Director’s Note
Grand Night is one of Elon Music Theatre’s most treasured traditions. It creates an energy so palpable that many of our current students have cited this memorable performance as the reason they selected Elon as prospective students. Part of the magic of Grand Night is the student-driven nature of this endeavor – students spend the winter and spring conceptualizing, directing, choreographing, arranging, and music directing classic and re-imagined works from the music theatre cannon.
In 2023, still just a few years out of lockdown, we continue to hold many dualities at once. We ground ourselves in tradition while moving towards change. We celebrate community while acknowledging the challenge and promise of the convergence of diverse viewpoints. We question and grow in our own practices of service, artistry, and leadership.
Grand Night is an evolving tradition to uphold, a learning experience for all involved, and a celebration of community and the creative talents of Elon Music Theatre. Thank you so much for joining us this evening and we hope you enjoy Grand Night!
Courtney Liu & Chris Rayis
Special Thanks
Brian Kremer, Jack Morrill, Kimberly Rippy, Michael Smith, Bill Webb
Song Credits
“Biggest Blame Fool” from Seussical
Music and Lyrics: Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Ahrens
Direction/Music Direction: Sujaya Sunkara
Choreography: Renell Taylor
“Gee Officer Krupke” from West Side Story
Music and Lyrics: Leonard Berstein/Stephen Sondheim
Direction/Choreography: Faythe Kelly
Music Direction: Kaylee Hayden
“Up the Ladder to the Roof” from Everyday Rapture
Music and Lyrics: Frank Wilson/Vincent DiMirco
Direction: Bryant Howard
Music Direction: Sitare Sadeghi
Choreography: Jaron Cole
“Wild Wild Party” from The Wild Party
Music and Lyrics: Andrew Lippa
Direction: Sammy Azua
Music Direction: Gabe Tobierre & Hashini Amarasinghe
Choreography: Gabriella Scarpace & Anya Jones
“I Got You” from Bring It On! The Musical
Music and Lyrics: Tom Kitt & Lin-Manuel Miranda/Amanda Green & Lin-Manuel Miranda
Direction/Chroeography: Renell Taylor
Music Direction: Zion Middleton
“School Song” from Matilda the Musical
Music and Lyrics: Tim Minchin
Direction: Sara LiBrandi and Elsa Keefe
Music Direction: Tristan Altobelli & Kyra Britt
Choreography: Zeth Dixon & Jaid Green
“Soft Place to Land” from Waitress
Music and Lyrics: Sara Bareilles
Direction: Kelly Belarmino
Music Direction: Sujaya Sunkara
“Closer Than Ever Medley” from Closer Than Ever
Music and Lyrics: David Shire/Richard Maltby Jr.
Direction: Mia McManamy
Music Direction: Charlie Castro, Summer Severin, & Collin Flanagan
Choreography: Gabriel Logan & Erik Houck
“Dreaming of You/I Could Fall in Love”
Originally Recorded By: Selena
Music and Lyrics: Franne Golde, Tom Snow, & Keith Thomas
Direction: Campy Rodriguez
Arrangement/Music Direction: Charlie Castro
Choreography/Staging: Derick Donato
“Anything Goes” from Anything Goes
Music and Lyrics: Cole Porter
Direction/Choreography: Renell Taylor
Music Direction: Gabe Tobierre
“Tango de Roxanne” from Moulin Rouge
Music and Lyrics: Ewan McGregor & Jose Feliciano & Jacek Koman
Direction: Sara LiBrandi
Arrangement/Music Direction: Mallorie Sievert
Choreography: Jaid Green & Collin Flanagan
“C’mon Everybody” from All Shook Up
Originally Recorded By: Elvis Presley
Music and Lyrics: Joy Byers
Direction/Choreography: Ella Huestis
Music Direction: Charlie Castro
“I Gotcha” from Fosse
Originally written for the television special Liza with a Z
Music and Lyrics: Joseph Arrington, Jr.
