BWW Stage Mag Suddenly Someone a musical - Spring Station Middle/ MPAC Theatre Stage Mag

The Mustang Performing Arts Center presents: 

 

SUDDENLY SOMEONE 

A Musical

 

       

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Robb "Robbo" Zelonky

 
Directed by:
Kellie Olson
Musical Director: Ashley Harris

 

 
    April 11-14, 2024
 
 
 Produced by special arrangement with Brooklyn Publishers, LLC
 
 

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

While Mrs. Harris and I have various ways and reasons that we pick the Spring Musical each year, this musical kind of found US. We connected with the creator, Robbo Zelonky, and after speaking with him, we were in! He was such a breath of fresh air and his musical had a message of such importance in today's society that we felt that this year,  it was imperative that we embark on this journey.  

While I was never really bullied as a child by other children, I have witnessed it and it always broke my heart for those that had to endure it. What a miserable existance to know that you have to attend school but in doing so, you are going to experience a torture that only certain students experience and will ever truly understand. 

As Robbo said, "Suddenly Someone" is risky in it's own way because it is grounded in reality. You will hear words (no cursing but tough and realistic hate speech nonetheless) that children actually call other children. I have heard some of these same words spoken in these hallways and in my classes, although I am quick to jump in to stop such harrassment. Unfortunately, that is the world we sometimes find ourselves in. However, Robbo promises that we will also get comedy...quite a bit of it...and he lives up to his promise. 

Michael's journey is just that--a journey, that unfortunately, is full of struggle and grief but one that also contains laughter. In my opinion, there is no better emotion than laughter through tears. I hope you'll agree that these kids need a dose of reality every once in a while, if for no other reason, to give them options on how to deal with situations that they may find themselves in that they do not know how to handle.  As much as Mrs. Harris loves all things Disney, this musical is the opposite. It shows us the hard, tough reality of a young man's life and how he chooses to deal with it and what becomes of him because of his choices. 

Robbo wants everyone to know that one of the most important things to him about this musical is this: If the reality portrayed elicits conversation, strong opinions (good or bad) and maybe even change and growth, that is the goal!  

So, sit back, have your tissues ready and enjoy the ride. It's going to get bumpy!

 

Sincerely,

Kellie Olson, DIRECTOR

 

Song List

ACT 1

When You're A Kid---Joanna, David, Michael, Ashton, Cassie, Peter,  Landon, Student Ensemble 

Down Below---Ashton, Blake, Student Ensemble 

Everybody Has A Story---Cassie, featuring Young Cassie and Young Michael

Addicted To Your Misery---Peter, Michael, Student Ensemble

Slow Motion Boy---Landon, Student Ensemble

Slow Motion Boy Reprise--Michael, Landon, Ashton, Student Ensemble

Suddenly Someone---Michael

Hope Is Everything---Tina, Peter, Joanna, Michael, Mrs. Allen, Ashton, David, Landon, Cassie, Student Ensemble                                                           

 

ACT 2

You're At The Top---Michael, Student Ensemble

The Hero of Neptune Jr. High---Joanna, Peter, Michael, Student Ensemble

Same Scared Boy---Michael with Student Ensemble

Fight Me---Michael, Diana, Tina, Peter, Ashton, Joanna, Cassie, David, Landon, Kaitlyn, Richard          

Suddenly Someone Reprise---Entire Cast

 

Meet the Company

DAWSON PEACH

Michael Hope
DAWSON PEACH - Michael Hope Dawson is in 8th grade and is in Honors Theatre. He is thrilled to take part in his last show at Spring Station Middle School, Suddenly Someone. This will be Dawson’s seventh show at SSMS. He has been participating in theatre with Ms.Olson since his 6th-grade year, when he got to play “Jay” in “Descendants the Musical.” His past credits at SSMS include: Usher, Descendants, Night at The Wax Museum, Changing Minds, Forgiven, Pandora's Box, and finally, Suddenly Someone. Some of Dawson’s favorite roles include “Brad” in “Changing Minds the Musical” as well as “Al” in “Usher-A totally teen comedy.” Outside of school, he participates in football, wrestling, and basketball. He enjoys serving in his Church’s kids' ministry on Sunday mornings and attending youth group on Wednesday nights. He would like to thank his sisters, Charlotte and Bristol Peach, for tolerating him at home and helping him with his lines and dances. He appreciates his parents for helping him coordinate his chaotic schedule and getting him where he needs to go. In the wise words of Rafiki “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it or learn from it.”

