Hunchback of Notre Dame Cast

Jacob is best known for his role of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, Beast in 2017's and 2022's Beauty and the Beast, and Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In 2022 Jacob played Agent Carl Hannratty in Catch Me If You Can. He started his career at the age of 6 weeks when his mother walked him on stage in the chorus of The Music Man. When he was 18 months he played the younger brother of Billy in BIG the Musical. He went on to play Chip in Beauty and the Beast, Charlie in Oliver, Tommy in The Music Man and Jud in Oklahoma. He has also played the Baker in Into the Woods, and a brother in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for RSMT. Jacob is a 2020 St. Mary of the Woods graduate where he got his BA in Voice. At St. Mary's, he was cast as one of the leads in You're Perfect, I Love You Now Change, Almost Maine, and Caleb in The Spitfire Grill, a member of the Woods Ensemble, and was awarded "Best Actor 2018 and 2019, 2020.

Lucas is by no means a stranger to the stage. At only 4 years old he played the Footstool in Beauty and the Beast. Since that time he has played roles in 90+ different productions. Along with the role of Gavroche, Lucas’ favorite roles include Tiny Tim (Scrooge), Edgar (Ragtime) Oliver (Oliver), Colin (Secret Garden), Winthrop (The Music Man), Jack (Into the Woods), Curtis (Sister Act), Jonas (Leap of Faith) and the title role in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Lucas had a very successful run as Huey Calhoun in MEMPHIS in 2019. Lucas was last seen as the Prince in Little Mermaid in 2019, in 2021 as Frank Abignale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can, and in 2022 as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.

Kennedy is thrilled to portray Esmeralda in RSMT's 60th production. She was most recently seen as Babette in 2022's Beauty and the Beast. Now a junior at IUPUI, Kennedy was a member of the MHS Advanced Choir, Choralteens, and Vocalteens. Kennedy started performing in musicals in 2018 as a gypsy and a member of the Ensemble in Hunchback of Notre Dame. She received her first solo in a musical as a member of the cast of Scrooge and performed it for several years, even even as an emergency understudy for Mrs. Fezziwig. She was also Felicia’s understudy and featured soloist in MEMPHIS. In October 2020, Kennedy finally portrayed the role of Crystal (Little Shop of Horrors was paused during the pandemic). In 2019, Kennedy was one of King Triton's daughters in The Little Mermaid and was a featured dancer in Catch Me If You Can.

Connor O’Dell is so excited to play Phoebus in this production. During his time in high school, he was seen playing Demetrius in a Midsummer Night’s Dream, Orlando in As You Like It, and Mr. Bobo in Coraline the musical with Chicago Street theater, the title character in Peter Pan the ballet with Indiana Youth Ballet, and Rudolpho in Matilda, The Singing Telegram in Clue, Francis in Ranked, and Andre in the Comedy of Terrible Errors along with participating in improv shows at Valparaiso High School as well. Connor would like to thank all of his friends and family that have supported him through all these years.

Brian was last seen in RSMT's Beauty and the Beast as LeFou for opening night and an enchanted object. Some of Brian's Favorite roles include The Joker in Batman the Play and Pablo in Sister Act. Being on stage has been a passion of Brian's since he was a freshman. While in high school he was a part of numerous roles and was a member of the Merrillville Vocalteens.

Cassidy is not new to the stage where she has performed in everything from Scrooge to Oklahoma to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Cassidy returns for RSMT's 60th production reprising her role of Florika in Hunchback. Her favorite roles include Christmas Past in Scrooge and a featured dancer in Spamalot and Meg in The Phantom of the Opera. Cassidy appeared as a Silly Girl and Enchantress in 2017 and as a Wife in RSMT's Joseph. Most recently, Cassidy was seen in Catch Me If You Can as a featured dancer. But Cassidy’s all-time favorite role, which she was born to play, was Ariel in the RSMT 2019 musical The Little Mermaid. She was so excited to portray another Disney Princess when she appeared as Belle in 2022 version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. This stage has been her second home.

