Pleasanton Youth Theater Company
Firehouse Arts Center
ANASTASIA: THE MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION
Book by Terrence McNally
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Directors Jeff Zavattero
Mackenzie McDonald
Lighting Design
Luka Morgan
Matthew Roberts
Choreographer Tess Arrighi
Costume Design Mathew Glynn
Music Director Briana Marquez
Set Design
Jeff Zavattero Mike Roberts
Inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical
From the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Boltonw
Special thanks to Las Positas College for Set Build
ANASTASIA: The Musical: Youth Edition is presented by arrangement by Concord Theatricals.
Opening Fanfare and Opening Scene Ensemble
'Once Upon a December' Dowager Empress & Young Anastasia 'The Last Dance of the Romanovs' Ensemble
'A Rumor in St. Petersburg' Dmitry, Vlad & Ensemble
'In My Dreams' Anya & Offstage Female Chorus 'The Rumors Never End' Gleb & Ensemble 'Learn To Do It' Vlad, Dmitry & Anya
'My Petersburg' Dmitry & Anya
'Once Upon a December' Anya & Ensemble 'Stay, I Pray You
Count Ipolitov, Anya, Dmitry, Vlad & Ensemble
'Traveling Sequence'/'Still'
Gleb, Gorlinsky, Anya, Vlad & Dmitry 'Journey to the Past' Anya
Paris Holds the Key (To Your Heart)' Vlad, Anya, Dmitry & Ensemble
Paris Holds the Key (Reprise) Anya Land of Yesterday Lily, Leopold & Ensemble
A Nightmare Romanov Children, Tsar, Tsarina & Anya
In a Crowd of Thousands Dmitry, Anya & Ensemble
Everything to Win Dmitry
Once Upon a December Reprise Anya & Dowager Empress
The Press Conference Ensemble
CAST
Cast Members
Dunya, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Aaliyah Zapata Williamson
Gleb (Ruble Cast) Adam Awad
Tsarina Alexandra Fyodorovna, Lily Understudy (Franc Cast)
Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch (Ruble Cast)
Adelaide Rampton
Alira Joson
Gorlinsky, Ensemble (Ruble Cast) Aliyah Schober
Paulina, Ensemble (Ruble Cast) Anisa Yang
Olga Romanov, Tsarina Understudy (Franc Cast)
Police Officer, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Tsar Nicholas II (Ruble Cast)
Count Leopold, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Chloe Leung
Cindy Wang
Clarice Botelho
Drew Carroll
Gleb Vaganov (Franc Cast) Emma Leung
Countess Ipolitov, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Eva Pudiyapura
Police Officer, Ensemble (Ruble Cast) Francesca Schaefer
Nikola, Ensemble (Ruble Cast) Gia Bishop
Mira, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Hana Keene
Tatiana Romanov (Ruble Cast)
Count Leopold (Ruble Cast)
Marfa, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Isabella Wolst
Jasper Riegels
Jessica Sheely
Mikhail, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Joaquin Ramirez
Police Officer, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Julia Lotz
Olga Romanov (Ruble Cast) Kaya Zoe Madani
Anya (Ruble Cast) Kaylee Chang
Tsar Nicholas II (Franc Cast)
Lara Amstrup
Alexei, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Lara Lavery
Gorlinsky, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Leonardo Galeana
Young Anastasia Romanov (Franc Cast)
Countess Ipolitov, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Lilli Juan
Lily DeShields
Dmitry (Franc Cast)
CAST
Cast Members (continued)
Logan Jew-Fortner
Anya (Franc Cast) Makenna Faddis
Galina, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Maria Palathingal
Tatiana Romanov, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Maryssa Jones
Vlad Popov (Ruble Cast)
Milo Chang
Mikhail, Ensemble (Ruble Cast) Mimi Ivanova
Galina, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Mirabelle Oulette
Dowager Empress (Ruble Cast)
Neela Mandal
Maria Romanov (Franc Cast) Niki Karimi
Young Dmitry, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Young Dmitry, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Dowager Empress (Franc Cast)
Preston Jew-Fortner
Ram Tirupathi
Rebecca Mestel
Luda, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Ryan Madsen
Paulina, Ensemble (Franc Cast) Saffi Feng
Alexi Romanov (Franc Cast) Sahana Doshi
Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch (Franc Cast)
Maria Romanov (Ruble Cast)
Dmitry (Ruble Cast)
Vlad Popov (Franc Cast)
