High School Music Collaborative
Proudly Presents
Director/ Choreographer
Asst. Director/Vocal Coach
Choreographer
ANDREW MONDELLO
MATHEW GLYNN
LOU COOPER
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
I wish I could say that musical theatre history was my favorite class in college. But if I’m being completely honest – going to that class at 7:30am every Monday and Wednesday my entire junior and senior year was probably one of my least favorite things. That said, it is without a doubt the class I am the most grateful to have taken in my entire educational career.
Ever since my first show as a teacher here in Pleasanton 13 years ago, the foundational pillar of everything I have done and striven to do has been the same. To teach these sensational youth artists all the things that I wish I knew when I was their age. To do my best to make sure that they never walk into a room ever again feeling like they are unprepared or a step behind anyone else in that room. A significant piece of this that so many artists go their whole lives without learning is musical theatre history itself. Understanding where we started and how we got to where we are - and all the steps along the way - are all integral to an artist creating true, whole, holistic viewed characters no matter what material they are working on or where it originates from.
Throughout the 12 cabarets I have directed here in Pleasanton a comment that I have often heard from members of the cast is something along the lines of “I am always so shocked by how deep your knowledge of musical theatre runs.” (Thanks Professor Castellano!). Well, I firmly believe that knowledge – in all aspects of life – is power. So…
I can think of no better show to be my final farewell to Pleasanton and this beautiful community than “A History Lesson”. My final stamp on the educational journey I have had the complete honor and joy of taking with this community over the last 13 years. My gratitude to this program and the students I have worked with along the way cannot be measured. Pleasanton taught me how to become a teacher. It allowed me a space to test ideas, try new techniques, take risks, push the envelope, and so much more. The 23 shows I have had the pleasure to direct, music direct, and choreograph over these years are 23 of my fondest memories in the theatre. All which I will hold dear for the rest of my life. It’s funny that 23 is the number associated with DNA and Pleasanton theatre is without a doubt engrained in my DNA and will live with me the rest of my life. I have no doubt that without Pleasanton I would have never realized that my place in life was not to perform, but to help see through the artists of the next generation as they discover themselves.
So thank you – to all of you – students past and present, parents, fellow teachers and colleagues – everyone that has been a part of this truly magnificent journey I was blessed to take. It’s time for one last walk down… a sort of memory lane. The memories that live and breathe in every single one of us every time we walk into a theatre whether we know it or not. For tonight Pleasanton, one last time, class is in session. Our final topic, a history lesson.
Brenda Gonzalez
Brenda Gonzalez (she/her) is a sophomore at Dublin High School and this is her first ever season of HSMC Cabaret! She’s been doing theatre in the Bay Area for 4 years now, with some of her favorite performances being as Gertrude in Seussical and Bet in Oliver. Being a part of Cabaret has been nothing short of a dream, and has made Brenda’s musical theatre-loving heart extremely happy. She’s had so much fun learning and growing through the program, and is so fortunate to be performing with such an incredible company. She’d like to thank her immensely supportive friends and family, as well as the entire HSMC cast and creative team for being the most welcoming (and talented!!) little community she could’ve ever asked for.
Brynn Millar
Brynn Millar (she/her) is a junior at Amador Valley High School and is very excited to be back on stage for her third season of Cabaret. You may have seen her this past summer in High School Musical as Gabriella. In her free time, you'll find her playing soccer, guitar, or some sort of music. She'd like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her on and off stage!
Claire Brewer
Claire Brewer has been doing musical theatre for five years and is participating in her fourth cabaret show! Claire has a passion for music, theatre, modeling, and watching friends! Claire has met some of her faveorite people through cabaret and has learned so much about who she is as a performer.
Claire Reyes
Claire Reyes is a sophomore at Dublin High. She is excited to return to HSMC Cabaret again this year! Some of her favorite past roles include Young Anna (Frozen), Miss Andrew (Mary Poppins) and Young Fiona (Shrek). Claire was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2023 Lenaea High School Theatre Festival. In her free time, Claire enjoys playing piano and guitar. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Elise Talbot
Elise Talbot (she/her) is a sophomore at Castro Valley High School, excited to join HSMC Cabaret for her first season. Passionate about the performing arts, Elise has played violin and string bass in orchestra for five years, and oboe in concert band for four years, as well as trombone in marching band for two years. She has been singing for four years and has appeared in roles such as Grace Farrell in Annie Jr., Andrina in The Little Mermaid, and has also been part of productions like Shrek the Musical Jr., Les Misérables, and The Outsiders. Elise is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this season of Cabaret and looks forward to the incredible shows and memories ahead!
