Grand Night 2026

Jacob Brent

Jacob is a performer, director/ choreographer, and a professor of musical theater. Jacob is best known for his portrayal of Mr. Mistoffelees in the Broadway, London and Video productions of Cats. He is the only performer to have appeared in all three and the only actor to perform in both of the record-breaking performances of the longest running Broadway and West End show. He also had the privilege of working with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber while in the original cast of Starlight Express in Las Vegas. As a director and choreographer his work can be seen Off Broadway, regionally and in summer theaters across the country. Jacob holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts and Dance and a M.F.A. in Musical Theatre from San Diego State University.

Tyson Hankins

Tyson Hankins is one of the full-time staff accompanists for the music 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.

Hashini Amarasinghe

Hashini bittersweetly welcomes you to her final Grand Night at Elon! She has had an incredible four years here, and she hopes you enjoy her final Elon bow. You can catch her in San Francisco premiering a new musical in a couple months – more info soon! Words cannot express her gratitude for her professors, friends, and everyone who made her Elon experience the absolute best it could be. Thank you always to my family for being with me through everything :). Enjoy!

Cassidy May Benullo

Cassidy May Benullo is a junior Music Theatre Major from Los Angeles, California. Some of her favorite roles include Sonya in Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812 at Elon University and Kira in Xanadu at the Red Barn Summer Theatre. Cassidy has done voiceovers for Disney and Cartoon Network, with credits including Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Peanuts, Whisker Haven Tales with the Palace Pets, and Lego Friends. She has also done commercial VO work including Burger King, Xfinity Mobile, and Sea World. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Aubee Billie

Che Hun Tah Mo! Aubee is so excited to be performing in Collage! She wants to thank her friends and family, specifically her Mom and Dad, for letting her live out her dreams and supporting her every step of the way. She would also like to thank the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the faculty and staff here at Elon for giving her the opportunity to learn and grow. She hopes that you enjoy the show 🙂
Shonabisha!

Carrington Black

Carrington Black is so excited to perform in Grand Night! She is a current sophomore and has recently been seen in RENT (Joanne), Seussical (Sour Kangaroo), and Merrily We Roll Along (Evelyn/Ensemble). She would like to thank her incredible professors and fellow classmates for this opportunity! Enjoy the show!!!!

Kyle Brady

Kyle Brady is a Junior BFA Music Theatre major and Honors Fellow at Elon University from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Previous Credits include Elon’s Productions: Legally Blonde, Myths and Hymns, and A Chorus Line. Kyle is thrilled to return to the McCrary stage to help bring this story to life and hopes you enjoy the show – no day but today.

Mitchell Brown

Mitchell is so excited to be a part of Grand Night this year. Previously at Elon, he has appeared as Gordon in RENT, Andrey/Bolkonsky in Great Comet, Speaker of the Temple in The Magic Flute, and Man in Chair in Renegade’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone.

Emma Bruce

Emmalynn Bruce is a sophomore and is excited to be a part of her second Grand Night! She was previously in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Natasha Understudy/Ensemble) at Elon last year and is excited to be in First Daughter Suite (Betty Ford/Nancy Reagan) in May. She is extremely grateful to be part of such an amazing school and legacy filled with people she can “turn to.” She is also grateful for the unending support of the Nicholson family (who flew all the way to see her – HI GUYS!) and a special thank you to her mom for being her #1 supporter! Psalms 37:4.

Micah Cabot

Micah Cabot is a sophomore MT and is super excited for another Grand Night! Recent Elon credits include Roger Davis in RENT and Ensemble in Great Comet. He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their support. Enjoy the show! To support LGBTQ youth, visit thetrevorproject.org.

Treasure Capers

Treasure Capers is a first-year BFA Musical Theatre student at Elon University. Her performance credits include Once On This Island (2024), Memphis: The Musical (2024), A Chorus Line (2023), Bring It On (2023), Once Upon a Time (2022), Sweeney Todd (2021), and SpongeBob the Musical (Sandy, understudy, 2025). She will appear in Bring It On at a summer stock theatre in Summer 2026. Treasure gives all glory to God and endless gratitude to her father, whose support made it all possible.

