Disney's NEWSIES at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center

Daniel Marconi

Daniel Marconi is overwhelmingly grateful to be a part of this brilliant company of artists. Broadway/Off: Sweeney Todd, Mary Poppins, The Butcher Boy, Made by God. Regional: The Outsiders (La Jolla), Tick, Tick...Boom! (George Street) A Wonderful Life (Paper Mill). TV/Film: “Bull,” “The Blacklist,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “Law and Order,” Daniel Isn’t Real. Immense gratitude to the creative and casting teams and to his relentlessly supportive family. Thank you for continuing to support live theatre.

Taylor Quick

Taylor Quick is overjoyed to be returning to STAGES after her debut as Shelby in Steel Magnolias! Credits: understudy Anya / Young Anastasia, Anastasia (1st Broadway National Tour); Peggy, 42nd Street (Maltz Jupiter); Millie, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Goodspeed); Sandy, Grease (Fulton); Amalia, She Loves Me (Link Theatre); Liesl, Sound of Music (Fulton, MSMT); Laurey, Oklahoma! (Ogunquit); Penny, Hairspray (Maltz Jupiter); Flaemmchen, Grand Hotel (Lyric Stage). Film: God’s Not Dead 2. Soloist: Broadway at Long’s Park (Lancaster Symphony). Distinguished Young Woman AR 2012. Love to family, Ben, and DGRW. Rejoice Always. @taylorlquick

Christopher Gurr

Broadway: Parade, Cats (revival), Tuck Everlasting, Kinky Boots, Amazing Grace, and All the Way. National Tours: Memphis and Spamalot. Off-Broadway: Cyrano and Arturo Ui. Television: Guest starring on “Madame Secretary,” “Elsbeth,” “Soul Santa,” “Gilded Age,” and “The Good Fight.” Recurring as Godwin Page on NBC’s “The Blacklist,” Dr. Leed on Tyler Perry’s “Sistas” for BET, and as Marius on “A Murder at the End of the World” for FX. Member AEA, SAG/AFTRA, SDC. ChristopherGurr.com

Richard Spitaletta

Richard is thrilled to be making his STAGES debut! National tours/Off-Broadway: Something Rotten! (2nd national tour, Nigel Bottom), The Lightning Thief (national tour, Grover), Me the People (Triad Theatre), Board of Ed (the wild project). Regional: Footloose, A Funny Thing Happened..., Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Spelling Bee. As a writer, his comedic play Board of Ed just premiered in NYC this Spring and had a sold out run at the wild project, and his short film Dropped wrapped in May. Thank you to the entire creative team and his wonderful family and friends. www.richardspitaletta.com, @RichardSpitzz.

Matthew Cox

Matthew Cox couldn’t be happier to be making his STAGES debut! Born and raised in STL, Matthew is currently working as Artistic Associate at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. His recent credits include Into the Woods (New Jewish Theatre), A Texas Romance (Ensemble Stage), and Seminar (Webster Conservatory). Matthew will be returning to STAGES as Younger Brother in Ragtime. Much love to Kristen and his family. Thank you for supporting live St. Louis theatre!

Anita Michelle Jackson

Anita is a graduate of AMDA in New York City. She played Caroline in Caroline or Change, The Lady in Blues in the Night and Mother Shaw in Crowns at the St. Louis Black Rep; Bertha in the Tennessee Williams Festival’s Hello from Bertha. She was also a nun in the 2023 Muny production of Sister Act. Anita just released her first jazz album on March 29th called Life is Beautiful.

Davin Wade

A hometown kid in his debut professional performance, Davin Wade is excited to join Disney’s Newsies. Born for the stage, Davin recently played Thomas O’Malley in Aristocats at the STAGES Academy, where he “found his people.” Davin loves to perform in accents and recreate classic stand-up routines. Before starting middle school in the fall, Davin can be found exploring the neighborhood creek with friends or creating projects at home with cardboard and hot glue.

Patrick Blindauer

Patrick Blindauer returns to STAGES, where he understudied for Clue last season and performed in the ensemble of My Fair Lady back in 1998. Patrick graduated from Webster Conservatory, appeared in “A Beautiful Mind” and seven episodes of “Strangers With Candy”, and constructs puzzles for Adventures of Intrigue and his website, patrickspuzzles.com.