Sameeha Soora
Sarina Mandal
Sid Raghavan
Sophia Garcia
Dunya, Ensemble (Ruble Cast) Sophia Henning
Tsarina Alexandra Fyodorovna (Ruble Cast)
Trisha Bollapragada
Announcer, Ensemble (Ruble Cast) Varvara Grosheva
Alexi Romanov (Ruble Cast) Yael Rose Jontof-Hutter
Young Anastasia Romanov (Ruble Cast) Zoe Lee
Production / Creative
Director (Franc Cast)
Director (Ruble Cast)
Stage Manager (Franc Cast)
Jeff Zavattero
Mackenzie McDonald
Mackenzie McDonald
CAST
Production / Creative (continued)
Choreographer Tess Arrighi
Vocal Director Briana Marquez
Technician Mike Roberts
Technician Matthew Roberts
Technician Luka Morgan
Technician Makenna Mueller
Costume Design Mathew Glynn
WHO'S WHO
Aaliyah Zapata Williamson as Dunya, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Hi my name is Aaliyah and Aaliyah likes to sing, dance, and act. And she is really looking for the next play. I would like to thank my parents and the people in my cast for always being there for me through the goods and bad I couldn't do it without them so thank you and thank you for seeing anastasia.
Adam Awad as Gleb (Ruble Cast)
This is Adam's third show and he feels exited to get to work on something so fun with some of his friends. Adam has previously been in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as Coach Comet, and Spongebob Squarepants as Mr.Krabs. Lastly Adam Would like to thank the staff that helped make this posibile
Adelaide Rampton as
Tsarina Alexandra Fyodorovna, Lily Understudy (Franc Cast)
Adelaide is ecstatic to be a part of Anastasia the Musical Youth Edition. She has seven years of ballet training and takes voice lessons from New York opera singer, Maria Maxfield. While she is not in school, Adelaide enjoys reading, collecting sea shells on the coast, travelling, learning French, and spending time with friends and family. She wants to thank her parents for their support while being in this amazing production.
Aliyah Schober as Gorlinsky,
Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Aliyah is in 6th grade at Pleasanton Middle School and at the start of her theater career. She is thrilled to be part of Anastasia and to be performing alongside such a wonderful cast and crew. Anastasia is her second time performing on stage and it definitely won’t be her last as her love for theater continues to grow and keeps her coming back for more! When not on stage she enjoys crafting, crocheting, spending time with friends and family and taking part in Theater Club at school.
WHO'S WHO
Alira Joson
as Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch (Ruble Cast)
Alira Joson is elated to be a part of PYTC’s production of Anastasia the Musical. This is her sixth musical with the Firehouse Arts Center. Past shows being Elf Jr. (Macy's Manager), Honk! Jr. (Maureen), Spamalot (Laker Girl/ensemble), Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. (Clarice), and most recently High School Musical (Wildcat Dance Team). Alira is glad to join Anastasia on her journey to the past and would like to thank friends, cast, and family for all their love and support!
Anisa
Yang as Paulina, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Chloe Leung
as Olga Romanov, Tsarina Understudy (Franc Cast)
Chloe is ecstatic to be part of this Anastasia production. She has previously performed in the shows Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, SpongeBob, and Magic Treehouse Dinosaurs Before Dark. When she isn't singing and dancing, she enjoys drawing, swimming, and gymnastics. Chloe would like to thank the directors and her family and friends for coming to support her!
Cindy
Wang as Police Officer, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Cindy is 10 years old and likes cats and reading.
WHO'S WHO
Clarice Botelho
as Tsar Nicholas II (Ruble Cast)
Clarice has loved performing ever since she was young because acting and singing has always played a huge role in her life! Some of her most recent shows included SpongeBob Square-pants as Sandy, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer as Mrs. Claus, and Honk Jr. as Ida. Anastasia has been a fun experience for her; being with friends and learning throughout show, and she is so excited to perform in it for you!
