The Sound of Music Cast

Gretl (Ann Akchin)
Anne is glad to be returning to the Miracle Players. When not acting or singing, Annie enjoys piano and her weekly class at Goldfish swim school. Annie, age 7, is in first grade at the Christiana Homeschool Academy. She can usually be found avoiding homework in her yard on a scooter or a bike. Annie likes pigs and someday when her parents aren’t looking she hopes to adopt one. On behalf of her sister and herself Annie wants to thank both Grammies, her Pop Pop, her cousins Alex and Abby Lawrence, her cousin Dottie Almost-Gray and her future cousin Jeff Gray.
Marta (Margaret Akchin)
Margaret has previously taken the stage in Miracle Players' productions of Oliver (Spring ‘19) Annie (Spring '18) and Joseph (Spring '17). Maggie, age 9, is a fourth grader at Christiana Homeschool Academy. Maggie likes to play piano, roller skate and swim and is learning how to sew and knit. On behalf of her sister and herself Maggie wants to thank her parents, her Aunt Jenny, her Aunt Lise, her Uncle Steve, her Uncle Matt and her brothers Pete and Ned.
Frau Schmidt (Ann Baden)
Capt. von Trapp (Paul Ballard)
Paul is thrilled to be playing the role of a lifetime with this wonderful cast! Paul wishes to thank the director, Heidi Toll, for the opportunity to play this terrific role! He is very glad to once again be back on stage with the St. Gabriel Miracle Players after directing their production of Blithe Spirit last Fall. Paul has played a variety of dramatic and comic roles over the years, including George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, Sancho Panza in Man of La Mancha, and Professor Bhaer in Little Women, among many others. Come see him in the cast of the world premiere of the musical Do it Now! about the legendary Baltimore Mayor William Donald Schaefer to be performed at Fells Point Corner Theatre July 15-31. Paul wishes to thank his wonderful wife, Jan Danek, for her enduring love and support of all his theatrical endeavors. Paul dedicates his performance to the memory of his loving mother, Edith Jennings Ballard, who worked for civil rights and peace and saw the goodness in all people.
Brigitta (Sofia Babin)
Sofia is a 14 year-old 8th grade student at Resurrection St. Paul School, and will be playing your favorite Von Trapp, Brigitta. Sofia has been in 2 and 1/2 shows, including The Little Mermaid as Aquata, Annie as Kate, and her school's annual Christmas Play as herself. In her free time, Sofia enjoys listening to music, drawing in her sketchbook, and annoying her little brother. This is her first time working with the Miracle Players and hopes you enjoy the show!
Franz (Stan Behuken)
Stan is happy to join the amazing talent in his first performance at St. Gabrielle’s. He was a tenor in the choir at Sacred Heart Church for over 30 years and has been an active member with the Glyndon Area Players for 25 years. Previous roles with GAP include Simeon/Jacob (Joseph and the Amazing Colored Dream Coat, 1997/2007), Carnes (Oklahoma), FDR (Annie), Uncle Henry (Wizard of Oz), the Bishop (Les Misérables), Rudy (Hello Dolly) and many other supporting roles. Stan especially enjoyed performing as a park stroller (Mary Poppin) with his very talented granddaughter Olivia. He was also Bellomy (Fantasticks) at Carroll community College. Stan dedicates his performance to his family – Judi, Sharon, David, Seth, Olivia, and Copper
Gretl (Campbell Burd)
Campbell is so excited for her Miracle Players debut as Gretl. She loves all things musical theater and has been in the chorus of Matilda Jr with Charm CIty Players. Campbell is in third grade at Thomas Johnson Elementary/MIddle School where she sings in the choir, the Lyrical Lions. She also loves dancing, especially hip hop dance.
Marta (Carly Burd)
Carly is excited to be playing the role of Marta. This is her second show with the Miracle Players- she played Cindy Lou Who in Seussical. She also was in the chorus of Matilda Jr with Charm City Players and Ignorance in the Christmas Carol with Riverside Players. Carly is a 5th grader at Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School where she sings in the choir, the Lyrical Lions and loves visual arts, especially drawing.
