Cast Bios

LUCY ANDERS (Ensemble) Returns to PTC after appearing in Sweeney Todd in 2018. First National Tour: Something Rotten (Ensemble/understudy Portia). Off-Broadway: Baby! (Lizzie). Regional: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Love Story: The Musical (Jenny), Richard III (Young Richard), Much Ado About Nothing, A Little Night Music (Anne), Starmites (Bizarbra/Eleanore), Sound of Music (Liesl) and Oliver! (Charlotte). Other favorite roles: A Chorus Line (Maggie), Follies (Young Heidi), and Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel (Gretel). Baldwin Wallace University alum and under BRS/Gage management. Instagram @lucsqueal. For Poppa.

HANNAH BALAGOT (Ermengarde) is excited to join the PTC Community for the first time! She is a performer, choreographer, and teaching artist in NYC. Past performance credits include Anybodys in West Side Story (International Tour, Barrington Stage, North Shore Music Theater), Danny Who in Dr. Seuss: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Grand Ole Opry), Erma in Anything Goes (Moonlight Stage) and various new collaborative works for stage and film. She is very grateful that we are all able to enjoy theater together again with special thanks to her family and Jeff for their endless love and support. (she/her)

KYLE CARESS (Ensemble) is excited to be back at PTC after appearing earlier in the season in Elf! Select credits include Swing/Jean Michel U/S in R+H’s Cinderella (National Tour); Ensemble, Seesaw (Off-Broadway/J2 Spotlight), as well as various shows at The Rev Theatre Co., Studio Tenn, and Highlands Playhouse. BFA from Belmont University. Kyle sends his love to his friends, family, mentors, and Danny and Meghan at HAA for their support. kylecaress.com IG:@kyle_caress

KRIS COLEMAN (Horace Vandergelder) Kris is excited to join Pioneer Theatre Company’s production of Hello, Dolly!. A graduate of Hampton University. His theater credits include Jersey Boys (Hal Miller Broadway and Las Vegas), Narrator in Passing Strange, Adrian in Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls, TJ in Sister Act, Agwe in Once On This Island, Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Jim in Big River. Television and film credits include: “Billions” (Showtime), “The Big House” (ABC), Dumbbomb Affair, and The Clone.

LENNY DANIEL (Ensemble/Associate Director/choreographer) Choreographed Mary Poppins (Utah Shakespeare Festival) and Spamalot (Geva Theatre Center and Arkansas Repertory Theatre). Directed and choreographed Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical (TexARTS); choreographed The Little Mermaid (Forestburgh Playhouse); assistant directed The Wizard of Oz National Tour starring Mickey Rooney and Eartha Kitt; assistant choreographed Gigi (Paper Mill Playhouse), assisted Ann Reinking and performed in Here Lies Jenny starring Bebe Neuwirth (NYC & SF). Performing credits include Broadway: Cats (final original company) and The Wizard of Oz. NYC: Sinatra (Radio City Music Hall), Wonderful Town (NYC Opera). Tours: Spamalot, Chicago, South Pacific, Camelot, Jekyll & Hyde. Favorite Regional: La Cage aux Folles, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Newsies, Chess, Oliver!, The Last Ship, (PTC), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Baltimore Center Stage), Mary Poppins, Peter Pan (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Gigi, and Evita (Paper Mill Playhouse).

PAIGE DAVIS (Dolly Levi) Broadway: Gloria in Boeing-Boeing, Roxie in Chicago. National Tours: Charity in Sweet Charity, Roxie in Chicago, The Vagina Monologues, Babette in Beauty and the Beast. Favorite Regional: An Act of God at ATC (Dir. by Marsha Mason), Mame at North Shore. Senga in the World Premiere of Dancing Lessons at Barrington Stage Co., Maria in The Sound of Music at Pittsburgh CLO, April in Company at Missouri Repertory Theater, Val in A Chorus Line at Austin Music Theater, and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Chicago Cultural Center. Television: “Home and Family” (Hallmark), “Home Made Simple” (OWN). “Trading Spaces” (TLC). Your favorite RC Willey girl, she is married to Utah’s fan favorite and Broadway villain, Patrick Page.