ABI HUMMEL

Tina Hope
ABI HUMMEL - Tina Hope Abi is in the 8th grade and is overjoyed to be participating in her 7th show for Spring Station. She has acted in all of them except one-which she volunteered to help with the crew for a past Honors show. Some of her roles include Ivy Sweet in Night at the Wax Museum, Elle in Forgiven: A Fairy Tale, and Angela in Once Upon A Pandora's Box. She has also been a part of the ensemble for Descendants: The Musical and Changing Minds the musical. She has had some experience with film acting with credits including Meribeth Turner in Indivisible and Graduation Crowd/Extra in If You're Gone. In addition, she has been in various commercials and community theatre productions. Throughout her middle school years, Abi has auditioned and gotten cast in all of the shows that she was able to since 6th grade. She has made some irreplaceable bonds with people that she would never had known if not for this theatre program. She would like to give a HUGE shout-out to Ms. Olson, her human google. She has tremendously influenced her life for the better. She has been changed.. for good. (thanks, Wicked!) At the beginning of the year, Abi chose to submit Ms. Olson for a National Award for Theatre Instructors. All Abi had to do was shoot a video and write a letter. When she told Ms. Olson, Ms. Olson told her to be as dramatic in the letter as possible, saying what she thought would win her the award or she didn't think she had a chance against other teachers across the country that deal with a lot harder socioeconomic situations and such. But the truth is, Abi was not exaggerating or being dramatic in the letter; not one bit. Only a few people know what the letter said, but if you had read it, you would have thought that there was no way Abi was not exaggerating at all. But, it's true as Abi’s life would be completely different if Ms. Olson hadn't cast Abi in that first show in 6th grade. (FYI: We won't know if Ms. Olson won until closer to May.) Abi's second shout-out goes to her twin sister, Lily. Abi had to beg and plead, but she eventually convinced Lily to join Honors theatre. Lily was cast as Cinderella’s Lady In Waiting in Forgiven: A Fairy Tale, and now she is the stage manager for this show! Abi truly could not be prouder! Her final shout-out goes to all of her friends who shared their snacks at practically every rehearsal because she ate all of hers. Thanks! Now back to this show. The entire cast and crew has worked incredibly hard to make this production the best it could be. They have learned all of the dances, songs, and lines, and never stopped until it was finished. Abi is so grateful to have made some new friends as well, as there are some sixth and seventh graders that have never done anything for Spring Station before. All of them are just as excited as Abi is to be in a show here! It has been an honor to get the opportunity to work alongside some of her closest friends throughout these past few years. Abi has loved every second of it, even the blocking. 🙂 Finally, she would just like to say that no matter what happens in her life, there will always be a place in her heart for Ms. Olson and the Spring Station Theatre Department. There have been struggles, sets breaking, people falling, and Siri interrupting rehearsals. But mostly, it was the good memories; the hilarious poses, burning hot suns in the sky, Villain Kids coming to Auradon, Wax figures coming to life, old ladies, a magic well, and dresses that can barely fit through the doorway because they are too poofy. That is what theatre is all about. So as she has been told time and time again, “Be loud, loud, and LOUDER! And don’t fall off the stage.”

JOSLYN DICKIE

Cassie Pomaro
JOSLYN DICKIE - Cassie Pomaro Hello! From the deepest regards of Joslyn Dickie, she hopes whoever is reading this is having a blessed day :) A little background information about this girl: She is 14, in 8th grade, is in Honors Theatre, plays lots of sports, does piano and is a big Michigan football fan. Joslyn also has a love for theatre as her passion grew when she was in middle school. She has been in 2 plays and one musical. They are, "Forgiven," "Once upon a Pandora's Box," and the musical "Changing Minds." Suddenly Someone is her second musical and it sure won't be her last! It has been such a journey finding this hidden love for theatre in sixth grade from the class she took with Ms. Olson, and sticking with it for all her middle school years. She started from just a required theatre class, to auditoning to roles in plays and musicals, and never gave up the desire to want more as Joslyn is looking for acting programs outside of school. She wants to give a big thanks to Ms. Olson, who mostly inspired her to become a young actress in the first place and to all of her friends who made it 100 times more fun. :) Plus, she would like to thank her parents because they were big in supporting her love for acting. This middle school journey has been the most fun and exciting thing that has brought so much joy to Joslyn as she is eager to stay after school for rehersals or is jumping around at home all morning about honors, which is 1st period, when she is usually tired to wake up and slow to go to school. Acting has made her middle school experience such a fun adventure and to go out of 8th grade with such a good musical is just the cherry on top. Joslyn is so grateful for everything that has happened in theatre and she claims she would go thru middle school a thousand times more if that means having Ms. Olson as the director and playing in characters on the stage that are just so fun and thrilling to be. (and obviously her besties that make the adventure more exciting) That's saying a lot because middle school is tough. Actually, so is acting but she feels it's better to work on something fun and challenging than just sitting back with all the easy things coming to you instead of you going to the things that will make you a happy and more fullfilled person. There will be tears shed at the end of this musical moslty because...well...its our last one of the year until we leave middle school and become high schoolers. Like the Dr. Seuss saying, "Dont cry because it's over...smile because it happened." :)

SEAN HALL

Peter Howell
SEAN HALL - Peter Howell Sean is in the 8th grade and has been in theatre for many years, starting at the age of eight. He did not do theater at this school during his sixth and seventh grades, but instead opted to join for all three shows this year as well as Honors Theatre. This will be his third show with Ms. Olson but the first musical directed by Ms. Olson at Spring Station.

