ELF:THE MUSICAL CAST (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
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ELF:THE MUSICAL CAST (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Samuel Austin -Ensemble (Understudy Michael)
Merry Christmas! I have always loved theatre. I began acting when I was in 6th grade and have been in many shows since
then. I am now a sophomore at Flowing Wells High School. Some of my favorite roles were playing Shrek in the Flowing Wells
Jr. High production of Shrek the Musical Jr, as well as playing Gleb in the Flowing Wells High School production of Anastasia
last year. This is my first show with Arts Express Theatre and it has been such a blast getting to know everyone. My favorite
reindeer is Comet because he has the best name in my opinion. I love Elf the Musical because it’s such a wonderful story that
anyone can relate to in one way or another.
Corbin Balagna - Elf, Ensemble
Oh, my jingle bells you are here!!! I have been learning and growing my talents in the Arts Express educational programs and
recently performed in Titanic and as Mowgli in The Jungle Book. I am also a guest artist with Stories That Soar. My favorite
reindeer is Rudolph because he is the only reindeer that has a red glowing nose and is the fastest. However, I heard that
Dasher has been going on the treadmill to try and beat him. I think that Elf the Musical is the BEST and I mean the BEST
MUSICAL EVER!
Diane Marie - Bertrand-Goldsmith - Ms. Greenway
Merry Christma-Hannu-Kwanz-ikah! I am thrilled to be back at Arts Express Theatre with this jovial cast of Elf. I received
my Bachelor of Music Education in Voice from The University of Oklahoma before performing on tour with the musical
education group, Up with People, for five years. Previous credits include Miss Prism (The Importance of Being Earnest), Aya
(The Secret Garden), Eulalie Mackechine Shinn (The Music Man), and most recently, here at AET as Florence and u/s Alice
(Bright Star). Unlike my character, I expect to be on Santa’s nice list this year! I got married over Halloween and have
continued the holiday spirit since then. I think Santa supports this, so it’s The Nice list for me! Our show is full of so much
love and laughter - we are thrilled to share it with you. Thanks for being here!
Ian Bramhill - Ensemble (Understudy Manager)
Happy Holidays, everyone! I have been singing my whole life and have performed in choir concerts and talent shows from
when I was 8, but only started to get involved in acting about 3 years ago now. This is my third time working with Arts
Express Theatre, following The Fantasticks (co-produced with Pima Community College) and Oliver. I have been a student
at Pima Community College for the past few years, where I have studied acting, voice and dance and will be taking a writ-
ing class next semester. If I had to choose a favorite reindeer (other than Rudolph, himself, of course), it would probably be
Donner, as he was Rudolph’s dad, and therefore without him, Rudolph could never have been born and his distinct shiny
red nose would never have helped Santa get his job done on that foggy Christmas Eve. In fact, before Rudolph, Donner was Santa’s lead reindeer, so
essentially, like father, like son. For Christmas this year, there are a few small tangible presents I would like, but the thing I probably want most is for
everyone to have a warm, happy, cheery, safe and peaceful holiday season and a happy new year.
Braden Cooley - Manager, Ensemble (Understudy Walter)
Happy Holidays! I have been involved in theatre since high school, where I did shows like Cinderella, Big Fish, and Les Miserables.
Notable roles I’ve had since high school include Linus Van Pelt in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and more recently, Big Jule
in the Arts Express Theatre production of Guys and Dolls. My favorite reindeer is Cupid, because Cupid was the Roman god
of love, and the best part about Christmas is all the love that is shared between family, friends, and sometimes even complete
strangers. I hope you have come to see Elf the Musical because that love is present throughout the entire show and it’s
important to remember to accept and respect everyone, regardless of their background, even if they claim they come from
the North Pole.
Cora Dirk - Elf, Ensemble
Happy Holidays! Elf is my fourth production with Arts Express Theatre. I made my theatre debut in White Christmas with AET
in 2021. In 2022 I also took part in Titanic and played Ka and Queen Louise in The Jungle Book. I am a fourth grader here in
Tucson and live with my mom, dad, brother, 2 dogs, cat and turtle. I love to sing, dance, and act, and hope to be on Broadway
one day! The thing I want most for Christmas is a corgi puppy even though my mom says no more pets, I’m still wishing as
hard as I can! I adore Elf the Musical because Sparklejollytwinklejingley!
Jordan Fouts - Ensemble (Understudy Jovie) ELF:THE MUSICAL CAST PAGE 2
Happy Holidays everyone! I am so excited to perform in my sixth musical production with Arts Express Theatre and to bring
the wonderful story of Buddy the Elf to life for the Tucson community this holiday season. I have been performing in musical
theater for 12 years with past roles including Mal in Disney’s Descendants the Musical, Anybodys’ in West Side Story, Sister Mary
Downey in Disaster! and Ensemble in Rent. When I’m not on stage, I am busy pursuing a BFA degree in Film and Television
production and a minor in the French language at the University of Arizona. This year for Christmas I want nothing more than
a joyful day with my family and maybe a little snow too! Elf the Musical is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit with
your family and friends and to learn a little more about what truly makes Christmas so special.