Direction/Choreography: Summer Severin
“Still Hurting” from The Last Five Years
Music and Lyrics: Jason Robert Brown
Direction: Giselle Watts
Arrangement/Music Direction: Kaylee Hayden
“Color Purple Reprise” from The Color Purple
Music and Lyrics: Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray
Direction: Zion Middleton & Giselle Amarisa Watts
Music Direction: Candace Rhodes
“I Will Turn to You”
Music by Dan Gibson Lyrics by Christopher Staskel
Grand Night Team
Faculty Co-Directors: Courtney Liu and Chris Rayis
Student Assistant Director: Zion Middleton
Piano: Tyson Hankins
Drums: Christina Lowder
Sound Board Operator: Chris Rayis
Light Board Operator: Courtney Liu
Seniors
| Brooks Andrew |
| Kelly Belarmino |
| Jaron Cole |
| Abby Harnum |
| Kaylee Hayden |
| Bryant Howard |
| Faythe Kelly |
| Hannah Kevitt |
| Jacqueline Mate |
| Nathan Meyer |
| Zion Middleton |
| Taylor Mitchell |
| Candace Rhodes |
| Jakov Schwartzberg |
| Sujaya Sunkara |
| Renell Taylor |
| Giselle Watts |
Juniors
| Tristan Altobelli |
| Jacob Atkins |
| Caroline Borio |
| Kyra Britt |
| Micah Day |
| Zeth Dixon |
| Camille Fundingsland |
| Jaid Green |
| Anne Sophie Hill |
| Elsa Keefe |
| Sara LiBrandi |
| Charlie Pelletier |
| Mallorie Sievert |
Sophomores
| Aubee Billie |
| Charlie Castro |
| Derick Donato |
| Collin Flanagan |
| Erik Houck |
| Ella Huestis |
| Marina Jansen |
| Gabriel Logan |
| Mia McManamy |
| Sitare Sadeghi |
| Ellie Schwartz |
| Summer Severin |
| Emily Stober |
| Tara Venkataraman |
First Years
| Hashini Amarasinghe |
| Sammy Azua |
| Andrew France |
| Maddie Hewgley |
| Malia Horst |
| Anya Jones |
| Nate Krohmer |
| Angelina Mancuso |
| Helena Padial |
| Campy Rodriguez |
| Gabriella Scarpace |
| Gabe Tobierre |
Company
Tyson Hankins
Courtney Liu
Chris Rayis
Faythe Kelly
Tristan Altobelli
Brooks Andrew
Jacob Atkins
Caroline Borio
Kelly Belarmino
Charlie Castro
Jaron Cole
Kyra Britt
Micah Day
Zeth Dixon
Derick Donato
Collin Flanagan
Camille Fundingsland
Abigayle Harnum
Jaid Green
Kaylee Hayden
Erik Houck
Anne-Sophie Hill
Bryant Howard
Marina Jansen
Hannah Kevitt
Elsa Oates Keefe
Ella Huestis
Sara LiBrandi
Jacqueline Mate
MK McDonald
Mia McManamy
Sayo Oni
Zion Middleton
Candace Rhodes
Sitare Sadeghi
Ellie Schwartz
Charlie Pelletier
Summer Severin
Mallorie Sievert
Sujaya Sunkara
Emily Stober
Renell Taylor
Tara Venkataraman
Aubee Billie
Giselle Watts
Maddie Hewgley
Helena Padial
Hashini Amarasinghe
Campy Rodriguez
Angelina Mancusco
Anya Jones
Malia Horst
Gabriella Scarpace
Nate Krohmer
Sammy Azua
Gabriel Logan
Gabe Tobierre
Andrew France
Jakov Schwartzberg
Tyson Hankins
Tyson Hankins is one of the full-time staff accompanists for the musical theatre program at Elon University. A classically trained pianist, Tyson is able to play a multitude of genres ranging from classical to pop and everything in between. Since beginning work here in 2006, he has accompanied many musical productions at Elon University, as well as numerous musical productions for community theatre and professional organizations in the area.
