ABOUT THE CAST

Dale Marach (Captain of the Inquisition) – No stranger to the Players, Dale is more often behind the scenes. A talented director, Dale recently directed Harvey, and Barefoot in the park. On stage credits include John Hancock in 1776, a production Dale will be directing for the Players this July.      

Larry Helms (Miguel De Cervantes/Don Quixote/Alonso Quijana) -  Larry has performed with a number of community theatres across the country from Michigan to Colorado,  Maryland to Florida. He last appeared as George Jenkins in Theatre Winter Haven’s production of Cash on Delivery. Larry performed with Celebration Players, in their early days, when he played John Smith in Run For Your Wife. Larry lives in Polk County where he is a mild mannered social worker by day. He is grateful for the opportunity to perform in his favorite musical, also the first professional play he ever saw. He would like to thank sixth girl with the stick by the rock for her encouragement and help. 

Mike Kaina (Sancho) – Mike was recently seen fulfilling a dream of playing Bobby in A Chorus Line).  Past credits include Frederic, The Pirates of Penzance, Lun-tha , The King and I, Linus, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, and Birdie, Bring Back Birdie. Mike also directs Headliners a select Musical Theatre group at Celebration School.

Jennifer Lee (Aldonza/Dulcinea) -  Singing and acting at an early age Jennifer won  the Best Actress award in high school for her role as Annie Sullivan, in The Miracle Worker, and a Most Promising award during her graduating year. She studied musical theater at Oklahoma City University and Southwest Texas State University.  Jennifer has been a part of community theaters in Texas and Connecticut, and currently works as a character performer at Walt Disney World. Jennifer says her one goal at Walt Disney World was to sing in front of the castle at the Magic Kingdom, and she did just that. Jennifer completed her 6 month equity contract in 2003.

Drew McCalmon (Govenor/Innkeeper) – Drew is making his third appearance with Celebration Players, having first appeared in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, and most recently in Harvey. Other credits include Guys And Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun, Grease and Arsenic And Old Lace. Drew is also a regular performer with the Comedy Buffet Improv Troupe in Winter Haven, FL. Drew wishes to thank his family and friends for all their support!

Tom Malonson (Duke/Barber) – Tom is a 3 year resident of Celebration and a Disney Cast Member. This is his debut with the Celebration Players. Previous roles have included Mordred Camelot, Bellamy The Fantastics, Moonface, Anything Goes and Charlie Brown You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Tom is thrilled to be involved with the Players, and hopes to stay active with the group for future productions.

Joe Iriarte (Dr. Carrasco/Knight of the Mirrors) - Celebration resident, father of two, and math teacher at Celebration High School,  Joe's Celebration Players debut was as Lewis Morris in 1776, and he also appeared in Barefoot in the Park. Harvey, The Mouse That Roared, A Man for all Seasons, and A Christmas Carol.  Joe is also a writer, and has written a novel. Any publishers in the audience?

Lisa Braun (Antonia) - Lisa is very excited to be involved with her first production with Celebration Players. She has been in several community theatre shows in South Florida, including Emma in Jekyll and Hyde and Eliza in My Fair Lady. Lisa is currently studying at UCF and with Maestro Bill Doherty. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their love and support (you too, Squishy).

Peter MacColeman (The Padre) – Originally from Michigan, Peter graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy. Credits include, Into the Woods, The Mikado and  performances at Central Michigan University and Northwestern Michigan College. Peter would like to thank his family and friends for their  support.  

Kate Norton (Fermina/Moorish Dancer) - Kate has been a professional dancer since 2000 when she graduated with a First Class Hinds Degree in Performing Arts from the Paul McCartney "fame" school in Liverpool, England. Since then, she has performed with the Irish International Dance Company in a UK and European tour of Spirit Of The Dance. She then joined Celebrity Cruise Lines and performed many review style shows on the high seas!!! After recently getting married, Kate moved to Orlando and is very excited to be performing for the first time with the Celebration Players!!!!

Rhona Dalusong (Maria/Innkeepers Wife) - Rhona is excited (and still in shock) to be making her way onto the CP stage for the first time! Past credits  include Cash on Delivery, Out of Order, and Fiddler on the Roof at Theatre Winter Haven, Murder By Mistake and Clap Trap at Lake Wales Little Theatre, and The King & I with the Pied Piper Players in Lakeland.  Rhona was also a past (original) cast member of “Comedy Buffet” improv troupe in Winter Haven. Rhona would like to say “thanks” to Bob, and wishes to send a gratuitous “shout out” to Helen, for discovering Tester Tony in the Graphite Helmet. Way to go!

Colleen Harrell (Housekeeper) -  An 8th grader at Celebration Middle school, this is her first performance with the Celebration Players, but she enjoys being on stage as well as backstage.  Her past shows include Annie, Collage de Broadway, Wizard of Oz, several class performances, and some tech work as vine # 3 in Little Shop of Horrors. She would like to thank her family, and the cast for their constant support.