Joy Gaefke - Elf, Ensemble
Have a SparkleJollyTwinkleJingley Holiday! I have loved performing since I was two. Some of my favorite roles have been
Flounder in The Little Mermaid, Merida in Brave, and Shere Khan in The Jungle Book. Olive the other reindeer is my favorite
one because I like Olive them. I hope you’ve come to see Elf the Musical because I love performing and seeing lots of people
enjoying the show!
Celeste Gilgoriu - Ensemble
Happy Jollytwinklejingley Christmas! I was in show choir for four years before
starting a new journey of acting at Pima Community College. I am newly acquainted with the theatre scene and have been
immersing myself with as much theatre as I can. My first show with Arts Express Theatre was Bring it On and I am excited to
be working with them again for Elf! For Christmas I want to time travel! I hope that Elf the Musical willl make you just wanna
sing a Christmas song all season long!
Jaydn Gillette - Elf, Ensemble
Merry Christmas! I am thrilled to be performing this production of Elf the Musical. I am 13 years old and my love for musical
theatre has grown after performing in Arts Express Theatre productions of Bring It On the Musical (Truman Squad, Eva U/S),
White Christmas (Susan Waverly), Oliver (Fagan’s Gang), as well as two years of A Christmas Carol (Ensemble, Grace Smythe). I
have also performed in Shrek the Musical (Young Fiona, Ensemble) with White Mountain Performing Arts and attended a Dis-
ney on Broadway Program this fall. I am currently in 8th grade and I am Student Body President as well as a member of
the National Junior Honor Society, and captain of the Cheerleading squad at my middle school. My favorite reindeer is
Dancer because I imagine him to be elegant and have a love dancing. I hope you’ve come to see Elf the Musical because it will bring joy and laughter
to your holiday season.
Anna Howe - Charlotte, Security Guard, Ensemble
Anna Howe is fifteen years old. A few years ago, I made my Arts Express Theatre debut as Mary in The Secret Garden (along-
side our wonderful director Chris Will, who played Dr. Craven). Since then, I have been in the AET productions of Carousel,
A Christmas Carol, and Oliver. I also attended Stagedoor Manor in New York during the summer where I have been in
productions such as Mary Poppins, The Utter Glory of Morrissey Hall, Sondheim On Sondheim, and Chicago. I have had years
of experience in vocal training and would like to thank my coach and mentor Michael Chaffin. I am so thrilled to have been in
this exciting production of Elf. My favorite part about Christmas is all the sparkly lights. I hope that you enjoy this show!
Edelweiss Jensen - Baby
Fa la la la la la la la la is pretty much all I can say right now. This is my first ever Arts Express Theatre show out of the womb.
I just started walking and love to dance too! My favorite reindeer is…..what is a reindeer? I hope you enjoy the show
because its sparklyjollyjingletingly!
Tiff Jensen - Emily Hobbs
“Cheer up Dude, it’s Christmas!” I have been performing professionally in Tucson for 13 years. I have recently performed at
Arts Express Theatre as Alice Murphy in Bright Star, Maureen in Rent, and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. My favorite reindeer
is Cupid because I am a hopeful romantic. I love Elf the Musical because it is a beautiful show that has a lot of really cute and
talented kids in it!!!
P.S. I’m AET’s Director of Education. Hope you can join us for one of our upcoming classes or workshops!
