CAST
MICHELLE ALVES* (Leading Player) Beyond grateful and excited to be making her debut at The Studio Theatre! Born and raised in Puerto Rico. Broadway: On Your Feet! Broadway National Tour: West Side Story (Anita), On Your Feet!, Motown (Claudette, Teena Marie, Landlady). Regional: Chicago (Velma), The Sound of Music (Elsa), In the Heights (Daniela), Mamma Mia (Tanya), Hair (Dionne), Hairspray (Lil’ Inez, Dynamite), Evita, Carmen, RENT, Godspell, Nine, Philadelphia Philharmonic. Awards: LA Broadway World Best Featured Actress Tour Company winner (Anita-2013). IRNE Award Best supporting actress winner (Anita-2017). Film: Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights, Feel the Noise. Performances: Ricky Martin, Daddy Yankee, Black Eyed Peas, Luis Fonsi, Pitbull. Endless love & gratitude to my familia y hermana del alma. www.michellemalves.com | @chelamarie82
SAMM CARROLL (Catherine) is ecstatic to be a part of her 1st official show at The Studio Theatre. A New York native, she has performed professionally for the last 15 years all around the country and she is thrilled to continue that journey here in Florida. Past favorite credits include: Trixie in the National Tour of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Violet in Violet, Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, & Ursula in The Little Mermaid. Thank you to her supportive friends and family, and husband, Jeremy, for helping her continue to follow her dreams.
ARYELLE EDMONDS (Dance Captain, Player) is thrilled to be making her debut on The Studio Theatre stage with such a talented cast and crew. She has performed with Shreveport Little Theatre as Felicia (Memphis). Other roles include Dolores (Sister Act) and Eponine (Les Misérables) at ArtsView Community Theatre in East Texas, where she also served as a resident choreographer and featured dancer. Aryelle is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Off-stage- she can be found at Islands of Adventure as an “electrifying” character performer and a thrill ride connoisseur. She is so grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank her family (furry and not) for their love and support! IG: @arye.edmds | FB: @Aryelle Edmonds
MADDIE GILBERT (Player) is delighted to be back at The Studio Theatre in Pippin! Their previous roles at The Studio Theatre include Assassins (Understudy for Squeaky Fromme, Sara Jane Moore, Emma Goldman), Urinetown (Understudy for Ma, Pa Strong, Soupy Sue, Pennywise), and La Cage Aux Folles (Understudy for Mrs. Dindon, Jacqueline, Anne, Cagelles). They can be found performing at many Central Florida theme parks such as SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida Resort, and Universal Studios. They are a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies and of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s Professional Training Program. Thank you so much to the whole team of Significant Productions! IG: @madeline.714 | FB: @Madeline Elizabeth Gilbert
CIARA HICKEY (Theo, Player) is stoked to be making their debut at The Studio Theatre in Pippin! Some favorite past credits include Dippy in Anything Goes (Porchlight Music Theatre), It Came from Outer Space (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Groundhog Day (Paramount Theatre), Pippin (Music Theater Works), National Merit (BoHo Theatre), Frankie Stein in Monster High Live (Mattel), and Paper Girls (Amazon Prime). Ciara has a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and is represented by Stewart Talent. ciarahickey.com
KEVIN KELLY* (Charlemagne (King Charles)) is a Central Florida favorite who has captivated audiences with his wry wit, velvet vocals and deliciously devilish delivery! A seasoned performer, Kevin has garnered rave reviews for theater and cabaret across the country. Some show credits include the La Cage aux Folles, Guys & Dolls, Rat Pack Lounge, My Way, Forever Plaid, Musical of Musicals and the Florida premiere of [title of show] just to name a few! Mr. Kelly has also been a featured soloist with the Orlando and Sarasota Orchestras, and a member of Actors Equity Association. For more information, visit KevinKellySings.com or KevinKellyVocalStudio.com
IG: @KevinKellySings, @KevinKellyVocalStudio
FB: @kevinkellysings, @kevinkellymusicstudio
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.
AIDAN LEVINSON (Pippin) Aidan is thrilled to join this production of Pippin at The Studio Theatre. After graduating from Elon University in 2023 with a BFA in Acting and a BA in Music in the Liberal Arts, Aidan now resides in Massachusetts and performs regionally. Recent theatrical credits include: A Christmas Carol (The Hanover Theatre), Spongebob the Musical (Wheelock Family Theatre), Madagascar: A Musical Adventure (North Shore Music Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Monument Arts & Cultural Center), Bluey x CAMP (CAMP Burlington), Amélie (Stonehill Theatre Company). Select Film credits include: “Summer Interlude” and “Sonnet IV.” Aidan would like to thank the entire cast & creative time for this wonderful production and hopes you enjoy the show. IG: @aidan_levinson
KAREEM MACK (Player) has credits ranging from Opera to Musical Theatre, having appeared with New Bedford Festival Theatre, Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, Opera Philadelphia, Amelia Island Opera, Titusville Playhouse, The Palace Theatre, and Vanguard Theater Company. He has been in an array of productions such as Le Nozze di Figaro (Count Almaviva), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Judah), Once on this Island (Agwe), The Wiz (Tornado Dancer/Ensemble), Beautiful the Carole King Musical (Drifter/Ensemble), The Medium (Toby), Guys and Dolls (Crapshooter), Cats (Quaxo), and Tuck Everlasting (Ensemble/ Jesse,Miles cover). Kareem holds a BM in Voice from the University of Connecticut and a MM in Voice from Temple University with associate degrees in Dance and English.