Emma June
Emma June (she/her) is a sophomore at Amador Valley High School and is thrilled to be in her second year of HSMC Cabaret! You may have seen her in High School Musical as Sharpay Evans, in 9 to 5 as Roz, or in Spamalot as Patsy. When she’s not on stage, she loves writing music on her guitar and spending time with her younger siblings. She is incredibly thankful for the friends, family, and mentors who support her in doing what she loves best!
Gabby Blaker
Gabby Blaker (she/they) has always had a passion for musical theater. It has been an incredible honor and privilege to work with so many talented performers. During her time at Foothill High School, she has participated in a variety of onstage shows, including The Play that Goes Wrong, She Kills Monsters, Mamma Mia, and 9 to 5 the musical. She is having a great time at her first Cabaret show, which she has hoped to be in for a few years, and can't wait to perform.
Grayson Rebello
Grayson Rebello (he/him) is a senior at Amador Valley High School and this is his third season of HSMC Cabaret. You may have found him in roles at the AmadorFoothill musicals such as Sky in Mamma Mia and Joe in 9 to 5 . He’s adored being in Cabaret for so long and is extremely grateful to be a part of this program. He’d like to thank all of the cast for being such a kind and talented group of people to perform with. He’d also like to thank his family and friends who support him.
Jonah Norman
Jonah Norman (he/him) is a sophomore at Amador Valley High School. He has been performing for more than 8 years and is ecstatic to be a part of the 2024-25 HSMC Cabaret cast. Some of his recent roles include Troy Bolton in High School Musical on Stage!, Josh Newstead in 9 to 5: the Musical, and Charles Condomine in Blithe Spirit. This is Jonah’s first season in Cabaret and he is excited to perform with all his incredibly kind and talented fellow cast members. Jonah is also a member of the high school improv troupe Creatures of Impulse and works as a vocal and improv director at the Firehouse Arts Center. He is extremely grateful for his friends and family’s unwavering support in his theater endeavors.
Logan B. Jew-Fortner
Logan Jew-Fortner is thrilled to be returning for his second season of cabaret this year! He is currently a sophomore at Amador Valley High School and has been doing theatre in the Bay Area since he was 6. You might have seen him in previous roles, such as Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls: The Musical, Chad in High School Musical: Onstage, or Dmitry in Anastasia: Youth Edition! He loves his wonderful family and 4 adorable cats for always being there for him and hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Mairen McNeill
Mairen (she/her) is a sophomore at Castro Valley High School and a new member of this wonderful cabaret group. She has been a part of numerous productions over the years, including Les Miserables, Annie, The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins and many more. She has participated in choir since 3rd grade and recently discovered her love of improv. Mairen would like to thank Firehouse and her new talented cast mates and for their warm welcomes!
Marinn Cuda
Marinn Cuda is a Junior at Amador Valley High School. This is her second season in the Cabaret program and she is thrilled to be back! You may have also seen Marinn performing with HSMC and Creatures of Impulse. When she isn’t teaching, performing, or rehearsing at the Firehouse, she loves learning fun facts about history, writing, and playing Dungeons and Dragons!
Veronica Pascual
Veronica Pascual (she/her) is a Senior at Amador Valley High School. This is her second year with Cabaret, and she is highly excited for the first show of the Cabaret Trilogy. She'd like to thank her friends and family for all the support they've given her over the past few years. She's very appreciative of the theater community within Amador and the Firehouse. And overall, she wants to thank everyone for coming to watch, and she hopes everyone enjoys the show.
Zoe Mastropasqua
Zoe Mastropasqua was born in Rome, Italy, and has lived in the Bay Area for 13 years. She I'd currently a senior in highschool and is so excited for her last year in cabaret! Some of her roles include Morticia Addams in The Addams Family, Rainbowfish in The Rainbowfish, Genie in Aladdin, and many more. She currently studies theatre at Oakland School for the Arts. She loves watching murder mysteries with her family and hanging out with her cat, Linus.
