Roald Dahls Matilda The Musical Cast

Milana Daiute (Matilda) is 13 years old and is a 7th grade student at Drums Middle School. This is her first mainstage production at the DMPW Factory Theater! She was most recently seen on the DMPW stage playing the role of Peter Pan in Peter Pan, Jr. Her other favorite roles include the Genie in Aladdin, Jr. (DMPW), for which she received a NEPTA Award nomination for Best Young Actress; Bulda in Frozen, Jr. (DMPW); Timon in Lion King, Jr. (DMPW); Kelsi Nielsen in High School Musical, Jr. (PTPA. Her other mainstage productions include; Inherit the Wind (PTPA), The Happy Elf (PTPA) and Annie (Nuangola Grove Theatre). She also enjoys running, lacrosse, swimming and playing the trumpet and piano. Milana absolutely loves being on stage and is beyond excited to be a part of this amazing cast! “Thank you to Joelle and Robin for believing in me and to Tim for all of your help and guidance! Break a leg, everyone!”

Tim Solarek is a NEPTA nominated (Sam Carmichael) veteran actor. He recently played Jerry in Zoo story at PTPA and Gary peter Lefkowicz in DMPWs “I Hate Hamlet”. Other recents include Tom in PTPA’s That Championship Season and E.K. Hornbeck in the PTPAs “Inherit the Wind”. Some of Tim's favorite roles include Lt. Kaffee (A Few Good Men), Phillip Lombard (And Then There Were None), Sam Byck (Assassins) and King Phillip of France (The Lion in Winter) and Aldolpho (Drowsy Chaperone) He is currently an acting coach and co-director of DM Performance Works Youth Academy.

Joelle Witner Most recently seen as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia and Felicia Dantine in “I Hate Hamlet’, You can see her on stage as a real-life rocker chick in regional bands 70’s Flashback and Popstar Drive (formerly amRadio). She also plays in a trio called “Ain’t it Fun. She is the founder of DM Performance Works and the co-founder of Pa Theatre of Performing Arts and operates and teaches at Drama in Motion Studio of Performing Arts in Hazle Township. She is a member of the Sugarbaker Players and has directed and performed in over 200 productions. Her favorites are many, but her top three are Bella in “Lost in Yonkers”, Queen Eleanor in “Lion in Winter”, and Eva Peron in “Evita”.

Scott Colin (Mr. Wormwood) It is extremely rare for Scott to be able to perform on stage with his wonderfully talented fiancée, Jessica Bickel, much less be married to her, and is absolutely relishing this opportunity. Scott currently serves as the Artistic Director for the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre. He has been seen on stages across NEPA, most notably as Hamlet in Hamlet (LTWB) [NEPTA – Best Lead Actor] and Lord Farquaad in Shrek (Theatrical Gems) [NEPTA – Best Supporting Actor]. More locally, he has been seen as Thomas Jefferson in 1776, and John Wilkes Booth in Assassins (PTPA), as well as a one-night engagement as a fill-in for Bill Austin in Mamma Mia (DMPW). Scott is currently employed at Misericordia University, and is also a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He would like to give a shout-out to his awesome son, Colin, and assures everyone watching that he is a much better father in real life than he portrays on stage.

Jessica Bickel (Mrs. Wormwood) Jessica is thrilled to make her debut on the DMPW stage! Jessica recently moved to Wilkes-Barre after getting engaged to Scott Colin and they decided it would be fun to pretend to be evil parents together. Before transplanting herself to W-B, she primarily directed and acted in the Poconos, mainly at Shawnee Playhouse and Theatrical Gems. Some of her favorite roles include Erzulie (Once on this Island, Gems), Mary Magdalene (Jesus Christ Superstar, Shawnee), and Dragon (Shrek, Gems). When not doing theatre, she can be found at Bear Creek Community Charter School teaching kiddos to love learning. “Thank you to my family and friends for supporting me (you are the real mvps), and especially to Scott for believing I had the chops to be LOUD.”

Cali Solarek (Miss Honey) is 20 year old college student studying Early Childhood Education. She is a dance instructor at Drama in Motion Studio of Performing Arts and an assistant choreographer for many of the DMPW shows. Cali has been performing since the age of 2 and was most recently seen on the Factory stage as Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia. She is very excited to be working with this amazing cast and crew and can’t wait for you to see the show!

John Schugard – John was last seen on the DM Performance Works stage as Harry Bright in Mamma Mia. He has been active in NEPA theater over twenty years, appearing in productions of Sherlock Holmes and the Scarlet Avenger, Vincent, The Mystery of Irma Vep, The Threepenny Opera, Accomplice, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest to name just a few. His directing credits include Flowers for Algernon, Waiting for Godot, How I Learned to Drive, Frost/Nixon, Catch-22, Night of the Living Dead and most recently Breakfast at Tiffany's. Thanks to the YouTube video Heynabonics, John is NEPA's best known asthmatic. Throughout all this, he would like to thank his wonderful kitty, without whom he would have retired from the stage years ago.