RADAMÉS MEDINA MELÉNDEZ (Lewis, Player) is excited to return to The Studio Theatre, previously seen as a "Swing" at The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other Central FL credits: "Storyteller" ¡Celebración Encanto! (Disney's EPCOT), "Father" Luchadora! (The REP), "Balthazar/George Seacoal" Much Ado About Nothing (Orlando Shakes), "Emilio" On Your Feet, "Sancho" Man Of La Mancha, Godspell (Garden Theatre). Additional credits include: "Vincent" Armonía (Puerto Rico Theatre Lab), "Mateo" La Guagua Aérea El Musical (Gíbaro de Puerto Rico), "Joselito" CUATRO, Un Musical (ICP Puerto Rico). Holds an Audiovisual Communications Bachelor’s Degree with a Minor in Acting from The University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Thanks to my family and friends for their love and support! IG: @radammmes
WHITNEY MORSE* (she/her) (Fastrada) Off-Broadway: Abingdon Theatre’s 'Til Death alongside Judy Kaye and Robert Cuccioli. Regional Credits: Every Brilliant Thing (Pennsylvania Shakes) Beauty and The Beast (Garden Theatre), Next To Normal, The Last Five Years, Proof (BWW Award), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Company, White Rabbit Red Rabbit, Tell Me On a Sunday, Now. Here. This., A Doll's House, Cabaret, Urinetown and Unnecessary Farce (Significant Productions at The Studio Theatre), The Secret Garden, 1776, Big River and Outside Mullingar (Mad Cow Theatre), Every Brilliant Thing and Much Ado About Nothing (Orlando Shakes), The Giver (Orlando Rep), Other Desert Cities (Citadel Theatre), The Children's Hour (Pride Films and Plays), Spike Heels (Brown Paper Box), The Turn of the Screw, Jeeves at Sea, Unnecessary Farce and The Merchant of Venice (First Folio Theater). MFA ActingColumbia University. www.whitneymorse.com | IG: @whitneyalicemorse
OLLIE RYAN (they/them) (Player) is honored to be back at The Studio! You may have seen them previously in Cabaret (Rosie) or La Cage Aux Folles (Hanna). Buffalo, NY Theatre: The Producers (Lancaster Opera House), American Idiot (Bellissima Productions), Alice By Heart (Duchess), Head Over Heels (Pythio), Joseph… Dreamcoat (Joseph; Lockport Palace), Pippin, Matilda (Rudolpho). Up next, Ollie will be returning to the world of Pippin (Round 4!) in the role of Lewis (O’Connell & Co, Buffalo NY). Originally from Buffalo, Ollie is a proud graduate from American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) on the New York campus! Ollie would like to thank their family and friends for their unconditional support! IG: @olliexryan_
EMILY SONG TYLER (Player) is thrilled to make her debut at The Studio Theatre with Pippin! Select regional: Soft Power (Regional Premiere, Signature Theatre), Gold Mountain (World Premiere, Utah Shakespeare Festival), Titanic The Musical (North Shore Music Theatre), Water By The Spoonful (Cygnet Theatre), Cinderella (Geva Theatre Center), Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (PA Shakespeare Festival), A Chorus Line (Broadway Palm). Tour: Paw Patrol Live (USA and China). Film/TV: “That Damn Michael Che” (HBO Max), Paw Patrol Live At Home (Paramount+). Huge thanks to Brian at HKA and much love to Mom, Dad, Jon, and Liz. Enjoy the show! emilysongtyler.com | @emilysongtyler
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.
TAMARIN K. YTHIER (Berthe) is very excited to be making her debut at The Studio Theatre with Pippin! Tamarin is from northern Virginia, and attended Carnegie Mellon University, where, fun fact, Pippin originated as a student production. Past credits include Camila Rosario, In The Heights (Broadway Palm Dinner Theater), Charlie Collins, Always A Bridesmaid; Jerri Neal McFeely, Sweet Delilah Swim Club (Off Broadway Palm), Narrator, Every Brilliant Thing (Los Altos Stage), Rosie, Mamma Mia!; Veronica, God of Carnage (Stage 1 Theater), Eve, One Bad Apple (Arena Stage), Eve/ Mama Noah, Children of Eden (Toby's Dinner Theater). Thanks to my friends and family for all their love and support.