GRACE THOMAS

Joanna "Jo" Bayless
GRACE THOMAS - Joanna Grace is in 8th grade Honors and is stoked to be in this show. She has been in theatre for 10 years and was so excited when the show was announced. This is the 28th show that she has been in over 10 years. Grace is so excited about this show and for all of you to see it. She has participated in as many shows at SSMS as she was able to, including, Tabitha (Once Upon a Pandora's Box), Claire (Changing Minds), Crumple (Forgiven), and Jolene (Night at the Wax Museum). Along with participating in theatre at Spring Station, she enjoys going to concerts with friends, singing and dancing. She would love to thank Ms. Olson for putting up with her yapping, and for this opportunity to grow as an actress and in general. She would also love to thank all of her friends in theatre and outside of theatre for encouraging her when times are tough. Grace would love to thank her family for believing in her and supporting her through this show. She wants to thank her brother, Jack, for being a great older brother to look up to in life and theatre. Grace's goal for this show is to go out with a bang and make this the best experience possible. Finally, in the great words of Taylor Swift, "The scary news is: You’re on your own now. Cool news is: You’re on your own now."

MILES BLEVINS

Ashton Wilkins
MILES BLEVINS - Ashton Wilkins This young lad, Miles Blevins, is in 8th grade, in Honors Theatre, and has very dearly enjoyed acting. This is his third theatre related show he has been in, but he has never done a musical. He wants to get into the arts when he becomes a man. He is determined to work as hard as he can to reach his goals and he puts himself out of his comfort zone just to learn. He tries to be kind, but we can all agree that people can be annoying at times even though that is no excuse to be mean. Learn something from his character by choosing to never be like that to anyone else.

GREYSON TARDY

David Murdoff
GREYSON TARDY - David Murdoff Greyson is 14 years old, is in the 8th grade and is in Honors Theatre. This will be his 3rd performance this year. He has enjoyed doing theatre for 3 years and hopes that, as he grows up, this will always be an interest, even if it's just a small one.

JORDAN BEASLEY

Landon McGhee/Slow Motion Boy
JORDAN BEASLEY - Landon McGhee/Slow Motion Boy Jordy is in 8th grade and is in Honors Theatre. This is Jordy's 3rd show at SSMS, and his 1st musical. Since the first show, he has gained a passion for theatre and is thrilled to be performing again. In his free time, Jordy loves to go on adventures with his friends. He would like to thank his parents for encouraging him through everything he does. He was always unsure of theatre... not knowing whether to try or not, but his friend, Dawson Peach, motivated him to go for it, and now, it is one of the things he loves to do the most.

KATIE GRACE LOCKHART

Diana Hopkins
KATIE GRACE LOCKHART - Diana Hopkins Katie Grace is in 7th grade and is delighted about being in her first production. Outside of the theatre, she enjoys playing the flute, drawing and being around her friends.

MOLLY CATE JOHNSON

Mrs. Allen
MOLLY CATE JOHNSON - Mrs. Allen Molly Cate is 13 years old and is in the 8th grade. She has been in 4 plays including, Night at The Wax Museum playing Mademe Ching, Changing Minds playing Natalie's Mom/Ensemble, Forgiven playing Fairy Godmother, and Once Upon A Pandora's Box as Esperella. She enjoys singing, acting, and does Honors Theater. Molly Cate has been singing since she was 3 and hopes to be a singer when she grows up. She is very excited to be in this play and looks forward to more opportunities in High School. She would like to thank her parents for always helping her with lines and supporting her with everything she's ever done, her friends, Nonie, Livie, Sariyah, Ruth, Joslyn, Gracie, and even more, for being so kind and amazing and supporting her! Last but not least, she would like to thank Ms. Olson for always teaching the group, even when it gets hard and stressful.