Michayla Catron

Michayla is a sophomore Music Theatre major from Maplewood, NJ and is so excited to be making her McCrary debut in this beautiful show! Favorite credits include: Charity (Sweet Charity), Ensemble/Swing (Hair), Veronica (Heathers), and a Swing for Merrily We Roll Along at Elon last spring. She’d like to thank her friends and family for always being her biggest supporters and making it possible for her to be doing this!

Elliot Choate

Elliot Choate is a first-year student in Elon University’s Music Theatre Class of 2029. Favorite credits include Sky Masterson (Guys and Dolls), Billy (Chicago), Sky (Mamma Mia!), Billy J. Crocker (Anything Goes), and Cornelius Hackl (Hello, Dolly!). He is deeply grateful to his parents, Elizabeth and Tim, and to his family for their endless encouragement and support. Follow his journey on Instagram @elliotchoate.

Noah Clark

Noah Clark is a first-year from Lakeville, Minnesota, and is excited to make his Grand Night debut! Favorite past roles include Ren in Footloose, Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain, and Mr. Green in Clue. He is thrilled to be performing alongside such a talented group. Noah sends love and thanks to his family for their endless support.

Andrew France

Andrew is a senior BFA Music Theatre major and is thrilled to be performing in his final show at Elon! His past Elon credits include Moritz in Spring Awakening, Tyler/Ensemble in Merrily We Roll Along, and Sisyphus in Myths and Hymns. Andrew is also a musician and released his debut album, Better Off Gone, last year. Most recently, two of his short screenplays have been filmed and are now in post-production. He is grateful to his friends and family for their constant love and support. Enjoy the show!

Kai Gaeta

Welcome to RENT!! Kai is so excited to be back on the McCrary stage and back performing this amazing show! He performed this show back in 2023, where he played Benny, and RENT has become his favorite musical since. Other Elon credits include An American in Paris and Merrily We Roll Along! Thank you, Mom and Emme, for your undying support.

Lainey Gaston

Lainey Gaston is a First Year from Concord, North Carolina. You may have seen her at the 2024 Jimmy Awards for her role as Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other shows that shaped Lainey include, Beauty and the Beast (Mrs.Potts), Sister Act (Deloris Van Cartier) and Rock of Ages (Justice Charlie). Lainey has won many awards including the Blumey and Maestro Awards. She would like to thank God, her parents, Dr. Corey and Laura Gaston. Instagram: @lainery_06

Sebastian Gonzalez Layton

Sebastian is super excited to be making his Elon performing debut in Collage! He is a freshman Music Theatre major and is incredibly grateful to be attending this awesome program. His most recent credits include: Officer Lockstock in Urinetown, Mitch Mahoney in Putnam, and Billy Flynn in Chicago. He would like to thank his family, friends, and awesome girlfriend Cate for their continued support of his passions!

Ana Sofía Hernández López

Ana Sofía Hernández López is a sophomore Elon Music Theatre international student, originally from Querétaro, Mexico. She is so excited to be in An American in Paris!! Some of her past performances include: Vanessa (In The Heights), Ensemble, u/s Rosie/Pepper (Mamma Mia!) and Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz). She also served as the Dance Captain for the Musical Theater company: “Tecnológico de Monterrey, campus Querétaro” in México. Ana is so grateful to be here at Elon!

