Alice in Wonderland Is a Timeless Classic

Home , Break a leg, Unbirthday, Wonderland (musical)

Musical Theatre of Anthem Anthem, AZ

Welcome to MTA’s Lucky 13th Season! With eight full stage productions, a Holiday Show, Minis Program, and Benefit this season is sure to excite our audience members!

It takes so many people to make a production come to life. I give many heartfelt thanks to the hard-working production staff, amazing volunteers, our donors and sponsors, the Board of Directors, and our very talented performers.

Please continue to check our website at www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org, or sign up for our mailing list for detailed audition and performance information.

It is MTA’s hope that you will return to future productions, as audience members and performers, so that we may continue to offer “high quality theater to performers and patrons alike."

--Jackie Hammond

DIRECTOR'S NOTES

What a wonderful experience it has been to be a part of such fun productions. I am impressed with the cast’s dedication, hard work, and their love of being on stage. It has truly been a pleasure working with them. Alice in Wonderland is a timeless classic. It is a pleasure to present to you these very colorful, creative and fun portrayals of Cheshire Cat, Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the White Rabbit, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and the many other characters of Wonderland.

In Alice in Wonderland Jr, we see a young girl who tries to learn more about who she is and who she would like to become. This tale invites all of us to take a journey with Alice and jump into at least one rabbit hole because: “If you don’t explore, you’ll never discover.” -Alice. Thank you for taking this journey with us and thank you to our amazing cast and crew. A special thank you to Jackie and MTA who always makes me feel at home.

--Jim Gradillas

Production of

Disney's ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR.

Music and Lyrics by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard, Oliver Wallace and Cy Coban, Allie Wrubel and Ray Gilbert, Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston

Music Adapted and Arranged and Additional Music and Lyrics by Bryan Louiselle

Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by David Simpatico

Based on the 1951 Disney film “Alice in Wonderland” and the novels “The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll

Production Staff

Jackie Hammond: Producer Jim Gradillas: Director Melissa Davis: Vocal Director Lyndsie Clymer: Choreographer Sierra Litman: Co-Production Stage Manager Jessica Kishbaugh: Co-Production Stage Manager Julia Davis:Assistant Vocal Director & Stage Manager McKenna Carlson: Light Designer/Tech Sam Baldwin: Sound

I'm Late! White Rabbit, Company Lennon H. ~ Hello! Goodbye! Don't be late! Tempus fugit! So proud of you. XOXO, Very Good Advice Alice, Company Mom, Dad, Leia, Chewie, and Wicket

Ocean of Tears Dodo Bird, Rock Lobsters Alex H. ~ Congrats to Alex Hendrix on your fourth MTA production! Break a leg, The Caucus Race Dodo Bird, Company Punky – love Mom, Dad, Chase and Char Char I'm Late (Reprise) White Rabbit How D'ye Do and Shake Hands Tweedle Dum, Tweedle Dee, Alice Heart Cast How D'ye Do and Shake Hands Tweedle Dum, Tweedle Dee Annalyn A. ~ We are so excited to see you in Alice in Wonderland! We are so proud of (Reprise) you as always! Break a leg! We love you! Love, Dad & Mom The Golden Afternoon Flowers Casen H. ~ We are SO proud of you! Love watching you shine and doing what you do Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Caterpillar, Alice, Company best! XO, Dad, Mom, Sammie, Fitz, Budda & Pascal

The Unbirthday Song (part 1) Mad Hatter, Company Reagan L. ~ Break a leg, Reagan!! We are so proud of you and know you’ll shine as The Unbirthday Song (part 2) March Hare, Company Small Alice! Love, Mom, Dad, and Ellie

I'm Late! (reprise) White Rabitt, Company Madelyn W. ~ We love you, Maddy and are so proud of you! Enjoy the show and let Painting the Roses Red Royal Cardsmen, Alice your voice and smile light up the stage! Big hugs! Love, Grandma and Grandpa Painting the Roses Red (reprise) Queen of Hearts, Cards Simon Says (part 1) Queen of Hearts Simon Says (part 2) Queen of Hearts The Unbirthday Song (reprise) Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, King of Hearts, Company Whooooo Are Youuuuu? Company Alice in Wonderland (finale) Company

