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THE PROM
September 6 - October 13, 2024
The Cast
Cast Bios
ARRI TOSHIKO GLENN (Emma Nolan) (she/they) is thrilled to be participating in her first Berkeley Playhouse production! Arri recently graduated with her BFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee this past May. She was most recently seen in roles including Lucy Grant in Bright Star (The Music Company Arts Castro Valley) and Olive's Mom/ Female Swing in Spelling Bee (Boston Conservatory at Berklee). Arri wants to thank her family and friends for their continued love and support! IG: @arrisafari19 Website: arritoshiko.com
ALESHANI ALTAN (Alyssa Green) (she/he) is overjoyed to take part in her first Berkeley Playhouse production. Some of his favorite previous roles have included Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Ohlone Summerfest), and Wendla in Spring Awakening (BareStage Productions). She would like to thank her family, friends, and boyfriend for their love and support.
TAYLOR BARTOLUCCI (Dee Dee Allen) is thrilled to be back at Berkeley Playhouse after a 7-year hiatus. She was last seen on the BPH stage in Billy Elliot (Mrs. Wilkinson), The Addams Family (Morticia) and Hairspray (Velma Von Tussle). She is the co-Founder and Artistic/Casting Director of Lucky Penny Productions in Napa and has been fortunate to work with many wonderful companies across the SF Bay Area as an actress, director, choreographer, costume, property and sound designer. Other favorite roles include Alice Murphy (Bright Star), Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Mama Rose (Gypsy), Funny Girl (Fanny Brice), and more. Special thanks to her village who made this possible, and love to Rocco + G.
DC SCARPELLI (Barry Glickman) (he/him) was seen at BPH in Big!, Becoming Robin Hood, and Head Over Heels. He is often to be found on stage with his husband, Peter Budinger, with whom he’s written and directed some plays, won some awards, and appeared in many, many productions over the past 30 years. This (and every) show is for Peter. Ditto for Robert (Memory eternal!). DC has been a recipient of the Theatre Bay Area, Shellie, and Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards for Lead Actor.
MARY KALITA (Angie Dickenson) is excited to return to Berkeley Playhouse after previously appearing in Pippin (Fastrada) and Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood)! Other favorite Bay Area credits: Ruthless (Judy Denmark) NCTC; Kinky Boots (Trish), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey – SFBATCC award/TBA nomination), Rocky Horror (Columbia), Reefer Madness (Placard Girl), The Who’s Tommy (Sally Simpson) Ray of Light Theatre; Cabaret (Frenchie) SF Playhouse; Grease (Rizzo) CCMT; Guys & Dolls (Miss Adelaide), Cats (Bombalurina), A Chorus Line (Val), Gypsy (June) Broadway by the Bay; Legally Blonde (Brooke Wyndham), and Singin’ in the Rain (Lina Lamont) Diablo Theatre Company; Chicago (Velma Kelly) CMTSJ Marquee Productions. Mary holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University.
JARON VESELY (Trent Oliver) (any/all) is grateful to be back at Berkeley Playhouse after making magic happen as Houdini in the Playhouse's 2018 production of Ragtime. Recent credits include The Trees (Z Space), Fun Home (42nd Street Moon), Chess in Concert (Moon), and Sweeney Todd (Hillbarn Theater). New York credits: Awesome ‘80s Prom, Fabulous Pink Flamingos (Bistro Award Winner) and bare (Associate Director). Regional: Crazy for You (Ogunquit Playhouse), Meet John Doe (Goodspeed Opera House), The Buddy Holly Story (Foothills Theater). TV/Film: "Gossip Girl". Original Recording: Coming to My Senses. NYU Grad. Endless thanks to Josh - without his support I'd never have the courage to follow my dreams.
JON-DAVID RANDLE* (Mr. Hawkins) Bio coming soon.
ANDREA DENNISON-LAUFER (Mrs. Greene) (she/her) is overjoyed to be back at Berkeley Playhouse for The Prom! Last seen here as Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime. She was a member of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s artistic intern ensemble. Past roles: Star to Be- Annie, Ariel- Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut- Avenue Q (Berkeley Playhouse), Pat- Kinky Boots and Miss Hedge- Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Ray of Light Theater), Christmas Past- Scrooge in Love, Lizzie Curry- 110 in the Shade, and Ginger- Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (42nd Street Moon), Hannah- Disney’s Freaky Friday (Center Repertory Company), and Charlotte Lucas- Pride and Prejudice (Milwaukee Repertory Theater). Thank you Fairy Godmother ;)
BILLY RAPHAEL (Sheldon Sapperstein) most recently performed at the Berkeley Playhouse as Mr Price in Kinky Boots, Friar Tuck in Becoming Robin Hood, Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, Alexandros in Mama Mia. Uncle Henry/Guard in Wizard of Oz & Drake in Annie. Recent performances include Nathan Detroit in Guys n Dolls and Ali Hakim in Oklahoma @ Altarena Playhouse and George in Billy Eliot @ The Berkeley Playhouse. Other Bay Area performances include Smee in Peter Pan @ Berkeley Playhouse, Tall Brother in Drowsy Chaperone, Louie in Lost in Yonkers, Marvin in Bleacher Bums, and Wilson in Harvey @ CCCT, Sir Toby in Twelfth Night and Chebutykin in Kill the Debbie Downers @ Shotgun Players, Zeller in Sound of Music and Charlie Cowell in Music Man @ CCMT, & Audrey II puppeteer in Ray of Light's Little Shop. Also performed in Pinole Community Player's Godspell & Rent, Gypsy @ Downtown Theatre, Bay Area Musical's La Cage. Would like to thank my Megan and Baby Rey Rey for all the love and support.
