BrightenAcademy_Program.indd

Performances: May 7 @ 3 pm & 7 pm

May 8 @ 7 pm May 9 @ 7 pm

Director: Toni Aybar Assistant Director: Pamela Scherer Choreographer/Dance Instructor: Alexander Aybar Music Directors: Debbi Leptrone, Mendi Wittwer, Sharon Young Stage Managers: Jazmine Asare, Lili Posey Costume Designers: Lucy Reyes, Michelle Sparrow Set Design/Construction: Jeffrey Aybar, Toni Aybar, Jamie Pace, Lucy Reyes, Marc Scherer, Pamela Scherer, Tom Schuber, Tim Sword Props Masters: Christina Craton, Claudia Navarro, Lucy Reyes Technical Directors/Sound Technicians: Jeffrey Aybar, Axel Mercado, Tajuan White Graphic Artist: Sharon Coipel Administrative Assistant: Helen Pace Drama Boosters: Bobbi Fortner, Nadra Lord, Melissa Torres

ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA THE MUSICAL Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Six years ago, my family and I settled into our seats at The Fox Theatre and waited for the show to begin. We were seeing “Matilda the Musical”, and while I had some familiarity with the book by Roald Dahl and the movie, I was not yet familiar with the stage adaptation. Going into a show with little to no expectation is a beautiful thing; I’ve seldom been disappointed and often found new favorites. This was no exception. We fell in love with the story, the music, the set…and “Matilda” was suddenly at the top of our lists of favorite shows. Fast forward to 2020, when “Matilda The Musical Jr.” became available for licensing. At Brighten we have always done Jr. versions of shows, both because of rehearsal time restrictions and the fact that they are modified for middle school voices (rather than the full-length Broadway versions that are written for adults). I ordered the script preview and immediately decided that we would not be producing the show on the Brighten stage. The adaptation lost the personality and richness of some of the main characters and I would rather not tell the story than tell it in a way that I felt was less than it deserved. And then the stars aligned. Through completely unexpected events, we suddenly had the production team and cast that would allow us to produce the Broadway version of Matilda on the Brighten stage – our first full length show ever. The cast and crew have worked incredibly hard over the last five months to bring this story and these characters to life and I could not be more proud of these people and this show. Our cast is comprised of 5th-8th graders who have taken on the roles and responsibilities of adult performers and they have exceeded our expectations, finding the heart of the characters and making us fall in love with them over and over again. We hope you love it as much as we do. This is a story that needs to be told. It is at times funny, at times dark, at time heartbreaking, and always breathtakingly powerful. It has a message of strength, perseverance, the power of love, and the responsibility that we all have to change our own destinies – no matter your age. I couldn’t say it better than Matilda herself: “Just because you find that life’s not fair it Doesn’t mean that you just have to grin and bear it. If you take it on the chin and wear it You might as well be saying you think that it’s okay

And that’s not right. And if it’s not right You have to put it right.

But nobody else is gonna put it right for me. Nobody but me is gonna change my story. Sometimes you have to be a little naughty. “ May we all find the courage to be a little bit naughty and put our story right.

Toni Aybar Director

Toni Aybar, Director

Toni teaches Theater Arts at Brighten Academy and is the Director of Brighten Broadway. She founded the theater program in 2013 and has since produced and directed 13 shows at Brighten. Her heart is made happy by working with these amazing kids. She would like to thank the administration at Brighten for allowing her the artistic freedom to tell these stories, the incredibly talented and dedicated production team who make the vision become a reality, the Drama Booster team that keeps her sane, and also her wonderfully creative family, who not only support her sacrifices of time (and clean laundry) but support the program in creative and technical roles. She hopes you find the beauty in the story of Matilda and enjoy the talents of the cast and crew family! Credits include: A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol, Alice in Zombieland, The Snow Queen, The Aristocats, Tiny Tim’s Christmas, Peter Pan, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Junie B Jones, Willy Wonka, Robin Hood, Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Hamlet and now Matilda.