Show Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator: Joy Momeyer

Costume Designer: Trixie Wilmott Alice Mary Davis Small Alice Anora Biggs Costume Helpers: Cristina Cotton, Cori Faulk, Krista Hagen Queen of Hearts Jadyn Momeyer Props Coordinator: Sierra Litman White Rabbit Lennon Hammond House Managers: Betsy Hauge, Shannon McCarthy Cheshire Cat 1 Madison Hatfield Box Office: Jenn Hughes, Jody Kring, Alison Sasser, Suzanne Victor, Alison Westerlind Cheshire Cat 2 Vera Villanueva Cheshire Cat 3 Beckett Stewart Bios and Messages: Kate Mills Mad Hatter Ben Fletcher MTA Donations: Gourley Family, Hall Family, Halpin Family, Villanueva Family, Vallery Family March Hare Madeline Hauge-Wells Raffle Ticket Sales: Matt Hatfield, Melissa Hatfield, Audra Little, Alison Sasser, Jen Stewart, Michelle Trautman Caterpillar Jeremy Wood

Lobby and Baked Goods: Cynthia Ray Abraham, Tami Biggs, Cristina Cotton, Melissa Hatfield, Tweedle Dee Hayden Hall Jenn Hughes, Audra Little, Bill Stewart Tweedle Dum Libby Ikesaki

Ushers: Tami Biggs, Christina Deignan, Melissa Hatfield, Rita Hawley, Jody Kring, Audra Little, Dodo Bird Jeremy Wood Lisa Nordstrom, Suzanne Victor, Alison Westerlind Rose Joslyn Momeyer Set Painting: Jessica Fletcher Petunia Alex Hendrix Strike Assistant: Michelle Trautman Lily Sienna Stewart Costume Cleaner: Marcella Mills, Lynnette Prescott, Karen Kelly-Davis Violet Meghan Deignan

Program: Jeff Hammond Daisy Ava Vallery

Donations Collected: Shannon McCarthy Mathilda Jadyn Momeyer

King of Hearts Isaac Ternes

Doorknob Quinn McGlaughlin

Ace of Spades Alexa Hagen

Two of Clubs Meghan Deignan

Three of Diamonds Sienna Stewart

Four of Hearts Quinn McGlaughlin

Park Kids ALL CAST (except Alice & Mathilda)

Sea Creatures Meghan Deignan, Alexa Hagen, Madison Hatfield, Quinn McGlaughlin Beckett Stewart, Sienna Stewart, Isaac Ternes, Vera Villanueva

Party Guests Hayden Hall, Alex Hendrix, Libby Ikesaki, Joslyn Momeyer, Isaac Ternes, Ava Vallery

Alice Julia Hughes

Small Alice Reagan Little

Queen of Hearts Colleen Sasser

White Rabbit Kate Mills

Cheshire Cat 1 Annabelle Victor

Cheshire Cat 2 Madelyn Westerlind

Cheshire Cat 3 Krista Faulk

Mad Hatter Melayna Johnson

March Hare Jordan Gourley

Caterpillar Jayden Hawley

Tweedle Dee Vanessa Hughes

Tweedle Dum Jenna Trautman

Dodo Bird Jayden Hawley

Rose Hannah Kring

Petunia Annalyn Abraham

Lily Payton McCarthy

Violet Piper Cotton

Daisy Arianna Prescott

Mathilda Colleen Sasser

King of Hearts Casen Halpin

Doorknob Charlotte Nordstrom

Ace of Spades Payton McCarthy

Two of Clubs Charlotte Nordstrom

Three of Diamonds Annalyn Abraham

Four of Hearts Piper Cotton

Park Kids ALL CAST (except Alice & Mathilda)

Sea Creatures Annalyn Abraham, Piper Cotton, Krista Faulk, Casen Halpin, Payton McCarthy, Charlotte Nordstrom, Annabelle Victor, Madelyn

Party Guests Annalyn Abraham, Casen Halpin, Vanessa Hughes, Hannah Kring, Arianna Prescott, Jenna Trautman

Anora Biggs (Small Alice) is 12 years old and in the 7th grade at Sunset Ridge. She has performed in many shows at MTA since the 1st grade. She was last seen on the MTA stage playing Annie in Magic Treehouse: Pirates Past Noon KIDS. Favorite past roles include Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka (Limelight), Annie in Annie (Starlight), and Rhoda Penmark in The Bad Seed, (Desert Stages-NYA award). Anora would like to thank the production staff for all their hard work and dedication. She hopes you enjoy your time in Wonderland!