Courtney Liu
Courtney Liu (MFA, BA, RYT-200) is an Assistant Professor at Elon. She has performed with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the Broadway cast of the Phantom Of The Opera, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, Queen Of The Night, Norwegian Cruise Lines, the Cincinnati Ballet, and the Peridance Contemporary Dance Company. Courtney has taught dance for 15+ years and her pedagogical research has been presented at Corps de Ballet International, the National Dance Educators Association, and the Appearance Matters Conference. Her choreography has been commissioned by the Ciompi Quartet, Duke University, and the American Dance Festival in collaboration with the Nasher Museum.
Chris Rayis
Chris Rayis (Composer, Lyricist, Pianist) thanks you for attending this workshop of Deep Water Ballad the long-stewing grand vision of his collaboration with Douglas Waterbury-Tieman. Broadway: Frozen. National Tours: Hamilton, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Elf, Man of La Mancha. Off-Broadway: Far From Heaven, Cruel Intentions. Film: The Last 5 Years. The music and lyrics of this production exist only because of three extraordinary teachers: Ricky Ian Gordon, Dr. Ann Elisa Haertling-Lint, and Dr. W. Daniel Landes. Thank you to Elon University, Elon Music Theatre, Transcriber of Dreams, and R2E2 Productions for making this performance possible. Proud alumnus of Belmont, that "one little clearing on a mountainside," and Penn State, that valley where "the storm is lifting." Thank you to Alexandra Joye Warren for your infinite flexibility, Peyton Otis for your herculean work ethic, and Mallorie Sievert for your extraordinary insight. Thank you to Bill and Eileen DeWood, truly the greatest patrons an artist could ever "dream" of. This performance is dedicated to Big Walt Adeler and Todd Garlock... the real Mountain Men.
Faythe Kelly
Faythe is a senior Music Theatre major and Dance minor and is so excited to be a part of this production! You may have seen her onstage in Grand Night, Elon Cares, Collage, or The Elephant Man. She has also worked behind the table at Elon on The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin (Asst. Choreo) and Into The Woods (Choreographer). Thank you to Elon Music Theatre for making me the artist I am today and to my friends and family for always supporting me through everything. Fail Forward.
Tristan Altobelli
Tristan is super excited to be here and to be a part of Elon performing arts.
Brooks Andrew
Brooks is currently a Senior Music Theatre major at Elon and is looking forward to graduation and moving to NYC. His past favorite roles include Prince Topher (Cinderella, Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts), Robert Kincaid (The Bridges of Madison County, Elon University). Brooks looks forward to returning to Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts this summer to play the role of Prince Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid. Brooks would like to extend a special thanks to his family, his Music Theatre Class of '23, and his Vizsla puppy "Rugby". Find him on Instagram @brooks_andrew
Jacob Atkins
Jacob Atkins is thrilled to be making his main stage debut here at Elon University. He will be portraying the role of a “Muse” and couldn’t be more excited! You could find Jacob this past summer working at Highlands Playhouse where he played “Joe Pesci” and Understudied “Franki Valli” in Jersey Boys! Some interesting facts about Jacob are he only eats fries in 2’s, and he is a Marvel Enthusiast! Special shout out to his Mom, Dad, Aunt Lisa, and Belle Noel. @Thejacobatkins
Caroline Borio
Caroline is so excited to have been a part of the workshop of Deep Water Ballad! She would like to thank Chris and the creative team for this opportunity. Some of her recent roles include Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Portia in Something Rotten, and Lisa in Mamma Mia. Finally, she would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their endless support.
Kelly Belarmino
Kelly Belarmino is a Senior Music Theatre Major at Elon University. She was most recently seen at Forestburgh Playhouse as Alice in Alice In Wonderland, Ali in Mamma Mia! and in the ensembles of Something Rotten and Kinky Boots. Her favorite Elon credit is Little Red in Into The Woods. She would like to thank her friends and family for being constants in her life.
Charlie Castro
Charlie is a sophomore music theatre major at Elon University. He is a Miami, Florida native. Some of his past favorite theatre roles include Hot Blades Harry in Urinetown, Harry Houdini in Side Show, & Javert in Les Miserables. He wants to thank his family & friends for all of their constant support in all of his artistic endeavors. He is incredibly grateful to be doing what he loves most!
