Madelyn Baughn, Jeanine Davis, Abbie Eickhoff, Margot Finney, Isaiah Host, Sara Kolling, Levi Money*, Ryan Schneider, Eloise Stitziel, Atticus Zeilstra
BAND
Keys 1
Tim Clark
Trumpet
Mo Carr
Keys 2
Matthew Kauzlarich
Guitar
Mat Coble
Bass
John Gerdes
J.D. Tolman
Conductor
Lori Pagano
Bill Howells Reeds 1
Reeds 2 Lea Gerdes
Trombone
Percussion
Peter Gunn
Spencer Principal’s Corner
Word
of the day: Acceptance
To fully acknowledge and embrace reality without resistance or judgment
Quote
of the day:
"I say 'try'; if we never try, we shall never succeed."
-Abraham Lincoln
Artistic Director’s Note
Welcome to the 11th season of Gateway Center for Performing Arts’ Youth Theatre Company! This season, we have carefully selected productions that not only showcase incredible entertainment but also resonate deeply with contemporary themes and timeless stories
We open our season with the beloved musical Oliver! Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel Oliver Twist, this heartwarming story captures the resilience of youth in the face of adversity. The themes of hope, belonging, and the struggle against societal injustices are as relevant today as they were in Dickens' time. The rich, vibrant score invites audiences into a world of both sorrow and joy, making it an ideal choice to highlight the power of musical theatre
Following Oliver!, we will present The Prom, a contemporary musical that shines a light on love, acceptance, and the fight for equality Set against the backdrop of a small town’s high school prom, this uplifting show addresses issues of identity and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth Its heartfelt message remind us of the importance of inclusion and the need for a community that embraces all its members.
This summer, we invite performers to join us for Seussical KIDS and Seussical Junior, production camps designed for ages 6-10 and 11-16, respectively These registration-based programs provide an inclusive environment where students can explore their creativity without the pressure of having to “get in.” Through the whimsical stories of Dr Seuss, campers will embark on a journey of imagination and self-expression, developing confidence and teamwork skills that will last a lifetime.
For our more seasoned young performers, we are excited to announce our audition-based productions of Shrek Junior for ages 10-14 and Into the Woods for ages 14-18. Shrek Junior brings the beloved story of the ogre and his friends to life, celebrating themes of acceptance and friendship with humor and heart Meanwhile, Into the Woods marks a significant milestone as our first foray into the works of Stephen Sondheim. This intricate, enchanting tale intertwines the stories of familiar fairy tale characters, encouraging us to reflect on the complexities of our desires and the consequences of our choices. It promises to be a rewarding experience for our older students, pushing them to explore the depths of their artistic expression
If you like what you see, please consider joining us on our mission to provide quality, challenging, and out-of-the-box theatre for St Louis youth See our shows, take our classes, spread the word, volunteer, or donate. We’d love your story with GCPA to begin today
The Prom is a hilarious, joyful, thought-provoking, and poignant show that leads all of us to think deeper about our own beliefs. The Prom follows Emma, a high school lesbian, as she tries to convince her wildly conservative town to allow her to bring her girlfriend to the prom There is also the added complication that Emma’s girlfriend, Alyssa, just so happens to be the daughter of the head PTA mom, Mrs. Greene. Chaos descends upon the town when Broadway stars Dee Dee, Barry, Angie, Trent, and their publicist, Sheldon, decide to get involved to receive some good press after their show has closed on opening night again
The Prom is such an important story to tell. In a world where the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are often under fire, it is so powerful to tell a story about two teenagers in love That’s it As a society we spend so much time and energy putting ourselves into groups. Us versus them. My religion versus yours Blue versus red Gay versus straight We forget that at the end of the day we are all just people. We all want to be loved and seen and heard. We all want to have our story told. That is what The Prom is. It is a story of love and triumph and disappointment and fear all wrapped up in an upbeat musical. It’s easy to step-touch your way thro without taking the time to look around and see what is Everyone should have the right to be loved. No one has that you are less than because of who your unruly heart compassion in our hearts for everyone, no matter how d most importantly this show teaches us that love is love
ENTR’ACTE...........................................................................................................................Orchestra ZAZZ Angie, Emma
THE LADY’S IMPROVING...............................................................................................Dee Dee
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR..................................................................Trent, Angie, Ensemble
BARRY IS GOING TO PROM......................................................…......................................Barry
UNRULY HEART Emma, Ensemble
CHANGING LIVES ACT 2.............................Barry, Dee Dee, Angie, Trent, Sheldon
IT’S TIME TO DANCE........................................Emma, Alyssa, Dee Dee, Barry, Trent Angie, Mr Hawkins, Ensemble
Who's Who
Mia Battaglia Ollie Berube
Natalie Kuelker
Adrielle Aruya Adalyn Baron
Finley Carfield
Marchesa Dolton Jack Estopare
Chloe Jennings Brady Joy
Andy Lambson
Ariez Mangrich
Juno Mayer Delaney McCoy Penny McPherson
Omolara Ogunmola
Jamie Boudreau
Corinne Colvin
Chris Lowery
Ricco Martin Jr.
Mackenzie Michel Finley Mohr Omolola Ogunmola
Kalia Pagano
Nobily Forder
Tim Clark
Band
Mo Carr
JD Tolman
Abby Erwin Echo Pentz
Abigail Bick Sophia Creach
Evie Pogorelac
Mat Coble
John Gerdes Peter Gunn
Lea Gerdes
Bill Howells Matthew Kauzlarich
Brooke Susic Elaine Thimyan
CAST
EMMA
Chloe Jennings^
ANGIE
DEE DEE
Adrielle Aruya BARRY Ricco Martin Jr.