Alexander Aybar, Choreographer Alexander Aybar, 20, is an actor and director, as well as a rising double major in both the B.A. Film and Media and B.I.S. Theatre (Acting Concentration) degree programs at Georgia State University. Alex has been involved in every production Brighten Broadway has put on, either on the stage while attending BACS or as part of the creative team in high school and beyond. He has starred in 32 different productions as an actor, with roles including Marius in Les Miserables, Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and The Beast in Beauty and the Beast. Alex is a worship leader at The Journey at DFUMC, and is also the founder and executive director of The OutCast Co, an upcoming non-profit theatre company for collegiate students and young adults dedicated to inclusion and amplifying LGBT stories. He is an advocate for mental health awareness and believes theatre has the power to change lives. In his incredibly rare free time, he enjoys napping, Waffle House (a little too much), horror movies, and playing his keyboard. He'd like to thank his family for their support in his art, Arrik for putting up with it all, and the maggots for continuously exceeding his high expectations for performance. He hopes you find the show revolting :)

Pamela Scherer, Assistant Director Pamela has been with Brighten Broadway for over 6 years as the Assistant Director. She has previously worked on Tiny Tims Christmas, Peter Pan, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Willy Wonka, Junie B Jones, Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins and Hamlet. In addition to being the AD she has worked on many aspects of the productions such as set design, set setup, choreography and many more. Pamela is also the Student Services & Health Monitor here at BACS. Theater has always been a part of her life, attending with her parents since she was four years old. She even got engaged at a performance of Les Miserable at Fisher Theater in Detroit, Michigan. She didn’t realize how deep the love of theater ran until Toni Aybar asked her to help with Brighten Broadway all those years ago, rekindling the joy. She loves working with our amazing students and the fabulous Brighten Broadway team. Sharon Young, Music Director Sharon is the director of Middle School Chorus and Elementary Music at Brighten. Sharon has over 30 years of artistry experience and a passion for teaching children the arts and life lessons through the arts. Before relocating to Atlanta, Sharon was an instructor of Voice, Ensemble and Ear Training at the world renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Her desire to teach was a result of her extensive experience as a vocalist, lead theatrical performer on Broadway and throughout the world in television, film, commercials, and print media. Sharon has performed in Broadway’s “The Lion King” (Nala), Tony Award Winning “Ragtime” in the US and Canada productions. She has appeared on the Daytime Emmy Award Winning “All My Children”, “Sunset Beach” and “Becker”. Mendi Wittwer, Music Director Mendi has previously worked on Peter Pan, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Willy Wonka, Junie B Jones, Little Mermaid, Robin Hood and Mary Poppins. Mendi has had the extreme privilege and honor of working with BACS students for the past 5 years, both in the classroom and through extra-curricular activities. She is abundantly grateful for the opportunity to work with the extraordinarily talented, hardworking students of the Brighten Broadway program. Their dedication to this production had brought her much joy and happiness. “Here’s to the Best show yet!”. Debbi Leptrone, Music Director Debbi has previously worked on Aristocats, Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins at Brighten Broadway. She has been a music teacher, teaching at various levels K-12 for 21 years. She loves sharing her passion for music and live theater with students of all ages. It’s been a blessing to her to come from Paulding County to work with the talented students at Brighten in their theatrical pursuits.

Evan Aybar, Characterization Evan is an alumni of Brighten Broadway and continued his theater adventures through high school. He is now finishing his first year at Georgia State University and has spent part of his semester working with the students of Brighten Academy on character acting (his personal favorite). Evan knows how much work and dedication these students put into this show, so he hopes that everyone who comes to see Matilda enjoys the show. (Insert Matilda line for comedic effect)!

Michelle Sparrow, Costumer Michelle has previously worked on Willy Wonka, Junie B. Jones, Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, and Hamlet. Michelle has enjoyed sewing since high school. During college at the University of Central Florida, Michelle joined the costuming team for the Orlando Shakespeare Theater (originally founded as the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival), learning theatrical costuming under Sandria Reese of the Royal Shakespeare Theater at Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Michelle worked with Orlando Shakespeare Theater for five seasons. When her children were attending BACS, she began working with the Brighten Broadway and her passion for costuming was reignited. Lucy Reyes, Costumes/Props Lucy has previously worked on Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, and Hamlet. She has been a Brighten parent for the past 6 years and loves volunteering in just about anything. That is how she discovered a love for theater where she can use her creativity in so many ways. She loves giving life to things and helping the students shine on stage. She also loves Brighten so much that she is now working at BACS as the receptionist. “Thank you, Juan, Emma, and Liam for supporting all the time I put into all those special projects.”.

