Anastasia: The Musical Cast

Morgan Harris (Little Anastasia) is excited to be part of the cast of Anastasia in her second Highland Park High School musical; having previously appeared as Chip in Beauty & the Beast. A current 6th grade student at McCulloch Intermediate School, Morgan's musical theater journey includes standout roles such as: Annie in Annie, Jr., Aladdin in Aladdin Kids, Kate in Legally Blonde, Jr., and Maurice in Madagascar, Jr., to name a few. She has also performed professionally with Garland Summer Musicals in The Music Man (Ensemble/Amaryllis u/s) and Lyric Stage’s Cinderella (Ensemble). In addition to her school and professional work, Morgan is a proud member of Broadway Bound II, and is participating in her second Junior Theater Festival troupe with Preston Center Dance. She extends her heartfelt thanks to the Anastasia cast and Ms. Murphy for warmly welcoming her into this magical production.

Milly Spencer (Little Anastasia), a seventh grader, is happy to be playing the role of Little Anastasia with this amazing cast. She’s enjoyed her time with the high schoolers and has learned so much from Ms. Murphy. Milly has been acting for 4 years, and some of her favorite roles include: Annie in Annie, Jr. and Gabriella in High School Musical, Jr. She’s participated in Junior Theatre Festival with Preston Center Dance and is currently in Pop Choir at HPMS. She is very thankful for her teachers Megan Bates, Katie McDaniel and Armoni Adamson at PCD, and Mrs. Durbin Nyoka at HPMS.

Zoe Zaner (Dowager Empress), a senior, is overjoyed to be a part of the incredible cast of Anastasia. Some of her previous performances include: Lord of the Flies (Eric), Men on Boats (John Colton Sumner), and Into the Woods (Granny/Giant). She also co-stage managed HP's Beauty and the Beast and Chicago: Teen Edition. She is a proud member of National Honors Society, and serves as Vice President of International Thespian Society Troupe 1014. Zoe plans on pursuing theatre through college and beyond, and would like to thank her family, friends, teachers, and directors for always encouraging and inspiring her.

Sydney Sinor (Tsarina/Ensemble/Anya u/s), a senior, is excited to perform with the wonderful cast of Anastasia! Sydney has been seen in several Highland Park High School musicals, including: Into the Woods, Chicago: Teen Edition, Beauty and the Beast, and Legally Blonde. Sydney has also performed in other area productions. Her favorite shows include Mean Girls: High School Edition (Cady Heron), Heathers: High School Edition (Heather McNamara), and 13 the Musical (Patrice). Sydney serves as the Secretary of International Thespian Society Troupe 1014 at Highland Park High School. She wants to thank the directors for all their support!

Luka Anderson (Tsar/Count Ipolitov/Von Rothbart/Ensemble), a junior, is thrilled to tackle many roles in the impressive cast of Anastasia. He is a proud member of the Highland Park High School Lads and Lassies Varsity Mixed Ensemble and the exclusive Park Version Vocal Ensemble. Luka has also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow, serves on the altar at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and enjoys holding a part time job at his family’s restaurant, Hillside Tavern. Luka would like to thank his family, friends, choir teachers, and Ms. Murphy for providing this tremendous opportunity to step into the amazing world of theater.

Matthew Walker Brown (Alexei) is so excited to be appearing in his second Highland Park High School musical, previously appearing on the Linda Raya Stage in the 2020 production of Shrek (Grumpy). Matthew is a 4th grader, and is active in soccer, gymnastics, karate, and music groups. He would like to thank the HPHS Choir and Theatre Students for being so fun, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Perring for being his first acting coaches, and Mrs. Walker and Coach Brown for raising him RIGHT!