Kalia Pagano^ TRENT
Chris Lowery^
ALYSSA
Delaney McCoy^
MR. HAWKINS
Spencer Slavik^
KAYLEE
MRS. GREEN
Julia Worley SHELDON Ollie Berube
Marchesa Dolton^ SHELBY
Audrey Schulz^ NICK
Jack Estopare KEVIN
Brady Joy
ENSEMBLE
Adalyn Baron^, Mia Battaglia, Jamie Boudreau, Finley Carfield, Corinne Colvin, Nobily Forder, Natalie Kuelker, Andrew Lambson, Ariez Mangrich, Juno Mayer, Penny McPherson, Mackenzie Michel^, Finley Mohr^, Omolara Ogunmola, Omolola Ogunmola, Martha Poppen^, Montgomery Price, Mary Kay Schmitt^, Hayden Schoemehl^, Will Tao^, Simone Taylor^, Lily Wymore
UNDERSTUDIES
EMMA Marchesa Dolton^, DEE DEE Corinne Colvin, BARRY Juno Mayer
TRENT Will Tao^, ANGIE Martha Poppen^
^Denotes GCPA CrAFT Member
*Denotes GCPA Show Starter
Who's Who
Adrielle Aruya (Dee Dee) is excited to be a part of The Prom! Her previous shows include: Willy Wonka Jr (SCC), High School Musical On Stage! (ITC) Elf (ITC) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (SSP) Spongebob The Musical (Stages STL) Grease (ITC) Anastasia (Stages STL) 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (FHN), Matilda (SSP) and her most recent show, Grease (FHN) She has also won multiple awards at the Junior Theatre Festival, hosted by Musical Theatre International. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her through her countless endeavors.
Adalyn Baron (Ensemble) (she/her) is a sophomore and is excited to be in another GCPA production this spring Previous GCPA credits include Ensemble in Oliver! and Ragtime, Muriel in Newsies Jr., Ensemble in 9 to 5, and Cowgirl Bonnie in Footloose Youth Edition This past summer, Adalyn was Countess Lilly in Anastasia through DaySpring Arts & Education Adalyn is a member of GCPA’s CrAFT program. She studies private voice lessons with Ashleigh Blevins (GCPA) and takes acting, tap, and musical theater dance classes at GCPA. Adalyn loves to sing and perform She enjoys spending time with her GCPA family and friends Adalyn would like to thank her friends and family for their support and GCPA for the opportunity
Mia Battaglia (Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of The Prom! Some of her favorite roles at GCPA include School of Rock (Summer), Amélie (Young Amélie), and Willy Wonka Jr (Veruca) Other favorites include The Sound of Music (Brigitta) at Kirkwood Theatre Guild, Seussical Jr (The Cat in the Hat) at Stray Pups Theatre, Matilda Jr (Matilda) at Stages Performing Arts Academy, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Children’s Chorus) at The Muny Thanks to all at GCPA who keep “changing lives” every day!
Ollie Berube (Sheldon) is thrilled to be a part of The Prom! at GCPA! Ollie is a 10th grader and enjoys choir at their school outside of theatre Ollie has enjoyed theatre and the arts for as long as they can remember, and bringing it to life on stage themself truly couldn’t make them happier. Thank you to this wonderful cast, crew, and creative team as well as their friends and family for such an amazing experience!
Jamie Boudreau (Ensemble) (she/her) - a 9th grader, is so excited to dance her heart out alongside such an amazing cast! Previous credits include Lizzie/Featured Dancer in Mean Girls Jr (Kirkwood Youth Theatre), Dory in Finding Nemo Jr (GCPA), Witch in Into The Woods Jr. (KYT), Marcy and Summer U/S in School of Rock (GCPA) and multiple other productions with her middle school and Kirkwood Youth Theatre As well as being on the stage, she has worked as a production intern for Finding Nemo KIDS and stage crew for 101 Dalmatians KIDS with GCPA Outside her busy theatre life, she is a member of Kirkwood High School’s Concert Choir and loves to hang out with her friends. She is forever grateful for her family, her friends, and GCPA for this opportunity Always remember, “Life’s no dress rehearsal, so why not make some waves before it’s through?” Enjoy the show!
Finley Carfield (Ensemble) (she/her), an 8th grader, is thrilled to have an opportunity to be a part of The Prom. Some of Finley’s favorite past roles include Alice Beineke in The Addams Family young@part (Kirkwood Youth Theatre) and young Josie Pye in Anne of Green Gables (GCPA) “I would like to thank my family and friends for always cheering me on!”
Corinne Colvin (Ensemble, u/s Dee Dee) (she/her) is in 11th grade and so excited to be making her GCPA debut in The Prom! She’s been in many shows in school, including Mean Girls, Peter and the Starcatcher, and The Importance of Being Earnest She adores all things artsy, including singing and dancing, and hopes to be singing for a career one day She wants to thank her friends, family and boyfriend for always supporting her crazy adventures, and she hopes you enjoy the show :>
Marchesa Dolton (Kaylee, u/s Emma) a sophomore, is thrilled to be part of this amazing production! Credits include: Ariel in Footloose Youth Edition (GCPA), Sob Sister in Ragtime (GCPA), and various other roles with GCPA, Arch City Theatre Troupe, Shooting Star Productions and Shrewsbury Youth Theatre. Marchesa was a three-year member of GCPA’s Show Starters performance group, and she is currently a second-year member of GCPA’s CrAFT program She studies voice with Katie Kopff and dance and acting at GCPA Many
Who's Who
thanks to the directors, creative team, cast, crew, family and friends!
