cast

Writer/Composer/Director/Lead Producer

Eli was born and raised in Los Angeles to his mother Mary, a therapist for special needs children, and father, Jon, also known as "Bowzer" from the retro 50's nostalgia TV show/most random band to play Woodstock, "Sha Na Na." After enduring this not remotely strange childhood, Eli graduated from Columbia University with a degree in English and Creative Writing. Upon graduation, Eli toured the country with his father, singing in casinos ranging from the 10,000 seat "Mohegan Sun Arena" to the utterly depressing "Boomtown Casino" in Biloxi, Mississippi. After moving back to LA in 2007 to pursue a career in Hollywood, Eli gave up the glamorous world of television production for the even more glamorous world of political campaigning, moving to Las Vegas' largest and hottest county to

organize for radical fringe candidate, Barack Obama, whom we've never heard from since. After the campaign, Eli coordinated Veteran's Affairs for Obama's 2009 Inaugural Committee and interned for ABC's Special Investigative Unit, where he was shoved by disgraced bamboozler, Bernie Madoff. Later, Eli transitioned back to scripted television, writing episodes of FX's "Lights Out" and

NBC's "Prime Suspect," before moving onto variety television, including the Emmy's, the ESPY's, the Emmy nominated "ACLU: Stand For Rights with Tom Hanks" and the Writer's Guild Award nominated "Maya and Marty" with Maya Rudolph and Martin Short. Most recently, Eli has entered the highly lucrative world of musical theater and contributed material to the fraudulently "won" Biden campaign. Eli resides in Los Angeles with his wonderful and far more talented wife, Joanna, their spectacular daughter, Ivy, their newly-arrived sweetheart of a son, Charlie, and their old toothless dog, Leon.

Lead Producer

Driven by purpose, connection and joy, Monica Saunders-Weinberg's portfolio and impact spans business, residential development, commercial real estate, investment, philanthropy and the performing arts. Monica is currently Co-Owner and Joint Deputy Vice-Chair of Terrace Tower Group (TTG) - a global real estate and investment conglomerate operating out of Sydney, New York and Portland - where she began as a board member 26 years ago. In addition to her role at TTG, where she works alongside her husband and TTG’s CEO, Richard Weinberg, Monica is a passionate supporter of the performing arts. Through her production company Hana Black Productions, she has developed projects for film and television, recently becoming a shareholder in fellow Australian, Bruna Papandrea's, renowned production company, Made Up Stories. The pair is part of the producing team for the film, Addition, which recently premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, and they are currently developing a film adaptation of Fiona McIntosh’s best-selling book, The Pearl Thief.

In addition to her business and artistic endeavours, Monica has furthered the philanthropic legacy of her late father, John Saunders, supporting numerous charities both as an individual and through The Saunders Family Foundation, for which she has served as Chair and Executive Director for the last 26 years. She is also a founding partner of The Growth Project, which connects business leaders with charities to help maximise their impact on the world. She is also a Founding Angel and dedicated board member of Feel The Magic, a charity that supports grieving kids and families.

This wealth of diverse experience has led Monica to her current role as Lead Producer of 44, where alongside producing partner and writer/director, Eli Bauman, she has used her creative instincts and business acumen to help bring an artistic vision to life, as well as her philanthropic passion to maximize its social impact. With sold-out runs in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, this off-beat political satire is set to continue its success with performances scheduled throughout the United States and abroad in 2025. Monica resides between Sydney and LA, where she loves to bring family and friends together through cooking and entertaining. Her life's greatest joy is her three teenage boys - Brooklyn, Ashton and Hudson.

Producer

Steve McKeever, founder and CEO of Hidden Beach Recordings, has been recognized as “one of the top 50 African-American power brokers in entertainment” by Black Enterprise magazine. Steve began producing concerts and radio programs while attending the University of Illinois and later became Head of Programming for the Harvard Law School speakers' forum. After practicing entertainment law at elite firms, he joined PolyGram as Head of West Coast Business Affairs, where he brought the comedian Robin Harris to the  Wing label and produced the conic Bebe's Kid’s album. At 29, Steve was tapped as GM, Senior Vice President & Head of A&R at Motown Records, where he signed Queen Latifah, Norman Brown, Zhane’ and oversaw albums for Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie. He eventually rose to Executive Vice President, spearheading new business ventures such as founding MoJazz Records, Motown’s highest ROI division. His leadership saw over $700M in sales and led him to testify before the U.S. Senate on entertainment imagery. In 1997, Steve founded Hidden Beach Recordings. The label launched Grammy winner Jill Scott, Kindred The Family Soul, Darius Rucker’s solo career, and the Billboard-topping Unwrapped series, while collaborating with artists like Bebe Winans, Brenda Russell, Prince, and Stevie Wonder. Hidden Beach has mentored over 750 interns and made history by producing the first-ever presidential campaign music album. Steve was later tapped by the 2008 Presidential Inaugural Committee to produce the first official music collection, and Hidden Beach will soon release the soundtrack to 44. Steve also served as Executive Producer for the nationally televised MLK Memorial unveiling on the DC National Mall. He sits on the board of Ares Capital Corp and is a former Grammys Governor. Steve and his wife Candace share two children, Brent and Maddox, and adore their lovable Vizsla, Nelson.

