The performers, many with impressive Broadway and touring credentials, bring both technical mastery and emotional truth. They make the audience laugh, cry, and reflect, each voice and gesture layering the story with nuance. What could have been a simple dramatization of a news event becomes, through their artistry, a meditation on love, identity, fear, and resilience.
This Is Not a Drill is more than a musical about a missile alert in Hawaii—it is a study in human resilience, brought vividly to life by a versatile and seasoned cast. Each character is crafted with nuance, and the actors’ performances translate these complexities into an emotionally compelling experience:
Jessica – Felicia Finley
Jessica, portrayed by Felicia Finley (The Wedding Singer, Mamma Mia!, Aida), is an author and mother grappling with her husband’s infidelity. A belt soprano of great power, Finley conveys a compelling mix of vulnerability and determination, transforming Jessica’s personal crisis into a relatable journey. Her solo numbers resonate with honesty and dramatic tension, anchoring the emotional core of the show.
Tony and Chris – Chris Doubet and Matthew Curiano
This gay couple from Cincinnati, played by Chris Doubet (Jersey Boys) and Matthew Curiano (Aladdin, Doctor Zhivago), bring humor and heart to the story. Their post-adoption struggles are rendered with warmth and authenticity, and their duets—including Cincinnati Boys and Somebody Somewhere—highlight the musical’s harmonic sophistication while providing moments of tenderness and reflection. Their chemistry gives the audience both laughter and deep empathy.
Sophie, Derek, and Mom – Aurelia Williams, Gary Edwards, and Kaitlin Burke
An older African American couple questioning the strength of their bond, Sophie and Derek are voiced through rich R&B ballads. Aurelia Williams (In Transit, Ragtime) and Gary Edwards (Ain’t Too Proud, The Color Purple) bring layered emotional depth, illustrating how love can endure and transform under pressure. Alongside them, Kaitlin Burke (The Phantom of the Opera, South Pacific) portrays the Hawaiian mother, adding further authenticity and emotional nuance. Their moments are some of the most musically and dramatically powerful in the production, often leaving the audience breathless.
Kaleo and Ikaia – Victor E. Chan and Sam Poon
Representing the Hawaiian-Asian family dynamic, Kaleo and his teenage son Ikaia capture the tension between tradition and personal growth. Victor E. Chan (Miss Saigon, The King and I) and Sam Poon (Runaways, The King and I) bring authenticity and heart to this duo. Their mid-range vocal performances emphasize the struggles and eventual cohesion of a family facing uncertainty. The actors’ chemistry and timing allow the audience to witness authentic family dynamics, culminating in an emotionally satisfying resolution.
Anonymous Button Guy – Lukas Poost
The man who triggers the missile alert is played by Lukas Poost (The Book of Mormon, Hairspray), a rock-style performer whose unhinged, unpredictable energy injects comedic relief into the story. His timing and charisma enhance the musical’s satirical dimension, offering a necessary counterpoint to the show’s heavier themes.
Madeline – Marianne Tatum
The hotel manager who handles the music excursions, Iuau's and entertainment for the hotel. She also plays the role of Jessica's mother.
Huge – Bill Coyne and Victor E. Chan
The satirical duet Huge is delivered by Bill Coyne (Les Misérables, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Victor E. Chan. Their performance balances sharp comedy with biting social commentary, elevating the political satire within the show.
Xavier Reyes and T. Shyvonne Stewart serve as swings for the cast, showcasing extraordinary versatility and adaptability.
What makes This Is Not a Drill compelling is not only its timely narrative but the depth of its cast. Each performer brings Broadway and touring expertise, channeling their artistry into roles that are both humorous and heart-wrenching. From Felicia Finley’s vocal command to Aurelia Williams’ emotional gravitas and Lukas Poost’s eccentric brilliance, the ensemble transforms a moment of global fear into a resonant, human story of love, identity, and resilience.
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