Mary Davis (Alice) has performed in many shows such as Annie in Annie Jr. (NYA Award), Lucille in Junie B. Jones the Musical! (NYA Nomination), Jane Banks in Disney’s Mary Poppins (NYA Nomination), Genie in Disney’s Aladdin KIDS (NYA Nomination) , Ms. Gloop in Willy Wonka Jr. (NYA Award), Sally Brown in Your a Good Man, Charlie Brown (NYA Nomination), Anna in Disney’s Frozen Jr. and Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. Mary also enjoys spending time with friends and her Golden Retriever, Henry. Mary considers MTA her second home. Enjoy the show!

Meghan Deignan (Violet, Two of Clubs, Sea Creature) is a 3rd grader at Terramar Academy of the Arts. This is Meghan’s third production with MTA, having just performed in Annie Jr. and Disney’s Moana Jr. She loves to dance, sing, play the piano, and do arts and crafts. Meghan is looking forward to performing and hopes you enjoy the show!

Ben Fletcher (Mad Hatter) is super excited to be performing in Alice In Wonderland Jr.! He is in 8th grade AP at Terramar Academy of the Arts. This is his 17th production with MTA. Favorite roles include Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, Lawrence in School of Rock, and Toad in A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS (NYA Nomination). When he’s not at MTA, Ben enjoys traveling, playing with his dogs, playing piano and trombone, and camping. Ben is also an Eagle Scout. He would like to thank the production staff and all the volunteers for making this show possible. “Enjoy the show!”

Alexa Hagen (Ace of Spades, Sea Creature) is a 4th grade honor roll student at Legend Springs Elementary. This is Alexa’s first performance with MTA. She has performed in Charlotte’s Web and Disney’s Aladdin Jr. with other companies. She is also in her seventh year of dance. She loves to learn and perform and has a creative spirit.

Hayden Hall (Tweedle Dee) is a 7th-grade honors student at Anthem Preparatory Academy. This is Hayden's 12th show and fifth season at MTA. Some of her favorite roles include Young Elsa in Disney’svFrozen Jr., Chief Ancestor 2 in Disney’s Moana Jr., Bird 1 in A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS, and Shawanda in Elf the Musical Jr. Hayden has taken many dance classes at Diamond Dance Works for the past four years, and enjoys piano, crafts, and baking. "Enjoy the show!"

Lennon Hammond (White Rabbit) played John in the First National Broadway Tour of the Tony award-winning musical Fun Home, and was recently in the staged reading of Fun Home in New York City, along with Broadway Stars. Favorite MTA shows include: Disney’s Moana Jr. (Maui), Annie Jr. (Rooster), Addams Family Young@Part (Pugsley - NYA Nom), Disney’s Frozen Jr. (Olaf),The Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion), and You're a Good Man, and Charlie Brown (Linus - NYA Nom). He plays the French Horn and was selected for the Honor and All-State Band (2nd chair). He loves math and attended the National Mathleague Competition at Texas A&M. He also likes reading ,Legos, and video games. “Thanks to my family, and all of the cast, crew, production staff and volunteers that helped out with the show!”

Madi Hatfield (Cheshire Cat 1, Sea Creature) is a 7th grade student at Anthem Preparatory Academy. This is Madi's 5th production with MTA and she is beyond excited to get to be a part of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.! Madi loves playing volleyball, swimming, and hanging out with her friends. One of her favorite recent experiences was getting to perform in MTA's production of The Wizard of Oz, alongside her puppy Molly (Toto). Enjoy the show!

Madeline Hauge-Wells (March Hare) is a 6th grade honor student at Ridgeline Academy. This is Maddie's 9th production at MTA. She was last seen as Pua in Disney’s Moana Jr. Maddie loves acting, singing, swimming, and spending time with her family, especially her 2 year old twin brothers, Nathan and Xander. She is thrilled to be a part of this amazing cast!