Jack Estopare (Nick) is so excited to be in GCPA’s The Prom! He is a sophomore at Chaminade where he participates in theatre as well. Some of Jack’s favorite past roles have been Flick in A Christmas Story (GCPA), Theo in Pippin (CCP), and Joseph… Dreamcoat and The Little Mermaid (MUNY). Jack is also a dance captain for Arch City Kids Theatre Troupe’s 2025 Musical Revue. He takes voice with Jeffrey Carter and dances at COCA Jack would like to thank everyone who has made this experience so great and hopes you enjoy the show! @jackestopare
Nobily Forder (Ensemble), a junior, is excited to join GCPA on the stage! Nobily is usually seen behind the scenes in shows including GCPA’s Ragtime and Alice by Heart Nobily is ready for this new side of theatre and hopes to make many friends along the way
Chloe Jennings (Emma) (she/her) is incredibly thankful to help tell this beautiful story! Select credits include: Ensemble in Beauty and the Beast (Nerinx Hall), Plankton in SpongeBob: Youth Edition (GCPA), Henry Ford and Others in Ragtime (GCPA), Crutchie in Newsies Jr. (WOL), and Detective/Ensemble in 9 to 5 (GCPA). When not on stage, Chloe enjoys the technical side of musical theater She recently supported GCPA as an Assistant Stage Manager for their production of Oliver! Chloe is a member of GCPA’s CrAFT College (Creating Artists through Focused Training), and she studies voice with Lori Barrett-Pagano and acting with Paul Pagano Chloe would like to thank her family and friends as well as the cast, crew, and creative team of The Prom Instagram: @chloe jenningsss
Brady Joy (Kevin) is an 11th grader Some of his past roles include Lon Smith in Meet Me in Saint Louis (Ignite Theatre Company), Giles Ralston in Mousetrap (School), and Chuck Cranston in Footloose (Ignite Theatre Company) He is excited to be a part of his first GCPA production. Thank you to the cast and team for making this an amazing experience!
Natalie Kuelker (Ensemble) (she/her), a sophomore, is thrilled to be returning to the GCPA stage in The Prom! This is her 13th show with GCPA, and she is so grateful to the community for being an integral part of her life for this long. Recent credits include Anna in Frozen Jr at her school,
Teacher/Snake in School of Rock (GCPA), and Radio Voice and U/S Jan in Grease (Ignite) Additionally, she participates in cross country, scholar bowl, studies dance at GCPA, and voice with Sarah Wirthlin Lots of love to the cast and crew!
Andrew Lambson (he/him) is excited to be performing with GCPA again in The Prom! Andrew’s credits include: Fagin in Oliver! (GCPA), Mr Krabs in The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition (GCPA), JP Morgan in Ragtime (GCPA), Gleb U/S in Anastasia (Stages), Aaron in Mean Girls (COCA), and more! Andrew also studies voice with Dr Phil Woodmore So much love to Mom, Dad, Aria, Agos, Aubree and my besties Juno, Lily, and Bella. Find Buzzy!
Chris Lowery (Trent) (He/Him) is thrilled to be in The Prom! Favorite recent credits include Marius in Les Misérables (CHS), Nigel/Dormouse in Alice by Heart (GCPA), Willie Conklin/Stanford White in Ragtime (GCPA), Kyle in Legally Blonde (Nerinx Hall), Josh in 9 to 5 (GCPA), Evan in 13 (GCPA) and appearing as part of the children’s chorus in Joseph Dreamcoat (Muny) Over the holidays, he worked his seventh season performing on The Polar Express at Union Station. Chris takes voice lessons from the amazing Katie Kopff and is a member of GCPA’s CrAFT program. He dances at GCPA and COCA, and studies tap with Lara Teeter Thank you to everyone at GCPA for their continued kindness and support
Ariez Mangrich (Ensemble) (she/her) is so excited to be part of this show She has done multiple other shows at GCPA, including Oliver! (Assistant Stage Manager), Ragtime (Assistant Stage Manager), and Newsies Jr. She was recently in Urinetown (Poor Ensemble) at Ignite Theater Company. She has also performed at Shrewsbury Community Theater She takes lessons with Gina Malone and takes classes at GCPA She hopes everyone breaks many legs!
Ricco Martin Jr. (Barry) is exhilarated to be returning to GCPA for The Prom He is a musical theatre Triple Threat, with credits including Ragtime, Beauty and the Beast, Mean Girls, Into the Woods, and more! Professional credits include STAGES St Louis’ premieres of In the Heights and AIDA, receiving STL Theatre Circle Awards and Broadway World recognition. Ricco is currently the voice of Tyler in Nine PBS and
Who's Who
Lion Forge Animation’s Mid-America Emmy-nominated series Drawn In, streaming at drawninorg and Nine PBS Thanks to God, family, friends, and all for their continuous support IG: riccotherealessttt
Juno Mayer (Ensemble, u/s Barry) (he/they) is so excited for you to see what GCPA has been cooking up this time. You may have seen him last year in Oliver! as Bill Sikes, but he promises that this time around he's much nicer His favorite credits include Angus Tuck in Tuck Everlasting, Wayne in Puffs, and directing their own production of Macbeth, set in an alternate 1950s Georgia, USA He wants to thank his parents, Alison, and his friends who have supported him so much And, for BRC: Deliver us!
Delaney McCoy (Alyssa), an 11th grader, is honored to be a part of this amazing show! She was most recently seen in Alice by Heart last summer at GCPA. Favorite credits include: Katherine in Newsies Jr (GCPA), Ensemble and Lucy u/s in 13 (GCPA), Tessie in Annie (GCPA), Orphan in Annie (Muny), Hortensia and Matilda u/s in Matilda (GCPA), Ensemble in 42nd Street (GCPA), and Young Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde (GCPA) She studies voice and dance at GCPA, is a member of her high school show choir, and on her high school cheer team She would like to thank her friends and family for their support and GCPA for this awesome experience! Enjoy the show!
Penny McPherson (Ensemble) (she/her), an 8th grader, has been performing in musicals since the first grade, but she's excited to be in her first GCPA production! Her most recent credits include performing in the MUNY's The Little Mermaid this summer, as well as the MUNY's Kids Troupe and Holiday Troupe She studies voice at Lisa Christine Studios and dance at COCA and GCPA, and she plays field hockey at school.
Mackenzie Michel (Ensemble) (she/her) is so excited to be a part of The Prom! When not on stage she loves to create and design from backstage as well. She has enjoyed every part of theater and hopes to continue creating and performing in the future! Love to her family and friends!
Finley Mohr (Ensemble) (she/her) has loved being a part of The Prom! Some of her favorite previous credits include Ragtime,
9 to 5, 13, and Footloose Youth Edition at Gateway Center for Performing Arts, Newsies Jr and The Addams Family young@part at Parkway Southwest Middle School, and Ruthless! at Stray Dog Theatre She would like to thank the cast, crew, and creative team for making this show such a wonderful experience.