AnnEliza Canning-Skinner

AnnEliza “Liza” went to the University of Michigan for Musical Theatre. Her credits include Sarah * Rehearsal Stand In for The Ragtime: 25th Anniversary Concert, Eggie White SOMETHING ROTTEN (Sacramento Music Circus), the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella (Fulton Theatre), Star-To-Be in Annie (Papermill Playhouse), Leisl in Sound of Music (Alabama Shakespeare), and other various credits. Much Love to the SGI, Liza’s fam, dear ones, and angels. www.AnnElizaCS.com @weird.blackgirl.therapy (IG & TikTok) - Comedy and Advocacy.

James Caposito

James is thrilled to make his STAGES debut with Newsies! Buffalo credits: Legally Blonde (Nikos / Grand Master Chad), Measure for Measure (Claudio; Shakespeare in Delaware Park), Rock of Ages (Ensemble; Lynne Kurdziel Formato). James is so grateful to be working in St. Louis this summer so he can be closer to his family. He’d like to thank them, his boyfriend and friends for their constant support, and thank YOU for supporting live theatre! jamescaposito.com @capoosito

Joah Ditto

Joah Ditto is ready to SEIZE THE DAY with their debut at STAGES St. Louis! Joah is a grateful graduate of IAMT in NYC. Workshops: Dogs of Pripyat, Zombie Musical, Cher Show National Tour. Regional: Newsies!, Something Rotten, and Matilda (5-Star Theatricals). Thanks to the amazing creative team especially IAMT Jazz Funk-ers Lindsay and Giuseppe!! Special thanks to Stewart Talent and Joah’s family for the support entering this new chapter. Now let’s STRIKE!! @joahdaboa

John Flack

John is pleased to be celebrating his 33rd Anniversary of being a member of the STAGES acting company. He is a life-long resident of St. Louis, where he has been a proud member of Actor’s Equity for over three decades. John has also had the pleasure of being an acting company member at many other St. Louis theatres, including The Shakespeare Festival, The Muny, The Black Rep, The New Jewish Theatre, and Arrow Rock Lyceum.

Paul Giarratano

Paul was born and raised in Long Island, New York. He believes that movement is joy, and that YOU are a star! He holds a BFA in Dance from SUNY Purchase. Credits include The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Metropolitan Opera, CATS National Tour, Park Avenue Armory, Company XIV, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Keigwin and Company, and Spectrum Dance Theater. Much love and gratitude always.

Danny Grumich

Danny is thrilled to be returning home to St. Louis! Recently he’s been seen in Sondheim’s Follies in Concert at Carnegie Hall and Broadway Backwards at the New Amsterdam Theatre benefitting BCEFA. TV: “FBI Most Wanted” (CBS). Off-Broadway: A Piece of My Heart, With or Without You. Regional: Ogunquit Playhouse, The Engeman, ACT of CT. Huge thanks to Steve and the STAGES family. Special thanks to The Mine. All my love to Meryn and Gracie! @danny.grumich

Kayleigh Hegarty

Kayleigh is thrilled to be making her STAGES debut in Newsies! Her previous credits include SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical tour, Rock of Ages at the Gateway Playhouse, Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson, Revlon Cosmetics, Rhea Raj and Maxx Nies music videos, and more. Special thanks to her family, friends, and IAMT family for the constant support!

Kyle Holmes

Kyle is excited to be making his professional debut this summer in both Newsies and Ragtime (Little Boy)! Kyle just finished his freshman year at Parkway South High School in St. Louis, MO. Kyle would like to thank his parents for believing in him, his middle school teacher for encouraging his love of acting, and everyone at STAGES for their support and guidance.

Steve Isom

Steve is elated to be back home at STAGES St. Louis where he has been a regular since 1994. He has most recently been seen in Waiting For Lefty with Upstream Theater, A Christmas Story at Tuacahn Amphitheater and both Kinky Boots and Priscilla Queen of the Desert — sailing through the Mediterranean for Norwegian Cruise Line. Many thanks to Gayle and Andrew for having me back and to my wonderful family Ellen and Abigail.