ELF:THE MUSICAL CAST PAGE 3 Ava Marenfeld - Elf, Ensemble Happy Holidays! Elf is my 3rd production with Arts Express Theatre. In the last few years, I enjoyed being a part of Oliver! and A Christmas Carol. My favorite reindeer is Prancer because he’s the reindeer that Rudolph looks up to, has a lot of courage and is a natural born leader. I hope that Elf the Musical brings a light, happy, family friendly feeling that everyone can enjoy! Pete Marenfeld - Elf, Ensemble Merry Christmas! This is my second show with Arts Express Theatre, with both being holiday shows. My first and previous show was the pandemic (masked) production of A Christmas Carol in 2020 where I was in the men’s ensemble, as well as performing as a number of other bit characters parts. My favorite reindeer is Comet because he’s easy-going but is also determined to get the job done and is always willing to lend a helping hand. I hope that Elf the Musical helps to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit with a wonderful story and some super catchy tunes! Max Morgan - Charlie the Elf, Ensemble Merry Christmas to all! I’m excited to join the Elf cast in my first production with Arts Express Theatre. Previously, I have acted in about a dozen plays at Live Theater Workshop and at BASIS Tucson Primary where I am a 4th grade student. Earlier this year, I starred in the short film “The Top-Secret Missions of Commander Phoenix and Agent Goldfish” filmed at the University of Arizona. My Christmas wish this year is to finally see Santa in person. I hope everyone who comes to see Elf the Musical will find themselves believing in Santa as much as I do! Kevin Orduño - Buddy Merry Christmas! I am absotively-positlutely delighted to play Buddy the Elf in this wonderful production! I’m a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience and a passion for storytelling to inspire, motivate, and educate. I’ve worked with numerous performing organizations in the local area and beyond, and I always count it a blessing to perform in my home city. My favorite reindeer has got to be Snowcone from the 2019 movie “Noelle” - I mean, it’s a fluffy, baby reindeer! How can you not love him?! I sincerely hope Elf the Musical will not only get you in the holiday spirit, but reveal its beautiful message about what really makes Christmas such a special time of year. Ayla Olivas - Tiara the Elf, Ensemble Isn’t Christmas time magical? Elf the Musical is the perfect show to get you in the holiday spirit; I hope you’ll bring your entire family to experience it. This is my first Arts Express Theatre production and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I have been singing, dancing and performing for more than five years and am a proud student at Kids Unlimited here in Tucson, appearing in their shows twice a year. I have also done a dozen school and community plays since I was 7-years-old and I absolutely love it. I just started middle school this fall and my favorite subjects are math and science. My favorite reindeer is Dancer, because she is the cutest and has the best name, of course! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Jonah Plemons - Elf, Ensemble Happy holidays! I am an 8th grader at Doolen Middle School and I love to sing, I’ve done Tucson Girls Chorus for 5 years. This is my first main stage Arts Express Theatre show, but I’ve done summer camps for several summers. I hope to continue with theatre with AET! My favorite reindeer is Blitzen, because of his cute name. I hope you’ve come to see Elf the Musical because it’ll brighten your holidays! Katie Popiel - Ensemble (Understudy Deb) Happy holidays! My creative pursuits include directing, instructing, and choreographing for Saguaro Stompers Clog Dance Company, directing comedic musical theatre troupe One Rehearsal Short, and puppeteering for Red Herring Puppets. I’m thrilled to be part of my fifth show at Arts Express Theatre, having recently been seen in Titanic and Bright Star. My favorite reindeer is Dancer because I love dancing more than just about anything! Thanks for coming to see Elf the Musical - I think we could all use some holiday cheer right now. P.S. I’m AET’s Volunteer Coordinator. If you’d like to help out with this great company, just send me an email at katie@arts-express.org
Mandy Ressler - Ensemble, (Understudy Ms. Greenway) ELF:THE MUSICAL CAST PAGE 4
Happy Holidays! I am an opera singer/musical theatre crossover and am thrilled to be in my 6th production with Arts
Express Theatre! I have been performing since I was little and thoroughly enjoy any time I get to be on stage. Some of my
favorite roles have been Florika’s Ghost - Hunchback of Notre Dame (Arts Express), Patsy - Spamalot (Blackbox Theatre),
Emma understudy/Nellie - Jekyll and Hyde (Blackbox Theatre), and Sally Anderson - A Christmas Carol (AET). My favorite
reindeer is Comet because he reminds me of the stars. I hope that you’ll enjoy Elf the Musical for its take on the movie and
that you experience the way the music can tell the story in ways words sometimes can’t!
Larry Ronstadt - Chadwick, Ensemble, (Understudy Buddy)
Happy Holidays! I played football for 4 years before discovering my passion, theater! I have been in and out of theatre for a
little over a year now with no sign of stopping. This is my 2nd show with Arts Express Theatre with my first one being Bright
Star earlier this year. I can’t wait to continue to do shows here in the future. I want a record player and a guitar for
Christmas because I would like to start getting into music more! I hope you will enjoy Elf, a fantastic show, and to cheer for
all the talented people involved!
Zailey Roper - Michelle Hobbs
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but this show is so delightful! This will be my third show at Arts Express Theatre and I
am beyond excited to play alongside my mom, Tiff Jensen! I perform on the stage, in film and as a guest artist with Stories
That Soar. I am a fifth-year cellist and study sports medicine at Marana High School. When I answer the question of what I
want for Christmas, it is not about the presents, but the presence of the people who I cherish and love. Now go watch the
cast and crew of Elf as we “sleigh” this show!