KYLEE L BROWN (Swing for Theo, Players 4-6) is delighted to make her debut at The Studio Theatre! This is a full-circle moment for her as she performed at The Studio Theater’s sister playhouse, The Sharon, in a touring production of A Christmas Carol almost a decade ago. She is a NYC-based, New Hampshire native. Recent credits include: Singing in the Rain (Kathy Selden), She Loves Me (Amalia Balash) at College Light Opera Company, Head Over Heels (Ensemble/U.S. Philoclea) at Uptown Players, and Sweet Charity (Nickie) at Texas Christian University, where she recieved her BFA in Musical Theatre. Kylee is grateful for the endless support of her family and friends. Psalm 57:7. www.kyleelbrown.com | IG: @kylee_l_brown | FB: @kyleelbrown12
ZULY CABRERA (Swing for Catherine, Fastrada) Proud Puertorican! Credits: Elf The Musical National Tour 2024 (Deb) The Lightning Thief National Tour: TYA Edition (Annabeth Chase) Dogman: The Musical Tour (Lil Petey & Flippy US) Hunchback of Notre Dame (Gargoyle) Into the Woods (The Witch), Matilda: The Musical (Ms. Wormwood) Shrek: The Musical (Sugarplum Fairy/ Gingy) Beauty & The Beast (Silly Girl) On Your Feet (Ensemble) Education: Bachelor’s in Acting from the University of PR, Rio Piedras campus, NY’s Circle in the Square Theatre School Musical Theatre Program. To God be the Glory! IG: @TheZulyCabrera | TT: @Zuleyka1212
TIM CASEY (Understudy for Charlemagne (King Charles)) has appeared in a diverse array of roles. In 2024 Tim appeared as understudy to Herr Schultz in The Studio’s production of Cabaret. He has directed and appeared in several productions including Spamalot, 1776, Carousel and Young Frankenstein. Other roles in The Villages have included: Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Gomez Adams in The Addams Family, The Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Max Bialystock in The Producers, Alfred Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Juan Peron in EVITA!, Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls. Tim studied theater and television production at Temple University where he also earned an MBA in Marketing.
CHRIS GRAHAM (Swing for Pippin, Lewis, Player 3) is honored to revisit Pippin while debuting at The Studio Theatre. Chris is from Rochester, Michigan, and graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre Performance. He has worked regionally across the U.S. Most notably, he worked alongside Stephen Schwartz and Michelle Williams on Broadway in Chicago’s Children of Eden (Abel/Ham). His other credits include Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson), Rocky Horror (Brad Majors), Les Misérables (Marius), Spring Awakening (Georg), and Significant Other (Jordan). He’d like to thank his family and friends for all their support throughout his journey. thatchrisgraham.com | IG: @chris.graham | FB: thatchrisgraham
VIA MARIE (Swing for Leading Player, Players 1 & 2) Most recently found singing at sea with Virgin Voyages; Via is excited to be back on land and is thrilled to be making her debut at The Studio Theatre! Since earning her B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Missouri State University, a few of her favorite previous credits include; Sarah in Ragtime, Susan in tick, tick…BOOM!, Macy in The Cake, and Celeste #1 in Sunday in the Park with George. Via would like to give a huge ‘Thank You’ to Madeline & Robin Pullins for all their love and support throughout this journey. You can follow Via’s adventures both on land or at sea on IG @OliveOnStage | ViaMarieJones.com
BILLIE THATCHER (Understudy for Berthe) has been involved in musical theatre for forty-plus years, the last 23 being here in The Villages and surrounding area. This is Billie’s fourth understudy role since joining SigPro in January. She is thrilled to be part of Pippin. She has played parts from ensemble to leading lady. Some of her favorite leading roles have been Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!, Golde in Fiddler On the Roof, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Auntie Mame in Mame, and her all-time favorite role...Mama Rose in Gypsy. Billie saw Pippin on Broadway in the early 1970's and it also was her very first community theatre production, so it has a very special place in her heart. She is thrilled to be understudying Berthe!
ACTOR’S EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S labor union that represents more than 50,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages and working conditions, and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension. Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. #EquityWorks
MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI) is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.
MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide.
MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle schoolaged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.
JUSTIN A. ADAMS (Keyboards 2) is a pianist, music director, and educator whose journey has taken them across the country and now lives and works in Central Florida. Notable piano credits include Kinky Boots (Orlando Shakespeare Theater), Beauty and the Beast (Garden Theatre), and When You Wish (Tuacahn Center for the Arts). Some favorite music directing credits include Mary Poppins (Millbrook Playhouse) and Forever Plaid (Thunder Bay Theatre). Justin currently serves as director of choirs at Westridge Middle School in Orlando. Justin holds a B.A. in Music from Valley City State University and is a candidate for a Master of Music in Music Education at the University of Florida. Justin is thrilled to work on this production with his husband, Joshua Gallagher, and best friend, Samm Carroll.
