The Wiz Cast

Dylan is the son of Erin and Lenny Altman. Dylan is an eighth grader working on the stage crew in his first Laurel musical. He is currently a member of Laurel’s choir and yearbook club. In his free time, Dylan enjoys hunting with his dad and grandpa.

Bella is the daughter of Jen and Sam Audia, and is performing in her third Laurel musical. She is a past member of the Laurel volleyball team who were 2021 Section champs. She is also an eight-year member of choir and has attended many band and choir field trips. After graduation, Bella plans to attend Penn State Shenango and Penn State Behrend to major in digital media art and technology. Her favorite musical memory is of spending time in the hallway behind the auditorium, talking and laughing with the cast and crew.

The daughter of Amy and Josh Brenneman, Tristan is a Laurel sophomore participating in her first Laurel musical as a member of the hair & makeup crew. She is an active member of FFA and recently demonstrated horse saddling at the State Farm Show. Tristan is also active in youth rodeo barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying. In her downtime, Tristan enjoys reading.

The daughter of Jennifer and Jeffrey Burgess, Madison is performing in her fifth Laurel musical. She is a four-year member of Laurel’s varsity sideline cheer and competitive cheer teams, as well as a member of the Spartanettes danceline. She is active in Conservation Club, Super Spartan Spirit Club, and is president of Youth Alive. Madison is also very involved in her church youth group. Thanks to family and the musical directors for all of the love and support throughout the years.

Georgia is the daughter of Vicky and Artie Christou and is performing in her third Laurel musical. She is a member of senior high choir and yearbook staff. Georgia’s best musical memory is of hanging out with the cast and crew in the dressing room.

Ava is the daughter of Laurie and Anthony Conti and is performing in her fifth Laurel musical. Ava is a varsity letterman in danceline, track & field, volleyball, and cross country. She served as 2023 girls’ cross country captain. She has participated in Extreme Leadership, FBLA, and was awarded third runner up in the 2024 Lawrence County Distinguished Young Women program. Outside school, Ava dances with Dance Center Studios and works part-time. She will attend Penn State University Park after graduation. Her best musical memory is of winning Captain on Deck with Maddie B.

The daughter of Laurie and Anthony Conti, Sophia is performing in her first Laurel musical. She plays volleyball and basketball at Laurel and is also a middle school and varsity danceline member. A high honor student, Sophia belongs to Laurel’s S3 club. Outside school, she enjoys quality time with family, cherished friends, and cats named Butter and Biscuit. She is enjoying hanging out with her sister and making new friends at musical practices.

Adrian is a senior and the son of Anna Liza and Fred Cresce. He is performing in his first Laurel musical production. Adrian is a six-year member of concert band and jazz ensemble, where he plays the upright and electric bass guitar. He is a four-year member of the Laurel Spartan marching band and is a snare drummer for the drumline. Adrian is also active in student council. Outside school, Adrian performs with a local band called DLC. He has earned the opportunity to play in District Jazz, District and Region Bands. After high school, Adrian plans to pursue degrees in music education and eventually become a music professor. He is very excited to play in the pit with all of the orchestra’s amazing musicians.

The daughter of Heidi and Rob Cunningham, Maggie is performing in her first Laurel musical. Maggie has danced with Kinstaria’s Dance and Recreation in Butler for ten years. She is also a member of Laurel’s Girl Scout Troop 16479. She is enjoying meeting new people through musical.

Ben is the son of Anna and Sean Daugherty and is performing in his first Laurel musical. He is a member of student council and NHS at Laurel, and also a member of the golf team. He plays guitar in both jazz band and a rock band. He is a member of the Laurel stream team. After graduation Ben plans to attend college to study biology or chemistry. His best memory from the musical is returning to school after winter break and seeing the show come together as the cast began practicing on stage.

