Cinderella:

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Song List

Ya Vino El Padrino ... Company
Rosa's Rules ... Company
Dos Por Dos ... Cinderella, Padrino
Zapatos Magicos ... Cinderella
The Weekend ... Company
Comparison Rap ... Rosa, Padrino
In Your Shoes ... Rosa, Cinderella
Ya Vino Finale ... Company

Cast

Creative Team

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Cell phones are to be put away during the performance.

* Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors
  and stage managers in the United States.

SPECIAL THANKS

Samy Toskin

The Coterie is proud to recognize funding from partners Variety KC, Spencer Fane, and Breakthrough T1D for this production.

Additional financial assistance for The Coterie's season has been generously provided by National Endowment for the Arts, Missouri Arts Council, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, Hallmark Corporate Foundation, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, Richard J. Stern Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, American Royal, Mark Edelman Theater Fund, and Turner.

Travis Bedard; Kansas City Art Institute for original production designs by the Illustration Department’s student staffed agency, MICRO: Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale design by Paige Arnold with title lettering by Megan Cason.

The Coterie is a 501(c)3 nonprofit professional theatre, and a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and Theatre for Young Audiences/USA: The US chapter of ASSITEJ, the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People. Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale is a professional production employing members of Actors’ Equity Association, founded in 1913, representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.

ABOUT THE COTERIE

The Coterie Theatre provides unique theatre experiences for families and young audiences. The company is nationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind programming that features a year-round season of live plays and musicals on the company's mainstage. Since its founding in 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri, The Coterie has been at the forefront of commissioning new works or adaptations that contribute to the field of theatre for young audiences. More than 50 world or American premieres for all ages have been produced by The Coterie over the last 44 years, including hosting multiple major Broadway composers and lyricists to shape quality musicals for youth and families. The Coterie is interested in intergenerational conversation, and consistently includes teen programming in its season and outreach efforts.

The Coterie offers acting and theatre classes year-round for PreK-12th grades at multiple locations around Kansas City, including an extensive summer program of classes and performance camps. The Coterie’s community programming redefines traditional notions of work for young audiences with its unique dramatic youth writing programs (In-School Literacy Residencies and Young Playwrights Workshop), as well as two programs offered to students and schools free of charge, focusing on teen LGBTQ work (Project Pride) and preteen and teen mental health workshops (Project Daylight).

All these components serve an average over 75,000 young people and their families per year through over 350 performances. As a not-for-profit professional theatre company, The Coterie seeks to educate, entertain, and challenge audiences by opening lines of communication between races, genders, and generations. Donate at www.thecoterie.org.
 

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Bellinger • President
Amy Graham • Secretary
Kristina Thompson • Secretary
Theresa Stoker • Treasurer
Laura Antolak • Board Engagement Chair
Ali Saucier • Development Chair
Nicole Jacobs-Silvey • Community Engagement Chair

Sara Anthony
Angela Bedell
Richard Browne
Ava Delsemme
LaTanya Franklin
Carlos Gonzalez
Katie Hall
Jennifer Ingraham
Michael Judy
Gabriela Lucas
Greg Oborny
Ashlee Parker-Osborne
Natalie Simms-Patton
Ashley Strohm
Andrew Van Der Laan

COTERIE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR • Jonathan Thomas
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR • Khalia Davis
MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR • David Golston
DIRECTOR OF THEATRE SCHOOL • Allison Nissley
COMMUNITY PROGRAM MANAGER • Xinyue Zhang
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR • Derek Trautwein
BOX OFFICE MANAGER • Jason Coats
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER • Carol Kobza
BOOKING COORDINATOR • Stephanie Laaker
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT/MARKETING SPECIALIST • Tressa Lee
MARKETING ASSISTANT • Anna Jordan
HOUSE MANAGERS & BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS • Dorian Allen, Kali Coates, Ciera Loran, Ezra Martinez-Haskins, Kelsey McGee, Pam West

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Meet the Company

Maya Sofia Enciso

Cinderella/Cenicienta

Maya Sofía Enciso was lucky enough to go to a performing arts school beginning in kindergarten, so she was on the stage before she had her first memory and now she can’t imagine her life without it! Based in the Tijuana/San Diego area, Maya is thrilled to be making her Coterie debut in CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE. Maya's recent credits include OY TO THE WORLD! at El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at The Old Globe in San Diego, Mimi in RENT at San Diego Musical Theatre, Felicia in STAR OF OCOTILLO at Onstage Playhouse, Anita in Teatro San Diego’s WEST SIDE STORY, as well as PÁSALE PÁSALE and DAYDREAMER with TuYo Theatre. She is a graduate of Children’s Creative and Performing Arts Academy in San Diego and California State University, San Marcos. Maya is incredibly thankful to The Coterie and her family for their unwavering support. Up next, Maya will appear at The Old Globe, or you can find out more about her on Instagram @mayachofia and Facebook @mayasofiaenciso.