RYAN LOECKEL (Violin, Viola, Music Supervisor, Company Manager) is an active musician, actor, vocalist, and collaborative arts producer. Trained as a classical musician at the Ohio State University, he is a descendant of the Max Aronoff line of violists through studies with Marcia Ferritto, and studied chamber music with the Cavani String Quartet. Ryan has played in Principal positions under numerous notable conductors and composers in addition to sharing the stage with various artists including Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, Anne Murray, Ben E. King, Barry Manilow, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. His performances and musical arrangements have been heard on syndicated national broadcasts, aboard five-star ships, and at venues internationally. Ryan is also Artistic Director of an annual summer concert series in conjunction with the Wicker Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District. @loeckelmusik
JOHNNY QUINN (Guitar) is a dedicated educator, and performer based in Orlando, FL. Performing guitar for Pippin at The Studio Theatre will be Johnny’s debut in musical theatre. Johnny teaches piano and guitar at the school Bach to Rock in Lake Mary, FL and with the organization Lessons In Your Home. He has performed as the lead guitarist in the Cape Coral Vineyard worship band and in the Lee County All County Jazz Band. Johnny also has experience performing for bands and songwriters in venues across Southwest and Central Florida. Johnny has studied at the University of Central Florida.
RICH ROESKE (Drums, Percussion) is a retired Chiropractic Neurologist from Atlanta, GA where he and his wife, Dr. Gail Roeske, had their own clinic. As an infant he would beat on his mother’s pots and pans with wooden spoons, so it was inevitable that he began music lessons on the drums at age 8. Thus began a lifelong love affair with the drums. His other career as a musician has included such groups as The Atlanta Seventeen, Peachtree Jazz Band, Etowah Jazz Society, and The Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Band (where he appeared on “America’s Got Talent”). Rich and his wife reside in The Villages, FL, where he plays golf and performs with The Villages Concert Band, The Villages Swing Band, and The Studio Theatre. His musical duo with fellow Villages resident, Jill Marrese, “Two Darn Hot,” performs at numerous venues around The Villages, and wineries in Traverse City, MI, where he spends his summers.
ANGIE ROSE (Keyboards 2 Substitute) is thrilled to be performing again at The Studio Theatre. This past summer she co-created “Christmas in July with Angie Rose and Ryan Loeckel” as part of the Lobby Lounge Cabaret series for SigPro, and was last seen out of the pit and on The Studio stage in the cast of Elegies August 2021. A veteran of both stage and orchestra pit, she's traveled as conductor/keyboardist with national tours of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and The Color Purple and performed at Riverside Theatre, Arvada Center, Kansas City Repertory, Carousel Dinner Theatre, Carnegie Hall and as a chosen soloist at St. Peter's Bascilica. Angie can be seen weekly leading worship at New Covenant United Methodist Church and heard as a DJ on WVLG. She thanks God, family, friends and her son Max for life's Infinite Joy!
JAZMINE WHIPPLE (Bass) has performed as a multiinstrumentalist for 14 years for over 100 different musical productions, playing all over the southeastern United States. She studied Music Theory with a focus on ethnomusicology and double bass performance at Stetson University. In addition to musicals, she has performed with Disney, Universal, and several professional Jazz Bands as well as being the double bassist and mallet percussionist for the Central Florida Jazz Percussion Ensemble. She has also had the pleasure of performing alongside various celebrities including Stephen Lang, Kenny Chesney, and Snoop Dogg. Presently, in addition to her orchestral career she has taken on the position of Resident Sound Designer and Production Assistant at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala, Florida. In her free time Jazmine enjoys studying old musical scores, linguistics, video games, clothing design, and time with her family, partners and her two children.
ADAM ZAPF (Trumpet) is a new and upcoming Trumpeter in the Orlando community. As a recent graduate from University of Central Florida, Adam has training in both classical and commercial playing and has done some of his most recent work freelancing across the state. For his more consistent work, Adam works at the theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, as both a substitute player and seasonal musician. Zapf has played trumpet for shows such as Guys and Dolls, Hymnsong, and most recently, Hello Dolly! featuring Jodi Benson at The Dr. Phillips Center. Adam has a personal background in theater as both a performer and tech, so he always excited to get involved on the other side of the production.
DIRECTION
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ (Music & Lyrics) wrote the music and lyrics for the current Broadway hit WICKED. In addition, he has contributed music and lyrics to many other shows available for licensing by MTI, including GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE BAKER’S WIFE, WORKING, CHILDREN OF EDEN, RAGS (music by Charles Strouse), SNAPSHOTS: A MUSICAL SCRAPBOOK, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (music by Alan Menken) and THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, as well as two musicals for younger audiences, CAPTAIN LOUIE and MY SON PINOCCHIO. Mr. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Awards include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a special Tony Award for his support of young theatre artists.
