Disney's My Son Pinocchio at Theatre 29

JOHN POLLNOW (GEPPETTO) is always glad to be on the stage at Theatre 29! He especially enjoys shows geared toward the family. Last year, you saw him in RAPUNZEL, and the multi award winning cabaret show ALMOST LOVE. He also played a much older version of himself in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL as Ebeneezer Scrooge. John is a member of the Board of Directors for Theatre 29, where he is very active with Theatre improvements. He’s excited to be a Dad in this fun musical adventure.

ELI YOUNG (PINOCCHIO) made his stage debut last season in the Summer Youth Theatre production of DISNEY’S MOANA JR with Gary. He is excited in getting work with his mom, Kat, for the first time. This is his second show and first role in a lead. He has found his place in Theatre 29 and cannot wait for further productions.

ROBIN WILSON (THE BLUE FAIRY), AKA Mama Wilson, was last seen in HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY HOOPLA and A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL in 2021, both directed by Lisa Goldberg Hodgson. In 2019, she was the felon nun on the run in SISTER ACT, directed by Scott Clinkscales. She has played a variety of roles with this director, Ursula in DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID and Mayzie le Bird in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL. Wilson has also performed in NUNSENSE and NUNSENSE 2 as Sister Hubert. She welcomes you all and says thanks for coming to see this show, please laugh, sing a long and “wish upon a star”!

ADAM SHOWS (STROMBOLI) started his artistic endeavors in Southern California with just a pencil and paper. He has been led to every opportunity he could with the arts, including theatre. Adam started on stage with Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre in North Hollywood, first as Assistant Stage Manager for OTHELLO, then utilizing his haunted attraction costume/character work with ATTACK OF THE ROTTING CORPSES in 2015. The next year, he was involved with another in-coming theater company, Force of Nature Productions in Burbank. Being away from the theatre since 2018, this effort with Theater 29 is Adam’s comeback. Inspired, and ready to give you an amazing show along with the rest of the cast, “This is the performance you have never seen from him before; Adam will show you.”

BRITNEY VACHON-LAGUARDIA (ARANCIA) recently earned a Desert Theater League nomination for her role as a supporting female performer in a cabaret for MIS-CAST 2022. Other Theatre 29 credits include THE WITCH in RAPUNZEL, EMILY in A CHRISTMAS CAROL THE MUSICAL, and MISS BARLEY/ENSEMBLE in A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. She performed in the Hi-Desert Cultural Center's production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and was a member of the Master Chorus (MCHOR). Britney è molto entusiasta di condividere di nuovo il palco con suo figlio, Kaleb, e tutti i talentuosi ragazzi e ragazze del cast! Grazie!

MARYAM LANGDON (SUE) is very happy to be in the production of MY SON PINOCCHIO. She loves acting and singing, and she has participated in previous shows. Maryam has been working with the theatre for four years. She debuted on stage for the first time in RAPUNZEL, following that up with playing “the chosen one” in PUFFS. Maryam is a technician at heart, having filled several such roles over the past four years but this will be her third time on stage. In her free time, you can find her reading, playing video games, playing the piano, listening to music, and ranting about Dungeons and Dragons to anyone who would listen. Maryam would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her.

SAMANTHA STEPHENS (VIOLA) has spent the past year honing her acting skills at Theatre 29. Last summer was her first foray onto the stage as Grandma Tala in the Summer Youth Theatre show DISNEY’S MOANA JR. She is excited to return to the stage in this fun show once again with her mom. Her most recent roles were in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER and PUFFS. In PINOCCHIO, she takes on the role of the sweet purple fairy Viola who is training with the other fairies to learn their magical abilities.

KIMBERLY SONTAAG (ROSA) is elated to participate in this adorable show after years of wishing upon many stars. A SoCal native, the Marine Corps assigned her to this desert oasis. Off duty, she enjoys hiking to the next beautiful vista she can find and giving belly rubs to her three fur babies. She is grateful to Jim, Jack, and JECK+ for their support, and to the Theater 29 family for the warm community spirit this talented group embodies.

JOSEPH REGO (BUONRAGAZZO / TOWN FATHER / PARENT) No stranger to the stage at Theatre 29, Joseph is thrilled to be part of this production MY SON PINOCCHIO. Most recently, Joe was seen as Captain Aster in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER and as the friendly earthworm in ROALD DAHL’S JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. The show is pure joy. Resplendent with lyrical Disney tunes, humorous libretto, and wonderful characters. Yet there is an important message hidden beneath it all. The direction is excellent on all levels, stage, music and choreography. Satisfaction guaranteed! Again, my thanks to Theatre 29, and especially our beloved patrons.