DEDRA TUFON (Kaylee), a multifaceted talent, holds the esteemed title of Ms. Black California 2024 and is known as a Japanese TV personality, marathon runner, and fashion enthusiast. Her versatile performances on stage and screen captivate audiences, reflecting her depth and authenticity as an actor. With a magnetic presence and commitment to excellence, Dedra is excited to bring "Kaylee" to life!
KAELI SHAW (Shelby) (she/her) is excited to participate in her first Berkeley Playhouse production! Born and raised in San Francisco, Kaeli attended Ruth Asawa School of The Arts for musical theater where she played Baker’s Wife from Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods, Inga in Young Frankenstein, Lola in Damn Yankees and Margot in Legally Blonde among others. She has also been seen as Lucy in Woodside Community Theater’s production of Brightstar and sings professionally at events across Northern California with corporate bands. She is so incredibly grateful for all her family and friends who have supported her along her journey!
NICO JAOCHICO (Nick) Bio coming soon.
JONCARLO SALINAS-TOGNETTI (Kevin) (he/him) is thrilled to be in his first Berkeley Playhouse production. He recently played Dick Wilkins in A Christmas Carol at the Walnut Creek Lesher Center for the Arts and Dean Hyde in Diablo Valley Community college’s production of All Shook Up. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support and love.
BEN LAUING (Motel Clerk / Coach / Ensemble) is elated and very grateful to be back at Berkeley Playhouse for The Prom. Local credits include Rent (Gordon, The Man, u/s Roger) here at Berkeley Playhouse, The Boys in the Band (Harold) at Pacifica Spindrift Players, and Rent (Steve, Squeegieman) at Palo Alto Players. A Bay Area native, Ben grew up performing at the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre before continuing his training at American Conservatory Theater and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He is a graduate of Stanford University and UC Berkeley.
SHELLY MCDOWELL (Olivia Keating / Ensemble) (she/her) is ecstatic to be making her debut at Berkeley Playhouse! Favorite roles include Val in Pal Joey (Altarena Playhouse), Brooke in Legally Blonde (Tri-Valley Theatre Company), Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone (Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble), Morticia in The Addams Family (Pittsburg Theatre Company), Maria in The Sound of Music (Broadway Repertory Theater), and Cassie in A Chorus Line (Pinole Community Players). Shelly graduated from UC Irvine with a BA in Drama and was recently awarded two BroadwayWorld Awards for Best Performer in a Musical (Morticia, Addams Family) and Best Choreography of a Musical (The Drowsy Chaperone). She wishes to thank her family and friends for their love and support. Instagram: missshellbell12
HAZEL HORTON (Ensemble) (they/them/theyzel) is buzzing with joy to perform in their first MainStage production at Berkeley Playhouse! They have grown up in the BPH education department and have been working in as many positions as possible since they were finally old enough to be a part of the team. Fun facts: Hazel has 11 fingers and is studying Theater and Performance Studies at UC Berkeley with a focus in Stage Management and Production Management, with a little dancin' and clownin' around thrown in. They are a huge nerd. Hazel would like to thank friends, family and oat milk for supporting them, always.
JUSTIN SABINO (Ensemble) (he/him), musical theater performer and choreographer, is happy to make his Berkeley Playhouse debut! Credits: South Bay Musical Theatre (Angel-RENT), Woodminster Summer Musicals (Kansas-Gypsy), Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre (Eddie-Damn Yankees, Clopin-The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Graffiti Pete-In The Heights), and Center Repertory Company (Luke-Altar Boyz, Wells/Louie Snaps-Freaky Friday). Choreography credits: Landmark Musical Theatre (RENT), and Contra Costa Musical Theatre (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). Sabino is a teaching artist with Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre, and a recent graduate of the University of San Francisco, holding a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Gratitude to chosen family from LA to the Bay, and Steven for loving this unruly heart of mine.
MATEO URQUIDEZ (Ensemble) (he/him) is making his Berkeley Playhouse debut. Mateo has been seen in Into the Woods at Foothill Music Theatre, puppeteering Milky White the cow, as well as understudying, Jack, as well as Stephen Miller in Infinite Black Suitcase, under the same theatre company. Mateo Urquidez has also been seen in San Francisco State’s production of She Kills Monsters last spring, portraying the role of Orcus. Mateo would like to thank his family and friends for their unconditional support and love, and for being his biggest cheerleaders, both on and off the stage. (@mateourquidez on instagram).
