Director / Choreographer

Brad’s credits as a choreographer, movement director, fight director, director and assistant span Broadway, National Tours, International Theaters, Regional Theaters and the Metropolitan Opera. He currently serves as Associate Director/Choreographer for the new Dolly Parton musical entitled Here You Come Again touring the country.

Broadway and National Tour: Amazing Grace (Assistant Fight and Military Movement Director), International: Legende Holmes (Holmes the Legend) at the Karlin Theater in Prague, Czechia (Dance, Movement and Fight Assistant), Met Opera: Porgy and Bess (Assistant Violence Director), Mother Courage and Her Children, starring Kathleen Turner (Assistant Movement Director) at the Tony Award Winning Arena Stage in Washington D.C., Hello, Dolly (Director/Choreographer) at San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre. He recently choreographed the World Premiere of The Fantasticks at Flint Repertory Theatre. Brad is Associate Professor of Musical Theatre and Choreography at Michigan State University where he also oversees the New Musical Laboratory. As a tenured professor, Brad has won multiple awards and grants including the All-University Teacher/Scholar Award, the AT&T Excellence in Teaching with Technology Award, The Fintz Award for Excellence in Teaching and multiple Catalyst Grants to continue working with new media practices for actors and dancers in the classroom.

As a performer, Brad has worked across the country and in England as singer, dancer and actor performing with Bette Midler, Marvin Hamlisch, Christina Aguilera, Emily Skinner, and the international touring group The 12 Irish Tenors to name a few.

Muisc Director

Robb Harrison is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Walla Walla Choral Society in Walla Walla . In addition, he teaches Choir and Drama at College Place High School in College Place, Washington. Prior to his educational career, Robb spent a number of years as a professional operatic bass-baritone and musical theatre performer. Starting as a young artist with Opera New Jersey, to debuting Lysander in Michael Ching’s new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Opera America, Robb found himself singing and performing across the country. The last few years Robb lived in Salem Oregon where he was the conductor, music, and vocal director for musical theatre productions at The Historical Elsinore Theatre. His credits there include Bye Bye Birdie, Annie Get Your Gun, and A Christmas Story. Robb holds a B.M. in Music Education and a Masters in Education from Willamette University and a Masters in Vocal Performance from the University of Arizona. Robb recently moved back to the valley to be closer to family.

MARY LENNOX

Elowyn is excited to be making her musical theater debut in The Secret Garden. This fall she will be a fourth grader at Sharpstein Elementary. She would like to thank Principal Garcia, Mrs. Hlll, and Mrs. Gillan, and Mrs. Harvey for being great teachers and supporters.

Elowyn has been studying singing and dance since she was 3 years old. She is currently a student at the Dance Center of Walla Walla, as well as Walla Walla Dance Company where she spends 10 hours a week in class. Elowyn was most recently seen on the Cordiner stage in The Walla Walla Dance Company’s production of Carnivàle, and before that as Clara in The Nutcracker produced by The Dance Center, choreographed by Caleb Leitch and directed by Idalee Hutson-Fish.

Elowyn sends love to Mom, Dad, Klaus, and Juniper.

ARCHIBALD CRAVEN

Tyson is an actor, director, and producer. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Performing Arts Company of Walla Walla as well as the President of the Walla Walla Summer Theater Group whose mission is to renovate the Fort Walla Walla Amphitheater for use as a regional performing arts venue. Originally from Walla Walla, Tyson recently returned to the west coast after working in New York since 2001. His recent directing credits include 9 to 5, Annie, The Rocky Horror Show, The Last Five Years, and Cabaret at the Power House Theatre in Walla Walla.

Tyson’s producing credits include the NYC world premiere of Turtleback High by Kevin Dedes, the feature films March!, Solitary Child, and My Last Day with You, as well as many music videos and commercial productions. As an actor, Tyson has performed on film, television, Off-Broadway, and many regional theaters around the country. His on-screen credits include Trouble Is, After Hours, Big Trouble in Seattle, Episode 50, The Snakehead, and 30 Rock. Favorite stage roles include: Tennessee in Yank! at the York Theater (NYC), Matt in Red Light Winter at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, Arthur McGilligutty at The Atlantic Theater Company (NYC), and Andy in the national tour of Highlights! For Children. Tyson is also a former company member of Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater, where he worked for many seasons. He is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where he studied with the Atlantic Theater Company.