Omolara Ogunmola (Ensemble), after playing Sarah in Ragtime, knew she wanted to remain a part of GCPA, and she's happy to be back! Along with taking voice lessons through the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis's Artists-in-Training Program, Omolara spends her time playing cello, guitar, and mandolin She also loves to draw, sew, and bake. Follow her at almond lara on Instagram!
Omolola Ogunmola (Ensemble) is excited to work with GCPA again after playing the Rose Seller in Oliver! in the fall Her prior credits include Pearl's Parent in Finding Nemo When not pursuing theater, Omolola plays a mean ukulele and trombone, as well as playing basketball
Kalia Pagano (Angie) is a Senior This is her 22nd show with GCPA She has been here since the very first production and it’s hard to believe this will be her last MainStage show. Favorite roles with GCPA include Alice by Heart (Alice), Ragtime (Evelyn), School of Rock (Patty), 13 (Patrice) 9 to 5 (Ensemble, u/s Violet), Something Rotten (Chef / Ensemble), A Little Princess (Lottie), Titanic, and 42nd Street Outside of GCPA some of her favorite roles have been Small Allison in Take Two Production's Fun Home, and Young Julia in SLU Theatre's production of James Joyce's The Dead At The Muny she has performed in Beauty & the Beast, Chess, and Joseph Dreamcoat This summer she is thrilled to be playing Cinderella in Into the Woods with GCPA Thanks to her great teachers at GCPA, especially Stephanie Fox, and those outside of GCPA, Lisa Campbell and Lara Teeter Much love to my best supporters and teachers throughout my life - my Mom, my Dad, & Xavier!
Martha Poppen (Ensemble, u/s Angela) (she/her) is thrilled to be in The Prom at GCPA! Martha has been performing her whole life and her credits include: Helga/Gorilla in Cabaret (WGHS), Ensemble in Ragtime! (GCPA), Squidward in The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition (GCPA), Crutchie in Newsies Jr (GCPA), and
Who's Who
so many more! Martha currently studies voice with Katie Kopff and takes acting and dance classes at GCPA Martha also takes part in her high school’s Chamber Choir and is a Girl Scout
Montgomery Price (Ensemble) is so excited to be in her second GCPA show She has previously been in Ragtime with them and after such a fulfilling experience, she cannot wait to be back.
Hayden Schoemehl (she/her) is thrilled to be performing in GCPAs Prom! Recently she has performed in productions such as ACTT, Ragtime, School of Rock, and 9 to 5 Most recently, she played as Meg in Little Women at Lindbergh Hayden would like to thank her parents for always supporting her to follow her dreams, and would like to thank the amazing cast and crew at GCPA for making this possible Enjoy the show!
Mary Kay Schmitt (Ensemble) is a 9th grader and is excited to be making her debut with GCPA in this production Mary Kay's credits include Peter Pan in Peter Pan Jr (Villa), Matilda in Matilda Jr (Shrewsbury Youth Theater), Dragon in Shrek Jr (Chaminade), and other roles with Shooting Star Productions and Chaminade Drama She is currently a member of GCPA's CrAFT program. She studies voice with Katie Kopff and dance and acting at GCPA. Thanks to all for the continued love and support, and to everyone at GCPA for their hard work!
Audrey Schulz (Shelby) is so excited to be part of this show! Past favorite GCPA roles have included Spongebob in The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition, Mrs. Sheinkopf in School of Rock, u/s Malcolm in 13, Duffy in Annie, and Young Jane Andrews and u/s Anne in Anne of Green Gables. Non-GCPA credits include: Mrs White in Classic Mystery Game: A Clue Parody!, Myrrha in Metamorphoses and two summer shows in the Muny youth ensemble. Audrey is a part of the GCPA CrAFT program, acts and dances at GCPA, and studies voice with Lisa Campbell Albert Thank you to the amazing cast, crew, and creative team of The Prom!
Spencer Slavik (Mr Hawkins) is thrilled to be sharing the stage with the amazing Prom community He is a graduated member of Show Starters and a current member of the CrAFT program at GCPA. Favorite roles include Grandfather in
Ragtime (GCPA), Jack in Newsies Jr (GCPA), Little Shop of Horrors (MUNY), Peter Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (The Rep), Young Clyde in Bonnie and Clyde (GCPA), Ted in Peter and the Starcatcher (Goshen Theatre Project), Tommy in Matilda (GCPA), Randy in A Christmas Story (The Rep), and Scooter in The Mink Slide Spencer aspires to be an engineer / inventor AND play one on TV He enjoys being on Cross Country, Basketball, and the Golf team for his high school, and being part of Civitas-STL (Model UN). He is the Senior Patrol Leader for his scout troop and is a member of the Humane Society Shelter Buddy Reading Program, which gives comfort to shelter dogs by reading to them, reducing their anxiety, and helping them get adopted.
Will Tao (Ensemble, u/s Trent) (he/him) is excited to be a part of The Prom! Some of Will’s favorite previous shows include Ragtime (GCPA), Into the Woods (John Burroughs School), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (St. Joseph’s) While not on stage, Will studies voice with Dr. Jeffrey Carter and dance and acting at GCPA
Simone Taylor (Ensemble) (she/her) is a 9th grader and is so excited to be a part of The Prom This is Simone’s second GCPA show When not doing theater she loves hanging out with friends and traveling the world She loves being on the stage performing with her friends and can’t wait to do it again soon Many thanks to her Mom and Dad
Julia Worley (Mrs Greene) is excited to be part of this production of The Prom! A few of Julia’s favorite credits include Les Misérables, In the Heights, Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Poppins (MUNY), Ragtime and 9 to 5 (GCPA), Elf the Musical (Emily Hobbs), Peter Pan (Wendy), Shrek the Musical (Baby Bear) and she has been a proud member of the Muny Teens & Kids troupes. Julia studies voice with Lisa Fahey, dance at DEDC and has enjoyed three invitations to study at the Broadway Artist Alliance in NYC She would like to thank the directors, staff and cast at GCPA for this opportunity and her family and friends for always cheering her on and supporting her as a performer!