Alton Sakall - Elf, Ensemble
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I have done many junior shows with Arts Express Theatre. Some of those include The
Lion King, in which I played young Simba; The Little Mermaid, where I played Chef Louis; TheJungle Book where I played Colonel
Hathi and Dizzy, and two other shows. I’ve done some classes too including Shakespeare with Swords and an online acting
class. This is my first mainstage show, but I’m planning on doing many more. Donner is my favorite reindeer because he’s
Rudolph’s father. I always feel like Rudolph has just been the reindeer that everyone knows, and Donner’s been overlooked. I
thank you for coming to watch Elf the Musical. Everyone who’s worked on this production has poured heart and soul into it,
and it’s going to be amazing.
Anel Schmidt - Matthews, Ensemble
Feliz Navidad!! I have been acting in theater since I was 18 years old and have been in multiple productions over the many
years both in Mexico and the United States. This is my third production with Arts Express, the first was Cruella in Disney’s
Descendants, and the second was playing multiple roles in Rent. All I want for Christmas is to have all my family from Mexico
gather together to celebrate my favorite holiday. I hope that this magical, joyful and family oriented production that reminds
you that it doesn’t matter how old you are, if you still believe in the magic of Christmas, you will always feel young inside.
Isabel Shea - Jovie
Happy Holidays! I’m uncertain which of Santa’s lists I belong to... naughty or nice, it’s all subjective. I’m a Tucson-born actor,
writer, and graduate from the BFA Acting program at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in the UK. Before hopping
across the pond, I studied Musical Theatre at Professional Performing Arts School and Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC.
I’m so grateful to be a part of another AET production, having performed in Oliver! and A Chorus Line. I would like to
thank my family and friends for their continual love and support. The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without you. Hugs
to you all! Are you in need of a good hug? If so, Elf: The Musical is just the show for you. It will certainly leave you with that
warm and fuzzy feeling. Have your Elf a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Michael Stewart - Walter Hobbs
Happy Christmas! I have been involved in regional and community theatre productions for over 25 years. This is my first
show at Arts Express Theatre, having moved to Tucson last year. Among my favorite musical theatre roles: Leo Bloom in
The Producers, Charlie Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Sir Robin in Monty Python’s Spamalot. I’m really looking
forward to Santa’s visit as I think I have a real shot for the nice list...I’ve held a lot of doors open for people this year! I
really hope you enjoy seeing Elf the Musical - it’s one of the most feel-good Christmas stories ever with that great musical
theatre magic!
Kellen Tanner - Elf, Ensemble ELF:THE MUSICAL CAST PAGE 5 Happy Holidays! This is my fourth mainstage production with Arts Express Theater, having been in White Christmas, Oliver!, and Guys & Dolls. I also performed in the Arts Express Summer Camp program as Bagheera in Jungle Book, as well as Earthworm in James and the Giant Peach. I have also recently performed as Orpheus in Eurydice at Basis Tucson North, where I will also soon be performing as Fagin in Oliver Jr! For Christmas, I’m hoping to get new games for my Oculus, because it’s so much fun! I can’t wait to see you at Elf, where we’re going to have a Sparklejollytwinklejingley time! Julia Wetzel - Elf, Ensemble Julia Wetzel is a newcomer to the professional theater scene. She recently appeared in James and the Giant Peach at Arts Express Theatre. In 2023 she will play the role of Owl in Winnie the Pooh at the Berger Center for the Performing Arts. Julia also played the title character in The Cuckoo. Amy Williams - Deb, Mrs. Claus, (Understudy Emily) Merry Christmas!!! This is my fifth Christmas show here at Arts Express Theatre. In January, I will be starting my 23rd season with Arizona Opera with Tosca, The Sound of Music, and Magic Flute. I spend my days working at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona where I am the Manager of Admissions. I am not sure I have a favorite reindeer, but my character Deb would say her favorite reindeer is Vixen. I am so excited to get to live in the world of Elf! It is one of my favorite movies! Hope you enjoy celebrating the season with us! Mia Zuniga - Ensemble Happy Festivus for the rest of us! I am incredibly honored and excited to be back performing for my home away from home. Arts Express Theatre was where I debuted as Twig and since then I dabbled in ballet in Pima’s student written play Ballet and Bagels. My favorite reindeer is Sven(Frozen) due to his sassy commentary. Thanks for coming to see Elf and reuniting with the Christmas spirit! Zink (aka - David Zinke), Santa Merry Christmas to all and to all… Zink is thrilled to be playing the Jolly Old Elf himself, SANTA! This is Zink’s forth show with Arts Express Theatre, having appeared in Disney’s Descendants, Oliver and Bright Star. Zink has been “trudging the boards” since he was 8 years old. He finally achieved a BA degree in Performance Art from UA in 2013 at the tender age of 62. He is also an active member of The Old Pueblo Playwrights as Secretary, one of the featured playwrights, and the coordinator of their recent 2022 New Play Festival.You know, as Santa, he loves all the reindeer the same. So, Zink’s Christmas wish for you all is that ELF the Musical will be the beginning of your Very Merriest Chris Smith ever.
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