Jaron Cole
A senior in the Music Theatre and Arts Administration programs. Elon highlights: Spelling Bee (Director/Choreographer), Into the Woods (Mysterious Man), the President of Renegade Productions, and the Artistic Director of Elon Cares for the last two years. Jaron has worked administratively with The Muny and The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ. Thank you friends and family!
Kyra Britt
Kyra Britt is a junior Music Theatre major and is excited to perform as Naomi Bailey in Deep Water Ballad! Kyra would like to thank her family, professors, and peers for supporting her dream. She is especially grateful for her mom, and all she has done for her artistry to thrive.
Micah Day
Micah Day is a Junior Musical Theatre major at Elon University and could not be more excited to get this show up and running! He was last seen this summer in Label•Less: A New Musical (Cast Member) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was born and raised! Elon: Into The Woods (Sleeping Beauty/Rapunzels Prince U/S) Micah would like to thank his family and friends for pushing him to be the performer he is today! Sit back, relax, laugh a little, and enjoy the show! @micah.andrew
Zeth Dixon
Zeth Dixon is a 3rd year Music Theatre Major here at Elon University. Some of his favorite credits include Eddie in Mamma Mia (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Crapshooter/Ensemble in Guys & Dolls (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Pat Denning/Ensemble in 42nd Street (Elon University), and Man #1 in Songs for a New World (Nashville Children’s Theatre). He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and also serves in many leadership positions here on campus.
Derick Donato
Derick is so excited to be back for Grand Night 2023. He lives in Binghamton, NY and is a current sophomore at Elon. Some of his favorite credits include On Your Feet! (Male Swing), The Bridges ... County (u/s Bud/Ensemble), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and Mamma Mia! (Sky). He would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers for their constant support and love - Enjoy the show! @derick.donato
Collin Flanagan
Collin is ecstatic to be a part of the cast of Grand Night! Recently at Elon, Collin has performed in Movin’ On, Collage, Grand Night, and Elon Cares. He would like to thank the entire company for their perseverance, and a special shout-out to his parents for being the best people in the whole world. Enjoy the show!
Camille Fundingsland
Camille Fundingsland is a third year BFA Musical Theatre Major all the way from San Diego, California. After studying in London this fall, she is incredibly excited to come back to Elon to step into her first role as an understudy and swing! Recent Elon credits include Into The Woods and 42nd Street. Special thanks to her voice professor Dr. Polly, Mom, Dad, and her little sis Audrey for all the support! Instagram: @camille_nf
Abigayle Harnum
Abby Harnum is a current senior and proud member of Elon’s Music Theatre class of 2023. She is absolutely thrilled to be portraying such a dream role and is incredibly grateful for such a rewarding experience working on this show. Most recently, Abby was seen in North Carolina Theatre’s production of On Your Feet! and Peach State Summer Theatre’s productions of Cinderella and Sister Act. Abby would like to thank her loving family, friends and the entire Elon Performing Arts community for their support.
Jaid Green
Jaid is a junior Music Theatre major and Leadership Fellow from Wyckoff, NJ. In the Fall, she performed in the dance ensemble of Head Over Heels. Last year, she assistant-directed and understudied the role of Rachel in Movin' On. In the summer of 2021, she attended Dance Lab NY’s Broadway Choreographer’s Intensive. She is a proud member of Vital Signs A Cappella, a campus tour guide, and a Sagittarius. @jaid.green
Kaylee Hayden
Kaylee Hayden is a Senior Music Theatre major with a minor in Music Technology. Previously at Elon, she played Mopsa in Head Over Heels and Lucinda in Into The Woods. Kaylee also is a proud member of Vital Signs A Cappella. She is so grateful for her four years at Elon, and sends all of her love and gratitude to her family and friends!
Erik Houck
Erik is super excited to be performing here at Elon alongside his peers! Previous roles Erik has played include Tom of Warwick in the Broadway tour of Camelot and Roger in ITS’s Rent.
