Nina Takahashi as ANNIE Nina is an eighth grade student in the Summa Academy of Whitford Middle School. This is her first production with BCT, and she couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of not only the cast, but also the community. Two of her favorite past roles were Young Simba in The Lion King and Jack in Into the Woods. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Jordan Morris as DADDY WARBUCKS Jordan is thrilled to be making his debut with Beaverton Civic Theatre. When not treading the boards, Jordan works as a museum host at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals, tromps through Oregon’s outdoors, plays lots of board games, and irritates his cat with love and attention. He would like to thank his beautiful wife Andreen for her support in this and all his endeavors.
Henley Slepyan as GRACE Henley, a recent Portland transplant, has acted in theaters throughout the country including Civic Light Opera in Seattle, Boulder Theater in Colorado, and Onstage in Atlanta. Favorite roles were in Oliver! (Nancy), My Fair Lady (Eliza DoLittle) and Cinderella. She is a Speech Pathologist known for using drama in her practice. Henley applauds the audience for supporting live theater in a virtual reality world.
Erin Zelazny as MISS HANNIGAN A work-from-home mom, Erin is delighted to be back on the BCT stage. Some of her past favorite credits were in Titanic: The Musical, (Alice Beane), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona Lisa Peretti), Once Upon a Mattress (Fred), and Songs for a New World (Woman). Erin would like to thank her husband for his unwavering support, and her son for allowing “Mama” to go play pretend.
Richard Cohn-Lee as ROOSTER Rich has appeared as the Wraith in Tesla City Stories and as Charlie Cowell in Clackamas Repertory Theater’s Music Man. By day he is as an attorney for schools and colleges and is continuously grateful to his family for their continued support of his passion for theater. He is especially thrilled to be on stage with his daughter Alia who plays one of those pesky, meddling orphans.
Kelli Bee as LILY ST. REGIS Kelli is thrilled to be in Annie, her first show with BCT. She moved from Chicago in 2015 and made her Portland debut last season in Stumptown Stages’ Rock of Ages. Kelli also loves choral music, and is a member of Choral Arts Ensemble. Previous musical theatre credits include Bare: A Pop Opera, Hairspray, Ragtime, The Wiz, Rent, and Urinetown. Much love to Mom, Dad, Sam, Jo, and Dennis!
Kathrynn Gerard as STAR-TO-BE This is Kathrynn’s first BCT production. Previous roles were a school teacher, a child who dreams of veterinary school, Robinson Crusoe, Emily Webb, Mrs. Van Daan, Marmy, and Major General Stanley’s daughter. She also played Alice in a radio commercial for a harvest festival. She enjoys scheduling and organizing things, decorating her house, drinking tea, writing, reading, and running.
Addie Contreras as MOLLY Addie loves musical theater and has been training for over four years with Spotlight Musical Theatre Academy. She was in Lakewood’s Best Christmas Pageant Ever and will be at Walt Disney World’s musical theater festival in 2018. Addie enjoys reading, writing, and playing with friends. Thanks to her family for their support and Melissa and the entire cast and crew for this incredible opportunity.
Lily Pounders as PEPPER Lily, a 7th grader at Beaverton’s Arts and Communication Magnet Academy, loves performing with BCT. She has appeared in A Little Princess and as sound operator for Elephant and Piggy. Other performances include Portland Opera (La Boheme), Stages Performing Arts Youth Academy (Dorthy in Wonderland), and ACMA (Comedy of Errors). She thanks her family and friends for supporting her.
Kaitlyn Meek as KATE Kaitlyn began performing with the Portland Opera in three Operas as a supernumerary. She became involved in community theater as Lottie in BCT’s A Little Princess. She also played Sheldon in Junie B. Jones and Patty in The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree, both with Hillsboro’s Stages Performing Youth Academy. She also is part of their Stage Trouper group performing throughout the Tri-County area.
Tia Green as JULY Tia is extremely excited for the upcoming production of Annie!. She is very excited to be developing her character and be working in this professional environment. She lives in Beaverton with her Mom, Dad, and cat named Star. Her hobbies outside of acting include singing, drawing, photography, meeting new people, and smelling candles!
Abigail Dixson as TESSIE Abigail is delighted to perform at BCT. She has appeared on stage at Lakewood Center for the Arts, as well as in school productions including Seussical, Annie, and Peter Pan. Her favorite role was the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. Abigail trains at Spotlight Musical Theatre Academy. She would like to thank her family (especially her big sister and twin brother) for supporting her dreams.