ROGER O. HIRSON (Author) Writer. Father of David Hirson Awards and nominations: 1973 Tony Award® Best Book of a Musical Pippin [nominee] 1967 Tony Award® Best Musical Walking Happy [nominee] Productions: PIPPIN Book [Original, Musical, Comedy] (Oct 23, 1972 - Jun 12, 1977). WALKING HAPPY Book [Original, Musical] (Nov 26, 1966 - Apr 22, 1967)
NATHANIEL NIEMI (Director) is thrilled to be back at SigPro. Previous directing credits at The Studio Theatre include: Cabaret, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, La Cage Aux Folles, These Shining Lives, The Cake, Urinetown, Company, Neighbors: A Fair Trade Agreement, Assassins, 9-5, Ada and the Engine. Nathaniel holds a BA in Theatre from East Texas Baptist University and an MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences (Directing) from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Nathaniel is the recipient of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival's National Directing Award and is an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
SEAN ALLEN POLLOCK (Music Director, Keyboards 1) is an accomplished collaborative pianist and vocal coach specializing in vocal literature, lyric diction, and choral conducting. He has accompanied and music directed numerous theater and opera productions throughout the southeast including favorites: Sugar, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, John and Jen (2001 Ostrander for Best Direction of a Musical), Children of Eden, Fame, Songs for a New World, Into the Woods, Idomeneo, Lucia di Lammermoor, The Last Five Years, and Annie. Sean is Director of Music and the Arts at New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages, FL where he accompanies the acclaimed community chorus, The Village Voices. He is thrilled to be back at the bench with The Studio Theatre for this production!
PRODUCTION
CLAYTON BECKER (Technical Director) is from the DFW area of Texas. Always wanting a career in theatre, he received his BA in Theatre from the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR. After graduating, Clay worked as the Technical Director at Circa’ 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, IL before joining The Studio Theatre team in 2018. When not in the theatre, he is out hiking, kayaking or biking the wonders of mother nature across the country. Clay invites everyone to see the brilliant work our team does at both The Sharon and The Studio venues!
LESLIE BECKER (Director of People, Projects & Culture) is happy to be at The Studio Theatre working alongside such a passionate and knowledgeable team of professionals. Originally from Illinois, she has worked in all areas of the theatre world from onstage to behind the scenes. A theatre kid for life, she is honored to be a part of The Studio’s mission to bring thought provoking works to Central FL.
DELICIA BENT (Backstage Dresser & Assistant) is excited to be working with The Studio Theatre for the second time! Previously, she was Backstage Dresser & Makeup for When We Were Young and Unafraid. Prior credits include Jean in POTUS, Anna in Burn This, Val/Ghost in Fen, June in A Map of Virtue, Powell in Men on Boats, and Emmy in A Doll’s House Part 2 (Second Stage Theatre at Stetson University). Thrilled to be back, she cannot wait for you to enjoy this show! IG: @nochilldee008
MONICA BERDECIO (Marketing Director) Bolivian roots drive her passion for the arts, food, and people. She is a two-time graduate of the University of Florida, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializing in Global Strategic Communication. She has taken on various roles within The Villages community, leading her to her most recent one as Marketing Director for Significant Productions, where she continues to pursue her love for making stories resonate with diverse communities. When she's not creating stories for work, she's creating memories with her husband and three kids wherever the fun is.
TINA CARROLL (Assistant House Manager) attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University where she earned a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Marketing. She has spent the majority of her career working as office manager and children’s ministry director in large churches with lots of volunteers. A great joy has been teaching children’s choir for many years. Music, dance, and theater is vital in her life and she enjoys performing as well as directing. She and her husband have two sons. Tina loves living in The Villages and is delighted to celebrate her “un-retirement” joining SigPro as Assistant House Manager.
ANGEL CREEKS (Choreographer, Associate Artistic Director) is honored to join this wonderful company with over 30 years of experience as an actor, singer, dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director. A few credits include: Film and television (North Hollywood, Days of Our Lives, Living Single), Broadway (Fosse, Chicago the Musical), national tours and artists (Chicago the Musical, Starlight Express, Michael Jackson, Anne Reinking), regional and theme parks (Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, Frozen-Live at the Hyperion, Romeo and Juliet, Hairspray, Godspell, Seussical). She is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion working with PSPI.org, CFEABlackbook.org, and Blacktheatregirlmagic.org. She has a B.A. in Performing Arts from St. Mary’s College of California, and a certificate in leadership from University of Notre Dame.