Claudia Navarro, Props (AKA Lucy’s Minion, Bob the Builder) Claudia has worked on Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, and Hamlet. She is a Brighten parent. Claudia lends her talents to all departments, wherever help is needed. She loves being a part of the production team. Claudia thanks her family for their support.

Axel Mercado, Sound Tech, 7 th grade This is Axel’s first Brighten Broadway production. Axel is working in the sound field and is extremely excited about Matilda. He enjoys taking care of his sister and loves his family. Special thanks to mom, dad, and Stacey.

Jazmine Asare, Stage Manager, 7 th grade This is Jazmine’s first production with Brighten Broadway. She is one of the stage managers. She is excited about helping the cast and wants to help make this a great play!

Lili Posey, Stage Manager, 8 th grade This is Lili’s first Brighten production. She is one of the stage managers. Lili enjoys hanging out with her family and baking. She is going to Chapel Hill High School in the Fall and hopes to continue participating in plays.

Act 1:

Miracle - KIDS, PARENTS, DOCTOR, MRS. WORMWOOD, MR. WORMWOOD, MATILDA, ENSEMBLE Naughty - MATILDA Acrobat Story 1 - ACROBAT, ESCAPOLOGIST School Song - KIDS, MATILDA, ENSEMBLE Pathetic - MS. HONEY The Hammer - TRUNCHBULL, MS. HONEY, KIDS, MATILDA, ENSEMBLE Naughty Reprise - MATILDA Chokey Chant - KIDS, MATILDA, ENSEMBLE Loud - MRS. WORMWOOD, RUDOLPHO, COMPETITIVE DANCERS This Little Girl - MS. HONEY Bruce - KIDS, MATILDA, ENSEMBLE All I Know - MR. WORMWOOD When I Grow Up - KIDS, MATILDA, MS. HONEY, ENSEMBLE I'm So Clever - MR. WORMWOOD Acrobat Story (I'm Here) - ESCAPOLOGIST, MATILDA The Smell of Rebellion - TRUNCHBULL, KIDS, MATILDA, MS. HONEY Quiet - MATILDA My House - MS HONEY, ESCAPOLOGIST Revolting Children - KIDS, MATILDA, ENSEMBLE Priyatna Paznakomitsa - SERGEI Bows - COMPANY Act 2:

Synopsis:

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award- winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other's lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace! Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda is a joyous kid power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

A Few Things to Remember… • Any recording of this production is strictly prohibited. • No flash photography. • Please turn off your cell phone. • Keep aisles clear. • Please step outside with crying children. • There will be a 20 minute intermission between Acts I and Acts II. • Bathrooms are located outside the gym doors. Mens is to the right and womens is down the hall and to the left. • Concessions are located in the atrium.

CAST LIST MATILDA WORMWOOD/BIG KID………………………………………..….…Molly Wallis/Riley Whitmire AGATHA TRUNCHBULL/BIG KID…………………………...................................Chidi Eziakor/Ellison Lord JENNIFER HONEY/BIG KID…………………………………………….……………………. Ariana Lankford MR. WORMWOOD/BIG KID………………………………...………….………. Brady Pace/Nathaniel Reaves MRS. WORMWOOD/BIG KID……………………………………………..……….....................Christina Kalos MICHAEL WORMWOOD……………………………………………………………....…………...Gabe Taylor LAVENDER/BIG KID……………………………………………............................Abby Dickinson/Bella Finan BRUCE…………………………………………………………………………….………...……Judah Anderson NIGEL……………………………………………………………………………………...………. Charlie Smith TOMMY…………………………………………………………………………..…………………Stephon Arce ERIC………………………………………………………………………………..………………Cristian Torres AMANDA.………………………………………………………………………………...……...Makayla Gibson ALICE…………………………………………………………………………………….………….... Asia Curry HORTENSIA…………………………………………………………………...……………….…...Payton Baker MRS. PHELPS/ENTERTAINER/BIG KID…………………………...................Ellie Gillespie/Rachel Saunders RUDOLPHO/ESCAPOLOGIST.……………………………………………………....…...……Madison Hackett ACROBAT/ENSEMBLE…………………………………………………………………...…………. Laura Pino SERGEI/ENSEMBLE….…………………………………………………………...........……. Sebastian Hidalgo HENCHMEN/ENSEMBL.………………………………………………...….….... Kaitlyn Rainey, Kelli Rainey DOCTOR…………………………………………………………………………...........…….……...Ellison Lord NURSE/ENSEMBLE…………………………………………………...…………............………. Jessica Sexton COMPETITIVE DANCERS/ENSEMBLE……………………………..….........…. Sophia Hidalgo, Gabi Jacob, Sofia Navarro, Jordyn Surrell, Kaylee White, Golden Williams JUDGE/ENSEMBLE…………………………………………......…………………..……….……Haley Hatfield COOK/ENSEMBLE…………………………………....…………...…...……………………...Victoria Cardenas MECHANIC/ENSEMBLE…………………….……………………...………...…………..………...T.J. Pulliam ENSEMBLE……………………………....………….Adelyn Bright, Kayla Durham, Gwen Kalos, Mila Hollon, Emma Reyes, Noemi Ruiz, Milan White DANCE CAPTAIN………………………………………………………………..………………...Kaylee White

