Meet the Cast of GREASE

Ripley cunningham–

Sandy Dumbrowski

Ripley is a senior at Park High and thrilled to bring her character to life in Grease. They’ve been performing at the Dulcie Theatre for half of their life and feel right at home under the stage lights. Past credits include Legally Blonde, Matilda, Newsies, Willy Wonka, and more. When she’s not rehearsing, Ripley loves hunting for vintage fashion and giving old styles a new spin. 

Xander Becnel–

D

anny Zuko

Xander is pumped to take on the role of Danny in Grease. He’s been performing since age 7 and loves the chance to stretch his acting skills with a role this iconic. His favorite part so far has been playing the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, where he got to lean into his goofy side. Recent appearances include Oliver!, Something Rotten, and SpongeBob the Musical. 

Ismay Johnstone–

Rizzo

Ismay is beyond excited to sing their first solo on stage in this production of Grease. Originally from Wilsall, they’ve jumped into every opportunity at the Shane Center over the past few years—onstage and behind the scenes. Ismay has even run tech for productions like My Fair Lady. When not at rehearsal, you’ll probably find them writing and recording original music. 

Elaine Peterson–

Frenchy

Elaine has been part of 16 productions - coincidentally the same number as her age - since participating in her first ever production at age 5 in Mary Poppins! She auditioned for Grease simply because being in shows makes her happy. Outside the theatre, she enjoys learning World History, singing in choir, and spending time on the Yellowstone River.  

Calli Davis–

Marty

Calli auditioned for Grease simply because she loves the show and couldn’t imagine not being a part of it. She’s been a part of productions like Aladdin, Seussical, Matilda, Band Geeks, Something Rotten, and Oliver! When she’s not on stage, Calli is usually baking something sweet or belting showtunes. She’s also completely obsessed with cats, cats, and lots of cats as well.

Mackenna O’dea–

jan

Park High Senior MacKenna O’Dea has been performing in theatrical productions since she was in 4th grade. Of the many shows she has participated in, her favorite performance was playing Asaka in Once on this Island when she was just 10 years old. However, Grease has been her dream show, so being a part of this production with her peers may just come out on top! 

Liam waldren–

Kenickie

Liam is no stranger to the stage, performing in his first show Snow White when he was only 6 years old. Since then, he’s been a part of many productions, from Something Rotten and Music Man to Legally Blonde! Liam is so excited to sing and danced in the fun and exciting Grease, but you may not know that outside of the theatre, he is a train fanatic. 

matthew Melin–

Doody

Matthew loves hiking, getting outside, and finger painting in his free time, but most often you’ll find him on stage. Grease marks his last chance to do a Teen Theatre production with his friends, so he’s making the most of it. Matthew’s favorite role he’s ever gotten to perform was the Minstrel in Something Rotten!, but you may have also seen him in Oliver! and many other shows. 

Hunter viers–

rodger

Hunter grew up in California and was introduced to the Shane Center at 13 when he participated in the Young Actors’ Workshop production of Aladdin. Outside of the theatre, you may see him playing guitar in his band, but Hunter also loves the ocean and listening to classic rock. Hunter could not pass up the opportunity to audition for this rock n’ roll musical. 

Braylon Windham–

sonny latierri

Braylon started in theatre when he was just 5 years old in a Young Actors’ Workshop production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His favorite role he has gotten to play was Mr. Mayor in Suessical because of his character’s funny voice. Braylon is really excited to play his fun role of a Greaser and perform alongside his friends.  

Ellie ames–

Patty Simcox/Cheerleader

Ellie has loved Grease since the 8th grade and is so excited to get to play her stuck up character in this performance. Ellie first appeared on stage at age 6, and since then has been in many productions, from Big River to Music Man. Her favorite role was Portia in last year’s production of Something Rotten. Outside of theatre, Ellie enjoys swimming and floating the river. 

Keirria Herold –

Cha-cha/popular kid

Keirria grew up in Louisiana and first joined the Shane Center crew onstage last year in the Teen Theatre production of Something Rotten. Since then, she’s been a familiar face, her favorite role coming this past spring in My Fair Lady where she played Milicent Bystander. Keirria is really excited to cha-cha her way on stage in this production of Grease. 

oliver schad –

eugene/Nerd

Oliver loves performing at the Shane Center, from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Peter Pan to Seussical and The Wizard of Oz. He is super excited for this production, and not just because he gets to stay up past his bedtime. Outside of the theater, Oliver loves to get crafty, spending his free time making books, metal sculptures, and wood sculptures.  