LILY

Walla Walla Summer Theater is honored to welcome Walla Walla native and Broadway actor, Heather Botts, as our featured guest artist playing Lily in The Secret Garden.

Heather’s Broadway credits include: Dr. Zhivago (Laura/Tonia u/s), My Fair Lady (Eliza u/s). National Tours: The King and I (Anna)TV: Dead Ringers, This is Us, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Tony Awards

Favorite regional credits include: Clara (The Light in the Piazza), Nellie Forbush (South Pacific), Cosette (Les Misérables), The Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Ellen (Miss Saigon), Sandy (Grease), and many more. When not on stage, she loves to teach voice and inspire the next generation of performers.

Born and raised in Walla Walla, Heather started singing at a very young age. She grew up performing all over the Northwest and spent her extra time doing community theatre and competing in singing competitions. In college, she double majored in acting and voice. After earning both of her bachelor degrees, she moved to Seattle, WA to explore all facets of the professional theatre world. She worked at Taproot Theatre and Seattle Children’s Theatre performing, teaching and working in the administrative offices. Her time in Seattle also paved the way for her own private voice studio, where she taught aspiring artists. In 2010, Heather went back to school to work on her Master’s degree.

She studied at Oklahoma City University under the direction of Professor Florence Birdwell. Mrs. Birdwell taught Broadway veterans Kelli O’Hara and Kristin Chenoweth as well as many others.

www.heatherbotts.com

DR. NEVILLE CRAVEN

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Nathanael performs a wide variety of genres from opera to musical theater to jazz. Nathanael made his musical theatre debut in 2021 with 42nd Street Moon in San Francisco, as the Ensemble/Journalist (Chess in Concert). In 2022, he made his company debut with SF Lamplighters Music Theatre as Montague “Monty” Navarro (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder), followed by his opera debut with Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society as Frederic (The Pirates of Penzance). In June 2023, he made his company debut with Pocket Opera, SF as Orpheus (Orpheus in the Underworld).

While at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Nathanael’s Musical Theatre performances included the Baker (Into the Woods), Macheath (The Threepenny Opera) and El Gallo (The Fantasticks). With SFCM’s Opera Theater, he appeared as Dr. Blind (Die Fledermaus), Mr. Angel (The Impresario), Tanzmesiter (Ariadne auf Naxos), Lacouf (Les Mamelles de Tirésias), and Sheldon (Later the Same Evening).

Nathanael graduated with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he studied with Jane Randolph. He received his BA in Film & Media Studies with a Minor in Music from Whitman College, where he also played varsity soccer. Between degrees, Nathanael served as the Program Coordinator with the Walla Walla Symphony, helping to bring music and education opportunities to the Walla Walla Valley.

An avid reader, Nathanael also enjoys hiking and spending time with his wife and cat.

www.nathanaelfleming.com

Martha

Unity Theatre: Yankee Tavern (Janet); The Tangled Skirt (Rhonda); A Christmas Story (Mother); Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Maggie); Blithe Spirit (Elvira); Prague Shakespeare Company: Troilus and Cressida (Aeneas); Trojan Women (Chorus); Henry V (Montjoy/Bates); Richard III (Lady Anne); Main Street Theater: Fallen Angels (Julia); Into the Woods (Cinderella); Love Goes to Press (Jane); Life is a Dream (Estrella); Arcadia (Lady Croom); Mildred’s Umbrella Theatre Company: Large Animal Games (Alicia); TUTS: Sound of Music (Ensemble); Classical Theatre Company: Antigone (Eurydike); Theater LaB Houston: Bright Lights, Big City (Clara); Texas Repertory Theatre: A Christmas Story (Mother), Illyria (Maria), Dracula (Mina Murray); Mt. Baker Rep: Steel Magnolias (Shelby); Almost, Maine (Glory/Gayle/Hope); The Glass Menagerie (Laura), Lost in Yonkers (Bella); The Shape of Things (Evelyn); Same Time, Next Year (Doris); Pump Boys and Dinettes (Rhetta).

A fourth generation Walla Walla native, Crystal now resides in Houston, Texas, with her husband and their two children and is so pleased to be returning to her hometown for this production. As a youth, Crystal appeared at the Walla Walla Little Theatre and the Walla Walla Amphitheatre with several members of the cast and creative team of The Secret Garden. Since moving to Texas, she has performed in regional theater productions for more than 15 years, but her most important role is Mom to 14-year-old, Kevin, and 12-year-old, Eden. Her favorite credits include plays in which her husband and children have performed alongside her, including A Christmas Story at Unity Theatre in Brenham, Texas, and Troilus and Cressida at the Estates Theatre in Prague, Czech Republic with the Prague Shakespeare Company. In Houston, Crystal has also acted with Main Street Theater, Classical Theatre Company, Mildred’s Umbrella Theatre Company, TUTS, and others. She is eternally grateful to the love of her life, Justin, for encouraging her to pursue a life worthy of her calling.

