Who's Who

The Cast

A company that spans original cast members returning as adults and a new generation of young performers from the Bronx and beyond.

Principal Roles

The Griot

Shakira DeAbreu

Shakira

Nicole Mercedes

Karloff

Antonio Gordon

Veron

Orlando Gordon

Featured Performers

Shakira DeAbreu

The Griot & Co-Director

A Bronx native, Shakira began piano lessons with Lola Louis at age 7. Lola, recognizing her shyness, moved her into acting classes, and at 13 she landed the lead teen role in the original run of “The Children’s Legacy,” performing it through age 19. Her credits include Joan of Arc in Shaw’s “Joan,” Ermina in Lynn Nottage’s “Crumbs from the Table of Joy,” and Co-Director of “for colored girls…” She returns now as the Griot to honor Lola’s memory and her love for all children of the African Diaspora.

Nicole Mercedes

Shakira

An actress from Passaic, NJ, Nicole studied at the New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts in Montclair and made her stage debut in “Significant Other” at the Nutley Little Theater. She has also appeared in background roles for Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black.” She thanks director Carolyn Cherry and playwright Lola Louis for such a welcoming experience.

Antonio Gordon

Karloff

A versatile, SAG-affiliated actor whose work spans theater, film, and television. He brings authenticity and passion to every role, with a creative edge fueled by his love for rapping, writing, and music, along with a dynamic mix of athletic skills.

Renee Lemond

Police Officer

A former CAPAS student and original cast member of “The Children’s Legacy.” Famously recruited by Lola to simply “fill in” or “read” a part—only to find herself in full rehearsal—Renee brings both her musical foundation and organically developed acting to the stage.

Aaron See Yuen

The Prophet / Malcolm X / Rehab Counselor

Born in the Bronx with Trinidadian, Bermudian, Chinese, Venezuelan, African, and Native ancestry, Aaron Wyling See Yuen has credits as an actor, dancer, voice actor, singer, writer, poet, model, director, instructor, and producer.

Tatyani Lawton

Shakira (Pregnancy Scene)

“I’m so thankful to be part of this amazing show and even more excited to share it with you. Being on stage and working with this incredible cast has been such a joy, and I hope you feel the energy and hard work we’ve put into this play. Thank you for coming—I hope you enjoy the show as much as I’ve enjoyed being part of it!”

Kyle P. Carter

Martin Luther King Jr.

A versatile performer with credits across theatre, film, and television, including “The Oedipus Project” (Off-Broadway), “Miles Davis,” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black,” plus screen roles in “CSI: Miami” and “Hope: A Brooklyn Story.” A trained method actor with a BFA from Long Island University, Kyle is a former student of CAPAS.

Warren Witter

Marcus Garvey

A published author, mentor, mentor trainer, and young-adult pastor, Warren brings cultural depth to his work in ministry, advocacy, and personal development. Author of “Sons of Fathers,” he expanded that vision through his “Legacy Fathers” curriculum and serves on boards including the Department of Juvenile Justice Faith Network. His mission is simple: to build legacies through love, faith, and intentional fatherhood.

Osiris Kwabena Adjepong

Garren / Obi / Ensemble

A proud Philadelphia native and rising high-school sophomore with a vibrant passion for the arts—acting, poetry, science, basketball, tennis, and making music on his guitar. This performance marks his Off-Broadway debut, and he is honored to be part of “The Children’s Legacy.”

Nazani Martin

Crystal / Ewu / Ensemble

Making her theatrical debut in “The Children’s Legacy.” An accomplished dancer training since age 3, Nazani brings natural grace and expressive movement to her first acting role as she prepares to enter the 8th grade.

Amir Garcia

Child / Voices & Ensemble

Making his theatrical debut, this enthusiastic 12-year-old joined the cast after encouragement from his mother, Shakira. When not on stage, Amir enjoys fishing with his dad and entertaining his siblings with his natural talent for impressions and accents.

The Full Company

  • Tatyani Lawton
  • Warren Witter
  • Renee Lemond
  • Aaron See Yuen
  • Kyle Carter
  • Leah DeAbreu-Goodwill
  • Luke Goodwill
  • Nyaja Porter
  • Faith Goodwill
  • Saidy Ledesma
  • Esther Marks
  • Grace Goodwill
  • Kemar Matthews
  • Osiris Adjepong
  • Nazani Martin
  • Shiann Melton
  • Amir Garcia