DANI RODRIGUEZ

Ms. Kampros
DANI RODRIGUEZ - Ms. Kampros If you had told Dani a year ago that she would be acting in Tennessee, she would have called you crazy, and then offer you a Peanut Butter M&M. Born in California, 7th grader Dani recently relocated to Tennessee, and this is her first year at Spring Station. Suddenly Someone is her third stage play and second musical. When she is not acting, she is navigating a busy schedule filled with bowling, cheer, tumbling, and a lot more than she can remember. Finding free time is not easy for her, but when she does, she loves to re-watch Gilmore Girls, spend time with her loving family– including a rambunctious dog and little sister, Charlotte, as well as obsess over Titanic with her sister (Jack totally could have lived), read (and read and read), and sing on long car rides. Dani would like to thank the 8th graders involved in theatre for being inspiring and supportive role-models, and for making her feel welcome when she felt alone. She would like to thank her friends for coming to her shows and for giving her something to look forward to at school. She would also like to thank her parents for working her many events into their schedule, and for coming to every show, every match, and every practice. She especially would like to thank Ms. Olson for casting her in the play that sparked her love of theatre this past fall (Once Upon a Pandora’s Box), and for being the greatest director/miracle worker ever. Lastly, she would like to thank her little sister, Charlotte, for making her laugh when she cries and helping her to rise when she’d rather stay down. Her sister gives her a reason to work harder: so that she can be worthy of being a big sister to that amazing girl. “Love you, Charlitto, the spicy burrito!”

LUCY PETERSON

Erin Cantrell
LUCY PETERSON - Erin Cantrell Lucy is in 8th grade and has been doing dance for nine years and she loves to sing in her free time. She is thrilled to be a part of this musical, and wants to thank her mom for helping her practice and for always being there for her. She would also like to thank Lyric Hudson for always being so sweet and Savy O'Quinn for always make her laugh. She will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be in Ms. Olson's amazing Honors theatre class. In the words of God, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

STELLA BECHTEL

Katherine Costello
STELLA BECHTEL - Katherine Costello Stella is in 8th grade, is in Honors Theatre, and has been in all of the plays and musicals at SSMS since 6th grade. She does horseback riding and aerial silks. This will be her last show at SSMS and she would love to thank her classmates for encouraging her to do theatre. She would like to give a shout out to Priscilla Albarricin for helping her and continuously encouraging and supporting her through the years. She is very grateful for all of the opportunities she has had and thanks her teachers.

OLIVIA BEATRIZ BLANCA MONCAYO

Loudspeaker girl
OLIVIA BEATRIZ BLANCA MONCAYO - Loudspeaker girl Olivia is in the 7th grade and this is Olivia's 3rd production with SSMS. She is over the moon to be in Suddenly Someone. When she read her part, her first thought was "I get to talk during read-through! YAY!". She would like to give a special shout out to Ms. Olson for teaching her how to act and Mrs. Harris for being the best hugger when the production was stressing her out. She would also like to thank her parents for helping memorize and practice her part and her brothers for their support. Finally, she would like to give a huge shout out to all the 8th graders for always being supportive and to say to them.....GOOD LUCK IN HIGH SCHOOL because they were a huge help to her in the productions.

NATE SNIDER

Blake
NATE SNIDER - Blake Nate is in 8th grade and came into the role at the end of February because of another student's situation with the role. He is so excited to perform in his first main play at SSMS and his first musical. He has had theatre class with Ms. Olson each year since being at SSMS and was in the one act class play, OZ, during the 1st 9 weeks as the Scarecrow. He really enjoyed that so he decided he'd like to try it again but this time on a bigger scale.

PRISCILLA ALBARRACIN

Kaitlyn Slade
PRISCILLA ALBARRACIN - Kaitlyn Slade Priscilla is in the 8th grade and in Honors Theatre. Acting is one of Priscilla‘s greatest passions, and she loves to perform whenever possible. Priscilla has had the privilege of starring in many roles, such as Anna from Frozen, Shelly from Changing Minds, and Baloo from The Jungle book and many more. This has been a wonderful experience for Priscilla and she is very thankful for all the opportunities that have been given to her. She would like to express her gratitude to her little sister, Aly, for encouraging her to always be herself, and would also like to express her appreciation to all her friends (you know who you are!) for always being there for her, even on the worst days, for always making her smile, and for just being very good friends. Priscilla encourages all of you to pursue your dreams, regardless of where you are in life, because according to Max de Pree, we cannot become what we wish to become by remaining who we are .

KENNY O'CONNOR

Richard Hope
KENNY O'CONNOR - Richard Hope Kenneth Wayne O'Connor II is in 8th grade and has been in one previous class play for Spring Station Middle School called OZ. He is THRILLED to be in this very well, prepared musical. He would like to thank Sean Franklin Hall, who has helped him through his acting career, Abigail Philomena O'Connor, who has helped him through most of his life, and Arthur Morgan, who has helped him become a better man and see the world in a new light.

ALEX MURPHY

Terry Moore
ALEX MURPHY - Terry Moore Alex is in 6th grade and this is Alex's first show at SSMS. However, he is no stranger to the stage. Since 2017, he has been preforming with local theatre companies and from there, his passion for musical theatre grew. Alex approaches this role like he does with his school work: he gives it everything he's got so that he can come out on top. When he is not rehearsing or going to school, Alex enjoys playing video games with his friends and siblings, playing chess with his dad, and studying up on all the best dad-jokes. Alex would like to thank his mom and dad for always being there for him.