Alex Hendrix (Petunia, Party Guest) is a freshman at Boulder Creek High School. This is Alex’s fourth production at MTA! In junior high, Alex was heavily involved in Choir, NJHS, and Student Council. As a child, Alex spent six years dancing at DMDA and completed four years of tumbling at Royal Twist (both here in Anthem). Alex also loves to draw and animate, and has a large following on YouTube!

Libby Ikesaki (Tweedle Dum) is a freshman at Boulder Creek High School. She has been participating at MTA for 7 years and has done over 30 shows, favorites including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Oro and Leona, and Disney’s Moana Jr. Libby would like to thank the production staff for being able to put on such a great show, even under the circumstances. She is excited to be getting back on the stage and hopes you enjoy the show!

Quinn McGlaughlin (Doorknob/Four of Hearts/Sea Creature) is a 4th grader in the Renaissance program at Canyon Springs STEM Academy. He started acting with MTA in 2019 and has been in seven previous productions including The Music Man Jr., Disney’s Moana Jr., and The Wizard of Oz. Quinn is excited to be back with all his friends at MTA and looks forward to meeting more new people. Quinn invites you to enjoy the adventure ahead!

Jadyn Momeyer (Queen of Hearts, Mathilda) is a senior at Boulder Creek High School. This is Jadyn’s 17th production at MTA, having performed in The Wizard of Oz as Scarecrow/Hunk, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Schwartzy, Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. as Chef Louis/Andrina, Decided as Whatever Deja, and Annie Jr. as Miss. Hannigan. She enjoys singing in the Honor Choir and in the Heart & Soul Show Choir at school. She also enjoys running, playing piano, drawing, and hanging with friends. “Enjoy the show!

Joslyn Momeyer (Rose) is an 8th grade honor roll student. This is her 23rd show with MTA and some of her favorite roles include Scuttle in Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., Captain Bones from Magic Tree House Pirates Past Noon Kids, and the Cowardly Lion/Zeke in The Wizard of Oz. When not on stage, Joslyn enjoys to improv, dance, sing, play piano, and hang out with friends. She would like to thank the production staff and hopes you enjoy the show!

Beckett Stewart (Cheshire Cat 3, Sea Creature) is a 6th grader in the Canyon Springs Renaissance Program and this is his 16th show with MTA. Some of his favorite roles included Flounder in Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. and Lizard in A Year With Frog and Toad KIDS. Beckett is filled with endless curiosity and likes science, math, Star Wars, Legos, Fortnite, playing trombone, running, and exploring the outdoors. He can’t wait to guide you through your trip to Wonderland!

Sienna Stewart (Lily, 3 of Diamonds) is a 4th grader in the Canyon Springs Renaissance Program and this is her 12th show with MTA. Some of her favorite roles included Molly in Annie Jr. and Baby Spider in James and the Giant Peach Jr. Sienna is a creative free spirit that loves singing, gymnastics, reading, drawing, math, playing with friends, and spending time with family! She hopes you enjoy this wonderful adventure!

Isaac Ternes (King of Hearts, Sea Creature) is a 6th grade student at Diamond Canyon. This is Isaac’s 12th production with MTA. He loves to dance, sing, swim, and act. His favorite role has been Jonah in Magic Treehouse: Pirates Past Noon KIDS. He is excited to be a part of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. and hopes you enjoy the show.

Ava Vallery (Daisy, Party Guest) is a 7th grade honor student. Ava loves the theatre and is excited to be in her first production with MTA. She also enjoys playing volleyball, soccer, and basketball at school as well as playing the piano at home. Ava looks forward to performing in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.. Enjoy the show!

Vera Villanueva (Cheshire Cat 2, Sea Creature) is a 7th grade student at Anthem Prep. This is Vera’s first production with MTA and she is grateful to be performing alongside her friends. Vera enjoys soccer, basketball and attending her church youth group. She is excited to perform and hopes you enjoy the show!