Taryn Leonard (Lavender) is 10 years old and is a 5th grade student at Holy Family Academy. Most recently, she appeared in DM Performance Works production of Frozen, Jr. as Sven. Additional performances include Iago in Aladdin, Jr. (DMPW); Young Simba in The Lion King, Jr. (DMPW); Alice in Wonderland, Jr. and Peter Pan, Jr. She has also performed with the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts in their production of Willy Wonka. She studies piano with Sheila Butkiewicz at the Young Artist’s Music Academy, voice with Rachel Paden and is a Junior in Girl Scouts. She is a member of the Freeland YMCA swim team and the Hazleton Area Youth Lacrosse League. She is excited to be a part of her first mainstage production at Performance Works Factory Theatre! A special thank you to Joelle, Tim and Robin for all their guidance and support! Break a leg everyone!

This is Cody's third play. He played Mr. Darling in DMPW Youth Academy's Peter Pan Jr. And Olaf in the Youth Academy's Frozen Jr. He also plays baseball and loves to cook. Hope you enjoy the show!!

Julia is an 11-year-old 6th-grade student at Rice Elementary School. She most recently landed a lead role as middle Elsa in Frozen with Drama in Motion and has done several plays with this amazing company. She played Tiger Lily in Peter Pan and the Candyman in Willy Wonka Jr over this past year. Julia loves laughing, dancing, running, swimming and spending time with her friends and family. She is very happy to work with her cousins and friends in this production.

Andrew is a 6th grade student at Rice Elementary School, his favorite subject is History. Andrew enjoys both basketball and soccer and one day hopes to also play football. Andrew is passionate about professional sports, video games and cars. This is Andrew's third performance with the theater and has been performing since early 2019. Andrew hopes to continue to work with the theater as he enjoys being on stage and entertaining the crowds.

Ruth Parker Huey (Tomasina) is 11 years old and a 6th grader at Commonwealth Charter Academy cyber school. Ruth has been involved in youth productions since she was 7 years old. Ruth’s favorite roles were Young Nala (Lion King Jr.) and Small Alice (Alice in Wonderland Jr.) with Drama in Motion. She also enjoyed School House Rock Jr and Newsies with PTPA. Ruth takes jazz and voice with Drama in Motion. She is excited to be a part of this main stage production!

Ella Grace Frantz (Hortensia). Off Broadway: Madeline’s Christmas (Juliette). Regional: NEPTA Nominee A Christmas Story (Ralphie Parker), Willy Wonka, Jr. (Charlie Bucket), Seussical, Jr. (Gertrude McFuzz). Vocal: Performing Arts Alliance (First Place Winner), Lyrics for a Cause NYC (Soloist), National Anthem Sch. Co. Fair (Soloist). Community: Schuylkill County’s Little Miss, Crimson Academy For The Performing Arts, Spotlight Kidz Performer, Tammy Wapinsky Voice Coach, Sarah Yorke Acting Coach, Catherine Zimmerman, Piano. Ella has been singing, acting, dancing, and playing piano since she was 3. In recent years she’s added the ukulele to her list of passion’s. Ella, an honors student at Assumption BVM in Pottsville is 12 years old and has been dreaming of someday being in this musical and is over the moon to be participating in her debut performance with this company and their first Production of Matilda in the area! Thank you DMPW for allowing Ella to share the gifts blessed

Kailyn MacCollum (Alice) is a 9-year-old honors student at Drums Elementary Middle School. Matilda The Musical will be Kailyn’s 10thproduction, and she is excited that it will be her first main stage experience! A few of her more notable roles are: Janes Banks in Mary Poppins Jr. (NCP), Young Elsa in Frozen Jr. (DMPW), Babette in Beauty and the Beast Jr. (NCP) and Tweedle Dee in Alice in Wonderland Jr. (DMPW). Kailyn currently takes vocal and dance lessons with Drama in Motion. She also enjoys Girl Scouts. Coming this December, you will see her in several roles in Nutcracker with DMPW. Kailyn is thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of this amazing performance.

Kalli Smith (Erica) is 8 years old and a third-grader at North Schuylkill where she is a distinguished honor roll student. Kalli has only been taking part in theater for one year. Most recently Kalli played the lead role of “Annie” in the Pottsville GTC Theater’s kids production of ANNIE. Other shows are ALADDIN, Kids (Peasant) and MARY POPPINS, Jr. (Chimney Sweep) and she has been in two NYU films. Kalli is a member of the Spotlight Kidz, under the direction of Sandy Kost-Sterner, where she has had opportunity to perform alongside Broadway stars, sing solo at NYC cabarets and has sung at places such as Radio City Music Hall, Philadelphia Phillies and the Little League World Series. Kalli voice teacher is Gabrielle Quandel and lessons with vocal coach Bob Marks, Frankie Seratch and casting director Alison Franck. Kalli thanks her parents for all they do for her and to her family, friends and teachers for their love and support! Kalli is excited to be part of this MATILDA cast!

