Daniel Augustin, Nazanin Mandi, Mike Merrell, Juan Gil and Xavier Avila Join ALLBLK’s ‘A La Carte’ Dramedy Series
À La Carte, ALLBLK’s upcoming scripted dramedy series following the Black millennial dating experience, today announced several new additions to the cast of its 6-episode first season. Daniel Augustin (David Makes Man), Mike Merrill (All American), Juan Gil (A Second Thought), Xavier Avila (Pretty Dudes), and Nazanin Mandi (Twenties) have signed on to support the previously announced lead cast featuring Pauline Dyer (A Stone Cold Christmas), Jessie Woo (Wild N’ Out), Kendall Kyndall (Games People Play), Jenna Nolen and Courtney Burrell (Tyler Perry’s Too Close to Home).
Created by Breanna Hogan, the series follows Mahogany Rose (Dyer), an overachiever in her 20’s who’s had high moral standards her entire life...until now. After adopting a more “liberal” approach to sex and dating, she finally lands the man of her dreams, Kaleb (Burrell). There’s just one problem. He’s already spoken for. Accustomed to being number one, Mahogany must decide if she will stick to her preference of being the one and only – or step out of her comfort zone and learn to play number two.
Augustin will recur as Adam, a Yale University graduate and elementary school teacher who truly is an all-around good guy. Smart, caring, and corny in a cute way, Adam is the “nice guy” that girls tend to overlook.
Merrell will play the role of Rodney, the longtime boyfriend of Mahogany’s roommate, Shyra Clemons (Nolen). Recently promoted at his sports agency, Rodney is the small-town kind of guy who moves to the big city and stays committed to his high school sweetheart – at least until the lure of new Hollywood success and enticing temptations draw his attention elsewhere.
Gil will recur as Derek, an Instagram model and fitness trainer with a secret only fans account. A good guy at heart, Derek is handsome, charismatic, and has no problem juggling several women at a time – his girlfriend included. The true definition of a “f*** boy,” Derrick becomes Mahogany’s “side chick sensei,” there to guide her with information and provide plenty of insight on why men cheat.
Avila will play the role of Ziyad, a smart young lawyer at a large Los Angeles law firm who just happens to be gay. Not one to get caught up in the hype of Hollywood or his profession, Ziyad is practical, ambitious, and has a genuine desire to help people – all character traits that make him very appealing to Mahogany’s moral compass, Reign (Kyndall).
Mandi will star as Bianca, a statuesque and incredibly stylish woman whose high-level career ambitions keep her on the move.
À La Carte is directed and executive produced by Dijon Talton and The Talton Company. Breanna Hogan and Meagan Good serve as executive producers on the series. Katrina Y. Nelson (ALLBLK’s Lace) and Christopher O’Conner serve as co-executive producers – the latter in association with Prodigi Arts Entertainment. Angela White serves as producer. General Manager, Brett Dismuke, and SVP of Develop