Anne-Sophie Hill
Anne-Sophie is a sophomore Musical Theatre major at Elon University this year. She has performed in various regional performances such as Chicago, Bring it On, Legally Blonde, as well as Elon’s The Moment and The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin. She is beyond excited to continue her journey at Elon!
Bryant Howard
This is Bryant’s second and last Grand Night :’(. You may have seen him in Elon’s Fall Musical, Head Over Heels, as Basilius, or in 42nd Street the previous Fall. This summer Bryant will be performing as Jimmy Ray Dobbs in Bright Star, Doody in Grease, Rolf in The Sound of Music, and Dance Captaining 9 to 5, all at Timber Lake Playhouse. Bryant would like to thank his parents for their immense support throughout his college journey. He would also like to thank Professor Liu, Professor Rayis, and Professor Kremer for their constant support, and his voice teacher Dr. Carter. Also a special shoutout to MT ‘24 and ‘25 for accepting him as an honorary member of their classes, he will miss them dearly.
Marina Jansen
Marina Jansen is a sophomore Music Theatre major from Maryland. They have been working in the professional industry both onstage and onscreen since they were 13. In addition to performing, Marina loves choreographing, playing the piano and guitar, and writing music. They'd like to thank all their friends and fellow MT majors for their amazing hard work and talent. Enjoy the show!
Hannah Kevitt
Hannah Kevitt (she/her) is so honored to be performing in her final Grand Night here at Elon. Her favorite credits include: Miss Saigon (Serenbe Playhouse), Fugitive Songs (Elon University), and The King and I (Interlakes Summer theatre). This summer, Hannah is delighted to be making her Broadway debut in Back to the Future at the Winter Garden Theater! @hannah.kevitt
Elsa Oates Keefe
Elsa is a junior Music Theatre Major from Lowell, MA. Recent credits include; Fun Home (Paramount Theatre Aurora), Sister Act (Geva Theatre Center), Head Over Heels (Elon University), 42nd Street (Elon University), Bubbly Black Girl (Elon University), The Who’s Tommy (Seacoast Rep). She is a proud YoungArts 2020 winner in Theatre. Many thanks to her mentors, friends, and family for their unwavering support. Special shoutout to her voice teacher Kenneth Lee! @elsakeefe
Ella Huestis
Ella Huestis (they/she) is a sophomore Music Theatre major from Dallas, TX. Elon credits include Collage, Elon Cares, Grand Night, Movin' On (Ensemble Swing), Head Over Heels (Ensemble, Dance Captain, Associate Choreographer). This summer, Ella will be performing in the ensemble of Mary Poppins at North Carolina Theatre and they will be studying at the Theatre Academy of London in the Fall. Special thank you to Chris Rayis for trusting us with your work and breathing life into this place! @ellagracehuestis
Sara LiBrandi
Sara LiBrandi (she/her) is a Junior Musical Theatre Major minoring in Women Gender and Sexuality Studies. Sara was thrilled to get the opportunity to spend her fall semester studying acting in London this year! Additionally, she's so thankful to have played Jack's Mom in last year's production of Into The Woods, as well as serve as a student coordinator for Elon Cares, and direct multiple numbers in Grand Night and Collage over the past 2 years. She is so grateful for her Elon Community, friends, and family for their endless support.
Jacqueline Mate
Jacqueline Mate, a senior BFA Music Theatre Major, is thrilled to take part in her final Grand Night! Selected Theatre Experience: Beauty & The Beast (Belle), Head Over Heels (Philoclea), Into The Woods (Rapunzel), Cabaret (Helga). Jacqueline has also performed various times throughout NYC & CT (Metropolitan Room, The Klein, Downtown Cabaret, Shubert Theater, Palace Theater). She thanks her family, friends and professors for their never ending love and support. Instagram: @jacquelinemate TikTok: @jacquelinemate_
MK McDonald
(MK) is a rising senior at Elon’s MT program. Some MT credits include “Dorothy” in The Wizard Of Oz, “Peggy” in 42nd Street, “Patrice” in 13, and “Christine” in Yeston’s Phantom. Dedicated cat mom. Special thanks to the creative team of Deep Water for this adventure in the hills, Dr. Polly Cornelius, Kathleen and JR McDonald, and Brynn Lackey.