The Cast of Matilda The Musical

Listed in Alphabetical Order

Judah Anderson ( Bruce ), 7 th grade This is Judah’s fifth production at Brighten (Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, Hamlet). He won “Rookie of the Year” in his debut performance as Flounder in the Little Mermaid which fueled his passion for acting. He strives to go above and beyond in every play. He has had an amazing journey at Brighten and still has more to come!

Stephon Arce ( Tommy ), 5 th grade Stephon is making his debut with Brighten Broadway. He loves to dance and has taken hip-hop dance classes for several years. He loves making friends and seeing how talented his classmates are. Stephon has two movies coming out later this year and is excited to grow his new-found love for theater. Special thanks to Mrs. Aybar, Mrs. Reyes, and his mother for believing in him and encouraging him to believe in himself.

Payton Baker ( Hortensia ), 7 th grade This is Payton’s fifth production at BACS (Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, Hamlet). Payton likes to participate in softball and other acting activities. She would like to continue drama in the future. Thank you to Ms. Young for the support and the courage.

Adelyn Bright ( Ensemble ), 5 th grade Adelyn is making her theater debut. However, she is no newbie to the stage as she has previously been a member of a competition cheer team. Adelyn enjoys spending her free time playing softball, and playing with her birds, Hawk and Harmony. She would like to thank her mom and her father for helping her get into musical theater.

Victoria Cardenas ( Cook/Ensemble ), 6 th grade This is Victoria’s first production with Brighten. She is a singer, actor and will be going to Chapel Hill High School in the future. She hopes to become a prosecutor/lawyer one day. Her main goal is to become a soccer player and make her parents and family proud.

Asia Curry ( Alice ), 7 th grade This is Asia’s fourth production with Brighten Broadway (Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Hamlet). She loves everything about the program. It’s almost her last year at Brighten and she wants to make the most amazing memories with the cast. Her favorite thing about the program is the wonderful people you get to meet along the way!

Abigail Dickinson ( Lavender/Big Kid ), 5 th grade Abigail is making her Brighten Broadway debut! She enjoys singing and spending time with her family and friends. Abigail is excited to play Lavender. Thanks to everyone who came to see her perform!

Kayla Durham ( Ensemble ), 6 th grade This is Kayla’s third production at BACS (Mary Poppins, Hamlet). Kayla loves to sing and dance. Thank you to all of my family, teachers, and friends for believing in me. I love you all!

Chidi Eziakor ( Agatha Trunchbull/Big Kid ), 7 th grade This is Chidi’s second play (Hamlet) at Brighten. Prior to that he was on the tech crew (Mary Poppins). Chidi is delighted to be playing the role of Agatha Trunchbull. He plays the alto saxophone. Chidi enjoys drama and hopes to continue performing. His goal is to have a role in the next production.

Bella Finan ( Lavender/Big Kid ), 7 th grade Bella was born in the epicenter of US theater – New York City. Infused with the spirit of NY theater, this will be Bella’s fifth Brighten Broadway production (Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, Hamlet) and has worked as an extra on shows. Bella has attended Brighten since kindergarten. She hopes to go to a great high school with a strong theater program and plans to study acting in college. She loves Corn Flakes, Olivia Rodrigo, and French Bulldogs.

MaKayla Gibson ( Amanda ), 7 th grade This is MaKayla’s fourth production at Brighten (Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Hamlet). Her debut in Little Mermaid woke up her love and passion for drama and music. She is an amazing big sister to younger siblings Morgan and MJ who both her to prepare for her current role. She enjoys drama, chorus, and her hobby of creating all kinds of wacky slime. She is supported by her loving parents Martez and April Gibson.