Philly Kang

A rising Sophomore Musical Theatre major at Shenandoah University; Philly Kang is delighted to be making his Summer Stock debut with STAGES St. Louis as Elmer in Newsies! He would like to thank his parents and family for the constant support, as well as his mentors Kevin Covert, Scott Hudson, Shylo Marinez, Marcus Guy, Michelle Beck, Stephanie Higgins who have supported him along the way. Grateful doesn’t begin to cover it :)

Noah James Lentini

Noah Lentini is so happy to be back at STAGES this summer after performing in The Karate Kid. This is his third production of Newsies! Theatre credits include: ELF!, Beauty and the Beast and The Wizard of Oz. Film credits: Tick ... Tick ... BOOM! on Netflix and Unrequited. Noah has also appeared corporate events, readings and multi media projects. Thanks to CESD and love to family and friends.

Giuseppe Little

Giuseppe is a graduate of The Institute for American Musical Theatre, signed with CESD, and is thrilled to be making his regional theatre debut. Credits include A Christmas Story Broadway Tour (Grover Dill), Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Disney Cruise Line), Phish’s Gamehendge, and Broadway Bares: Pleasure Park (Associate Choreographer/Swing). An immense amount of love and gratitude to all of the beautiful souls in my life for your constant support.

Avery Martin

Avery Martin, a dynamic “Triple Threat,” has been an agency-signed, working talent since age 5. A seasoned competitive dancer, Avery began singing in church at 4 years old. She hopes to create a long term career in musical theatre, with her eye on Broadway. Credits include THEATRE: Aida (STAGES); How The Grinch Stole Christmas (National Tour); Evita (STL). FILM: Other People. COMMERCIAL: Purina, Build-A-Bear, US Postal Service, BabyLock, just to name a few. IG: @danceraverymartin

Lena Matthews

Lena is thrilled to join the STAGES family this summer with Newsies. Off-Broadway: A Sign of the Times, National Tour: Jesus Christ Superstar, Regional: Carousel, All Shook Up. She would like to extend her utmost gratitude to Gayle Seay and her father Bob Matthews for their continued support! IG: @_lenamatthews

Eddie Olmo II

Eddie is thrilled to be making his STAGES St. Louis debut! Broadway: The Book of Mormon. Touring: The Book of Mormon, Elf. Regional: Goodspeed, Walnut Street Theatre, North Carolina Theatre, The REV, Phoenix Theatre Company. Proud graduate of AMDA NYC. Thanks to this stellar team! Thanks to Brian and HKA! Love to Mom, Dad, and Cierra. For my wonderful wife, Lacey Kim. www.eddieolmo.com / @eddie_olmo

PJ Palmer

PJ did his first musical at STAGES in 2004, and he is thrilled to come back twenty years later. National tours: Elf: The Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Regional: Paper Mill, MUNY, Goodspeed, North Shore, Maine State, Tuacahn, REV, North Carolina Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, Fulton, and KC Starlight. PJ would like to thank everyone here at STAGES for this opportunity and his family and friends for their support. For Quentin and Ulysses. @peejpalmer

Carson Hampton Palmer

Carson is a recent graduate of Texas State University, BFA Musical Theatre. He is very excited to be making his STAGES St. Louis debut with Newsies! He spent the past two summers performing at Music Theatre Wichita in Cats, Ragtime, 42nd Street, Rock of Ages, and more. He would like to thank the STAGES & Newsies Creative Team for providing him this wonderful opportunity! Much love to his family and friends. Enjoy the show! @carsonhamptonpalmer

Ronan Ryan

Ronan is delighted to be returning to STAGES after having appeared as Mark in A Chorus Line. Other credits include: Snowboy in West Side Story (Pittsburgh CLO), Jem Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), Aristocats and Fiddler on the Roof (STAGES St. Louis), and 12+ productions with The Muny. Many thanks to Mom, Dad, Dr. Carter, COCA, Gayle, STAGES cast and crew, and Point Park University’s Dance BFA program.

Mark Saunders

Thrilled to be making my STAGES Debut! Big thank you to Gayle, Andrew, and Steve for everything. Nat’l Tour: Something Rotten! (Brother Jeremiah). Regional: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (The Muny), The Prom (NY Regional Premiere), Sweeney Todd, King Lear, The Sound of Music (Utah Shakespeare Festival), Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Sister Act (Arrow Rock Lyceum), The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Theatre Macabre). Love you, Mom! IG: @SaundersSings

Alyssa Sayuk

Alyssa is a freshman in high school who is thrilled to be making her debut at STAGES St. Louis with this amazing cast! Favorite recent credits include Teen Anya/Odette/Ensemble in Anastasia (SPAA), Fiona in Shrek (Lincoln MS), and Clara in the Nutcracker (TPAD). Heartfelt thanks to Turning Pointe Academy of Dance for igniting her passion for dance and making her into the performer she is today. Love and gratitude to family and friends!