Who's Who
Lily Wymore (Ensemble) (she/her) is so excited to be a part of The Prom! This is her 5th performance with GCPA, as well as participating in acting, dancing, voice, and viewpoints lessons. She would like to give a shoutout to the creative team of this production for their contribution!
CREATIVE TEAM
Paul Pagano (Director and Executive Director) (he/him), a native of St. Louis, received his BA in Drama from Washington University and Masters in Theatre Education from Fontbonne University. As a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 2001, Paul has had the opportunity to work with the Guthrie Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Children’s Theatre Company, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Hey City Theatre, the MUNY, STAGES St. Louis, HotCity Theatre, and many others As a director and fight choreographer, in addition to 30+ productions at GCPA, credits include the MUNY, Washington University, Fontbonne University, Missouri All-State Theatre, and Kirkwood Theatre Guild As an instructor, Paul has taught at GCPA, COCA, St Louis University High School, and STAGES Performing Arts Academy Love to wife, Lori, and kids, Xavier and Kalia!
Lori Barrett-Pagano (Music Director & Managing Director) (she/her) is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of GCPA She earned her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Washington University in St Louis She has been teaching voice for over 25 years –currently as an adjunct voice faculty at St. Louis University, as well as voice and classes at GCPA She is a proud member of AEA Professionally, Lori has performed with The MUNY, STAGES St Louis, Union Avenue Opera, Echo Theatre, Spotlight Theatre, MainStage Musicals and SIUE Summer Showbiz Regional credits include The Minnesota Opera, North Star Opera, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, Theatre in the Round, and The Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company Lori is so proud of the hard work and dedication of this cast. Thanks to the wonderful band members playing in the pit - you are amazing! Love to husband Paul, andchildrenXavierandKalia!
Stephanie Fox (Choreographer and Artistic Director) (she/her) is originally from Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Music: Music Theatre and continued her studies independently in New York As a proud member of Actors’ Equity (Stephanie Long) she has performed regionally, on National tour and in New York. In St. Louis, Stephanie has taught at COCA, STAGES, and choreographed for 8 years at Chaminade College Prep along with numerous professional choreography credits. Stephanie dedicates this one to her mom, Jacque “She enrolled me in every dance, theatre, and voice class she could find, and never missed a single show no matter how far across the county I was performing Her support is what led me to help create GCPA She was the definition of a bada** woman though she’d never have said that word out loud in public But she lived it in her work and personal life She taught me how to be one, too This show is filled with strong women, and I dedicate it to her”
Lily Griner (Stage Manager)is ecstatic to be the Stage Manager for The Prom! She has performed with GCPA in shows such as Alice By Heart, Ragtime, 9 to 5, and many more. She has also helped on the Youth Creative Team for productions of School of Rock and bare: A Pop Opera Currently, she attends Washington University in St Louis, and has appeared in Cast n’ Crew’s productions of Urinetown, Escape, and The Game’s Afoot this year Lily would love to thank her friends and family for support, and GCPA for this opportunity!
Michael Musgrave-Perkins (Projection Designer) is making his GCPA debut! Recent design clients: Upstream Theatre, COCAdance, Prison Performing Arts, Albion Theatre, The Midnight Company, New Jewish Theatre, and many others. Michael teaches acting & technical theatre at Grand Center Arts Academy and manages the academy’s historic Sun Theater; he has a BFA in Directing from Lindenwood University and an MA in Theatre Education from University of Houston Many thanks to Paul, Stephanie, and the entire Prom company! Love to Southampton & Kit, Mauler & Backstabber Upcoming: POTUS (Tesseract Theatre), Camelot (Riverside Theatre Project)
Who's Who
Erica Jo Lloyd (Costume Design) spends her days in the costume shop at Stages St Louis as the costume shop manager and in the evenings, enjoys working with organizations like GCPA She’s thrilled to come back for a second time. Originally from Iowa, she detoured to the new play scene in Nashville before arriving in St Louis She holds a BFA in Theatre Directing and Arts Administration from Viterbo University but her true love is playwrighting. Erica is devoted to bringing more roles for women to the stage
Shannon Johnston (Props Designer) is a 25 year old multidisciplinary artist from St. Louis, Missouri with a strong background in filmmaking and visual arts. She attended Webster University and has a bachelor’s degree in Film Production with two minors in Cultural Anthropology and German Her focus began with directing films, and she has released four short films under her direction All of the films primarily focus on the shadows of human society After the Covid-19 pandemic, Johnston shifted her attention from directing to production design and has designed over fifteen different films ranging greatly in theme, color, and time periods She has recreated Ancient Rome, Renaissance period, 1980s, modern day, 1800s French-American Midwest, and times imbedded in surrealism All of the design work Johnston has completed is self-taught, and she strives to capture a moment in time through art.
YOUTH
CREATIVE TEAM
Abigail Bick (Assistant Stage Manager) (she/they) is very excited to be a part of The Prom! She's been dancing since she was 3 and has not stopped performing. She is a proud member of Show Starters for the 24/25 season and enjoyed her GCPA Mainstage debut in Oliver! this fall She’s a student at Dynamic Edge Dance Center and active in Bellarmine Speech League, earning a trophy at the district meet last year She wants to thank her crazy family and friends for all of the love and support they have given her <3
Sophia Creach (Assist. Director) (she/her) is a senior at Clayton High School She is beyond excited to be back with GCPA for this incredible show. Previously with GCPA,
she has Assistant Stage Managed Something Rotten, A Christmas Story, and Newsies Jr. At her high school she has acted in the plays The Squirrels, This Palpable Gross Play, and 12 Angry Jurors Sophia is so excited to get to work with all her friends again and get to share this beautiful show with all of you Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on this show, and a special thank you to all the people who have supported Sophia through everything :) Enjoy the show!