Dickon

Caleb Leitch is a Walla Walla native who got his theatrical start here in the Walla Walla Valley in local programs (choir, Norbert Rossi; band, Bill Gilbert; drama, Brian Senter; and dance, Idalee Hutson Fish). Caleb then went on to train across the country at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Northwest Dance Project and others. He has performed in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker; Christopher Williams' Les Sylphides and The Prayer of Daphnis; Alan Hineline's Romeo and Juliet. Caleb also teaches full time at The Dance Center of Walla Walla, sharing his knowledge of Dance and Theater with the next generation. He is so excited to be back in his hometown and contributing his love of dance and theater with the community.

Colin

James Givens, a Walla Walla native, 10 years old, is excited to join the cast of his first major production. Although, he does remind those that will listen, he has already in his short career sang solos at church and the Liberty Christian School Christmas production.

Described as a “Ham,” he enjoys watching movies and tv, selling one-liners as his own. When not in school or picking up lines from movies, he takes private voice lessons from Mya Osborn, and plays with his twin sister and older brother. All things imagination are what drive James. His current career dreams are to be on Broadway, be a pilot, captain a ship, and teach music. He plans on doing it all!

Ben

Roger served as the Producing Artistic Director for the Award Winning Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre for 20 years directing, choreographing and producing over 100 Broadway Musicals: Mr. Welch has received the prestigious Governors Award for Excellence in the Arts as well as The Mayors Award for Artistic Achievement.

Mr. Welch has Choreographed Directed or Performed for The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Stumptown Stages in Portland,Oregon, Seattle’s Village Theatre, Spokane's Interplayers, The Seattle Opera, Oregon Children's Theatre and Missoula Children's Theatre to name a few.

Some of Roger's Directing credits include Over the River and Through the Woods with Patty Duke, Dennis Franz, Ellen Travolta and Jack Bannon, Love Letters with Ellen Travolta and Jack Bannon, Doubt, Mary Poppins, Hello Dolly, Spamalot, A Little Night Music, Once on this Island, Dames at Sea, All Shook Up, Joseph…, Annie, Chicago, Blame it on the Movies, My Fair Lady, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Sound of Music, Showboat, HMS Pinafore, and the award winning productions of Mame, Crazy for You, Camelot, Oklahoma, and Beauty and the Beast to name just a few.

As an actor Roger had graced the stage with such parts as The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of OZ, Mitch in Tuesday’s with Morrie, Thenadier in Les Mierables, The Baker in Into the Woods, and as Gus the Theatre Cat in CATS, TV and Film credits include, Amazing Grace, Ally McBeal, Praying Mantis, and Body of Evidence.

Roger also is an accomplished workshop leader gives master classes in audition techniques, acting, directing and creative dramatics.

www.rogerwelch.net

ROSE

Richele is thrilled to be a part of the Walla Walla Summer Theater’s inaugural production! Richele spent 13 summers at the Fort Walla Walla Amphitheatre performing in shows that include South Pacific (Nellie Forbush); State Fair (Margie Frake); Mame (Gloria Upson); The Sound of Music (Liesl); and Fiddler on the Roof (Chava). She is so excited to see it revitalized for the community. It’s especially delightful to share the stage with Heather Botts and Crystal O’Brien again! Other credits include: White Christmas (Betty); Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife); Once Upon a Mattress (Winnifred); West Side Story (Velma); and most recently 9 to 5 (Kathy) at the Gesa Powerhouse Theatre. Richele performed as a member of the Washington State University Crimson Company Show Choir, touring the Northwest each year.

CAPTAIN ALBERT LENNOX

Eric earned a BA in Theatre and Secondary Education (The College of Idaho) and an MS in Theatre Arts with a focus in Directing (Portland State University). Eric was last seen onstage as Joe in 9 to 5: The Musical (GESA Powerhouse) and at the Little Theatre as Brave Sir Robin in Spamalot. He has directed over 30 productions including The 39 Steps (LT), Greater Tuna (LT), Biloxi Blues (LT), CLUE (DeSales), The Outsiders (DeSales) and The Nerd (WWCC).