Alia Cohn as DUFFY Alia, a 7th grader at Arbor School of Arts & Sciences, has been in musical theater since she was 4 and has trained in acting, dance, and vocals with the Spotlight Musical Theater Company for 7 years. She dances jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, and contemporary at the MAC, where she competes on the gymnastics team. Recent roles include: BCT’s Knuffle Bunny and Clackamas Repertory Theater’s Music Man. (Amaryllis).
Sherman as SANDY Sherman is a 1-year-old goldendoodle making his stage debut with BCT. His favorite things include romping at the dog park, stealing socks, playing chase, and treats. When not at rehearsal, Sherman can be found snuggling with his mom or practicing his truly excellent “high five.” Sherman lives in Tigard with his mom Kylie and his dad Erik.
Stan Yeend as BURT HEALY/OFFICER WARD/ENSEMBLE Stan is happy to be back at BCT once again. Previous shows at BCT include, 12 Angry Jurors, The Addams Family - the Musical, The Dining Room, Bus Stop, The Odd Couple, and others. In addition, Stan made his directorial debut at BCT directing Crossing Delancy. As always, thanks to Leslie for putting up with his nonsense.......and remember “smile, darn ’ya, smile.”
Allen Denison as ROOSEVELT This is Allen’s 3rd production with BCT, following If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas and Around the World in 80 Days. He is a native Portlander and has lived here long enough to tell stories about The Old Days. He appreciates the much-needed support from his family, friends, cast mates, crew, coaches, and fabulous wife. Thanks also to the audience, who gives us the reason to do this stuff.
Claire Barlow as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE After debuting in A Little Princess, Claire is thrilled to be appearing in her second performance at BCT. She hails from Boise, ID and loves field hockey, writing, and playing her clarinet. As an aspiring entrepreneur (and likely the only 10-year-old in the state with a food handler's license!), she is working on launching her own baked goods business.
Arlo Benefiel as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE Annie is Arlo’s theatre debut and she is so excited to be on stage. Arlo is a 3rd grader at Fir Grove Elementary and a Brownie in Girl Scouts. She loves to sing and dance and do crafts. Musicals are her favorite. Arlo would like to thank her family for supporting her creative pursuits.
Kjrstin Berg as ENSEMBLE Kjrstin is thrilled to join the cast of Annie in her first musical. Kjrstin is a paralegal by day who enjoys photography and archery by night. Kjrstin spent most of high school and college in the choir room and is excited to be singing on stage again!
Charlotte Burke as ENSEMBLE Charlotte is thrilled to be back at BCT after being in The Addams Family, The Little Princess (Sara Crewe) and The Miracle Worker. Other roles include: Godspell with Broadway Rose’s Teen Intensive and in all her school’s shows last season. She studies voice and guitar, and enjoys drawing and painting. Thanks to Josh, Melissa, Rick Lewis, and Linda Anderson, and friends and family for their support!
Belle Edwards as ENSEMBLE Belle is excited to be in her third production with BCT. She studies dance and theater at the Arts and Communication Magnet Academy. She has been in multiple straight plays and musicals such as Godspell (Broadway Rose), A Little Princess (BCT), All’s Well in Roswell (ACMA Theater Company), and several others. She hopes you enjoy the show and have a happy holiday season.
Izzie Esser as ENSEMBLE Izzie has always loved the stage! She has performed in multiple small production plays in drama club (Cinderella, The 3 Little Pigs, Stone Soup, and a great version of Charlie Brown). Izzie loves to sing and dance, performing in a variety of numbers at Lundstrum Performing Arts in Minneapolis and at Westside Dance Academy in Tigard. She is so grateful and excited to be a part of BCT’s Annie!
Lily Frerichs as ENSEMBLE Lily is 16 and has been homeschooled since the age of five. She is excited to be in Annie, her third production with BCT, with A Little Princess and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow being the first two. Some of her favorite activities outside of theatre include reading, piano and spending time with friends. Lily would like to thank God for giving her this opportunity and her parents for driving her back and forth to rehearsals.
Ainsley Gantzer as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE Ainsley made her theatrical debut last year in BCT’s Sleepy Hollow playing a student and townsperson and is so excited to be working with BCT again in Annie. Ainsley loves performing and hopes to do lots more plays in the future. She would like to thank her family (Mom, Dad and brother).