Abbie Erwin (Assist Stage Manager) is thrilled to be on YCT for The Prom! She has previously been in 14 other musicals, including The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition (GCPA), Willy Wonka Jr (GCPA) as Mr. Bucket, Newsies Jr. (GCPA) as Oscar Delancey, and Singin’ in the Rain Jr (Kirkwood Youth Theatre) as Dora Bailey Abby is in choir and show choir at her school, and her writing has been published 3 times! Thanks to friends, family, and instructors for their support!
Echo Pentz (Costume Assistant) they/them) is a 9th grader and is excited to be a part of The Prom creative team and crew! This is Echo’s 9th experience as stage crew and second time as costume assistant Echo has a special connection to this show, with it once being an old favorite and the song “Tonight Belongs To You” being the audition song that got them cast in the first show they auditioned for This past summer they also got to help with costuming for Alice by Heart Their favorite shows for stage crew include 9 to 5, Alice by Heart, and Something Rotten Echo has been with GCPA since 2017. Echo wishes for everyone to have fun, to break a leg, and to remember; "Nothing ever happens if you just give in"
- Kathryn Plumber, Newsies
Evie Pogorelac (Costume Assistant) is in her first experience as a member of the Creative Team! After starting acting with a children's production of The Jungle Book while living in California, she continued to do theater, her latest production being her high school's production of Beauty and The Beast. She has loved art since she was a child but had a special appreciation for textile and wearable arts, including jewelry making, sewing, and chainmail-making Thank you to The Prom crew!
Who's Who
Brooke Susic (Assistant Choreographer) is a 9th grader and is so excited to join the company of The Prom This is Brooke's first time on the creative team for a GCPA production! GCPA credits include A Christmas Story, 9 to 5, Ragtime, Dear Edwina, and Legally Blonde Jr Brooke was also a member of Show Starters 2021-2023, and CrAFT from 2023-2024 Brooke also starred as Jojo in LuSo OnStage's production of Seussical The Musical, and she performed in the ensemble for CMP's productions of The Wizard Of Oz and Oklahoma. Brooke is so excited to be part of the Creative Team and wants to thank her family for always supporting her!
Elaine Thimyan (Marketing Assistant) (she/they) is excited to be back as Marketing Assistant at GCPA. She enjoyed marketing with GCPA for their production of A Christmas Story, and she loves to continue to work with them The cast, crew and creative teams of The Prom did such a good work, so make sure to enjoy the show and follow us on social media!
BAND
Mo Carr (Trumpet) (they/them) is absolutely ecstatic to be back working with GCPA! Select past credits with this company include Something Rotten, Annie, The Music Man, and Titanic. Other local credits in Into the Woods(Stray Dog), Beauty and the Beast(Nerinx Hall), and Sister Act(KTK) When not playing in musical pits you can find them performing in several large ensembles, including BandTogether and the Belleville Philharmonic They hope you enjoy the show as much as they have had being a part of it Cheers!
Tim Clark (Keys 1) has done over 100 productions in the past 15 years (This is his 102nd!) He has performed with the Alpha Players, Young Peoples Theatre, Kirkwood Theatre Guild, Overdue Theatre, GCPA, Ignite, and many others. He served as Music Director for SPOTLIGHT from 2017-2022 and Music Director for the musicals at Nerinx HS from 2023-2025 He served as Director of Music / Organist at Church of The Master, UCC from 2011-2023, as well as Organist at Holy Infant RC Church since 2017 He currently is the Minister of Music at First Congregational Church of St Louis
Mat Coble (Guitar) is thrilled to be a part of GCPA's production of The Prom This is his 11th time playing with GCPA. He recently played Violet at his alma mater, Northwestern University, where he studied Music and Statistics before graduating in 2022 He has also played for STAGES' production of A Chorus Line. Mat has been playing guitar for 17 years, and now plays almost anything with strings and frets.
John Gerdes (Bass) (he/him) is proud to be working with GCPA again One of the highlights of his career was playing bass for and directing the onstage band for School of Rock He is a composer/arranger, performing musician, music educator, husband and father His original TYA musical Lu-Lu-Lucy received a staged reading last July at The Greenfinch Learn more about John at mrvacationmusiccom
Lea Gerdes (Reeds) (she/her) is a St Louis based pit orchestra musician/woodwind doubler who spends her days as a Project Manager and her evenings and weekends supporting the extraordinary stage performers in our region Last year she had the opportunity to accompany many outstanding productions including Anastasia (Tesseract), Newsies and Ragtime (Stages St Louis), LuLu Lucy (an original musical composed by the love of her life, John Gerdes), Ragtime (GCPA), Sweet Potato Queens (New Line) as well as productions of several of our exceptional educational theatre companies and programs in the St. Louis area. Lea is grateful to Lori, Paul and the GCPA team for welcoming her for The Prom, her 7th show with GCPA! Love and kisses to her favorite person and amazing kids
Peter Gunn (Percussion) is a St Louis based drummer and percussionist. He was recently seen performing for Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Wish as a musician He will be returning to the Disney Wish for another contract this summer This is Peter’s 17th production with GCPA Selected credits: Ragtime, Newsies, Million Dollar Quartet (“Fluke” u/s), Aida (STAGES St Louis); In The Heights (STAGES, R-S Theatrics, GCPA); Ragtime, School of Rock, Bare: A Pop Opera, 9 to 5, A Christmas Story, Something Rotten! Cabaret, Amélie, Spring Awakening (GCPA)
Who's Who
Peter would like to thank his friends and family for their continuing support. petergunnmusiccom
Bill Howells (Trombone) Bill enjoys performing with community arts groups, including a Chicago production of West Side Story, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Cheaper by the Dozen with Arise Arts Academy in Pomona, California, and lead trombone for the Ashley Williams Big Band in Pasadena In 1989, he traveled across Poland and East Germany in a cultural exchange music tour, the summer before the Berlin Wall fell Recently he toured the Midwest with the 2022 and 2024 productions of “Christmas Is” by Concert Ministries International. He is a member of Webster Groves Christian Church where he played Light a Candle: A Christmas Oratorio, composed by John Gerdes He currently resides in Webster Groves with his wife and son.