Steve has been in 100s of shows as actor and crew, favorite roles include: Cogsworth (Beauty and the Beast), Patsy (Spamalot), Matthew (Cotton Patch Gospel), Jacob/Potiphar (Joseph….), & King Herod (Jesus Christ Superstar), all with RSMT/M&M; Benjamin Franklin (1776), Sir (The Dresser), and Col. Pickering (My Fair Lady), with Playmaker’s Community Thtr; and Finian (Finian’s Rainbow) & Luther Billis (South Pacific) at IUN Theatre NW. Thank you to my wife, Debbie, for all your help and encouragement. Thank you to our audiences for supporting the Arts.

Brittney is thrilled to come back to the Reinhart stage this summer. You may recognize her from past productions as Isabelle Fezziwig in the 2019 production of Scrooge, a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast or as Paula Abagnale in Catch Me If You Can. Other notable roles in Northwest Indiana include Jo March in Little Women, Louise in Gypsy, and Rapunzel in Into the Woods. When she’s not onstage she is enjoying working as a BCBA at Innovations in Learning or playing with her new puppy, Hoosier. Thanks to my family and friends as always for supporting my theatre endeavors.

Andre returns to Reinhart Auditorium after a three-year hiatus. A sophomore Vocal Major from IUPFW, Andre was first seen in 2019, as a cast member in MEMPHIS. He’s also participated in SCROOGE, The Little Mermaid, and multiple shows for Thespian Troupe #1692 on and off stage. Andre placed 3rd in the country for the William Warfield National Voice Competition in New York. His last musical theatrical performance was playing as Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, a show that was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic. Andre performed an aria at the Wabash Honeywell Center for winning the Manchester Symphony Orchestra vocal competition and most recently has returned from singing with his college choir at Cernegie Hall in NY. Andre especially thanks Melinda Reinhart for her vocal directory, love, and nonstop support throughout his musical journey.

Jasmine is a regular performer on the Reinhart Auditorium stage. Jasmine recently graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Theatre. Most recently, Jasmine portrayed a Silly Girl in the 2022 Beauty and the Beast as well as a swing performer in SCROOGE the Musical as well as numerous plays at the Center Stage Studio Theatre. A very active member of MHS Thespian Troupe 1692, Jasmine is still a supportive alum. Other credits include: Sam Nightengale (Leap of Faith), Moth (A Midsummers Night’s Dream), chorus for Scrooge, a ballerina in Phantom Of The Opera (twice), Dennis (The Dead Prince), townsperson in Beauty and the Beast, Monkey (Drift), Stepsister Florinda in (Into the Woods), Benjamin’s Wife (Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Narrator (Animal Farm) and as Sister Mary Martin of Tours (Sister Act).

Eliza was most recently seen at Eddie Flagrante in ZOMBIE PROM and in 1984. At Hammond Arts and Performance Academy, Eliza performed in an online production of She Kills Monsters, The Wizard of Oz, and the first live audience performance of And the World Goes ‘Round. Last summer, Eliza made their Reinhart Auditorium debut in the RSMT production of Beauty and the Beast.

Josh first hit the stage in July 2019 for The Little Mermaid, playing such roles as sailor and chef. A (former) member of Merrillville High School’s Advanced Choir and Thespian Troupe and went on to perform in Scrooge the Musical in December 2019. Joshua also performed in the special Covid edition of Little Shop of Horrors where he went on to portray four roles. In 2021, Josh portrayed Agent Dollar in the area premiere of Catch Me If You Can. More recent shows include Scrooge the Musical 2021 and 2022, Beauty and the Beast as Baker. in 2022. swing roles in Zombie Prom 2023 and in A Salute to Carol Burnett at Centre Studio Theatre.

Ella(Statue/Gargoyle) is going to be a Senior at Crown Point High School. She has been in many other shows including The Little Mermaid(Ariel) at RPAC, High School Musical(Kelsi) at CPHS, Rodgers & Hammersteins Cinderella(Cinderella) at CPHS, and Puffs(Hannah) at CPHS. She is very excited to do this show! She would like to thank her cast, crew, and directors for making this amazing show possible!