Music Director

Born in Santa Monica, California. An enriched soulful style was developed by singing and playing the piano and trumpet in church. As a lead member in two of Los Angeles' most seminal acts, Fishbone and The Untouchables, it provided the opportunity to showcase my

wide range for developing, arranging and producing skills for some of today's top artists. The live rock band that keeps 44's non-stop rhythmic R&B sounds and hard-hitting beats going i s Los Angeles-based House of Vibe helmed by music director, music co-producer, and keyboardist, Anthony "Brew" Brewster. The band, who has worked with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Fishbone, Chali-2na, Citizen Cope, De La Soul, and The Untouchables to name a few, features Phillip "Fish" Fisher (drums); Corey Cofield (bass); Kris Hawkins and Conrad Bauer (guitar) and Greg Raymond (keyboard).

Choreographer

James Alsop most recently contributed choreography to the Renaissance World Tour and you can see her movement direction on Kim Kardashian and Emma Roberts on the most current season of "American Horror Story: Delicate." The Whitney Houston biopic "I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY" marks her feature film choreographic debut. She choreographed the acclaimed Peacock musical TV series "Girls5eva," executive produced by Tina Fey as well as the number 1 Netflix series "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story." Her choreography has also been featured on "Pose," "Soundtrack," "Gossip Girl" and the upcoming season of "Emily in Paris." Her work can also be seen in the Kerry Washington sitcom "Unprisoned." She began her career as co-choreographer of Beyoncé's videos, tour, and promotional materials for "Who Run the World (Girls)," "Dance For You" and "Love on Top." She also assisted in choreographing "Booty" by Jennifer Lopez and worked with Paul Thomas Anderson for the HAIM music video "Just A Little of Your Love." After choreographing the entire season of "Maya & Marty," she was asked by Tina Fey and Jeff Richmond to choreograph season three of "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and has since worked for shows on NBC, Showtime, Netflix, and others. When not working with top stars, she teaches around the country and world, educating young artists and dancers to b e who they are in their art form and love it.

Associat Producer / Digital Content Producer

Conrad is a Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and videographer,

known for his passion for creating music that resonates and makes an impact. His musical

journey began early, playing violin and cello in competitive youth orchestras. But things really

took off when he was introduced to the electrifying sounds of Van Halen, Dio, and Pink Floyd in

his dad’s work truck. Those experiences sparked a lifelong passion for the guitar and music.

Through his work with local LA artists and agencies, Conrad’s network grew, leading to work in

television/film/videogames and touring opportunities like 80’s music legend Annabella Lwin of

Bow Wow Wow, where he helped faithfully recreate the band’s iconic sound on guitar for sold-

out crowds. He’s also been a frequently featured guitarist in over 30 Postmodern Jukebox's

viral videos, backing Hayley Reinhart, Puddles the Clown, and many other talents from the

PMJ universe. These performances have garnered millions of views, reimagining modern songs

with classic sounds.

Conrad is also a part of The House of Vibe, the legendary collective led by Anthony Brewster,

who is currently the house band for The ESPYS and has been for the last six years. They’ve

also worked with artists like Talib Kweli, Anderson .Paak, Chaka Khan, Citizen Cope, Chali 2na,

MC Supernatural, and recorded television spots for Fox Sports with artists like Lil Wayne.

For 44, Conrad expanded his role from guitarist to overseeing and producing digital content,

including video production, designing and managing the website and social media, creating

promotional materials, and leading marketing strategies to broaden the show’s reach.

Away from the stage, Conrad shares his life with his wife, Brittny, and their two children,

Jackson and Avery. Their support inspires him to continue pushing the boundaries of music

and art.

Casting Director

(Michael Donovan, CSA, Richie Ferris, CSA) Michael Donovan is the recipient of 9 Artios awards, presented by the Casting Society of America for Outstanding Achievement in casting. Richie Ferris has 3 Artios awards. They have cast more than 1,000 shows produced at such venues as the Ahmanson Theatre,

Mark Taper Forum, the Hollywood Bowl, Pasadena Playhouse, the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Laguna Playhouse, International City Theatre, Ebony Repertory Theatre, the El Portal Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, the Getty Villa, the Ricardo Montalban Theatre, the Garry Marshall Theatre,

Boston Court, the Soraya Performing Arts

Center, the 24th St. Theatre, San Francisco Symphony, both the Palazzo and Paris in Las Vegas, Arizona Theatre Company, Arkansas Rep, Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Rep, Totem Pole Playhouse, and the Trouba-

dour Wembley Park in London – as well as several national tours, numerous films, TV series and commercials.

Production Stage

Manager

is excited to be rejoining the 44 company. Recent credits include: Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today (La Mirada Theatre), The Wonderful Winter of Oz (Laguna Playhouse), Saturday Explorer Series (24th Street Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (TACFA), Into the Woods (College of the Canyons), Cries and Whispers (CalArts

CNP), Little Women (Digital Workshop).

MFA, California Institute of the Arts.