Kameron Cole

Rosa Perez

Kameron Cole got their start in theatre after auditioning for their school production of THE WIZARD OF OZ in the third grade and being cast as a munchkin! Kameron is excited to be back at The Coterie, where they last appeared as the female understudy in the world premiere production of ALICE'S WONDERLAND. You may have seen them elsewhere on stage as Joan in FUN HOME with Olathe Civic Theatre Association or a Kit Kat Club dancer in CABARET with Faust Theatre, among many others. Kameron would like to thank the CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE production team for this opportunity, as well as their girlfriend for all her support. Find out more about Kameron on Instagram @kmmy777_.

Jay Allen

Joey/Narrator

Jay Allen was seven years old when his mom enrolled his sister in a theatre camp because she was so shy. Jay went to see her camp performance and the minute it was over, he begged his mom to sign him up for the next one. Now he's a professional actor... and his sister is an MMA fighter and theatrical technician! Jay returns to The Coterie's stage where he previously played Tommy in DOCTOR DOLITTLE and Hermey in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER-THE MUSICAL (2023). He's also recently appeared as Michael in PETER PAN AND WENDY and Peter/Teen Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, ALPHABET SOUP: THEATER FROM QUEER VOICES with Whim Productions, SOUNDSTAGE with Music Theatre Kansas City, BYE BYE BIRDIE and A CHRISTMAS STORY with MTKC Pro, and SURVIVING HITLER at The White Theatre at The J. Find out more about Jay on Instagram @jay_allen.04.

Francisco "Pancho" Javier Villegas

Fairy Godfather/Padrino

Pancho Villegas realized as a child that no matter what he would do in life, theatre and the arts would be involved. He has appeared in numerous Coterie productions including DOCTOR DOLITTLE; MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE; TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY; A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD; SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!; THE WIZ; RED BADGE VARIATIONS; GEEK MYTHOLOGY OLYMPIAGANZA; ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY – THE MUSICAL; LUCKY DUCK; U:BUG:ME; ONCE ON THIS ISLAND; A SEPARATE PEACE; TWICE UPON A TIME: THE LORAX & THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES; and The Coterie's Dramatic Health Education Project: HIV/STDs tour. Other local credits include BARE: A POP OPERA at Unicorn Theatre, KISS ME KATE at Music Theater Heritage, and EATING RAOUL at Egads! Theatre. Pancho would like to encourage everyone to, “Go fast, take chances.” Find out more about Pancho on Instagram @Rocknmex or Facebook @Pancho Javier.

Elise Natalya Bowles

Female Swing

Elise Natalya Bowles was introduced to theatre by her mom through the soundtracks of WICKED and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. She is thrilled to return to The Coterie in CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE after recently appearing as Rafaela in the world premiere production of JUST ASK! Elise recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). Her recent credits include playing Laurey Williams in OKLAHOMA! at SEMO, Agnes in the world premiere of LORENE'S REVERIE with Moon Piper Productions, and performing as a featured soloist in Music Theatre Kansas City’s SOUNDSTAGE. Elise is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family. You can follow Elise on Instagram @liseybow or on Facebook @Elise Natalya Bowles or visit her website at www.elisenatalyab.com.

Ismael Michel

Male Swing

Ismael Michel got into theatre through his love of music. Having been in choir all his life, he loved music and singing since he was very young. In his elementary school, they had these mini-musicals that the students would perform and that's where Isma took his first steps into theatre. Since then, his love of theatre bloomed, grew, and changed. Isma is so excited to return to The Coterie for CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE after recently appearing as Manuel in the world premiere production of JUST ASK! He also previously appeared in Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC)'s productions of TARTUFFE as Damis, RIDE THE CYCLONE as Noel, and CABARET as Hans. He has also worked behind the scenes as stage manager for KCKCC’s production of PROOF. Isma is so grateful to everyone at The Coterie for this amazing opportunity and is thankful to all his friends and family for their never ending support.

