Roald Dahls Matilda The Musical Cast

Gustavo Palma is a Pagosa local, business owner, and Fort Lewis College alumni. Graduating with a Degree in Theatre and a Minor in Music. Accompanied, by further training from Stella Adler “Art of Acting Studio,” in Los Angeles and also from the former Santa Fe University of Art and Design. He has been working with Curtains Up Pagosa since 2012, staring in a number of productions over the years, such as: Shrek the Musical, Tarzan, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Now, he is taking up the challenge of co-directing Matilda the Musical, with curtains up Artistic Director, Krisha Doocy. Gustavo is thrilled that you have made it to our production and hopes you enjoy the magic and wonder of our rowdy little family.

Krisha Doocy has been involved in theatre for as long as she can remember. In recent years, she has focused her talents behind the scenes as a stage manager for Curtains Up Pagosa, with credits including Cinderella, The Addams Family, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Once Upon a Mattress. In addition to her work with Curtains Up Pagosa, Krisha has had the privilege of directing the Pagosa Springs High School musicals, most recently The Wizard of Oz. When she's not immersed in the world of theatre, Krisha loves traveling with her husband and daughter. She hopes this year's production of Matilda brings you as much joy as it has brought to the cast and crew.

Leo Baughman, a Pagosa Springs native and 2015 graduate of PSHS, is thrilled to be music directing for CUP. Having grown up performing with CUP, he’s especially excited to be back and contributing to the program that helped shape his early musical experiences. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in K–12 Music Education from Fort Lewis College and began his teaching career at Ortega Middle School and Alamosa High School, where he taught band for grades 5–12, choir for grades 6–8, and even led a middle school coding course.

Addy Hart, 11, is beyond excited to be playing the role of “Matilda” in her musical theatre debut. Although this is her first role, we have always known she is a drama queen and would one day be on a stage. Addy is passionate about dance and has danced for Pagosa Springs Dance Academy for the past 4 years. When she is not dancing, she can be found with her friends watching “Hamilton” for the millionth time. While it has been a lot of hard work, she has loved every minute of preparing for this production and is anxiously awaiting her next opportunity to perform. Addy would like to thank her parents for their support and taxi service.

Kylie Coleman, a 14-year-old rising Freshman at PSHS, is very excited to be part of another Curtains Up production. Kylie is understudying for the role of Matilda Wormwood, which is her first major role. She is also a member of the ensemble cast. In the past, Kylie has been lucky enough to be cast in two other CUP productions: Once Upon a Mattress and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She also acted in the ensemble cast in The Music Man with the Whatchamawhozits program through Thingamagig. She is a musician and enjoys playing her trumpet, piano, and flute. Kylie is a straight A student, a member of the NJHS, a track athlete, and has performed at Fort Lewis College's Honor Band for two years running. She is grateful to her family and friends for their support and encouragement and hopes you all enjoy the show!

Pat Doocy has been involved with CUP since 2015 when she appeared as mama bear in Shrek since then she has been in Fiddler on the Roof, Tarzan, Sister Act, and played the fairy godmother in Cinderella Pat has also lent her talents as a choreographer to CUP in Addams Family, and now with Matilda the Musical. Pat is looking forward to taking the stage in this year‘s production of Matilda as Miss Trunchbull, too This year Pat is very excited to be mentoring a CUP regular. Using her dance beground to help Sophie Martinez choreograph two numbers for Matilda., Rebellion and Revolting Children. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Jeannie Abbas is thrilled to perform in her first production with CUPS. Most recently she appeared in The Odd Couple with Thingamajig Theatre Company and in Uncle Vanya with the Denver Theatre Ensemble. Favorite Denver credits include Sight Unseen (Bailey Theatre Company) and Talk Radio (Creative Revolution). She is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. Chicago credits include Pygmalion (Stage Left), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Midsommer Flight) and This Is Our Youth (Sankofa Theatre Ensemble). She would like to thank CUPS for their collaboration and a special shout out to Jake, Jack and Jonah for their support.

Hunter Swinehart (Mr. Wormwood): Hunter looks forward to being back on stage with Curtains Up Pagosa after a short hiatus from community acting. He previously performed as Willy Wonka back in 2019 and has done back-stage work with the Center for the Arts. Hunter is passionate about audio and lighting design, and DJs in his free time.

Kaitlen Smith is delighted to be joining this talented community of performers in Matilda as the hilariously horrid Mrs. Wormwood. Previous roles include Eve in Children Of Eden, Kala in Tarzan, and Dolores in Sister Act. Kaitlen is grateful for the opportunity to bring this iconic story to life alongside such a dedicated cast and crew. When not on stage, she enjoys surviving motherhood and chasing around her spirited 3 year old boy. Thank you for supporting local theatre and CUPS enjoy the show!"

Kayla Jones joins the cast of Matilda as Michael/Michelle, Matilda’s brother. Kayla has a goofy side and she is determined to find it in this role. She enjoys trying new things and this is her first musical. Kayla has always enjoyed singing and storytelling, and she is excited to be participating in this show with her mom and sister, as well as all her new friends from the cast. In her spare time she enjoys making art, singing, playing guitar and cello, going to the gym, hiking, and writing, including two published books. Kayla would like to thank her friends and family for all the support of this show, and thanks the directors for taking a chance on her

Bethany Jones is joining the cast of Matilda as Mrs. Phelps, the librarian. It is a fitting role as through the years, she has worked with kids in various capacities: as a substitute teacher, teaching English in Japan, tutoring at her local homeschool co-op, as a Sunday school teacher, working part-time at PS FroYo and her most favorite, as a mom. She decided to jump into theatre for the first time in decades because both of her daughters are heavily involved in music and theatre. They all decided to join in the production of Matilda, together. In her spare time, she enjoys good food, gardening, book club and has maintained a successful health and wellness business for over two decades. She would like to thank her friends and family — especially her amazing husband of almost 22 years — for their love and support.