Jeremy Wood (Caterpillar, Dodo Bird) is an 8th grader at Saint Simon and Jude Catholic School. Jeremy is active in multiple dance classes, voice classes, and Boy Scouts. This is Jeremy’s 8th musical production at MTA. His last performance was as a Chief Ancestor in Disney’s Moana Jr. Jeremy hopes you enjoy this production, and hopes you have a Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Day!

Jessica Kishbaugh (Co-Production Stage Manager/Hair and Makeup Designer) graduated from Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics and obtained her Esthetics license in August of Annalyn Abraham 2018. She previously Directed MagicTree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS and A Year With Frog (Petunia, Three of Diamonds, Sea Creature, Party Guest) is a 6th and Toad KIDS. She enjoys working at MTA year round as the Assistant to the Producing Artistic grade student at Black Mountain Elementary. This is Annalyn's 2nd Director. Jessica has been performing with MTA since its inception and is now enjoying working production with MTA and she is looking forward to being part of this on the production side of things. Her true passion is makeup artistry so she is very excited to be show. She has been part of 9 productions with DFT, CYT & BMES. designing the hair and makeup for this production. She appreciates all of the opportunities Jackie Hammond and MTA has given her the past 10+ years. Aside from MTA, Jessica spends most of Two of her favorite characters she was fortunate to portray were Violet her free time at her esthetics business, Skin Esteem LLC. Check out her website and social In Willy Wonka Jr. at DFT & Annie in Annie Jr. at BMES where she is media’s for more information! SkinEsteemAZ.com/@SkinEsteemAZ a member of the Jr Thespian Society! Annalyn would like to thank her parents and her five siblings for all of their support and guidance. Trixie Wilmott (Costume Designer) is very glad to be returning to MTA and to work with everyone on Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. She is so happy that theater has returned during this trying time. Thank you to all the parents and cast for all your hard work. Please everyone stay safe. Piper Cotton (Violet, Four of Hearts, Sea Creature) is a 3rd grade student at Sam Baldwin (Sound) has been at MTA for half a decade and has loved working onstage, Anthem School. This is Piper's 6th production with MTA, having backstage, and now, to your left. He plays music, makes bad jokes, and controls levels and hopes performed in MTA Minis, Annie Jr., A Year With Frog and Toad KIDS, you enjoy the show! The Music Man Jr., and Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Piper loves to McKenna Carlson (Light Tech) is an 11th grade honor student at Boulder Creek High School. draw, paint, and spends her days dancing and singing with her three She has performed in over 30 productions at Musical Theatre of Anthem in addition to working as siblings. Piper is excited to be back on stage with all of her new a tech for Daddy Long Legs, Sweeney Todd, and The Wizard of Oz. She can’t wait to see this friends for this fun show! show come to life!

Krista Faulk (Cheshire Cat 3, Sea Creature) is a 4th grade student in the Mandarin Program at Gavilan Peak. This is Krista's 2nd production with MTA, having performed in Disney’s Moana Jr. She loves to act, talk with friends, and play with her puppy. Krista is so excited to be performing in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. and hopes you enjoy the show.

Jordan Gourley (March Hare) is an 8th grade student with Alpha & Omega Online Academy. He has been a competitive dancer for 7 years, but decided to focus on musical theatre this year. Previous roles with MTA include lion/gazelle in Disney’s The Lion King Jr., Sven in Disney’s Frozen Jr., and Chief Tui in Disney’s Moana Jr. Other than dancing full time, he stays busy taking piano, singing, and acting lessons. Jordan is so excited to be playing the part of March Hare in this great show. Enjoy!