TJ Staten

TJ is pleased to be making his STAGES St. Louis debut. Regional credits: Dreamgirls (The Muny), It’s a Wonderful Life: Radio Play (The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), The Color Purple (Plaza Broadway Long Island). Other credits: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 and Myths & Hymns at Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts. Proud Muny Kid & Teen Alum and former STL Teen Talent Winner.

Hazel Vogel

Hazel is an 11-year-old native of Baltimore, MD thrilled to be making her debut at STAGES. Favorite roles include Little Cosette on the Les Misérables U.S. National Tour, Susan in Miracle on 34th Street (Toby’s Dinner Theater), Nipper in Oliver! (Tidewater Players), Matilda in Matilda (Charm City Players), and Young Tarzan in Tarzan (Phoenix Festival Theatre). Special thanks to the STAGES Team, her family, and friends. Rep: David Doan at CESD IG: @hlvsings

Brittany Ambler

Brittany is thrilled to make her STAGES debut! Born and raised in Bloomington, IL. BFA Musical Theatre graduate at Illinois Wesleyan. Favorite Regional Credits: Bonnie (Bonnie & Clyde), Sherri (Rock of Ages), Doralee (9 to 5), Kelli (Hands on a Hardbody), Lin (Great American Trailer Park), Louise (Always, Patsy Cline), Narrator (Joseph...Dreamcoat), Inga (Young Frankenstein), Natalie (All Shook Up). Thank you to her parents for their support and her Angels Standing By. Insta: brittany_ambler Website: brittanyambler.com

Jonathan Kwock

Jonathan Kwock is honored to return to STAGES St. Louis for his 5th summer season! At STAGES, Jonathan has been seen in Legally Blonde, My Fair Lady, How To Succeed, Fiddler On The Roof, Anything Goes, and Mamma Mia. Additional credits include Disney Cruise Line, Paramount Theatre Aurora, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Variety Theatre St. Louis, and the Little Theatre on the Square. Jonathan recently completed his Master’s Degree in Arts Leadership from Northwestern University. @jonkwock

Steve Bebout

Steve is happy to return to STAGES, after directing Clue last summer. He’s served as Associate Director for Company (Tour), Some Like It Hot (Broadway, Tour), Disney’s Aladdin (Broadway, Tour), Something Rotten! (Broadway, Tours), The Book of Mormon (Broadway, Tours, West End), Sister Act (Broadway), The Addams Family (Broadway, Tours, International). Directing credits include UnCivil (World Premiere), I Got Fired (NYMF World Premiere, Korea); Regional productions of Newsies (Raleigh), Annie (Fort Worth), Elf (Atlanta), Buddy (multiple), Little Shop of Horrors (multiple). NYU Tisch School of the Arts alum. Thanks to Gayle, Andrew, and all the great people at STAGES. Love to Holly & Gus.

Lindsay Joy Lancaster

Meet Lindsay Lancaster, the electrifying NYC-based choreographer and dance virtuoso. Her journey began in Los Angeles, dazzling as a professional dancer after graduating the renowned EDGE scholarship program. Lindsay’s talent has graced stages and screens worldwide, from assisting choreographers for music icons like Mel B and Lil’ Wayne to lighting up TV shows like Dancing with the Stars and America’s Got Talent. As Head of Dance at The Institute for American Musical Theatre, she continues to shape the next generation of dancers, igniting passion and artistry in every step.

David Nehls

David is a composer/lyricist known for his work on The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Dodger Stages, national tours, NYMF, Edinburgh Festival, regional productions) and its Christmas sequel. His credits include opening numbers for Broadway Bares 19 & 20 and 2016’s Broadway Bares Fire Island. He wrote for The Watercoolers (Off-Broadway, national tour) and I’ll Be Home for Christmas (Arvada Center). Other works include Breach, A Midnight Clear, Panto Sleeping Beauty, Panto Mother Goose (Stages Repertory Theatre), and Killer Wigs from Outer Space. David is also collaborating with Christina Crawford on the new musical Mommie Dearest.

