NEXT TO NORMAL at TROJAN PLAYERS (Trinity Valley School

CAST

KATE KOWALSKI (Diana) is grateful for this opportunity to play such a great role. Her musical theatre roles consist of a maid-journalist-monkey-cloud in “The Drowsy Chaperone”, Tzeitel in “Fiddler on the Roof”, Carmen Bernstein in “Curtains”, and, most recently, Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd.” Other favorite theatre roles include Bertha in “The Dining Room”, Genevra in “Bright Ideas”, and Carter in “A Game.” This past summer, Kate was a cherub at the National High School Institute Theatre Arts program at Northwestern University where she played the role of Achilles in “Achilles in Sparta.” Kate will attend Northwestern University in the fall. Thanks to cast, crew, friends, and family, especially her very own psychopharmacologist (Mom).

CHRIS MILLER (Dan) is excited to be returning to the stage in “Next to Normal.” He was last seen as Anthony Hope in “Sweeney Todd.” He has been in TVS Drama since 7th grade and has performed such roles as Bobby Pepper, The Cat in the Hat, Perchik, Gangster #2, and now Da Goodman. Chris would like to thank the cast and crew for making this such a memorable show.

CHARLIE H. RAY (Gabe) is excited to play one of his dream roles with this wonderful cast and creative team! Charlie was last seen at TVS as Sweeney in “Sweeney Todd”, a role which he also played with Texas Junior Theatre last June. At Casa Mañana, Charlie has been seen as Buddy in “Side Show” and Frankie in “Parade”; he was also a part of their critically-acclaimed production of Big River. Other favorite roles include Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables” and Aaron in “Curtains”. Proud Actors’ Equity Membership Candidate. Find Charlie on iTunes: “Charlie Ray: Unedited”. www.CharlieHRay.com / @charliehray

MAGGIE JORGENSON (Natalie) is thrilled to be in Trinity Valley's production of Next to Normal. She has recently returned from an intensive acting program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and is currently in the midst of college auditions for theatre programs all over the country. Maggie would like to sincerely thank the cast and crew of Next to Normal, as well as her many acting and singing mentors throughout the years. Most importantly, Maggie would like to thank her parents and brother for their constant love and support!

CHRIS DISTLER (Henry) is proud to be in his 9th Trinity Valley Upper School production. Past performances and favorite roles include: Walter Delacroix in “Dead Man Walking”, the husband in the space short “Fairy Tale”, and Randy in “Curtains.” An avid theatre enthusiast, Chris has dedicated 6 years to the Trinity Valley School Theatre department. He looks forward to participating in two more years worth of productions in our local theatre community.

JULIANNA KELLER (Dr. Madden) is excited to join this production of “Next to Normal.” She’s been acting since she was 5 years old in both theatre and film, and hopes to double major in musical theatre and engineering in college. Favorite roles include Judy in “White Christmas”, Johanna in “Sweeney Todd”, Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd”, Mary in “Secret Garden”, and Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.” She thanks cast, crew, friends, and family for support.

NICK PARKINSON (Dr. Fine) is excited to be a part of the cast of “Next to Normal.” He most recently was seen in the Senior One Acts, and, earlier, played the part of Pirelli in “Sweeney Todd.” Thanks to friends and family for their support.


CREATIVE

HANA SMITH (Director) is a current senior at Trinity Valley School and is proud to be pioneering this production. Although this is her first time directing, some of Hana’s favorite performing credits include “Sweeney Todd”, “Metamorphoses”, “A Game”, and “Dead Man Walking.” She also enjoys an internship at Casa Mañana when not onstage. Many thanks to everyone who has made the Fort Worth premier of “Next to Normal” possible. @smithhana

LUCY GAMADES (Assistant Director) is elated to be involved in this production. She is making her return to directing after her recent production of “Christmas Breaks” at TVS. Her past acting credits include Sister Helen Prejean in “Dead Man Walking,” Wendy in “The Veldt,” and Hermia in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” She was most recently cast in “Metamorphoses” as Psyche/Narrator. She has also written a one-act that was recognized as a semi-finalist in Fort Worth Circle Theatre’s High School Playwriting Project. Find Lucy on Twitter: @lucygmad