The Writer

Terry Teachout (playwright) is the drama critic of the Wall Street Journal and the critic-at-large of Commentary. He played jazz bass professionally in Kansas City before becoming a full-time writer. His books include Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong, All in the Dances: A Brief Life of George Balanchine, A Terry Teachout Reader and The Skeptic: A Life of H.L. Mencken. He is currently at work on Mood Indigo: A Life of Duke Ellington. He is the author of the libretti for two operas by Paul Moravec, The Letter premiered by the Santa Fe Opera in 2009) and Danse Russe (premiered by Philadelphia's Center City Opera Theater in 2011). Satchmo at The Waldorf is his first play.

The Director

Rus Blackwell started his career in New York, training at Circle in the Square Theatre School and working in the theatre. A strong work ethic and endless passion have made Blackwell a solid actor, producer and director. Rus is an original founder and artistic director of Mad Cow and SoulFire Theatre. He directed Streetcar Named Desireand Sweet Bird of Youth for the Tennessee Williams Tribute in William’s birthplace of Columbus, Ms. Other selected regional projects include To Kill a Mockingbird, All My Sons, The Lonesome West along with producing Tony and Tina’s Wedding. In addition, Rus has built an extensive acting resume’ composed of hundreds of Theatre, Film and Television credits which include roles in the Oscar and Emmy award winning projects The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Monster, HBO’s Recount and From the Earth to the Moon.

The Actor

Dennis Neal is regarded as one of Orlando's finest actors. He made his debut in Athol Fugard's "My Children, My Africa" and has pursued his love of the craft for twenty five years. He has endured and succeeded in the business carving out a niche that includes stellar performances in works by August Wilson, David Mamet and Stephen Adley Guirgis to name just a few. Over the course of his journey he has had an opportunity to work with some incredibly talented people who have served to both elevate and illustrate the depth of his skill. While the theater is his first love, Dennis has also worked extensively in film with roles in 'Dead Man Walking', 'Wild Things', 'Sunshine State', and television appearing in 'The West Wing', 'The Practice' and 'Army Wives' to name a few projects. His list of credits is extensive and continues to grow as he is very active in all areas of story telling.