Sabetha Hersini

Sabetha Hersini is a Junior Music Theatre major from Ithaca, NY. Past Elon credits include RENT (Mark’s Mom & Others, Maureen u/s), Legally Blonde (Ensemble) and Renegade’s The Drowsy Chaperone (Kitty). She is a three year member of Elon’s A Capella group “The Shirley Tempos”. Shoutout to her tempo girls! So much love for them. Endless thanks to her friends and family for their love and support in her passions. @sabethahersini

Maddie Hewgley

Maddie cannot believe she is about to graduate and that this is her last Grand Night! Maddie has had the best 4 years at Elon and loved every show she’s been apart of: A Chorus Line, An American in Paris, …Great Comet, RENT, and you can catch her as Barbara Bush in First Daughter Suite coming up May 1-3! Maddie knows she wouldn’t be where she is or the person she is today without the incredible Elon faculty, her family, and her MT ’26 family, and can’t thank you all enough! Also you should follow @kdwh.mo on Instagram 😉

Jonas Hinsdale

Jonas Hinsdale is a freshman Music Theatre major thrilled to make his Elon debut. Regional: “A Christmas Carol“, “Matilda“. Favorite credits include “Alice by Heart“, “The Prom“, “A Chorus Line“, and “Anything Goes“. Endless thanks to his family, teachers, and friends for their unwavering support.

Malia Horst

Malia Horst is a Senior Music Theatre major and wants to welcome you to Grand Night 2026! Past Credits: Margot and Elle Woods U/S in Elon’s Legally Blonde, Marian U/S, Chiara U/S, and Ensemble in Elon’s Bridges of Madison County, Cinderella in Into The Woods, and Inga in Young Frankenstein. She has been seen in Great Plains Summer Theatre’s productions of Legally Blonde and Hello Dolly! (Chutney/Ernestina Money,) and most recently played Rizzo in Grease at NCCA at Jeans Playhouse in Lincoln, NH. Last semester, she student assistant choreographed the main stage musical, An American In Paris. Special thanks to Jacob Brent, Tyson Hankins, and all cast and crew. She is so sad that this will be her last Grand Night, but thanks EVERYONE for an incredible process! Enjoy the show!!

http://www.maliajhorst.com/

Trevor Hudson

Trevor Hudson is a sophomore Music Theatre major at Elon University from Macon, Georgia. He was recently seen in Elon’s productions of An American in Paris and Merrily We Roll Along. Other credits include: Dreamgirls, Aida, Once On This Island and The Color Purple. Trevor is thrilled to help bring this story to life and hopes you enjoy the show – no day but today.

Anya Jones

Anya is so excited to be a part of her final Grand Night. Anya’s favorite credits include West Side Story (Velma/Dance Captain), Wizard of Oz (Glinda/Dance Captain), Footloose (Ensemble), Anything Goes (Chastity), and Debbie Allen’s original musical: Brothers of the Knight. You might have also seen her in Elon’s productions of Merrily We Roll Along (Dory/Mary Understudy) or A Chorus Line (Laura/Dance Captain). Special thanks to Mom, Dad, and Alex- thank you for giving me the gift of dance.

Tinkie Jones

Tinkie Jones is thrilled to be a part of Love and Information. She is a junior Music Theatre major and previous Elon credits include Merrily We Roll Along and Legally Blonde. Cheers!

Allie Joseph

Allie is a first-year Music Theatre major born & raised in Charlotte, NC, and she is SO excited to be performing in her first production at Elon!
Favorite high school credits include Miss Adelaide (Guys & Dolls), Hope Harcourt (Anything Goes), Brooke Wyndham (Legally Blonde), Ursula (Sweet Charity), and Fritzie (Caberet). She would like to thank her parents for always supporting her and for helping make her Elon dreams become reality!

Nate Krohmer

Nate is a proud senior of Elon Music Theatre and is so happy you are joining us for Grand Night 2026. He is eternally grateful to his collaborator, Aubee Billie, and to the Cast of The Forest for their hard work on such a special number. He will greatly miss the creativity and joy displayed each year from this student tradition.