KAT CHEEK (SIGNORA / RING LEADER) has been in several productions in Theatre 29 including playing the role of the gluttonous Sponge in this season’s ROALD DAHL’S JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. Previously, she was seen in MIS-CAST 2022 and A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL. She is very excited to work with her son, Eli, for the first time.

MICHELE ALLEY (ENSEMBLE / PARENT / MARIONETTE) marks her on-stage debut here and we hope she’ll continue to be involved both on and off stage! For the past two years, she’s been a valuable member of our tech crews, running sound and lights. She worked on MIS-CAST 2022, PUFFS, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL. With a background in dance, she was a perfect choice for her ensemble role, including the dancing marionette.

DENNIS “EASY” BOOS (TOWN FATHER / BERNARDO) first found his home at Theatre 29 in 2005 when he played Pa in their first iteration of OKLAHOMA. He has been in numerous shows ever since then, most recently as the looking for love seafarer “Alf” in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. He lives in Joshua Tree with his dog Muttley.

TIFFANY CROCKER (MARIA / PARENT) is ecstatic to be in MY SON PINOCCHIO and masquerade as a Perfect Parent. Her love for acting has roots here at Theatre 29, beginning with the Theatre’s original Summer Youth Theatre program. After 20 years of life happening, she was encouraged to return to the stage by her daughter and has been having a blast ever since. She was most recently seen in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER as Smee, and as a guest performer for the Rotating Players IMPROVPALOOZA. She wants to thank her family for their support throughout her new adventures!

LULA ALLEN (PARENT / VENDOR) is new to 29 Palms, Theatre 29 and the stage! A recently retired 5th grade teacher from Alabama, Lula thought getting involved in a show would be fun! Her previous experience was limited to entertaining her students and fellow teachers with her daily antics at school. She is delighted to become a part of this Theatre 29 family.

DONIVAN COX (JUNIOR / TOWN FATHER / ROUSTABOUT) has been involved at Theatre 29 since he was a young boy, having performed in Summer Youth Theatre shows since 2016! In the last couple of years, he has graduated to mainstage shows most recently seen in PUFFS & PETER AND THE STAR CATCHER. It’s been a joy for Donivan to “grow up in the Theatre”.

NOLAN VILORIA (CHILD / ROUSTABOUT / HORSE) is a native to 29 Palms and is an 8th grader. This is his second show at Theatre 29, making his in PUFFS. That show was his first theatre experience, he enjoyed it so much that’s he’s back! In his spare time, he enjoys drawing and playing video games.

HARPER CROW (CHILD / DELINQUENT) is 9 (10 next month!) and is excited to be in her first main stage production. Last summer, Harper participated in The Summer Youth Theatre production of DISNEY’S MOANA JR. She enjoys volunteering with her mom in concessions at the Theatre. In her spare time, this home-schooled 4th grader enjoys singing, playing with her farm animals and reading. She looks forward to being in more shows and is already signed up for this summer’s production of DISNEY’S FROZEN KIDS.

JULIA BAZAN (CHILD / DELINQUENT) was first introduced to theater when she was in the Summer Youth Theater production of DISNEY’S MOANA JR last summer. She is in dance and plays volleyball, basketball and softball. She’s a straight ‘A’ student and loves doing art. This is Julia’s first main stage performance.

KALEB SINCLAIR (CHILD / DELINQUENT) made his debut on the Theatre 29 stage as FRED’S SON in A CHRISTMAS CAROL THE MUSICAL. He is also an alumnus of Summer Youth Theater, where he played FISHERMAN #2 in DISNEY’S MOANA JR. He has performed in the Kids & Teens Acting Up program in shows such as NOT ANOTHER COW TOWN. Kaleb is thankful to spend another show with his mom, Britney, and his best friend, Eli. He would like to thank his dad, Jon, and the rest of his family for supporting him.

ELY ZEHN (MARIONETTE / PERFECT CHILD) is 12 years-old. She saw the advertisement on the Theatre’s marquis sign with the audition announcement on her way to school one December day and thought she’d be interested in trying out. It was her first audition and she was really excited. Always being expected to be "perfect" at school and at home, she wanted to try out for a character who is bad, annoying, and practically evil. Ironically, she ended up with the role of the "Perfect" child once again. Even though she didn't get to be evil in this play, she is still very happy that she got to get some experience in theatre and make new friends.

ELI AMARO (CHILD / DELINQUENT) is a graduate of Theatre 29’s Summer Youth Theatre Program, seen last summer in DISNEY’S MOANA JR, as Pua. He’s very happy being on Stage again learning new songs and choreography. Of course, he’d like to thank his mother for encouraging him to try out, and his father and Sisters for driving him. to the theater. He’d like to Thank the Director and everybody that made this play possible.