Ann Beyersdorfer

Ann is a NYC-based set designer, originally from Belleville, IL! Ann is the art director of Saturday Night Live’s Film Unit (season 47-present). Broadway Associate Design: How to Dance in Ohio, Company, Ink, Jitney, The Children, and Anastasia (tour and international). Select Regional Design Credits: The Muny (The Little Mermaid, Les Misérables, West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Camelot), Goodspeed Opera House (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Southwark Playhouse in London (Afterglow), Maltz Jupiter Theatre (Beautiful), Syracuse Stage (Yoga Play, What the Constitution Means to Me) Geva Theatre, Irish Repertory Theatre, Lincoln Center (Carmen), The Alliance Theatre (Knead), The Hudson Theatre (Afterglow, The Dodgers), Flint Repertory Theatre (The Magnificent 7). Ann is a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award Winner (2022), and is a Live Design/LDI 30 Under 30 recipient (2018). www.annbeyersdorfer.com

Brad Musgrove

Brad is delighted to return to STAGES for another exciting season! Brad has designed 25 productions at STAGES, winning the St. Louis Critics Circle award for the productions of; Anything Goes, In the Heights, and Clue. Other favorite productions include; The Drowsy Chaperone, Oklahoma, Man of La Mancha, Aida, The Boy From Oz, My One and Only, Jersey Boys, and 101 Dalmatians. Brad would like to thank Michael and Jack for bringing him to STAGES and Gayle and Andrew for keeping him here. Love to all the wonderful patrons who allow us to create the magic you see tonight.

Sean M. Savoie

Sean enthusiastically returns for his tenth season with STAGES. Outside of these walls, Sean will be entering his 18th year as Teaching Professor of Design and Technical Theatre down the street at Washington University in St. Louis. He received his BFA in Lighting Design from the University of Southern Mississippi and his MFA from the University of Cincinnati – College Conservatory of Music (CCM) in Lighting Design and Technology. Proud member of USA 829

Mike Tracey

Mike has had the pleasure of working on multiple theatrical shows, national tours, and special events. Select designs include, Dreamgirls (national tour), F#%king Up Everything (off-Broadway), The Lonely Few (off-Broadway), Jersey Boys (regional) West Side Story (regional), Spamalot (regional), Always Patsy Cline (regional), and Million Dollar Quartet (regional). Select associate designer work includes, Buena Vista Social Club (off-Broadway), Some Like It Hot (Broadway), Waitress (Broadway), Jagged Little Pill (Australia and US Tour), Mean Girls, Springsteen on Broadway, Cabaret (Broadway). Other select projects include, The Outsiders, Here Lies Love, Jagged Little Pill. mtsounddesign.com

Daniel Paller

Daniel is delighted to be making his debut with STAGES St. Louis Theatre Company. Some of his favorite credits include Marry Poppins at The Tuacahn Center for the Arts, and most recently he worked on 12th Night and Romeo and Juliet from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Prior to his adventures in theatre Daniel worked in the fashion and editorial industry as a hairstylist in LA for five years. He’s also a member of IASTE, the national hair and wardrobe union. For more information please visit danpallerhair.com.

Bart Williams

Bart is excited to be making his STAGES debut! He is an instructor with Dueling Arts International and associate faculty with Theatrical Intimacy Education. He is also a member of the Society of American Fight Directors, Fight Director’s Canada, and the British Academy of Dramatic Combat. He has worked at the Stratford Festival of Ontario, all over the UK, and regionally in the US from Michigan to South Dakota. Currently he is a professor of Stage Combat at the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University, and certified instructor of the Chubbuck Technique.

Monica Dickhens

Monica is thrilled be back at STAGES after having worked on Always Patsy Cline (Westport), A Chorus Line, and Million Dollar Quartet. National Tours: Sister Act, American Idiot, Legally Blonde, The Color Purple, Camelot (Lou Diamond Phillips), Peter Pan (Cathy Rigby), Jesus Christ Superstar (Carl Anderson). Regional tours: Fiddler, Evita, Showboat, 7 Brides/7 Brothers, Annie. Other regional: Tuacahn Amphitheatre, McCoy-Rigby Entertainment, Deaf West, the MUNY, New Jewish Theatre, Upstream. Love to family/friends in St. Louis, MO! Proud member AEA.