John P. Cortes Jr.  (Pedro) – J.P. is a 21 year old native of New York and has been involved in the arts since his early teens. Currently employed at Universal Studios Florida Entertainment, he graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BA in theatre. J.P. is an aspiring television/film actor.

 Jason Moreno (Anselmo) – A 23 year old Miami native, Jason has been dancing professionally for 5 years. Currently employed at Universal Studios Florida Entertainment, he is involved in all major Universal events. Jason has previously appeared in Once Upon A Mattress.

Andrew Henske (Jose) – A student at Celebration High School and no stranger to the Celebration Players. Credits include, 1776, The King and I , You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, TheYellow Boat, and was recently seen in CHS's production of Little Shop of Horrors

Pippa Baker (Conchita) -  A 16 year old junior at CHS studying musical theatre, Pippa originally from the U.K. is in her first production with the Players. A member of the National Thespian Society she has performed as Empie, in A Simple Task, several roles in the State qualifying show The Yellow Boat and as Ronnette is CHS’s performance of Little Shop Of Horrors. Thanks to Bobby and Felicia for this opportunity to work with the Celebration Players, and her friends and family for their love and support

Michael Ennis (Jose) – This is Michael’s first appearance with Celebration Players. Currently a junior at Celebration High School, Michael played Rick Jacobs in Figment’s, was a puppeteer in Little Shop of Horrors, and was the stage manager for The Yellow Boat.

Drew Darr (Paco) – Thrilled to be in his first Players production, Drew’s credits include Collage de Broadway, Figment’s, The Yellow Boat, and Little Shop of Horror. Thanks Mom, Dad, Meg, Mal, and God.

Oliver Munn (Tenorio) – Originally from England, where he studied at the School of Performing Arts, Oliver is making his debut with the Celebration Players. This is his second appearance on stage in America having previously been seen in Celebration High School’s Little Shop of Horrors.

Mallory Harrell (Margarita) -  A sophomore at Celebration High School, Mallory loves performing and is no stranger to the Celebration Players. Credits include Annie, The Wizard of Oz, The Music Man, 1776, and assistant director You're A Good Man Charlie Brown. Mallory was a member of the cast of CHS’s TheYellow Boat, and was recently seen in CHS's production of Little Shop of Horrors as Mrs. Luce. She would like to thank her family, friends, Ms. Bowers, and fellow cast members for all their love and support.

Nikki Beaudry (Francesca) – Originally from Quebec, Canada where she was on stage every chance she got Nikki is a 14 year old freshman at CHS who loves acting and singing. This is her Celebration Players debut. Credits include Tessy in Annie, various talent shows, and recently as part of the crew of the CHS production Little Shop of Horrors. She would like to thank the cast and crew, as well as her sister Natasha, mother Nathalie, family and friends for their support. Nikki would also like to thank God for getting her where she is today.

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Bob Amerena  (Director) - A former  model and T.V. commercial actor originally from Boston, directing credits include, Godspell, Run For Your Wife, and The Music Man. Acting credits include  Col. Thomas McKean in 1776, Bobby Franklin in Run For Your Wife, Felix Unger in The Odd Couple, and Pontious Pilot in The Crucifixtion of Christ. Bob is also a voice over actor and video credits include producing, directing, and acting in several in house videos at Walt Disney World. 

Frank Mathews (Musical Director/Conductor) – Frank attended the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY, is a 3 year resident of Celebration and has been involved with the Celebration Players for about a year. Credits with the Players include Jacey Squires Music Man and in the orchestra for 1776 and Chorus Line. Frank would like to that Bobby and Felicia Amerena and Barbara Bowers for the opportunity of working with this GREAT cast for Man of La Mancha.

Scotty Schultz (Stage Manager) -  Returning to Celebration Players, this time as Stage Manager, Scotty’s previous role was, Lewis Morris, delegate from New York, in  1776.  He also appeared in  Arsenic and Old Lace in the old Black Box. “This is my favorite musical and I am proud to be a part of it.” Scotty is also a permanent member of the Moonlight Players of Clermont.

Don Hopkinson, Jr. (Vocal Coach/Accompanist/additional Orchestrations) - Don has participated in over 90 theatrical productions – most recently West Side Story, Into The Woods, and Little Shop Of Horrors. He is a Producer, Musical Director, Vocal Coach, Composer, Lyricist, Arranger and Orchestrator, Actor and Keyboardist. His musical works include Child Of The Night, A Christmas Carol and Light My Way. He studied at the Crane School of Music and now lives in Orlando, Florida, where he has started a business that provides live entertainment for events. Thanks and love to Cheshire Cat!

Kim Keller (Choreographer) - Man of La Mancha marks Kim’s second production with the Celebration Players.  She was recently seen in A Chorus Line as Lori and served as the productions Assistant choreographer.  Originally from Tampa, Kim 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.  Kim was also a dancer for Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World.  She was a member of the faculty and staff at Frank Rey Dance Studio and the Orlando Ballet School.  She can also be found teaching masters classes to students in the Washington DC area. Kim would like to thank her wonderful husband Jason and puppy Max for their support.