Ellie Gillespie ( Mrs. Phelps/Entertainer/Big Kid ), 7 th grade This is Ellie’s second production at BACS (Little Mermaid). Her favorite part about drama is taking characters and trying to bring them to life and also the times she gets to spend with the friends that support her. She enjoys singing, playing instruments, and playing with her dogs. She thanks everyone who had contributed to the making of this production and the time and energy they spend to make it a success. She also thanks her dad, mom, siblings, and her grandparents PaPa and Marmee for their unconditional love and support.

Madison Hackett ( Rudolpho/Escapologist ), 7 th grade This is Madison’s third production (Mary Poppins, Hamlet). Madison has a passion for singing and acting. She enjoys activities such as singing, dancing, playing softball, and a lot more. What Madison enjoys most about drama is the friends you make along the way and the supportive environment that they create as a cast. Thank you to everyone for believing in me even when I couldn’t.

Haley Hatfield ( Judge/Ensemble ), 8 th grade Haley is making her acting debut at BACS. Prior to this show she has been on the tech crew (Hamlet). One of her favorite things about drama is that she gets to make many new bonds with so many people and express herself in many ways. Her special interests include swimming and playing guitar. She’d like to thank her family for all their support.

Sebastian Hidalgo ( Sergei/Ensemble ), 7 th grade This is Sebastian’s sixth production at Brighten. Sebastian’s first play was The Three Little Pigs in 2012 at a summer camp. From that point on Sebastian loved the arts. He is in BACS Rising Phoenix chorus. He will go to Chapel Hill High School in the future and will continue chorus there.

Sophia Hidalgo ( Competitive Dancer/Ensemble ), 6 th grade This is Sophia’s Brighten Broadway debut. Prior to this role she was a tech (Mary Poppins, Hamlet). Sophia loves the cast and how they are so welcoming and fun. She loves anything art related. She plays the guitar and ukulele. Sophia has a special place in her heart for animals. She loves being around friends and family. Thank you, mom, dad, brother, and friends, for showing support and love.

Mila Hollon ( Ensemble ), 5 th grade This is Mila’s debut. Despite not having been in a play before, Mila is giving it her all and is happy to be in a play here at BACS. Mila is passionate, enjoys reading and singing. She will make sure you are having a good day. When faced with a challenge she will make sure she succeeds. Mila has wanted to be in a Brighten Broadway play since the fourth grade. Thanks to mom, dad, and Elle. Thanks to her other family members who helped along the way.

Gabi Jacob ( Competitive Dancer/Ensemble ), 7 th grade This is Gabi’s first Brighten Production. Gabi enjoys baking and traveling. She loves the friends made and experiences had at BACS. Thanks to Mrs. Aybar and Tom Holland.

Christina Kalos ( Mrs. Wormwood/Big Kid ), 7 th grade This is Christina’s fourth production at Brighten (Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Hamlet). Christina has been dancing since she was four years old and discovered a passion for acting and musical theater early on. She has spent the last several years grabbing every opportunity to perform including BACS and community productions, summer camps, dance performances, and attending Destination Broadway led by Wicked’s Tiffany Haas. Christina is happiest when on stage and is thrilled to take on the role of Mrs. Wormwood! A huge thank you to the Brighten staff making this all possible.

Gwen Kalos ( Ensemble ), 5 th grade Gwen is making her BACS debut and is thrilled to be performing in this year’s production! In addition to singing and dancing, Gwen enjoys painting, drawing, and reading. Gwen will be attending Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum this summer to focus on STEM activities as she did last year.

Arianna Lankford ( Ms. Honey/Mom ), 7 th grade This is Arianna’s fifth production at BACS (Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, Hamlet). She is in chorus at Brighten and has been dancing for 11 years. What Arianna loves about drama is that being with the cast is like being with family. When you join drama you meet new people, and it feels like you’ve known them for years.

Ellison Lord ( Agatha Trunchbull/Doctor/Big Kid ), 8 th grade This will be Ellison’s sixth production wit Brighten Broadway (Junie B Jones, Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, Hamlet). He has also performed at Bright Star UMC Performing Arts Camp and is a member of the St. Paul Episcopal Church Youth Choir. Ellison is a budding pianist and vocalist and in his spare time manages his small business, El’s Books & More (www.ellisonlord.com)

Sofia Navarro ( Competitive Dancer/Ensemble ), 7 th grade This is Sofia’s fifth Brighten Broadway production (Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, Hamlet). Sofia plays the clarinet in Brighten’s Middle School intermediate band. She likes to bake, watch movies, and her favorite food is pasta. She would like to thank her mom, dad, Mrs. Lucy, and her friends (especially Torres) for being with her through this journey.