ALLI PETERSEN

Dr. Alexandra Nilsson
ALLI PETERSEN - Dr. Alexandra Nilsson Alli Petersen is in the 8th grade and this is her first musical/play at Spring Station except for the 9 week class play, 1st nine weeks of this year, that she performed in front of other fine arts classes. She has been in Choir all 3 years of middle school and is in Honors Theatre. She is super excited to be a part of this musical, and would love to thank Ms. Olson for pushing her out of her comfort zone. She would also like to thank Lyla Winters for convincing her to join Honors Theatre at the start of the school year, and would finally love to thank her parents for always being there and supporting her and pushing her to audition.

LYLA WINTERS

Cheerleader
LYLA WINTERS - Cheerleader Lyla is in 8th grade and is in Honors Theatre. She has been acting since 6th grade. She has been in multiple shows and was the lead this past Fall in "Forgiven." She likes acting and dancing and has been dancing since 4th grade. She also really enjoys watching TV. She would like to thank her family, her friends, and her best friends, Morgan, Jovi, and Alli. Also, most of all, she would like to thank her sister for inspiring her to do theatre.

LYRIC HUDSON

Student #1
LYRIC HUDSON - Student #1 Lyric is in 8th grade and is in Honors Theatre. Suddenly Someone is Lyric’s third musical and fourth play in all. Lyric is so thankful for her parents for supporting her in her journey. Lyric values friendship, education, and family. She is so grateful for having so many opportunities to work with Ms. Olson. Lyric wants to thank everybody in her class for helping her learn and grow with them. This is her last play with Spring Station Middle School, and she has enjoyed every up and down it has given her. Overall, Lyric is so exited to see what the future holds for herself! She hopes that you enjoy the show!!

KALAYA TAYLOR

Student #2
KALAYA TAYLOR - Student #2 Kalaya is in 7th grade and this is her first year doing theatre and her third time being in a production. She really enjoys getting to know the cast and especially, Ms. Olson. Out of theatre, Kalaya loves doing tumbling and swimming. She also loves spending time with family and friends. Kalaya aspires to be an actress one day. She wants to thank her aunt, uncle, mother and grandmother for pushing her to audition for the musical. This has been a wonderful experience for her.

NAIYA ROCHARDSON

Student #3
NAIYA ROCHARDSON - Student #3 Naiya has been in Forgiven and Pandora's Box and she has absolutely loved every one she got to do . Naiya is in 8th grade, in honors theatre, is moving up to high school and is sad that this is the last show she will do. However, she had a fun time meeting new people and making new friends. She wants to thank her parents for all their love and support ! Naiya is a writer and Mini bible study leader. She is so thankful her friends pushed her out of her comfort zone and got her to join honors theatre and audition for Shows and Musicals. She hopes you all have an amazing and wonderful day and God blesses you today/Night ~ENJOY THE MUSICAL !!!~

TEGAN SMITH

Student #4
TEGAN SMITH - Student #4 Tegan is in 7th grade and has been doing theater for one year. She is very excited to be a part of Suddenly Someone. She likes to read, play piano and cello, and hang out with friends and family. Tegan would like to thank her family for always supporting her with whatever she does, her friends for coming to her shows, and the cast and crew for making theatre such a fun activity.

LAINEY THOMAS

Fan #1/Ensemble
LAINEY THOMAS - Fan #1/Ensemble Lainey is in 8th grade, in Honors Theatre and is super excited to be a part of her second Musical, and her third play. Lainey is very dedicated to school and theatre. She is very grateful to her family and parents for the help, and to her friends for support. Ms. Olson is a very good help and inspiration in pursuing acting. Lainey's also thankful for Jovi's help with choreography as well as her patience, and kindness. She hopes this joy of acting will last, and she'll make more friends and create more opportunities. Overall, Lainey is so blessed to be a part of this musical and to be able to have this opportunity with her amazing friends.

SAVY O'QUINN

Fan #2/Ensemble
SAVY O'QUINN - Fan #2/Ensemble Mademoiselle (Savy) O'Quinn is a scholar of the eighth grade class and an honored member of the prestigious Honors Theatre. Having never participated in a musical, and only being in the two most recent theatrical performances at the exquisite school of Spring Station, she is rather fond of attempting a new pursuit. In her spare time, she enjoys the exercise of excelled jogging, dancing, and volunteering as well as attending her local source of Jesus knowledge. Not only does she look forward to being able to add to her theatrical legacy, she is enticed by the idea of expanding her extracurricular capabilities in the art of performance. The wise philosopher, Napolean Dynamite, once asked a distinguished question that she carries with her to this day: "Do the chickens have large talons?" Furthermore, she shall not be discouraged from an ensembular spot in the cast, but shall see it as a joyous stepping stone and a grand quest.