Mark Zantop (Alexei), a sixth grader, is excited to work with the talented cast of Anastasia. He’s a brown belt in Taekwondo and loves wakeboarding. Some of his favorite roles include Beauty and the Beast (Chip), The SpongeBob Musical (Plankton), James and the Giant Peach (James), Madagascar, Jr. (Marty), and The Music Man (Winthrop). He has had the opportunity to travel to Atlanta and Sacramento to perform and has worked with professional companies throughout the metroplex. He would like to thank his mentors Megan Bates, Katie McDaniel, and Armoni Adamson at Preston Center Dance for their neverending encouragement and guidance. He would also like to thank Brittany Murphy and Natalie Walker for their direction and support.

Kate Kuykendall (Olga/Cygnet/Ensemble), a senior, couldn't be happier to be in Anastasia. Previous shows include: Mean Girls: High School Edition (Ensemble), Chicago: Teen Edition (Ensemble), Heathers: High School Edition (Ensemble), and Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble). Kate would like to thank her family and close friends for supporting her, and a special thanks to Ms. Armoni, Ms. Murphy and Mrs. Walker for everything they’ve done for the show!

Esra Melech (Tatiana/Cygnet/Ensemble), a junior, is thrilled to be a part of this production of Anastasia! She is currently in her 6th year of choir, 1st year of L&L, and is a member of International Thespian Society Troupe 1014. Some of her past roles include: Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Anna of Cleves (Six: Teen Edition), Serena (Legally Blonde), Annie (Chicago: Teen Edition), and featured Ensemble (Bright Star, Tuck Everlasting). Esra would like to thank her family for always being her biggest fans, and the phenomenal team behind the scenes and on stage for giving her an experience she will never forget. She looks to be able to do more shows with Ms. Murphy!

Charlotte York (Maria/Cygnet/Ensemble), a junior, is excited to be a part of this amazing production of Anastasia. Previous musical performances include: Chicago: Teen Edition (Liz), You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Sally), Once Upon a Time (Cinderella), The Little Mermaid (Flounder), Cinderella (Stepsister), Elf (Deb), and The Wizard of Oz (Nico). She was also in plays such as: The Night Witches (Polina) and Happily Ever Before (Briar Rose). Charlotte is a member of Highland Park choir, International Thespian Society, and Archery team. She also dances competitively outside of school at Preston Center Dance. She wishes to thank her family, friends, teachers, and amazing directors for a fantastic show and great experiences.

Morgan Martinez (Gleb), a senior, is excited to be a part of the cast of Anastasia. This is his seventh show at Highland Park High School. Previously, he has been seen in Chicago: Teen Edition (Billy Flynn), Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Prince), Beauty and the Beast (Beast), Legally Blonde (Elle’s Dad), and The Cover of Life (Tommy). Morgan is also president of the HPHS Varsity choir, Lads and Lassies, as well as being part of the acappella group, Park Version. Outside of school, he trains at Preston Center Dance under the direction of Megan Bates. He would like to thank Ms. Murphy, Mr. Burnam, Mrs. Walker, Mr. Patel, Dr. Canchola, and Ms. Megan for always supporting him.

Jaron Pierce (Dmitry), a junior, is pumped to be a part of Anastasia! This will be Jaron's third production at HPHS. His most recent performances include Into the Woods (Baker), and Chicago: Teen Edition (Featured Ensemble), for which Jaron was nominated for a Schmidt and Jones Award (Best Ensemble). Jaron is a member of Lads and Lassies and is president of Park Version. He is a member of the TMEA Texas All State Mixed Choir (Bass 2). He is a proud Preston Center Dance student, and will be performing at JTF later in the year as Jack Kelly in Newsies, Jr. Jaron would like to thank his family, friends, Ms. Murphy, Mrs. Walker, Mr. Patel, Ms. Mac, Mrs. Megan, Ms. Armoni, Mrs. Dean, and all of his football and soccer coaches who allow him to pursue his passion on and off the field. Enjoy!

