Chicago: Teen Edition Cast

Sloane Simon (Form VI is a Pittsburgh based, award winning singer-songwriter and guitarist whose work has been acclaimed by the National Young Arts Foundation, the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival, and WYEP 91.3. Sloane appeared on Season 19 of American Idol, and has performed at The Bluebird Cafe (Nashville), The Dolby Theater (Hollywood), and Universal Studios (Orlando). She has had over 80 gigs this year playing at breweries, restaurants, and events in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. Sloane is also a member of Shady Side Academy’s Jazz Band and teaches guitar to newly located refugees through the Homeless Children’s Education Foundation of Pittsburgh. You can find her music on all streaming platforms under Sloane and OfficiallySloane on Instagram and Facebook. In the fall, Sloane will attend New York University’s esteemed Clive Davis Institute through the Tisch School of the Arts. Sloane is grateful to the entire music department for placing their trust in her, and is so excited to be a part of this talented cast in her first musical at Shady Side Academy Senior School.

Elaine Gombos (Form VI) refers to herself as a concoction—a unique mix (or mess, at times). She has many interests, including writing, social justice, history, multiculturalism, performing arts, and anything STEM. As a theater participant at SSA, she played Agnes Evans in She Kills Monsters and the Narrator in Puffs. Elaine is a best supporting actress nominee for the 2021 Gene Kelly Awards and was beyond honored to perform at two of its awards ceremonies. She has been involved in the performing arts since she was four-years-old. As a dedicated choral singer, Elaine has performed and competed at numerous venues worldwide, notably Lincoln Center in New York City, Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, and the 2014 and 2016 World Choir Games hosted in Riga, Latvia and Sochi, Russia. She is a member of the Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh (a spotlight soloist and Barbara Cass Award nominee), SSA's Chamber Choir, the Bulldog Bellas, and the Cornerstore. Elaine is also a finalist in the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Williams Sing-Off Competition. She has experience acting and working on movie and TV sets as a lead and extra. Additionally, Elaine is also the president of the Asian Student Union, a two-time Science Olympiad national medalist, Executive Director of Programs at an award-winning youth-led nonprofit, a proud volunteer tutor, an advocate for mixed-race justice issues, and a Wikipedia rabbit hole enthusiast. Elaine is grateful for SSA's theater and arts program and everyone who has helped her build her confidence and made it so special!

Aidan Adams (Form VI) is new to Shady Side as of last year and is very glad and grateful to be a part of a production again after several years.

Jack Engel (Form V) is delighted to be joining the cast in this years production of Chicago! In his time at the Senior school Jack has been greatly involved in the theatre program, prior to Chicago, he played Pippin in Pippin and Person 2 in Shady Sides virtual production of Now. Here. This.. Jack spends most of his afternoons at the Pittsburgh CLO attending musical theatre classes, and also had the opportunity to train at Interlochen Arts Camp this past summer. Jack would like to thank Mr. Dek, Mr. Gross, Dr. O, DH, and the cast and crew for all of their hard work on this show!

Kayla Zhu (Form V) is so excited to be in this production of Chicago! Kayla attended the Shady Side Middle School, and has participated in SSA's productions since then. At the senior school, Kayla has previously been in "Alice in Wonderland: A Radio Play" as an ensemble character in freshmen year, "She Kills Monsters" as Tilly in sophomore year, and was in this year's production of "Puffs" as Xavia Jones and other assorted characters. Kayla previously trained at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy for acting, voice, and dance, and attended the Drama Summer Intensive at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in the summer of 2022. Kayla also recently performed in a workshop of Aaron Posner's adaptation of Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull" with The Collective at Carnegie Stage. Kayla really hopes you enjoy this amazing show!

