ABOUT THE CAST

Howard Anderson II ( Richie) – In his first Celebration Players production, Howard brings  20 years of ballet, modern jazz, African and lyric dance experience to the stage. A teacher of various styles for over 8 years he has coached high school wrestling and served in the U.S. Army. Howard has been seen in Once on this Island, and Grease. He began his theatre career because he loves to sing and dance. It brings joy to his soul.

Barbara Bowers (Sheila)  Barbara has appeared with the Celebration Players as Anna in The King and I, Philia in …Forum, and most recently as Marian in The Music Man.  In addition to many regional performances, she also toured nationally in productions of The Pirates of Penzance and The Pajama Game.  She would like to dedicate this show to Tim Millett. This One’s for you, Tim!

Melissa Careccia – Val - A Chorus Line marks Melissa's first performance with the Celebration Players.  She is a Sophomore at UCF and an Entertainment Cast member at Walt Disney World where she has been seen in S.T.A.G.E.'s You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and in Encore's UNITED.  Past Credits include lead roles in West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, OKLAHOMA!, Bye Bye Birdie, Beauty and the Beast, Hello Dolly!, and Grease. Melissa has worked closely with Starstuck Productions as a performer, stage manager, and choreographer as well as spent four years singing with the OPUS choir.  Thanks to God, my family, and all of "the line" for a great show!

Tracy L. Fisher (Bebe) - A Chorus Line marks Tracy's debut with the Celebration Players, but she is no stranger to the theatre.  She has musically directed and choreographed numerous productions, but notes that there's nothing quite like the thrill of being on stage.  Favorite roles include Kim in Bye Bye Birdie Grace in Annie and Mrs. Potiphar in Joseph…..  Most recently Tracy was a dancing peanut in S.T.A.G.E.'s production of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and a vocalist in ENCORE's United.  A native of Indiana, PA, Tracy holds a Bachelor's of Music in Vocal Music Education from Shenandoah Conservatory.  She  is a member of Walt Disney Entertainment and a facilitator with the Disney Youth Education Series (Y.E.S. Programs).  Tracy would like to thank the gang for making Tuesdays the highlight of every week, as well as Kelly and Sean for their support.  Love to 'yinz up home,' and to M for helping her breathe.

 Anthony Grasso (Don) – Making his Celebration Players debut, Anthony’s recent projects include Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show, Freddy in My Fair Lady, Pan in Batboy The Musical. He has also appeared on tour in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and School House Rock Live. He would like to thank the girls for the chance , the cast for the memories and family and friends (hey Dinoland) for support. For Nana Kay!

 Eddie Gutierrez (Frank) – Proud to be a part of his first Celebration Players production, Eddie is a student at Trinity Prep in the distant land of Winter Park. Eddie hopes to major in acting at New York University Tisch School of the Arts next year. Currently he is in rehearsals for Ballet South’s The Nutcracker which will be presented Dec. 4^th an 5^th at Valencia Community College.

 Lisa Harms (Trisha) – Lisa was last seen on the Celebration stage as a Pick-A-Little-Lady in the Players production of The Music Man. Lisa spends her days at Celebration High School as the dance teacher, musical choreographer and director of the annual talent show. Never stop Dancing!

 Carlos Harris (Mark) – Most recently seen in the Players production of The Music Man, Carlos also performs with the Greater Orlando Performing Arts Company. He is excited to be playing this role and thanks his fellow cast members for their support.

 Michelle Holt (Cassie) Michelle is very excited to be back on stage again!  It's been nearly 7 years since her last show, Hair, back in her home state of Kansas.  She has also been featured in West Side Story, Godspell, Carousel and Fiddler on the Roof.  She would like to thank her family, friends and Steve for their unbelievable love and support.  Michelle would like to dedicate this show to her big brother Mark.  You are a huge inspiration and the ultimate fighter.  Stay strong! 

Rebecca Lee Huddleston (Connie) – Originally from Seattle Rebecca taught theatre and Hip Hop classes while attending the University of Washington. After gaining her degree in music and drama she left Seattle traveling to nine different countries on three continents. Currently working in Walt Disney Entertainment Rebecca is excited to be playing Connie in her favorite musical for this her first Celebration Players production.

Mike Kaina (Bobby) –  No stranger to Celebration Players Mike danced for Disney Parades and Shows for 5 years including The Hunchback of Notre Dame. His stage credits include the Players The King and I, The Music Man, as well as productions on other stages of You’re a good Man Charlie Brown, and Pirates of Penzance. This past summer Mike was Stage Manager of a production of Les Miserables in New York for KJK Productions.

Kim Keller (Lori/Assistant Choreographer) - Kim studied at Frank Rey Dance Studio in Tampa and Florida State University in Tallahassee.  She was a member of the Florida Ballet Theatre, Encore Tumbling Team, and other dance groups, where she was a featured soloist.  She has won numerous state and national competitions in jazz, tap, and acrobatics as a soloist, duet, and group.  Miss Keller was also a dancer for Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World.  Kim was a member of the faculty and staff at Frank Rey Dance Studio and the Orlando Ballet School.  She has choreographed for many dance schools, college teams, high/prep schools, cheer squads and national dance competition teams.  Miss Keller will be traveling north this fall to teach masters classes to students in the Baltimore/Washington DC area.       