Drew Carroll
as Count Leopold, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Drew is 13-year-old 8th grader from Castro Valley who is thrilled to join the amazing cast of *Anastasia*. Previously, Drew has lit up the stage in roles like Zeke in *High School Musical*, SpongeBob in *SpongeBob the Musical*, and Santa in *Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer*. He’s grateful for the support of his family, friends, and mentors at PYTC and hopes you enjoy the show!
Emma Leung
as Gleb Vaganov (Franc Cast)
Emma is excited to be playing Gleb in her fourth PYTC musical! She has previously been the Mayor in SpongeBob Jr, Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka KIDS, and the Poodle Narrator in 101 Dalmatians, as well as a middle schooler in Improv Face-Off. Emma is an 8th grader at Hart middle school and enjoys reading, writing, drawing, cute dinosaurs, and improv. She would like to thank her family, friends, teachers, and cast members for all their support!
as Countess Ipolitov, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Eva Pudiyapura
WHO'S WHO
Francesca Schaefer as Police Officer, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Francesca is in 6th grade and loves to read draw and play games. Her first show was 101 Dalmatians at the Firehouse. She is really enjoying this show and wishes to be part of the next show that Firehouse does. She one day wishes to become a journalist.
Gia Bishop as Nikola, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Gia has been in seven plays over the past few years and loves singing, dancing and being part of a production. In addition to theater she is on a travel softball team and enjoys spending time with her pets. Gia would like to thank her family for always being there and for driving her to all the rehearsals and practices.
Hana Keene
as Mira, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Hana Keene (Mira/Announcer) is excited to play a multitude of characters in this Disney musical. Bay Area-born and raised performer. Past performances include, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. (Rudolph), Seussical Kids (Wickersham Brother & Red Fish), Annie Kids (Lily St. Regis), Frozen Kids (Anna), and Stinky Cheese Man (The Giant). Much gratitude to my family, friends, Mrs. Patrycja, and my dog – Mochi for your continued support and love! A big thank you to the fantastic cast and Firehouse crew.
Isabella Wolst as Tatiana Romanov (Ruble
Cast)
Bella is a girl who loves singing and acting. She has been in three productions, And is happy to be in her fourth one!
Jasper Riegels
as Count Leopold (Ruble Cast)
You may have seen Jasper as Squidward in Spongebob Squarepants Jr., Boss Elf in Elf Jr., and Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda Jr. Jasper would like to thank the production staff, the entire cast, and his family for all of their support. He hopes you enjoy the show!
WHO'S WHO
Jessica Sheely
as Marfa, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Joaquin Ramirez
as Mikhail, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
This is Joaquin's fourth show with Firehouse Arts. He is grateful to all the teachers/directos/cast/crew for everything he has learned from them.
Julia Lotz
as Police Officer, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Julia is in eighth grader and is home-schooled. The first show she was in was Willy Wonka in 2016. She loves dancing and enjoys singing but hasn't had professional training in either aspects. She loves music and has been playing piano since she was almost eight.
Kaya Zoe Madani
as Olga Romanov (Ruble Cast)
Kaya Madani is excited to be a part of the Anastasia cast! She enjoys time with friends and family and more specifically ice cream at the dairy! She’s also an avid gymnast and crochet guru! In her spare time she loves to read about historical fiction and world history.
Kaylee Chang
as Anya (Ruble Cast)
Kaylee Chang(Anya/Anastasia) is excited to perform with PYTC. Her previous favorite shows include The Lightning Thief and Beauty and the Beast. She thanks her family for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!
WHO'S WHO
Lara Amstrup as Tsar Nicholas II (Franc Cast)
Anastasia is Lara’s second performance with PYTC and her 5th overall. She recently performed in Anastasia with TMC Arts as Teen Anastasia. Outside of theater, she enjoys diving and colorguard. She currently goes to Harvest Park and is in the 8th grade.
