Oliver! Cast

Mitchell is a senior and the son of Clover and Michael Badger. Mitchell is an active member of NHS, FBLA, jazz band, and marching band. He has been awarded with the AP Scholar Award, along with being a two-year FBLA regional champion. Mitchell will pursue a degree in aerospace engineering after graduation. While this is his first year in the musical, he is enjoying the experience, meeting new people, and getting closer with his friends.

The daughter of Jennifer and Jeffrey Burgess, Maddie is a Laurel junior and performing in her fourth musical. She is a member of the varsity cheer squad and the Spartanette danceline. Maddie is also a member of FBLA and Conservation Club. She is very passionate about attending and being involved in the 31.35 Youth Group at Faith Country Chapel and also enjoys volunteering at the church. Thank you to friends, family, and directors for the endless love and support.

A Laurel seventh-grader, Danica is the daughter of Jaime and Ryan Black and Scott Cartwright. Danica is appearing in her first Laurel musical production. She is active in softball and junior high cross country. She also participates in danceline and Girl Scouts. Danica looks forward to following in her sisters' footsteps on the Laurel stage. Thanks to everyone for support. Enjoy the show!

Talia, a senior, is the daughter of Jaime and Ryan Black and Scott Cartwright. Talia is president of class council, Student Council secretary, and Journalism Club president. She is also a member of FBLA, Girl Scouts, and the cheerleading team. Oliver! is Talia's fifth musical production at Laurel. She plans to attend a four-year university and is undecided on a major. Talia's favorite musical memory is having fun with her friends backstage. Thanks to friends and family for support throughout high school.

Georgia is an eighth-grader and the daughter of Vicky and Artie Christou. Oliver! is Georgia's second Laurel musical. She loves being on stage and watching the musical come together. She participates in Student Council and loves to sing with the junior high chorus. In her free time, Georgia likes to hang out with friends and family. She can't wait to see what the future will bring.

A junior and the daughter of Laurie and Anthony Conti, Ava is performing in her fourth Laurel musical production. She has danced at Dance Center Studios since she was five years old and with the New Castle Playhouse Mini Stars since the age of eight. Ava is also a member of FBLA, Student Council, and the Extreme Leadership program. Her other activities include varsity track, volleyball, and Spartanettes danceline. She is so grateful for all of the memories, opportunities, and friendships she has made throughout the musical season. Thank you to family and friends for their support and encouragement.

Bella is the daughter of Brandi Cimperman and a Laurel freshman, having transferred from New Castle Christian Academy. Oliver! is Bella's first Laurel musical. She is active in Laurel's marching band, jazz band, and concert band, where she plays percussion. She participates in an archery program in New Castle and is an active member of Faith Country Chapel's youth group. Bella has many pets, including a leopard gecko and a ferret, and takes very good care of them. She enjoys hiking. Thanks to friends and family for support.

Madeline, a Laurel freshman, is the daughter of Whitney and Jason Doolittle. Madeline performs with the Laurel Spartanettes. She is an active member of the Faith Country Chapel and was an alternate for this year's FFA square dancing team. Madeline is proud to be participating in her first Laurel theater production. Thanks to parents for their support, love and patience.

Ava, the daughter of April and Lester Elliott, is a seventh-grader. She is an active member of Student Council where she was named to the Children's Hospital Court of Caring. She raised and contributed over $1,200.00. Ava is a member of junior high chorus and enjoys playing the saxophone in the marching band. Ava is a member of the Arabian Horse Association and takes weekly lessons at Sandy Young's Equestrian Center. In June, Ava participated in The Games in Penn State where she won multiple classes. Ava looks forward to being an integral part of the Theater Arts program at Laurel for years to come.

Gabby is a Laurel eighth-grader and the daughter of Tiffany Gallaher and Merle Gallaher. She is participating behind the scenes in her second Laurel musical and hopes to continue throughout her high school years. Thanks to friends and family, as well as everyone working on and in the production, for all the support.

The daughter of Angie and Joe Guthrie, Marlee is participating in her third Laurel musical. She is an active member of Conservation Club and FFA. She performed on the blue-ribbon winning square dancing team at the PA State Farm Show. Marlee is also a member of Laurel’s varsity cheer squad and she exhibits animals at the Lawrence County Fair.

Senior Matthew Hardisky is the son of Sharyn and Josh Hardisky. Matthew is a member of student council. He also has an interest in photography and sometimes takes photos at games. In five years, Matthew will attend a four-year university to major in Computer Science. Thanks to family and friends for all the support and encouragement.

