The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System at Union County Performing Arts Center

ANNEKA SHEPHERD (Janet) Anneka is thrilled to be on her first national tour as Janet! Some favorite previous roles include: Piggie in Elephant and Piggie’s We Are In A Play, Wendla in Spring Awakening, Little Red in Into The Woods, and Maureen in RENT. Proud AMDA alum (2025 Grad), and native Vermonter! Thanks to Jennifer at Free Flight Talent and to TheaterWorksUSA for the opportunity, enjoy to the ride! @annekashepherd

CHRISTIAN CORDOVA (Carlos) born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, earned his BFA in Theatre Performance at the Kean University Theatre Conservatory. Chris’s credits include Godspell (John/Judas), Into the Woods (Jack), The Tempest (Sebastian), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Chuck / Spokesman / Dave/ ensemble), Sister Act (Ernie / Fantasy Dancer), and Sunday in the Park with George (Man with Horn / Photographer #2). In 2021, he collaborated with New Plays for Young Audiences at New York University Steinhardt in developing Keys: A New Musical (Narrator). Christian can’t wait to get lost in the solar system with you! @christiancord0va

NATE FRISON (Arnold) is so excited to be making his national tour debut as Arnold! He is a recent grad of Kent State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in dance. Favorite credits include Prince Herbert in Spamalot (Woodstock Playhouse), Buddy U/S in Elf (Weathervane Playhouse), and Fyedka U/S in Fiddler on the Roof (Porthouse Theatre), among others. Nate wants to thank his friends, family, and past teachers for supporting his theatrical endeavors. @natefrison

OLIVIA BRICE (Ms. Frizzle) is a performer from Bellingham, WA, who has been involved in theatre since childhood. She pursued classical vocal training and earned a Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College, while continuing to participate in musical theatre workshops and productions. Olivia recently completed her Master’s degree in Voice at the Boston Conservatory, focusing on contemporary opera. With experience as a soloist, ensemble member, and storyteller across different styles, she focuses on comedic roles that allow her to bring energy and character to the stage. She is thrilled to make her debut with TheaterWorksUSA in The Magic School Bus.

TIMOTHY JACOB BROWN (Ralphie) is a NYC based performer, writer, lyricist, and a graduate of Boston Conservatory (BFA Musical Theater) who loves to expand his artistic world. After many small film credits and original shows in NYC, visiting the North Pole in the Polar Express (Rail Events Productions), and touring internationally in Italy (Bell Beyond, Italian Branch), Timothy is thrilled to bring his career to the cosmos with The Magic School Bus! Thank you to TheaterWorksUSA for this opportunity. Up next, he will continue sound-engineering/producing, songwriting, acting of course, and his own musical,“Where the Sun Sets.”

YUMEKO STERN (Wanda) is excited to make her TheaterWorksUSA tour debut in the role of Wanda in The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System! Yumeko recently received her BM in Vocal Performance Musical Theatre from NYU Steinhardt. Previous credits include Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel (Ohio Light Opera), Marcy Park in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Lucy in Heartbreakers in Hell: A Staged Workshop (NYU Steinhardt), and Sheila Franklin in Hair (Hawaii Performing Arts Festival). Gratitude to About Artists Agency, Justin John Moniz, and TheaterWorksUSA!

KENDALL JENNINGS (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be making her tour stage management debut with TheaterWorksUSA on The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System. A passionate advocate for arts education and live theatre, Kendall is excited to bring this beloved story to audiences across the country. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team and looks forward to the adventure ahead. Her recent stage management credits include The Wizard of Oz with Ramsey Theatre Company, as well as Frozen, The Addams Family, and White Christmas with Gateway Playhouse in Long Island.