Vanessa Severo

Director

Vanessa Severo found her love of theatre after seeing A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at the Frankfurt Playhouse in Germany: "I was mesmerized. I was inspired, and I wanted to one day accomplish that." Vanessa returns to The Coterie where she has appeared in numerous productions including THE MIRACLE WORKER; SCIENCE FICTION TRIPLE FEATURE; HOLES; SELKIE: BETWEEN LAND AND SEA; THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE; THE B.F.G.; GATHERINGS IN GRAVEYARDS; SARAH, PLAIN AND TALL;; and the Young Playwrights Festival. She also served as choreographer for THE WIZ. Vanessa studied at Missouri State University, as well as The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. She is the recipient of the TCG 11th Round of the Fox Foundation resident Actor Fellowships, 2017. She has performed for the past 12 seasons at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and is certified in Suzuki Method, and Viewpoints under the instruction of Ellen Lauren, SITI company. She is the playwright and actor of FRIDA... A SELF PORTRAIT (2020 Kilroys List), a one woman production about the tumultuous and brilliant life of Frida Kahlo that she will soon perform in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with ITI Brazil to celebrate World Theatre Day. She will also be performing in EMMA at Kansas City Repertory Theatre later this season. Vanessa is passionate about utilizing the element of Suzuki method in her work to challenge the boundaries of storytelling, and explore the depths of movement, composition, and the power of stillness. Find out more about Vanessa at www.vanessasevero.com.

Mackenzie Goodwin*

Production Stage Manager

Mackenzie Goodwin met the theatre through her parents, and she doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t constantly participating in or going to theatrical productions– including at The Coterie! Her mom is a theatre actor, director, and educator. Her dad was an acrobat and a lighting and sound technician. Mackenzie returns to The Coterie after having worked on numerous recent productions, including serving as production stage manager for FINDING NEMO TYA, the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, ELECTRIC POE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and as a production assistant and an actor in DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT. Other recent credits include associate director on A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Kansas City Repertory Theatre (2022, 2023, 2024); director of THE BUTCHER’S SON (Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, Winner: Most Promising New Musical), swing stage manager on NEWSIES, ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS, DREAMGIRLS, and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for New Theatre & Restaurant; stage manager for workshops of NINA SIMONE: 4 WOMEN and 4 DIRECTIONS at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; production stage manager on THE PRICE and DOT for Kansas City Actors Theatre; SHOWS FOR DAYS for Fishtank Theatre; production assistant for MY NAME IS ASHER LEV, BLACKTOP SKY and DISTRACTED at Unicorn Theatre; and TITUS ANDRONICUS and MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE for The Living Room Theatre; lead ASM and youth coordinator at Kansas City Ballet; and safety coordinator at KC Rep. Mackenzie is the co-producing artistic director for Brother Octopus Productions at The Black Box (formerly Stuffed Buffalo Productions), former producing artistic director of Westport Center for the Arts, an intimacy director, a voice over actor, and a member of Actors' Equity Association and Stage Managers’ Association. She won a fellowship at the O’Neill Center through the Eugene O’Neill Critics’ Competition (KCACTF) and was a founding member of Omaha’s Ætherplough company as well as a member of Lincoln Center Theatre Directors Lab (2015/16) & Chicago Directors Lab (2018/19). She studied theatre, dance, & Latin American literature at Kansas State University. “Theatre for young audiences is the last true bastion of the avant garde.” For more about Mackenzie visit www.goodwincalling.com.

Deborah Wicks La Puma

Composer, Music Director

Deborah Wicks La Puma did her first musical, THE HOBBIT, in high school and fell in love with telling stories through music. Deborah is one of the most produced Theatre for Young Audiences artists working today. Her musicals with playwright - and Deborah's best friend - Karen Zacarias include ELLA ENCHANTED, LOOKING FOR ROBERTO CLEMENTE, FRIDA LIBRE, and FERDINAND THE BULL, which was the first of her shows to be produced by The Coterie. Deborah and Karen wrote CINDERELLA: A SALSA MUSICAL over 20 years ago, the third out of ten shows they have written so far. They are both both Mexican-American, have three children, and are married to attorneys, so after all these years together, they've become like sisters! Deborah is also composer of several musicals based on books by Mo Willems including NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS: THE MUSICAL, and ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!", all of which have been produced by The Coterie. Her honors include the Harold Oaks Award for Sustained Excellent in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), an Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Family Musical, the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award, and a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Musical Adaptation. A proud Mexican-American and "Navy brat" who grew up in Brazil, Portugal, and California, Deborah is a member of TYA/USA, ASCAP, and The Dramatists Guild. Find out more about Deborah on Instagram @dwlapuma, on Bandcamp @Crunchynotes, or visit www.crunchynotes.com.