Mia McManamy
Mia is a Sophomore from Kansas City, Missouri majoring in Music Theatre with a minor in Communications as well as an Elon College Fellow. Her past Elon credits include Dance Ensemble in Head Over Heels and Linda u/s in Movin' On. Some of her favorite recent roles include Judy Bernly (9 to 5) and Rosie (Mamma Mia!). She is looking forward to playing Amalia Balash in Renegade's upcoming Production of She Loves Me. She would not be here without her incredible family, teachers, and support system!
Sayo Oni
Sayo Oni is a Junior at Elon University in the Musical Theatre BFA program. Some of his most recent credits are The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, Beast Mode Champion, and Songs for a New World. Sayo would like to thank his mom, dad, sisters, niece, and extended family and friends for their unlimited support. Sayo would also like to thank the creative team and cast for all of their hard work on this production. He's incredibly grateful for the opportunity to perform and be surrounded by this talented ensemble.
Zion Middleton
Zion Middleton is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from McDonough, Ga. His passion for social justice and change in today’s society is what drives his need to perform. Outside of performing he enjoys directing, playing soccer, and working at the Boys and Girl’s Club of Alamance County. Other theatre credits include: Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, Judas in Godspell. Lucas in Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, and Fortinbras in Hamlet. Special thanks to his mother, grandmother and brother!
Candace Rhodes
Candace Rhodes is a senior music theatre major at Elon University. She has played various roles such as Working the Musical, Grand Hotel, Once on this Island, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, and Elon’s workshop production of Movin' On. Candace is thrilled to be a part of the production of Elon’s Head Over Heels. She wants to thank God, her family, and her closest friends for their consistent support. @candace.roseee
Sitare Sadeghi
Sitare Sadeghi is a sophomore Music Theatre major with a minor in Piano Pedagogy. Previous roles include Ensemble in Movin’ On, Sheila in Hair, Sally in Cabaret, Cinderella in Into The Woods, and Cassie in A Chorus Line. Sitare has also participated in Collage, Elon Cares, and Grand Night as a Music Director. Sitare is excited to continue her journey performing on the Elon stage and is thankful for all of the opportunities her family has provided her. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Ellie Schwartz
Ellie is a sophomore music theatre major and is thrilled to make her Elon main stage debut in Deep Water Ballad. Some of her favorite credits include Smokey Joe's Cafe and Paint Your Wagon at The Muny and Alice Murphy in Bright Star. Big thanks to Chris and Professor Warren as well as the entire cast! Woo!
Charlie Pelletier
Charlie is beyond thrilled to be taking on Grand Night this year! Elon credits include Head Over Heels (Pythio) and Movin' On N (u/s Timothy). Regional: Gypsy (Ensemble) at Music Theatre Connecticut. Special thanks to his mother for her never ending love and support! Long live Elon!
Summer Severin
Summer (she/her) is a sophomore Music Theatre major from South Florida. She is so honored to be a part of the journey of Deep Water Ballad! She is so grateful for this experience, this beautiful cast, and for Professor Chris Rayis for not only entrusting us with his brain child, but also for being such an inspiration to us all. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Mallorie Sievert
Mallorie is a junior Music Theatre major and Math minor in the Honors Fellows program, and she is so excited to be a part of this production! She was a 2020 National YoungArts finalist and US Presidential Scholar in the Arts, and some of her favorite roles have been Jo March in Little Women and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Sujaya Sunkara
Sujaya Sunkara is a graduating senior BFA Music Theatre major from Cincinnati, OH and she is so blessed to have Deep Water Ballad be the show to close out her Elon career. She was most recently seen as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods here at Elon and Gabrielle in Cinderella at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. Sujaya would like to thank her friends, family, her dog Turk, for everything they have given her. Last one!