Lara Lavery
as Alexei, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Lara is thrilled to return to PYTC stage! She recently played Hermes in Xanadu, Jr. Lara enjoys music and plays lacrosse. She would like to thank directors, fellow cast members, her family, friends and cat Jack!
Leonardo Galeana
as Gorlinsky, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Leo is 15, sophomore at Amador Valley High School, and this is his first show with the fire house. He comes from the far away land of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and is very excited to be here. He would like to thank his family and friends, come and gone, for getting him where he is.
Lilli Juan
as Young Anastasia Romanov (Franc Cast)
Lilli is currently a seventh grader at Harvest Park, and is pumped for Anastasia! She has been doing shows with the Firehouse for years now, and theatre is definitely a staple of her life. Her recent roles include Lavender in Matilda Jr, Karen in The SpongeBob Musical YE, and Kira in Xanadu Jr! They enjoy reading, listening to whatever indie/ alternative music they can find, and cozying up to the autumn weather. Lilli would like to thank her family and friends for being there, and supporting her. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Lily DeShields
as Countess Ipolitov, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Lily is 14 years old and has enjoyed acting and singing from an early age. When not performing, she enjoys spending time with her friends, playing hockey, volleyball, traveling, and so much more. She’s been fortunate to visit many places near and far, but New York City remains her favorite destination to this day.
WHO'S WHO
Logan Jew-Fortner as Dmitry (Franc Cast)
Logan Jew-Fortner is a Sophomore attendingAmador Valley High, and is ecstatic to put on this show for audiences to enjoy! He has been seen in roles such as Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls: The Musical and Chad in HSM the Musical onstage!Enjoy the show!
Makenna Faddis as Anya (Franc Cast)
Makenna Faddis has been doing theater since she was in third grade. Some of her favorite roles have been Annie in Annie, Peter Pan in Peter Pan, a Napkin in Beauty and the Beast, and Tanya in Mamma Mia. This is likely her last show in high school, and she is very grateful for the opportunity to play Anya and work with people she loves so much.
Maria Palathingal
as Galina, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Maria Palathingal is so excited to be a part of Anastasia Youth Edition. She has been in various shows before including Matilda Jr. where she played ensemble, and Xanadu Jr. where she played Sonny Malone. She is in seventh grade, and plays basketball as well as two other instruments. She is so excited to meet new people, and hang out with old friends.
Maryssa Jones
as Tatiana Romanov, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Maryssa started performing in musical theater productions in 3rd grade and is currently a 6th grader. She loves to perform and has previously been in 8 shows. Her favorite roles include Gertrude McFuzz in Suessical Jr., Scar in Lion King Jr., and Sandy Cheeks in Spongebob Youth Edition. She enjoys not only performing in musicals but also watching them, talking with her friends and family, and traveling. Maryssa hopes you enjoy the show!
Milo Chang as Vlad Popov (Ruble Cast)
Milo Chang (Vlad Popov) is a 17-year-old Senior who has been doing shows since he was 8, this being his 17th show. Some of his past roles include Ugly from Honk! Jr. (Starstruck and PYTC), Lucas from Addams Family (The Athenian School), and Pierre in Great Comet (The Athenian School). He would like to thank the staff, cast, and his family and friends for their continuous support.
WHO'S WHO
Mimi Ivanova as Mikhail, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Mimi loves acting. She knows English, Spanish, Bulgarian, and she's learning French. She plays the guitar and goes to Harvest Park. Mimi also loves gymnastics, and reading books. Her favorite book series is the Caraval Trilogy by Stephanie Garber and Harry Potter by J.K Rowling. She has performed with Pleasanton Little Sparks and CYT. She hopes to do more performances and plays in the future.
Mirabelle Oulette
as Galina, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Mirabelle Ouellette is a tenth grade student at Amador Valley High School. Anastasia. marks Mirabelle’s fifth production, two in Middle School and three with PYTC. In her spare time, Mirabelle enjoys spending time with and studying animals, exploring science, and reading anime.