Angelyn Rhode (Judy) – Angelyn is thrilled to be making her onstage debut in Orlando.  A native of Milwaukee, WI, she has performed many roles such as The Narrator in Joseph….., The Mistress in Evita, Lady Larkin  in Once Upon A Mattress, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, and Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel. She was also extremely proud to be a part of Skylight Opera Theatre’s LADY BE GOOD in Milwaukee. She has taught Musical Theatre for ages 10-18 for 2 years for First Stage Theatre Academy in Milwaukee. Currently, Angelyn performs in parades at the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s MGM Studios as well as “swimming around” with her fellow red-headed fish friends.  To Mom and Dad, “Thank you so much for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way as I make my dreams come true!  I love you!”

Aaron Sanford (Roy) – Returning to the stage after a 3 year break this is Aaron’s first Celebration Players production. He works at The Disney/MGM Studios and would like to thank his parents, grandmother, Kate, Alysha, Shana, and Danielle for their continuous support.

Kris Schave (Mike/Music Director)  – A Celebration resident for almost 2 years Kris has become a regular  with Celebration Players. Originally from Illinois, Kris was a three-year cast member of the OPERA, Illinois Opera Company, a full scholarship recipient from Illinois State University for a double major in Vocal and Piano Performance, and a winner of the National Association for Teachers of Singing Soloist Audition. His favorite roles include Prince Charming in Into the Woods, Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, and Music Director for Guys and Dolls, The Music Man and 1776.

Mathew Schwartz(Paul) - Matt is an entertainment cast member with Walt Disney World and is thrilled to be performing in his first production with Celebration Players. Most recently Matt was seen as a soloist in Encore’s, United and Linus in S.T.A.G.E.'s You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Matt would like to thank the production crew for this wonderful opportunity and his friends, family, and Tuesday Crew for their constant support, love, and laughs. Finally, to T., you are the best influence life has brought in a very long time.

Lorna Segall (Maggie) - Originally from Stillwater, Oklahoma, Lorna is a new resident in Celebration and is excited about her debut with the Celebration Players. Lorna holds degrees in music from the Florida State University and Louisiana State University. Other performances include: Countess Charlotte in A Little Night Music, L'enfant in L'enfant et les Sortileges, Barbarina in Le Nozze di Figaro and Bianca in La Rondine. She has also performed in Die Zauberfloete, Falstaff, Cosi fan Tutti and Pirates of Penzance. Lorna would like to acknowledge her parents, Bill and Nedra Segall, for being the perfect parents and would also like to thank everyone involved with the Celebration Players for providing such a fun and positive avenue for performing.

Angel Vandergrift (Diana) –  Angel is from Utah where she is a musical theatre major at Weber State University. Currently here on the Disney College Program, she is working in entertainment at Walt Disney World. Angel has spent most of her life performing and her stage credits include the Baker’s Wife in Into The Woods, and Mabel in Pirates of Penzance. Angel sends special thanks to the cast and crew for all their hard work, and “what they did for love” to make this a great show.

Carrie White (Kristine) – A new Celebration Resident, Carrie is originally from Tampa where she graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in communications. Happily married to Scotty for 6 years, Carrie has been an elementary school teacher, a personal trainer, but now most importantly, a mother of two. Love to Samantha 4, and Brady 2.

Tony Whitten ( Zach) – Tony doesn’t sing or dance, that’s why he is playing the director. Tony enjoys performing, laughter, and sunsets in autumn. He is a Leo, never been married, and gives a mean backrub. Tony has earned a paycheck as a puppeteer and puppet specialist, a picture framer, cartoonist, voice over actor and photographer.

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Felicia Amerena – Director/Choreographer - Also President of Celebration Players, Felicia has a hand in everything from acquiring rehearsal space to selling program ads, and has appeared in numerous productions. Felicia has over 25 years of dance experience and was a member of The Dance Company of Boston for 7 years. She has choreographed numbers in The Music Man, 1776, Godspell, and Pippin, and her stage credits include, Godspell, The King and I, How to succeed in Business Without Really Trying, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, and The Music Man. 

Lisa Hanna – Music Director - This is Lisa’s second production with the Players. Recently she was seen as Ethel Toffelmeyer in The Music Man. Lisa would like to thank the Vargas’ and A.T.G. for their love and support, Chris Carvahlo for his expertise and help with rehearsal music, Gbria for her hard work, the cast for putting up with her, and Felicia for her work, her passion and her friendship.

Graham Blue – Stage Manager - This is Graham’s second production with the Celebration Players, having stage managed their summer production of 1776.  He has been involved with community theater in Osceola County for nearly fifteen years. While he is most comfortable backstage, having stage managed such productions as Chicago, The Music Man, The Odd Couple, and Come Blow Your Horn. Graham has also appeared on stage in Annie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and in the Orlando Opera Company’s production of Carmen. Graham is pleased to be working with Director/Choreographer Felicia Amerena, and a wonderfully talented cast.

Gloria van Dalen – Rehearsal Pianist – Currently the accompanist and Show Director for two local schools, Gloria has degrees in Music Education and Composition. Formerly a band teacher and church music director she has played in the pit for Celebration Players productions of The Music Man and 1776 and for S.T.A.G.E. productions Lucky Stiffs and You’re a Good Man Charley Brown.

Bobby Amerena. (Production Manager/Asst. Stage Manager) – A former part-time model and T.V. commercial actor originally from Boston, Bobby is in his third season as the Players Production Manager. His Directing credits include, Godspell, Run For Your Wife, and The Music Man. Stage credits include Col. Thomas McKean in 1776, Bobby Franklin in Run For Your Wife, Felix Unger in The Odd Couple, Pontious Pilot in The Crucifixtion of Christ. Bobby sends his love to his amazing wife and best friend Felicia.