Robin studied Musical Theatre at Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Winchester, VA. She has performed, directed, and musically directed numerous shows in the area. Some of her favorite performances have been Miss Hannigan in Annie, Paulette in Legally Blonde, Margaret White in Carrie, Sister Hubert in Nuncrackers, and Miss Sandra in All Shook Up. Robin enjoys musically directing the best and has directed childrens' theatre in shows such as Alice In Wonderland Jr., Seussical, Jr., Shrek, Jr., Once Upon A Mattress, High School Musical, Peter Pan, Jr., Aladdin Jr., The Wizard of Oz, Godspell, Jr., Willy Wonka, Jr., The Little Mermaid, Jr., Beauty and the Beast, Jr., Legally Blonde, Addams Family, and Lion King, Jr. She is very excited to be musically directing and performing in Matilda. This will be the first time she has done both in a show and is very excited about working with this wonderful cast and crew.

Noah Witner is a 12th grade honors student at Hazleton Area High School. He has been participating in theatre since his youth, and will certainly continue to do so for as long as he can. He has played various roles, including: Cogsworth (Beauty and the Beast), Kyle (Legally Blonde), Peter Cratchit (A Christmas Carol), Snoopy (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Shrek (Shrek: The Musical), Bert (Mary Poppins), St. Aphrodisius (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Dr. Josiah Bartlett (1776), Jean Valjean (Les Miserables), and many ensemble positions throughout his theatrical endeavors. He is also a youth academy counselor at DM Performance Works Factory Theater, where he is actively involved with teaching children various skills that they can use both on and off the stage. He is also a dancer at Drama in Motion Studio of Performing Arts, and is a musician as well, playing both piano and guitar. He is also active in FBLA, the Psychology Club, the HAHS Drama Club, Mock Trial, and more.

Liam Huff (17) is excited to be a part of DMPW production of Matilda. Liam has been performing in community theater since the age of 7. He is a Junior at HASD Academy of Arts. Some of Liam’s favorite roles are Jack in Into the Woods, Bobby Strong in Urinetown, Brett in 13 the Musical, Sonny in In the Heights, Donkey in Shrek JR and Chloe in Be More Chill. He is looking forward to working with the talent cast of Matilda. Hope everyone enjoys the show.

Maddy Mamourian (Acrobat) is a 17 year old senior at the Hazleton Area Arts & Humanities Academy where she is an honors student and a member of the National Honor Society. She has been a dancer at Tracey’s Academy of Dance for 14 years. She has done shows in the past with the HAHS Cougar Players such as, Seussical The Musical (Ensemble), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Ensemble), Beauty & The Beast (Enchantress/Ensemble), and Mary Poppins (Mrs. Brill), along with DM Performance Works Factory Theatre’s productions of Mamma Mia! (Ensemble) and their NEPTA award winning teen production of Les Misérables (Ensemble). She also contributed to the choreography and stage management of Willy Wonka Jr. at PTPA.

Jeanine Zeleznock (adult ensemble)-After many years of being behind the scenes helping with sets, fundraising, selling tickets, working the kitchen and selling candy grams, Jeanine made her theatre debut in DMPW’s production of Mamma Mia this past July...and the theatre bug bit her! She would like to thank Joelle, Phyllis, Butchie and Robin, along with her daughter, Cassie, for encouraging to get back on the stage again!! She also thanks all the veteran performers for welcoming her and helping her out back stage!! Congratulations and “Break Legs” to the entire cast and crew!

Hope Bridges is a 13-year-old, eighth grade student at Maple Manor Elementary/Middle School. She is a member of the ecology club and enjoys choreographing dances in her spare time. She has studied various forms of dance for the past nine years, under the direction of Joelle Witner, Phyllis Columbo, and Melissa Wilkinson through Drama in Motion Studio of Performing Arts. She has also started to study vocal under the guidance of Joelle Witner and has performed in the Nutcracker. This is Hope’s 6th production with DM Performance Works. Her favorite role was Zazu in The Lion King, Jr. She is excited to be part of Matilda and would like to thank her family and friends along with the cast and crew for all of their love and support. Break a leg everyone!