Brady Pace ( Mr. Wormwood/Big Kid ), 7 th grade Brady is excited to be in his 3 rd show on Brighten Broadway. His debut was in “Little Mermaid”. His most recent was as King Claudius in “Hamlet”. Brady also helped as a stage tech for “Mary Poppins”. Brady is a Boy Scout (First Class), a member of Brighten’s JROTC as well as the Junior Beta Club. His hobbies include listening to music and collecting vinyls, history, running and cycling. Brady is excited to be a part of the Matilda cast.

Laura Pino ( Acrobat/Mom 1/ Big Kid ), 8 th grade This is Laura’s 7 th production at Brighten (Willy Wonka, June B Jones, Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, Hamlet). She will be attending New Manchester High School in the fall for the FAME program. Laura loves making new friends every show and being a part of something bigger than herself. Thanks to her family, friends, and teachers for their help, as well as their support.

Terrence (T.J.) Pulliam ( Mechanic/Ensemble ), 6 th grade This is Terrence’s debut with Brighten Broadway. He is an actor with East Coast Talent Agency. He has been acting since age six and has been seen in commercials including Toyota, Boosterthon, Carter’s and Georgia Aquarium. He loves film and television and has been on projects including “Being Mary Jane”, “BMF”, and Disney’s “Just Beyond”. T.J. is fairly new to theater. He loves to play sports, especially basketball, and video games with friends.

Kaitlyn (KC) Rainey ( Henchmen/Ensemble ), 7 th grade This is KC’s fifth production with BACS (Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, Hamlet). She’s spending her last few productions at Brighten expanding her profile. She’s working to be in either the FAME program at New Manchester High school or the acting program at Alexander High School in the future.

Kelli Rainey ( Henchmen/Ensemble ), 6 th grade This is Kelli’s third production at Brighten (Mary Poppins, Hamlet). Kelli likes dancing, meeting new people, and her best friends Leah and Kayla. She’s thankful for them always being there. She is thankful to her dad and mom. Kelli hopes to get into Alexander High School in the future.

Nathaniel Reaves ( Mr. Wormwood/ Big Kid ), 8 th grade Nathan is making his BACS debut on the stage after being a tech (Hamlet). Nathan enjoys reading, collecting Funko Pops, and talking to friends. He sings in BACS Rising Phoenix chorus and sings classic rock songs for fun. He will be attending the IB Program at Douglas County High School in the Fall, where he will join their drama program. Special thanks to mom, dad, Mimi, Papa, Sebastian Hidalgo, Mrs. Reyes, Mrs. Young, and the cast and crew. Enjoy the show!

Emma Reyes ( Ensemble ), 5 th grade Emma is making her Brighten Broadway debut. She is however used to having hundreds of people watch her while playing softball. Emma enjoys being active. In her free time Emma likes playing softball. She would like to thank her mom and dad for encouraging her to start musical theater.

Noemi Ruiz ( Ensemble ), 5 th grade This is Noemi’s Brighten debut. She is a natural performer who loves to dance, sing, and act. Noemi has been a ballet and hip-hop dancer since the age of four. Her love of music has led to vocal lessons and involvement in a choral group called, “The Concert Bugs”. Her first acting role was a background role in Tyler Perry’s show “Young Dylan”. Acting and singing are equally her first loves and is excited to participate in her first production at Brighten.

Rachel Saunders ( Ms. Phelps/Entertainer/Big Kid ), 8 th grade This is Rachel’s third production at BACS (Robin Hood, Hamlet). She has enjoyed working with the cast and crew and the lovely director, Mrs. Aybar. Rachel is a positive, outstanding, deep-thinking leader and she could talk about life for hours. She has really grown as an actress. She has been inspired by her family who helped her find herself as a person. She is grateful to be part of a great production like this. She believes it’s important to be yourself. She appreciates the love and support. It’s been an honor to her, and it’s taught her a lot of lessons for the future as she grows up.