LILY KIRKPATRICK

Ensemble
LILY KIRKPATRICK - Ensemble If you told Lily that she was going to be in this year's musical, she would have laughed but in reality, she would be too shy to say anything. Lily is in 7th grade and she loves theatre and singing. After she saw her brother do many shows and plays over the last couple of years at SSMS, she more and more wanted to do it too! She did the Fall show this year called "Once Upon A Pandora's Box" and she really loved rehearsals. She also loved doing the show and she really connected with some of the people and her fellow cast members! She really loves her family and her puppy and french fries. If you asked what her favorite type of french fry was then she would name them all. She wants to thank her family for being very supportive and her brother, Riley, for inspiring her to do this. She also wants to thank her dog, Lucky, for being very cute and waking her up in the morning by licking her like crazy. She would also like to know if she can get fries after the show. :)

ELSIE HAVICAN

Ensemble
ELSIE HAVICAN - Ensemble Elsie is a 6th grader and has never done a show at SSMS. Even though she's never done a show here, she has done many different shows out of school. Theatre is one of her favorite things to do and she has always loved singing and dancing. She would like to thank her parents for always encouraging her and she also wants to thank all her friends in theatre because without them, it would have been tough to feel like she fit in with all the older kids. Lastly, she would like to thank her sister who was willing to help with the choreography.

BLAKE OWEN

Ensemble
BLAKE OWEN - Ensemble Meet Blake Owen, a Colorado native, who is in 6th grade and is enthusiastically entering Tennessee's musical scene. Blake takes the stage in "Suddenly Someone" as a dedicated ensemble member, bringing a theatrical flair and love for music to his debut performance. Inspired by the captivating energy of theatre, Blake hopes this will be just the beginning of his time in the spotlight, entertaining others through song and stage. Outside of musicals, Blake enjoys golf, theme parks, and Disney films, adding a touch of whimsy to his colorful journey.

INDIANA BUCK

Ensemble
INDIANA BUCK - Ensemble Indiana is a 12-year-old 6th grader and this will be her first school play at SSMS. She is very excited because she's only ever done acting day camps and theatre class with Ms. Olson before this. So far, she says the rehearsals have been really fun and she can't wait for the play.

JULIANNA LENHART

Ensemble
JULIANNA LENHART - Ensemble Julianna is a 6th grade student who has always loved theatre. She also loves to audition for commercials, films, and other productions. As a hobby, Julianna also takes acting classes from her own mother, who has been in the entertainment industry for years. She is very excited to participate in her very first school play and she can't wait to do many more.

BRADEN MACAULAY

Ensemble
BRADEN MACAULAY - Ensemble Braden is a 6th grade student who grew up in Buffalo, New York for a little over a decade before he moved to Spring Hill, Tennesse. He has done theatre before in New York, starting when he was in 5th grade and trained under Ms. Olson for the 6th grade, 1st nine weeks class but this is his first show at SSMS. Outside of theatre, he playes soccer and likes video games.

BRIANNA LENHART

Ensemble
BRIANNA LENHART - Ensemble Brianna is a 6th grader and is very happy and excited about performing in the play. With her mom being an actress and producer, Brianna has grown up in an artistic household: acting, singing, and dancing. She also loves to audition for commercials and films. Most recently, Brianna was cast and appeared in a Harry Potter commercial for the Syfy channel. She would like to thank Mrs. Olson, Mrs. Harris, Jovi, and the whole cast and crew for making this an incredible experience.

SARA HARRIS

Laura Roman
SARA HARRIS - Laura Roman Sara (AKA Doodle Butt and Emmy's favorite) is in 5th grade. Being Ms. Olson's (Emmy to Sara) Goddaughter, she has been doing theatre since she was less than a year old, making her stage debut at SSMS during the musical, "Krazy Kamp", in 2014. She followed that up playing Toddler Snow White in "Another Snow White Story." Since then, her credits include The Little Mermaid, Game of Tiaras, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Hillbilly Reunion, Peter Pan, Fractured, Princess Party Smackdown, Monster Park, Usher, Descendants, Miss Teen Beauty Queen, Night at the Wax Museum, Changing Minds, Forgiven and Once Upon a Pandora's Box. Suddenly Someone will be her 19th show at SSMS. Other credits include pagents, modeling, television, and even the face on a billboard around the Nashville area. In her free time, she is on the competition dance team at Stage Right Dance Academy. Sara cannot wait until she gets to Spring Station next year so she can be a part of the theatre program every day. She would like to thank her Mommy and her Emmy for giving her the chance to shine.

BRYLEE JUNE PRITT

Young Cassie
BRYLEE JUNE PRITT - Young Cassie Brylee June is a larger than life First Grader who loves to sing and dance! She does gymnastics and enjoys flipping all over the trampoline. Brylee June spends most of her time playing with her brother and spending time with her family!

BAYLOR PRITT

Young Michael
BAYLOR PRITT - Young Michael Baylor is a sports loving second grader who loves to be outside! Baylor is always trying to make everyone laugh and enjoys playing games with his sister!