KRISTINA JEWETT (Ensemble) (she/her) just graduated from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts in May, earning her BFA in Drama with a focus on Musical Theatre and Film/TV Acting. She is thrilled to be making her debut with Berkeley Playhouse in this show! Kristina recently made her 54 Below and Green Room 42 debuts in New York City, as well as filming a new pilot, alt., in Los Angeles, which is headed to the festival circuit this year. She sends all her love to Mom, Dad, Mich, Em, Jess, G, DM, and Mel, who she would be nowhere without. @kristinajewett, www.kristinajewett.com
JOHANNA (JOSIE) LINS (Teen Ensemble) (she/her) is seventeen years old and is in her senior year at Piedmont High School. She has performed with Berkeley Playhouse YouthStage for the past six years; recent playhouse production credits include YouthStage Rent (Mark), YouthStage Les Miserable (Fantine), and MainStage Becoming Robin Hood (Youth Ensemble). Josie plans to continue studying theater as well as business in college. She is grateful to her theater home here at BPH and hopes to stay connected as she transitions into the next stage of life.
OLIVIA REIF (Teen Ensemble) (she/her) is so excited to be a part of her first show at Berkeley Playhouse. She is a Senior at Woodside High School and has been performing in their shows for the past three years, including being in the ensemble & dance captain for Footloose and Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella: Enchanted Edition. She has been dancing with Academy of American Dance since she was 5 and has been in The Nutcracker 12 times, and most recently was a featured soloist (Arabian Coffee). She takes voice lessons with Rocío Guitard. She would like to thank her parents, brother, teachers, and friends for all of their support.
MATTHEW MAIER (Teen Ensemble) (he/him) is very excited to be making his Berkeley Playhouse debut in The Prom. Recently Matthew has appeared as Friedrich in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Rolf in The Sound of Music both at Youth Musical Theatre Company. He has also recently been in American Conservatory Theatre’s High School Cabaret Program. Other credits include Bobby Strong in Urinetown and Emmet Forrest in Legally blonde: The Musical both at I Can Do That Theatre Company. He’s glad you’re here and hopes you enjoy the show.
GABRIEL (GABE) SHUM (Teen Ensemble) is a senior at El Cerrito High School, president and founder of the ECHS Musical Theatre Club and captain of the Gaucho Dance Company. He is a California Arts Scholar who started his musical theater journey here at the Berkeley Playhouse 2 years ago. He has been featured in RENT as Collins, Les Misérables as Marius, The Addams family Musical as Uncle Fester, and Footloose as Willard. He also plans on pursuing a career in musical theater and screen acting in the future!
ELYSIA OLIQUIANO (Teen Ensemble) is making her debut on the Berkeley Playhouse MainStage. Last April, Elysia was in our TeenStage’s Rent as Mimi. Since the age of eight, Elysia has performed with Bay Area Children’s Theatre; most recently in their Advanced Performers’ Xanadu Jr. as Kira. Elysia was also in California High School’s Macbeth as the Third Witch. You may have also recently seen Elysia in the first episode of the Apple TV+ series, The Last Thing He Told Me as The Girl. Elysia is grateful to her family for their love and support, and would like to thank those involved in The Prom for making this a memorable experience. IG: @elysia_o
CHLOE IIDA (Teen Ensemble) (she/her) is thrilled to be performing in her first Berkeley Playhouse MainStage show! Chloe has participated in Berkeley Playhouse YouthStage for the past five years including last summer’s Spotlight Show Mean Girls and recent highlights Newsies (Finch), Rent (Maureen), Les Miserables (Fantine), and Footloose (Rusty). Before joining YouthStage, Chloe performed in several productions with the Bay Area Children’s Theater. Chloe is a junior at Bishop O’Dowd High School where she is a member of the dance team. She would like to thank her family, friends, and the Berkeley Playhouse team for all their support.
LEVI KIM (Teen Ensemble) (he/him) has been in a number of shows over his time in high school. Some of his recent roles include Olivia in Athenian High School’s Twelfth Night and the Prince in California Academy of Performing Art’s production of The Nutcracker. Additionally, he has assisted in choreographing and directing Athenian High School’s productions of The Addams Family and Clue. He would like to thank his family as well as Berkeley Playhouse for the opportunity to be a part of The Prom.
*Member of Actor’s Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
What is a Pay What You Can performance?
Berkeley Playhouse presents one Pay What you Can performance for each of our productions. This promotion is cash only at the door - no reservations required. Seating is general admission. We suggest a donation of $20, but can accept a minimum of $5. The box office will open at 6pm on the night of the performance to begin the sale of Pay What You Can tickets. There is a limit of 6 tickets per purchaser.