Andrew Mondello (Director)
Andrew Mondello (he/ him) is ‘Bay’sically a native to the Bay, having been here since he was 12. However he was born and raised in Chicago – so you will often see him donning one of his many Chicago hats. He graduated from UC Irvine in 2015 with a BA in Acting and an emphasis in musical theatre. Since then he has had the great pleasure of making his living as an artist here in the Bay Area performing, directing and teaching amongst; American Conservatory Theatre, CenterRep, 42nd Street Moon, The Ballet School, BACT, PCRT, Town Hall Theatre, Broadway By the Bay, and of course here at Pleasanton Youth Theatre Company. He started teaching youth theatre in 2012 here in his hometown of Pleasanton – where he has spent the last decade teaching and cultivating new programming all with the goal of creating a space students feel safe to learn and grow. So, it goes without saying he is just over the moon to continue teaching with a program brimming with positivity and kindness at every turn, where he can continue to create a space crafted to make students feel safe and welcome. AndrewMondello.com
Mathew Glynn (Asst. Director, Vocal Coach)
Mathew Glynn is a theater artist and vocalist based in the Bay Area. He is a graduate of California State University East Bay with a Theater Arts: Emphasis in Musical Theater Degree, and has over 10 years of performance and directorial experience. Working at the Firehouse Arts Center has allowed him to usher in a new generation of performers and grow with them as artists. Favorite acting credits include Jud Fry in Oklahoma, Chuck Biggs in She Kills Monsters, Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, Charlie Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. Directing credits include Xanadu JR, Frozen KIDS, Winnie the Pooh KIDS, and Aladdin KIDS. In his spare time, he loves watching Sailor Moon, singing in his car, and loitering in bookstores. Instagram: @mathewwglynn
Lou Cooper (choreographer)
Lou Cooper (they/them) is an interdisciplinary performance and teaching artist with their BA in Dance: Choreography & Performance from Saint Mary’s College of California. Lou has been heavily involved with theatre since they were six years old and grew up in the City of Pleasanton theatre programs. It was always their childhood dream to work at the Firehouse and they adore what they do. Lou is the Director of Creatures of Impulse and they also direct, choreograph, and assist PYTC and various other programs throughout the Bay. Lou’s mission as an artist is to cultivate community and inspire the next generation of passionate, inclusive, and kind performers. When Lou is not creating art, you might be able to catch them rollerskating!
MUSICAL NUMBERS
GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY
from Little Johnny Jones ......................................Mairen McNeill
HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN
from Irving Berlin.. .......................Jonah Norman w/ Claire Reyes
ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE
from Very Warm for May......................................... Claire Reyes
THEY CAN’T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME
from Shall We Dance. ...........................................Gabby Blaker
THE LADY IS A TRAMP
from Babes In Arms .......................................... Brenda Gonzalez
I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU
from Anything Goes................... Claire Brewer w/ Grayson Rebello
OKLAHOMA
from Oklahoma ................................................... Cabaret Cast
ALWAYS TRUE TO YOU IN MY FASHION
from Kiss Me Kate ............................................Mairen McNeill
ANYTHING YOU CAN DO
from Annie Get Your Gun .............. Claire Brewer and Jonah Norman IF I LOVED YOU
from Carousel ..................Logan B. Jew Fortner & Brenda Gonzalez
I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT
from My Fair Lady.................................................Elise Talbot
IT’S A PERFECT RELATIONSHIP
from Bells Are Ringing..................................... Zoe Mastropasqua ADELAIDE’S LAMENT
from Guys and Dolls........................................ …..Marinn Cuda
MUSICAL NUMBERS
AQUARIUS
from Hair ...............................Zoe Mastropasqua & Cabaret Cast
BEING ALIVE
from Company ...........................Grayson Rebello & Cabaret Cast
FINISHING THE HAT
from Sunday In the Park With George................... Logan B. Jew Fortner
I CAN’T DO IT ALONE
from Chicago ...................................................... Emma June
SUPERSTAR
from Jesus Christ Superstar.................Grayson Rebello & Cabaret Cast
A LITTLE FALL OF RAIN
from Les Misérables ................. Gabby Blaker & Logan B. Jew Fortner
YOU DON’T KNOW THIS MAN
from Parade ................................Brynn Millar w/ Jonah Norman
HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES
from Thoroughly Modern Millie................. Elise Talbot & Marinn Cuda FOR GOOD
from Wicked ..................................... Brynn Millar & Emma June
IT’S TIME TO DANCE
from The Prom.....................................................Cabaret Cast
THANKYOU FORYOUR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT THIS CABARET SEASON!
We will see you next year in the ‘25-’26 Season!
City of Pleasanton Civic Arts Staff
Library & Recreation Coordinator Jeff Zavattero
Senior Recreation Leader Lou Cooper Andrew Mondello
Theater Supervisor Julian Mireles
Theater Technician Mike Roberts, Matthew Roberts
Program Assistants Theater Luka
Civic Arts Manager Rachel Prater
Library & Recreation Assistant Director Lia Bushong
Director of Library & Recreation Heidi Murphy
Firehouse Box Office Staff Lisa Delucchi
Firehouse Box Office Staff Denise McGrory
Firehouse House Manager Staff Araceli Garcia
Program Assistant Gallery Curator Sydney Tang
City of Pleasanton City Council
Mayor Jack Balch
Vice Mayor Jeff Nibert
Councilmember Craig Eicher
Councilmember Julie Testa
Councilmember Matt Gaidos
City Manager Gerry Beaudin
City of Pleasanton Civic Arts Commission
Member Jeanne Farley-Rodgers
Member Dana Frey
Member Anne Giancola
Member Mary Ann Simmons
Member Huiling Song
Member John Baiocchi
Member Janice Coleman-Knight
Member Jamie Yee
Member Warren Lam