Some of his other most memorable acting experiences include William Barfee in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Little Theatre), The Baker in Into the Woods (The Baker for LT), Olin Britt in The Music Man (WWCC), Cornelius Hackl, The Matchmaker (LT), Scoop Rosembaum, The Heidi Chronicles (College of Idaho), Andrew Rally, I Hate Hamlet (LT) and Thorin Oakenshield, The Hobbit (LT). Eric has taught theatre arts, computer science and social studies at DeSales Catholic School for over 10 years. He enjoys all things Star Wars, playing Xbox and spending time with his wife Angela and daughter Lauren, whom he can’t thank enough for letting him do what he loves.

MRS. MEDLOCK

Walla Walla native, Dyani Turner, had her first legendary comedic performance on this very stage as a child dancer forgetting her exit.
You may recognize her from the Union Bulletins 39 Under 39 feature, where her dedication to art and performance is well evident. A director as well as actress and acting coach, she recently directed Romantic Comedy at the Little Theatre of Walla Walla, and worked on both Annie and 9 to 5 at the Gesa Powerhouse Theater as Assistant Director. Past roles include Fraulein Kost in Cabaret, Chris Harper in Calendar Girls, and Olive Allison in Women of Lockerbie. Art rules Dyani's life, as she is also an enthusiastic folk musician and avid painter. You could find her at a bluegrass festival, comic con, or a riverbank on horseback in equal measure. Dyani is delighted to return to Cordiner Hall for this beautiful show. Presumably, she will remember which wing to exit to.

MRS. WINTHROP / ENSEMBLE

When Carrie moved to Walla Walla in 2006, she was lucky enough to perform in one Fort Walla Walla Amphitheatre show with an ensemble role in South Pacific. She couldn't be more excited to be part of the first show that will lead to its revival! Prior to living here, Carrie was cast in a few productions while residing in Seattle. She also completed her Theatre Arts BA at Western Wash. University where she was seen in various roles including: Kit Kat Dancer in Cabaret, Bunny in House of Blue Leaves, Sister Mary Hubert in Nunsense, Ensemble in Hair, Hippolyta in Midsummer Night's Dream, and many more. She crossed paths with Tyson Kaup in 2019 when he cast her as Margaret in 9 to 5, at the Gesa Powerhouse Theatre. Carrie looks back fondly at the shows she got to do with adults in her community while growing up, and hopes to continue to be a part of community theatre productions in Walla Walla where all ages can come together to create something magical.

FAKIR

Joel Ruybalid is currently in the Professional Training Division at Ballet West. He is a former student of That Dance Center of Walla Walla where he danced the roles of the prince in Snow White, Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Pinocchio in Pinocchio, and Hansel in Hansel and Gretal. In his free time, he enjoys learning about animation, photography, and composing songs on the piano. This is his musical theater debut.

Aya

Marion Ruybalid is a writer of fiction and personal essays returning to the stage for the first time since becoming a mother of ten children. She was a teen acting student at Action Theatre Conservatory in Clifton, NJ. She also participated in All Children's Theater productions playing the roles of Chino in West Side Story and Mother Abass in The Sound of Music. More recently, she sang with the Port Towsend Community Chorus and choreographed a dance with her children for church.

Lieutenant Shaw

Ryan has been involved in two productions so far and is plan on being involved in many more in the future. He is extremely grateful to be working with everyone on The Secret Garden and he hopes to do more projects with the Walla Walla Summer Theatre in the future.

Dreamer / Ensemble

Luke Bona is a current student at Biola University in La Mirada California. He is so excited to be a part of this show. Before going off to college Luke lived in Walla Walla and was a part of a variety of shows. You might remember him last as Prince Charming at Walla Walla High School's Cinderella. Luke is so grateful to be a part of this show. Luke remembers going to the amphitheater as a kid and was also blessed with being a part of Fiddler on the Roof on the stage. Luke can not wait for you all to see The Secret Garden.

Alice

Ellie has been acting for the last five years and this will be her first professional show. You might’ve seen them in shows such as Dreamland and Cinderella at WaHi or perhaps in The Best Christmas Pageant at the Little Theater, as well as many, many others. Ellie has also done some directorial work in co-directing WaHi’s production of The Wizard of Oz in 2022. Ellie was trained in Meisner technique by Gregg Gilmore and hopes to someday act on the stages of Broadway. Ellie would like to thank Tyson Kaup, Brad Willcuts, and Heather Botts for everything they’ve put into this production, as well as the rest of the incredible cast and crew. You can find Ellie on Instagram @ellie_j_official or on TikTok @ellie_j._official.