Senior Alexandra Herr is the daughter of Jennifer and John Herr. Alexandra is active as co-section leader of the Laurel Spartanette varsity danceline and with the National Honor Society. She also participates in the Laurel Student Council and varsity softball and advocates for the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU) initiatives on campus. Alexandra regularly volunteers at ARISE (Lawrence County Crisis Shelter), where she helps manage the Christmas decorations and fundraising mailings. After graduation Alexandra plans to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from Westminster College. She remains eternally grateful to her family members, friends, and production directors for motivating her participation during her senior year. Her only regret is not being in previous productions!

Junior Leanne Hunt is the daughter of Kellie Pelini and the granddaughter of Peggy and James Mesko. She has been with a member of stage crew for two years. An honor roll student since ninth grade, Leanne hopes to be recommended for National Honor Society next year. She is a four-year member of the Spartan marching band and hopes to be section leader of the color guard next year. Leanne will attend a four-year university after graduation. Her goal is to earn a law degree and own her own law firm. Thanks to friends and family for the encouragement and faith!

Justin is a senior and the son of Lara and Jerry Johns. He is performing in his first Laurel musical. Justin is treasurer of the senior class and was captain of the varsity cross country team. Justin plays alto saxophone in the marching band, senior high concert band, and jazz band. He is also a member of the indoor and outdoor varsity track teams. Justin earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2022. Justin's future plans include attending a four-year university to major in Elementary Education. Thanks to staff, parents, volunteers, and fellow cast members for their help and support this year. Sharing this experience with his sister and friends has been great!

Nora, the daughter of Lara and Jerry Johns, is a Laurel freshman. Oliver! is Nora's second Laurel musical production. Nora is also part of Laurel's track and cross country teams, concert band, and marching band. Thanks to parents for their love and support.

Kelley is a Laurel sophomore and the daughter of Mary Karavias and Michael Karavias. She is a member of the Laurel marching band, Trivia Club, and choir. Kelley is also an active member of Girl Scouts. Kelley has participated in Laurel musicals since seventh grade and hopes to continue being active in theater after she graduates.

Freshman Cadence Karki is the daughter of Amy Karki and Donovan Karki. She has been involved behind the scenes with the past three Laurel musicals. She is so honored to be a part of this program and plans to help with future productions. She enjoys drawing, painting, and reading. She is involved with her local youth group, swim team, Girl Scouts and 4-H.

Jacob is a seventh-grader and the son of Dawn and Josh King. Oliver! is Jacob's first musical production. He plays tenor sax for the Laurel marching band and is a member of the junior high concert and jazz bands. Jacob is also a two-year soccer player and a youth group member at New Creation Church. His favorite memories of the musical are the special bit he performed in a scene in Fagin's lair and serving as Mitchell's bodyguard.

Jeremiah is a Laurel senior and the son of Dawn and Joshua King. He's participating in his first Laurel musical production. He has been a member of band since fourth grade and marching band since seventh grade. He is also a two-year jazz band member. Jeremiah has thoroughly enjoyed his junior and senior years at Laurel. He is a member of Laurel's cross country team and was excited to be named section and tri county champs. Plans for the future include attending BC3 or PTC to earn a two-year degree before entering the workforce. Eventually he'd like to attend Virginia Tech to earn a degree in architecture.

The daughter of Amy and Randy Kunselman, Tyshia is a Laurel sophomore. She is a member of the Laurel flagline and runs for the track team. Oliver! is Tyshia's third Laurel musical. Thanks to Mom and Dad for all their support!

Aidan is a freshman and the son of Eden and Rachel Mack. He is a distance runner in cross country and track. He is also a pole-vaulter. He enjoys baking, listening to music and creating craft projects in general. Though having never been involved in a musical, Aidan is very fond of them and has watched a few and listened to the songs in others. Aidan plans to go to college but hasn't a clue what to major in other than that it should be in a science field. Thanks to friends, family, church and cat.

Air is a sophomore and the daughter of Mary McDeavitt-Minner. She is working with the makeup and stage crews for her second Laurel musical. She uses musical as a way to get out of the house and stay busy. She likes being a part of such a big and important thing. She loves the people in musical and spending time with them.

Elizabeth, a Laurel freshman, is the daughter of Heather and Matt McCosby. She is participating in her second Laurel musical. Elizabeth is also a member of Laurel's choir. She is a 13-year dance student. She enjoys making connections with new friends during rehearsals. Thanks to parents and the lovely collection of directors who help with the musical.

Luke, a freshman, is the son of Kelli and Dave McKee. He plays the trumpet in the marching and concert bands. He is a member of Conservation Club and the Faith Country Chapel Youth Group, 31.35. In his spare time, he is teaching himself to play the guitar. His favorite musical memory is spending time with friends.

