ACTRESS

Leslie Castay is a veteran of Broadway, Television, Film and Cabaret stages.  A multiple Big Easy Award winner, she now lives in New Orleans after a 20 plus year career as a New York City based actress. Her Broadway credits include Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, 3Penny Opera (starring Sting), 42nd St, and numerous Off-Broadway, and National Touring productions. Leslie now also works as a director, recently having directed School of Rock for JPAS, where she also directed Young Frankenstein, Addams Family and the award winning production of  Holiday Inn, winning the Big Easy award for Best Musical and Best Director. Leslie is a Musical Theatre instructor at NOCCA and loves teaching the next generation of Broadway stars.

CONDUCTOR

Dennis G. Assaf (Conductor) founded the Jefferson Performing Arts Society in 1978 with the mission "to be the catalyst to build a performing arts center for Jefferson Parish".  Maestro Assaf, currently holds the title of Artistic Director and is a frequent guest conductor around the globe. Over the last 46 years he has conducted almost 200 productions here and abroad. Assaf holds a BME from Loyola University and a Master of Music in Conducting from UNO where he was named Alumnus of the Year 1999.

MUSICIAN

Bernie Cyrus is known as the Louisiana Music Man and is the former Louisiana Music Commissioner under four governors. Cyrus is an accomplished professional performing and recording artist, producer, and songwriter. He is a member of the Louisiana Hall of Fame, was named Gambit Magazine’s Hottest Local TV Show LTV, and was the Executive Producer and Host of New Orleans After Midnight WDSU / FOX TV proclaimed “ Neilson Gold” TV (Times Picayune) Originator Executive Producer and Award Winning National Host and Producer of Cable Ace, Father of two successful Award Winning musicians Jonny Cyrus ( Tambalya Shooting Star and Best Band Award, New Orleans Artist and J. Cyrus (Billboard Top 50 Album). Song writer for Doja Cat and others. Award winning Actor and Screenwriter.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is an outspoken voice for all of Louisiana. Billy Nungesser is the 54th Lieutenant Governor. Since taking office in 2016, he and his team have guided the state to record-breaking tourism numbers of 53 million visitors prior to the pandemic, cut wasteful spending, and revitalized the State Park system in which several are self-sustaining and profitable. Under his leadership, the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism has worked non-stop to revive Louisiana’s 4th largest industry – hospitality industry - welcoming tens of millions of visitors annually to enjoy Louisiana’s variety of cultural experiences, history, music, celebrations and culinary excellence. Our state remains a top 10 tourist destination by traveler surveys around the world. In 2019, he was re-elected to a second term as lieutenant governor. He truly is a Lieutenant Governor for ALL of Louisiana.

RADIO HOST

When you talk about New Orleans legends - you have to talk about Scoot. With a radio - and now an additional social media career - transcending generations - Scoot is a true New Orleans icon. From the early years on music radio to his current talk show - Scoot continues to evolve and reinvent himself as he is successfully entertaining his long-time listeners while attracting a new, younger audience. Scoot On The Air on WWL-AM-FM is "where politics and pop culture meet your opinions." As a registered Independent and a self-described "radical moderate" - Scoot continues to present new perspectives based on common sense and is a determined warrior in waging the daily fight against the raging hypocrisy that defines political discourse today. New Orleans is home - but Scoot has been on the air across the country in Philadelphia, Miami, Seattle, Portland, and Denver and his travels have given him a cosmopolitan approach with a special love for New Orleans in discussing the topics and issues concerning the city, the Gulf South, and the nation. It is Scoot's irreverent and spontaneous sense of humor that keep listeners engaged - even through the most difficult topics. Off the air - Scoot enjoys a rock star type lifestyle - but always enjoys private time in his West End condo.