Claire

Jordan Fox is a sophomore at Walla Walla High School and is incredibly enthusiastic about all things theater. She is a proud member of Wa-Hi's Musical Dance Theater Choir, and can be found taking ballet and tap lessons at the Walla Walla Dance Center. Jordan plans to work as hard as she can to achieve her dreams of pursuing musical theater, and can be found devoting her time to many of this community's arts opportunities and the Choir Department at Wa-hi. She also enjoys drawing in her free time. Some of her favorite roles have been that of ensemble in both Wa-Hi's Cinderella and Peter and the Starcatcher, Dr. Doofenschmirtz in the Little Theater's,. Talk-show inator, and Handsome in Wa-hi Drama Club's Snow White, as well as Peaseblossom in Wa-hi's spring musical Dreamland.

Mr. Shelly

Soren is super excited to do The Secret Garden this Summer. Soren has always had a love for theater and performance but didn’t have a chance to be part of a production till last year. Since then Soren has been part of as many plays as possible, making up for lost time. And now Soren is in a real big, professional production, pretty cool!

MRS. SHELLY

Sherri grew up in Dayton Wa and has been involved in many theater productions over the years. Starting in High School Drama she played Hope in Anything Goes, and Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. When the Dayton Liberty Theater did their restoration in 2000 she started performing in their wide range of fall musicals and spring Variety shows. She has been involved in most productions either in the ensemble, doing theater makeup, fundraisers, or as a principal. (Her roles in Dayton were under her married name Sherri Huwe.)

Her principal roles have been:

Golde- Fiddler on the Roof.
Spirit of Christmas Past- Christmas Carol
Queen- Cinderella
Miss Shields- The Christmas Story the Musical
Herbert- #1 & #2- Nunsense productions
Lady Thiang- The King and I
Queen-WWCC Outdoor Summer Musical, performed at the Walla Walla Amphitheater.
Fraulein Schneider- Cabaret- Powerhouse Theater.
Uzo - Godspell - Outdoor summer performance at Pioneer Park

Ensemble roles were in: Oklahoma, Tree #4 Wizard of Oz, Pick a little lady- Music Man, Oliver.

Spring Variety Show songs included: Memory- Cats, Ursula I want the Good Times Back- Little Mermaid, When your Good to Ma Ma- Chicago, On my Own- Les Miserables, and many more..

Children’s Ensemble

Charlotte has been an enthusiastic singer since she was 2 years old. Her family jokes that living with Charlotte is like living in a musical, as she sings more than she talks. She started taking private voice lessons with Liubov Brunton at Schmidt Music Studio last year and had her first performance in December. This will be her first acting debut.

Children’s Ensemble

Aidan is excited to continue her involvement and love of community musical theater. From an early age it was clear that the acting and singing were her true loves and the stage is where she would e nd up. The last few summers Aidan has taken part in multiple productions at the Little Theatre with the Missoula Children’s Theater and has watched as many musicals Live as she can. Aidan comes from a long line of performers and is looking forward to participating in this fantastic production with the Walla Walla Summer Theater.

Children’s Ensemble

Bria Ruybalid is a ballet student at The Dance Center of Walla Walla. She danced several roles in their most recent production of The Nutcracker including a party kid and being in Snow, Flowers, and Spanish. She was also a Dwarf in Snow White. This will be her first musical. Her other interests include reading and playing the piano.

Children’s Ensemble

Flynn Schumacher is a fourth grade student at Berney Elementary School. Flynn recently moved to Walla Walla from Buckley, WA. While in Buckley, his acting roles include playing Charlie in Elf the Musical, and the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz.

Since moving to Walla Walla he has had the opportunity to be in The Little Mermaid for the Missoula Children’s Theater, and most recently was a part of The Christmas Carol at Little Theater of Walla Walla.

Flynn’s other favorite activities are swimming, choir, going to Sweets and OSU beavers games and playing Minecraft.