Lyndsie Clymer (Choreographer) has been dancing since the age of 3 at Dynamic Motion Casen Halpin Dance Academy. She has studied Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Breaking, Modern, (King of Hearts, Sea Creature) is a 7th grade student at Diamond Ballroom, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater, and Acrobatics. Lyndsie is certified in Jazz Canyon Elementary. This is Casen’s 7th production with MTA. One of with Dance Educators of America and Acro with Acrobatic Arts. She shares her love for dance his favorite theater memories was earning the Gypsy robe during his teaching at studios around Arizona. Lyndsie has worked with various levels of dancers ages ranging form 2 to Adult. Lyndsie teaches at Dynamic Motion Dance Academy and Dancers role as the Pilot in MTA's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Domain. She is a Guest Choreographer at Boulder Creek High School with the Choir and Dance When Casen is not on stage, he is hanging out with friends and loves Program. Lyndsie has found her home choreographing shows for Musical Theatre of Anthem. to hike, swim and hang out with his family (Dad, Mom, Sister, 2 dogs & She has done many shows here, her favorites being Disney’s Mary Poppins, Once On This Island a bearded dragon) He hopes you enjoy the show! Jr., and 13. Lyndsie was given the Artistic Merit, Leadership and Academic Award which only a few were awarded in the state of Arizona. Lyndsie’s choreography has been awarded and recognized through competitions, NYAs, and district evaluations. She is incredibly grateful to be able to do what she loves every single day. Lyndsie truly just loves to share her passion with her Jayden Hawley students! (Caterpillar/Dodobird) is an 8th grade AP honor student at Gavilan Peak in the mandarin program. He has earned 3 NYA Nominations Melissa Davis (Vocal Director) is honored to be vocal directing Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Jake in Freckleface Strawberry, Toad in A Year with Frog & Toad at MTA! She realized her passion for singing at a young age, and it led her to perform in several theatrical productions through high school and college. She graduated from the Pacific KIDS and King Louie in Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS). Jayden has Conservatory for the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA in 2010 after completing their 2 year been performing with MTA for the past 5 years and is in his 3rd actor training program. Since graduating, she went on to complete her BA in Child in Adolescent season with the MTA’s Outreach group. He is thrilled to be part of this Psychology. She has performed locally at Brelby Theatre Company and more recently, in show and is incredibly thankful for the hard work of the production Sweeney Todd and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at MTA. For the last 5 years, staff. Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Zip-A-dee-ay! He hopes you enjoy the show! she has been the K-6 Music teacher and drama club director at Ridgeline Academy and loves it! Thank you so much for coming and supporting the arts. Enjoy the show!

Sierra Litman (Co-Production Stage Manager/Props) is a teacher, director, stage manager, Julia Hughes and performer who has spent a majority of her life in the theatre. Sierra graduated with her (Alice) is so excited to be back on MTA's stage playing Alice in this bachelor’s of science in elementary and special education from Northern Arizona University and fun production! She is a sophomore at Boulder Creek High School and went on to teach English (grade 6) and theatre (grades preK-6). While she loves performance, has performed in several shows at MTA in the last 9 years. Some of Sierra finds the most joy when she is directing, teaching, and stage managing for productions. Sierra spends her summers working with MTA on curriculum implementation, costume design, her favorite roles have been Ariel in Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr., and props design. She has recently worked on Disney’s Moana Jr. (MTA), Annie Jr. (MTA), and Snoopy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Spiker in James Disney’s The Lion King Jr. (MTA). She has directed musical productions of Annie Jr., Seussical and the Giant Peach Jr. She thanks the production staff and her Jr., and Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. for both the Paseo Hills and Black Mountain school family for their continued love and support! Julia can't wait for you to drama programs. join her following that rabbit! Julia Davis (Assistant Vocal Director/Stage Manager) graduated in 2019 from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre Performance. Immediately following, she moved to Charleston, South Carolina for a ten month Professional Resident Actor contract with Charleston Stage. Favorite roles with this company include Jovie in Elf: the Musical, Rusty in Footloose, and Lucy Grant in Bright Star. While in Charleston, Julia also instructed both musical theatre and acting classes for grades K-8. Although she planned to sign on for another ten months, COVID-19 has brought Julia back home to Arizona for the time being. She is, however, very excited for the chance to return to MTA on production staff, as she spent her own youth performing at this wonderful theatre company. You may have seen Julia years ago in roles such as Cosette in Les Misérables, Cinderella in Into the Woods, and Carrie White in Carrie: the Musical. Notable collegiate credits include Lilli Vanessi (Kate) in Kiss Me, Kate and Vivienne Kensington in Legally Blonde. Julia is currently teaching both zoom and in-person voice lessons, and is so thankful to MTA and Jackie Hammond for the safe opportunity to stay active in the arts during these unprecedented times. The show must go on! Juliakellydavis.com