Harlee is a Laurel freshman and the daughter of Jena and Tommy McPheron. This is her first stage production. She is a five-year choir member and has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten. Harlee loves to draw, dance and sing.

Jacob, a senior, is the son of Angela and Jamie McVicker. Jacob is performing in his sixth Laurel musical. He is also involved in SADD, Youth Alive, and FCC Youth Group. He is active at Pine Valley Bible Camp. Jacob has been in choir for six years, serving as this year's president. His favorite musical memory is spending time with friends at practices. Thanks to family and friends for the endless support.

A Laurel senior, Amber is the daughter of Rebecca and Joseph Medved. Amber has performed in the past five Laurel musicals, serving as dance captain for two. She has danced for over 10 years, sings with the choir, and participates in the danceline and cheerleading. She led the marching band as the drum major this year. She also achieved acceptance to the National Honor Society. Thanks to directors and castmates for all the wonderful memories.

Angel is a Laurel sophomore and the daughter of Chelsea and Bruce Milbert. Angel is active in her church’s youth group, 31.35 Youth. She is vice president of Laurel's Youth Alive, plays on the volleyball team, and is an active member of FBLA. Angel enjoys spending time with friends and family and is always ready to have (or create) a good laugh. Thanks to friends and family, her community and everyone in the audience for making this show so wonderful.

Vanessa is a senior and the daughter of Michella and Phillip Miller. Oliver! is Vanessa's second Laurel musical. She works at Cheeseman's Fright Farm as a haunter. She is active in band where she plays the clarinet and the tenor saxophone and serves as high woodwind section leader. Vanessa is an outfielder on Laurel's softball team. After graduation, Vanessa will join the workforce and later attend college. Thanks to everyone who has shown support and encouragement over the years.

The daughter of Patricia Morrison, Bobbie-Jo is a Laurel eighth-grader. She is an active member of FFA, 4-H, Faith Country Chapel Youth, marching band, and Conservation Club. Bobbie-Jo's hobbies include reading, drawing, fishing, and playing the drums.

Sophomore Tony Nocera is the son of Rose Navarro and Anthony Nocera. He dances for PAPAGP (Philippine-American Performing Arts of Greater Pittsburgh). This is his third musical on the Laurel stage. He enjoys making new friends through these experiences. Thanks to Vanessa Miller for being stuck with him as Mrs. Sowerberry. Thanks also to family for being stuck with him longer.

The daughter of Kristen and Byron Clingerman, Kassie is an eighth-grader participating in her second Laurel musical. She enjoys singing with all her friends and watching the musical come together. She is active in Student Council, Youth Alive, junior high chorus, and marching band. Thanks to friends and family for all the support!

The daughter of Angela and Douglas Richards, Abigail is a Laurel sophomore. Oliver! is Abigail's third Laurel musical. She is the public relations director of the Spartanettes danceline and Laurel's Student Council. Abigail also dances with the Spartanettes danceline. She serves as vice president of SADD and is a member of the journalism club. Thanks to Mrs. J. Miles, as well as friends and family, for the constant encouragement.

Freshman Natalie Rodgers is the daughter of Maria and Mike Rodgers. She is performing in her second Laurel musical. Natalie is a varsity cheerleader and a member of the Spartanettes danceline. She serves as secretary of SADD and participates in Girl Scouts and Laurel's Youth Alive. Natalie also has been a choir member for four years. She volunteers as a junior firefighter at Scott Township VFD. Special thanks and all the love to parents, brother, and friends for all the support.

A Laurel senior, Gianna is the daughter of Autumn Rote and Anthony Salvia. She is performing in her second Laurel musical. Gianna is a four-year member of the Spartanettes where she served as captain this year. She participates in Varsity L, FBLA, Journalism Club, track and field, and is president of SADD. She has been dancing for 15 years and has been part of her studio's competition team. Gianna was also elected to Laurel's 2023 Homecoming Court. After graduation, she will attend Kent State University to major in accounting.

Erika is a freshman and the daughter of Julie Wagner and Jason Wagner. She is performing in her second Laurel musical. Erika attends Faith Country Chapel where she sings and plays piano for the praise team. She is also active in the youth group. At Laurel, Erika is a member of band, choir, jazz band, and marching band. She is also a member of Laurel's track & field team. She participates in archery for the City Rescue Mission. Erika earned her FFA jacket at the 2023 PA Farm Show. Thanks to friends and family for support during this musical journey.

Lily is a Laurel eighth-grader and the daughter of Malinda and Ryan Young. She has been a girl scout since kindergarten. This is her second year working behind the scenes for Laurel musicals. She had a great time learning the ropes from her older sister, Kayla, during last year's production of Cinderella. She looks forward to continuing her involvement back stage. Special thanks to her family and friends for their support.