Kevin Polke (Form IV) is very excited to be returning to the Shady Side stage this year, having previously played the roles of Wayne Hopkins in Puffs, Chuck Biggs in She Kills Monsters, and Ensemble in Pippin. Kevin has performed in community theatre productions and attended theater workshops for many years. Favorite roles include Dennis in Rock of Ages, Kenickie in Grease, and Ensemble in Scrooge. He is honored to be a Puff this year and gives much love to Mr. Dek and Mr. Davidheiser, Ayli Davidson, and to his family for their eternal support.

Sophia Gombos (Form IV), is very excited to be a part of the cast of Chicago. Sophia has been in the SSA fall play since 6th grade, the musical since 7th grade, and really enjoys the people and experiences that she gets to encounter. She has been in a TV show and movie before, and loves being a part of a cast and seeing everything come together behind the scenes. Along with acting, Sophia has also been a model since she was 6 years old, and has attended over 300 commercial photo shoots, more than 10 TV commercials, done 5 voice overs, and walked over 40 fashion shows. Sophia’s been dancing since she was four, and started official vocal training when she was eight. Besides dancing, singing, acting, and modeling, Sophia also enjoys drawing, writing, golf, and rock climbing. Sophia is looking forward to working with more people and continuing her acting experiences here at SSA!

Sarah Grand (Form V) is thrilled to be performing in her first show at Shady Side Academy! Her previous acting experience includes four high school performances, two middle school musicals, and six shows with the Summer Theater Performing Arts Camp. Her favorite roles to date include Jesus in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Ursula in Bye Bye Birdie, but June is her favorite one yet (not surprising, considering that she’s dreamed of being in Chicago since she was eleven)! In addition to theater, Sarah trains in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop at Bella School of Dance. She would like to thank her directors, castmates, crew, and pit orchestra for putting on such an amazing production, as well as her friends and family for supporting her throughout the process. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Abby Ondos (Form IV) is a native of Pittsburgh who has been performing in musicals in the local area and dancing both locally and outside of the Pittsburgh area for many years. Abby has appeared in musical performances with the Pittsburgh CLO, Wexford Acting Studio, Providence Heights Alpha School and North Catholic High School. Her show experience includes Bye Bye Birdie, Oklahoma, Peter Pan, Willy Wonka and The Music Man. She has also studied dance locally as well as in summer ballet intensives at Boston Ballet, Vail Valley Dance Academy, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and Ballet Hawaii, through which she performed in the Kansas City Ballet's Sleeping Beauty. Abby is excited to be attending Shady Side Academy and performing as a murderess in Chicago.

Madeira Semins (Form V) is a lifer at Shady Side Academy. Chicago is her 9th show at SSA, and she is thrilled to be reprising her role as featured dancer this year! Most recently, she played a certain boy wizard at a certain school for magic and magic in the fall play, Puffs. In her free time, she can be found either reading a book, hanging out in the greenroom, or complaining about her lack of a driver’s license (often all three at once).

Lily Toma (Form III) was very exited to join the SSA theatre communtiy after hearing so much about it from her upper classman. Her intrest in Musical theatre only formed about a year ago but since than shes been actively working towards becoming a better actress, singer and dancer. Lily Is very exited to continue being apart of this community for her remaining three years at SSA.

Tina Liang (Form V) loves musicals and Chicago. She was born and raised in Beijing and really got involved in a musical for the first time last year. Thanks to the performing arts of SSA, she was able to personally experience the charm of music and drama. She loves singing and is active in A Cappella and choir. In addition, she began to learn the piano at the age of five, and has good musical literacy. Music, for her, is the most important part of her life. She feels honored to play the role of Mary Sunshine, but also a little nervous. She will discover her potential and give her best performance, and also, rock Chicago.