JT Loveless

JT Loveless is a sophomore Music Theatre major from Bentonville, AR. Past Elon roles include Pierre in Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812 and Papageno, The Magic Flute. In April, he will perform with the Anvil Chorus in North Carolina Opera’s Il Trovatore. He placed 1st at 2025 NATS Nationals in MT Voice, 1st at Mid-Atlantic Regionals & North Carolina NATS for both 1st Year MT & Classical Voice, & won MT Best Overall Male Performance at NC NATS. He was a 2023 Jimmy Awards Nominee & Discovery Awards winner and is grateful to train at Elon! @jtluvless

Angelina Mancuso

Angelina Mancuso is a senior Music Theater major from Bucks County, PA and is so excited for everyone to see RENT! Some past credits include Ensemble/Understudy Lise in An American in Paris this fall at Elon and this past summer she worked at New London Barn Playhouse and was Penny in Hairspray, and ensemble in Mary Poppins and Sister Act. She wants to shout out the incredible cast, creative team, and crew member that made this show possible. Finally, she wants to thank her AMAZING family who are her biggest supporters, she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them!

Victoria Martinez

Victoria Martinez is a sophomore Elon Music Theatre Major. She’s a 2024 Jimmy Awards semi-finalist for the role of Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown. She also joined NHFA’s “Artist in Residence” program where she had the opportunity to perform at the White House in Washington D.C. Her past shows include Sun Dried (Rosie), Romeo and Juliet (Nurse), and Carrie: The Musical (Margaret White). She is grateful for the class of ‘28 for being her greatest motivators and all who made Collage possible. Last but not least, she thanks her family for always bringing her joy and supporting her throughout her career.

Za’Naisha McGuire

Za’Naisha McGuire (She/Her) is so excited to be apart of her second Grand Night here at Elon! You may have seen her recently in Elon’s Production of RENTas Blanket Person/ Joanne Jefferson U/S. Some of her previous credits include Countess Helene Bezhukhova ( Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812), Little Inez (Hairspray) , Ruth Sherwood (Wonderful Town), and Bebe Benzenheimer (Chorus Line) She is immensely thankful for the opportunities she’s been given while at Elon and hopes everyone enjoys the show!!
(Instagram @n.a.1.s.h.a)

Alex McLemore

Alex McLemore is a sophomore Music Theatre major at Elon University. Most recently at Elon, Alex appeared in Rent as Steve. This past summer Alex worked at Harmony Dinner Theater, where he was in the ensemble as well as the male principal swing of Oklahoma. Other stage credits include Moritz in Spring Awakening, Pippin in Pippin, and Laurie in Little Women. He thanks his family and friends, especially his mom and dad, for their endless support and love.

Gavin Miller

Gavin is a Junior Music Theatre and Arts Administration double major. Past Credits include Footloose (Garvin, Featured Dancer), Guys and Dolls (Ensemble, U/S Nicely-Nicely), Frozen (Ensemble, U/S Olaf & Oaken), Legally Blonde (Elle Dad, Aaron Schultz), and A Chorus Line(Roy, U/S Mark).

Leilani Miranda

Leilani Miranda is an upcoming sophomore double majoring in Music Theatre and Arts Administration with a minor is Business Administration. She is thrilled to be back at Elon after being apart of Forestburgh Playhouse’s Resident Company over the summer. Credits include: Mopsa in Head Over Heels (Forestburgh Playhouse), Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (Herberger Theatre Center), Marty in Grease (Shadow Ridge Theatre). She would like to thank her family for giving her the support and motivation to pursue her dreams, I love you all. “Si puedes soñarlo, puedes lograrlo” @leilani.mirandaa

Alex Prejean

Alex is excited to continue his training at Elon!

Kate Ragan

Kate is a current Junior at Elon University where she is earning her BFA in Music Theatre. She is thrilled to be returning to Mcrary Theatre as Maureen in RENT. Her last appearance at Elon was in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. She would like to extend a thanks to everyone involved in the creation of RENT, and a special shout out to her sister, Lacey, who at 13 convinced a 10 year old Kate that she wrote “Take Me or Leave Me”. We’ve come very full circle.