Jessica Sexton ( Nurse/Ensemble ), 7 th grade This is Jessica’s fourth play (Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, Hamlet). She’s excited about her biggest role yet. It’s also the longest play she has done. She has worked hard on this play to make it great because it means a lot to her that the audience like it.

Charlie Smith ( Nigel ), 6 th grade Charlie is making his debut on Brighten Broadway. He is very excited to be sharing the stage with such great role models. Charlie enjoys skateboarding, music, and a captive audience!

Jordyn Surrell ( Competitive Dancer/Ensemble ), 7 th grade This is Jordyn’s third production at BACS (Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins). Jordyn participates in the Middle School band playing the clarinet and bass clarinet. She is also a member of the BACS Varsity cheer team. Jordyn loves performing in front of large crowds. She is a dancer at Dance Academy West where she takes jazz and musical theater classes. Thank you, mom, dad, Tete Erica, and Mr. Omaree for all your love and support.

Gabe Taylor ( Michael Wormwood ), 8 th grade This is Gabe’s sixth production at BACS (Willy Wonka, Junie B Jones, Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Hamlet). Gabe is also a member of the BACS Middle School Chorus. He is an active youth group member at Douglasville First United Methodist Church and love gaming and Legos. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Mimi, Poppy, Grams & Papa Bear for all of your support.

Cristian Torres ( Eric ), 7 th grade This is Cristian’s fourth production with Brighten Broadway (Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, Hamlet). He was also on the tech crew for Mary Poppins. He is a Beta Club member and a singer in the Middle School chorus. Cristian is excited for his first named role as previous roles were as ensemble. Some of his interests are drawing, singing, reading, and gymnastics. Cristian attends the Douglasville Gymnastics and Cheerleading Club. He loves being in drama and the company with it. He would like to thank his parents, friends (especially Sofi), Mrs. Aybar, Ms. Young, and Alex for encouraging him.

Molly Wallis ( Matilda/Big Kid ), 6 th grade This is Molly’s third production at Brighten (Mary Poppins, Hamlet). Molly has been taking voice and piano lessons since she was five. She also plays academy soccer with Georgia Storm. Thank you to my family (mom and dad especially) for supporting everything I do and for always being there.

Kaylee White ( Dance Captain/Ensemble ), 7 th grade This is Kaylee’s first Brighten Broadway production. She enjoys dancing and loves making new friends. She does cheer and softball. Kaylee loves and cares for her friends. She hopes to be rich one day.

Milan White ( Ensemble ), 5 th grade Although Milan has not performed in previous Brighten Broadway productions, she has acted in other plays. She has performed with Alliance Theater (Winnie the Pooh) and in Serenbe Farms acting camp production (Daphne Dolphin). What Milan loves about drama is the creativity, learning and growing as a cast and having the experience to work with new people and broaden her horizons. Milan spends some of her free time sketching.

Riley Whitmire ( Matilda/Big Kid ), 6 th grade This is Riley’s second production at BACS (Hamlet). Riley loves how she can express herself without holding back in drama. She loves to sing and act and hopes to be a voice actor when she gets older. Thank you to mom, dad, and Olivia for your encouragement.

Golden Williams ( Ensemble ), 5 th grade Golden is making her acting debut in Matilda. Her favorite thing about BACS drama is talking to people she normally wouldn’t talk to and dancing. She enjoys gymnastics and track. To her mom and dad, “here’s what we’ve been working on!”.

Tech Crew

Anthony Ardon Levia Lily Buscema (CHHS) Claire Craton (CHHS)

Maya Drake

Lexi Dumas

Chinwe Eziakor

Harriet Frempong

Gavin Gibson

Lilyan Gilliam

Camryn Grant

Howard Harris

Maci Harris

Hannah Hires

Kacie Howard

Nicholas Howe

Layla Huggan

Ashton Mba

Madelyne McClure Morgan Mitchell (AHS) Riley Orndorff (CHHS)

Ella Newsome (CHHS)

Princeton Robinson

Megan Savidge

Jacob Smalley

Julia Smith

Erin Surrell

Skyler Thames

AJ Torres (AHS)

Jack Vitale

Emma Wilkins

Brighten Academy's Governing Board Brighten Academy's Administration and Staff Brighten Academy's Drama Booster Club Cast and Crew Families Production Team Families Set the Stage Atlanta Jeena Krause Jamie Pace Joshua Smalley Victor Torres