Genesis was most recently seen as Toffee in MHS's ZOMBIE PROM. She also performed in the M&M Productions SCROOGE 2022 and 2021 productions as well as RSMT’s 2022 summer show Beauty and the Beast. A recent grad, Genesis was a member of Vocalteens at MHS. Other credits include: Witch (The Rose and The Rime), Lucy (You're A Good Mad Charlie Brown). Genesis is very thankful for the opportunities to improve her performance skills and the memories she will take with her forever.

Nicole is no stranger to Ross music theater and is happy to be in this year's production. Since 2003 Nicole has been in dozens of productions some past credits include: "Oliver" Charlotte, "You're a good man Charlie Brown", Sally Brown, "Zombie Prom", Delilah Strict, Calumet College of st. Joseph's "A Cinderella Waltz" Mrs. Snow, and Purdue University's Theater Company "The Importance of Being Earnest", Miss Prism. Nicole would like to thank the Reinhart's, the orchestra, as well as this year's cast and crew of The Hunchback of Notre Dame for all their persistence and hard work. Break a leg! Attachments area

Joe McIntyre (St. Aphrodisius) is new to the group, performing in one previous production (Scrooge). No stranger to being in front of a crowd, Joe performed in musicals and show choir in high school. Upon graduating high school he attended M.I.T. in Los Angeles California for voice. He has also performed in numerous bands and venues.

Andre Burns (Saint/ Gargoyle) returns to Reinhart Auditorium after a three-year hiatus. A sophomore Vocal Major from IUPFW, Andre was first seen in 2019, as a cast member in MEMPHIS. He’s also participated in SCROOGE, The Little Mermaid, and multiple shows for Thespian Troupe #1692 on and off stage. Andre placed 3rd in the country for the William Warfield National Voice Competition in New York. His last musical theatrical performance was playing as Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, a show that was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic. Andre performed an aria at the Wabash Honeywell Center for winning the Manchester Symphony Orchestra vocal competition and most recently has returned from singing with his college choir at Cernegie Hall in NY. Andre especially thanks Melinda Reinhart for her vocal directory, love, and nonstop support throughout his musical journey.

Charles GanskeSaint/ Gargoyle) is a Junior at Hobart High School. This is his ninth show and his first show with M&M Ross. A few of his most memorable shows have been The Lightning Thief (Holdcraft Performing Arts), Rehearsal for Murder (HHS Theater), and Roustabout (HHS Theater). He is a part of orchestra, church choir, and marching band. He would like to take this time to thank M&M Productions for giving him the opportunity to be a part of one of his favorite musicals. He would also like to thank his family and friends for their never ending love and support.

Mckenzie Markus (Saint/Garlgoyle) is going to be a junior this upcoming school year at Highland High School. This is her first time doing community theatre and she is loving it! She’s very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this cast and is happy to be putting this show together with so many amazing people. She is also on the Highland varsity cheer team, the treasurer for Highland Theatre Company, and participates in Key Club. You may recognize her from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Philia), Disney’s The Lion King Jr. (Pumbaa), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park). She performed all of these shows with HTC and is happy that she has gotten to branch out and try something new. She hopes you all enjoy the show!

Robert Penney (Saint/Gargoyle) is happy to return to RSMT after fighting on the barricades in Les Miserables in 2013. He was a voice performance major at the University of Illinois Urbana and also studied at Indiana University Bloomington. He has performed at many theaters in Northwest Indiana, including the Star Plaza. Favorite roles include Father (Ragtime), Judge Turpin (Sweeney Todd), and Max (Sunset Boulevard). He would like to thank his wife, Jen for her support.

Dehren Youngas (Frollo's Guards) Ross Summer Music Theatre celebrates 60 years but this is Dehren's first RSMT show. Dehren is thrilled to get a chance to be a part of the RSMT family and their history. Dehren is a student at Merrillville High School and his first musical was in this past year's Zombie Prom where he played many different roles.