ANDY FRANK (Ensemble) is thrilled to be here at PTC all the way from New York City! He has traveled the world performing West Side Story (Big Deal) in 20 countries. Regional performance credits include Gremio in Kiss Me, Kate, Rolf in The Sound of Music, Gideon in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, as well as performing in the ensembles for such shows as Cinderella (Gateway), Spamalot (Geva), Crazy for You (Fingerlakes MT Festival), and 42nd Street (Paramount). Andy can be seen in a national commercial for McDonald’s as well as an internet commercial for Blink Fitness. Special thanks to Karen and Lenny for this incredible opportunity. Shoutout to my team at Avalon and my always supportive, loving, and encouraging Mom and Dad. @_andyfrank_

AKINA KITAZAWA (Ensemble) is thrilled to make her debut at PTC! She is originally from Japan. Most recently she has performed in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Her other performance credits include: New York: Candide (Carnegie Hall), Over Here! (Dance Captain/Associate Choreographer, Triad Theatre). National Tour: The King and I (Eliza) Regional Theatre: Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (Eliza), An American in Paris, On The Town, Swing! (West Coast Swing Couple), Broadway Musical Celebration!, Carnival! (Dance Captain), Piano Men (featured dancer). Other: 2019 Swingin’ in the Season with the U.S. Air Force Band (DAR Constitution Hall, Washington D.C.) Instagram: @akinakitazawa

KELLY MCCORMICK (Irene Molloy) is thrilled to return to PTC, where she appeared as Fantine in Les Misérables. Broadway: Carousel. Broadway National Tours: Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Les Misérables (Factory Girl/Fantine U/S); and The Sound of Music. Off-Broadway: The Extraordinary Ordinary and Her Song. Regional: Mary in Mary Poppins, Sacramento Music Circus; Sarah in Guys & Dolls, North Shore Music Theatre; Hello! My Baby, Goodspeed; [title of show] (Heidi) and Babe in Pajama Game, Arizona Theatre Company; Martha Jefferson in 1776, Pittsburgh CLO; Linda in Pal Joey, Prince Music Theater; Children of Eden, Ford’s Theatre. TV Credits: “Law & Order: SVU,” “Person of Interest,” and “What Angels Fear.” Kelly has performed as a soloist with the Omaha & Cincinnati Symphonies. B.M., Vocal Performance (Michigan State University); M.F.A., Drama and M.M., Vocal Performance (CCM).

MANDY MCDONELL (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be back at PTC after last appearing in Mamma Mia! in 2018. National Tour: R+H’s Cinderella (Ensemble U/S Ella, Gabrielle). Regional: Mary Poppins (Ensemble) with Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Utah Shakespeare Festival. Charlotte in Oliver!, The Rocky Horror Show (Ensemble), Chava in Fiddler on the Roof with Pioneer Theatre Company. She holds a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Utah. Many thanks to Karen & PTC, Dad & Lucas, Jim at MTA, and her wonderful friends for all of their support. For Mom.

ALEXANDER MENDOZA (Cornelius Hackl) is honored to be making his Pioneer Theatre Company debut! He was last seen in The Phantom of the Opera World Tour where he understudied/performed the role of Raoul. Other credits include: 1st National Tour of Sister Act, the North American Tour of Mamma Mia!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (The Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Zach Theatre), Next to Normal and Spring Awakening (McCoy Rigby Ent./La Mirada for the Performing Arts), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Performance Riverside). Mendoza would like to thank the creative team for giving him the opportunity to be part of this company, his mentors, his family, Dustin & Marc/Daniel Hoff Agency, and most importantly God. His first Pop single, “Wow!” will be released May 27th on all music platforms.

MICHAEL J. RIOS (Barnaby) Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and thrilled to be back on stage! Film/TV: Disney’s Newsies: A Broadway Musical (Disney+), Hyped for Halftime (Superbowl 2014). Tours: Hello, Dolly! (Broadway revival and 50th anniversary), Disney’s Newsies, Cats, The Wizard of Oz. Regional: Lyric Opera of Chicago, Maltz Jupiter, Syracuse Stage, Northern Stage. Thank you to Mom and Dad, Bob Cline, the Luedtke Agency, and everyone at Pioneer! @mj__rios

PETER SURACE (Ensemble) Most recently seen as Lord Clapham/Judge in Something Rotten!, Peter is thrilled to be returning to the Pioneer Theatre Company in Hello, Dolly! National Tour: Something Rotten!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical. Regional: Lyric Repertory Company and Engeman Theatre. Disney Cruise Line: Twice Charmed (Prince Charming), Tangled: The Musical, Disney Dreams. BFA Musical Theater: Montclair State University. IG: @petersurace

ALEX JOSEPH STEWART (Ensemble) is thrilled to make his PTC debut in this production of such an iconic show! Alex is a New York native, former company member of the Sacramento Ballet and a proud graduate of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA). Theatrical credits include: Oklahoma! (Goodspeed Musicals, PCPA & Sierra Rep.), Annie! (North Carolina Theatre), Elf: The Musical! (National Tour), Oliver! and A Connecticut Christmas Carol (Goodspeed Musicals), Kiss Me Kate and West Side Story (Marriott Theatre). Favorite roles include: Mike in A Chorus Line (Theatre Under the Stars), Action in West Side Story (North Carolina Theatre) and Frederic in Pirates of Penzance (PCPA). All of my love to the Stewart Clan, Melanie, Lenny, Howie and KMR Talent! Enjoy the show! @a.j.stoobs

