Studio Wayne Social Media Ambassadors: Lauren Andreson, Violet Nesbit
Special Thanks
Wilson Middle School Theatre Program, Adam Holmes, Amy Ippolito, The Studio Wayne Student Advisory Panel, and all the arts supporters in the Shenandoah Valley
Bios
CAST
(in alphabetical order by first name)
Abalene Caton (Ensemble) is a 7th grader at North Branch School whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was The Star Fool in St. George at school. When offstage, Abalene enjoys making bracelets, drawing, and hanging out with friends. Abalene’s favorite game to play is Exploding Kittens.
Addie Van Pelt (Estelle) is a 6th grader at Stewart MS whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Lucy in A Charlie Brown Christmas at her church. When offstage, Addie enjoys cooking, reading, singing, and helping with her little brother. Addie’s favorite game to play is Uno. “I like cats.”
Alex Madison (Lt. Brannigan) is a homeschooled 9th grader whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. are Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol with Four County Players and various roles with DMR Adventures, including Lefou in Beauty and the Beast Jr., Shrek in Shrek Jr., Lion in Wizard of Oz, Brett Sampson in 13 Jr., and Milky White in Into the Woods. When offstage, Alex enjoys hiking, gaming, and hanging out with his best friend, Remy. Alex’s favorite games to play are videogames, especially VR. Alex is happiest when he is performing and is very excited about his first experience at the Wayne.
Alex Sprenger (Ensemble) is a 10th grader at WMHS whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Snyder in Newsies at WMHS. When offstage, Alex enjoys watching Netflix. Alex’s favorite game to play is Exploding Kittens. This is Alex’s 9th show.
Analia Cruz (Agatha) is a 7th grader at HMS whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Coach Comet in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Analia enjoys reading, crafting, and sleeping. Analia’s favorite game to play is Dutch Blitz. This is Analia’s fourth play!
Anthea Shepherd (Harry the Horse) is an 8th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Bianca di Angelo in The Percy Jackson Musical. When offstage, Anthea enjoys art, reading, listening to music, and sleeping. Anthea’s favorite game to play is Sudoku.
Audrey Matherly (Hot Box Girl) is a 5th grader at BGES whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Jenny in Scrooge! and Mrs. Donner in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Audrey enjoys spending time with friends, spending time at the Wayne, playing tennis, and hanging out with her 5pets. Audrey’s favorite game to play is Clue.
Ava Whitesell (Street Vendor/Gangster) is a 3rd grader at HKCES whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Charlie-in-a-box in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Ava enjoys playing with friends and making bracelets. Ava’s favorite game to play is Uno.
Cora Stout (Mimi) is a 7th grader at WMS whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Dory in Finding Nemo Jr. (SW), Belle in Beauty and the Beast Jr. (WMS), and Susan in White Christmas (Wayne Theatre). When offstage, Cora enjoys spending time with friends. Cora’s favorite game to play is Monopoly Deal.
Daniel Cole (Nathan Detroit) is a homeschooled 12th grader whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Man in the Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone Jr. When offstage, Daniel enjoys art, reading, walking, and sleeping. Daniel’s favorite game to play is Idiots Delight.
Dash Holmes (A Gambler) is a 5th grader at BGES whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include JoJo in Seussical Jr. and Prentiss in Peter and the Starcatcher. When offstage, Dash enjoys playing the guitar, drumming, and yo-yoing. Dash’s favorite game to play is chess. “Enjoy the show!”
Delilah Evans (Society Max) is a 4th grader at WES whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was being a showgirl in Drowsy Chaperone Jr. When offstage, Delilah enjoys playing basketball. Delilah’s favorite game to play is Gin Rummy.
Dodger Holmes (Danny Shutyaman) is a WPS student whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Alfred in Alice By Heart, Race in Newsies Jr.,Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone Jr., and Ensemble in Cinderella. When offstage, Dodger enjoys tapping, ballet, juggling, and making everything as awkward as it can be. Dodger’s favorite game to play is the card game War. “To the person who is sitting in seat E7, look under your seat… Made you look, Enjoy the show everyone!!!!!”