Coltrane snider–

Johnny Casino/Band Kid

Coltrane grew up in Cooke City, Montana, but is now a 10th grader at Park High. Another result of positive peer pressure, Coltrane auditioned for his friends and has never done a show before. He is so excited for his super cool character he gets to play in this production of Grease. Outside of school and theatre, Coltrane loves to snowboard. 

Finn johnson –

vince fontaine/band kid

Finn Johnson first graced the stage almost 11 years ago in the Young Actors’ Workshop production of Mary Poppins. Now 16, Finn has been in countless YAWs and community theatre productions like Matilda and Music Man. He played his all time favorite role the Artful Dodger last fall in Oliver!  Finn also enjoys drumming in his band and skate boarding. 

sophia rodgers–

radio voice/cheerleader

Sophia Rogers loves performing at the Shane Center, and she loves the people she gets to perform with even more. She is really excited to get to play her own age in a show (finally!) in this production. Sophia has been in too many shows to count, Matilda, Music Man, Something Rotten, and School House Rock to name a few. Off of the stage, Sophia loves animals and playing sports. 

andrew reichert–

teen angel

Andrew is so excited to direct his 3rd Teen Theatre production. Technical Director for the Shane Center and student at Montana State University, Andrew has his hands full. Grease feels very nostalgia, and Andrew is ready to travel back in time for this production. Recent credits include Sunday in the Park with George, Music Man, and the SpongeBob Musical. 

hannah petry-

miss lynch

Finishing her first year as Choir Director at Park High and SGMS, Hannah is so excited to help with the music in this production of Grease. Hannah first appeared on stage in Phantom of the Opera when she was 14, but her favorite role yet was Eva Perón in Evita. She is so proud of all of her students hard work in this show and knows they will do amazing. 

Alex Miniclier–

nerd

Alex is always looking for more ways to get involved in theatre. In fact, he is driving over the hill from Bozeman for this production of Grease! This will be his first show at the Shane Center, but he has been in many a show, including She Kills Monsters, The Giver, The Play that Goes Wrong, and more! When he’s not performing, Alex enjoys writing and directing his own plays. 

justin stern–

nerd

Justin is so excited for this production of Grease, because THEATRE! Absolutely no stranger to the Shane Center stage, his first show here was the Young Actors’ Workshop production of Broadway Returns. Their favorite role they’ve gotten to perform was Stewart in Band Geeks because it was their first big part. Justin loves reading and crafting when he’s not on stage. 

Kaelee Morrick–

nerd

Kaelee is performing in her first production at the Shane Center with this show, and she couldn’t be more excited. Kaelee has always loved the movie Grease and wanted to try something new by auditioning. Outside of the theatre, Kaelee is a singer and dancer. You may not know that, along with performing in many forms, Kaelee loves dinosaurs and cars. 

maggie taylor –

nerd

A 9th grader in Hey Homeschooler, Maggie loves Dungeons and Dragons and doing tech for performances at the Shane Center. However, for this production you’ll find her on stage. She is really excited to try something new with her friends in Grease. A busy body in every sense, Maggie also loves bowling and playing basketball in her free time. 

eavan mcmorrow–

band kid

Originally from Arizona, Eavan is now a 9th grader at Park High School. She loves crafts, doing theatre, and Grease. Eavan first appeared on stage at the Shane Center in a production of Peter Pan. Eavan’s favorite role she’s been able to perform, however, was in Something Rotten because of the awesome music, dances and people. Other credits include Oliver! and the Wizard of Oz.

oliver webb–

band kid

Oliver is very excited to expand his performing skills in a new direction and show of his talents in this production of Grease. This marks his first step into the theatrical world. Oliver was drawn to theatre when he watched Band Geeks and connected with the character Jake. In his free time, 12th grader Oliver loves being the Dungeon Master in Dungeons and Dragons. 

