Note from the Directors:
There’s something incredible about watching a child discover the magic of theatre. They all come to class on the first day eager and ready to go; some of them having never even set foot on a stage before while others are seasoned pros. Week by week they learn lines, master blocking, play games and participate in workshops. They form unbreakable bonds and build a show together, growing more confident in themselves every step of the way, and to be able to have been even a small part of their journey is such an honor.
We’ve gotten to know each of these kids over the past few months and to say we are proud of the people and performers they’ve become is an understatement. They’ve been such a joy to direct and their enthusiasm for the show and their love and encouragement for each other reminds me of why we fell in love with theatre in the first place.
Singin’ in the Rain is such an iconic show. Everyone knows the famous image of Gene Kelly swinging around a lamp post and the intricate tap dancing of Moses Supposes. It’s a part of the golden age of musical theatre and one of the shows that paved the way for the shows that are being produced today. My hope for this show is that the audience is able to escape the troubles and cares of the real world for a couple of hours and just be able to experience the hopes and dreams of these characters. I hope that from the moment the lights go down to the last bow that you’re able to put everything aside and experience the magic of theatre through the eyes of children. Honestly, what could be better than dressing up and playing pretend with your friends?
We want to thank the cast and creative team for the hard work and dedication they’ve given to this production and to you the audience for believing in the magic that theatre can make. Enjoy the show!
Heather Arnold and Wendy Oesterle
Cast Bios
Kaitlyn Black (Zelda) has been doing theater for 10 years. In her free time she likes to read and cosplay. Kaitlyn hopes you enjoy the show!
Talya Branyon (Ensemble) is 15 years old. She is a sophmore in highschool. Her favorite roles include: Father Christmas (Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe). In her free time she enjoys time with her family, animals, and reading. She would like to thank the cast and crew as well as her family: mother, father, sisters, and her dog Sunshine.
Jaina Campbell (Ensemble) is 16 and in the last semester of 11th grade. She has been in multiple The Stage Camps, Shows, and Classes as well as several Compass productions, She has played roles such as Dorothy Parker and a Stenog Tapper in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Starky in Peter Pan, Coach Dunbar in Footloose, Fenris Ulf in The Lion The Witch And the Wardrobe, The Narrator In Into The Woods Jr, Gill in Finding Nemo Jr and a Featured Dancer in James and the Giant Peach Jr. She is very enthusiastic about Musical Theatre and Art in many different forms and is looking to pursue Musical Theatre as a career. When not on stage you can probably find her gaming, crocheting, or trying to learn a new skill. Whether that be sewing, gymnastics or anything that might pique her interest, she is always down to try something. Enjoy The Show!!
Chloe Clark (Ensemble) is 12 years old and is excited to be performing in Singin’ in the Rain. Chloe started performing when she was eight years old as Monkey #3 in It’s a Jungle Out There. Her favorite role was Mrs. Claus in The Littlest Reindeer. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, horseback riding, and playing with her dog. She would like to thank the cast and crew members as well as her family. Chloe would like to particularly thank her best friend , Camryn, for always being supportive of her. Enjoy the show!
Isaiah Crews (Ensemble) is excited to be in his second performance ever! He previously performed in Newsies as a child newsie this past summer! In his free time, Isaiah enjoys reading and playing video games. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Zoey Crews (Ensemble) is a 14 year old girl who loves singing, acting, and all things theater. In the past, Zoey has been in productions such as Matilda Jr, Into the Woods Jr, Newsies, and now Singing in the Rain Jr! When she's not doing theater, Zoey loves reading, writing, drawing, and crocheting. She is very excited for this performance.
Hannah Davis (Miss Dinsmore) is performing in her first show ever! She is good at singing and loves to act. She loves telling jokes and goofing off with her friends.
Olivia Dennis (Ensemble) is excited for another performance with Compass Community. She is 14 years old and in 9th grade. She loves singing and dancing and has recently performed in Newsies, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Into the Woods, Jr. . She hopes you enjoy this production of Singin’ in the Rain and invites you to come watch Space Princess Wars next month!
