Milky Way Theatre Company is a New York City based theatre company that aims to bring together stars from all corners of our galaxy and create theatre that speaks to our shared humanity. Join us in late November 2024 as we present an industry staged reading of What I learned at Bernie’s at Ripley Grier Studios as well as a Green Room 42 Concert. What I Learned at Bernie’s is a quippy, heartwarming comedy about a group of ragtag teens trying to save their hometown “vintage” themed amusement park from getting torn down.

Our goal is to raise $3,500.00 to cover rehearsal/performance space as well as salary for our production team, actors, musicians, orchestrators, marketing team, etc. We aim to invite working professionals as well as producers, directors, and other investors to be able to develop the show for an Off-Broadway run, and eventually Broadway. Our incredible team of artists is currently working hard to finish orchestrating the show and refining the music, while also working on the book dramaturgically with our playwright Jacob. Inspired by the word “vintage”, he wrote a story about a group of friends who get into some wild chaotic situations. Through the lens of a farcical, light-hearted comedy and the exploration of cultural aestheticism, “Bernie’s” examines what cultural touchstones mean to us as people, and how friendships shape our understanding of the world around us. 

Featuring an ALL-STAR cast, playwright/composer Jacob Tyler Kent are currently set to lead the cast on this vintage rollercoaster ride at Bernie’s. With a wacky ensemble of characters who get into lots of tomfoolery throughout our story, there is sure never to be a dull moment. Rounding out the cast, there are some Bernie’s employees helping keep the park up and running! With direction by Jace Dakotah and music direction by Noah Turner, this new musical will amaze you with its timeless music and classic story.

Jacob Tyler Kent (Playwright/Composer):
Jacob is a New York based singer/songwriter, content creator, and actor. Native to the sunny shores of Orange County, California, and with a music education from the Berklee College of Music, Jacob has performed at a plethora of iconic venues — from The Muny in St. Louis to Anaheim’s Angel’s Stadium, to 54 Below. Some his favorite past credits include Billy Crocker (Anything Goes) and Fighting Prawn/Grempkin (Peter and the Starcatcher). Currently, he can be found sharing his passion of music, theatre, and other interests on Instagram and Tiktok (@jacobtylerkent) where he has accumlated a following of 150,000 followers!

 Jace Dakotah (Director):
Jace Dakotah is an Atlanta-based film Writer & Director. Previous credits include: Someone To Believe In - Feature Film 2022(Writer & Director), Who Scares The Crows - Short Film 2020 (Writer & Director), and in post production of his feature film A Creative Mind(Writer & Director). Jace has worked primarily in film through out his life, but his roots are theatre based, back stage that inspired a life long passion.

Noah Turner (Music Director):
Noah Turner is a New York-based pianist, music director, and arranger. Previous credits include: The Sound of Music Global Tour (Associate Music Director), Joy the Musical (Music Assistant), Jersey Boys 2nd National Tour (Music Director/Conductor), and Blue Hill Troupe’s Cinderella (Music Director) and H.M.S. Pinafore (Rehearsal Pianist). Noah has also worked on transcriptions and sheet music preparation for the developing opera Submission and the Off-Broadway musical The Big Gay Jamboree. Noah received his Master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from NYU Steinhardt and has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition from SUNY Fredonia.

Ethan Farmer (Orchestrator):
Ethan Farmer is a songwriter, guitarist, arranger, orchestrator and nerd from Torquay, Australia. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2024, and has since been living and working in New York: composing his own musical theater projects, arranging and collaborating with others, and performing as a guitarist with various groups and shows. He loves Lord of the Rings, music with a soul, and dogs!

Jamiel T Burkhart (Producer):
An alumni of The Fame School, Jamiel is a familiar face in the NYC theater scene as well as a regional favorite. He’s also the Artistic Producer of MilkyWay Theatre Company, developing new musicals and plays to be premiered soon. Currently developing several new musicals and plays, Jamiel is so blessed to be able to do what he loves everyday, having worked in various capacities with Off-Broadway companies like the Public Theater, MCC, EST, and Amas. Recent Producing Credits: Masked the Musical (54 Below), Miscast ‘24 (The Green Room 42), A Holiday Cabaret (The Green Room 42), Juneteenth Coalition (54 Below), New Works Festival (Theater 71) Recent Performance Credits: World Premiere of Miss Maybelline’s Nocturnal Flights of Fancy (Trey Vanderkamp), World Premiere of HipHop Cinderella (U/S Prince, Runka/Dance Captain), World Premiere of A Symphony For Portland (Aaron), Grease (Danny Zuko), Elf the Musical (Fake Santa/Ensemble), Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tale (Tigger), Comedy of Errors (Dromio), Rock of Ages (Ja’Keith Gill/Mayor/Ensemble), Cabaret (Herr Schultz), Into the Woods (Cinderella's Prince/the Wolf), Pippin (Pippin/Lewis), and Jesus Christ Superstar (Caiaphas). Insta: @jamielburkhart | TikTok: @jamieltburkhart_official | jamieltburkhart.com

Jonathan Pinkney (Associate Producer):
Jonathan Pinkney - a New York based actor, singer, and director - is the Associate Artistic Director at MilkyWay Theatre Company, helping develop new musicals and plays. He is very thankful for the opportunity to continue to cultivate his passions and do what he loves. He has worked and trained with various organizations such as BAC (Broadway Advocacy Coalition), Broadway Arts Community, A Class Act NY, and AMDA. He is very excited to be working on this wacky new musical. Follow him on the gram @jonathanwpinkney

Georgia Billington (Associate Producer):
Georgia Billington is a New York City based actress, but will forever be an Australian at heart! Georgia recently graduated from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, and earned an Associates Degree In Occupational Studies: Musical Theatre Performance in 2024. Moving to New York has been a dream for Georgia ever since she was little, and is so proud to be continuously learning and growing with the help of industry professionals in the city of her dreams. Georgia’s has recently been performing in regional theaters both in New York and Australia, with credentials include Marty in Grease, Serena in Legally Blonde and Ms Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Georgia spends her free time working on her passion for mental health awareness and holistic health as well as volunteering at local animal shelters. In Australia, Georgia volunteered as an Ocean Ranger, where she helped to count coral and animal species in local reefs, assist with turtle hatchings and clean up the Great Barrier Reef. Georgia is excited to become a part of the team at MilkyWay Theatre Company and can’t wait to see what lies ahead.

Lexy Vagasy (Assistant Director/Associate Producer):
Lexy is so excited to be a part the Bernie’s creative team after engaging in its development for the past four years. Regional: Katherine Plumber in Newsies, The Polar Express, Annleigh in We Are The Tigers. She made magic as a Costumer for Disney’s Festival of the Lion King and performed for Disney’s Candlelight Processional, 54 Below, and the Florida Panthers. Special thanks to all of my friends who let me being my silly, goofy self with all the love! Instagram and TikTok: @legend.of.lex

By DONATING any amount of money, YOU play a HUGE part in making all this possible! Every dollar raised goes into taking care of our team in the best way we can. So thank you for supporting us and please SHARE our project with everyone you know!!!