Penelope Peck (Lavender): Penny has been dancing since she was 5 years old. She entered the musical theatre world last year as Mrs. Cory’s assistant and ensemble in “Mary Poppins.” Her favorite dance style is jazz. She also enjoys gymnastics and playing games with friends.

Connor Coleman, a 10-year-old rising 5th grader at PSMS, is thrilled to have been cast as Bruce Bogtrotter in his second show with Curtains Up. This is his first major role and he is excited to sing and act for you all. Previously, Connor has played Sir Russell in the CUP production of Once Upon a Mattress. Connor also recently performed at the PSES Talent Show, showcasing his singing ability. His other interests include basketball, biking, swimming, and helping his grandparents on their farm. Connor would like to thank his parents and family for their help and support. He hopes you enjoy the production!

Allen and his family have been involved with CUPS for 7 years in the shows Tarzan, Willy Wonka, Cinderella, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Adams Family and Once Upon A Mattress . Allen is married to his best friend Kim, has a son (Eman)and teenage triplet girls (Faith, Hope and Charity). When Allen is not busy working at the United States Post Office, Allen loves to spend time outdoors. He also likes tying, fishing and teaching fly fishing with his dog Animas at his side. Allen enjoys taking hikes to the backcountry to fish and camp.

Paizley Clark is 9 ½ years old and has lived in Pagosa her whole life. Paizley is a 4th-grade student at Our Savior Lutheran School. This is Paizley’s 10th play and drama is her passion. Paizley also enjoys Jiu-Jitsu and gymnastics at the Forge. Paizley greatly appreciates the time that CurtainsUp and Thingamagig Theater invest in her to fuel her passion.

Hello, my name is Jaxon Sherman. I have the role of Nigel. I'm in middle school going into 8th grade. This is my third CUP's show.

Miles Roque has been involved in CUP productions since 2017. This is a fact that makes him feel both proud to have made it this far and also severe existential dread at the passage of time. Other than having an existential crisis and breaking all 8 of his legs on stage, Miles enjoys drawing, writing songs, sewing, hoarding trinkets, sharing rock facts, and spending time with his 3 cats: Beetle, Stella, and Duckie.

CUPS proudly welcomes 8 year old Cassidy Luke to the theater as she makes her debut in her first full-length musical theater production. Last year, Cassidy captivated audiences on this very stage with her award-sweeping solo, "Naughty," sang and danced at the PSDA recital, where she is a seasoned competitive dancer in her third year. A graduate of The Children's Musical Academy, Cassidy dedicates her homeschool days to practicing gymnastics, her script, and looking in the mirror. She enjoys shopping at Claire’s, spending time with friends, and eating things as sweet as her. She enjoys less, traveling all over the southwest watching her brother race dirt-bikes competitively. Cassidy has thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this production and is delighted to have you here to witness her debut performance. She looks forward to gracing this and many other stages in her bright and shiny future. Cassidy would like to offer this performance to The Holy Family J+M+J.

My name is Olive, and I am 14. I have lived in Pagosa for about three years where I have found my love and passion for performing. In my free time I love to dance, sing, and do musicals (or pretend I’m in one)! So far I have been in five plays including Matilda, along with three dance competitions!

Mila Miller is a Freshman at Pagosa Springs High School. She has participated in many theater productions since the age of 6 years old. Her most recent roles were Tree #1 in the Pagosa Springs High School production of Wizard of Oz, and Oaken in Pagosa Springs Center of the Arts Frozen. She has also performed many ensemble roles for these companies as well as Curtains Up Pagosa (CUP). Outside of theater she enjoys Running Cross Country and Track for Pagosa Springs High School. She loves performing for a crowd, and is so exited to play Hortensia in this year's CUP'S show Matilda.

Ronan Vining-Phillips is a soon to be 4th grader. Born and raised in the foothills of the San Juan's, Ronan enjoys reading, skiing, hunting, exploring, and fishing with his family

Lillian Jones is thrilled to be joining the cast of Matilda as the Acrobat! She has enjoyed all things theatre, music and dance for the past 5 years in Pagosa. Some of her favorites have been Seussical Jr (as Gertrude), Mary Poppins Jr (as Mary), The Wizard of Oz (as an 8th grade apprentice), Colorado All State Middle School Choir, dance at Pagosa Springs Dance Academy, and lessons with Dan & Venita Burch. She would like to thank her choir director, Katrina Thomas, her voice teacher, Venita Burch, and her friends and family for all of the encouragement and help that they have given. Working with the directors and cast of Matilda has been nothing short of an amazing experience!

Grace has performed in shows with CUPS as well as the high school since 2016 and is excited to make a return to the stage. Outside of the theater she is an art teacher at Pagosa Springs Elementary School.

Adryan Mathews (Rudolpho): Adryan is excited to be performing in this year's summer musical, Matilda. He's enjoyed taking part in local theatre productions for 2 years now, his most recent role being the Wizard of Oz in the Pagosa Spring High School's spring musical, the Wizard of Oz. Outside of theatre, Adryan spends his time drawing, creating artwork for himself and others alike. He'd like to personally thank his cats for being his moral support throughout this wonderfully theatrical journey!