Elinor Priddy (Sky Masterson) is a 9th grader at WHS whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Jojo in Seussical Jr., Nostradamus in Something Rotten Jr., and Nigel/Doormouse in Alice By Heart. When offstage, Elinor enjoys hiking, cooking, and being a part of Scouting America. Elinor’s favorite game to play is Rummy 500.
Emery Ryan (General Cartwright) is a homeschooled 11th grader whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Katherine in Newsies Jr. at the Wayne and Catherine Parr in Six at DMR Adventures. When offstage, Emery enjoys dancing in classes and around her room. Emery’s favorite game to play is Ticket to Ride, a family favorite. “I'm so proud of this cast and crew! I hope you enjoy watching the show as much as I enjoy performing it!”
Emma Loyacano (HotBox Girl/Girl Gangster/Featured Dancer) is a 9th grader at WHS whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Victor Feldzieg in The Drowsy Chaperone Jr. When offstage, Emma enjoys drawing, crafting, playing videogames, listening to music, and creating characters. Emma’s favorite game to play is Bananagrams.
Esther Woods (HotBox Girl/Girl Gangster) is a 6th grader at WMS whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Cat in Cinderella. When offstage, Esther enjoys art, dancing, singing, playing with her dogs, and more! Esther’s favorite game to play is Clue. “Wayne theatre is the best place if you want to start acting ESPECIALLY studio Wayne shows they are AMAZING!”
Evalee Cole (Bertha) is a homeschooled 7th grader whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Wacky Cat in Aristocats Kids, Gum Drop in The Nutcracker, and Fritz in The Nutcracker. When offstage, Evalee enjoys art, ballet, jazz, reading, and sleeping. Evalee’s favorite game to play is either Fossil Sweep or Dinosaur Tea Party.
Evie Yniguez (HotBox Girl) is a 7th grader at Covenant School whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Young Alice in Alice By Heart. When offstage, Evie enjoys sitting and listening to conversations. Evie’s favorite game is between Uno and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza.
Gideon Tanner (Cop/Gangster) is a 3rd grader at A.R. Ware ES whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was King Moonracer in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Gideon enjoys reading, drawing, making comic books, and going on adventures with his brother and sister. Gideon’s favorite game to play is Uno.
Grant Rawlings (Calvin) is an 8th grader at WMMS whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Santa Claus in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Grant enjoys playing football in gym class. Grant’s favorite game to play is poker.
Hudson Northern (Arvide Abernathy) is an 8th grader at KCMS whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Shakespeare in Something Rotten Jr. and George the Rabbit in Emmett Otter’s Jug Band Christmas Jr. When offstage, Hudson enjoys dance and track. Hudson’s favorite game to play is Uno.
Jackson Almarode (Benny Southstreet) is a 6th grader at KCMS whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Horton the Elephant in Seussical Jr. and George in The Drowsy Chaperone Jr. When offstage, Jackson enjoys tapping, yo-yoing, and coding. Jackson’s favorite games to play are Clue and Cards Against Humanity.
Julia Dameron (HotBox Girl/ Girl Gangster/ Featured Dancer) is a 4th grader at WES whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Baby Kangaroo in Seussical Jr. When offstage, Julia enjoys ballet, singing, dancing, and hanging out with friends. Julia’s favorite game to play is Uno.
Kathryn Carroll (Sarah Brown) is an 11th grader at WHS whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Constance in The Clockmaker’s Daughter. When offstage, Kathryn enjoys being around friends. Kathryn’s favorite game to play is Clue.
Levi Marshall (MC Announcer) is a homeschooled 8th grader whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Schwartz in A Christmas Story. When offstage, Levi enjoys scooter riding, jumping on the trampoline, video games, Lego, and TV. Levi’s favorite game to play is black jack with his parents and grandparents.
Liana Maccarelli (Adelaide) is a homeschooled 10th grader whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Gangster #3 in The Drowsy Chaperone Jr. When offstage, Liana enjoys food, traveling, and architectural design. Liana’s favorite game to play is Clue.