Nic Gantzer as ENSEMBLE Nic came back to theatre last year in BCT’s Sleepy Hollow after a long break from acting. In the past he’s played Wolf in Hair and Jean in Rhinoceros. He is very happy to be again acting alongside his daughter. He would like to thank Adriana, Ainsley and Nolan.
Eve Graves as ENSEMBLE Eve is excited to be playing a Hooverville child in her stage debut. Following in her big sister’s footsteps, she has been studying acting, dancing, and singing at the Spotlight Musical Theater Academy for the last two years. When she is not on stage, you are most likely to find her on the soccer field or beating her family at UNO. Eve would like to thank her family for supporting her in all her endeavors.
Lola Graves as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE Lola is thrilled to be playing an orphan in her first show with the BCT. Last Christmas, she made her stage debut in Lakewood Theater’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She has been studying acting, dancing and singing at the Spotlight Musical Theater Academy for the past 4 years, and enjoys all aspects of being on stage. Lola would like to thank her parents and sister for their love and support.
Helena Greathouse as ENSEMBLE Helena is thrilled to participate in her 5th production with BCT. In her childhood Helena performed on Czechoslovak National Radio and TV. She and her husband Mark created their own lively cabaret style variety show, aptly titled You Do Speak English, Don’t You?, which they presented throughout Oregon and in summer 2017 even toured in Texas. (www.greathouseofmusic.com).
Emma Gregory as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE Emma loves acting, and is thrilled to be part of the Annie! A fifth grader at Gaarde Christian School in Tigard, she appeared in the BCT’s A Little Princess in 2015 as well as in school plays. Emma has performed with Fired Up Dance Academy and Westside Gymnastics, and as a skilled baton twirler at talent shows. She enjoys spending time with her very best friend, her pet terrier named Licorice.
Kadence Hancock as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE Kadence is a 7th grader at ACMA. She got bit by the acting bug when she was 7 and played Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Kadence has performed in 10 productions. Her favorite roles have been Gladys in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Lucy in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Her hobbies are playing soccer and baking. She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her.
Stacey Howland as MRS. GREER/ENSEMBLE Stacey is thrilled to be back on stage after a 20-year hiatus Her previous work with BCT includes stage managing for It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play and Slue Foot Sue, directing King Midas, and making some funky looking prop bread for Into the Woods. Stacey is overjoyed to be sharing this theatre experience with her awesome daughter, Arlo Benefiel, who is playing an ensemble orphan.
Angelina Iefimchuk as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE Angelina Iefimchuk, Grade 6, is excited to be a part of the Musical Annie. She enjoys being on stage whether she is acting, singing or dancing. She has a lot of experience with singing and won a lot of contests/talent shows. Angelina speaks 3 languages and currently goes to the Vancouver School of Art and Academics. She would like to thank her family and everyone at BCT!
Sonja Jugo as ENSEMBLE Sonja is very excited to be involved in BCT in her community theater debut. Before moving to Portland, Sonja was involved in a musical production of Alice in Wonderland and the choir at her school in Shanghai, China. At Northwest Chinese Academy in Portland, Sonja performed at Lan Su Gardens. She is grateful to her friends and family for their support!
Stacie Looney as JOHNNIE JOHNSON/ENSEMBLE This is Stacie’s first role with BCT and her first role on stage in years. While she had a number of roles throughout her elementary, middle, and high school years, she took a break to pursue her degree and travel. She is very excited to be able to sing and act on stage again and to be a part of this great community. She hopes to continue to be as part of BCT for years to come!
Sarah Ominski as FRED/ANNETTE/ENSEMBLE One of her favorite things about theatre is the adventure! Sarah has enjoyed working with this fabulous cast of over 50 and amazing crew to launch this incredible production. She sends a Thank you to all her Family and Friends who inspire her, including, but not limited to: Ed, Mom, Sheri, Ms. Reynolds, her 3 boys, and the mothers of her 10 grandchildren!
Jordyn Pounders as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE Jordyn has previously acted in Dorthy in Wonderland with Stages Performing Arts Youth Academy and was in the ensemble of schoolgirls BCT’s A Little Princess. She sings in premier choir with Hillsboro Community Youth Choir and is in 5th grade at Aloha Huber Park Elementary. Jordyn wants to thank her family and friends for supporting her in her acting experiences.
Logan Pounders as ENSEMBLE Logan, a 2nd grader at Aloha Huber Park, loves doing theater and making friends with his castmates! He has acted in three other shows as John Thomas in Curious Savage at Mask and Mirror, Beggar Boy in A Little Princess at BCT, and Jack in Orphan Train at Hart Theater. He thanks to his mom and dad for supporting him in theater.