ANTONIO CAMPAGNA (Carpenter) born in Caracas, Venezuela, with Italian heritage, found his way to the United States in 2013. His passion for art and entertainment led him to graduate in Film Production and obtain a Certificate in Stage Technology from Valencia College. Since childhood, he has cultivated his artistic talent, writing plays and exploring various forms of creative expression. Currently, he channels his love for entertainment at The Studio, where he plays a crucial role in creating sets and stages for theatrical productions. His world revolves around the fascinating universe of performing arts, where he continues to make his mark with creativity and dedication.
JON CRONIN (Director of Operations) has been working in live events for fifteen years. His professional journey before joining The Sharon in 2021 included Dave Matthews Band, Huey Lewis & The News, World Wrestling Entertainment, Apple Events, Universal Parks and Resorts, and The Walt Disney Company. Jon currently serves as Director of Operations at SigPro, where he supports the production and operations teams across both of our world-class venues. An avid cruiser and theme park fan, Jon spends as much time at Disney or in the middle of the ocean as possible.
KRISTIN FORTUNA
(Analyst, Sales, and Customer Support)
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Kristin fell in love with the Arts at an early age. Her career began in Nashville in the 1990s, working for venues such as Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and Starwood Amphitheater before accepting a position with Clear Channel located in Houston, Texas. Following that, she made her way to Orlando, Florida in 2004. Kristin has since had the opportunity to lend her talents to multiple other venues including Hard Rock Live, Dr. Phillips Center, Clermont Performing Arts Center, and Reilly Arts Center. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family, photography, and performing at local music venues such as Orange Blossom Opry and Morgan’s Music Junction.
SUMALEE EATON
(Stitcher) is a professional costume draper based in Historic Sanford. Her work has appeared once before on stage at The Studio Theatre in last season's Urinetown, as well as Aida, Don't Dress for Dinner, Bridges of Madison County (Osceola Arts), Disenchanted, Cabaret (Theater West End). She is honored to be working with Huaixiang Tan and grateful to Significant Productions for the opportunity to bring this incredible story to life. IG: @sew.sumalee/sewsumalee.com
JOSHUA E. GALLAGHER (Scenic Designer, Props Designer) has been designing imaginary places in real spaces for the past decade. He began working with The Studio Theatre in 2021 creating an assortment of deserts for The Cake, and became a full-time member of the Significant Productions team shortly thereafter. He has also designed scenery for Garden Theatre, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, University of Cincinnati, Villanova University, Millbrook Playhouse, and Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, among others. Joshua has a Master of Fine Arts in Stage Design from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. www.joshuaegallagher.com
CORY H. GARRETT (Costume Designer, Costume Shop Supervisor) is a graduate of the Masters in Entertainment Design at Southern Methodist University and received his undergraduate degree from East Texas Baptist University. Before packing up the truck and moving to paradise, he assisted Elaine J. McCarthy on the world premiere opera The Diving Bell and the Butterfly at The Dallas Opera. He is a freelance costume and scenic designer currently based in Central Florida. Selected designs include Cabaret (The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol), Next to Normal (Theater 3), Plano (Richland College Theatre), Let the Right One In (Outcry Theatre), The Rape of Lucretia (Meadows Lyric Theatre), Twelfth Night - The Musical (Southern Methodist University), and The Odyssey (Dallas Theatre Center-Public Works Dallas).
IG: @thartsofthartopolis
JASON GOEDKEN (Producer) has been the Operations Manager at The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center since its opening in 2015. Prior to his time in Florida, he spent the previous 11 years working in various theatres in NYC and Chicago. Jason helped found both The Sharon and The Studio Theatre and manages the staff from both venues. Although his work is mostly behind-the-scenes, he made a memorable acting debut in The Studio Theatre's Second Season as Harry in Company.
JORDAN GREGSON (Literary & Casting Associate) is an arts advocate, arts administrator, and theatrical director. His journey in the arts encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences within not-forprofit arts organizations and regional theaters. Jordan currently serves as the Literary & Casting Associate at The Studio Theatre. His assistant directing credits include: Angel Street (The Studio Theatre); Intimate Apparel (Asolo Rep); Jekyll & Hyde, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Players by the Sea); Power to the Queendom (Black and Latino Playwrights Celebration); Gloria the 2022 Broadway World Austin Award Winner for Best Play. His directing credits include: Everyone But Us (Retama Theatre Series); Imaginary Friend, The Meeting (TXST New Play Festival); We Are Proud to Present…, Punk Rock (Apex Theatre Studio). He is an alumnus of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and Texas State University. jordanhoughgregson.com | @just_jayhgreg
COLLIN HALL (Lighting Designer, Lighting Supervisor) is a Lighting Designer and Technician from Memphis, TN. She has worked in various technical capacities at the Clarence Brown Theatre, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Previous design credits include The Real Inspector Hound (Clarence Brown Theatre), Ghost the Musical (Theatre Aspen), Every Christmas Story Ever Told (Maples Repertory Theatre), The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical, and 8x10: A One Act Festival (Flying Anvil Theatre). She has also worked as an Assistant Lighting Designer for the Clarence Brown Theatre and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. In 2019, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theatre at the University of Tennessee. collinhall.com | IG: @collin.w.hall
MARK KIRSCHENBAUM (Production Manager) has been involved in the theatre business for over 30 years. He has worked as an actor, director, production manager, company manager and theatre teacher throughout the state of Florida. Most recently he has been seen on stage as Dindon in La Cage Aux Folles and Cladwell in Urinetown at the Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol, Michael in Elegies at The Sharon Performing Arts Center and as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at the Savannah Center. Mark is thrilled to be working with this amazing team and looks forward to creating magnificent pieces of performing arts with Significant Productions.