Cici Dowd (First Woman/Ensemble), a junior, is so excited to perform Anastasia with this amazing cast! This will be her third musical at Highland Park; some of her previous roles include: Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble), Chicago: Teen Edition (Reporter/Ensemble), and Newsies, Jr. (Police Chief). Outside of theatre, Cici is a part of the Lads and Lassies choir and a member of the Spirited Scots Cheer Squad. She would like to thank Ms. Murphy for directing this amazing show and everyone else who made this production possible!

Audrey Metcalf (Second Woman/Ensemble), a senior, is thrilled to be a part of Anastasia this year! Previous HPHS productions include: Beauty and the Beast, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Lord of the Flies, Chicago: Teen Edition, and the student festival performance of Seven Menus. She is a proud member of the International Thespian Honor Society and also plays softball. Audrey would like to thank her family for always supporting her and everyone in the theater department for the past four years!

Kat Cali (Cadet/First Man/Ensemble), a sophomore, is excited to be a part of this fantastic production of Anastasia. Previous musical performances include: The Wizard of Oz, Jr. (The Wicked Witch), Matilda, Jr. (Bruce, Trunchbull, Alice), Grease, Jr. (Rizzo) The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Ursula), and Chicago: Teen Edition (Ensemble). She is a member of Highland Park Treble Select and Highland Park Track and Field. She thanks her family, friends, teachers, amazing directors, and choreographers for this fantastic experience and great show.

Carter York (Second Man/Drunk 1/Count Leopold/Ensemble), a freshman, is excited to be a part of this amazing production of Anastasia. Previous performances include: Shrek, Jr. (Donkey), Newsies, Jr. (Bunsen), and The Wizard of Oz, Jr. (The Wizard). He is a member of the HPHS Tenor/Bass Choir, partaking in all-region. He also does theatre outside of school, at Preston Center Dance. He wants to thank his family, especially his sister, Charlotte, friends, teachers, and fantastic directors for an awesome experience and a wonderful show.

Wright Watters (Solo Man/Drunk 4/Gorlinsky/Count Gregory/Ensemble/Vlad u/s), a senior, is thrilled to be a part of the exceptional cast of Anastasia. Although this is his first musical, he is a proud singer in both the Lads & Lassies Varsity Choir and the Park Version Vocal Ensemble. He currently serves as a Section Leader in the Lads & Lassies Choir and as Secretary of Park Version, and wants to thank his friends and family for supporting him throughout his high school career.

Caroline Ethridge (Solo Woman/Ensemble), a junior, is excited to be a part of Anastasia. Her previous musicals include Beauty and the Beast and Chicago: Teen Edition. Caroline is also a part of Highland Park’s Lads and Lassies Varsity Choir, as well as their acapella ensemble, Park Version. Additionally, Caroline is a member of Preston Center Dance’s JTF Sacramento group. Outside of school, Caroline enjoys reading, playing pickleball and getting coffee! Caroline would like to thank Ms. Murphy, Mrs. Walker, and Mr. Patel for helping to create this fabulous show!

Raj Luthra (Vlad), a junior, is thrilled to be a part of Anastasia. At HPHS, Raj has performed in Beauty and the Beast (Baker/Ensemble) and Into the Woods (Wolf/Cinderella’s Father). Other notable credits: Matilda, Jr. (Trunchbull), High School Musical, Jr. (Chad), The Lion King, Jr. (Scar). Raj is a member of the Lads & Lassies choir and International Thespian Society. If you think Raj did a good job tonight, please tell him on this Google Form as that would make him very happy. (https://tinyurl.com/didrajdowell)

Claire Vaughn (Anya) is a senior at Highland Park High School and is thrilled to be a part of the cast of Anastasia! Some of her favorite roles include Cinderella in Into The Woods, Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock, Amy March in Little Women, Anne Boleyn in Six: Teen Edition, and Heather Duke in Heathers: High School Edition! Off stage you can find her solving escape rooms, watching reality tv, or performing with her friends in the Highland Park Lads and Lassies choir and acapella group, Park Version! She would like to thank Ms. Murphy, and her family and friends for always being there to support her!

