February Follies 2023 Cast

“Rhapsody in Blue” is performed by Sophia Ellis and was choreographed by PSDA veteran Anika Thomas. This modern solo is a creative interpretation of this classic song. Sophia will be competing with this solo multiple times this spring. Music by George Gershwin.

“Keep Breathing” is a contemporary solo performed by Avery White and was choreographed by PSDA guest choreographer Hayley Hudson. The message of this piece encourages those who are struggling to keep going. This is Avery’s first competitive solo that she will be performing at various competitions this spring.

“Pink Panther” is a jazz solo performed by Lily Peck and choreographed by PSDA guest choreographer Kristen Ritter. This sneaky, spy song is being taken to multiple dance competitions this spring. Music by Henry Mancini.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is performed by Sophie Martinez and was choreographed by PSDA guest choreographer Hayley Hudson. This powerful contemporary solo combines multiple sections of the song which creates a unique whole. Sophie will be competing with this solo multiple times this spring.

“Try” is an inspirational lyrical solo performed by Blakely Woodard and choreographerd by PSDA veteran instructor Allison Dean. Blakley will be presenting this poignant piece about self worth for her first competition two weeks ago and will be taking it to multiple competitions in the next few months.

“Morning Person” is a competitive musical theater solo performed by Ava Milburn and choreographed by PSDA instructor and choreographer Anika Thomas. In this piece, Ava portrays Fiona from Shrek the Musical in all of her larger-than-life brilliance. Music by original Broadway cast of Shrek, the Musical.

“Deliver Us” is a lyrical solo performed by Avonlea Thomas and choreographed by PSDA’s Anika Thomas. This emotionally charged lyrical solo hails from the epic score of the movie The Prince of Egypt. Avonlea, who earned top places last year with her Irish step-dancing solo, is taking this very different piece to competitions this spring. Music by Eden Riegel and Ofra Haza.

“Fix You” is a contemporary solo performed by Avianna Davies and choreographed by Allison Dean. This uplifting piece speaks to the power of persistence and support of friends. Music by Coldplay.

“Reckless Love” is performed by Faith Lee and choreographed by PSDA’s Allison Dean. This pointe solo reminds the viewer of God’s unconditional love for broken people. Faith will be competing this solo in the months to come. Music by Cory Asbury.

“These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” is a jazz duo by Cassidy Luke and London Rafferty and choreographed by Kristen Ritter. This spunky jazz number is the first competition piece for both girls. Music by Nancy Sinatra.

Connor and Kaeden Thomas are happy to contribute to Follies by singing a duet called Agony from Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim. Agony is a song about two princes who long to be with their princesses but who always find them out of reach. Connor and Kaeden have always loved theater. They have enjoyed performing and have been involved in musicals together since 2015. They are eager to perform and hope you enjoy the song.

Jenny Marsh is a book lover who as a child walked to the public library most summer afternoons because it had the best air conditioning in town. She especially enjoys the saucy satires of the English author Jane Austen, along with her fellow Janeites, the 5000+ other members of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Her favorite Austen film interpretation is the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth emerging from the pond in his white ruffly shirt.

Kaeden Thomas is eager to contribute to Follies by singing Dust and Ashes from Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. Kaeden has been performing on the Pagosa Springs High School stage since age 8 and has consistently been a part of musicals ever since. In the upcoming performance of Beauty and the Beast, Kaeden will be playing Gaston. The piece Kaeden will be singing today is about a lost man contemplating his life. After a near-death experience, the man in the story looks at his wasted life and must choose to let his failures inspire or defeat him. He wrestles with despair and looks for a reason to live.

Korban will be playing his electric guitar and singing “Known,” a Christian pop-rock song by Tauren Wells that tells us about God’s love and forgiveness. Korban is a 12-year-old with a variety of hobbies in addition to music. He enjoys soccer, baseball, snowboarding, Taekwondo, hunting, playing Minecraft, and drawing. He performed in his first musical last summer and is looking forward to being on the stage again.

Lillian Buchner is an active 12 year-old who loves skiing, riding horses, singing, drawing, gaming, hanging with family, and ripping around her 4 wheeler track. She is currently writing a book and continuing to walk with God on her faith journey. Creativity is her main passion in life, and music is her constant companion. She has a huge heart, and her mind is constantly working on her next creative endeavor. She can't wait to get up on stage!

My name is Mila Miller, I have been singing since I was three years old, and I have been acting since seven. I am a runner and a middle school student, and I have a huge passion for musical theater.

“Psalm 42” is an inspirational pointe solo performed by Olivia Mazur and was choreographed by Dee Pitchon, the ballet director at Pagosa Springs Dance Academy. PSDA is blessed to have Olivia, a wonderful leader, as an instructor and our team captain for the competition team. Music by Tori Kelly.

Diana Kelly Our local singing telegram girl, Diana has performed in numerous community theater musical productions. Her favorite role was Annie Oakley in “Annie Get Your Gun” with Rocklin Community Theater, in Rocklin CA. She is excited to pull her fiancé, Daniel, onto the stage for the first time in these Follies. [email protected]. Daniel Power Daniel claims he doesn’t sing or dance, but did admit to playing Pelvis Esley in his high school talent show. Daniel is a realtor with Remax currently residing in Ruidoso, NM but expanding to Pagosa because that’s where Diana lives. Diana Kelly and Daniel Power play rival sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler with two songs from Irving Berlin’s musical “Annie Get Your Gun” ( a shortened version of “Anything You Can Do” and “Old Fashioned Wedding”)

Our favorite little sassy dancer is back! Penny Peck, winner of last year’s Follies dance category, is returning for a special encore performance. She will be performing “Big Spender,” choreographed by Kristen Ritter.