Willy Wonka Cast

Joe is elated to be in this production of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka! This is his third show with Upstage Productions. Previous favorite credits include Oliver in Puffs with Valtie Community Theatre and Robbie in The Wedding Singer with Upstage. He hopes to one day play the funny little man, Dennis, in All Shook Up. In his free time, he enjoys identifying cars by the sound they make when driving by and playing Pokémon. He would like to thank Molly, Annie, and Liz for putting up with him during the show, and his family and girlfriend, Amelia, for putting up with him on a regular basis.

Alex started his acting journey with Upstage Productions Inc. helping his daughter; Estella, through her first audition…where he got cast as well! When he is not playing Phineous Trout he is a psychotherapist running Threefold Health. His business is a collaboration with other healthcare providers to provide a holistic approach to wellness.

Makayla is thrilled to be performing again with Upstage Productions. Her first role was as Erica in Upstage Productions’ “Matilda” in 2022. Since then she has participated in several productions, most recently as part of the Columbia County Youth Theater's ensemble for “Footloose Jr” and as Marta in Mac-Haydn’s “The Sound of Music” . When Makayla isn’t acting, enjoys dancing as part of Columbia Elite All-Stars’ competition team, playing softball, reading and knitting. She would like to thank her family and community for supporting all of her endeavors.

This is Adelia’s second show with Upstage Productions and sixth musical. She has also performed with Columbia County Youth Theater. She is inspired by every part of Hamilton, Broadway, and Taylor Swift. In her free time Adelia enjoys singing, trying to get her dog to love her, being dramatic, and fantasizing about future roles! Adelia would like to thank Molly Oliviera, Annie Drewello, Christine Abitabile, Edgar Acevedo, Amanda Boyd, Miss Nancy, Miss Debra, and her loving family. Enjoy the show!

Zach has been in a number of productions and performances with plays, musical, and countless murder mysteries in the New York area, such as appearances in Upstage Productions, The Two of Us Productions, and Murder Cafe. This native from Copake, NY lives with music on a daily basis, whether its doing musical theater performances, working his job as a Music Therapist for nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, playing with the Ghent Band, or being a freelance musician in the area, providing performances and lessons. Whenever he’s not playing music, he spends his time training and competing in Obstacle Course Races, traveling to different states in the Northeast region to do so. He is also a pro wrestler working in a number of shows from different wrestling companies in the local area.

This is Mike's third show ever! His previous roles were Sherriff Deon Gilbeau in August: Osage County with Valatie Community Theatre and Elephant Number 2 in a show he can't remember the name of. He would like to point out the role was originally written for one elephant, but he got the most lines. He both thanks and resents (mostly resents) his fiancee, the director, for convincing him to audition for this show. He dedicates this performance to his tiny best friend and neice, Quinn Curtis, and his 40-pound corgi, Bagel.

Amanda is thrilled to be performing in her fourth show with Upstage Productions. When not working as a Special Education teacher, Amanda spends her free time with her three fantastic children and far too many pets. She would like to thank her family for all of their love and support, and for keeping her humble.

Tom is a seasoned veteran with Upstage. He has performed in over 30 main stage musicals, cabarets, and murder mysteries. Some of his favorite roles with Upstage include Daddy Warbucks (Annie), Pat Denning (42nd Street), Mayor Shinn (Music Man), Coach Bolton (High School Musical), Benny (Guys & Dolls), and the Professor/wizard ( The Wizard of Oz). Most recently he performed in the murder mystery The Game Show Murders. He has also performed with the Ghent Playhouse, Two of Us Productions, The Circle Theater Players, the New Lebanon Theater Barn, and the Egg in Albany. Thank you to the production staff for putting up with my crazy schedule and conflicts and to my wife Maria for letting me do what I love to do.

Catherine is very excited to be in her fourth show with Upstage Productions. She has also performed with CCYT and in many school productions. Currently, she takes ballet classes and is part of the Spotlight performance company at Isabelle School of Dance. She'd like to thank her family for always supporting her and for driving her to all of her practices.