bridger himmelspach –

band kid

Bridger was persuaded by his friends to audition for Grease, but he knew it was going to be really fun. He is super excited to be a part of his first ever theatrical production, but he is no stranger to the stage. Bridger’s favorite class is Band, and when he’s not in school, you’ll find Bridger playing bass in his band Meridian alongside other cast members and friends. 

lu shier –

band kid

Lu decided to audition for Grease after her friend begged and begged her to, and she is so excited she had the time to do it. She fondly remembers playing an angel in a Young Actors’ Workshop production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat when she was just 8 years old. Lu also loves her five cats, dinosaurs, and playing video games. 

amelie waldron –

band kid

Amelie loves the experience of being in a show and adores the people she gets to experience them with. Her very first show at the Shane Center was Alice in Wonderland when she was only 5 years old. Since then, Amelie has been in many shows, like Peter Pan, Big River, Matilda, and Something Rotten! Amelie is so excited to be in her last show before she leaves to study abroad. 

jasper johnstone –

b

and kid

Jasper appeared in his first production at the Shane Center last year in the Teen Theatre production of Something Rotten. Since then, he’s been in about every education program he could participate in, from Devised Theatre Initiative in the fall to the Jungle Book this winter and even Past Present and Beyond. Jasper loves acting, performing in musicals, and 3D printing. 

evelyn gadberry –

cheerleader

Evelyn first performed on stage at the age of 8 in Snow White. She loves theatre and has always loved the music and style in the movie Grease, so getting to be a part of this production is awesome. Evelyn has been in many productions from Oliver! To Cindy Lou. A 10th grader in the Hey Homeschooler program, Evelyn loves learning ASL and crocheting outside of the theater.  

riley denniston–

cheerleader

Riley Denniston is a veteran of the stage. She made her first appearance in the Dulcie Theatre at age 6 in a production of Shrek, and since then, she’s been in over 22 productions. Her favorite role was Snidley Snoodly in The Wildest West Show Ever. While its clear to see Riley loves singing, dancing, and the stage, you may not know that she also enjoys welding. 

amina baye–

cheerleader

Amina grew up in Washington State and now is a 7th grader at Sleeping Giant Middle School. She has always loved watching musicals, whether they be on TV or on the stage, and Grease seemed like the perfect opportunity to try being in one herself. When she’s not on stage, Amina loves her math class at SGMS, reading, and writing her own stories. 

Ivy Bleu Gaisford-

Popular Kid

Ivy loves theatre and the movie Grease, so this production was a match made in heaven! Her first show at the Shane Center was Pinnochio when she was just 8, but her favorite show was Something Rotten where she got to play the Messenger and wear an awesome costume. Off of the stage, Ivy loves learning History, archery, and playing hacky sack. 

Giselle Herold-

Popular Kid

Giselle grew up in Louisiana and has found a community of love and support at the Shane Center over the past year. Her first moment on stage came last fall in Oliver! Since then, she’s gotten to perform in My Fair Lady and Past Present and Beyond where she played her favorite role, Archy. Outside of theatre, Giselle loves playing her cello and learning new skills. 

Piper Holmquist-

Popular Kid

Piper loves hanging out with her friends on stage, and is sad that this will be her last Teen Theatre production at the Shane Center. She first started on stage at the age of 9 in Cindy Lou, but her favorite role was a Bard Boy in last year’s production of Something Rotten because the songs were so funny. Off of the stage, Piper loves being out in nature. 

Althea Culbreth-

Popular Kid

Althea Culbreth was in her first ever Young Actors’ Workshop Treasure Island at the age of 8. She participated in her first community theatre production Oliver! last fall where she played a Pauper. She is super excited for Grease because she loves the movie and loves performing with her friends. Althea also loves cats, horses, and her Family and Consumer Sciences class. 

Debbie Davis-

Popular Kid

A middle schooler at Sleeping Giant Middle School, Debbie has always loved doing theatre. Her first ever show at the Shane Center was Alice in Wonderland. Debbie’s favorite role she’s gotten to perform was Lavender in the community theatre production of Matilda. Debbie appreciates the simple things in life, most importantly lots of sleep and good food. 