Siyi “Cecilia” Chen (Form III) is a Shady Side Academy student who has passion in dancing and performing in music and theater arts. As a cast member, Cecilia is thrilled to take the role of Featured Dancer of the musical “Chicago”, due to her genuine love toward musical performances and arts of theater. She has participated in several musicals in the past years by playing the piano in the pit orchestra, by which she had developed her interest in performing in musicals. Cecilia has always enjoyed her role as a featured dancer in the musical, as she is always passionate about dancing throughout her middle school and high school. As a contemporary dancer, rehearsing in the musical “Chicago”, is a unique experience for her to primarily focusing on jazz dancing. She is able to utilize her techniques in ballet and contemporary dance and apply them in the jazz field which she finds her new interests in. Cecilia also made friends with her peers who also shared mutual interests with her, either love of dance or passion toward singing and theater. She is very excited to participate in this year’s musical and perform in the show, primarily in a dancing aspect.

Ava Isasky (Form III) is excited to make her debut as a Featured Dancer in Shady Side Academy's performance of Chicago. Since a very young age, Ava has always enjoyed the arts. Singing and dancing have always been a big part of her life. She started performing for dance schools at the age of three, and has been singing since she started to talk. Ava has also been involved in various musicals and plays throughout her elementary and middle school years. Ava played piano and was a member of the Eastern Area Youth Choral for four years and now participates in her school choir. Ava is also a member of Shady Side's cheer squad where she uses her spirit and dancing skills while supporting the SSA football team. She enjoys singing in the girls acapella group the Bulldog Bellas as well.

Juliet Krokosky (Form IV) has been a member of the theater community for her entire time at shady side. Because of conflicts last year she was unable to participate in the musical last year, but is ecstatic to be apart of Chicago as a featured dancer this year. After dancing and M and M dance academy for over 6 years Juliet feels prepared and excited for this performance. She enjoyed her times in both Puffs and She kills monsters and is excited to see where her theater career goes for the rest of high school.

Shi Ra Shong (Form VI) is excited to be joining the 2023 winter musical, Chicago, as a featured dancer. With her experiences in Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, the Bulldog Bellas, and student-led quartet The Cornerstore, Shi Ra is thrilled to share her love for singing as well as dancing. She joined SSA in her junior year with prior experiences in her previous school's (American International School of Hong Kong) orchestra as a violinist and pianist. Aside from that, she had also been part of a student-led band "Red Bricks" as the main vocalist and ultimately getting nominated to join the school's annual Band-Slam. On her own, Shi Ra writes lyrical compositions with her acoustic guitar and ukulele. She writes these songs with inspirations from popular artists such as Taylor Swift, 1975, and The Band Camino. Shi Ra's favorite activity is carpooling with friends where they sing and jam along familiar pop songs, despite it being mostly out-of-tune. Following this year, Shi Ra will embark on a new academic and personal journey, pursuing greater education in the field of neuroscience. Though her future career may seem vastly different from her personal interests in the world of music, Shi Ra will continue to participate in musical communities out there, beyond SSA.

Tina Xia (Form IV) participated as a featured dancer in the musical Chicago. She has been a ballet dancer since 4 year old. She therefore chooses to participate as a dancer in the musical to continue her dance career. Last year she also participated in the musical Pippin. Her cooperation skill and musical dance moves were greatly improved. She also developed friendship and really become a member of the musical community as she frequently practice dances with friends after and before practice. She is excited for the show to be performed and look forward to more exciting future performances.

Avani Agrawal (Form III) is looking forward to participating in the winter musical. She has been in a few musicals prior such as Mary Poppins Jr., where she played Mrs Brill, Seussical the Musical where she was an ensemble member, and a few more when she was in elementary school. She also participated in a program apart of the Gemini Theatre Company where her and many created their own small play. Along with acting experience, Avani has an avid background in choir. She has sang with a few out-of-school choir programs and in school choir. She has also done Indian Dance for 10 years now with Guiding Star Production which is how she got the most comfortable performing on the stage. She would like to thank her parents, grandparents, siblings, and many others for always believing in her and never letting her give up.