GARY DAIGNEAULT (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR) has been involved in Theatre since he was 9 years old, which is one of the reasons he is so passionate about getting children involved in Theatre at a young age. Semi-retired from his full-time job at Z107.7FM, he hopes to have more time to dedicate to the Theatre. He was a founding member of the Theatre 29 board of Directors and restarted the Summer Youth Theatre program in 2015. One of the reasons he chose MY SON PINOCCHIO this year is because he enjoys working with families, this show has three parent/child cast members. He loves the family and Disney shows, but also the classic more adult themed shows. He won a Outstanding Director award from the DTL for his rendition of GYPSY, and has been nominated numerous times.

BIANCA STOKER (MUSICAL DIRECTOR) is happy to have contributed to the Summer Youth Theatre program as Musical Director for seven years (with number 8 coming this summer). This is her first main stage show in the role. Vacation Rental Property Manager by day, she has enjoyed being a part of the community theater family throughout the Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley.

LISA HODGSON (CHOREOGRAPHER/TECHNICAL DIRECTOR) can often be seen on and off the stage at Theatre 29. She pretty much does it all around here, from performing to directing and everything in between, including being one of the main box office volunteers. When she is not at the theatre, she is busy teaching 3rd grade at Palm Vista Elementary School, cuddling with her cats or relaxing with her husband (that’s still weird to say)! Enjoy the show!

CINDY DAIGNEAULT (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) After raising a family and watching her husband, son and daughter enjoy Theatre life so much, Cindy jumped into the fray 15 years ago. She’s has been active in all aspects of Theatre 29, actress, Board Member, Box Office/Front of House Manager, Costume Mistress and Assistant Director. Nominated for two past DTL awards some of her favorite roles have been Sister Mary Lazarus the rapping nun in SISTER ACT, The Wicked Witch in THE WIZARD OF OZ, Frau Blucher in MEL BROOKS’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Grandma in THE ADDAMS FAMILY and Mazeppa the trumpet toting stripper in GYPSY. Cindy was also part of the first Bakers Dozen Improv Troupe.

CAM D’ANGELES (ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR) is glad to be back in the joyous and creative Theatre atmosphere at Theatre 29, helping behind the scenes to make the magic happen. Director Gary Daigneault tasks Cam with being his “brain” and keeping copious notes and stage directions. She has been a part of several past productions, including THE WIZARD OF OZ, DISNEY’S MARY POPPINS, and DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID.

MIKE LIPSITZ (STAGE MANAGER/SET CONSTRUCTION/PROPS MASTER) met Gary in 2009 when he told Daigneault “you can’t possibly put on ‘The Producers’ on this small stage”. Mike had worked on the Broadway version of the show years earlier. Daigneault response was “yes we can, with your help”. Since then, Mike has been Gary’s right-hand man. His professional background working on Broadway and in Broadway tours before moving to California has given Theatre 29 invaluable insight and our volunteers incredible professional level training.

TIM CORVIN (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) was employed in nearly every capacity of the performing arts industry for nearly 20 years before taking 25 years off to pursue other interests. In 2021 “on a whim” he joined the crew of a Theatre 29 production (A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER) and enjoyed his return to the theatre well enough to join us in 2022’s RAPUNZEL and now this show. He has also managed stages and served as technical director for live shows in the music and pro wrestling industries and has his own video production company.

TERA BOTTORFF (COSTUME DESIGNER) is affectionately known as “Earth Mother” by her close friends and family. So, it’s no surprise that when she costumes a show her first thoughts are “repurpose, reuse, recycle”. When she first started this show, she put out a call to the community for previously worn prom dresses which she then repurposed for our fairies. Many of the pieces in the show come from Kathy Ferguson and go back as far as 15 years! When doing new construction Tera always considers how an item can be reused in a future show. She’d like to thank one member of the community that donated bolts and bolts of fabric too. And of course, her sidekick Cindy Daigneault who’s always there to help carry out her vision.

NENA JIMENEZ (SOUND DESIGNER / TECHNICIAN) is plying her craft, once again, from behind the curtain. A veteran Stage Manager and skilled technical designer, Nena is happy to be able to put her skills to use in helping to make PINOCCHIO a reality. She would like to thank the production team and cast for their vision and their hard work.

ANDREW PERKINS (LIGHTING TECHNICIAN) has been acting at Theatre 29 since winter 2021 performing as ensemble in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL, Michel in AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, Centipede in ROALD DAHL’S JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, and Peter Pan in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. This time however, he has branched away from acting and is providing support to this show as the Light Tech. Always happy to help and learn, wherever needed! During the day he’s an active member of the military.