Courtney Germany

Choreographer

Courtney Germany was in fourth grade when she was cast in the title role in ANANSI AND THE MOSS COVERED ROCK. Courtney returns to The Coterie's stage after last appearing as The Cat in the world premiere of ALICE'S WONDERLAND. Other recent performances include STEVIE: SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED; A SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS SHOW; and BLAME IT ON THE BOOGIE at Music Theater Heritage. In 2006, Courtney earned the inaugural Vincent Legacy Scholarship at Starlight Theatre which supported her exploration of her performance art interests.

Mark A. Exline

Scenic Designer

Mark A. Exline knew he always loved to draw, but when he found that a career in theatre allowed him to draw, paint, build things, and work with a lot of other artists, he jumped at the opportunity! Mark returns to The Coterie where he previously served as properties designer on RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL, as well as scenic designer on THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, DOCTOR DOLITTLE, and HANA’S SUITCASE. Other stage credits include serving as production designer of EVERY BRILLIANT THING for Arkansas Repertory Theatre, scenic designer of TITANIC THE MUSICAL and COMPANY for Music Theater Heritage, and COLLECTIVE RAGE for Fishtank Theatre. Mark’s work has also been seen in multiple recent art installations including Party Arty at The Nelson-Atkins Museum, BARE Evolution at The Joslyn Museum, and Terra Luna for Quixotic. Mark holds degrees in Theatre Design and Technology from Florida School of the Arts (AS), Greensboro College (BA), and University of Missouri - Kansas City (MFA).

Georgianna Londré

Costume Designer

Georgianna Londré has been in the audience for live theatre for as long as she can remember, and always noticed how costumes collaborated in the production. Her most recent designs at The Coterie include the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2014, 2016, 2018, 2023), ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2015, 2017, 2019, 2022), ELECTRIC POE (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), AKEELAH AND THE BEE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, DRAGONS LOVE TACOS, PUFFS, RISE UP: THE STRUGGLE OF THE FREEDOM RIDERS, BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, BECOMING MARTIN, TUCK EVERLASTING, WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED: THE STUDENT SIT-INS OF 1960, GARFIELD: THE MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE, ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!", NO TALKING, THE NINE WHO DARED: COURAGE IN LITTLE ROCK, and over 50 other designs since 2000. Other recent design credits include COME BLOW YOUR HORN and HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY with New Theatre & Restaurant, THE OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and eight seasons with Quality Hill Playhouse. She has also designed for Late Night Theatre, The Living Room, Kansas City Actors Theatre, and What if Puppets. She always hopes her son likes the plays she’s working on at The Coterie, and he motivates her to do her best.

Zan de Spelder

Lighting Designer

Zan de Spelder was first introduced to the world of theatre at the age of five helping her mother with quick changes backstage during a production of CINDERELLA. She knew from that moment that she loved the magic of storytelling. Zan returns to The Coterie after having worked as lighting designer on FINDING NEMO TYA, ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, and THE WHITE ROSE: WE DEFIED HITLER, associate lighting designer for ELECTRIC POE (2023) and TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, and assistant lighting designer for ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!" and SECRET SOLDIERS: HEROINES IN DISGUISE. Recent work includes resident lighting designer for Padgett Productions since 2021, resident lighting designer for Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble since 2022, resident lighting designer for Miller Marley School of Dance & Voice since December 2024, lighting designer for THE UNEXPECTED with Tristian Griffin Dance Company, DIAL M FOR MURDER with Kansas City Actors Theatre, and project lead on Kemper Horizon Theater upgrade at the WWI Museum and Memorial. Zan has a MFA in Design with the University of Missouri-Kansas City. For more designs visit www.zandespelder.com.

