Mariana Arias – Frenchie
Mariana is beyond excited to be in her second 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. Mariana is so excited to bring the iconic character of Frenchie to life, and hopes you’ll enjoy the cast of characters as much as she does!
Barry Grimes – Kenickie/Detective Cricket
Barry Grimes is a newcomer to Upstage Theatre! 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 – Lady in Pink/Sound Tech
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 – Rizzo
Tara is thrilled to be joining Upstage Theatre in this hilarious and gratifying show! This is her third 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.
Nicole Keller – Lady in Pink/Tech
Nicole Keller has spent the last 4 years involved with Penguin Project Productions and has played multiple roles in a variety of their shows. She is a mother of two children, Lilli -Ann and Camila, and enjoys singing and twirling baton as well! She is an experienced bartender and spends her time running her own house and car cleaning companies. She is very excited to be a part of her first dinner theatre performance company!
Jolene “Goldie” Howard – Sandy/Director/Playwright
Goldie 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, Goldie has truly walked (and danced!) the boards. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, cooking, and walking her beloved dog, Scooter.
Craig Howard – Danny/Director/Set Designer
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 – Gino
This is Kent’s third 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 Gino.
Kayd Smith – Greaser/Light Tech
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.