Kyrie Sweet (Veruca Salt) is delighted for her first performance with Upstage Productions. She recently appeared as The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods with The Cue Theater, Albany, NY, as well as Lucy in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown the musical with Debuts Theater, Schenectady, NY. Other roles include, Judy Graves, in Junior Miss with The West Milford Players, West Milford, NJ. Prior to that she played Nicole Briggs in The Christmas Wish at The Palace, Danbury, CT, and joined Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the Musical, as a Cheese Touch Girl, a New Arts Production, Newton CT. Kyrie played the role of Thea in Pippin at The Center for Performing Arts, Rhinebeck, NY. She also voiced Mink in Zero Hour, a Radio Kingston production, and played Veruca Salt in New Genesis Production's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Kyrie takes Pointe, Ballet, and Acro dance with Take The Leap Dance Studio in Gardner, NY and studies voice with Beth Roars. In her free time, she can be found racing BMX nationally and crocheting. She would like to thank her sister, Pippa, for her encouragement and support, and her dad for always happily chauffeuring her about

This is Erika’s debut performance with Upstage Productions! Her recent credits include: The Bridges of Madison County (Ensemble)- The Ghent Playhouse, Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon) - The Galways Players, Grease (U/S Frenchy/Ensemble) - FST, The Rockin’ Tale of Snow White (Lady in Waiting-Maureen) - Malta Spotlighters Theatre Troupe, and The Wolves (#2) - TIS. Erika is also a performer with Fantasy First Character Entertainment. In addition to performing, she enjoys working with young children. She would like to continue to work on her CDA so she can become a certified PK teacher. For her college internship, she worked with students in the Columbia County Youth Theater Program. That is what made her realize she wanted to pursue a career working with young children. Outside of work, she loves doing hair and makeup and hanging out with friends. Lastly, she would like to thank her friends and family for their constant support.

This is Jae's second performance with Upstage. He previously played George in The Wedding Singer. He can't wait to see what his sister will direct (and what he'll be "forced" to audition for) next. Jae loves working with animals and has two jobs where he gets to do so, much to his mother's dismay, as he continuously brings home new pets. He would like to thank all his pets (he'd list them all, but his mother would kill him when she found out how many he really has), but especially his cat, Zincerson. This bio was written by the director, his sister, who isn't technically ratting him out.

Evie is thrilled to be playing golden ticket winner Mike Teevee in Willy Wonka. She has always had a passion for acting and singing and played Dorothy in “Scenes from the Wizard of Oz” and the money in “Animal Tales” at her school, Taconic Hills. This will be Evie’s 4th production with Upstage. She was in the ensemble for Matilda, played Mrs. Hannibal in “A Dream Role Cabaret” and one of the children in “ A Christmas Extravaganza.” Evie enjoys reading, exploring different musical genres and spending time with her Dog, Ziggy.

When not on stage, Layla enjoys playing soccer and being an active member in band and chorus. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Zofia is excited to make her debut performance with Upstage Productions. She has been in many musicals at Germantown CSD and loves "treading the boards" with her theater family. Some of her favorite roles were Tiger Lily in Peter Pan jr. and Hortensia in Matilda. Zofia enjoys going to see Broadway shows and spending time with her cat. She thanks the production team for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show!

Katelyn has always had a passion for theater. There is nothing she loves to do more than perform on stage. She has been in many productions with her school, Valatie community theater, and CCYT. She also takes tumble and dance classes with Columbia elite all stars. She would like to thank her family and friends for always coming to support her.

Lucy's passion for dance has been ignited since her first pirouette. An avid horseback rider, she's thrilled to make her stage debut in her first theater performance. Through dedicated rehearsals with her talented cast mates, Lucy's excitement for opening night has been growing. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Adeline is excited to be performing in her second musical and her first with Upstage Productions. Previously she has enjoyed taking the stage in Alice in Wondeland with The Good Cause Theater Company and in a production of The Nutcracker for the Catskill Mountain Foundation. In her free time she loves drawing, reading graphic novels, and roller skating with friends. She'd like to thank everyone at Upstage Productions for such a fun opportunity.