Ensemble

Makaylee is a 17 year old Junior currently attending College Place High School. She has loved music since an early age. Kaylee’s parents have footage of her singing and dancing when she was less than 2 years old. As soon as she was talking, she was singing. Kaylee started writing original songs when she was 11 years old and has been writing and performing ever since. She has the incredible ability to combine a heartfelt message and melody to produce a powerful song in an afternoon. Kaylee has been performing for several years at the College Place Farmer’s Market, the Walla Walla Fair, Walla Walla Choral Society and Walla Walla Symphony Rock Camp. Kaylee is an active part of her school choir and drama club where she played in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and The Brothers Grimm Out Of Order. She is passionate about life, the natural world, the equality of all people and non-violence. She loves animals, dancing, hanging out with her amazing friends and family, dirt biking, kayaking, traveling, and of course, music. Kaylee’s greatest desire is to share her love and passion with the world through her music.

Dreamer / Ensemble

Alexandra is a student at Walla Walla Community College. She is studying towards an AA in Arts. She has always loved theater and performing arts. She is so excited and honored to be apart of this fantastic cast!

Ensemble

Lily Franklin has been involved with the Walla Walla High School drama department in productions such as Wrinkle in Time, Cinderella, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Dreamland. She will be attending Gonzaga University next fall to pursue a major in environmental engineering.

Ensemble

Kendra Golden is a scientist by training. She has been a member of the faculty and administration at Whitman College for many years, but the performing arts have always pulled at her heartstrings. She has taken classes and performed in several shows for The Dance Center of Walla Walla, and she is a proud member of the Walla Walla Valley Bands. Kendra is inspired by her two creative, talented daughters and is delighted for the opportunity to join the cast of The Secret Garden. She is currently working on her first novel.

Ensemble

Michele is excited to be a part of The Secret Garden at Cordiner Hall. She worked with Joann Rasmussen at Walla Walla Community College in the production of You Can't Take it with You as Gay Wellington. Michele sang Mezzo Soprano in the Rutherford High school touring group Chanteurs a Cappella in Panama City Florida and has sang with Walla Walla Choral Society. Michele has taken Fosse dance style with Brad Wilcutts as well as Salsa and Ballroom Room dancing. Michele is the executive sales Rep at KUJ, Hank Fm and Bob FM Radio station. Michele enjoys walking Bennington lake trails, Fitness training, painting bird houses and time with her two sons and her three grand dolls.

Ensemble

Evie Leonhard is a student at Walla Walla High School. She adores musical theater and has a certain love for dance. She is a member of Walla Walla High Schools Musical Dance Theater choir and takes weekly voice lessons with Tyson Kaup. Evie found her love of dance at the age of 3 and has been dancing ballet with the Dance Center of Walla Walla ever since. She has dabbled in Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and jazz. Evie has attended Walla Walla’s Summer dance lab for two years and loves learning new dance styles to enjoy. Some of her favorite roles have been the Coffee soloist in The Nutcracker, Sweet Dream in Holly Clause, and the Wolf in Peter and the wolf. She is super excited to share her love of musical theater in The Secret Garden this summer and hopes to see you there!

Ensemble

Diana is very excited to be part of the Walla Walla Summer Theater's first production. She was in the cast of and crew of the amphitheatre's first show, Trails West in 1976. Since then she has appeared in over 40 plays and musicals in the Seattle area. Diana was last seen as Martha Brewster in The Little Theatre of Walla Walla's comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace. She graduated from Whitman College with a BA in Dramatic Art.

Ensemble

Melanie is thrilled to be making her Walla Walla theater debut. She grew up singing and acting on the various community theater stages of Bainbridge Island, WA, and you may have seen her in choral or a cappella performances at Whitman College and around Walla Walla in the 2010’s. Nowadays you can find her teaching at WaHi or dancing at Jazzercise WW. Enjoy the show!

Ensemble

Sophia Morgan is excited to be making her debut in community musical theater. Dance and theater have been lifelong passions for her and she took ballet training for eight years under Idalee Hutson-Fish. From an early age, Sophia has been involved in music ensembles and drama at her local church. This past fall she played Charlotte Lucas and was the dance coach for the production of Pride and Prejudice at Walla Walla Valley Academy.

Ensemble

Jessica is thrilled to be part of the cast in this production of The Secret Garden. A versatile actress, she has experience in both comedic and dramatic roles. While her first career is in the insurance industry, she has always felt drawn to the stage and began pursuing acting in 2005. In this play, she brings her natural talent for character work and storytelling to bring a complex role to life.

When not performing, Jessica is an active member of the Walla Walla community. She enjoys volunteering for various causes, meeting new people through social events, and cooking. A well-traveled foodie, she loves to sample new cuisines and immerse herself in different cultures. When she’s not out\ and about, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, watching movies, cross-stitching, and whipping up delicious baked goods.