AMELIA MCGARRITY

Student Director
AMELIA MCGARRITY - Student Director Amelia is in 8th grade and in Honors Theatre. She has been back stage for some time, doing costumes or stage hand, but this time, she wanted to try something new and more exciting. She performed in the Honors Show this Fall on stage and is in Honors Theatre. However, this go around... Amelia signed up for Student Director and is loving it so far, because she has an amazing teacher and awesome, supportive friends.

LILY HUMMEL

Stage Manager
LILY HUMMEL - Stage Manager Lily is in 8th grade and is in Honors Theatre. She is a hard-working, fun-loving student who is ecstatic be a part of her 4th production here at Spring Station Middle School. In Night at the Wax Museum, she worked lights for the show. In Forgiven: a Fairy-tale, she played Cinderella's handmaiden. In Once Upon A Pandora's Box, she worked as a stagehand. Now, she has moved into leadership as Stage Manager. She is very grateful for this opportunity to be a part of her final show here.

KEYONA TAYLOR

Curtain
KEYONA TAYLOR - Curtain Keyona is a 12 year old 7th grader and she has never been in a school play. She did do curtains for the Fall Show, Once Upon A Pandora's Box, and helped with House Crew in "Forgiven" though. She moved here and decided to try something new as she has always wanted to help and be evolved in a play like this. She is very excited to continue in plays and help with them in the future.

JACK SPENCER

Curtain
JACK SPENCER - Curtain This is Jack's 1st show and he is so excited to be a part of the show. He is in the 8th grade and has been looking forward to this since he heard about the musical.

BELLE ANDERSON

Stage Hand Right
BELLE ANDERSON - Stage Hand Right Belle is in the 8th grade and this is Belle's 4th show at Spring Station. It is her first time being a stage hand. Although she is currently doing a class play in her 3rd period Theatre class with Ms. Olson, she is very excited to be back backstage for this one.

MICHELLE BURNAM

Stage Hand Left
MICHELLE BURNAM - Stage Hand Left Michelle is an 8th grade student that joined Honors theatre. This is her 3rd show. To her, theatre has been an experience that made her into the person she is today! She is more confident and would like to thank her parents for allowing her to contribute to the play.

MADELYN FISCHER

Lights
MADELYN FISCHER - Lights Madelyn is an 8th grade student at Spring Station, and is very excited to be able to participate in another show. She would like to thank her family for supporting her in everything.

MIRIAM KIMBALL

Assistant Lights
MIRIAM KIMBALL - Assistant Lights Miriam is in the 6th grade and other than having theatre as a class during the 9 week period, has not done any productions. This is her first show and she is excited to participate, even if it is backstage doing Assistant Lights. She hopes to do more shows in the future.

MADELINE MURPHY

Costumes
MADELINE MURPHY - Costumes Madeline is in 7th grade and she has never been in any school production before. She loves trying new things and wants to continue in trying new things. She also enjoys listening to music and watching other productions.

VERA MCINTOSH

Assistant Costumes
VERA MCINTOSH - Assistant Costumes Vera is in 6th grade at SSMS and is super exited to be a part of the show. It is her first year at this school and is grateful to help in this production. She has done a few theatre classes in the past and done two musicals before this and two dance shows. She is currently in a class and has a part in a musical outside of school. Vera is exited to work with these people and do this show.

ZOEY CAMPBELL

Props
ZOEY CAMPBELL - Props Zoey is 12 years old and in the 6th grade. This is her first SSMS play, although she has been doing theatre for years. This is her first time being a part of the backstage crew. She also enjoys Color guard and spending time with her family and friends.

LILY KOEPPENDOERFER

House Crew
LILY KOEPPENDOERFER - House Crew Lily is a 6th grader and excited to do her part in her first musical! She wants to give a personal thank you to the friends that pushed her to audition and helped her discover a new interest. She’s already started her future career by writing stories in journals and seeks inspiration in the books she reads. Lily hopes to inspire dreamers like her by encouraging them through her example to speak their minds!

ADDISON PERKINS

House Crew
ADDISON PERKINS - House Crew Addison is in 6th grade and is 12 years old. She has a love for all things theatre and music and has participated in a few musical productions prior to attending SSMS. She loves to sing and spend time with her friends and family. She is excited to take part in this production and hopefully many more to come!