KIMBER KING (Sound Designer, Sound Engineer, Sound Supervisor) recently earned her MFA in acting from UCF, but her roots are in production. She comes from a long line of musicians. Sound was a natural obsession for her from an early age. She studied audio at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. After graduation she engineered for ProAudio in Grand Rapids, MI working for national artists like Heart, Gladys Knight, Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Money, and James Brown. She was a company member and resident sound engineer/ designer for The Playhouse at White Lake for nearly 14 years. Whether acting, directing, educating, or producing, Kimber loves all things storytelling. She is fascinated by sound and seizes every opportunity to create a new scape or to learn a new skill.
ALISON MADISON (Assistant Technical Director) Originally from the Hudson Valley area in New York. Alison graduated with her AAS from Genesee Community College in technical theater and BA in theater from UNLV with a concentration in carpentry and technical direction. She has interned with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA, and worked at UFPA as head carpenter. She loves building spaces for imaginary people for The Villages audience to enjoy! Thank you to my husband. You are my rock! Shout out to theater gremlins, please stop taking my tools.
JESS MAHONEY (Production Stage Manager) hails from Long Island, New York, and after living and working all over the country, she is excited to be in Florida for her second season at The Studio Theatre! Her favorite past credits include productions of The 39 Steps, Noises Off, Butterflies are Free, Unnecessary Farce and Spring Awakening. She earned her BFA in Theatrical Production and Design with a concentration in Stage Management and Lighting Design from the State University of New York at Fredonia.
VERNA MCINTYRE (Scenic Carpenter) was born and raised here in sunny central Florida and is excited at the opportunity to present important and culturally relevant theater to her home community. She's been with The Studio Theatre since 2023 but has been a lover of the performing arts as long as she can remember, and is happy to be able to express that love in the workshop!
ZACH MLEKUSH (Swing Stage Manager) Hailing from Illinois, Zach is ecstatic to join The Studio’s Stage Management team! Past favorite stage management credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Tiananmen: A New Musical, Elf: The Musical, The Lehman Trilogy (The Phoenix Theatre Company), The Book of Will (Illinois Shakespeare Festival), and Lost in Yonkers (Directed by Jane Lynch). Zach studied Theatre Production, Design, & Technology focusing in Stage Management at Illinois State University. He hopes you enjoy the show!
JESSICA NIX (Marketing & Media Coordinator) Originally from Illinois with a background in film and photography, she has a passion for telling stories through visual art. She loves being able to use this passion from a marketing perspective. When she isn’t in the office, she enjoys singing and playing her electric ukulele at local establishments. As a performer, she cannot imagine a better way to support other artists than to help put an audience in front of their work.
DIO RAQUEL JR. (Lighting Technician) hails from Honolulu, HI then relocated to Las Vegas, NV. He received his training from Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts (Las Vegas, NV) and his B.F.A. in Theatre Studies, emphasizing in Lighting and Arts Leadership from Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln, NE).
ALEC SPEERS (House Manager) has a long history of working with theatre productions. After over a decade of working on and around the stage, he feels most at home in the theatre and is very proud to be The Studio Theatre’s House Manager. Favorite credits include Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog (Colorado, 2012), La Traviata and La Boheme (Germany, 2017), and Ada and the Engine (The Studio Theatre, 2021). Alec also has experience in set building, stage managing, and directing. It is always a privilege to work in the industry that you love, so Alec would like to thank The Studio family, and his own immensely supportive family for everything they do.
YASMEEN STOGDEN (Development Director & Senior Manager - Tessitura & Patron Services) has professionally supported the arts in our community since 2015. Having worked, performed, and supported the arts since she was 8 years old, she has grown passionate about keeping the arts alive and active. Yasmeen was a professional flutist, competitive conductor, has launched Music Arts Society chapters, and founded a Collegiate Marching Band Program. Yasmeen has been involved and graduated from many leadership and organizational development programs, including Panhellenic Sorority, NCAA athletics, National Camp School, and spent years as a Director and Ambassador of The Villages. To this day, she stands by the training and leadership gained within mu-sic and performing arts programs. She is set to ignite the passion and purpose in others to support the arts.