Jessica is happily married to Shane Morlan, a supportive and loving husband who appreciates her passion for the arts. Together, they make an excellent team, and their love for each other shines both on and off-stage. Her performance in The Secret Garden is sure to leave audiences spellbound and eager to see her in her next project.

Ensemble

Madison Ortuno is 15 years old and is currently attending DeSales High School. Madison is so grateful to be joining this amazing cast and crew of The Secret Garden! Madison has been involved in the performing arts since she was five years old and has played roles such as Marta Von Trapp (The Sound of Music) Mowgli (The Jungle Book) Jane Banks (Marry Poppins) and Wadsworth (Clue). Madison would like to thank her friends, God, and her family for always supporting her on her journey!

Ensemble

Mya Osborn, a Walla Walla native, is a lover of theater. Performing since she was a child, Mya showcased her abilities at the younger age of one while belting the highest of notes through grocery stores. It became evident she was a performer and needed a creative outlet. Growing up performing at the Fort Walla Walla amphitheater, Mya learned of her natural singing, dancing, and acting abilities. Reintroducing the outdoor theater creates more opportunities for other small-town thespians to discover their talents and make memories that last a lifetime. Her love of the arts introduced her entire family to a new world. Musical elements now engulf her personal and professional being. The theater perfectionist strives for excellence. Her deep connection with music is something not all comprehend. Musical theater has shaped Mya into the young adult she is today. Her lifelong dream is to be a working professional in the musical theater industry. With her perseverance and determination, these hopes are not out of reach. Mya will continue to adore theater because her love of the game is more substantial than its fame. Keep an eye out for Mya on the big stage.

Ensemble

Audrey Renaud is no stranger to the stage. Her older sister invited her to co-star in a one-act play at their church when Audrey was all of 6 years old. She memorized the entire play including other parts and stage directions! The rest is history. Usually she could be found singing on stage in variety shows, or in plays in high school and college, and a few times on TV, She has continued her love for singing through various choirs from church to college, and currently with the Walla Walla Choral Society, of which she has been a member for 23 years.

While at the University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH), she sang with the UNH Concert Choir, and Chamber Chorus. In 1972 the Chamber Choir performed in Europe, where she landed a solo while in Venice, Italy. At Keene State College in New Hampshire, she majored in voice and sang with the concert choir and select group. She also played the part of the Sorceress in the Opera Dido and Aeneas and portrayed a lady of the evening in The Threepenny Opera. She spent 14 years as a Fire Department Emergency Dispatcher in Derry, NH, before moving to Washington. After moving, she played several roles in the musical Quilters, and acted in Cinderella Wore Combat Boots. She also sang and acted on stage in various summer musicals written and produced by Robert Randall. Audrey currently works as an in-home caregiver, and looks forward to being on stage once again, doing what she loves!

Ensemble

Liz was drawn to theater early, performing with Children's Musical Theatre in Ellensburg starting at age 7. After high school, she joined the Valley Musical Theatre company for the next 20 years, performing in shows such as Anything Goes and Pirates of Penzance, with leading roles in Cinderella, Sound of Music, and Oliver. She also served on the VMT Board of Directors until moving to Walla Walla in 2022. She is excited to join such a talented and passionate group, and looks forward to seeing what we can all build together!

Ensemble

Julee Smith was born into a musical family. Her parents say she was singing from the time she could talk. Throughout the school years she was very involved with music in school and church by leading music, performing in choirs, ensembles, and solos. After being away from music for too long, she is excited to be a part of the Walla Walla Choral Society and now to join the Walla Walla Summer Theater program and share her passion for music with this community.

As a local business owner Julee is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to her community. As a massage therapist she is passionate about spreading healing and compassion to her world. Along with music Julee is passionate about hiking, mountain biking, skiing, gardening, and most importantly being a mom. She strives to live by the motto "Social change is a million different acts of kindness."

Ensemble

Jeyten Strnadel moved to Walla Walla from El Campo, Texas in 2019. She is 15 year old high school student at DeSales. Performing on stage for nine years in a variety of roles, Jeyten has played characters ranging from: Randy (A Christmas Story), Mrs. Peacock (Clue), and Papa Troll (Frozen Jr.). She has also worked as stage crew for other productions in addition to this.