Friedrick (Austin Buerhaus)
Austin is thirteen years old and a student at Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle in Baltimore. Austin is also in the Twigs theatre program at Baltimore School for the Arts. Austin’s previous roles include Amahl and the Night Visitors(Amahl), A Christmas Carol(Tiny Tim) and Annie(July). Austin loves to sing and dance on stage and is excited to perform in his second show with the Miracle Players
Elsa Schraeder (Deb Carson)
Deb is thrilled to be returning to the Miracle Players for what could be her most beloved musical. Favorite roles include: M’lynn (Steel Magnolias), Lettie (Something’s Afoot!), Snoopy (YAGMCB!), Mary/Violet (It’s a Wonderful Life) and Claire (Rumors). Deep appreciation goes out to my onstage buddy Joey for his humor, our amazing leads Katie & Paul for their support and talents, my bestie Liz (so glad to be singing together again), the Von Trapp kids for all their hard work, and all the women dressed in black for their dedication. Many thanks to our wonderful production team, including Hei20di, Patti, Kacy and Dan. And finally, much love to Hugh for being my guiding star and my favorite person.
Producer, Mother Abbess (Kacy Conley)
Kacy has been with the Miracle Players for over 30 years. Highlights have included various roles producing, directing and acting - directing Oliver!, Kismet, Nuncrackers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cinderella, Murder’s in the Heir, and Rented Christmas. Kacy also performed as Mrs. Julia Gibbs in Our Town, Frumah-Sara in Fiddler on the Roof, Alice in The Secret Garden, Mother in Cheaper by the Dozen, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Sister Helen in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up, Mom Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, the Sorceress of the North in Wizard of Oz, Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, Mrs. Pearce in My Fair Lady, and Lady Thiang in The King and I. She thanks her husband Dan for all his support. She is especially thankful to the wonderful production team, and crew led by Heidi Toll.
Kurt von Trapp (Mollly Connell)
Molly is 16 years old and a sophomore at Annapolis Area Christian School. She enjoys drawing, writing, playing video games, and theatre. This is her third show at St. Gabriel’s Miracle Players, most recently playing The Artful Dodger in Oliver!. Other roles include The Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol (Riverside Stage), Hannah the Maid in Little Women (AACS), and Mr. Kolenkhov in You Can’t Take It With You (AACS). Molly would like to shout out her wonderful parents, grandparents, and friends for supporting her through her many years of doing theatre, and her two dogs Jackson and Roxy for keeping things interesting outside of shows.
Baroness Elberfeld (Mary Connelly)
Mary is pleased to be a second generation, Miracle Player, Sound of Music nun.
Louisa (Robin Desi)
Robin is twelve years old and a student at Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore School. Robin has been involved in theatre for over 5 years and is so excited to finally see The Sound of Music come to the stage. This is her first performance with the Miracle Players. Over the years she has been in school performances of Peter Pan (Tinkerbelle), the Lion King (Rafiki), and Seussical (Horton). She was also a cast member in the 2018 performance of A Christmas Carol with Musical Artist Theatre. She is also involved in theTwigs program through the Baltimore School for the Arts, dances with McHale School of Irish Dance and is a member of the Merritt Athletic Swimming team.
Rolf (Alex Fraizer)
Alex has always been a lover of theater ever since he was in his freshman year of high school (2012). Some of Alex’s favorite shows he has done include the King and I, Shrek the Musical, and The Addams Family. This Alex’s second show for Miracle Players but hopes to do more soon with them
Liesl (Nancy Tita)
Nancy is excited to be performing in this year’s production! Nancy is 15 years old and has been in previous productions such as “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “The Land of Forgotten Toys”. Nancy enjoys drawing, singing, and playing video games in her free time. She would like to thank the director for giving her this opportunity.
Sister Cecelia (Pamela Jones)
Pamela is delighted to be performing in her first production with the Sisters. As a singer and musician, she has performed with multiple choirs and groups within the Baltimore Metropolitan area. She wants to thank Connie, Matt, and her supporters.
Baron Ellberfeld (Tom Kowalsi)
) It is wonderful to be back on the stage performing for a live audience. I have enjoyed performing with The Miracle Players in the past including roles in Murder in the Heir, Guys and Dolls and Meet me in St. Louis.
Sister Margaretta (Jill Marron)
Jill is so excited for her first performance with the St. Gabriel’s Miracle Players. After a long hiatus from the stage, she is thrilled to be playing Sister Margaretta in this production! Jill has a degree in Music Education and spends her free time reading and crafting.
Sister Kaitlin (Stefanie Pawelczyk)
Maria (Katie Sheldon)
) Katie is thrilled to be making her debut with Miracle Players in one of her bucket list roles! Past favorite roles include Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Charity in Sweet Charity, Lola in Damn Yankees, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Kristine in A Chorus Line, Bonnie in Anything Goes, Rose Alvarez in Bye Bye Birdie, Nellie Forebush in South Pacific and Mother in Ragtime. Thanks to Heidi for giving her this chance to play a role that has been one of her favorites since childhood!
