The Sound of Music Cast

Alyssa Gregor is excited to be back on stage this summer! She has a degree in Vocal Performance from CWU and teaches musical theater and dance at The Studio by EDE. She spent 6 years performing with different groups around Seattle but made her way back to Ellensburg and enjoys sharing her passion of performing with our community. The Sound of Music is one of her favorite shows, as she sings the song Something Good to her son everyday.

For Jonathan, there’s nothing better than making music with great people in great places. As an actor and musician, he is grounded in family and community. He has been part of VTC in various roles since its founding in 1999, and performing side by side with his children has been a dream come true. Fresh off his turn as Mrs. Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher, he’s now enjoying the chance to embrace a more traditionally “manly” role this time around. Last fall, he performed in VTC’s Cabernet Cabaret, and last summer appeared as Count Leopold in Anastasia.

Kyle Nolan is happy to fuel his addiction to theatre yet again, and he’s super stoked to be in VTC's production of The Sound of Music! He’s previously been in several shows over the years with his favorite roles being Lumière in Beauty and the Beast and Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher. When he's not on stage, Kyle can be found cycling through every stage of grief over his computer science homework by day, but by night, he's rolling dice while acting out a goblin's death throes in games of D&D he runs for friends and clients around town! He thanks his friends and family for their constant love and support and hopes you’ll enjoy the show!

Hildi Youngblood has had the time of her life in joining VTC as Donna in Mamma Mia! And playing Judy in 9 to 5. She’s also thrilled to be using her music degree again by assisting the Music Director in last summer’s VTC production of Anastasia, and she was the Music Director for VTC’s Rising Stars production of Frozen Jr. Hildi grew up watching The Sound of Music on TV and although her dreams of being Liesl are in the past, she cannot wait for the opportunity to make the hills come alive as Elsa.

Elise Vikari Rhodes is thrilled to be on stage this summer as Mother Abbess in Roger and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music! Elise earned a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Michigan. Throughout her career, Elise has performed numerous roles in both the opera and musical theatre world including Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Countess in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods. Elise was a District Winner and Northwest Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council Auditions in 2018. In 2019, she made her Directorial Debut as the Music Director and Conductor for Jerry Herman’s Hello Dolly!, then again for Rogers and Hammerstein’s State Fair in 2020, both with Ellensburg High School. She has since been the Music Director for VTC’s productions of Mamma Mia, 9 to 5, Godspell Jr, Anastasia, and The Sound of Music. Elise runs a private music studio out of her home and teaching in all varieties is truly her passion. She is grateful to her wonderful family, Mitchell and Millie, for all their love and support in helping her to pursue her love of theater.

Ben Carter is an aspiring actor who’s been acting since he was eight. He’s been in many shows, most recently EHS’s production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, VTC’s The Phantom Tollbooth Jr., and MCT’s production of Johnny Appleseed. Most recently he portrayed Captain Robert Scott and Mack in VTC's Peter and the Starcatcher.

Maya Nielsen has been passionate about music since she was very young, with many memories of her Mom and Grandma playing Broadway soundtracks throughout her home. Maya has participated in VTC’s Cabernet Cabaret the past three seasons, and she was Jesus in VTC's 2023 production of Godspell Jr. She’s very excited to be back performing this summer!

Cass Welsh is a Freshman at Ellensburg High School. He’s been involved with theatre since playing a count in MTC’s Robin Hood and the Emperor in The Emperor’s New Clothes. Most recently, for VTC he played Little John in The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood and Hans of the Southern Isles in Frozen Jr. Cass sings Bass/Baritone in his school choir in addition to playing tennis and traveling.

Olivia Snow is excited to perform again with VTC, having had the opportunity to play Teen Anastasia in Anastasia and Amaryllis in The Music Man. The Sound of Music holds a special place in her heart as she had her first theatre experience as Gretl at Davis High School and has loved performing ever since! She’s also played Brigitta Von Trapp for the Warehouse Theatre Company (WTC) in Yakima. Some of Olivia’s other favorite roles have been Anna in Frozen Jr. (WVSD), Imogene Heardmen in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Musical (WTC) and Matilda in Matilda the Musical (WVSD). Olivia enjoys tap and ballet dancing and participating in choir at school and church. She loves bringing life to each character and participating in the theatre community.

Kai Densley is from Laie, Hawaii and recently moved to Ellensburg. He’s so excited to be a part of The Sound of Music with VTC. Kai has been in the children’s chorus of Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and has performed in commercials. Kai loves music and enjoys playing the trombone, guitar and ukulele.