Estella attends the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf school and is in 5th grade. She enjoys being a part of her annual performances with her school and is excited to expand her experience with Upstage Productions, Inc. Estella also dances at Sternfeld Dance Studio taking classes in tap, lyrical, jazz, and musical theater. She is also on the studio dance team and performs at local competitions.

Fiona Winch, age 9, is in the fourth grade at Berkshire Country Day School. This is her first year performing on stage with “Upstage Productions.” Fiona enjoys dancing tap and jazz with the Muriel Faxon School of Dance. In 2024, Fiona was cast as a pirate in CCYT Summer Theater Production of “Pirates Past Noon” Fiona performed in the CCYT Performance Company of “Could you Hug a Cactus” 2023 CCYT Summer Theater The Sky is Falling 2022 Fiona was in the Emperor's New Clothes, CCYT Summer Theater Berkshire Children’s Chorus 2022 In Fiona’s free time, she practices Karate, is learning how to play the Saxophone, and loves her cat, Snickers.

Scarlett Winch, age 11, is in the sixth grade at Berkshire Country Day School. This is her first year performing on stage with “Upstage Productions.” Scarlett enjoys dancing with the Albany Berkshire Ballet, and the Muriel Faxon School of Dance, and she recently attended Juilliard's Dance Experience in NYC. In 2024, Scarlett appeared in Footloose CCYT Summer Theater 2023, she was cast in “The Jungle Book, Disney Kids” CCYT Summer Theater 2021, she was cast in “The Three Little Pigs” CCYT Summer Theater Berkshire Children’s Chorus 2022 2018, 2019 The Nutcracker by HVAPA In Scarlett’s free time, she enjoys playing the piano, reading, and dancing some more.

Rose Winch, age 13, attends Berkshire Country Day School. This is her first year performing in an “Upstage Production” Rose interned with Columbia County Youth Theater this summer doing set design. In 2023, she played Horton the Elephant in “Suessical” CCYT Summer Theater 2022, she was cast in “The Jungle Book, Disney Kids” CCYT Summer Theater 2022, she was the wise child in “Emperor’s New Clothes” CCYT 2021 She was the third little pig in “The Three Little Pigs” CCYT On screen, Rose was cast as Emily in “Saloon No. 35: Payback” 2022 Berkshire Children’s Chorus 2022 Barrington Stage Company 2018 In her free time, Rose loves to play soccer and is a Nascar Fan.

Parker is an 11 year old 6th grade student at Coxsackie-Athens Middle School. Parker enjoys baseball, football, soccer, video games and music. Parker plays percussion in his school band and sings. He enjoys math and science and hopes to be in the military and police force when he is older. Parker is an avid traveler and has Egypt on his wish list, and is planning his 13th birthday trip to California, where he will attend Star Wars Day.

Hailey is thrilled to make her theatrical debut! While this is her first play, she is no stranger to the stage, having spent four years on the competition dance team at Sternfeld Dance Studio. In addition to her passion for dance, Hailey is also an avid softball player. She looks forward to this new creative adventure and hopes you enjoy the show!

Kalia is a 10 year old fifth grade student at Coxsackie Athens Middle School. Kalia enjoys softball, football, soccer and swimming. She enjoys art and singing. Kalia also loves to play pranks, mostly on her dad. Her favorite show is Pretty Little Liars, favorite food is ramen noodles, and her favorite subject is writing.

Avery is an 8 year old 3rd grade student at EJA Elementary school. She loves football, softball, soccer, and running. She loves to sing and dance and practice gymnastics at home. Avery loves gym class, and one day hopes to be veterinarian at Disney World.

Makenzie is an 8th grader at the Hudson Junior High School. She is a part of Hudson‘s drama club and has performed in Mean Girls the Musical and The Addams family. She recently attended CCYT’s summer program where she starred as Ariel in Footloose the Musical. This is her first performance with Upstage Productions and she is looking forward to many more. She would like to thank Molly, Liz and the cast for all their hard work. A special thank you to Annie for helping her open up and see her true potential!