Sleepy Hollow Cast

Ricky Parkenson (Ichabod Crane)
Ricky’s eclectic musical endeavors have taken him from a cappella groups (BYU Vocal Point, 2006 ICCA champions) to opera (Lyrical Opera Theater & Utah Opera Chorus) to early music (5 seasons with Utopia Early Music Ensemble) to musical theater. He has performed in “The Music Man” (Olin Britt) at Pioneer Theater Company; “Forever Plaid” (Smudge) at Hale Centre Theatre Sandy; “Les Miserables” (Javert) at Hale Center Theater; and “My Fair Lady” (Henry Higgins) and “The Scarlet Pimpernel” (Chauvelin) at Centerpoint Legacy Theater. He has also been a section leader and soloist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for many years.
Jordon LeBaron (Abraham "Brom" Van Bron)
Jordon LeBaron, bass-baritone, studied voice at Utah State University where he received his bachelor of music degree in vocal performance. Since then, he has enjoyed performing in several opera, oratorio, musical theater, and jazz productions. Some of his recent credits include: “La Bohème” (Marcello), “Lamb of God” (Judas), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (Pharoah), Rufus (Pirated!), “Pagliacci” (Silvio), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Frollo), Handel’s “Messiah” (Bass soloist), and “The LeBaron Singers” on YouTube. During the day, Jordon works as a Speech-Language Pathologist and specializes in treating voice and swallowing disorders. In his spare time, he enjoys making sourdough bread, watching & playing sports, and spending time with his family. He is grateful for a supportive family that encourages hi m to pursue his passion for performance. He is especially grateful to his beautiful and talented wife, Angela, with whom he often shares the stage. They have three amazing kids.
Joseph Paul Branca (Faas Brinkerhoff/Daredevil)
Joey is thrilled to be back at West Valley Arts where he was last seen in “The Foreigner” as Charlie Baker. He has performed in many productions with revered companies across the Wasatch Front and internationally, including Salt Lake Acting Company, Hale Centre Theatre, Utah Opera, Hale Center Theater Orem, Good Company Theatre, Plan-B Theatre Company, Desert Star Playhouse, the Parker Theatre, Salt Lake Shakespeare, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. He also appears regularly in film and television, including starring roles in the films “Dog Valley,” “Blood of the Undying,” the upcoming “One Big Happy Family,” and the Emmy Award Winning “Resistance Movement.” Joseph has received several awards for his work, including a Utah Film Award, a West Valley Arts Ovation Award, a Westminster Theatre Society Award for Best Actor, and two BroadwayWorld Awards for Best Actor in a Musical and in a Play for his roles in Disney’s “Newsies” (Crutchie) and “The Foreigner” (Charlie Baker) respectively. Joey studied acting and vocal performance at both the University of Utah and Westminster College, and proudly works as the Director of Communications for Salt Lake Acting Company, and as a Project Manager for Hale Center Theater Orem. To Latoya, “I owe you a drink.” Learn more and follow along @JosephBranca or by visiting JosephBranca.com
Morgan Fenner (Rosalie Brinkerhoff)
Morgan is thrilled to be back at West Valley Arts! Some of Morgan’s favorite credits include: “See How They Run” (Penelope Toop), “Lucky Stiff” (Annabel Glick), “The Mousetrap” (Mollie Ralston), “Bright Star” (Margo Crawford), “Seussical The Musical” (Mrs. Mayor), and “The Scarlet Pimpernel” (Marie Tussaud) at Hale Centre Theatre; “The Odd Couple: Female Version” (Florence Unger) and “Arsenic and Old Lace” (Elaine Harper) at West Valley Arts. She trained at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance from UVU. “Hey.... Love you!”
James Duncan (Zander DeGroot)
James is elated to be back at West Valley Arts with his theater family and family family! Having run a couple of asylums into the ground on this stage (in “Sweeney Todd” and “Beauty and the Beast”) he’s happy to return to his roots as a farmhand in this incredible production. Other recent credits include “Oliver!” (Mr. Bumble) at Hale Center Theater Orem, “Matilda” (Escapologist) at Centerpoint, and “Christmas Carol” (Poor Husband) at Hale Centre Theatre. Special thanks to Jim and Karin and everyone on the production team and crew that make these theater memories at West Valley Arts so beautiful. All his love to Emily and their fantastic kids and baleful bassets.
Mason Gates (Bastian Onderdonk/Gunpowder/Ichabod U/S)
After a three-year hiatus, Mason couldn’t be happier to return to the performing world. He holds a BM in Vocal Performance from BYU - Provo, as well as an MM in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He sang opera professionally for over eight years, across 500+ performances and more than twenty different roles, ranging from”Pagliacci” (Beppe) and “La Boheme” (Rodolfo) to “The Flying Dutchman” (Der Steuermann) and the title role of “Albert Herring.” He is excited to dip his toes into the world of Musical Theatre, and feels incredibly fortunate to share the stage with such a fantastic cast, and work with the amazing production team here at West Valley Arts. A special thanks to his wonderful wife and beautiful children, who have been so supportive of his journey.