Elsa Penoyar is excited to be playing the role of Brigitta in The Sound of Music! She’s 12 years old and loves acting, singing, and being on stage. This is her third production with VTC – she previously appeared in the ensemble of Frozen Jr. and The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood and played the Stowaway in her school’s production of Pirates! The Musical. When not performing, Elsa enjoys playing soccer, raising lambs and rabbits, and reading (like Brigitta!). She would like to thank her family, friends, and everyone who helped bring The Sound of Music to life for all their support and for making this show so much fun!

Trinity Leonard is passionate about singing and acting. She recently played Middle Anna in VTC’s Rising Star production of Frozen Jr., performed in last fall’s Cabernet Cabaret, and appeared as an ensemble member in last summer’s production of Anastasia.

Michelle Snow is excited to be a part of The Sound of Music! She just turned 7 and has always enjoyed performing, having been on stage in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Musical and she played Max in Seussical the Musical and Want in A Christmas Carol. She enjoys taking tap and ballet classes and loves to sing!

Jessica Hudson is a vibrant performer with experience in vocal performance. She started acting in junior high school as a little boy in Cheaper By the Dozen, performed in lead roles in high school, including Betty in Father knows Best, and continued in college, starring as Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream. In VTC’s 2002 performance of The Sound of Music she was featured in the nun's ensemble along with a scene-change performance for the Folk Festival. Her long absence in acting is due to her raising and teaching eight children, all of whom sing.

Courtney Karns has been an elementary music teacher for 15 years and loves to sing, do Zumba and travel. In high school she played Sandy in Grease and Ellie Greenwich in Leader of the Pack. In college she was a nun in the opera Suor Angelica, and more recently was a chorus member in Young Frankenstein and VTC's Cabernet Cabaret. When she and her husband and traveled in Austria they went on a Sound of Music bicycle tour and were able to see many locations from the movie!

Arianna Rhodes participated in Anastasia last year and after a long time away from the theater, knew she wanted to be back. She loves music and can often be found humming to herself and singing along with the radio.

Cass Welsh is a Freshman at Ellensburg High School. He’s been involved with theatre since playing a count in MTC’s Robin Hood and the Emperor in The Emperor’s New Clothes. Most recently, for VTC he played Little John in The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood and Hans of the Southern Isles in Frozen Jr. Cass sings Bass/Baritone in his school choir in addition to playing tennis and traveling.

Julie Lindberg loved drama all through school with musicals and single act plays. Later she participated in Theatre Extempore’ at Green River CC in the 1970s and later in community theatre in Tacoma in Man of La Mancha. In Enumclaw, she was Queen Agravain in Once Upon a Mattress and was in VTC’s production of Mamma Mia!! She has always loved all things theatre, says then she grew up and took a break for “real” job and to raise a family. She recently dusted off her character shoes for community theatre and hopes to continue for a very long time!

Jared Carter is a teacher by trade and by choice, teaching high school math and driver's education and is married with five children. He has been involved in almost every aspect of theater since he was a kid, including set construction, lighting, backstage crew and performing, and has been involved in these areas for VTC and other area productions for many years. Jared was Vinnie in The Odd Couple, served as a spotlight operator for Anastasia and was a party parent in EDE's recent The Nutcracker. He most recently portrayed Lord Aster in Peter and the Starcatcher.

Kirk Eslinger is a native Kittitas Valley resident and a life-long devotee to musical theater who was a 4-H farm kid, CWU graduate, and product of the Kittitas Schools. He escaped for a decade to explore the outside world and came back to raise children. Kirk has been married to Tami for 34 years.

Dewey Mee has previous credits for Creeps and the Re-Educator (CWU) and he’s been seen in the productions of The King and I, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Annie, 1776, Oliver! and A Christmas Carol. He has vast knowledge of mid-20th Century musical theater, especially the works of Rogers & Hammerstein and Lerner & Lowe.

Eponine Romo is excited to be returning for another VTC production! She’s sang in the last four Cabernet Cabarets and played Maria Delgado in 9 to 5 and Paulina in Anastasia. Last winter she played Frau Stahlbaum, Mother Ginger and a Snowflake in EDE’s The Nutcracker and the Battle for the Key and she gets to share her love of performing with her Tiny All Things Dance she teaches at the Ellensburg Dance Ensemble. She’s also expanded her skills serving as Assistant Director for Frozen Jr. She says although it’s been a blast being on the “other side” of a production, she can’t wait to get back on stage!

Ruth Bresee has been involved with theater her entire life and feels blessed to be part of recent VTC productions. Her recent roles include ensemble in VTC’s Peter in the Starcatcher and Olga Romanov/ensemble in Anastasia, Ti Moune in Once on This Island at Masquers Theater, and Deb in Ordinary Days at Quincy Valley Allied Arts. She loves being able to share the stage with wonderful and talented individuals and is excited to be part of the VTC family!

