitian children by providing them
with education and regular meals.
Thanks for listening,
Jessica
P.S. If you haven’t had a chance to hear the radio play, it’s available for free May 27-June 30
atofficial.fm/tracks/gxoF.
The Cast
In alphabetical order
Neal Hazard (King, Farmer) has acted in Atlanta for the last 17 years. He has worked with
such amazing theaters as Horizon Theatre, Seven Stages, Push Push Theater, and Theater in
the Square. He has worked on Tyler Perry's House of Payne as Dr. Seymour Reardon as well
as worked with Robert Townsend. He has recently completed his first novel, Moments from
Strawberry Jam; the Chronicles of Nicholas Swift vol. 1 available at lulu.com.
Josephine Marcellin-Maitre (Grandmother)is co-founder of Helping Hands for Limonade,
www.HelpingHandsforLimonade.org. She is a Haiti native who has spent more than half her
life in the United States. She is a motivational speaker and encourages Haitians in America
facing language and cultural barriers. Josephine is excited about her debut theatrical
performance in The Magic Orange Tree.
Evan Wells (Jacques)is an 11-year-old honor student. He is witty and has a great
personality. He enjoys acting, football, basketball, track, playing the guitar, and playing games
on his IPod. He has participated in print work, voice-over, film, commercials, and theatre. He
enjoys learning new skills and spending time with his family and friends.

2. The Magic Orange Tree Bios
May 2013
Myriyah Wells (Granddaughter) is a 13-year-old honor student with a great sense of
humor. She enjoys shopping, acting, modeling, singing, cooking, and reading. She has
participated in commercials, film, voice-over, theatre, and runway. She enjoys spending time
with her family and friends and working in the nursery at church.
Sheena Williams (Cinderella, Stepmother), originally born in Jamaica, grew up in
London, England. Having performed in several plays and films; Sheena knew it was time to
take her career to the next level. This resulted in her packing up and heading to the United
States to seek out more opportunities. Sheena is dedicated to the craft of acting, believes in
continual improvement, hard work, focus and commitment. She currently resides in Atlanta,
Georgia where she works as a full time actress.
The Production Staff
David Benedict (Sound Designer) is the Executive Producer for the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company,
www.artc.org. Since 1984, the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company has been performing, recording, and broadcasting
dramatic audio -- fully dramatized, fully sound-scaped audio drama, far beyond the readings and "audio books" you
can find in every bookstore. ATRC gives you classic "old-time radio", as it would sound with today's technology
and dramatic techniques.
Jessica Bodiford (Writer/Director)is the Fringe Radio Director for the Atlanta Fringe Festival. She has written
and directed for productions in both the United States and West Africa. Additionally, she directed a music video
called "Nam Lucky" (check it out on youtube) for the Global Fund and Population Services International. Jessica
received a full scholarship to the University of Florida and has a BA in Theatre. She also earned an MBA from
Kennesaw State University as a Peace Corps Fellow. Additionally, Jessica is a judge for Atlanta’s own Suzi Bass
Awards. The Magic Orange Tree is Jessica’s second radio play, and she had a blast making it.
Charles Plant (Drummer) is the founder of the Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion African Drum Ministry. In his early
years, Charles played with rock and jazz groups as a percussionist. He relocated to Atlanta was introduced to the
exciting art of playing African drums. He has since played with numerous African dance groups and done many
public performances. He also co-directed plays at Shaw Temple with emphasis on traditional African drumming and
dancing.
The Magic Orange Tree is a part of
Fringe Radio, brought to you by the
Atlanta Fringe Festival and HEAR Now
Audio and Fiction Festival. To learn more
about Fringe Radio, visit
www.AtlantaFringe.org.