KELLIE OLSON

Director
KELLIE OLSON - Director Kellie has been teaching and directing Theatre at SSMS since the school opened in 2010. Before that, she was the theatre instructor at Heritage Middle School for 9 years. This is her 58th show to direct for Williamson County since 2002. When she is not directing shows at SSMS, she does acting, dancing, and script writing on the side, racking up credits in acting and writing in theatre, film, and television under her Screen Actor's Guild name, Kellie Hudson. She received an AA from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, CA, a BFA in Theatre Performance from The University of Memphis, an MA in Arts in Education from Austin Peay and an MFA in Film in Acting, Directing and Screenwriting from The Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. She would first like to thank Robbo Zelonky for talking with her and for his great help throughout the process and for trusting her with his "baby." What a fabulous show he has created; one with such an important message. She would like to thank Alison Kempfert and Jovirose Taddeo for contributing their expertise in choreography and for joining her on this journey as it is no small feat. She would also like to thank Ashley Harris for the 12 Musicals they have now teamed up to do. Ashley is the Thelma to Kellie's Louise, the Glinda to Kellie's Elphaba, the Ethel to Kellie's Lucy, etc. As best friends, these two are a dynamic duo and there is no one else that Kellie would rather team up with for the yearly musical than the amazing Ashley Harris. In addition, she'd like to thank Amy Smith for her photography skills, being the ticket master, and for basically watching every show she's directed since 2010.  It sometimes takes a village and Kellie feels that she has the greatest village there is! Finally, she would like to thank all the cast and crew for putting so much work into making this musical a success...one that isn't as well known as some......but, a musical that is so much fun, one with such an important message and one that is such an entertaining show to do. So, to her Thespian Babies, she has this message for you that was told to her millions of times by the late Josie Helming: Go on stage, say your words loud, and don't fall off the stage!

ASHLEY HARRIS

Musical Director
ASHLEY HARRIS - Musical Director Ashley is the director of bands at Spring Station Middle School. She is in her twenty third year of teaching and the thirteeth year at her current school. Previously, she was the director of bands at Fred. J. Page Middle School for ten years. Ashley’s bands have received multiple superior ratings and have performed at the State and National levels. She also assisted at Fred J. Page High School, where they received countless awards for their marching and concert bands. In 2012, Ashley was named Spring Station Middle School’s Teacher of the Year and the Williamson County Middle School Teacher of the Year. In 2022, Ashley received the honor of being a CMT music teacher of excellence. Ashley has been instrumental in the creation of the Fusion Choir, 3 Time National GameDay Live Competition Band, Colorguard, and Drumline at Spring Station. She has also been able to assist with the musical productions at Spring Station. Her love and attention to these programs has brought her so much joy. Ashley was honored to be the field commander for John Overton High School and Austin Peay State University, where she received her undergraduate degree. Her graduate degree was obtained from Tennessee State University. She is married to Erick Harris, Director of Bands at Summit High School. They are blessed with 2 beautiful children, Mack, 17 and Sara, 10. Beyond professional recognition, Ashley feels fortunate because she is able to do more than just teach. She inspires, challenges, mentors, nurtures, and guides, and she believes that these successes contribute to improving the lives of those who know her. Her greatest successes are touching the lives of future musicians, doctors, educators and opening the door of possibilities for her students. Finally, Ashley wants Kellie Olson to know that it is a blessing to work with her best friend and partner in crime on the musical masterpieces over the last 13 years. She wants to thank her for bringing her onboard to be a part of this great theatre program!

ALISON KEMPFERT

Choreographer
ALISON KEMPFERT - Choreographer This is Alison's 3rd musical as a choreographer for SSMS. She has trained in ballet, jazz, and modern dance. She was also a competitive Rhythmic Gymnast and was a member of the United States Junior National Team. She trained in Bulgaria and also competed in France, Portugal, and Canada. Alison received her BFA in Dance at Jacksonville University where she was a member of the JU Dolphin dance team. She cheered for the Jacksonville Jaguars as a member of the Roar for four seasons. She also atteneded four Super Bowls as a celebrity cheerleader. Alison was a cheerleader and choreographer for the Oliver Stone movie, "Any Given Sunday." She has been teaching dance, rhythmic gymnastics, and contorortion stretch for the past 24 years.

JOVIROSE TADDEO

Choreographer
JOVIROSE TADDEO - Choreographer Jovirose is a freshman at Summit High School and is involved in their theatre program. She has been participating in theatre since she was in 6th grade but only had 9 week rotation classes with Ms. Olson. In 2022-2023, her 8th grade year, Jovirose was in Honors Theatre with Ms. Olson, had a lead role in the Honors show and was the lead in last year's musical at SSMS. Jovi has also been dancing since she was two years old and is on the Summit Dance Team. She especially loves hip hop dancing and she adores doing choreography!! She would love to thank Ms Olson and Mrs Harris for the opportunity to help out this year!

Multimedia


"Fight Me" Rehearsal
"Same Scared Boy" Rehearsal

SPECIAL THANKS

Rob "Robbo" Zelonky

Jovirose Taddeo

Alison Kempfert

Amy Smith

Jennifer Brown

Jennifer Martin

Mary Siemen

Paula Waits

Twine Graphics

Nate Snider

Auburn Pritt

Jesse Buck

Michelle Dudley

Gigi Hoppe

Christina Southworth

 

 

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