Georgia Kane (Lina Lamont), 17, is beyond excited for her first musical theatre show! Despite being new to musical theatre itself, Georgia has always loved performing, whether it was church plays, theatre classes at Compass, or even community theatre. Some of her favorite previous roles include Mrs. Malaprop (On the Boardwalk), Susan Pevensie (The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe), and Miss Brill (Cheaper by the Dozen). Georgia would like to extend a huge ‘thank-you’ to the cast and crew for the incredible opportunity to be a part of this amazing show. Enjoy!
Coleman McTavish (Dexter) is excited to be performing in Singin’ in the Rain and is reasonably new to acting. Coleman is enjoying acting a lot and will definitely be in next year’s show. Entering the immersive experience of getting into character is what he enjoys the most.
Scarlett Mobley (Dora Bailey) also known as Lettie, is an aspiring actor and wants to be in the entertainment industry in the future. Scarlett is physically the strongest in her family, being able to carry 7 groceries bags into the house and is working on being able to carry 12. She forces her sister to train with her for moral support.
Jacob Oesterle (Don Lockwood) is sixteen years old and thrilled to be performing the role of Don Lockwood. Having begun acting at the age of five as Toto in the Wizard of Oz, Jacob's favorite roles include Mr. Wormwood (Matilda Jr.), Ladhalord (James and the Giant Peach Jr.), and Bruce (Finding Nemo Jr.) In his free time, Jacob enjoys reading, writing, and dueling his mortal enemies on a cliffside during sunset. He'd like to thank all his family and friends for their unwavering support and dedication, and he hopes that you enjoy the show!
Penelope Oesterle (Ensemble) is an eighth grader with a deep love of theater. She is very excited to be performing on stage again with all her friends. She would like to thank her directors and family and hopes you enjoy the show.
Malcolm Plummer (Cosmo) is performing in his three millionth show (that was an exaggeration). He is fourteen and in the eighth grade. He started performing for this class because he loves to act and perform. Some fun facts about Malcolm are he plays clarinet, and his front teeth are fake. Some of his favorite roles are Buttons (Newsies), Jack (Into the Woods), and Michael (Mary Poppins). “I would like to thank my friends, Ms. Wendy, and Ms. Heather for putting up with my shenanigans. I hope you enjoy the show!”
Fred Reifsteck (R.F. Simpson) is a 16 year old high school student who is excited to be performing in Singin’ in the Rain for you. He has previously performed in The Music Man, Godspell, and Into the Woods Jr. He would like to thank his parents and teachers, and he hopes you enjoy the show.
Genevieve Romano (Ensemble) has been doing theatre since she was 5. In her free time she likes to draw, sing, read, and paint. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Bunny Rupers (Kathy Seldon) is 18 years old and a senior in high school. She is an owner and fosterer of exotic animals, a competitive Model UN Debate title holder, and a lover of all bugs (She dedicates her performance to all of her wonderful snakes, spiders, scorpion, lizard, turtle, and mantis). She has been doing theatre since 2009, and aside from community theatre, Bunny was a featured extra in Season 2 of Stranger Things, which remains one of her favorite acting experiences to this day. After graduation, she will continue her musical theatre journey with America Music Abroad's Stars and Stripes tour of Europe this June. She cannot wait to see what the future holds for her theatre journey, and she feels incredibly blessed to have had the opportunities she has experienced thus far. Please enjoy the show, and remember that it's dangerous to go alone!
Elanor Smolko (Roz) is so excited to be performing in her first show with Compass Community! While this is her first time on the stage for a show, she has worked backstage for Compass performances previously. In addition to working tech, she also has performed in other capacities, such as aerial silks. Elanor is in tenth grade at Compass and has been involved in various leadership roles for the past several years. She is so excited to bring this show to life and share this story with her community.
Did you enjoy the show?
Make sure to come see the next production from the Compass Theatre Program: Space Princess Wars
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