How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical Cast

Jeannie Abbas is thrilled to be back in the director’s chair. Other directing credits include The Lion King, The Jungle Book, The Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, What Happened After Once Upon a Time, among others. She is a dynamic performer who has enjoyed playing on stages in Chicago, Denver and most recently Pagosa. She is a member of “Pool of Fools,” the local improv ensemble that performs monthly with Lickety Split Comedy at the Center for Performing Arts. As an actor, she most recently appeared as Mrs. Honey in CUP’s summer production of Matilda. In the last year, she also performed 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 the production team, cast, crew and everyone with Curtains Up Pagosa for sharing their joy, talents and collaboration. She wishes to give a special shout out to Jake, Jack and Jonah for their love and support.

Anika Borders is thrilled to be the music director for How the Grinch Stole Christmas! A CUP stage veteran since 2010, she has been involved in countless musical productions. Most recently, she served as choreographer for Annie Jr., The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Anika graduated from Colorado Christian University with a degree in Music Education and Dance and now teaches music at Pagosa Springs Elementary School. You might recognize her from around town—she’s worn many hats in Pagosa! She has taught at Pagosa Springs Dance Academy since 2018, taught swim lessons for ten years, and leads as one of the directors in the Community Band. She’s especially excited to give back to the CUP community she grew up in and to help create the kind of magical experiences that inspired her as a young performer. Anika is participating in this production alongside her husband Andrew, mom, and several of her younger siblings. Her musical endeavors include singing and playing any instrument she can get her hands on—cello, horn, viola, and more. Best of all, she enjoys jamming to bluegrass with her husband. Beyond the realm of music, they find joy in exploring the great outdoors through backpacking, fly fishing, hiking, and skiing together. She hopes you enjoy Christmas magic brought to life in this tale of family and changing hearts

Sophie Martinez is a Junior at Pagosa Springs High School and has called Pagosa Springs home since the summer of 2017. She started taking dance lessons at the age of 2, and it quickly became her passion. Sophie thrives in front of an audience and loves performing. Her love for acting began at a summer camp hosted by the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, where she had the opportunity to perform in the musical Annie. Following that, Sophie became a regular cast member in various productions with Curtains Up Pagosa. Some of her standout roles include Clara in The Nutcracker, young Tarzan in “Tarzan”, and numerous ensemble parts in Willy Wonka, Cinderella, The Addams Family, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. This year, Sophie portrayed Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz for PSHS. Sophie expended her skill with Asst. Choreographing Matilda this summer. Performing on stage truly is Sophie’s happy place!

Harison is thrilled to be part of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Though he’s only been in a few musicals before, he’s grateful for the chance to perform with the wonderful Pagosa Springs Community Theater. Being on stage has been such a great time, and Harrison hopes to continue acting in the future while growing as a performer. He would like to thank the cast, crew, community, and his family for making this show A possibility. After all, there aren't many places where you get Applause for being mean.

Ben is thrilled to be making his debut with Curtains Up Pagosa. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Ben moved to Pagosa in 2021 and instantly fell in love with the community! He is a manager of one of the most popular breakfast spots here and has made this town a home. Recent performances include the towns burlesque show and Dancing With the Pagosa Stars, where he has been able to harness his love for theatre and grow his confidence on and off stage. Although he credits his teachers from his younger years in Texas, Ben would also like to thank the Pagosa community for not only accepting him, but celebrating him. Ben is very excited and honored to be chosen to perform and work with such a talented cast and end a 20 year absence from musical theatre.

Andrew Borders is a new Pagosa resident and is excited to hop on stage in a new town! He's a recent graduate of Colorado Christian University, where he performed in several musicals. Andrew's roles there included Lefou in Beauty and the Beast, Patrick Star in Spongebob, Angus in Tuck Everlasting, and Jack Kelly in Newsies. Andrew sings and plays banjo whenever he isn't preparing taxes or hiking mountains. He's loved preparing this production alongside his wife Anika, and he hopes you discover great moments of laughter within the show!

Paulette Heber, a 20 year resident of Pagosa Springs, has always enjoyed musicals and in particular, CUP productions. Always an ensemble member, this is her first supporting role. Her previous performances include Children of Eden, Nutcracker The Musical and Cinderella. She has also been a member of the Pagosa Springs Community Choir. She has many interests, including painting, guitar, piano and loves the joy and magic of Christmas, especially baking Christmas cookies for family and friends. Paulette looks forward to all the fun and antics of being part of the Who family and sharing that joy with our audience. She is very grateful for the support of her family!

Anthony Aldwell (Grandpa Who). Tony has been visiting Pagosa for the past 46 years and moved here permanently four years ago after fifty years in the Air Force and Civil Service, first as a pilot, followed by specializing in international affairs. He studied theater at Saint Olaf College, where he performed in seven productions, and is pleased to return to the stage via Curtains Up Pagosa, where he has participated in the last five productions, including Lurch in The Addams Family, Grandpa in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Mrs. White in Clue. He applauds Pagosa’s citizens and businesses for supporting CUP and its mission to entertain and educate our community.

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

Connor Thomas is overjoyed to be performing as Papa Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Connor has been in musicals since the age of six and has been doing many since, such as playing recently playing Tinman in The Wizard of Oz for PSHS. He enjoys music of all kinds, whether that be jamming some hymns in the bluegrass style or singing with the All State high school choir. Also, Connor loves to be outdoors (especially bird-watching), hiking, running, reading, and drinking tea.