Wyatt is the son of Renee and Lonny Dean, and is performing in his first Laurel musical. He is a member of Laurel’s concert and marching bands, where he plays the trumpet, and the jazz band, where he plays the trombone. He is also the Troop Guide and Bugler of Boy Scout Troop 712, where he is close to obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a member of NHS, and treasurer of both student council and Laurel’s Class of 2024. Additionally, Wyatt is an altar server at Holy Spirit Parish, a member of Conservation Club, and participates in competitive shooting with the Lawrence County Young Guns Range Racers. After graduation Wyatt will attend Saint Vincent College to pursue a degree in environmental science. His best musical memory is of watching Mr. Rodgers sing and dance on stage.

The daughter of Brandi Cimperman and Debbie Faella, Bella is participating in her second Laurel musical. She is a theater participant at the New Castle Playhouse. She also enjoys being a member of Laurel’s marching, concert and jazz bands, and earned a Most Improved award as a freshman. She likes to travel and compete with FFA and enjoys archery. Her favorite pastime is taking care of and spending time with her many pets. After high school, Bella plans to attend college to major in veterinary medicine and band, and minor in theater.

The son of Jodi and Rob Disman, William is participating in his second Laurel musical as a member of the Lights crew. He is treasurer of the S3 club and a member of NHS and student council. He is also part of Laurel’s Extreme Leadership team and the school’s bocce team. Participating in both marching and concert bands, William is a section leader and has auditioned for Honors Band. He was selected to play in District Band as a sophomore. Recently, he was awarded academic honors through the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program. After graduation, William will attend college to pursue a degree in cybersecurity. His best musical memory is of the cast party following last year’s Oliver! Performances.

A sophomore and the daughter of Whitney and Jason Doolittle, Madeline is participating in her second Laurel musical. An active member of FFA, she performed at the State Farm show with the blue-ribbon square dance team. Madeline is a member of the Spartanettes danceline and is active in Youth Alive. She is also very active with her church youth group.

The daughter of April and Lester Elliott, Ava is a member of marching band, jazz band, and choir. She is president of middle school student council and was recently crowned The Queen of Caring, after raising more than $3,000.00 for Children’s Hospital. Ava is an honor roll student who participated in Honors ELA and Spanish I. She is an avid equestrian enthusiast and enjoys biweekly riding lessons at Sandy Young’s Training Center. This summer she competed in two shows, The Arabian Games and East Coast Championships, where she took first place in dressage. The Wiz is Ava’s second Laurel musical, and she loves singing in the wings with friends.

The daughter of Traci and Brian Gruber, Abby is performing in her first Laurel musical. Abby is a ten-year competitive jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dancer at Jennifer Leigh’s Dance Gallery and will perform a contemporary solo this spring. She is a member of Laurel’s middle school student council, and worked on the 2023 homecoming committee. Abby is also a high honor roll student at Laurel and attends New Life Baptist Church. Her best Laurel musical memory is learning the musical’s dances and staging and being with friends.

The daughter of Angie and Joe Guthrie, Marlee is performing in her fifth Laurel musical. She is a member of FFA and art club, and also participates in theater arts. During the summer she shows steers at the Lawrence County Fair. After high school, Marlee is planning to pursue a degree in criminology. Her best Laurel memory is seeing the director, Mr. Rodgers, dancing on stage while filling in for the Tin Man.

The daughter of Susan and Jerry Hardisky, Kayli is performing in her first Laurel musical. She participates in competitive dance and is in her tenth year at Jennifer Leigh’s Dance Gallery. She is also a member of student council and plays the saxophone in band. Kayli is a high honor roll student and has taken piano lessons for seven years. She has also been an LRA Spartanette for five years. Kayli has watched Laurel musicals since a young age and is very excited to perform in her first show.

Leanne is the daughter of Kellie Pelini and the granddaughter of Peggy Mesko and James Mesko. She is performing in her first Laurel musical, but has participated behind the scenes with the stage crew in two previous shows. Leanne is a five-year member of the Laurel marching band and a three-year member of the color guard. She is an honor student and plans to attend college to pursue a pre-law degree and eventually become an attorney.