Matthew Kauzlarich (Keys 2) is a pianist/music director/actor for the STL theatre community for the past eight years.
He was last seen music directing The Lightning Thief at East Central College, playing in the orchestra pit for Between The Lines at Nerinx Hall, and acting in Shrek the Musical as Pinocchio in at StageCrafters in Destin, Florida! Matt is a BFA Musical Theatre graduate from SEMO and excited to provide music at GCPA for the first time!
J.D. Tolman (Reeds) fled his home state of Utah in 1998 and made a new home in St Louis His college sampler pack included Utah State University, SIU Edwardsville, and UMSL studying music theory and composition In addition to performing with theaters around town for the last 20 years, he has also performed professionally with Perseverance Theater and Orpheus Project Opera Company in Juneau Alaska JD also works as a woodwind repair technician He would like to thank his husband Eric for the generous gift of patience putting up with the expense of a woodwind doubler who also dabbles in brass and virtual instruments. J.D. has been playing with GCPA since 2015.
StephanieAbbajay
StacyAbeles
RhondaAdams
DavidAnderson
MariaAnderson
MariaArtamanova
DanaBacich
Shelley&JoshuaBaclesse
DorothyBanocy
MargoBalinski
KimberlyBaltimore
SherenBarakat
PattiBarnett
JenniferBarnhart
CarolynBaron
KoriBaron
GinaBarrera
NatashaBass
DavidBates
MartiBates
Jason&JulieBattaglia
Jay&DianaBaumohl
LindaBecker
RickBeemer
JoshBell
Jennifer&Jim Bellm
AshleyBendoff
JenBengtson
LisaBerman
ChereeBerry
JeffBettlach
JennyBird
KarenBland
LaurieBlanner
KrisBlanchard
Nate&AshleighBlevins
KimberlyBreyer
MelissaBohlmann
MaryJaneBookstaver
MeredithBookstaver
AmyBorah
DanijelaBoric
Catherine&JohnBoudreau
AmyBozarth
GlenBrady
JylBrady
GenelleBrakefield
KathieBrazel
RodneyBrazil
AngelaBrennan
RyanBricker
JeffreyBrinker
TanyaBrinker
NikBrym
MorganBucciferro
Cindy&DavidBunte
MegBush
HayleyButler
MickeyButton
JudyCadice
DonnaCaltagirone
Acknowledgments
Thank you to all of our donors:
DonCarter
HeidiCarter
JohnCattie
CourtneyCelani
AnthonyCerta
FarrellClancy
AnnClayton
RuthClayton
TimothyCleary
DanielleCoffyn
MaryCoffyn
JulieCohen
DaleCollier
VirginiaCollins
AmeeColvin
RebeccaCombs
DaveCooperstein
KageCoven
AudreyCrabtree
KathyCrandall
ErickCreach
LaurenCropper
DeniseCrosson
JudithCrowder
Michelle&RobertCuddihee
KevinDaniel
KeithDavies
LynnDavis
KarenDeFoy
Giancarlo&TinaDell’Orco
Marc&AmyDelPietro
EdwardDeVault
StaceyDick
HarryDiwakaran
ElisaDoherty
JayneDolton
MeganDolton
RichardDolton
RyanDolton
BrennanDonahue
WilliamDowd
StaceyDrake
SandyDubuque
JenniferDunn
AprilDzubic
PatriciaEastman
Ted&ElaineEckert
Sanay &BrianEdison
MiaEdison
Holly&DanielEgley
TracyEichholz
RobyneElder
KarenElias
MartilleElias
TracyElzemeyer
BryanErwin
ErinEstopare
MaryFedak
NikkiFedoravicius
RobynFeezel
NatalieFeldhaus
Jonathan&JenniferCampbell
MaryCange
FarrellCarfield
KathieCarnie
AaronFerguson
Julie&ChadFerguson
ShaheenFerguson
SteveFiamingo
AaronFinnegan
MargaretFischer
CathleenFogarty
BarbaraFoner
ArianaFort
LaurieFournie
Marty&StephanieFox
Laura&DonaldFrank
DonaldFrank
AnuFrench
CarrieFrench
Anne&ChuckFreshour
ElizabethFreshour
GordonFriedrich
KatherineFriedrich
JasonFroderman
KaylaFuller
JackGansner
ShannonGansner
Dave&JulieGant
DevinGant
KimGarland
MichelleR Gardner
JenniferGardner
ChristineGeiger
MirandaGelven
Lea&JohnGerdes
DrueGerken
Katie&KurtGerwitz
RonGibbs
Edward&JulieGlotzbach
CalebGoldkamp
SethGoldkamp
Mike&ElaineGoldman
Judy&AlGoldman
Mary&JerryGrace
GeorgrianaGrant
MistyJoGreen
ShelleyGregg
CatherineGriffin
CatherineGriner
Denice&MattGriner
OliviaGriner
RobGrumich
SusanGudermuth
ErinGulley
Timothy&MonicaGunn
JessicaGunther
OslerGuzon
AidaHadzisabic
JenniferHaislar
TrishiaHaislar
LawrenceHaliburton
LaurieHamilton
KeithHamilton
LivHand
MichelleHand
BekahHarbison
RachelHarpin
SusanHarris
WilliamHart
DerekHartley
JohnHarvey
BrianHarwood
AndreaHellin
Steven&SarahHellin
RechelleHembree
&CarrieBechtold
ElizabethHenderson
JasonHenderson
LauraHewgley
JonathanHey
ShawnHicks
Mike&TammyHiggins
CorinneHilbert
JohnHildebrant
WilliamHildebrant
Nathan&KellyHill
JenHobin
TannerHobin
AubreyHollis
KristiHolsinger
ElizabethHolzer
