Mariana Arias – Gigi Gingers
Mariana is beyond excited to be in her third show with The Upstage Theatre Company! Her past roles include Sparkles in “Big Louie’s Wedding: A Mobster Murder Mystery” at The Upstage Theatre Company, Tanya in “Mamma Mia” at McIntosh Theatre, Eleanor Dunbar in “Footloose”, at McIntosh Theatre, and Ensemble in “Oklahoma” at Corn Stock Theatre. She studied vocal performance at the Schwob School of Music, where she deepened her love for storytelling through music.
Barry Grimes – Capt. Mervyn McCloud
Barry has performed in a variety of shows in the area including Peoria Players, Corn Stock Theatre, Eastlight and Chillicothe Players. Barry is a baritone bass and regularly sings with a mixed vocal group called Friends in Harmony. Barry is grateful for the opportunity to perform in this production alongside this talented cast. He hopes you truly enjoy the show!
Trisha Bagby – Rose Winslett
Trisha is thrilled to make her debut with Upstage Theatre this season. Her favorite roles include Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), Fun Home (Helen Bechdel), and Legally Blonde (Paulette). She is also on the Community Engagement committee at Corn Stock Theatre here in Peoria! When she’s not performing, Trisha works in higher education and can usually be found immersed in a good story; whether onstage, at the table in a D&D campaign, or curled up with a fantasy novel. She hopes you enjoy the show… and keep a close eye on your fellow guests.
Tara Dean – Vicki McCloud
This is Tara’s fourth stage performance with the Company and sixth performance in Illinois since relocating from Florida . She has a background in theatre studies at the undergraduate level, and has been enjoying collaborating with small and local film and stage projects in both her former and new home state. She was previously seen in the area in performances such as “The Ghost of Christmas Past” in Corn Stock Theatre’s very first production of its now annual Christmas Carol, or as the “Doll” in Heartland Theatre’s “The Rummage Racket” earlier this year.
Jolene Howard – Director/Playwright/Julie the Cruise Director
Jolene is one of the founders of the company and has been active in theatre for over 3 decades on stage and film. Her commercial credits include a pilot for the Weather Channel (“Land Hunters”), and several commercials in Arizona. Stage credits include numerous roles with various theatre companies including ISC (CO), the Gaslight Theatre (Tucson, AZ), Red Barn (AZ), and more. From “Babe” in the Pajama Game to “Nellie Forbush” in South Pacific, Jolene has truly walked (and danced!) the boards. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, cooking, and walking her beloved dog, Scooter.
Craig Howard – Director/Set Designer/Jimmy Jones
Craig is a co-founder of the company and has been performing in theatre in Colorado, Arizona, and Kansas City since 1985. He enjoys the technical aspect of theatre as well, as he has designed and built numerous sets and special effects for shows in the past. He enjoys working with his hands, reading, and spending time with his kids.
Gregory “Kent” Davis – Hannigan
This is Kent’s fourth production with Upstage Theatre. Before Upstage, it had been about a decade since Kent Davis last performed on stage. Turns out he’s still got it. Presenting the news every morning tends to keep those presentation skills sharp. As a lover of holidays and meta-comedy, he’s absolutely delighted to play a new character.
Kayd Smith – Light Tech/Molly
Kayd is no stranger to the theatre! She has been active as a performer on stage and in variety of positions off stage in numerous productions throughout Central Illinois. She recently graduated with an Arts degree from ICC with an emphasis in Theatre. She is excited to join Upstage Theatre at the ground level as a Light Tech, as well as other roles.
Natalie Bashusen – Tech/Mary Ann
Natalie is thrilled to be part of Upstage Theatre’s production of Bon Voyage! She recently obtained her Associates in Theatre from Illinois Central College. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Stephen Schneider – Jack DiCaprio
Stephen (Jack) is excited for their debut performance with Upstage Theatre Company in Bon Voyage! If you were lucky enough to see him in The Barn III’s Love Rides the Rails, you can expect the same level of enthusiastic absurdity. When not wooing fair maidens at sea, Stephen can be heard butchering various instruments and dancing atop Norwegian mountains.