Emily Stober
Emily Stober is excited to be making her main stage debut in Deep Water Ballad. She is a sophomore Music Theatre major and Early Childhood Education minor from Hickory, North Carolina. Last semester, Emily was in Head Over Heels as the dance ensemble swing. She thanks her family, friends and mentors for supporting her in all of her creative endeavors.
Renell Taylor
Renell Taylor is a senior Music Theatre and Arts Administration double major. Renell has been in multiple Elon productions such as Damn Yankees, 42nd Street, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, and more. Renell is super excited to be performing some of his original choreography in his final performances at Elon. He would like to thank his family, his friends, and the amazing mentors and professors that have continued to support him.
Tara Venkataraman
Tara is so excited to be performing again! Her past credits at Elon include Evil Gabbi in Renegades production of She Kills Monsters and Ensemble in the new musical Movin’ On. Tara wants to thank her family for their endless support and love.
Aubee Billie
Aubee is so excited to be part of Collage! Aubee is a sophomore Music Theatre major and Arts Administration major. Before her time at Elon, Aubee was an ambassador for the Seminole Tribe of Florida since she was 6 years old. She started Musical Theatre in middle school and she has loved it ever since. Previous roles include Eponine in Les Miserables, Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the Witch in Into the Woods, and many more. She is so happy to be performing and she hopes y'all enjoy this wonderful show! 🙂
Giselle Watts
Giselle is a senior Music Theatre major and Creative Writing minor from Richmond, VA who couldn’t have been more grateful to perform, learn, and grow alongside such amazing people! As she embarks on her last Grand Night at Elon, she can’t help but thank God for bringing her here and for giving her this gift to share with you all. Giselle is also thankful for her family and friends for their constant support. Sit back and enjoy the show!
Maddie Hewgley
Maddie is a first year Music Theatre major and College Fellow from St. Louis, Missouri. Past credits include 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), Mary Poppins at the Muny (Ensemble), and Chicago at the Muny (Ensemble). She would like to thank her family for their constant love and support in her dreams. She is incredibly honored and thrilled to be performing alongside such talented people. She is so excited for the next four years and to be in her first Elon performance! Enjoy the show! @maddiehewgley
Helena Padial
Helena Padial is a first-year Music Theatre major, Psychology minor and College Fellow and she is thrilled to be performing in her first Grand Night at Elon! Some of Helena’s past credits include Chicago (Roxie), The Addams Family (Morticia), A Chorus Line (Cassie), and Annie (Grace). She has also danced numerous roles in Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble’s production of The Nutcracker. Helena would like to thank her family for their love and guidance and her awesome class for their support! She is so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait for the next 4 years at Elon!
Hashini Amarasinghe
Hashini is beyond excited for you to see Deep Water Ballad! Her past credits include Amneris (Aida), Fraulein Schneider (Cabaret), and Joanne (RENT). She is so grateful to be making her debut at Elon through this incredible original production, and she would like to thank the amazing creative team, company, and crew for their hard work. She also wants to thank her family for their consistent support and love. Enjoy the show!
Campy Rodriguez
Campy Rodriguez is from Brownsville, Texas and is ecstatic to be performing in his debut musical at Elon! Regional/Community theatre credits include: Jon Tick, Tick... Boom!, Bob Price Things I Know To Be True, Jean Valjean Les Miserables, Hamlet Hamlet, and Sonny In The Heights. Educational theatre credits include: Spongebob The Spongebob Musical, Adam Boy, and Buddy Elf: The Musical. Campy would like his mom and dad for constantly encouraging him to follow his passion!
Angelina Mancusco
Angelina Mancuso is a freshman musical theatre major from Bucks County, Pennsylvania and is overjoyed to be a part of her first Grand Night at Elon!! Past credits include Little Red Riding Hood (Into The Woods), Anna (Frozen), and Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz) before coming to Elon. She wants to give a big shoutout to all of the faculty, her MT ‘26 family, and the rest of the incredible upperclassmen for putting together this amazing show! Also, she wants to thank her family for coming and for their constant love and support! She hopes you enjoy!