Nora is the daughter of Lara Johns and Jerry Johns, and is participating in her third Laurel musical. She is a member of Laurel’s concert and marching bands, and enjoyed traveling with the band to Disney. She also runs track and cross country for Laurel. Her best Laurel musical memory is talking about random things and cracking jokes in the makeup room.

Kelley is the daughter of Mary and Michael Karavias, and is performing in her fourth Laurel musical. Kelley is a girl scout and a member of Laurel’s cross country team where she enjoys spending time with friends. Kelley sings with the Laurel choir, and recently sang in the PMEA District 5 Choir concert. Kelley also enjoys spending most of her free time writing. After graduation, Kelley hopes to pursue a degree in forensic science or toxicology. Someday she hopes to become a famous writer.

A seventh-grader and the daughter of Leisel Sempf and Jared Keck, Molly is participating in her first Laurel musical. She is a member of Laurel’s concert band, chorus, and marching band. Molly runs cross country and soon track. She participates in yearbook club. A high honor student, she is also active with Laurel’s Girl Scout Troop 16479. Outside school, Molly is highly involved in her church's youth group.

The son of Dawn and Joshua King, Jacob is appearing in his second Laurel musical. He is a member of jazz and marching bands. He also plays soccer and runs cross country and track. His best musical memory is being in musical with Mitchell.

The daughter of Christie Roxberry and Rocky Roxberry, Amber is performing in her second Laurel musical. She is a member of Laurel’s marching band and jazz ensemble. She also participates in horse shows for Willowbrook Stables. Her best musical memory is of having fun with friends during rehearsals.

A Laurel sophomore, Tyrone is the son of Amy and Randy Kunselman. He is a varsity letter winner for the Spartan basketball and track teams. Tyrone is also a member of the Spartan marching band. In his first performance in a Laurel musical, Tyrone will play percussion in the orchestra.

The daughter of Amy and Randy Kunselman, Tyshia has participated in two prior Laurel musicals with the makeup and hair crews. She is a three-year member of the Spartan color guard and participates on the Laurel Track & Field team. She enjoys archery and hanging out with her friends. Her favorite musical memories are of the night practices.

Dafni is the daughter of Tara and Steven Lang. She is performing in her first Laurel musical production. A five-year member of Laurel’s cheerleading program, Dafni also plays softball for Laurel and is an honor student.

Aaron is the son of Rachel Mack and Eden Mack. He is performing in his first Laurel musical. He plays soccer, runs cross country, and participates in the Laurel marching band, where he plays sousaphone. He’s proud to say he earned a PR in running this year.

Aidan is the son of Eden and Rachel Mack, and is participating in his second Laurel musical. He runs cross country and track at Laurel. He is a two-time PIAA qualifier for cross country and won last year’s Kalajainen Klassic. His best 5k time is 16:53. After high school Aidan would like to pursue a career in forensics and chemistry. His best musical memories are of making fun of his friends in front of the entire cast and waiting for the return fire.

The daughter of Heather and Matt McCosby, Elizabeth is performing in her third Laurel musical. Elizabeth is a member of Holy Spirit Parish and has sung in Laurel’s choir for five years. She is a member of the Spartanette danceline and a high honor student.

The daughter of Chelsea and Bruce Milbert, Angel has performed in three previous Laurel musicals. She is currently president of FBLA and vice president of Youth Alive. She’s an active member of the Spartanette danceline, manager of the Unified Bocce team, and is very active in her church’s youth group: 31.35 Youth. Angel takes pride in doing the things she loves. Thanks to friends, family, and the Laurel community for all their support. Her future plans include attending Laurel Technical Institute to pursue a career in cosmetology. Having her first “big” role in last year’s production of Oliver! is at the top of her musical memories.

Bobbie is the daughter of Patricia Morrison and is participating in stage crew for her third Laurel musical. She is an active member of Faith Country Chapel and Laurel’s Conservation Club. Bobbie plays bass drum in marching band and other percussion instruments in concert and jazz bands. She also participates in FFA and 4-H. She enjoys working out, reading, and listening to and playing music on the drums and guitar. In Bobbie’s opinion, it is magical when the overall musical comes together.