Isabelle Riley as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE This is Isabelle’s first time on stage with BCT. Previously, she has been seen in the lobby punching tickets and assisting her mom before performances. She appeared as a bunny in Raleigh Park Elementary School’s production of The Tortoise and the Hare. She has been dancing with Miss Heidi and Miss Megan since she was three years old.
Ellie Rooker as ENSEMBLE Ellisa, 13, is in 7th grade at Stoller Middle School. She studies voice with Vanessa Nelson, and sings for the Stoller Choir. She loves the spotlight, with many classes and performances at the Northwest Children’s Theater (Peggy the Pint Sized Pirate). She is an accomplished synchronized swimmer, training with the Multnomah Athletic Club for 3-1/2 years and competed a duet at the 2016 Jr. Olympics in NY.
Beth Self as CECILLE/ENSEMBLE Beth, of Hillsboro, is happy to be working with Melissa, Josh, and Allison in this hope-filled musical. She has been involved in 19 productions since 2009 at six community theatres in Washington County and holds BCT fondly in her heart, her very first stage performance. Beth loves musicals the best. Add kids and a dog and wow, magic! “Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love ’ya, Tomorrow” for coming today!
Braylin Soon as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE Acting since she was two, Braylin, 11, has enjoyed being in My Son Pinocchio Jr, Mary Poppins, A Christmas Story, Le Miserables, and Annie. Her commercial work includes Fred Meyer, Nintendo, and recently, The Librarians. Braylin was honored to be a Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Shoe Designer for 2016-2017. Many thanks to her family for running her to rehearsals. She has fun with the talented actors.
Naomi Thomas as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE This is Naomi’s first show with BCT. She is thrilled to be in Annie, her dream show. Being small, at 13, is a good thing when it means getting fun roles like an orphan Her favorite roles in past shows include Bielke in Fiddler on the Roof Jr and Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka Jr. Naomi loves cats, sugar, and her family and friends. Joshua 1:9 is Naomi’s favorite Bible verse.
Autumn Vanborkum as ORPHAN ENSEMBLE Autumn is 11 years old and excited for her first theater experience. Offstage, she enjoys dance, gymnastics, and singing and is ready to bring it all together on the stage in Annie!
Hannah Vertner as ENSEMBLE Hannah, 13, has enjoyed this production, especially all the dance breaks and learning something new about theater. Favorite productions include: Lady Pirates of Captain Bree (STAGES) and Seussical The Musical (Theater in the Grove). She is homeschooled with the rest of her five siblings! Thanks to her parents for driving and Beth for giving them a car for carpool. She knows “you’re going to like it here”!
Maggy Vertner as ENSEMBLE Maggy, from Hillsboro, is one of the middle children in her family of 8. She is homeschooled and in the fourth grade. She loves playing softball and basketball. This is her first production with BCT, but she has performed with Stages Performing Arts Academy and in the Christmas Pageants at the Hillsboro Nazarene Church. Maggy is excited to be a part of this cast and has made many new friends of all ages.
Zakeaus Vertner as ENSEMBLE Zak, from Hillsboro, is a homeschooled sixth grader. Annie is his first production with BCT. He previously appeared in The Secret Garden and The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree. He earned the nickname “Tiny Tank” in football and is always building something with his brothers and sisters. Zak is so glad that he decided to join his sisters at the audition and is grateful for the chance to work with this amazing troupe.
Victoria White as DOG CATCHER/USHER/ENSEMBLE Victoria is thrilled to be in Annie! She is a sophomore at ISB, and loves to act, sing, and play piano. Her favorite previous roles include Lavinia in A Little Princess (BCT), Margaret in HART Theater’s Orphan Train, and as a mischievous lad in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (BCT). She hopes you enjoy the show and wants to thank BCT, her parents, and friends for the support
Diedre Wise as ENSEMBLE Deirdre has been involved with BCT in the background for a while, mostly helping make props with her mother. This is the first time she is facing the challenge of being on stage, and she is enjoying the experience. Away from the theater, she loves drawing, reading, writing, and finding awesome new shows to binge watch.
Woody Woodbury as DRAKE/ENSEMBLE Woody prefers small roles in musicals like Into The Woods, The Addams Family, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Candide. He also sings with the Multnomah Community Choir and jazz at open mics at local Clubs in Portland. When not on stage, Woody is often behind the scenes building sets and specialty set pieces for BCT, Mask & Mirror, and other local theater companies.
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