Daisy Melton

Sound Designer

Daisy Melton started out doing children's theatre as an actor, but eventually fell in love with music and sound, and after her first chance to do sound design for a show, she was hooked! CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE marks Daisy's first production with The Coterie. Her recent work includes sound design for THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR, TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, and EVERY BRILLIANT THING at UMKC conservatory; A1 and A2 for A CHRISTMAS CAROL, A2 for ONCE, and A1 sub for WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME with Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Daisy has an MFA in Sound Design from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Tab Terry

Properties Designer

Derek Trautwein

Technical Director

Derek Trautwein is a Kansas City theatre artist with a wide berth of professional and educational experience. After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance, Derek received his Master of Arts Degree in Theatre History in 2012 from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). During his time at UCM, Derek began his journey as a carpenter and Technical Director to accompany his endeavors in acting, directing, and playwriting. From 2013 to 2023, Derek served as faculty amongst the Department of Theatre and Dance at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Initially hired as the Technical Director, as he oversaw all sound, light, and scenic elements, Derek was promoted to Assistant Professor and Department Chair in 2021. Derek’s final directing spotlight at Benedictine, THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie, received a Meritorious Achievement Award for Play Direction from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2023. Around Kansas City, Derek has worked with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Public Theatre, KC MeltingPot Theatre, Relevance Productions, Card Table Theatre, and Stuffed Buffalo Productions. Since 2012, Derek has been an active participant in the Kansas City Fringe Festival, producing over a dozen pieces of original works written by other artists as well as his own, including DECEIT, which earned Derek the inaugural Mark Edelman Best New Play Award in 2019. Derek’s original plays have also been featured multiple times each for Kansas City Public Theatre, Olathe Civic Theatre, and the Kansas City Horror Play Festival. Lately, Derek has been bouncing around multiple spaces in the Kansas City theatre community including performing on stage in THIS RANDOM WORLD: THE MYTH OF SERENDIPITY at the Just Off Broadway Theatre and ELF THE MUSICAL with Padgett Productions as well as serving as technical director of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at The Black Box, THE SHOOTER produced by Trish Mitchell at the Just Off Broadway Theatre, and FINDING NEMO TYA, ELECTRIC POE (2024), the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023) at The Coterie. Moving forward, Derek seeks to create on his own terms while aiding artists of all kind to find their voices and venues.

Dorian Allen

Associate Technical Director

Dorian Allen got started in live music before eventually migrating to working in the theatre. Dorian has served on The Coterie's technical team for a year now after time spent in stage management and performance work across town. Recent credits include playing guitar in FUN HOME, witch OCTA, and in BEAUTIFUL with The Barn; assistant stage manager for NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET with Fishtank Theatre, and stage manager for The Living Room Theatre's No Sleep November festival. When not on a ladder or covered in paint you can find Dorian serving drinks at The Black Box or seeing shows at local dives. He would like to thank his family, his dog, and Heidi Van for their continued support. Welcome to our garden!

Bethany "Bee" Gradwohl

Assistant Stage Manager, Deck Manager

Bee Gradwohl is a technical theatre artist who grew up in the industry as a dancer. A native of eastern Pennsylvania, Bee and their siblings performed in many shows while their mom volunteered backstage to support them. In 2020, Bee graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a degree in Dance Performance and Choreography but decided to change careers and work in technical theatre. They have been working professionally in the Kansas City area as a stage manager, electrician, PA, spotlight operator, and other titles for many years. Bee also has experience working in theme parks and for live production events companies. Bee returns to The Coterie after previously serving as stage manager and lighting designer on The Coterie's performance at the National WWI Museum and Memorial for Winnie the Pooh Day 2025, stage manager on ELECTRIC POE (2024), and assistant stage manager on CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Other recent credits include NEWSIES and ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS at New Theatre & Restaurant, A CHRISTMAS CAROL and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, LITTLE WOMEN at Music Theater Heritage, and PETER PAN and THE NUTCRACKER at Kansas City Ballet. Bee is excited to return for another production at The Coterie to bring the magic of live theatre to young audiences! They would also like to thank their family for the endless support in helping them get to where they are today.