Mother Abbess (Elizabeth Meuse-Cummiskey)
Liz is pleased to appear in her second Miracle Players production after first appearing as the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical. She has previously worked both onstage and on the production teams for shows with the Glyndon Area Players, Mount Airy Players and Reisterstown Theatre Project. She lives in Catonsville with her husband, Cullen and her son, Jack.
Sister Sofia (Sydney Pelletier)
Sydney is a recent Towson University graduate who has previously performed as a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast and in the ensemble in The King and I. She is extremely excited to be a part of the Sound of Music, and is very grateful to the amazing cast and crew who have been so supportive and fun to work with throughout the production!
Max Detweiler (Joey Rolandelli)
Joey is excited to be back on stage with the Miracle Players. Venturing back on to the stage after the pandemic, Joey has been a part of the theatre community since High School. He has appeared all around the area in shows like Shrek, Avenue Q, Music Man, Zombie Prom, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Wedding Singer, Little Shop of Horrors and multiple appearances in Guys and Dolls and Once Upon a Mattress, including here with Miracle Players. When not on stage, Joey entertains the vibrant residents of Brightview Annapolis, and works behind the scenes as part of the Board of S.T.A.R Ltd theatre group. As always thank you to his family and friends for their support.
Maria (Katie Sheldon )
Katie is thrilled to be making her debut with Miracle Players in one of her bucket list roles! Past favorite roles include Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Charity in Sweet Charity, Lola in Damn Yankees, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Kristine in A Chorus Line, Bonnie in Anything Goes, Rose Alvarez in Bye Bye Birdie, Nellie Forebush in South Pacific and Mother in Ragtime. Thanks to Heidi for giving her this chance to play a role that has been one of her favorites since childhood!
Maria (Katie Sheldon )
Katie is thrilled to be making her debut with Miracle Players in one of her bucket list roles! Past favorite roles include Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Charity in Sweet Charity, Lola in Damn Yankees, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Kristine in A Chorus Line, Bonnie in Anything Goes, Rose Alvarez in Bye Bye Birdie, Nellie Forebush in South Pacific and Mother in Ragtime. Thanks to Heidi for giving her this chance to play a role that has been one of her favorites since childhood!
Admiral von Schreiber (Georg Steinrock)
Georg is happy to rejoin St. Gabriel's Miracle Players after a farcical fun time in Blithe Spirit last fall. Thanks to Beth and Olivia for their support and to Paul and Heidi for their encouragement.
Herr Zeller (Nicholas Tackett)
kis performing in his second performance at St. Gabriel's Miracle Players. He most recently was Bill Sykes in Oliver. As much as Nicholas enjoys playing the villain, he has performed with Musical Artist Theatre in Baltimore as the bubbly Ghost of Christmas Present. Nicholas began his theatrical career with his daughter, Falynn, and he hopes to share the stage with her again soon. Thank you to The Sound of Music team for this opportunity to yet again be the bad guy.
Leisl (Nancy Tita)
) Nancy Tita is excited to be performing in this year’s production! Nancy is 15 years old and has been in previous productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Land of Forgotten Toys. Nancy enjoys drawing, singing, and playing video games in her free time. She would like to thank the director for giving her this opportunity.
Director (Heidi Toll)
Heidi earned a Music degree in her native Ohio, has appeared with Tampa Opera & New Orleans Opera, cantors professionally at three churches, sings professionally with Joyous Voices a capella, and recently retired from the Maryland State Dept of Education. She has directed 15 musicals for St. Gabriel. She loves that this wonderful musical is based on a true story. Favorite roles include Elsa in Sound of Music, Nancy in Oliver, Abigail Adams in 1776, Anna in King & I, Jenny Diver in Threepenny Opera, Joanne in Company, Emma Goldman in Ragtime, Diana Nichols in London Suite, Stepmother in Into the Woods, Sarah in Quilters. Heidi dedicates this production to the late Jack McTague, Max in her first Sound of Music. “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it” Psalm 118
Sister Berthe (Sharon Zelefsky )
Sharon has performed with many theatre companies including Cockpit in Court, Vagabond Players, Bowie Community Theatre, Reisterstown Theatre Project, Liberty Showcase Theatre, Charm City Players and St. Gabriel’s Miracle Players. Her credits include principal roles in Mame, Suddenly Last Summer, Rumors, Dearly Beloved, Inspecting Carol, Kitchen Witches, The Plot like Gravy Thickens, Daddys Dyin….Whos Got the Will?, Mary Poppins, Annie and Nanas Naughty Knickers. However, her finest productions will forever be her amazing sons, Zachary and Joshua.