Cassie Zeleznock (Big Kid) is a 15 year old incoming sophomore honor student at HAHS Arts and Humanities Academy, where she is a member of the Cougar Players and Chorus. She studies voice, jazz, ballet and hip hop under the direction of Joelle Witner and Phyllis Columbo at Drama in Motion. Cassie has been doing theatre for over 4 years and has performed in over 20 productions. She was last seen in PWFT’s production of Mamma Mia in July. Her favorite role was Rafiki in The Lion King, Jr. at PWFT. Some of her other favorite roles were in Les Miserables, Alice in Wonderland, Jr, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Mary Poppins. Cassie would like to say "Break A Leg" to the entire cast and crew! She would also like to thank Joelle and her team for always supporting her and pushing her to be her very best!!

Mary Yanuzzi (Big Kid) - This is Mary's 9th performance. She was also in Lion King, Jr., Bye Bye Birdie, A Christmas Carol, Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Mamma Mia and Frozen. She has taken dance lessons since she was 3 years old and is currently taking dance and vocal lessons from Joelle Witner. Mary is 12 years old and is in the 7th grade at Holy Family Academy.

Callie Koons is a fun and energetic 11-year-old girl, who is currently playing one of the students in Matilda. Callie has recently sung and danced in the DMPW production of Aladdin as well as played “Grandma Georgina” in Willie Wonka Jr. with PTPA. She started acting with the Nuangola Grove theater at five years old as one of the members of the Lullaby League, a Munchkin in the community theater production of the Wizard of Oz. Callie continued at the Grove in the Jr. productions of “The Jungle Book”, “The Little Mermaid”, “School House Rock”, and “Madagascar”. Her last performance at the Nuangola Grove Theater was the community production of Annie. Her love of song and dance keeps drawing her back to the stage. Callie would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support!

Emily Adams is excited to be playing a Big Kid in Matilda the Musical. She is 13 years old and a 7th grade student at Valley Middle School. This is her 3rd theater show with DMPW. She played a fairy in Peter Pan Jr. and was ensemble in Frozen Jr. earlier this year. She loves dancing and spending time with her friends and family. She has been taking dance classes since she was 2 years old, and currently dances at Drama in Motion Studio of Performing Arts

Stella Byrne (Big Kid) is 13 years old and a will be an 8th grade student at HASD Cyber School this fall. Stella loves singing, dancing, volleyball, and cheerleading. She has trained in Ballet, Ballroom, Jazz, and Gymnastics. Matilda is Stella’s 7th show with PTPA. She also was part of the cast of DM Performance Frozen, Works Willy Wonka , Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. Stella is proud to be a part of this cast and is looking forward to being a part of many more productions in the future.

Sylvia Byrne (Big Kid) is 10 years old and will be a 5th grade student at Valley Elementary School this fall. Sylvia loves dancing, singing, and drawing. Matilda is Sylvia’s 7th show with the PTPA. She also was part of the cast DM Performance Frozen, Works Willy Wonka , Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Alice in Wonderland. Sylvia enjoys singing, dancing, drawing, and has taken lessons in ballet. She is very excited to be a part of this production and is looking forward to being in many more shows in the future.

Natalie Moses is ten years old and currently attends Trinity Academy in Shenandoah. She is excited to be participating in her first production here at DMPW! Natalie has performed on stage since the age of 5 and Matilda will be her 10th community theater production. This summer a dream came true for Natalie while playing orphan "Tessie" in Pottsville GTC's production of Annie Kids. Natalie studies, voice, piano,gymnastics, and is also an active member of Spotlight Kidz. Her favorite theatrical song is Supercalifragilistic from Mary Poppins where she played both the Bird Woman and Miss Andrews at NCP. Natalie would like to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged her in her theatrical pursuits--you know who you are!

Gabrielle Kopczynskie is a sophomore at Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences. This is her third show. She was in Mary Poppins put on by the Hazleton Area Cougar Players and Mamma Mia put on by the DM Performance Works Factory. She was also in the nutcracker put on by the DM Performance Works. Gabrielle currently dances at Drama in motion studio of Performing Arts.

Sage Huff (7) is so excited to be a part of Matilda at DMPW. She has caught the acting bug from her brother Liam and sister Dallas. Sage’s community theater debut was when she was 6 months old! She is very excited to be part of a talent cast of Matilda at DMPW. Some of her favorite roles are the Narrator in Into the Woods, Abu in Aladdin and ensemble in Shrek JR. Thank you Mom, Dad, Liam and Dallas for all the support!

Josephine Polly is 10 years old and will be in 5th grade a Freeland Elementary. Matilda will be her 3rd show. She was also in Peter Pan Jr and Frozen. She enjoys playing soccer and softball. She also dances ballet, hip hop and tap plus does gymnastics too. She play the trumpet for her school band. She is very excited for this show and many others to come.

Nikki is 8 years old and a third grade student at Rice Elementary. This is her third play and she is so excited to be one of the students in Matilda! She was also in the DMPW production of Peter Pan Jr, where she played Michael and Frozen where she was young Anna. Nikki loves playing soccer, swimming, and playing with her friends. She is excited to be in this show with her brother and cousin.