Addy Reese

Addy is a sophomore Music Theatre major from Tampa, Florida! She was previously seen dancing in the ensemble of An American in Paris last Fall, and in Merrily We Roll Along last Spring as Beth Spencer. Addy is so excited to be part of her second Grand Night, and she would like to thank her family and her incredible classmates for all their love and support. Enjoy the show!

JonAshton Reid

JonAshton Reid is a Freshman Music Theatre major from Jacksonville, Florida and is so excited to make his McCrary debut in his first production at Elon. Credits include Twelfth Night (Malvolio), Next to Normal (Dr. Madden) and The Little Mermaid at The Muny. JonAshton would like to thank Professor Brent, Professor Liu and Professor Rayis for this special opportunity. He would also like to thank his family and his friends. Finally, he would like to give a special thank you to God for His blessings and for always being with him. Enjoy this beautiful show!

Aden Richman

Aden Richman is a sophomore Music Theatre major from San Carlos, CA. Most recently, he appeared in Elon University’s production of An American in Paris. Other previous credits include Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone, Bobby Strong in Urinetown, and Jack Kelly in Newsies. He is incredibly grateful for his family’s support and for the wonderful friends he’s made at Elon!

Niko Rinaldi

Niko, a first-year music theatre major, is honored to be making his Elon University Mainstage debut. Past shows include Pippin (Pippin), Anything Goes (Billy Crocker), Chicago (Billy Flynn), Legally Blonde (Emmett), The Addams Family (Gomez Addams), Mean Girls (Aaron Samuels), Something Rotten! (Nick Bottom), The Pajama Game (Sid Sorokin), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Neville Landless),All Together Now! (Featured Soloist) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho). He would like to thank Professors Brent, Liu, Rayis, his fellow cast members, the stage management team, and everyone else involved in making this production possible. He hopes that you enjoy this incredible show.

Sierra Safran

Sierra is honored to be apart of this wonderful show! She is a Junior Musical Theatre major and was last seen in Elon’s production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.Other favorite past shows includeThe Light in the Piazza (Clara), Spring Awakening (Wendla), and Hello Dolly (Ermengarde). She would like to thank everyone on the creative team and the cast and crew for working to make this show a stairway to paradise. Shout out to her overstudies for all their help and encouragement during this process. Now please enjoy An American in Paris!

Victoria Salisbury

Victoria is a freshman Music Theatre major from Orlando, Florida. You may have previously seen her in the ensemble in this year’s production of RENT! Regional: Princess Anita (Pirates Dinner Adventure), Ensemble/Swing in Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical (Orlando Family Stage), Mary Phagan in Parade (Garden Theatre). Other favorite credits: Lise Dassin in An American in Paris (Interlochen Center for the Arts). She sends all the love and gratitude in the world to her family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support in her journey!! Enjoy the show! @vicsalisbury

Grace Santo

Grace Santo is a freshman in the Musical Theatre department at Elon University! She is originally from Virginia Beach, VA, but has just relocated to Huntsville, AL. Some recent credits include Six (Katherine Howard), Footloose (Rusty), and Something Rotten (Portia) at The Governor’s School For The Arts in Norfolk, VA. Grace is so excited to begin her journey here at Elon and is so grateful for all the students and teachers for being so welcoming. She also wants to thank her wonderful parents for their support. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Gabriella Scarpace

Gabriella Scarpace is so bittersweet about performing her last Grand Night! She was recently seen in An American In Paris and as Judy Turner in A Chorus Line. Watching Grand Night evolve every year is something so special and she wants to thank the entire music theatre department for getting her to where she is now. Thank you Mom and Dad for everything you have done for me and also getting me to where I am now. Much love!!

