Alice by Heart 

Renee Greene

Renee Greene is a Junior in the BFA musical theatre program. From being onstage to working backstage, she loves being a part of a group dedicated to one goal—creating a wonderful production. In spring of 2025, Renee had the opportunity to act as swing for both POTUS and Little Shop of Horrors. Each opportunity was a chance to learn and grow, and Renee is incredibly grateful for the opportunity Alice By Heart has given her. Renee would like to give special thanks to director Michael Walker, musical director Jennifer Hartsell, choreographer Jared Max Wright, the wonderful cast of Alice By Heart, and you the viewer for taking time out of your day to come “down the hole” with us.

Elliott Lear

Elliott Lear is a freshman at the University of Montevallo pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater. He is a Memphis native and is super excited for his debut here at Montevallo. Past credits include Frank Cioffi (Curtains, Panther Playhouse), Abel (Children of Eden, BPACC), and Ensemble (Bright Star, BPACC). He'd like to thank his family for their endless support and encouragement throughout his theatrical career.

Allya Florence

Allya Florence is a Senior B.F.A Musical Theatre major here at the University of Montevallo. This is her sixth UM Theatre department show!! Some of her recent characters that she had the honor of playing was The Leading Player in PIPPIN, Rosie(Kit Kat Girl) in CABARET, and Chiffon in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Allya would like to thank her family for their undying support in her college career and most importantly God because she could not do this without Him, and He is the one that blessed her with this gift, and she is forever grateful. Also, she would like to send thanks to Michael Walker and Jennifer Hartsell for casting her in this production and trusting her with the Queen of Hearts!! Thank you, Thank you to ALL of production for your hard work, truly because without y'all this show would not happen. Thank you for coming to the show and ENJOY!!!

Jackson Holsomback

Jackson Holsomback is a Senior BFA Musical Theatre student and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play the roles, "Dr. Butridge/King of Hearts/Jabberwock" in Montevallo Theatre's production of Alice by Heart! He has been seen in some of Montevallo’s productions over the last few years in roles such as "Seymour" in Little Shop of Horrors, "Ernst Ludwig" in Cabaret, "Orpheus" in Eurydice, and as "Benny" in RENT. He is incredibly grateful to Michael Walker, the stage management and technical team, and fellow cast members for the wonderful experience of working on this show! He also wants to express his gratitude and appreciation for his beloved fiancée, Audrey Paige Robinson, for all the amazing work she has done, and continues to do as Purple Side Co-Leader for Montevallo's College Night.

Taylore Kenty

Taylore Kenty is a senior BFA Musical theatre major at the University of Montevallo. Taylore has had the pleasure of working on several shows in her time here at Montevallo: Kill.Move.Paradise directed by Kam Sanderfer, Player/ Manson Trio in Pippin, choreographer debut for Montevallo’s production of Pippin, Sally Bowles in CABARET, Harriet in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, and Tabatha/Cheshire Cat in Alice by Heart. Taylore is honored and proud to be participating in yet another wonderful piece of art. Thank you to Michael Walker (Director), Jennifer Hartsell (Musical Director), and Jared Max Wright (Choreographer) for such great direction and a beautiful process to make this story come to life.

D'Mar Tarront-Milton

D’Mar Tarront-Milton is a Senior BS Theatre Major. He was last seen in UM's production of Cabaret as Herr Shultz! He is also excited to be playing the role of Jesus in Godspell for his MT Styles class! Shout out to all his family and friends for their love and support!

MaKayla Hemphill

MaKayla Hemphill is a junior at the University of Montevallo. She is a BA Theatre Major. She has always had a love for performing and is so excited to be in her fourth show here, Alice By Heart, and can't wait to play one of her favorite characters.

Thatcher Carter

Thatcher Carter is a freshman Musical Theatre major at the University of Montevallo and is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast and crew. He would like to thank his mom and dad for their constant support (and help with tuition!) as well as the rest of his family. This is Thatcher’s first show at Montevallo, and he is excited for many more to come. You can follow his journey on Instagram @thatcher_carter1316. Thatcher hopes you enjoy the show and carry a little piece of it with you forever.

Camilia Bran

Camila is a junior transfer student in her first year at the University of Montevallo. She is working toward a BFA in Musical Theatre and is excited to be part of the program. Camila enjoys performing and looks forward to growing as an artist during her time at Montevallo.

Cole Wilson

Cole Wilson is 20 years old, and a Junior here at Montevallo. He started theatre in January 2022 and immediately fell in love with it. Some of his favorite roles that he has played include the Emcee in Cabaret, Colonel Mustard in Clue, and Dennis Dupree in Rock of Ages. He is very excited to be a part of this show!

Alan Weston

Alan is a sophomore majoring in Musical Theatre. This is his first production at Montevallo, and he is so excited to be part of Alice by Heart! He has previously played Barfée in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and was ensemble in the 2025 Purple Side Show.