Vivian Hudson is an ambitious, friendly woman, who loves to dance and sing. Her experience in musical theater is small to mention, including Christmas plays at her Church and involvement in a Broadway show choir at the Ellensburg high school. Nevertheless, she is passionate about musical theater and is excited to be able to participate in this particular show with so many talented actors, dancers, and singers.

Emma-Jean Wydur is a twenty-year-old singer, actress and all around creative person. She previously played Sally Bowles in a teen production of Cabaret and The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods at Blaine High School. When she's not on stage she enjoys painting, sewing, reading and playing guitar.

Janet Thompson says although she may have found her way into the theater late, it doesn’t mean the love is any smaller. She says she has found a home and a community here she treasures. Janet started small, playing the New Employee in 9 to 5 but quickly ramped things up, playing the Dowager in Anastasia, a role she loved due to the complexity of the character that challenged her and helped her grow in ways she never expected. Janet is very excited to be back on stage this summer!

Faith Clyde has been performing for 12 years and loving every moment. Some of her favorite roles include Anne in Anne of Green Gables, Oliver in Oliver!, Imogene Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, many melodrama villainesses and her various ensemble roles in VTC’s Anastasia. Outside of theatre she is a wife, mother, photographer, author, and CWU graduate. Faith loves riding horses, reading, drawing, and most of all, spending time with her family.

Lisa Broweleit is thrilled to return to the stage with VTC’s production of The Sound of Music. While she’s spent the last few years working behind the scenes in hair and makeup, she’s excited to once again be performing. Lisa has been involved with VTC since 2013, with her last on-stage appearance in Mamma Mia. She studied theatre performance at Central Washington University and was active in theatre throughout high school. Lisa currently works at CWU and, when not at work, enjoys her favorite role as mom to two boys.

Maggie Hudson is an ambitious, fun and friendly woman who loves to dance, mainly swing and ballroom; and sing as a soprano. Her experience in theater extends back to her church's yearly Christmas plays since she was seven. Her motivation to participate in theater is her love for performing in singing and dancing. She has always dreamed of learning ballet because of the grace and beauty of the art, but was occupied with home schooling, cross country and her family, so it was never prioritized. She thrives on learning new things and is willing to do much to achieve her goals.

Carole Miller-Rhodes served on the Board of Directors for VMT for a number of years. She’s done hair and make-up design for VCT and EHS productions and has often helped singing for fundraisers for EHS Theatre and Evening on Broadway. She also volunteered with the CWU productions of Secret Garden, Les Miserables and The Fiddler on the Roof. She’s happy to be reprising her role as "Sister Mary Carole" as part of the nun ensemble for VCT's production of The Sound of Music twenty-three years ago!

Ava Moultine has had ten years of ballet including three years of en pointe training. She has been in choir since the 6th grade and currently takes voice lessons from Elise Rhodes. She was a guard in The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood. She also played Lily Potter in the EHS production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and was in Anything Goes as a passenger. She also worked backstage in Frozen Jr. She loves love theatre and wants to do as much of it as possible!

Amber Quinn recently moved to the area from Southern California where she’s been involved in theatre for eleven years. Her most recent roles include Queen Gynecia in Head Over Heels and Angela in Elegies for Angels, Punks, and Raging Queens. She has most experience in comedic roles but is looking for a challenge in the theatre space to play a new type of role! She has a pup named Groot and a loving boyfriend and has been looking forward to the opportunity to perform again with VTC!

Yong Jin Bessell just graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute. He was in theater in middle school but hasn’t had the opportunity to be in a production since COVID so he’s happy to be able to help with this show! At 6'3" and 250 pounds he enjoys sports but for now he plans to work awhile before deciding whether to attend college.

Alexander Fraher has loved and participated in theatre since he was 6, in established and original productions such as Snow White and the Black Forest, The Lion King, and Madagascar Jr, and he particularly loves portraying relatable human emotions and more comedic lighthearted fare. He’s excited to get back into theatre for his first show since moving to the area from Northern California and loves that he was cast in this dearly loved production.

John-Michael Grieve was Norma’s son in Norma, Paul in Ellensburg High School’s Kiss me Kate, the Captain in Shrek The Musical, Elisha J. Whitney in Anything Goes, Dumbledore and Amos Diggory in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and he operated lighting for Play On.

Samuel-Asher Grieve (Smasher) has been in several productions including The Big Mouse, a Battle Rat and Cotton Candy Supervisor in The Nutcracker. He’s a Boy Scout and enjoys rugby and wrestling.