Manahil Qureshi (Black Marketeer 1/Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in her first fall musical at Highland Park! She has been passionate about theater since second grade, and last year, she took on the role of Serafima in The Night Witches. Manahil is beyond excited to continue her journey in theater, and thanks everyone for their support!

Lauren Parks (Black Marketeer 2/Ensemble), a junior, is thrilled to be a part of Anastasia. Other performances at HPHS include: Chicago: Teen Edition (Ensemble) and The Night Witches (Irina). She has also been seen in Mean Girls: High School Edition (Mrs. George), Matilda, Jr. (Mrs. Phelps), and Happily Ever Before (Robin Hood). She is a proud member of Lads and Lassies and International Thespian Society Troupe 1014. Lauren would like to thank Ms. Murphy, Mrs. Walker, and Ms. Armoni for always supporting her, and putting on a fantastic show!

Sage Rockow (Black Marketeer 3/Ensemble), a sophomore, is so thrilled to be part of the unforgettable cast of Anastasia. Some of her previous performances include: Newsies, Jr. (Mrs. Medda Larkin), The Wizard of Oz, Jr. (Cowardly Lion), Junie B. Jones, Jr. (Sheldon Potts), and Chicago: Teen Edition (Ensemble). For the past 5 years, Sage has been a member of the National Charity League and is on the HP Archery team. She has also taken classes at Preston Center Dance for the past 9 years, in theatre and jazz. Sage plans to pursue theatre and thanks her family for supporting her.

Abby Waugh (Marfa/Ensemble), a senior, is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Anastasia! She most recently appeared in the HPHS production of Into the Woods (Little Red). She has also appeared in various productions at Dallas Children's Theater, including The Addams Family (Alice). Abby is a proud member of Troupe 1014, and competed in costume design at the International Thespian Festival this past summer. Thank you so much to Ms. Murphy, Mr. Burnam, Ms. Walker, and the Theatre Booster Club for making this show possible!

Camille Huckaby (Paulina/Ensemble), a junior, is so excited to be a part of Anastasia! Previous performances include: Six: Teen Edition (Cathrine Parr), Into the Woods (Rapunzel), and Mean Girls: High School Edition (Karen Smith). Camille is a member of Preston Center Dance's JTF troupe, Lad's and Lassies, International Thespian Society, and Park Version. She would like to thank all of her teachers (Mrs. Megan and the PCD staff, Mrs. Dean, Ms. Murphy, Mrs. Walker, Mr. Patel, and Mr. Burnam) who have encouraged her to be the best she can be.

Ruthie Grissen (Dunya/Ensemble), a junior, is beyond excited to be a part of the extraordinary cast of Anastasia. Her recent performances include Chicago: Teen Edition (Ensemble), Words, Words, Words (Milton), and Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere). She is a proud member of Lads and Lassies Choir and Victory Volleyball Club. Ruthie intends to continue theatre through high school, and would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their support.

Emery Hamilton (Drunk 2/Sergei/Ensemble), a sophomore, is thrilled to be a part of the cast of Anastasia. Her recent performances include: Newsies, Jr. (Albert), The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition (Plankton), and many more. She is a proud member of the Treble Select Choir at HPHS, and has been doing choir since sixth grade. She loves theater, and wants to pursue a career on the stage. She thanks her lovely family who has shown her nothing but support, and her friends who love her so much. She wishes to thank her amazing theater teacher, Ms. Murphy, who never fails to put a smile on her face. Thank you for an amazing two years!

Blain Lewis (Drunk 3/Ensemble) is a sophomore and is so excited to be a part of Anastasia. She most recently played Feste in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night with the Santa Fe Playhouse. Her other performances at HPHS include: The Night Witches (Vera), Into the Woods (Milky White), and Chicago: Teen Edition (Ensemble). Among her other favorite performances are: School of Rock (Freddie), Heathers: High School Edition (Kurt), and The Wizard of Oz, Jr., (Scarecrow). She would like to thank Ms. Murphy and the cast and crew for making this such a wonderful experience.