Trinity Brock (Form V) is ecstatic to partake for the first time in the cast of Chicago. She has had a great time learning dances with others and learning the background of the show. Trinity typically participates in sports, but her love for theater has developed thanks to SSA. This is her first time participating in the cast of the SSA theater program, and she is thankful for all the people she has met in the cast and crew, as well as the welcoming environment they’ve created. She is also gratuitous for the memories they have made together through this process. Trinity would also like to thank Mr. Ingraham, Dr. O, and Tron for all they have taught her and all they have done to make this show happen. Finally, she thanks her family for their support and accommodations throughout this time. Trinity hopes everyone knows how much she is thankful for their help and that all enjoy the show!

Alex Chow (Form V) is music and dance lover, and overjoyed to be participating in his first school musical, something he’s looked forward for quite a long time! Super-inclined to musical performance and expression, he enjoys playing the trigger trombone, having played in jazz ensemble at SSA since 8th Grade, and listening to the powerful classical Romantic and modern works of composers such as Gustav Mahler, Richard Wagner, Gustav Holst, etc.) and stemming from his piano training since age seven, today still enjoys some recreational piano improvisation at home, working with his 100-plus-year old friend, Mr. “Mason Hamlin,” who is in need of some more frequent tuning. In addition, Alex loves freestyle dancing, too, and is proud to be part of the ensemble of this musical. He looks forward to helping make Shady Side’s rendition of the critically acclaimed “Chicago” something of a masterpiece everyone will enjoy, as much as he has while being a part of it. Alex wishes to shout out a huge thanks to Mr. Ingraham, Mr. Gross, Mr. DH, Miss Warner, and the other members of the cast and crew who have inspiring and encouraging to him along the way to showtime. It's been absolutely a blast and an honor to be participating in Chicago at SSA!

Marley Grandizio (Form V) is excited to return to her musical theatre journey. She has been doing musical theatre for Shady Side for all 3 years of high school. She hopes to continue learning and growing into a better actor.

Diora Grettler (From IV) is excited to participate in her first musical showcase at SSA. From transferring schools this year, she was upset to not have dance be apart of her life anymore. She looked at the musical as a way to continue her dance career. While she has always been interested in theatre, she never portrayed it. After watching Chicago, she knew if would be a fun show with lots of intense dancing. Throughout the season, she has made new friends and looks forward to practice every day. While she does not consider herself a singer by any means and therefore is unable to read sheet music, she has done her best to work her way through and get out of her comfort zone.

Andrew Hoe (Form V) is excited to be back for another show at Shady Side Academy. Andrew has attended SSA since pre-K and is a longtime member of the SSA theater having performed in Peter Pan (Ensemble), All Shook Up (Ensemble), The Addams Family (Lucas), Pippin (Ensemble), Puffs (Ernie Mac), and now Chicago (Ensemble). Andrew has greatly enjoyed the SSA theater program and believes it is a great opportunity to gain a deeper and more sophisticated understanding of thought provoking and highly entertaining plays and musicals (although Andrew does prefer comedies). In his spare time, Andrew enjoys reading and writing, with a specific focus on narrative structure and stylization. Andrew is constantly improving his writing style and flow. Andrew also plays many board games and has an extensive collection. Andrew particularly likes Dungeons and Dragons and other role playing games because it combines many of his interests in improvisation, acting, and character writing.

Maisie Johnston (Form V) is very excited to join the cast of Chicago for her first time in the cast. She has always loved theater, but this love blossomed after joining Chicago. She has done crew in the past, but has absolutely loved being in the cast this year. She has loved learning the dances and songs with her friends, and the positive environment created. She loves all of the friends she has made through the experience of the show. Maisie would like to thank Mr. Ingraham, Dr. O, and Mr. Gross for all they have done to support and teach her. They have truly brought this wonderful show to life. She would also like to thank her family for their support throughout the show. Maisie hopes you have fun and enjoy the show!