Jackie Hammond (Producing Artistic Director/Co-Vocal Director) is a two-time ariZoni Award-winning Musical Director and National Youth Arts Award-winning Musical Director who has Vanessa Hughes been teaching music and theatre for over 25 years. She graduated with honors from San José (Tweedle Dee)is a 7th grade honor student at Anthem Preparatory. State University (Creative Arts and Musical Theatre). Jackie is a graduate of the American She has performed in several shows since starting at MTA nine years Musical Theater Artists’ Institute where she rigorously trained in voice, dance and acting, as well ago! Some of her favorite shows are Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids as Shakespeare, improvisation, and stage combat. She also spent a summer studying opera with (NYA Award nomination), Disney’s Aladdin Jr. (NYA Award the chairman of the music department of Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Jackie has extensive experience in the performing arts and professional theatre where she has played nomination), and Disney's Frozen Jr. Vanessa is also a competitive leading roles in many musical productions, and has also received ariZoni Nominations for her gymnast and loves the physical challenge. Many thanks to the portrayal of Cinderella in Into the Woods; she is a eleven-time ariZoni nominated Vocal Director production staff for all their hard work and dedication during this crazy and has received four NYA Nominations as Director and Vocal Director, as well as an NYA Award time finding ways for the show to continue!! Enjoy the show! for her vocal direction of CATS, with co-vocal director Shawna Weitekamp. Favorite roles have included Gino/Harpo Marx in Day in Hollywood/Night in the Ukraine, Annie (twice)as Lily and Miss Hannigan, Cathy in The Last Five Years, the Witch in Into the Woods, and Fantine in Les Misérables alongside her daughter Noelle Hammond who played the role of Little Cosette. Jackie Melayna Johnson has worked with performers ages 2-adult. She composed original arrangements of songs for San (Mad Hatter) is a sophomore at Boulder Creek high school. This is her José State’s Touring Group, “Company One” where in her college years, she performed with 3rd show with Musical Theatre of Anthem, previously having them, as well. Jackie has vocal directed, directed, and choreographed for many theatres in CA performed in The Wizard of Oz and You’re a Good Man, Charlie and AZ, including one of the nation’s largest youth theaters in San José. Directing and performing Brown. She loves to dance and tumble and is so excited for this show! experience includes well over 100 shows to her credit with prestigious theaters such as American Musical Theatre of San José (Equity Theater), Cabrillo Stage, Foothill Music Theatre, This Side of the Hill Players, Second Stage West, University Theater, Desert Foothills Theater, Theaterworks, West Bay Opera, Children’s Musical Theatre of San José, Young People’s Theater, iTheatre Collaborative, Phoenix Theatre, and Arizona Broadway Theatre performing in Jeff Kennedy’s Hannah Kring Christmas Cabaret. In addition to working in theater, Jackie teaches private voice lessons and held the title of Miss Santa Clara County. She would like to thank her husband, Jeff and her (Rose) is an 8th grade honor student in the Mandarin program at helpful mom for their support. Jackie loves spending time with the lights of her life., her twin Gavilan Peak. This is her 26th production at MTA and some her children, Lennon and Noelle who always fill her days with entertainment, smiles and love. favorite roles include Thumbelina in Thumbelina, Strawberry in Freckleface Strawberry(NYA nominee), and Sarah Ruth in The Jim Gradillas (Director) has been teaching /directing youth theatre for 28 years. He has been a Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Hannah loves singing, dancing, professional actor, teacher, director, and writer all over Arizona during this time. Jim has won reading, and being on the stage! She is excited to be a part of this Fourteen AriZoni Awards for Theatre Excellence, which includes five for original writing. He has crazy, fun show and would like to thank the wonderfully, talented also won several National Arts Awards and Child Empowerment Awards. He was also a teaching artist for the Arizona Commission on the Arts. He has directed and taught for Mesa Arts Center, production staff! Valley Youth Theatre, Theater Works, East Valley Children’s Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, Greasepaint Youth Theatre, and has directed and wrote for Scottsdale Christian Academy, Montessori Kingdom of Learning and Mesa Arts Academy. He currently produces, directs and Reagan Little writes for a youth theatre, Acting Zone in Goodyear, AZ and directs performance troupes and theatre programs at SNAP in Scottsdale. Jim is thrilled to be back to be a part of Musical Theatre (Small Alice) is 10 years old and is in 5th grade. She is delighted to of Anthem. He absolutely loves it at MTA. Thank you Jackie for the opportunity! He would like to be performing in her first “in-person” production at MTA. Other thank his amazing casts and the super talents of Sierra, Jess, Lyndsie, and Melissa. Jim lives with favorite roles include Ensemble/Dancer in Disney’s Frozen Jr., an his lovely wife, Michelle (and writing partner), and two beautiful dogs in West valley. orphan in Annie, and Young Pathos in Three Musketeers. Reagan enjoys singing, dancing, and spending time with her friends. She is grateful to her family, for their support, as well as to Jim, Melissa, Lyndsie, and the staff at MTA for this amazing experience.