Bryan Johnson (Balthus Van Tassel)
Bryan is excited to be performing at West Valley Arts for his first time. Some recent, favorite credits include: “Beauty and the Beast” (Beast) at Timpanogos Arts, “A Christmas Carol – A One Man Show” at Covey and public libraries, “School of Rock” at Hale Centre Theatre, “The Drowsy Chaperone” (Robert Martin) at SCERA and Lehi, “The Audience” (David Cameron), and “Pride and Prejudice” (Bingley) at Creekside Theatre. By day, he works as a software developer for AncestryDNA. He’d like to thank his family for their continued love and support.
Emma Roberts (Katrina Van Tassel)
Emma is thrilled to be performing on this stage for the first time as a part of this beautiful production. Recent favorite credits include “Matilda” (Miss Honey) at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre + Cottonwood Heights Arts Council, and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (Olive) at Sandy Arts Guild. The first play she was ever in was an adaptation of “Sleepy Hollow” when she was 12 years old — she had no lines. Emma works as a freelance copywriter and lives in Sugarhouse with her husband and two dogs.
Taylor Smith (Hans Van Ripper)
Taylor is glad to be back at West Valley Arts! He was last seen as Christmas Present/Old Joe at Hale Centre Theatre Sandy. Some credits include: “Shrek the Musical” (Shrek), “A Tale of Two Cities” (Sydney Carton), “The Last 5 Years” (Jamie), and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (Beast). Taylor has a BFA in theatre from the University of Utah. Taylor would like to thank Amanda, Evie and Miles for letting him tell stories to let people escape a hectic world.
Caroline Anderson (Arabella Van Ripper)
Caroline is thrilled to make her West Valley Arts debut! Favorite credits include “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Millie), “Shrek” (Fiona), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (Narrator), “Annie Get Your Gun” (Annie Oakley), and “Crazy for You” (Tess). Caroline sends endless love and gratitude to her family and friends for their unfailing support and encouragement.
Luke Elzey (Dirk Van Ripper)
Luke is thrilled to be in this production of “Sleepy Hollow, The Musical.” Luke is currently a BFA student in the Actor Training Program at the University of Utah. Some past credits include: “Les Miserables” (Enjolras), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Phoebus), “Newsies Jr.” (Jack), “Sweeney Todd in Concert” (Sweeney Todd), “The Yellow Boat” (Father), “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Demetrius), “The Addams Family” (Mal), and “My Son, Pinocchio” (Boy 2). Luke hopes you enjoy the show and have a HAPPY HOLLOWeen!
Sofia Paredes-Kendrick (Mina Van Ripper)
Sofia is honored to be returning to the West Valley Arts stage for “Sleepy Hollow.” They were most recently seen in West Valley Arts’ production of “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” (Harry). While offstage, Sofia finds joy in studying classical literature, costuming, writing, and exploring the many artistic opportunities that Utah has to offer.
Lauren Slagowski (Sabine Vedder)
Lauren Slagowski is thrilled to be returning to West Valley Arts for her third show. Recent credits include “The Sound of Music” (Mother Abbess) at Sundance Summer Theater, “Into the Woods” (Jack’s Mother/Cinderella’s Mother/Stepmother Swing) at West Valley Arts, and “The Addams Family Musical” (Alice) at Scera Performing Arts. Lauren is known for her steely voice and colorful facial expressions and is excited to be using both to portray this unique character. Lauren graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Vocal Performance and performs both musical theater and opera when she is not hiking, traveling, or spending time with her partner. Special thanks to her partner Hung for all of the support he gives that allows her to pursue this passion and special thanks to her voice teacher Jared Lesa.
Emily Duncan (Gusta Tenbrook)
Emily is thrilled to be back at West Valley Arts for another spooky show after having been in West Valley’s “Sweeney Todd.” This show is particularly special for her since she gets to share the stage with her real-life husband and child. Some of her favorite roles include “Into the Woods” (the Baker’s Wife), “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” (Evangeline Barley), and “The Sound of Music” (Elsa Schraeder). She is currently the choir teacher at Lehi High School, a proud mother of three, and wife to one terrific tenor.
Mersedez Clifford (Dorine Tenbrook)
Mersedez is excited to perform with the amazing cast of “Sleepy Hollow” in her first show with West Valley Arts. She attributes much of her love for singing and the arts to her mother and grandmother, who endlessly encouraged her to explore her talents in her childhood. Mersedez began acting at the age of 10 in Carbon County. Her role in “The Sound of Music” (Marta) opened the door to a new world that she quickly fell in love with. Mersedez became heavily involved in all of her schools’ and community’s choir and drama programs. She has starred in shows such as “See How They Run,” “My Turn on Earth,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat,” and “Harvey.” After taking a break to focus on her education, Mersedez recently returned to the theater world and is excited to once again bring smiles, laughter, and fun to her community.