Tony is a junior and the son of Rose Nocera and Anthony Nocera and is performing in his fourth Laurel musical. He is a member of the Spartan marching and concert bands where he plays the tuba and bass drum. He is active with Laurel’s unified bocce team and is a ten-year member of Pittsburgh’s PAPAGP dance troupe. Tony has enjoyed spending time with cast members this season. Thanks to friends and family for coming to see Tony in The Wiz.

Sarah, a Laurel seventh-grader, is the daughter of Pamela Pacifico and Seth Pacifico. She is participating in her first Laurel musical. Sarah is a member of Laurel’s marching and is also very active in her church’s youth group. Sarah hopes to become a nurse in the future. She is happy to have made many friends through working on the musical production.

Max is the son of Stephanie and Keith Patterson, and is participating in his first Laurel musical. During the last four years, Max has enjoyed participating in many concerts and events with choir. He is a member of student council and was recently selected to the Court of Caring to help raise money for Children's Hospital. Outside school, he takes part in service encounters through the Holy Spirit Parish in New Castle, including helping with the community boot drive, food pantry, and the Angel Tree program. Helping people in need and making people smile is one thing Max truly enjoys. He is very happy to be part of the Laurel musical experience.

The daughter of Kristen and Byron Clingerman, Kassie is participating in her third Laurel musical. She plays the oboe and saxophone in senior high and marching bands. She also sings with the choir, and has qualified for all-star band and district chorus. Kassie serves as organizational manager of yearbook club. Kassie’s best musical memory is of playing Oliver last year and being shoved into a coffin.

Abby is the daughter of Angela and Douglas Richards and is performing in her fourth Laurel musical. A four-year member of Spartanettes, Abby is also historian for the dance team. She is vice president of S3 and a five-year member of student council, where she has served as public relations manager for two years. She participates in journalism club, yearbook club, and announces for the unified bocce team. She also announces track events and assemblies at Laurel. After graduation, Abby plans to attend Westminster College to major in sports and news broadcasting. Her best musical memories are of mentoring and teaching the younger kids as they joined the cast and crew through the years. Thanks to parents and best friends Natalie Rodgers and Tony Nocera for always being there.

The daughter of Maria and Mike Rodgers, The Wiz is Natalie’s third Laurel musical. She is beyond excited to be playing the lion in this year's production. Natalie is a very active Laurel student. She is a member of the Spartanette danceline, serves as captain of the unified bocce team, and is involved in S^3, Conservation Club, and Youth Alive. Natalie was nominated for the 2023 Court of Caring where she raised $900 for Children's Hospital. Outside school Natalie volunteers her time as a junior firefighter at Scott Township VFD. Thanks to friends and family for their endless love and support. After high school, Natalie plans to attend college to become a special education teacher.

Alyssa is the daughter of Christine and Jay Sherman and is performing in her first Laurel musical. She is Laurel’s FFA Chaplain and recently earned her Keystone State degree. She shows animals through FFA and participates in public speaking. Alyssa is also active with Super Spartan Spirit Club and Youth Alive. Outside school, she is highly involved in her church ministry and sings in the worship band.

Performing in her first Laurel musical, Alyssa is a member of the Super Spartan Spirit club and has cheered since elementary school. She wrestles for Laurel and has placed in WPIAL state and national tournaments. Her best musical memory is of learning the No Bad News dance.

The granddaughter of Linda and Mike Prestopine, Gabriella is performing in her first Laurel musical. She is a member of student council, concert, jazz, and marching bands, and choir. Outside school, Gabriella takes piano lessons. She is an honor student who had the opportunity to play a piano solo for the elementary school last year.

Erika is the daughter of Julie and Jason Wagner, and is performing in her second Laurel musical. She is active in FFA, track & field, marching and concert bands, and choir. She is also active at her church, Faith Country Chapel, where she is on the praise team, plays the piano, volunteers in children’s ministry, and participates in the youth group. She participated in the 2024 PA Farm Show square dance competition where her square won a blue ribbon. Dancing and singing in the hallway during late night practices are among her favorite musical memories.