Lucy DuBois (Celeste) is a 5th grader at McSwain ES whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was The Spotted Elephant in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Lucy enjoys art, dancing, reading, camping, kayaking, and swimming. Lucy’s favorite game to play is Uno.
Marie Newberry (HotBox Girl) is a 5th grader at BES whose favorite roles include Nemo in Finding Nemo Jr. and Gretl in The Sound of Music Jr. When offstage, Marie enjoys arts and crafts and hanging out with friends. Marie’s favorite games to play are Exploding Kittens, Uno, Headbandz, and Sorry.
Myla Lineweaver (Hot Box Girl/Girl Gangster) is an 8th grader at SMS whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. were Clarice and Dolly in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Myla enjoys singing in the school choir, reading, and gymnastics. Myla’s favorite game to play is between PicWits and Apples to Apples.
Penny Coggins (Street Vendor/Gangster) is a 5th grader at Stump ES whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Mrs. Claus in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Penny enjoys spending time with family and her pets. Penny’s favorite games to play are Qwixx and Uno.
Petra Shepherd (Martha) is a 6th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Spot Conlin in Newsies Jr. When offstage, Petra enjoys sleeping, eating, ballet, jazz, art, and snuggling with her mom and kitties. Petra’s favorite game to play is a game she and her cousin made up called“ Brombley.” “I really like my earmuffs and muffins!”
Reid Baska (Angie the Ox) is a 6th grader at SDMS whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Oliver Warbucks in Annie Jr. and Rudolph in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Reid enjoys video games, camping, and spending time with family. Reid’s favorite card game to play is Flip 7.“I started performing in theater in 4th grade when I played Oliver Warbucks in Annie Jr., and fell in love with theater. I have been performing in school plays, at DMR Performing Arts Academy and Wayne Theater ever since.”
Remy Wiecek (Rusty Charlie) is an 8th grader at VVA whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Lord Farquaad in Shrek Jr., Buddy the Elf in Elf Jr., and Eddie in 13 Jr., all performed at DMR Adventures in Charlottesville. When offstage, Remy enjoys gaming and hanging out with friends. Remy’s favorite game to play is Animal Company.
Rory Cruz (Look Out) is a 3rd grader at CES whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Cowboy that rides an ostrich in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. Before theatre, Rory also danced from ages 2 to 7. When offstage, Rory enjoys crafts, board games, and going to the park. Rory’s favorite game to play is One Night Werewolf.
Valentino Gonzalez-Cibeyra (Big Jule) is a 6th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Guys and Dolls Jr. was Donner in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Valentino enjoys playing trombone and reading. Valentino’s favorite game to play is Monopoly. “I've been rehearsing for two shows at once. I am also doing a show at the middle school, and it's been fun and busy doing both!
Violet Nesbit (Featured Hotbox Girl/Adelaide U/S) is a 7th grader at KCMS whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Mad Hatter in Alice By Heart and Bea in Something Rotten Jr. When offstage, Violet enjoys baking and crafting. Violet’s favorite game to play is Wavelength.
Zach Sandercock (Nicely Nicely Johnson) is an 8th grader at KCMS whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Nigel in Something Rotten Jr. at KCMS and Yukon Cornelius/Sam in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. When offstage, Zach enjoys making music, singing, playing, drumming, and strumming. Zach’s favorite game to play is Uno. “I hope you enjoy the show!”
Zoey Whitesell (Hotbox Girl) is an 8th grader at WMS whose favorite roles before Guys and Dolls Jr. include Hermey in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr., Babette in Beauty and the Beast Jr. at WMS, and Fighting Prawn in Peter and the Starcatcher. When offstage, Zoey enjoys cheering. Zoey’s favorite game to play is Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza.
CREATIVE TEAM
(in alphabetical order by first name)
Corey Holmes (she/her) (Director/Choreographer) is a movement and performing arts educator. She earned her BFA from Florida Atlantic University and two master's degrees from MBU/ASC (MLit/MFA). Corey is in her second term as aVCA teaching artist, on the board for VTA, and the board for VCFAE She is the Director of Education at the Wayne Theatre.