Payton McCarthy Colleen Sasser (Lily, Ace of Spades, Sea Creature) is in 4th grade at Ridgeline (Queen of Hearts, Mathilda) is a 7th-grade student at Ridgeline Academy. This is Payton’s 17th production with MTA. In her free time Academy. This is Colleen's 15th production with MTA, having she loves to swim, read, play piano, and make crafts. She most performed in Disney’s Moana Jr. as Tamatoa, The Wizard of Oz as recently performed in Disney’s Moana Jr. as Hei Hei. Thank you to Glinda, and Annie Jr. as Lily St Regis. She loves to sew, dance, sing, her friends and family for all of their support and for always coming to and come to MTA. Colleen looks forward to performing in Disney’s see her perform. She hopes you enjoy your journey in Wonderland! Alice in Wonderland Jr. and hopes you enjoy the show!

Kate Mills Jenna Trautman (White Rabbit) is so excited to be back on the MTA stage! She is a (Tweedle Dum)is a Freshman honor student at Boulder Creek High junior at Boulder Creek High School and loves playing piano and School. This is Jenna’s 18th production with MTA, her favorites being participating in the school’s marching and concert bands. This is her The Giver, Footloose, School of Rock, Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr. 9th production with MTA, having most recently performed as Grace and Disney’s The Lion King Jr. She loves to read, watch movies, and Farrell in Annie Jr. Some of her favorite MTA shows include Disney’s hang out with her friends. Jenna looks forward to performing in The Little Mermaid Jr. (Sebastian), James and the Giant Peach Jr. Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. and hopes you enjoy the show! (Spider), and The Wizard of Oz (Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz). She hopes you enjoy your adventures down the rabbit hole! Annabelle Victor (Cheshire Cat 1, Sea Creature) is a 5th-grader at Anthem Prep. Charlotte Nordstrom Annabelle loves performing with MTA with her favorite productions (Doorknob, Two of Clubs, Sea Creature) is a second grader at being Elf Jr., Disney’s Frozen Jr., and Annie Jr. You will always find Ridgeline Academy. This is Charlotte's 5th production with MTA. Annabelle dancing, singing, and songwriting with a joyful smile. Having performed in Disney’s Moana Jr., Disney’s The Little Mermaid Annabelle is so excited to be in this production and hopes you enjoy Jr., The Wizard of Oz, and Annie Jr., she loves being on stage. the show! Charlotte loves to dance, sing and act. She is thankful to all the cast and crew for making every production so much fun. Charlotte hopes you enjoy the show! Madelyn Westerlind (Cheshire Cat 2, Sea Creature) is thrilled to be back on stage with her MTA family! This is Madelyn’s 13th production with MTA. She is a Arianna Prescott fifth grade student at Anthem Prep and enjoys dance, voice lessons, (Daisy, Party Guest) is an 8th grade student at ASU Digital Prep. and playing with her two little brothers. Madelyn is thankful for the This is her 3rd show with MTA, having performed as Dragonfly in opportunity to do what she loves in a safe environment and would like Something Beautiful and Butterfly in Thumbelina. She loves to dance to thank the directors and volunteers for making it possible. Enjoy the and is a competitive dancer. Arianna is thankful for this opportunity to show! perform in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. and hopes you enjoy the show!