Isabelle Le (Smoker/Ensemble), a junior, is so excited to be a part of Anastasia! Some of her previous HPHS shows include: Beauty and the Beast, Chicago: Teen Edition, and Into the Woods. Isabelle is also a part of the Highland Park Lads and Lassies choir. She wishes to thank Ms. Murphy for directing such an amazing show!

Hayden Wagner (Policeman 1/Ensemble), a senior, is more than thrilled to be back with the Highland Park Theatre Department in its production of Anastasia. Other HPHS shows have included: Legally Blonde, Lord of the Flies, Beauty and the Beast, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She plans to continue community theater through college, after the remarkable impact this department has made on her. She would like to thank Ms. Murphy, her friends, and family for always cheering her on in every step of the way; and a huge thank you to the cast for making this production such an incredible show and environment to be a part of.

Leya Qureshi (Policeman 2/Ensemble), a junior, could not be more excited to be a part of this production of Anastasia. Her recent performances include Chicago: Teen Edition (Judge/Ensemble) and The Night Witches (Raisa). She wants to thank her parents and her friends for their support.

Grace Martin (Lily), a senior, is excited to be in Anastasia. Some favorite past performances, include: Chicago: Teen Edition (Mary Sunshine/Velma u/s), Into The Woods (Jack's Mom), Mean Girls: High School Edition (Gretchen), Heathers: High School Edition (Veronica), Hairspray (Velma), Beauty and the Beast (Laundry Lady/Plate), Lord of the Flies (Bill), and Legally Blonde (Delta Nu/Margo u/s). Other activities include: International Thespian Society Troupe 1014 (President), Lads and Lassies (Secretary), Park Version, and JTF. Grace has also worked on several voiceovers, TV/Film projects, and commercials. She wants to thank all her teachers, family, and friends for their never ending support.

Ruthie Cave (Countess Gregory/Ensemble), a sophomore, is excited to be a part of the cast of Anastasia. Her recent performances include: Into the Woods (Cinderella's Stepmother), Newsies, Jr. (Hannah), Chicago: Teen Edition (Ensemble), and The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition (Karen). She is a member of the Treble Select Choir and has participated in theatre for many years. Outside of school she is a proud member of Preston Center Dance, where she has participated in the JTF group for many years. Ruthie wishes to thank Ms. Murphy and Ms. Armoni for providing her with this amazing opportunity!

Allison Vandermosten (Odette), a junior, is thrilled to be part of the amazing cast of Anastasia. Her previous musical performances include: Beauty and the Beast (Enchantress/Pepper Shaker), High School Musical, Jr. (Cheerleader), Happily Ever Before (Dark Fairy), Willy Wonka, Jr. (Mrs. Beauregarde), and Matilda, Jr. (Acrobat). Allison is a proud Senior Company dancer at Dallas Ballet Company and is delighted to sing with the HPHS Lads and Lassies. She extends heartfelt thanks to her wonderful teachers, artistic directors, family, and friends for their unwavering support, both on and off her pointe shoes.

Jay Miller (Exiled Russian/Prince Siegfried/Ensemble), a junior, is absolutely ecstatic to have the chance to be in this amazing production of Anastasia. He is a new student this year at Highland Park High School, and is looking forward to participating in even more productions. He was previously in Anything Goes (Fred) as well as being cast in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (Christopher). Jay would like to thank his teachers, friends and family for helping him kick off his theater career.

Laurie Bickel (Ensemble), a junior, is excited to be a part of Anastasia. Previous HPISD Theatre performances include: The Night Witches (Nina), Men on Boats (George Young Bradley), and Matilda, Jr. (Mrs. Wormwood). Laurie is a member of the International Thespian Society. She wishes to thank Ms. Murphy, Mr. Burnam, Mrs. Walker, and all the cast, crew, and volunteers of Anastasia for a wonderful show!

