Meet the Cast of Milo Imagines the World
Posted on January 16, 2025
Get to know the talented cast of Milo Imagines the World! This enchanting musical for young audiences is inspired by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson’s beloved children’s book and celebrates the power of imagination. As Milo rides the subway, he creates vivid stories about the lives of his fellow passengers, all while his older sister proves to be a bit of a nuisance. Toussaint Francois Battiste, who plays Milo, is a rising star with a notable background, having performed alongside his father, Francois Battiste, in A Raisin in the Sun at New York’s Public Theater and starring in Apple TV’s new series The Savant.
Toussaint Francois Battiste
Milo
Toussaint Francois Battiste made his stage debut two years ago on Off-Broadway starring alongside his father, Francois Battiste, in the Public Theater’s production of A Raisin in the Sun, directed by Tony Award nominee Robert O’Hara. Last season he was cast opposite two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon, and Paul Sparks in the Theatre for a New Audience’s production of Waiting for Godot. Recently “T” completed production on The Savant, a new Apple TV series starring Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain, who plays his mother. T is overjoyed to be alongside such an amazing ensemble in this extraordinary musical!
China A. Brickey
Mom/Ensemble
China Brickey (she/her) has appeared in Alice in Wonderland, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, The Wiz, Cinderella, and others here at CTC, and was a performance apprentice in 2015! Locally she’s worked with: Guthrie Theater, Theater Latté Da, Jungle Theater, Theater Mu, the Ordway, and others. More at chinabrickey.com.
Antonisia (Nisi) Collins
Adrienne
Antonisia Collins is excited to be returning to CTC once more! She is now experiencing her fifth production here at CTC and feels honored for the opportunity. You can check out more of her work on Instagram @antonisiacollins.
John Jamison II
Jim/Ensemble
Theatre (Selected): Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: Beautiful the Carol King Musical, A Night at the Theater – A Tribute to Queen. Artistry: Godspell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Theater Latté Da: Five Points. Children’s Theatre Company: The Wiz, The Wizard of Oz, 2015-2016 Performing Apprentice. johnjamisonii.com
Keegan Robinson
Kevin/Ensemble
Keegan Robinson (he/they) is thrilled to be back at CTC for his eighth production! Here at CTC, he has appeared in Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical, Corduroy, Alice in Wonderland, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Year With Frog and Toad, and more. Locally, he’s worked with Dark & Stormy Productions, Full Circle Theatre, History Theatre and others.
Janely Rodriguez
Melanie/Ensemble
Janely Rodriguez (she/they/he) hails from Miami, FL and holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Brenau University. She is also a proud acting company member here at Children’s Theatre Company, with roles in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, A Year With Frog and Toad, Alice in Wonderland, and Annie. They’ve also worked with Trademark Theater (The Reunion), Theater Latté Da (Hello Dolly), Ten Thousand Things (Iphigenia at Aulis), and Artistry Theater (Shrek the Musical, Songs for a New World).
Understudies
Cortlan Gosa
Milo (Understudy)
Cortlan Gosa is a 13-year-old 7th grader at Ascension Catholic School. He enjoys performing and has been a part of his school’s choir for two years. As part of the choir, Cortlan had the opportunity to open up at the gala event for Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight at The Armory in downtown Minneapolis. He performed with CTC in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in the ensemble. Cortlan enjoys baseball, art, and putting together Lego sets when he is not engaging in the performing arts.
Tyler Susan Jennings
Adrienne/Mom/Ensemble (Understudy)
Tyler Susan Jennings (she/they) made her professional acting debut at Children’s Theatre Company in Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! She has performed with several organizations, including Dance Theatre of Harlem, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Spelman College Glee Club. She holds a B.A. in Music and Theater Performance from Spelman College.
Joshua Row
Kevin/Ensemble (Understudy)
Joshua Row as been seen in Scotland, PA at Theater Latté Da, A Christmas Carol and Into The Woods at the Guthrie Theater, and Our Town at Open Window Theatre. Training: B.S. in Theatre, University of Northwestern, St. Paul. Website: JoshuaRow.com. Joshua would like to thank his amazing wife, Ellie. Ephesians 1:3
Boomer Xiong
Jim/Ensemble (Understudy)
Boomer Xiong is popping with excitement to be working with Children’s Theatre Company for the first time. Past theatre credits include Blended (Harmony), The Kim Loo Sisters (Theater Mu/History Theatre), and A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater).
Ninchai Nok-Chiclana
Melanie/Ensemble (Understudy)
Ninchai Nok-Chiclana is a performer, teacher, and cultural bearer of the Afro-Puerto Rican art of Bomba. She is a 2024 Ordway Greenroom Fellow and has worked with Penumbra, Artistry, The Playwrights’ Center, Guthrie Theater, History Theatre, Lyric Arts, and more! Most recently, she played Benny in Artistry’s production of RENT. Alongside live theatre, she has acted on camera in commercials, films, TV shows and webseries. She is so excited to make her debut with CTC and hopes that you enjoy the show!
Come see Milo Imagines the World at Children’s Theatre Company February 4-March 9, 2025!