Garrett McCoy (he/him) (Assistant Director) is excited to be returning to the Wayne Theatre in the role of assistant director. Garrett has been an active member of the Wayne community for seven years. He has acted in Dial M for Murder (Capt. Lesgate), Arsenic and Old Lace (Officer Kline/Mr. Gibbs), and Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Pilot/Ensemble). Garrett would like to thank his friends and family for their support. He would like to express his gratitude to Lesley and the staff at the Wayne for pulling him back into the theatre community.
Katey Hallock (she/her) holds a BA in Music with a concentration in Education from Bridgewater College. She has been working with Studio Wayne since 2021 where she has music directed and taught many classes. Favorite Studio Wayne credits include Matilda Jr, Alice by Heart, and JTF Music Director. Katey has also been on stage at the Wayne and some of her favorite roles include A Christmas Story: The Musical (Miss Shields), The Little Mermaid (Ariel), and Murder on the Orient Express (Mary Debenham). When she’s not on stage or teaching with Studio Wayne, Katey teaches middle school choir, musical theatre, and guitar in Augusta County.
Maebe Nesbit (Stage Manager) is a homeschooled 10thgrader who has been doing shows since 2019. When offstage, Maebe enjoys drawing, art, and playing with the two family cats. Maebe’s favorite game to play is Magic the Gathering.
MTI BIOS
(in alphabetical order by first name)
Abe Burrows (Librettist) After studying to be a doctor and an accountant, Abe Burrows had a career in sales before becoming a successful radio script writer and writer/performer of musical parody numbers. His first Broadway libretto was Guys and Dolls, co-written with Jo Swerling, with a score by Frank Loesser. Among the musicals for which he provided librettos are Make A Wish, Can-Can and Silk Stockings (both with scores by Cole Porter), Say, Darling, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (which he also directed; score by Frank Loesser). His non-musical plays include Cactus Flower (wrote and directed) and Forty Carats (directed).
Frank Loesser (Music and Lyrics) One of America's great composer/lyricists, Frank Loesser began his songwriting career during the Depression as a lyricist, contributing songs to Broadway revues and nightclub acts. His work with composer Irving Actman in the1936 revue THE ILLUSTRATOR'S SHOW led to a songwriting contract in Hollywood, where he spent the next eleven years working with such composers as Burton Lane, Jule Styne, Arthur Schwartz and Hoagy Carmichael. Some of his film songs from that period include "Two Sleepy People," "Jingle Jangle Jingle"and "I Don't Want To Walk Without You." The first song for which Loesser wrote both words and music was "Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition," written during his World War II service. His Hollywood work after the war included the hit songs "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year," "A Slow Boat To China," and the 1949 Oscar-winning song "Baby, It's Cold Outside." In 1948 Loesser was approached by fledgling Broadway producers Cy Feuer and Ernest Martin to write music and lyrics to George Abbott's libretto for an adaptation of the classic Brandon Thomas play Charley's Aunt. The new musical, which starred Ray Bolger, was called WHERE'S CHARLEY? and was a hit. This led to Loesser's next show, the hugely influential and successful GUYS AND DOLLS in 1950, also produced by Feuer and Martin, with a script by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling. In 1956 Loesser wrote the libretto, music and lyrics for his next show, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, adapted from Sidney Howard's play, They Knew What They Wanted. This impressive score contains over 30musical numbers and makes extensive use of operatic techniques and forms, including recitative, arias, duets, trios and choral numbers. In 1960 he provided the score and was co-librettist for GREENWILLOW. In 1961, Loesser wrote the score for the Pulitzer Prize-winning HOW TO SUCCEEDIN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. His last show, PLEASURES AND PALACES, closed in 1965 during out-of-town try-outs. For more information on Frank Loesser, please visit his official website.
Jo Swerling (Librettist) Born in Russia in 1897, Jo Swerling was a playwright, screenwriter and vaudeville sketch writer. Mr. Swerling's long career began as a reporter and feature writer in New York and Chicago.