Orion Kolek (Form IV) is thrilled to be joining the cast of Chicago as a member of the ensemble. Orion had performed in shows since the 6th grade, with this being their second show since joining the Shady Side community last year. Orion has previously acted in shows both at Shady Side and at previous schools. They made their debut at Shady Side last year in the cast of Pippin as an ensemble member, and they are excited to be continuing their acting journey at Shady Side. Out of the theater, Orion enjoys reading, dancing, running, and writing, with their favorite classes being English and History. Orion would like to thank Mr. Ingraham, Mr. Davidheiser, Mr. Gross, and Dr. O for their incredible work on the show, and they would also like to thank their fellow cast and crew for working so hard to make the show incredible. They thank everyone for their support, and hope that everyone enjoys the show!

Cassie Li (Form III) is always excited about performing art. She joins the SSA community on August last year. She was fantasied by the wonderful activities there. She joined the fall play “Puffs” and enjoyed herself very much. To continue her performing art journey in SSA, she is here, at winter musical!

Aaron Little (Form V) doesn’t necessarily have Chicago as a place on his bucket list, and now he's not entirely sure if he'd ever be willing to go there, but regardless, he doesn't have to, and he's excited to perform the musical about the aforementioned city. He transferred to SSA as an eight grader and has been a part of the Hillman Center Productions® since he was a freshman performing the audible version of Alice in Wonderland. Since then, drama has been his creative outlet and his source of entertainment throughout his high school career. In the latest show he was involved in, Aaron played Oliver Rivers, a Hufflepuff gifted in all the wrong areas, and now he's changed gears completely and is playing a District Attorney, amongst other things. It’s a refreshing change of scenery considering how exhausted playing Oliver made him. However, he intents to bring the same superfluous amount of energy to the stage as your average resident of Chicago, the land of Jazz and Murder.

Ava Marquis (Form III) is excited to perform in the winter musical this year. She is new to Shady Side Academy this year and is happy to join the SSA community. A highlight Ava has experienced over the course of the Winter Musical was learning all the dances and making new friends. Before Chicago, she has performed in other shows such as Footloose (ensemble), Mary Popins (ensemble), and High School Musical (ensemble). While not performing, she has fun cheering on SSA’s cheer team. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with friends, watching a good TV show or movie, and listening to music. Ava would like to thank Mr. Ingraham, Mr. Gross, Mr. DH, and Dr. O. Lastly she would like to thank her family for always being there and always being supportive.

Kelita Nolan (Form IV) is excited to perform in her second musical at SSA. After many years of ensemble roles, she is figuring out how to act through her body and face. While her role as Hannah in Puffs was fun, she enjoys not having many lines to memorize now that she has to memorize music and choreography. Outside of theater, she plays flute in the SSA Symphonic Band and takes German. Kelita spends her free time playing video games and ignoring her math homework.

Cole Patterson (Form VI) has been a part of every show in the SSA theater program since his sophomore year. His main hobbies include listening to music, playing guitar, reading, and gaming. His favorite class this year is Pittsburgh History and he is proud to be a member of the Juniata College Class of 2027 starting this fall.

Aidan Prouty (Form IV) is so excited to be back in his second ShadySide production! He has had a blast dancing and perfecting his fosse moves with his friends and fellow castmates. He hopes his goofy clerk character puts a smile on your face.

Leo Rickard (Form V) is very happy to be a part of SSA's production of Chicago, representing the latest installment in his close-to lifelong theatre career! Being a dedicated method actor, Leo Rickard had to really embed himself in the proper mindset to better play his role of various background ne'er-do-wells in the seedy underbelly of 1920s Chicago, and accomplished this by joining the mob and becoming involved in many legal-adjacent activities in his free time. "It wasn't fun at first, but now I think my concrete shoes go excellently with my turtleneck," he commented shortly after being fished out of the Allegheny river. Additionally quoted as saying, "How was I supposed to know his daughter was getting married?" and "Apparently he can refuse that offer", Leo "No Brains" Rickard largely regrets his brief but tumultuous stint in the life of crime, wishing that he could "fuggedaboudit", but certainly does not regret once again being a part of the SSA Theatre Department.