LauraHughes
KristinHumes
Greg&VictoriaIken
JamieInfante
Autum&EricJennings
ArmetriceJohnson
NitaJones
Mary&VicJost
JenniferKapetanovich
DanKelley
JohnKepler
AliaKhoukaz
PamelaKibler
JohnKepler
LaurieKick-Tournier
KevinKickham
CaseyKleekamp
KimberlyKlick
TinaKlobe
LaurenKnickman
AnneKoenig
LIsaKohlenberger
Catherine&AdamKopff
Diane&BobKopitsky
AlKoller
JamieKondis
PiaandMatthewKoster
CherylKowalczyk
BeverlyKramer
JaneKrasnoff
RoxanneKroeger
Yelena&GeorgeKroeger
JanetKuelker
ColleenKuhn
Kathleen&AlexKummant
JoAnneLacey
JosephLambson
MaureenLampert
MarianLang
ConnorLangford
AngieLanghauser
CaraLanghauser
AugustLarson
KendraLarson
Linda&DavidLatham
ShanieLatham
ShannonLay
BryanLawrence
MarcusLeab
William&ShannonLemp
Jessica&ShawnLeonard
LisiLevy
John&LauraLimbaugh
James&AllysonLinck
AuroraLindsey
LisaLindsey
SaraLintner
Laurie&SeanLock
SharonLombardo
CourtneyLoosemore
KathyLottes
Emily&DennisLowery
AlainaMacia
Jennifer&JohnMacPhee
AndreaMaddock
LanetteMadison
TrinityMadison
JaclynMarino
SteveMarshall
MichaelMaroney
RobinMartell
Nathan&AmyMattia
AndreaMattingly
EricMaupin
SarahMcCann
Jerry&DawnMcCoy
John&SusanneMcDonald
KelliMcDonald
RitaMcElhany
ColleenMcIntee
AnnMcReynolds
KatieMedeiros
MeganMeier
SusanMeland
GeorgeMellman
&BethNathan
SarahMermelstein
MaryMeyers
TinaMeyer
KathyMiller
Regina&BrianMiller
KevinMitchell
KarenMoehlman
LindsayMohr
MattMohr
Amy&CharlesMoll
TimMooney
BetseyMooney
AimeeMoore
MichelleMoore
Barbara&ThomasMoran
ChristopherMorris
KateMorrison
GabrielleMueller
AmyMusgraves
GeraldMyers
AlexNewcomb
ScottNeufeld-Wall
TimNiedbalski
AlexNewcomb
SandyNewcomb
StaceyNolan
BenNordstrom
JenniferOno
JenniferPadrucco
Jim&KathyPagano
Joseph&EmilyPagano
Paul&LoriPagano
CharlesParish
JerreParsons
Tim&CathyPasierb
CarlaPatterson
DouglasPaul
KathyCollierPaul
StephenPeirick
MaryPentz
Tammy&DavidPentz
MikePeretz
SusanPerlut
DerekPerry
DanPeskorse
PhylanPeters-Bahkou
AngelaPetsch
ChrisPhillips
NancyPhillips-Kuelker
JoPhinney
JodiPierce
KristiannaPirrie
Matt&MaggiePoling
JillPolitte
KatPoppen
TonyaPorshinsky
MarquisPowell
MikeysaPowell
CathyPratt
Ray&LisaPreston
SusanPrichard
MJProbst
HallieRainwater
DannyRavensberg
CarolynRecke
MaxineRetzer
MaryRhodes
Brooke&KurtRichars
MeganRichwine
RigganFamily
AmandaRiley
VanessaRoman
EmilyRosenfeld
ElizabethRosebrough
EmilyRosenfeld
LauraRoth
StacyRubenstein
Susan&DavidRubin
ErinRunnels
KathleenSacks
SakiyamaFamilyFoundation
CarmelitaSalamon
CourtneySampson
AmandaSasser
Maureen&JosephSatorius
BethSchartner
RuthShiflet
DanielleSchmidt
ChristineSchmiz
PennySchneithorst
StephanieSchnuck
LisaSchoemehl
HollySchuler
ElizabethSchult
AnnSchulte
JamesSchulte
Emily&NeilSchulz
Joseph&RebeccaSchulz
EricaSchulze
TaraSchultz
HollySchuler
MaryAnn&KenSchwartz
MaryJane&JackSciales
Katie&TitusSears
Eric&RosieSeppelt
RuthShiflet
JulieSiddens
HeatherSilguero
AmieSimmons
KatieSimpson
TracieSimpson
MargieSinclair-Parish
AndreaSlavik
JasonSlavik
MarySly
KimSmith
SeanSmith
SteveSmoot
MarthaSneider
RebeccaSoeder
MaryGraceSommers
JudiStephans
HannahSterkel
RandallSterkel
LynnStockwell
Jill&GregStokke
JohnStrahlman
MaureenStrasheim
AmyStringerHessel
CarolStulce
JillStrohmeyer
Laura&MikeSusic
Richard&ElliotTao
JulieTaylor
NytashaTaylor
Barbara&MarkThibodeau
Tamara&DemetriusThomas
PorschaThompson
JudithThunderheart
Elizabeth&JohnTiffin
ChristyTimberlake
LaurieTournier
Teresa&ScottTurner
MollyTurpin
AnnVanEss
LizVanEss-Shipp
KatieVance
MaryVanDeWiele
LakeashaVeasley
Mauricio&LaurieVelasquez
SarahVeninga
RanieVerby
DianeVillhard
Julie&PeterVillhard
Paul&KarenVillhard
SarahVlodek
JennyVordtriede
JanWacker
JenniferWade
KathrynWagner
SarahWahl
DennisWall
HillaryWall
JodiWard
LisaWarticovschi
LindaWelborn
PatriciaWestby
AndreaWiegert
Keith&JulieWilliams
MarquittaWilliams-Powell
ErinWillis
ChristinaWilson
SarahWirthlin
PamWissore
AndreaWolfe
StaceyWoodrome
JodyWoodward
Marisa&KevinYoder
JodyS Young
ArtisticConcreteRestoration
BioTab
CleanTechCompany
DesignAire
Eaton
HuschBlackwell
KeeleyCompanies
KollerEnterprises,Inc.
MelvinF BrownTrust
Plancorp
ShadeGuard
TakeTwoProductions
Waterway
WeeOnes
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor for your support of youth arts in St. Louis.
