Meet the cast of Hairspray #4 – Phaedra and Phillip

Here’s number four in our series introducing members of the HAIRSPRAY cast: Meet Phaedra Tillery and Phillip Jaco. And hurry to buy your tickets – Sundays are close to sold out, and the other dates will go soon! https://southbaymt.com/shows/hairspray.html

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Phaedra Tillery – Dynamite

Why are you excited about being in Hairspray?
I am excited about being in Hairspray because being on stage is my passion. I was excited for the opportunity but as soon as we started rehearsal, the energy was great, the actors were great, the choreography is amazing, and the message in the play still affects our communities today. I am happy to be able to share this message and hope that it touches someone, changes their views on racism and how we treat one another. Currently the City of Baltimore is enraged about how the police have killed a young black male. What are the odds of us perfoming this show 50+ years later, and we are still looking for equality in Baltimore and throughout the US? I am glad I can be a part of something that reminds people that we as a country have come a long way when it comes to racism, but we still have a long way to go until we are where we need to be.
What’s the most important thing you think audiences should know about this show?
The most important thing that they should know is that even though this show was set during the time of segregation and the civil rights movement, the message of acceptance and equality is still needing to be taught today. It’s important to bring children to see this show. Let’s show our children that we are all equal.
Why do you perform in community theater?
I perform community theatre because it is my hobby. I currently work two jobs, one being full time and one being part time. I am also a mother of two. Being on stage is what I do to relieve my stress, to make me happy and to show my girls that anything is possible and to never give up on your dreams.  I have been performing since I was a child and it brings me joy. So I perform for my enjoyment, hoping it brings others joy.
Welcome to the 60s! What says “1962” most to you?
“Welcome to the rhythm of a brand new day, take your old fashion views and just throw them away.” That line in the song speaks the loudest to me. That times are constantly changing, views about racism, sexuality, equality are all changing. We can either live in the past with stereotypes and negativity or we can live equally and learn acceptance and continuously improve our society.

Phaedra has performed in theatre shows since the age of 12. Dancing and singing has been her love since childhood.  She most recently performed in the cast of The Color Purple as an ensemble character at Hillbarn Theatre.  Prior to that she has appeared in shows in Half Moon Bay, Oakland, Modesto and Merced which include: The Winter Wonderettes (Betty Jean), RENT (Mrs. Jefferson), To Kill a Mockingbird (Calpernia), The Marvelous Wonderettes (Betty Jean), HAIR (Dionne), Children of Eden (Eve), Chicago (June), West Side Story (Anybodies) and Grease (Patty Simcox).

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Phillip Jaco – Gilbert (Record Shop Kid)

Why are you excited about being in Hairspray?
Ever since I saw the movie in theatre as a high school student (yes, I’m talking about the Queen Latifah version), I told myself I had to be in this show. Being a record shop kid is a bucket list role that I’ve had since I started doing shows my senior year of high school.
What’s the most important thing you think audiences should know about this show?
From my own experience with this production I can say that the most important thing about it is the knowledge we all acquired of the show and its time frame. The effort by the staff to educate us was eye-opening to someone like me who admittedly wasn’t as informed about the events during the 1960’s.
Why do you perform in community theater?
One of the reasons I perform in community theatre is the outlet it provides for me, with a busy schedule, and mainly the love I have of being on stage. The reason I perform with South Bay Musical Theatre is because of the great quality of the shows and the feeling of family and the fun I have during rehearsals and the overall run of the show.
Welcome to the 60s! What says “1962” most to you?
Welcome to a time when change happens, when we hear music as a form of change in a community. When we look at the past and can still see our present day in some form.

Phillip is happy to be returning to SBMT as a record shop kid (Gilbert) after playing John in “Anything Goes.” When not rehearsing for the show he can be found at Great America where he created and choreographed the kids’ shows that include the Peanuts gang. He also works at Bay Club and as a choreographer for Cupertino High School’s Musicals. He gives thanks to his family and friends for the support and a very deserved shout out to his fiancé for the continuing support and love. He promises a vacation is in the near future.