DORI WAYMER (Minnie Fay) is currently living in New York City, is an Atlanta native, and proud FSU alum. Select Regional: A Wonderful World: World Premiere (ensemble, U/S Daisy), Cinderella; Nellie in A Grand Night for Singing; Minnie Faye in Hello, Dolly!, Lorraine in All Shook Up; Gary Coleman in Avenue Q; Godspell (Learn Your Lessons Well); and in Alana The Little Mermaid. Thanks and love to the fam, CTG and the homies. @doriwaymer

KELSIE ENGEN (Ensemble) Kelsie is beyond grateful to be back at PTC! She graduated this spring from the University of Utah’s musical theatre program. Past credits include: Elf the Musical at Pioneer Theatre Company, A Christmas Story at the 5th Avenue Theatre, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Seattle Children’s Theatre. She would like to thank her family for their endless support!

ELIZABETH FALK (Ensemble) After attending Oklahoma City University, Elizabeth danced overseas on Princess Cruises for several years before working in Branson, MO! There, she performed in numerous shows such as Reuben’s Swashbuckling Adventure and It’s a Wonderful Life. Elizabeth is now a proud resident of Utah and is excited to be in her first show at PTC!

REBA JOHNSON (Swing) is thrilled to be on the PTC stage again after appearing in The Will Rogers Follies. Other credits include An American in Paris and The Scarlet Pimpernel (Hale Centre Theatre); The Phantom of the Opera (BYU). Reba attained her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Brigham Young University. Special thanks to my friends and family for their support!

SERENA KOZUSKO (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at PTC! She was last seen in PTC’s productions of Elf the Musical and Grease. Other recent credits include Cha-Cha in Grease at Music Theatre Wichita and Fran in Strictly Ballroom at Hale Centre Theatre. Serena graduated from the University of Utah in 2021 with a degree in musical theatre and linguistics. Thank you to her incredible family and friends!

EVAN LATTA (Ensemble) just in the production of PTC’s Something Rotten!. Currently, he is studying musical theater at the University of Utah! Evan would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support!

NIKI RAHIMI (Ensemble/Ernestina) Niki Rahimi is thrilled to make her PTC debut! Previous theatre credits include Maria in Illyria (Babcock), Jen in The Book Club Play (Babcock), and the Narrator in #SLACabaret 2021 (Salt Lake Acting Company). She recently graduated from the U’s musical theatre program and would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work, as well as Karen Azenberg for this opportunity!

MAKENA REYNOLDS (Ensemble, U/S Minnie Fay) is a senior in the musical theatre department at the University of Utah and an intern for Pioneer Theatre Company this semester. Most recently, she wrote and directed The Emily Dickinson Musical. She would like to thank everyone at PTC, her teachers, classmates, and family for their unwavering love and support. Her performance is dedicated to her Mea Ma.

PRESTON TAYLOR (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his PTC debut. Recent credits include Javert in Les Misérables, Jack Kelly in Newsies, Joseph – Sundance in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls, Prince Topher in Cinderella, Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf in Into the Woods, Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, Orin in Little Shop of Horrors, Kerchak in Tarzan, Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Ensemble). Stories have power! @prestontay18

AATHAVEN THARMARAJAH (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be back at PTC after appearing in their production of Elf the Musical! Other recent credits include Sir Toby Belch in Illyria (University of Utah), Kavin in #SLACabaret (Salt Lake Acting Company), and Ren in Footloose (Ziegfeld Theater). Aathaven is a recent graduate of the musical theatre program at the University of Utah. He would like to thank his friends and family for all of their love and support!

CADEN TUDOR (Swing) is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production. He is a recent graduate from the musical theatre program at the University of Utah. He was last seen on the PTC stage in Something Rotten!. Recent credits include Floyd Collins (Babcock) and Songs for a New World (Babock), and Curtains. Hi mom and dad and Cade love you guys!! 😀

MYLES TRACY WOOLSTENHULME (Ambrose) is thrilled to be playing Ambrose in Hello, Dolly! at PTC. Previously, Myles has been seen on the PTC stage in productions Mamma Mia!, and Newsies. Myles has had the honor of dancing professionally with SALT Contemporary Dance for five seasons. In 2019, Myles played Jerry Mulligan in HCT’s production of An American in Paris, a dream role and absolute joy. Myles would like to thank his family and friends for their love.

FYNN WHITE (Ensemble, Barnaby U/S) is a recent graduate of the University of Utah and is so excited to be making his return to the PTC stage! Credits include The Emily Dickinson Musical, Floyd Collins, Dracula: The Musical (University of Utah), West Side Story (Grand Theatre). Thanks to Karen for this opportunity and much love to the MTP class of 2022. We did it! (he/they)