August Rowse

Lighting Assistant

Aly Banks

Scenic Painter

Jonathan Thomas

Coterie Managing Director

Jonathan Thomas serves as Managing Director of The Coterie Theatre, having stepped into his role managing operations after the tragic loss of Executive Director Joette Pelster. He co-leads the organization with the Producing Artistic Director Khalia Davis, working to bring The Coterie’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. Jonathan began his path as a professional opera and musical theatre performer out of college, working locally with many area performing arts organizations including the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Chorale, Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and New Theatre & Restaurant. After seven years building a successful insurance and financial advising agency, he moved to San Francisco to follow his passion in arts administration. Before returning to Kansas City in 2018, he served as the development manager for The Walden School for three years, where he oversaw organizational fundraising strategies and expanded alumni relations. At ArtsKC, he served as Senior Development Manager, which greatly expanded his knowledge of the Kansas City arts sector. Prior to joining The Coterie, Jonathan served as the Senior Manager for Individual Giving and Partnerships at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, combining his love for the performing arts with his passion for leadership and fund development. Jonathan received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Kansas. He continues his commitment to educating and advocating for the arts by serving on the Kansas City Chorale Board, the Johnson County Park and Recreation Artist Selection Committee, and by chairing the Theatre in the Park Advisory Council. He is a frequent guest speaker about the economic impact of the arts in Kansas City, appearing at the NAAAP Leadership Conference, Arts Day for Centurions, and at the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Jonathan is married to Gail Nakano and is a father to Sofia, a junior at Cornell University, Tristan, a junior in high school, and Cassia and Koda, two littles who haven’t decided on college plans to date.

Khalia Davis

Coterie Producing Artistic Director

Khalia Davis was 11 years old when she was cast in her first role in an original play at a theatre summer camp. At the top of the show, when she said her first line, the audience actually laughed and she knew she was hooked! For Khalia, that is the magic and beauty of live theatre: that special exchange you share with the audience, knowing that your art is the reason they are transported for a short time to new worlds, learning, and experiencing new stories. Khalia co-leads The Coterie with the managing director to bring the organization’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. Khalia is a multidisciplinary artist and arts leader who most recently served as the Assistant Director for the Broadway-bound world premiere, THE HIPPEST TRIP: THE SOUL TRAIN MUSICAL. As the former Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theatre (BACT), she led the world premieres of A KIDS PLAY ABOUT RACISM, which brought together over 40 theater producing partners, including The Coterie, and was viewed on Broadway on Demand nearly 80,000 times during its limited run then became a free resource for educators and their students; and THE IMAGINARIES: AN IMMERSIVE MUSICAL, an original new work that transformed their theater into an accessible playground created by the newly-formed BACT Writer’s Room, which was created as a direct response to the lack of opportunities for BIPOC playwrights and composers specializing in TYA projects. During the COVID pandemic when theaters were closed in the Bay Area, Khalia worked in partnership with former Executive Director of BACT, Nina Meehan, to conceive and produce various forms of theatrical digital and audio content for young audiences that activated their creativity and imaginative play, showcasing the potential for future digital and theatrical collaborations in TYA programming. Khalia directed and devised other new works like the award-nominated world premiere, SHE PERSISTED, THE MUSICAL, based on the popular children’s book by Chelsea Clinton; the off-Broadway world premiere of an original adaptation of Maya Angelou’s I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS with New York City Children’s Theatre; and the world premiere ARTHUR AND FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL! based on “Arthur,” the longest-running animated series on PBS with First Stage. Other prominent theaters include: A.C.T., Atlantic Theater Company’s Atlantic for Kids, New York City Children’s Theater, Disney Theatrical Group, Spellbound Theatre, and more. As a producer, Khalia has helped organizations reach hundreds of thousands of young people through interactive “edu-tainment” with the nationally known STORY PIRATES, generated new digital pre-school content with Spellbound at Home, and produced children’s media with her personal company, Kids at Heart Productions. Before assuming her role as Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theater in 2020, Khalia served as the Director of Inclusion and Education with Brooklyn Children’s Theatre restructuring their children’s musical theatre programming through an anti-racism lens. Khalia is a proud board member for TYA/USA, Spellbound Theatre, and The Story Pirates. Awards include: 2019 Emerging Leader Fellowship-TYA/USA, 2019 NYCCT Leader Fellowship, and 2021 Corey Medallion Award-Children’s Theatre Foundation of America. Khalia has a BA in Theater Arts from the University of Southern California. To find out more, visit www.khaliadavis.com.

Donors

The Coterie wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the many corporations, foundations, agencies, and individuals that so generously support The Coterie.

The following list celebrates gifts received March 1, 2024, and March 1, 2025.

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