Margaret Bickel (Ensemble), a freshman, is excited to be a part of Anastasia. Previous musical performances include: The SpongeBob Musical (Sandy), The Wizard of Oz, Jr. (Glinda), and Matilda, Jr. (Ensemble). Margaret is a member of the HPHS Treble Choir. She wishes to thank Ms. Murphy, Mr. Burnam, Mrs. Walker, and all the cast, crew, and volunteers of Anastasia for a wonderful first HPHS show!

Kai Carpenter (Ensemble), a sophomore, is excited to be a part of the cast of Anastasia. Her recent performances include: Newsies, Jr. (Olive/Buttons), Six: Teen Edition (Lady in Waiting), Mean Girls: High School Edition (Tyler K.), and The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition (Mayor of Bikini Bottom). She is a member of Treble Select Choir and is involved in JTF at Preston Center Dance. If Kai isn't on stage you can find her doing hair, binging Gossip Girl, or scrolling Pinterest. Kai would like to thank Mrs. Walker, Ms. Armoni, Mr. Patel, her family and friends for support, and Ms. Murphy for this opportunity.

Sailor Critcher (Ensemble), a freshman, is excited to be a part of Anastasia. Previous musical performances include: The Spongebob Musical (Karen), The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley (Samantha/The Mona Lisa), and The Wizard of Oz, Jr. (Miss Gulch/Ozette). Also, among her favorite credits are: Charlotte's Web, Jr. (Goose), and Elf, Jr. (Buddy). Sailor is a member of Concert Treble Choir, and the Voltage Company team at Preston Center Dance. She wishes to thank her director, Ms. Murphy, her choir director, Mrs. Walker, and her dance teacher, Ms. Bailey, for their support!

Caroline Davidson (Ensemble), a junior, is so excited to be a part of the amazing cast of Anastasia. Her recent performances include Chicago: Teen Edition (Ensemble), Newsies, Jr. (Darcy), Frozen, Jr. (Ensemble), The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition (Ensemble), Lion King, Jr. (Ensemble), and Mean Girls, Jr. (Ensemble). Caroline is a 3 year member of Junior Theater Festival. Other than theater, Caroline is a proud member of the Lads and Lassies Varsity Choir, and the Park Version Acapella group. Lastly, she is a member of the Spirited Scots Cheerleading Squad. She wants to thank Ms. Murphy, the cast, and crew for this amazing experience!

Maren Dennis (Ensemble), a sophomore, is thrilled to be a part of the cast of Anastasia in her debut HPHS performance. Maren’s theater debut was in second grade, when she played Molly in Annie, Jr. with NTPA. Since then, she has performed in over a dozen musicals and plays. Among her favorite credits are: Thoroughly Modern Millie (Lucille), Cinderella (Lady Imagrizel), The Wizard of Oz, Jr. (Aunt Em), Fiddler on the Roof (Shprintze), and High School Musical, Jr. (Taylor McKessie). This summer, Maren joined iTheatrics in NYC to workshop a new musical adaptation. Maren is a member of the choir and JTF at Preston Center Dance.

Grace Humphries (Ensemble), could not be more excited to be a part of the fantastic cast of Anastasia. Some of her recent performances include: Charlotte's Web, Jr. (Martha Arable), The Night Witches (Ensemble), and The Wizard of Oz, Jr. (Ozette/Apple Tree #3). She is very proud to be a part of the Treble Select Choir Program, International Thespian Society, and Theater Class. Grace wants to pursue theater in college and continue singing throughout her life. Singing and acting are her passions. She thanks her family members and fabulous teachers who helped her along the way!

Gracie King (Ensemble), a junior, is excited to be a part of Anastasia. Previous musical performances include: Into the Woods (Sleeping Beauty/Swing), Matilda, Jr. (Ensemble), and Willy Wonka, Jr. (Mrs. Bucket). Also, among her favorite credits are: Happily Ever Before (Evil Stepmother) and High School Musical, Jr. (Ensemble). An out-of-state camp Gracie visited this summer is Broadway Evolved. She wishes to thank Ms. Murphy for an amazing show!