Neela Mandal as Dowager Empress (Ruble Cast)
Neela goes to Amador Valley High School and is 15 years old. She has 2 younger sisters, one of them being in the cast! She has preformed in Mary Poppins, SpongeBob the Musical and most recently High school Musical! This is her first supporting lead! She's very happy to be playing the Dowager Empress for you! She thanks you for being here and would love for you to enjoy the show!
Niki
Karimi as Maria Romanov (Franc Cast)
Niki is a twelve year old girl who just joined theater! This is her first play and is planning to do more. She is very excited for the show and for everyone to enjoy it!
Preston JewFortner
as Young Dmitry, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Preston is a 7th grader at Harvest Park Middle School. You may have caught him as Rudolph in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr. or Michael in Elf, Jr. When he’s not on stage, he can be found hanging out with friends, eating Oreos, or playing sports. He’s excited for you to watch Anastasia!
WHO'S WHO
Ram Tirupathi
as Young Dmitry, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Rebecca Mestel
as Dowager Empress (Franc Cast)
Rebecca is 17 and a senior at Amador Valley High School. Some of her favorite past credits include Legally Blonde (Vivienne), All Shook Up (Natalie), and 9-to-5 (Roz). She would like to thank her family and everyone who has made this show possible. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Ryan Madsen
as Luda, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Ryan Madsen is a fifth grader at Joe Michell School in Livermore and fell in love with musical theater at a young age. His favorite roles in the shows he has done are Cat#2 in Seussical kids. (PYT) and ensemble in School of Rock (RTA) and SpongeBob in the SpongeBob Musical JR.(PYT) He is very excited for Anastasia the musical JR. He would like to thank his Mom, Dad, and his friends for the support and hopes you enjoy the show.
Saffi Feng
as Paulina, Ensemble (Franc Cast)
Saffi Feng is a 7th grader who goes to Thomas Hart Middle School. She is smart, funny, and humble. She has been in two drama productions before: Matilda Jr. and Aladdin Kids. Some of her hobbies include playing piano, playing badminton, swimming, dancing, and drawing. She is a very quick learner and always has a positive mindset.
WHO'S WHO
Sahana Doshi as Alexi
Romanov (Franc Cast)
Sahana is a seasoned performer and has shown an interest in drama, acting and singing from a very young age! She loves to be on stage and also perform for family and friends. Her favorite Broadway musical is “Wicked”. In her non-theater spare time, she loves to explore the world of marine biology, is dipping her toe into cheerleading and loves doing visual art. She is so very excited and humbled to be performing with this talented group of actors in Anastasia!
Sameeha Soora
as Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch (Franc Cast)
Sameeha Soora is a junior at Foothill High School and has a huge passion for theater. Not only was she in the Amador/Foothill production of 9 to 5, but she works at the Pleasanton Youth Theater Company as a choreographer and has choreographed Seussical Kids, Aladdin Kids, Dinosaurs Before Dark Kids, and is currently working on Finding Nemo Kids. She has danced her whole life, and the stage has become a second home. Anastasia is such a special movie to her, and she can't believe she is able to play one of her favorite characters, Countess Lily. She is so grateful for this opportunity, and would like to thank the staff, cast, and her family and friends for supporting her during this show.
Sarina Mandal as Maria Romanov (Ruble Cast)
Sarina Mandal is thrilled to be playing Mariya Romanov & Luda in Anastasia Youth Edition! She has done 7 shows with the Firehouse and her favorite role has been Polyhymnia in Xanadu JR last summer! Sarina has had so much fun working with her friends and the directors! She hopes you enjoy the show!
WHO'S WHO
Sid Raghavan as Dmitry (Ruble Cast)
Sid Raghavan (Dmitry) is a 7th grader and is mad about music and theater! He’s won Globals at Destination Imagination for writing and performing sketches, sung at Davies Hall (SFCMT) and played piano at Carnegie Hall. He is excited to be back at PYTC where he made his theatrical debut as the French Taunter in "Monty Python’s SPAMALOT" last year. Since then he has also performed as Lawrence in "School of Rock" (RTA) and as Noah Claypole in "Oliver!" (RTA). He’s thrilled to be able to play Dmitry in "Anastasia" and hopes everyone enjoys the show as much as he does.