Jack Shaffer

Jack Shaffer is beyond grateful and excited to be part of the Freshman Musical Theatre class at Elon!! Favorite credits from Georgia include: Footloose (Ren/Choreographer), The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson/Music Director), and Edward Tulane (Edward Tulane/Director – GHSA Best Actor). Jack was also active in Show Choir, earning multiple Best Male Soloist awards, and competed in Speech and Debate as a 3x State Champion in Humorous Interpretation. He is incredibly thankful for his amazing family and, above all, to God, who makes every step of this journey possible!! @thejackshaffer

Yaira Spears

Yaira Spears (Ensemble) is thrilled to be apart of her first Elon Mainstage show! She is a first-year Music Theatre major from Sarasota, FL (shoutout). She’s previously been seen in Legally Blonde (Elle Woods) at Booker High School, and Cabaret (Frenchie, Kost U/S) at the Players Summer Rep! “Much love to MT29!”

Laird Stearns

Laird is so thrilled to be apart of Elon Music Theatre’s GRAND NIGHT! Laird is a sophomore Music Theatre major with a double major in Arts Administration from Corpus Christi, Texas. He is currently playing Patrick in Renegades’ student production of Spongebob The Musical with performances on April 24th, 25th and 26th. Laird wants to thank his family for their unconditional love and support, his classmates for the incredible sense of community they create and his professors for their outstanding leadership and unmatched education they provide him. Most of all Laird wants to thank God. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Elliot Sullivan

Elliot Sullivan, a Sophomore at Elon University, is majoring in both Music Theatre and Arts Administration and minoring in dance. Since performing as a bluebird in his first musical, Cinderella Kids, Elliot has nurtured a deep passion for musical theatre. Recently, he has appeared in Elon’s productions An American in Paris (Henri) and Merrily We Roll Along (Jerome/Ensemble). He extends heartfelt gratitude to his family and friends for their constant support, and above all, to God for blessing him with the opportunities that have shaped his journey. “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” 1 Chronicles 16:34

Jordyn Sutton

Jordyn is so excited to be back in another show at Elon! She was previously seen in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble/Sonya US), An American In Paris (Swing), and is currently in First Daughter Suite (Trisha Nixon/ Susan Ford) that runs May 1,2,3! Jordyn is so thankful for her amazing professors, friends, and family for their love and support!

Mackenzie Tammara

Mackenzie is a sophomore and is so excited to perform in her second Grand Night! Most recently, she was in the Fall Musical, An American In Paris, and played Janet Van De Graaf in Elon Renegade’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone. This summer, Mackenzie will be playing Franca in The Light In The Piazza in Florence, Italy! Huge thanks to her parents for their unconditional love and support.

Nolan Tiech

Nolan Tiech is ecstatic to be back at Elon for his sophomore year! He is immensely grateful to be surrounded by amazing faculty and peers. He wants to thank his friends and most importantly his family for supporting him every step of the way!

Jonah Uffelman

Jonah is a sophomore Music Theatre Major. His past Elon credits include Mr. Z/ Ensemble in An American in Paris and Charlie Kringus in Merrily We Roll Along. This summer he will be at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as The Guard/Nickolas in the brand new ANTIGONE: A Town Hall Musical. He would like to thank his professors and his parents for the incredible opportunities he’s been given. Happy Grand Night!

Gabe Waits

Gabe Waits is thrilled to perform in his second Collage production at Elon University. He previously appeared as George in The Drowsy Chaperone with Renegade Productions and will soon take the stage as Monsieur Baurel in An American in Paris. Gabe is infinitely grateful to his classmates for inspiring him with their talent every day and especially to the faculty and staff whose dedication makes this department so incredible.

Lillian Chen

Lillian (she/her) is a junior Theatrical Design & Technology and Arts Administration double major from New Jersey. She is so grateful for the opportunity to have been the lighting designer for Grand Night for the second year in a row and would like to thank each of the performers for their collaboration and creativity. Regional: Steel Magnolias (Axelrod Performing Arts – Electrician); Elon University: Fall Dance Concert 2025 (Lighting Designer), An American in Paris (Asst. Lighting Designer), Grand Night 2025 (Lighting Designer), Spring Dance Concert 2025 (Asst. Lighting Designer), Fall Dance Concert 2024 (Lighting Designer). When she’s not backstage, you can find her working as a house manager for Elon Performing Arts!