Mollie MacIlveen

Mollie MacIlveen is a senior B.S. Theatre major here at the University of Montevallo! Mollie is so ecstatic about her first mainstage show with the Theatre Department! Mollie has also performed as "Estelle" in No Exit (University of Montevallo Directing 3) and "Ensemble" in The Legacy of the Iron Witch (College Night, Purple Victory). Mollie also has been the Social Media Manager for the Theatre Department with shows like POTUS, Little Shop of Horrors, and Bound and Burned. She would like to thank her professors, family, and friends so their constant support and encouragement! See you down the hole!

Olivia Reaves

Olivia is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major and a BFA Art major. Theatre has been her passion since she was 7 years old, and she is very grateful to continue her theatre education here at her mother’s alma mater. Last semester, Olivia was last seen on the UM stage in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass… Keep Him Alive (Stephanie). She is very grateful she gets to tell this beautiful story to all of you. Enjoy the show!

Isaiah Coleman

Isaiah Coleman is a senior exercise and nutrition science major with a concentration in allied health. His goal is to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. This will be Isaiah's first ever musical he has ever be a part of.

Gracyn Thompson

Gracyn is a freshman at Montevallo and is so excited to be in her first college production.

Taylor McLendon

Taylor McLendon is a Senior at the University of Montevallo as a BFA Musical Theatre major. She has previously been in Punk Rock Girl, The Sondheim Tribute Revue, Pippin, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, and Bound and Burned. She could not be more honored to be a part of this show, and she is so thankful for the opportunity to get to understudy such a fantastic role. She would like to thank the entire cast, directorial team, creative team, and the stage management team for all of the hard work put into this beautiful show.

Michael Walker

Michael Thomas Walker (he/him) is the Chair of The Department of Theatre and an Associate Professor of Acting and Voice at the University of Montevallo. He received an MFA in Acting from Rutgers University and a BA in Theatre from the University of Alabama. University of Montevallo theatre directing credits include A New Brain, Septic, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Urinetown, Much Ado About Nothing and Clybourne Park. Other directing credits include Hairspray, The 39 Steps, God of Carnage, SIDD with the New Light Theatre Project in NYC, and the award winning solo play BIOHAZARD. His next directing project is Best of Enemies at Theatre Tuscaloosa. As an actor, he has performed in NYC with The New Light Theater Project, The Weasel Festival, Jean Cocteau Repertory, Guerrilla Theater, Boomerang Theater Company, and the national tours of Hairspray playing Edna Turnblad and Seussical the Musical as Horton the Elephant. He recently performed at Red Mountain Theatre as a part of their Human Rights Festival in the new musical Bar Mitzvah in Birmingham. Michael was a finalist for the Edna St. Vincent Millay Colony Playwriting Residency and is a recipient of the Wildacres Playwriting Residency. His interview based solo show, BUBBA, received the Best Variety Show Award in the United Solo Festival, Best Solo Performance Award for the Planet Connections Festival and was recently performed on NPR’s “Tales From The South”. His film and television appearances include Boardwalk Empire, Dirty Little Secret, Now That’s Cute, and Non-Stop. He is also co-author of the play Canfield Drive which received its world premiere production at The Black Rep in St. Louis in 2019. Canfield Drive is a play about the murder of Michael Brown and the Black Lives Matter Movement. The show was also performed as part of the National Black Theatre Festival. In the summer of 2022 Michael co-produced a production of the play MARROW by Brian Quirk Off-Broadway at 59E59 Theatre. That production then transferred to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Michael currently serves on the executive committee of the Acting Focus Group for ATHE and is a member of the Homewood Arts Council.

Jennifer Hartsell

Jennifer Hartsell earned her B.M. in Piano Performance and her M.M. in Composition from the University of Alabama. She completed additional studies in composition at N.Y.U. and Cornell University, where she was awarded the prestigious Sage Graduate Fellowship. After several years as the bass player in a punk/metal band, she completed doctoral studies in Collaborative Piano from the University of Minnesota. While in Minneapolis, she was composer/librettist for the critically acclaimed 2013 Fringe Festival show Pullman Car Hiawatha. She is the composer of the award-winning musical Flatliners, which premiered in 2021. Music Director/pianist credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver!, The Sound of Music, A Wonderful Life, The Wizard of Oz,and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. University of Montevallo MD credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret, High Fidelity, The Rocky Horror Show, Spring Awakening, Heathers: the Musical, Godspell, Company, Hair, Urinetown, Carrie, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Chicago, The Lightning Thief, A New Brain, Punk Rock Girl, and Rent. Much love and thanks to the students, and Bennett and Ken.