Anya Jones
Anya Jones (she/her) is so excited for her first year with Elon Music Theatre! She has had the honor of working at the Tony Award-winning Signature Theater in their production of Billy Elliot (Susan Parks), and with Emmy and Tony-award-winning actress Debby Allen in the DC revival of Allen’s original show, Brothers Of The Knight. Other productions include Wonka (Veruca Salt), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy), Badger (Rose), and the film You Can't Frighten Me Like That (Lead). Anya can’t wait for the next four with Elon MT!!
Malia Horst
Malia Horst is a Freshman Music Theatre major and welcomes you to Grand Night 2023! Her past credits include Marian U/S, Chiara U/S, and Ensemble in Elon’s recent Bridges of Madison County, Cinderella in Into the Woods, Inga in Young Frankenstein, and Marty in Grease. She could not be more excited to perform alongside her classmates in such a well produced and inspiring student run showcase. Thank you to everyone (specifically Professors Courtney Liu and Chris Rayis) for their dedication to making this such a rewarding process! Enjoy the show!
Gabriella Scarpace
Gabriella Scarpace is a first year BFA Music Theatre Major and is so excited to be performing in her first Grand Night! She was recently seen in The Bridges of Madison County as Chiara/Marge US. Gabriella had the honor of being Associate Choreographer for Playhouse on The Square’s Something Rotten!. She also had the opportunity to train with the Radio City Rockettes in NYC. Gabriella wants to thank the whole performing arts department and she cannot wait for you to see Grand Night!
Nate Krohmer
Nate is a first year Musical Theatre major who is enjoying every moment of getting to work on a workshop musical like Deep Water Ballad, something he has never done before! Recently he participated in senior Parker MacIntyre's modern dance piece Masque and had a lot of fun showcasing creativity in Elon's Grand Night 2023. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Sammy Azua
Sammy is loving every second of being a first year in the Music Theatre BFA program! She was recently seen making her Elon MainStage debut in Bridges of Madison County; she was also seen earlier this year in Antigone as Creon. Sammy would like to thank each of her Grand Night directors for the opportunity they gave her and every single student and faculty member in the Music Theatre department for making this show and this year so wonderful. Most importantly, she would like to thank her mom, dad and little brother DJ, whom she wouldn’t be here without. Enjoy! @sammyazua
Gabriel Logan
Gabriel Logan is a sophomore Music Theatre major and is so happy and honored to be in this production! He recently appeared in Head Over Heels as part the dance ensemble, and made his professional debut last summer in the Barrington Stage production of A Little Night Music as Henrik/Frid understudy. You may have caught him last year in the Renegade Production of 25th...Spelling Bee where he played Leaf Coneybear. Gabriel would like to thank Gulshirin Dubash, Brian Carter, Elizabeth Gray, and his amazing family.
Gabe Tobierre
Gabe Tobierre is a current freshman music theatre major at Elon University and is excited to be making his show debut in Deep Water Ballad as Graham Bailey! Some of Gabe's favorite roles include Donkey in Shrek the Musical, Sky in Mamma Mia!, and Edward Bloom in Big Fish. He would like to thank the creative team for having as a part of the production, his fellow cast mates for being with him and each other during the new work process, and also his friends and family back home! He hopes you enjoy the show!
Andrew France
Andrew France is very excited to be performing with Elon! Some of Andrew’s favorite past roles have been Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Jeremy Heere in Be More Chill, and Ernst in Spring Awakening. He will soon be making his Renegade Productions debut as Steven Kodaly in She Loves Me. He is a graduate of Metropolitan School of the Arts and is ecstatic about continuing his arts education at Elon University!
Jakov Schwartzberg
Jakov Schwartzberg (He/Him) is both excited and sad to be performing in his final main stage production at Elon University. Recent credits include: Into The Woods (The Baker), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), Freaky Friday (Mike), The Elephant Man (Dr. Treves). He has also spent his time at Elon gaining experience behind the table serving as the music director for last spring’s student produced production of The 25th Annual ... Spelling Bee as well as associate director for Elon’s main stage production of The Bridges of Madison County this past February. Enjoy the show!