Sophia Garcia as Vlad Popov (Franc Cast)
Niko Garcia is a Senior at Amador Valley High School and is very excited to partake in this production of Anastasia! Niko has been seen in the following shows: Martha Cox in High School Musical: On Stage!, Edith in Blithe Spirit, Ali in Mamma Mia, and Howie Newsome in Our Town. Niko is a 3-year member of the high school improv troupe, Creatures of Impulse. Niko would like to thank their family and friends for supporting them in any way they can on Niko’s journey through the arts.
Sophia Henning
as Dunya, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Sophia Henning has been in 5 Pleasanton Youth Theater Company productions; Anastasia is the 6th. Sophia has played numerous mother figures like Mrs. Beauregard (Willy Wonka), Bulda (Frozen), Mrs. Mayor (Seussical), and Natty (Dinosaurs Before Dark). Sophia also played the Lamp Vendor in Aladdin. Outside of rehearsal, Sophia likes to read, watch TV, swim and play soccer. Sophia also likes to play the piano and go to Girl Scout events.
as Tsarina Alexandra Fyodorovna (Ruble Cast)
Trisha Bollapragada
WHO'S WHO
Varvara Grosheva as Announcer, Ensemble (Ruble Cast)
Varvara is so excited to be on this stage, and so grateful for this opportunity. She and her family moved from Russia two years ago, and now dances as part of the San Francisco Ballet School. She put her soul into each of her characters
Yael Rose JontofHutter as Alexi Romanov (Ruble Cast)
Yael loves acting, singing, and dancing! She got her start in theater doing the Pleasanton Sprouts theater program in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Frozen, Annie, and Aladdin. She also performed at Camp Louise in Matilda and Annie. She is so excited to be in her first Pleasanton Youth Theater Production.
Zoe Lee as Young Anastasia Romanov (Ruble Cast)
After spending several years training in dance, Zoe is excited to transition into musical theatre. She is honored to be part Anastasia, one of her favorite musicals and can’t wait to share her love for it with the audience.
Jeff Zavattero
Director (Franc Cast)
Jeff has called this program home since 2013 when he first began teaching here – and it has been his great joy to be a part of this program’s incredible growth over the last decade. Jeff learned his craft from Las Positas College, where he had the great joy of enhancing his performance skills in several shows and found his passion for directing.
Mackenzie McDonald Director (Ruble Cast)
Mackenzie McDonald has been working at the Firehouse since the summer or 2022 when she was a PA on Jungle Book KIDS. Since then she has stage managed shows such as Elf Jr. and Rudolph Jr. and made history as the first person at the Firehouse to direct a show while still in highschool, with Annie KIDS. She was a four year member of award winning teen improv troupe, Creatures of Impulse, and is a current student of the Actors Conservatory at Las Positas College. Her dream is to keep directing children’s theater as a full time career.
WHO'S WHO
Tess Arrighi Choreographer
Tess Arrighi (she/they) is a Livermore native and dog enthusiast. Tess has been involved in musical theater and dance since she was 4 years old and considers theater a second home. She has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and contemporary dance styles. She started her musical theater journey with Tri Valley Young Performers Academy (TVYPA) and continued performing through high school in productions at The Athenian Scool. She choreographed student dance pieces throughout her time as an undergrad at Occidental College where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 2017. Tess joined the staff of PYTC in fall of 2022 and is so happy to be back in the theater and to have the opportunity to share her knowledge and love of musical theater with the next generation performers.
Briana Marquez Vocal Director
Briana Marquez has always had an immense passion for the arts. They were involved in many programs within the City of Pleasanton, most notably, Creatures of Impulse. They are so honored to be able to assistant direct Creatures of Impulse while also directing and vocal directing other programs within PYTC. Her goal as an artist has always been to inspire those around her and to prove that you can achieve whatever you set your mind and heart to.