Rosalyn Herman-

Popular Kid

Rosalyn’s favorite show was actually her very first show at the Shane Center Snow White where she played a mouse. Since her first show at age 5, Rosalyn’s love for theatre has grown with shows like Oliver!, Music Man, and Aladin. Outside of theatre, Rosalyn enjoys Wood Shop class at Sleeping Giant Middle School cand dogs. Like theatre, dogs are just great! 

quinn herold-

Popular Kid

Now excited to be on stage with them, Quinn auditioned for Grease in order to appease her crazy sisters. Her first ever show at the Shane Center was this past Winter Young Actors’ Workshop the Jungle Book. Her older sister Keirria, is off to college in the fall, so Quinn is so thankful she gets to do this show with her. Quinn also loves drawing, writing, and mystery movies. 

kinzie pinson-

popular kid

An 8th grader at Sleeping Giant Middle School, Kinzie is so excited to be in her first every theatrical production. She is ready to try something new and get up on stage with her friends in Grease. Kinzie loves learning in her Family and Consumer Sciences class, and in her free time outside of school and the show, she loves drawing and cooking. 

lila Trzpuc-

popular kid

Lila’s very first show at the Shane Center was Alice in Wonderland when she was just 6 years old. Now, she is really excited to get back on stage and perform the awesome songs of Grease. Recently, Lila got to play her favorite role: Bagira in the Jungle Book. Off of the stage, Lila holds the title of Little Miss Livingston Round Up and enjoys playing football and wrestling. 

Sylvia Garrett-

popular kid

Sylvia’s friend told her she needed to try theatre, so she auditioned for her first ever show on stage this spring in Grease! Sylvia grew up in Livingston and is a 7th grader at Sleeping Giant Middle School. When she is not at school or at the theatre for Grease, Sylvia enjoys cooking, writing stories, reading good books, and taking care of her animals. 

Finnegan Mcgrath-

Jock

Finnegan is most excited about the people he gets to perform with in this production of Grease. You may recognize Finnegan from his role Winthrop in Music Man, but you may not know that Finnegan also loves to play soccer, learn math, and rock climb. Finnegan loved his role in Music Man because it allowed him to disconnect from his phone and connect with others. 

Max Olsen-

Jock

Max enjoys choir, playing tennis, and above all, being on stage at the Shane Center. His favorite role he as been able to perform was Bruce in Matilda because he got to do some dramatic sobbing. You may have also seen Max in Oliver! or Music Man. Grease marks his first Teen Theatre production, and Max is really excited to get to be a part of the experience. 

Tyler Schad-

Jock

Though he’s a child of the 2010’s, Tyler has always loved the old school vibe of shows like Grease. He is really excited to be a part of the fun songs, scenes, and choreography alongside his friends in this production. Tyler’s favorite role he’s gotten to play was a kid in Matilda because it was just so fun. You may have also seen him in shows like Seussical and Matilda. 

Anderson Chun-

Jock

Because his sister once played Frenchie in a production of Grease, Anderson grew up with a love of the show. Now, he is really excited to get to be a part of it. His first show at the Shane Center was Seussical, but his favorite production was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat because he got to perform his first solo role. Anderson also enjoys the beach and skiing. 

Will Gaisford-

jock

Will is thrilled to make the drive over the hill from Bozeman to be in a show at the Shane Center again. He grew up in both Bozeman and Clyde Park, but his first show on this stage was Pinocchio when he was only 5 years old! Will has also been a part of productions of Robin Hood, Cindy Lou, and the Wizard of Oz. Will loves acting and playing video games as well. 

Ivan Rate-

jock

A participant at the Shane Center since he was 7, Ivan is becoming a veteran of the stage despite being only 13. Ivan attends Sleeping Giant Middle school and loves World History, drawing, skiing, and running. You may recognize him as Oliver from last fall’s production of Oliver!, but Ivan has also been in productions of School House Rock, Suessical, and more. 

Justin Earl-

Jock

Justin is super excited to be in this production of Grease, especially because he gets to do it with all of his friends. His very first show at the Shane Center was the Young Actors’ Workshop production of Annie. Justin’s favorite role he has done was the Sultan in Aladdin because it was his first role back after a brief hiatus from theatre. Justin also loves math and rock climbing.