While living in Texas, Jeyten performed in the Inspiration Stage in Sugarland and trained for nine years in a variety of dance styles. She can play ten various instruments, but her strengths are the piano, the guitar, and percussion. Throughout her time at DeSales, she has taken acting classes and participated in the theatrical program.

Aerospace, softball, fencing, and classic literature are some of Jeyten's other interests. She has knowledge of languages including Russian, Czech, and Spanish and is presently learning French. She has placed in academic PSIA competitions for music memory and received various other awards as well.

Ensemble

Alli Talmage (They/She) graduated from Gonzaga University with a Theatre Arts Degree in 2016, moving to east coast for a musical theatre performance intensive with Open Jar and an apprenticeship in wardrobe management at Opera North. Alli then toured with Missoula Children's Theatre as a Tour Actor/Director for three years before moving home to Richland, WA. Alli appeared onstage in various productions in the Tri-Cities & Walla-Walla with The Rude Mechanicals and was honored with Best Supporting Actress in The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] at Kaleidoscope Theatre Festival in 2019. Alli has also directed & choreographed shows for Mid Columbia Musical Theatre, The Richland Players, and Richland High School. Alli is ecstatic to once again pursue their passion of musical theatre with the musical that sparked their love of live theatre when attending Hanford High School. Alli thanks their loving husband Evan for always believing in them and "getting it," Aaron-Michael, Jess, and Katie for supporting their wild production ideas, & this company for giving this brand of theatre a home and restoring an historical performance space.

Some of Alli's notable performance credits outside the Columbia Basin Include: The Wild Party, Chicago - The Modern Theatre and Crazy For You, Catch Me If You Can, The Fox on the Fairway - Spokane Civic Theatre.

Ensemble

Stacie Trego has been involved in the Walla Walla theatre scene for a long time. Stacie started in grade school participating in Missoula Children's Theatre. She went on to act at Walla Walla High School. Stacie played Auntie Em in The Wizard of Oz, a giraffe in Seussical the Musical, and 5 other productions there. She then attended Walla Walla Community College where she performed on the great China Pavilion stage. She played Glory in Almost Maine, Lenny Magrath in Crimes of the Heart, Maria in Twelfth Night, and Henrietta in Smash.

Most of Stacie's time has been spent on The Little Theatre of Walla Walla's stage. Stacie has been a volunteer there for 20 years. She has performed on stage many times in roles like Gloria in Be My Baby, Rona Lisa Peretti in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Actress in Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, and Ida in See How They Run. Stacie also has worked behind the scenes on multiple shows, working as a crew member, dresser, producer, and stage manager. Stacie loves to act and sing, but she has also found a love for directing. Stacie trained to be a director for many years at The Little Theatre of Walla Walla. She assistant directed Messiah on the Frigidaire and Spamalot. She co-directed Crimes of the Heart. Most recently, she directed Terms of Endearment. She hopes to one day direct a musical, so keep a lookout for that. Stacie serves as the Vice President of Production, is on the Board of Directors, and is a member of multiple committees.

Stacie has an AA Degree from Walla Walla Community College. Stacie works as the Executive Assistant at Metis, a mergers and acquisitions firm in the pacific northwest that works in the wine and hospitality industries.

Stacie hopes everyone can come see this incredible show! She also wants to encourage everyone to help get involved in the revival of the amazing amphitheater!

Choreographer and Assistant Director

Katie Janis was born in Walla Walla, Washington where she grew up studying ballet at The Dance Center of Walla Walla. She was a teaching assistant and instructor for the Dance Center’s youth ballet program and an active performer and choreographer for Walla Walla High School’s annual spring musicals. In 2017, she was selected for the Apprentice Program of Summer Dance Lab hosted at Whitman College and Katie graduated salutatorian from Walla Walla High School in 2019.

Katie will graduate in the spring of 2023 from the University of Washington (UW) earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Dance and a double minor in Drama-Theater Studies and Mathematics. In addition to choreographing her own works for UW’s Dance Majors Concerts and the Dance Student Association, she has performed in many choreographic works by faculty and M.F.A candidates of the Department of Dance. In 2022 she was the recipient of the Mary Aid de Vries Endowed Scholarship for outstanding academic and artistic endeavors.

In addition to creating for concert dance, Katie has also made choreography for collegiate musical theater including work for Stage Notes at UW and the Walla Walla University Music and Drama Departments. In 2022 she participated in the Ballet Alliance’s Summer Project as a choreographer under the direction of Amy Seiwert.