Soren Ray (Willem Tenbrook)
Soren is thrilled to make his West Valley Arts debut. Other stage credits include: “Matilda the Musical” (Bruce), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (Child Ensemble), “Newsies” (Les) at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre and “A Christmas Story” (Ralphie) at both Pioneer Theatre and Centerpoint Legacy Theatre. He is excited to perform in this beautiful theatre and has enjoyed working with the cast and production team for “Sleepy Hollow.” Soren would like to thank his family for their love and support.
Cora Duncan (Anika Tenbrook)
Cora is overjoyed to be back at West Valley Arts. Previously they were seen in West Valley Arts’ production of “Beauty and the Beast” (Chip). Cora fell in love with acting during their 3rd grade play and they love every chance they get to perform. They are also thrilled to share the stage with their parents.
Jennilene Ness (Daemon)
Jennilene is thrilled to be performing in this production of “Sleepy Hollow” as she makes her debut on the West Valley Arts Stage. Spooky season is her favorite time of year, and this show perfectly captures the spooky element. Some of Jennie’s favorite credits include “Mamma Mia” (Sophie), “Seussical the Musical” (The Sour Kangaroo), “Matilda” (Mrs. Wormwood), and “Songs for A New World” (Soloist). She gives thanks to all of the wonderful people who have supported her in her performing journey including her family, her mentors, directing staff, and stage crew. Jennie hopes you feel inspired as you grasp the moral inside this fun and thrilling Story and take them with you to share!
Lio River (The Headless Horseman)
Lio was last seen in “Clue,” “In the Heights,” and “West Side Story” at West Valley Arts. He is really excited in being part of this production of “Sleepy Hollow” and hopes everyone enjoys it just as much as he does. He was born and raised in São Paulo Brazil, now living in the USA for the past 8 years. IG: @THELIORIVER
Cameron Ropp (Brom/Zander/Hans Swing)
Cameron is beyond excited to be making his debut at West Valley Arts. He has been in love with theater his whole life and loves it almost as much as he loves his beautiful wife, Savannah, whom he is overjoyed to share the stage with in this production. He wants to extend his gratitude to his family for supporting him and all the members of this community and production team that have allowed him to continue to do what he loves.
Brittney Wallace (Gusta/Arabella/Sabine Swing)
Brittney is thrilled to be making her West Valley Arts debut in the cast of “Sleepy Hollow”! She is especially excited to be working with Jim Christian on a show he wrote! Brittney studied musical theatre at Western Wyoming Community College and Weber State University. Some of her recent credits include “Junie B. Jones, The Musical” (Junie B. Jones); “Beauty and the Beast” (Babette), “Shrek” (Fiona), “How I Became A Pirate” (Swill) at SCERA; and a featured vocalist in the 5-star reviewed “Best of...” Series at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! Brittney has six beautiful children and one amazingly supportive husband!
Larissa Pearson (Katrina/Rosalie/Daemon Swing)
Larissa is so excited to get to be a part of this beautiful show on this amazing stage. She works in marketing and is a dog mom by day, and a musical theatre performer by night. Previous credits include: “Guys & Dolls” (Mimi), “Mary Poppins,” and “The Wizard of Oz” at Hale Center Theatre; “The Last 5 Years” (Cathy) at OPPA!; “She Loves Me” (Ilona) at the HopeBox Theatre; “Anything Goes” (Hope Harcourt); “A Chorus Line” (Sheila); and “Holiday Inn” and “Crazy For You” at CenterPoint Theatre. Find her on social media! @larissaloupearson
Matthew Tripp (Faas/Dirk/Bastian/Horseman Swing)
Matthew Tripp is so excited to be back at West Valley Arts after appearing in “Puffs” (Swing) this summer! Other recent credits include “Possessive!” (Swing) at Hart Theater Company, “A Year with Frog and Toad” (Toad) at Salt Lake Acting Company, and “A Night to Dismember” (Arty) at the Great Salt Lake Fringe. They’re also excited to be entering their second year with the Story Weavers at Hale Centre Theatre. They’d like to thank their parents for being so incredibly supportive!
Savanna Brown Ropp (Mina/Dorine Swing)
Savannah is overjoyed to be making her West Valley Arts debut alongside her husband Cameron. Savannah has participated in theatre throughout northern Utah and was most recently seen in “Little Women” (Beth). Aside from theatre, Savannah is a passionate Elementary Educator teaching 5th grade and mother of an adorable 3-year-old boy. She would like to express her gratitude to her family who have showed endless support, to her husband for being her partner in crime, and for Jim for giving her this opportunity.