Anna Melihercik (Ensemble) is a junior and is thrilled to be a part of Anastasia! Some of her favorite performances include Chicago: Teen Edition, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King, Jr. Anna is also a member of the Highland Park Lads and Lassies. She would like to thank Ms. Murphy for making this such an amazing show!

Aria Nair (Ensemble), a sophomore, is extremely excited to be part of the amazing cast of Anastasia. Aria intends on getting more involved in the theatrical world and would love to thank her family and Ms. Murphy for giving me this chance!

Angelica Pace (Ensemble) is so excited to join her first production at Highland Park High School. Angelica was a proud member of the casts of SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition, The Wizard of Oz, Jr., and Charlotte’s Web, Jr. at HPMS. She loves participating in choir at Highland Park High School and performing with the National Children’s Chorus. Before moving to Dallas, Angelica was a member of the Area Stage Company where she performed in numerous musicals beginning at age eight. She is enjoying every minute of Anastasia and is having a great time with the cast!

Ria Patel (Ensemble), a junior, is so excited to perform in her first HPHS fall musical. Her recent performances include: The Night Witches, Footloose, and Degas, C'est Moi. She's a member of the HPHS Strings Orchestra and does piano outside of school. Ria intends on keeping theatre, dance, and music as part of her life and would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for helping her navigate this journey.

Faith Mazzucchi (Stage Manager), a junior, is thrilled to be part of the crew of Anastasia. Previous HPHS productions include: Into the Woods (Stage Manager), Chicago: Teen Edition (Stage Manager), and Men on Boats (Assistant Stage Manager). Faith is a proud member of International Thespian Society, and was part of the amazing crew for Into the Woods, winning the 2024 Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Award for Best Crew and Technical Execution. She would like to thank her family, Mr. Burnam, and Ms. Murphy for their never ending support!

Cadie Walsh (Assistant Stage Manager), a sophomore, is elated to be part of Anastasia. Her previous theatre experiences include: Into the Woods (Assistant Stage Manager), Chicago: Teen Edition (Running Crew), The Wizard of Oz, Jr. (Assistant Director), Charlotte’s Web, Jr. (Assistant Director), Matilda, Jr. (Running Crew), and Happily Ever Before (Running Crew). Cadie would like to extend a special thanks to her amazing best friend, Layne Henry, for joining her in this remarkable production. She’s excited to pursue her passion while working alongside her closest comrade!

Biviyana Bhattarai (Sound Board Operator), a junior, is excited to be a part of Anastasia. Previous credits include: Into the Woods (Sound Board Operator), Chicago: Teen Edition (Sound Board Operator), Men on Boats (Sound Board Operator), Beauty and the Beast (Dresser), as well as running mics for the inaugural Student Directed Play Festival. She is a proud International Thespian member and is a member of the theatre club. Biviyana was part of the amazing crew for Into the Woods, winning the 2024 Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Award for Best Crew and Technical Execution. She is thrilled to be a part of Anastasia and is grateful to have worked with her fellow peers and directors. She wishes to thank everyone who has guided and helped her all these years.

Julia Kerr (Lighting Board Operator), a junior, is excited to be a part of the crew for Anastasia. She has worked as a lighting technician for multiple shows at Highland Park High School including: Chicago: Teen Edition, Men on Boats, Into the Woods, The Night Witches, and more. She was part of the amazing crew for Into the Woods, winning the 2024 Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Award for Best Crew and Technical Execution; and has attended the Texas State Thespian Festival to compete alongside other technicians in the Technical Challenge. Julia has found a passion for technical theater, and plans to continue seizing opportunities to further her experience and success in the theater world.