Jared Max Wright

Jared Max Wright is thrilled to be back on the bricks this fall to choreograph Alice By Heart! He is a 2018 graduate of the University of Montevallo where he earned his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Trained in ballet, tap, and jazz style dance, Jared has worked under professionals such as Fulton Burns, Chip Abbot, Amy Murphy, Robin Lewis, Cindy Ripley, Tim Mcdonald and Sara Brians. Jared continues his passion for theatre alongside his work with Music Theatre International and iTheatrics as a part of the Junior Theatre Festival Internship Program, continued work with the Virginia Samford Theatre’s STARS Program, and as a Red Mountain Theatre teaching artist in their education/conservatory program. As well as the 25/26 instructor for Musical Theatre Dance at Samford University. Jared has had the pleasure to perform in and choreograph various musicals. His choreography credits include: Cabaret (UM), Spring Awakening (UM), High Fidelity (UM), Urinetown (UM), Company, Priscilla Queen of the Desert (UM), and Into The Woods. Some performance credits include: A Chorus Line (Paul), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Leaf Coneybear), Mary Poppins (Robertson Ay), The Rocky Horror Show (Riff Raff), Newsies (Elmer), Beauty and The Beast (Lefou), Spring Awakening (Hanschen), Matilda (Ensemble), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Little Women (Laurie), Heathers the Musical (Kurt Kelley) and Shrek the Musical (Pinocchio). He would like to thank the University of Montevallo Fine Arts faculty for this opportunity and their continued guidance and support!

Emmie Koehn

Emmie Koehn is a BFA Stage Management student in her junior year at the University of Montevallo. Some of Emmie’s past productions include Cabaret (Stage Manager), Little Shop of Horrors (Assistant Stage Manager), and Zelda in the Backyard (Production Assistant). Emmie is thrilled for you to see the show, and she would like to thank everyone who has supported her throughout her time at Montevallo and beyond. She hopes you all enjoy the show and can’t wait for you to fall Down the Hole with her favorite musical.

Charli Ensor

Charli Ensor (she/her) is a Junior B.F.A. Theatre student pursuing Stage Management. Charli is delighted to be a part of the stage management team and to be working with everyone involved with Alice by Heart! After working as Production Assistant on POTUS at the University of Montevallo in the Spring, Charli worked on stage management teams at The Actor’s Charitable Theatre and Theatre Tuscaloosa on shows such as Anastasia, Steel Magnolias, and Rock of Ages this summer. Charli would like to thank her mom and her Chris for their constant support and for seeing every show!

Anna Crosson

Anna Crosson is excited to work as an Assistant Stage Manager for Alice by Heart! In her time at Montevallo, Anna has been a Production Assistant for POTUS, and House Manager for Little Shop of Horrors. Over the summer, Anna worked as an Assistant Stage Manager on Big River at Virginia Samford Theatre. She is currently pursuing her B.F.A. in Theatre Design/ Technology with a concentration in Theatre Management. This spring, Anna will be doing an Arts Administration Internship with Theatre Aspen. Anna would like to thank her friends and family for their support, and the cast and crew of Alice by Heart for such a wonderful experience!

Ruby Hudgins

Ruby is a freshman in the BFA Theatre Design/Tech Major. This will be her 1st UM show, and she is very excited! She is typically found Stage Managing around her hometown, but her favorite credits include: Stage Manager for Little Shop of Horrors with Grissom, Last Minute Swing for The Play That Goes Wrong with Renegade PTC, Student Director for Rapunzel and the Beanstalk with FPCTA, and Assistant Technical Director for Charlotte's Web with AAA. Now, without further ado, enjoy the show!!

Adam Spencer

Adam Spencer is a scenic and lighting designer. He received his BA in Theatre from Chadron State College and MFA in Theatrical Design from Illinois State University. Adam has served as Technical Director, Resident Designer, and Scenic Design Professor at The University of Houston - Downtown. At Louisiana Tech University he worked as the Technical Director and as a Scenic and Lighting Designer. He has worked at theatres such as Playhouse on the Square (scenic design), Theatre Under The Stars (asst. lighting and asst. scenic design), Lexington Children’s Theatre (lighting and scenic design), Birmingham Children’s Theatre (lighting and scenic design), TUTS’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (lighting and scenic design), Olney Theatre Center (props design), Main Street Theatre (scenic design), Alley Theatre (scenic construction), and Asolo Rep (props construction). He is excited to work with the next generation of theatre artists.

Caleb Stroman

Caleb Stroman is an assistant professor of theatre and lighting designer. He was previous an assistant professor of theatre and resident scenic and lighting designer at Susquehanna University in Central Pennsylvania. In addition to teaching and designing in Pennsylvania, he has designed in Texas, Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa. Caleb is the Resident Lighting Designer for the Virginia Samford Theatre's 2024-25 Season where he recently designed ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and ‘The World Goes ‘Round’. His professional and academic work can be found on his portfolio website: www.calebstroman.com

Kyle Everett

Typically overseeing the technical aspects of the costuming process, Kyle is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with his colleagues and students on the costume design of this heart-felt production. A graduate of The University of Alabama, Kyle's work as a technician has been seen on stages across the nation, including Broadway, but designing Alice By Heart has been singularly rewarding experience for him. Many thanks to the hardworking students who brought these designs to life and to the incredibly supportive artistic and technical staffs of the production. Kyle would like to dedicate this show to the love of his life - To Joe, my White Rabbit: I wish we had more time. I hope I’ve made you proud.

Pei Li Brasher

PeiLi Brasher is a Junior BFA Tech and Design Major at UM. She was previously on Makeup Crew and Assistant Designed Little Shop of Horrors. They are taking on their first Lead Designer role for Alice By Heart.