Mathew Glynn Costume Design
Mathew Glynn is an aspiring director and educator who is blessed to help usher in a new generation of performers. Getting his start through Pleasanton theatre programs ten years ago, he has been an active performer and student ever since. Bringing his performance experience to the other side of the table is an opportunity he is humbled to have. Some of his favorite credits include Baker in Into the Woods, Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Black Stache in Peter in the Starcatcher. He is so excited to be apart of this amazing team!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
City of Pleasanton Civic Arts Staff
Library & Recreation Coordinator Jeff Zavattero
Senior Recreaton Leader
Theater Technician
Theater Technician
Program Assistant- Theater
Program Assistant - Theater
Senior Administrative Assistant
Recreation Supervisor
Civic Arts Manager
Library & Rec Assistant Director
Library and Recreation Director
Firehouse Box Office Staff
Firehouse House Manager Staff
Firehouse House Manager Staff
Program Assistant - Gallery Curator
Lou Cooper
Mike Roberts
Matthew Roberts
Luka Morgan
Makena Mueller
Lilly Caridis
Julian Mireles
Rachel Prater
Lia Bushong
Heidi Murphy
Denise McGrory
Araceli Garcia
Niki Cavallero
Sydney Tang
Civic Arts Commissioners
Mayor Karla Brown
Councilmember
Valerie Arkin
Councilmember Jack Balch
Councilmember Jeff Nibert
Vice Mayor Julie Testa
Civic Arts Commissioners
Commissioner John Baiocchi
Commissioner Janice Coleman-Knight
Commissioner Jeanne Farley-Rodgers
Commissioner Dana Fry
Commissioner Anne Giancola
Commissioner Mary Ann Simmons
Commissioner Huiling Song
Commissioner Jamie Yee
Youth Member
Warren Lam
END NOTES
Directing Anastasia was such an unexpected surprise (but not an unwelcome one)! Not only is Anastasia the first center stage show I’ve directed but also the first noncomedy show I’ve directed. It was something so new and different for my creative brain, I was able to learn so many things both as an artist and as a teacher.
I am thankful to have been blessed with an amazing group of performers who were up to every challenge I threw at them. From complex dips, to fight choreography, to background acting, to the freedom to make their own acting choices, they were up for anything.
I would like to thank Tess, our choreographer, who has always helped me create a beautiful stage picture, Briana, our vocal director, for working so hard with the actors on characters, and Jeff, my stage manager and boss, for always believing in my potential. And of course a special thank you to Mathew and Tess for the gorgeous costumes, Jeff and Mike for our wonderful set, and Mike, Matthew, MaKenna, and Luka for our amazing lighting and sound.
Directing youth theatre is my dream job and it will continue to be for the rest of my life. I want to work every program with every age group because I believe that every student is so wonderful. I am so thankful for this journey. Enjoy the show!
- Mackenzie McDonald
There's not a whole lot of things I can add that Mackenzie hasn't already touched on. It seems to be a common theme in working with her, as her ideas are so inspiring, I often use them as a base for what I do.
I'd also like to think our staff. Briana, Mackenzie, and Tess pushed the students to unlock their potential, while making everything accessible enough that they feel and look like stars doing it. Thank you to Mike for listening to my ramblings on set ideas and designing them. Thank you to Las Positas College for building the set, the administration and students put in a lot of hard work and it shows. Thank you to Luka, Matthew, and Makenna for making the kids look, sound, and feel like a big deal with the wonderful lighting and sound design. Thank you to Mathew and Tess for the costume design in this show. All of this combined makes it my favorite show I've worked on yet.
I"ve been working on this show for two years now. I then had to start over from scratch when we made the decision to the Firehouse Arts Center a year ago. In the end, I think giving it a second go made it even better.
Admittedly, the movie isn't one that resonated with me as a child, but I was moved by it when I saw it onstage. Songs I had only vaguely remembered struck a chord in the opening notes. It was funny, touching, and challenged my thoughts on directing a musical. It inspired me with new ideas, and I knew I would have to be creative when bringing this show to the Firehouse stage.
Watching our final run during tech week, I felt those same emotions and more. Not only is it funny and a beautiful show, but the work that these performers have put into it - the journey we've been through together - makes it something very special. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you enjoy being a part of it.
-Jeff Zavattero