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica Parker, but you may know me better as “the Wicked Witch” or the local national anthem singer. I will be playing Mama Who in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical.” The Grinch will be my biggest show with “the Wizard of Oz” and “Pirates the Musical” being my two biggest roles. I have experience both on stage and as crew, doing lights in “Music Man”. I have a lot of experience in dance and music. I did eight years of dance at our local dance academy, 5 years of vocal training and guitar lessons, and four years of singing our National Anthem at school sanctioned events and, more recently, at a military event. I hope to continue doing music and acting throughout my entire life, but we will see where life takes me. I am so excited to see you all in the audience for, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical." - Jessica Parker, “Mama Who”

Paizley Clark is 10 years old and has always called Pagosa Springs home. Paizley is a 4th-grade student at Our Savior Lutheran School. This is Paizley’s 12th play, and theater is her passion. Most recently, you may have seen her in Matilda and James and the Giant Peach. 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.

Wells loves theatre, music, and fine arts in general. He tries to partake in as many musicals as he can. He also plays flute, piano, and sings in the school choir.

Kylie is so exited to be a part of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! She is playing Annie Who, the oldest Who child. She has been a part of many different shows, including Matilda, Once Upon a Mattress, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Joust, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Music Man. When not acting, she is busy balancing high-school, band commitments, baby-sitting, working at Patria, and running track! Thanks for coming! She hopes you enjoy the show!!!

Connor Coleman is excited to be playing the role of Danny Who. This is his third CUP show, having previously played the parts of Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda and Sir Gus in Once Upon a Mattress. Connor is a 10-year-old fifth grader at Pagosa Springs Middle School. While not practicing the performing arts, Connor enjoys playing, watching, and teaching basketball, listening to music, and riding bikes. He also enjoys helping out at Patria with his mom and sister and is a great help to his dad at home and work. Connor loves to sing, dance, and perform and is hoping you all enjoy his performance in the show! He is particularly excited for this performance because The Grinch has been a favorite story (and movie) of his for years.

I am almost 8 yrs old. I am a second grade home schooler, and I have lived in Pagosa Springs since 2023. I enjoy playing with my new puppy, doing acrobatics, singing, and performing for my parents.

Nova is very excited to take part in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas as Trixie. She has been performing in musicals since 2023 and loves the experience of community theater. Appearing in Seussical (Thing 1), Once Upon A Mattress (ensemble), Mary Poppins (Queen Bee), Matilda (ensemble), and Annie Jr. (Connie Boylan/Star to Be). She is looking forward to a life entertaining on the stage!

Elizabeth Baldwin has been involved with theater since she was 8 years old. She persued her passion for performing while attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Dozens of shows later, she's still thrilled to perform! Recently she has been growing her skills with costume design in Wizard of Oz and Matilda. Thank you CUPS for another awesome opportunity!!!

Matt enjoys time in nature, biking, spending time with his family, skiing, gardening, and DIY-ing new projects whenever he’s not on stage with his two sons. Although it’s his first show in 30 years and he might be a little rusty, he’s excited to be part of the community theatre.

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!

Avonlea is so grateful for this amazing opportunity to be a part of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical as Timey/Ensemble. Avonlea is a high school junior and has been involved in the performing arts for over 10 years dancing, singing, playing flute, and acting. Most recently, she has played Glinda in PSHS's The Wizard of Oz and danced competitively with Pagosa Springs Dance Academy. She wants to give a huge thank you to Jeannie Abbas, Anika Borders, Elizabeth Baldwin, Krisha Doocy, and all of the cast and crew for all of the time and hard work they put into making this show happen.

Jackson Jacobs is a 14-year-old performer with a passion for acting and music. He’s currently part of The Grinch musical, where he brings energy and excitement to the stage. Jackson loves being part of a team that tells stories through singing and acting, and he can’t wait to keep sharing his love for performing with audiences everywhere.

Hi, my name is Maheyla, and I am 12 years old. This is my first Curtains Up show, and I am so excited that I got a part! I have been in plays before with Thingamajig, and the Middle School. Some plays I have been in were The Lion King, The Music Man, and Seussical. I am also in dance, and took private voice lessons for 4 years. I am so excited to participate in The Grinch. Thanks for coming to the show!

Riley Sanders joined the cast of the Grinch as Buggsy Who. Riley has been a part of several productions in the past few years. She loves the stage and love to perform.. Riley has taken voice lessons for 6 years, as well as ukulele and guitar lessons. She enjoys all animals and being outdoors as well! She is so excited to be part of the Grinch!

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

Hi, I’m Brooklyn. I’m 10 years old. This is my first play. I’m very excited! I would not be able to do this without the support of my family and friends. I have a black cat named Wynne. She is 4 months old. I like strawberries, going to parties, being with my family and friends and I love walking Wynne on a leash. I’m very excited to get to be able to perform in front of my family!

Carter Barron is a 2nd grader at Pagosa Springs Elementary. She is passionate about singing, dancing, and anything theatrical! She lives at home with her parents, two brothers, and her pets—a dog and a cat. This is her first performance with CUP.

Kai is currently a student at Pagosa Springs Middle School, he is an enthusiastic saxophonist in the school band and a proud member of the Imagination Station gifted program, consistently earning a spot on the honor roll. In his free time, Kai enjoys creating intricate origami, building detailed WWII model planes, and dreaming up innovative scientific inventions. He cherishes moments spent with his cats and actively volunteers with his mom at Chimney Rock, where he proudly holds the title of honorary Junior Archaeologist. With aspirations of becoming an Aerospace Engineer for NASA, Kai is excited about the future. He would like to extend his heartfelt gratitude to his mom, Grammy, and family for their unwavering support of his passions and pursuits!