SAVANNAH WAGNER (Assistant House Manager) has dreamed of working in show biz since childhood. Her theatre experience has included performing with Community Improv of Gainesville, FL and portraying costumed characters at Universal Studios Orlando. Her most recent accomplishments in Atlanta, GA have been working on screen in films and tv shows like Stranger Things and Tulsa King. Outside of work she writes short stories and novels. She graduated from The University of Tampa with a degree in Communications with an emphasis in creative writing. She wants to thank her family for always supporting her dreams and expresses her gratitude to be working with such a wonderful team at The Studio Theatre!
MADISON YOUNGBLOOD (Deck Stage Manager) was born and raised in the Central Florida area and has been a member of the resident stage management team at The Studio Theatre since season 6. With nearly a decade of stage management experience, Madison has lived and worked in Central Florida, Philadelphia, and New York. Some of her favorite credits include productions of Urinetown, The Color Purple, Guys & Dolls, Cabaret, RED, Collected Stories, Godspell, Mary Poppins, and Blood Brothers. Madison has worked as an intern with WICKED on Broadway and has stage managed for the Arts for Autism Broadway Concerts and the Broadway Green Alliance. She graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Directing, Playwriting, and Production.
CAST
Berthe ........................................................................ Tamarin K. Ythier
Catherine ......................................................................... Samm Carroll
Charlemagne (King Charles) .............................................. Kevin Kelly*
Fastrada ........................................................................ Whitney Morse*
Lewis, Player ............................................... Radamés Medina Meléndez
Pippin Aidan Levinson
Leading Player ................................................................ Michelle Alves*
Dance Captain, Player ..................................................Aryelle Edmonds
Player ............................................................................. Maddie Gilbert
Player ............................................................................... Kareem Mack
Player .................................................................................... Ollie Ryan
Player ...........................................................................Emily Song Tyler
Theo, Player Ciara Hickey
Swing for Theo, Players 4-6 ............................................ Kylee L Brown
Swing for Catherine, Fastrada .............................................Zuly Cabrera
Understudy for Charlemagne (King Charles) ........................ Tim Casey
Swing for Lewis, Pippin, Player 3 ..................................... Chris Graham
Swing for Leading Player, Players 1 & 2 .................................. Via Marie
Understudy for Berthe ..................................................... Billie Thatcher
MUSICIANS
Keyboards 2 .......................................................................... Justin Adams
Violin, Viola, Music Supervisor ............................................ Ryan Loeckel
Musical Director, Keyboards 1 ..................................... Sean Allen Pollock
Guitar ................................................................................ Johnny Quinn
Drums, Percussion Rich Roeske
Keyboards 2 Substitute ............................................................. Angie Rose
Bass ................................................................................ Jazmine Whipple
Trumpet .................................................................................. Adam Zapf
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.
DIRECTION
Artistic Director ................................................................ Whitney Morse
Associate Artistic Director ..................................................... Angel Creeks
Director Nathaniel Niemi
Music Director ............................................................. Sean Allen Pollock
PRODUCTION
Producer ............................................................................. Jason Goedken
Production Manager .................................................. Mark Kirschenbaum
Technical Director Clayton Becker
Assistant Technical Director .............................................. Alison Madison
Company Manager............................................................... Ryan Loeckel
Literary and Casting Associate ........................................... Jordan Gregson
Production Stage Manager.................................................... Jess Mahoney
Swing Stage Manager .......................................................... Zach Mlekush
Deck Stage Manager ................................................. Madison Youngblood
SCENIC
Set Designer, Set Dressing, Scenic Artist Joshua E. Gallagher
Carpentry ......................................... Antonio Campagna, Verna McIntyre
Scenic Artists ......... Antonio Campagna, Verna McIntyre, Alison Madison
COSTUMES
Costume Designer, Costume Shop Supervisor .................. Cory H. Garrett
Backstage Dresser & Assistant ................................................ Delicia Bent
Stitcher ............................................................................... Sumalee Eaton
LIGHTING
Lighting Supervisor ................................................................. Collin Hall
Lighting Technician ............................................................. Dio Raquel Jr.
AUDIO/VISUAL
Sound Designer, Sound Engineer, Sound Supervisor ............. Kimber King
Sound Engineer .....................................................................Roel Cavazos
PROPS
Props Designer ............................................................Joshua E. Gallagher
HOUSE MANAGEMENT
House Manager ........................................................................ Alec Speers
Assistant House Managers ........................ Tina Carroll, Savannah Wagner
MARKETING
Marketing Director Monica Berdecio
Marketing and Media Coordinator............................................ Jessica Nix
Marketing Account Manager ................................................. Erika Nelson
Graphic Designer .................................................................. Krissi Kugler
Web Designer .................................................................. David Sponseller