Layne Henry (Properties Master), a sophomore, is delighted to be a part of Anastasia. Previous theatre experiences include: Charlotte’s Web, Jr. (Assistant Director) and The Wizard of Oz, Jr. (Assistant Director). This is Layne’s 4th year of choir, and she is excited to continue pursuing the fine arts! Layne would like to thank her marvelous best friend, Cadie Walsh, for always being an inspiration, and for encouraging her to participate in this phenomenal production of Anastasia.

Lauren Tharp (Sound Technician), a sophomore, is ecstatic to be included in the stunning crew of Anastasia. Lauren has most recently worked on such shows as Matilda, Jr., Chicago: Teen Edition, and Into The Woods. Lauren intends to take on a life and career path in technical theatre. She would like to express her appreciation to Ms. Murphy, Mr. Burnam, her parents, and the crew for supporting her.

Arabella Armanini (Projection Technician) could not be more excited to be a part of the crew for Anastasia! Her previous work includes Chicago: Teen Edition (Dresser) and The Night Witches (Sound Technician). Arabella thanks her family, friends, and teachers for encouraging her to pursue her passions and try new things.

Maryjane Galt (Spotlight Operator), a junior, is excited to be a part of the crew for Anastasia. Her most recent performances were The Night Witches (Ensemble) and Into the Woods (Running Crew). She is a member of the HPHS Theatre Club. Maryjane wants to pursue a life in theatre/acting and would like to thank everyone that has helped her along her journey. She wants to thank Mr. Burnam and Ms. Murphy for letting her participate in this production!

Sarah Murray (Spotlight Operator), a sophomore, is so excited to help with the amazing show Anastasia. She’s super excited to help backstage and see what goes on behind the scenes of her first show at Highland Park. She was recently seen in: Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins) and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown) at Prince of Peace Christian School. She is a part of the Theatre 2 class and hopes to help in future productions, as well.

CeCe Hoff (Fly Crew), a freshman, is very excited to be a part of the crew for Anastasia. Her recent credits include The SpongeBob Musical and Law and Order: Fairytale Unit. She is a member of wrestling, tech theater, and rock climbing. She wishes to thank her friends and family for helping her pursue her passions in theater and sports.

Diego Hudson (Running Crew), a 10th grader, is excited to be a part of his first HPHS theatre production. His hobbies outside of theatre are watching movies, riding his bike, and hanging out with friends. He is excited to be a part of the stage crew.

Seoyoung Kee (Running Crew), a junior, could not be more thrilled to be a part of the phenomenal crew of Anastasia. This is her first production at HPHS, She is a proud member of Color Guard, and many clubs. Seoyoung would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for a great exchange year, and she hopes you will enjoy the show!

Jayden Kingcade (Running Crew), a freshman, likes to do things that are hands-on. He wanted to join the crew for Anastasia because he thought it would be fun to try something new. Jayden has a bit of experience in woodworking, acting, and musicals; and it’s his first year in technical theatre.

Bellamy McClung-Gonzalez (Running Crew), a senior, is thrilled to be part of the crew for Anastasia. This is her third year taking technical theatre at HPHS. She would like to thank Mr. Perring for an incredible two years in technical theatre, and for making her want to come back every year. She would also like to thank Mr. Burnam for an amazing senior year.

Rebecca Maddox (Dresser), a junior, is excited to be a part of the crew for her first mainstage musical, Anastasia. She has previously worked on The Night Witches (Dresser) and The SpongeBob Musical (Makeup). She is so grateful for the opportunity to work with the Highland Park High School Theatre program and looks forward to doing more shows!

Audrey Hufsey (Dresser), a freshman, could not be more thrilled to be a part of the phenomenal crew of Anastasia. Her recent performances include: Annie, Jr. (Annie), Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, Jr. (Joy), and Legally Blonde, Jr. (Brooke). She is a proud member of the Concert Treble Choir and plays for Highland Park's JV Field Hockey team. Audrey intends on continuing theatre throughout high school and would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for the opportunity to help out with such a wonderful production.