CAST
Paris Allen (Marilyn Wald, Ensemble) Paris is thrilled to return to SCT for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Following appearances in Rent and Cabaret, she’s excited to dive into this music-centric production. With a strong background in choral performance and a love for music, Paris is eager to bring her enthusiasm to her role as Marilyn Wald and the ensemble. Enjoy the show and the fantastic tunes!
Alexandra Annen (Cynthia Weil) Alexandra Annen is so excited to play Cynthia Weil in SCT’s production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical! Her previous productions include Beauty and the Beast (Stockton Civic Theatre), Rent (Hillbarn Theatre and Conservatory), and 12 Angry Women (University of San Diego). Alexandra teaches classroom music and choir in Lincoln Unified School District. She’d like to thank her family and her fiancé for their support!
Kyle Rex Beal (Barry Mann) Kyle is excited to be back! Since his move into the area he has been seen as Jimmy Winter in Nice Work If You Can Get It, for which he received a SARTA Elly nomination. Some of his other credits include Frankie (Plaid Tidings), Officer Lockstock (Urinetown: The Musical), and Matt (The Fantasticks). Kyle would like to thank the cast and crew for the time and effort put into this beautiful show. “Bye guys”
Carlie Buchanan (Shirelle, Ensemble) Carlie Buchanan is thrilled to be performing at Stockton Civic Theatre, where she recently portrayed Miss Honey in Matilda and Martha in Company. Over the past two years, she has had the joy of sharing her passion and co-directing the SCT Jr. program. Her love for performing has also taken her to Missouri Street Theater and Lodi Musical Theater.
A heartfelt thank you to my amazing parents for their unwavering support and to my sweet toddler, Gabriel, for being my greatest joy and sidekick.
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:14
Chrissy Contino (Carole King) This is Chrissy’s second production with SCT and she is happy to be back. She was last seen as Rosie in Cabaret. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Direction from Marymount Manhattan College and currently teaches Drama and English at Lincoln High School. She is so honored to play Carole King and still can’t believe that it’s real. She’d like to thank the cast, crew and production team for their constant reassurance and support. She loves you all.
Cory Faamausili (Drifter, Ensemble) Cory Faamausili (he/him) is a trained dancer and choreographer from California State University, Fresno. Cory has been involved with (Kin)esphere Dance Project and Aleño Dance Project. You may have seen Cory in previous SCT shows such as 9 to 5; Beauty and The Beast; Cabaret. Today, Cory is a cheerleading coach at Bear Creek High School. Throughout his time performing at SCT, singing has definitely been a challenge for Cory but with patience and dedication he is excited to showcase his vocals and thankful for the Production team of Beautiful helping him find his “some kind of wonderful” potential.
Deanna Fillon (Genie Klein) Deanna Fillion (pronounced Dena) is thrilled to make her theatrical debut at Stockton Civic theater playing Genie Klein. Deanna graduated from University of the Pacific and currently works in the legal field. When she is not on the stage, Deanna enjoys, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her large family. She is excited about being cast in such a great production and hopes that this is the beginning of something beautiful.
Logan Ham (Gerry Goff) Logan Ham enjoys acting, singing, and dancing their way through life like it’s one big musical number. When not performing, you might find them at your local karaoke bar or dramatically interpreting their grocery list. With dance moves that could best be described as “confidently questionable,” Logan brings a unique flair to every stage, always on the hunt for the next big role and ready to entertain, amuse, and possibly even delight.
Tineal Jackson (Lucille, Ensemble) Tineal has been acting since she was 10 years old. Her first role was the role of Annie.Tineal loves performing And singing and acting are her favorite things to do. Tineal has also done Rent and the little mermaid as well. Those are one of her other favorite roles. She is so excited to perform and beautiful with an amazing cast. It truly was a beautiful experience
Caleb Jynes (Drifter, Ensemble) Caleb is super excited to be working on this show and being able to share the love of Carole kings music with everyone. You may have seen him as Snoopy in YOU’RE a good man Charlie Brown at San Joaquin Delta College and most recently in Urinetown at the same location. He also wants to give a special shoutout to his wonderful manager Mallorie Gaston for putting up with him singing the songs at work but it’s probably because she grew up with this music as well.
James Kusy (Don “Donny” Kirshner) James Kusy wants to thank Don the man with the golden ears.
“I believe that after I’m gone, my grandchildren will be whistling these tunes. Whether they know that I published them or not – they will be whistling these tunes the same as they do songs from My Fair Lady or Camelot and these tunes will be part of American culture- they’ll be used in movies and so on. Of all the legacies I’ve that I have given, personally to me it’s very important that I was able to come out of the streets of Harlem, out of my dad’s tailor shop, and have the ability to create an environment where this sound will be part of American and international culture forever. ” – Don Kirshner
Liam Lai (Lou adler, Bobby Vee, Ensemble) Though Liam has been a fan at SCT for several years, this is his first show on stage. A Stanislaus State Alum, his interest outside the theater include card/tabletop gaming and karaoke. He credits/blames his friends and castmates Logan, Paris, and Sabrina for his joining this production. Special things to Sean Carrington for introducing Liam to SCT and all its wonderful, welcoming people.
Shawntell Livingston (Shirelle, Janelle Woods, Ensemble) Shawntell Livingston is thrilled to be playing Janelle Woods and one of The Shirelles in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Stockton Civic Theater. Some of her favorite roles include Gabriella in High School Musical, Maria in Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, and being part of the ensemble in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at SCT. She is currently entering her senior year at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and is ecstatic about performing this summer. She hopes her friends and family enjoy the show!
Dani Loera (Shirelle, Little Eva, Ensemble) Dani is ecstatic to back on the SCT main stage after her time in the black box. She was last seen in the Pam Kitto Black Box Theatre as Kayleen in Gruesome Playground Injuries. Her favorite past roles include Louise (Fox on the Fairway), Jenny (The Shape Of Things), and being the ensemble of Something Rotten! She would like to thank her friends, family, cast, crew, and production team for their support and love throughout this process. She can’t wait to share and do The Locomotion with you all! Enjoy!
Nathan Origer (Neil Sedaka, Righteous Brother, Ensemble) Nathan has been in theatre for 11 years now. You may have previously seen him in Little Shop of Horrors and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Showbiz Theatre, Or here at SCT recently in Blind Date as Felix, or previously in The Doyle and Debbie Show, Beauty and the Beast, 9 to 5, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Gypsy, The Skin of Our Teeth, A Christmas Story, Something Rotten, Matilda, A Christmas Carol, Fiddler on the Roof, or The Addams Family. Nathan Got his start in theatre with the SCT Jr. program performing in The Wizard of Oz Jr. and was in the program for about 7 years. He also likes to do crew for shows here at SCT in multiple technical areas. He is currently attending Delta College as an Electron Microscopy Major.\
Leiyah Russell (Shirelle, Drifter, Ensemble) Leiyah is excited to perform as both Shirley the Shirelle and a Drifter in Stockton Civic Theatre’s production of Beautiful. Some of her favorite past roles include Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show at CSU Stanislaus, Mrs. Jefferson in Rent at SCT, and Actor 15 in Frost/Nixon with Prospect Theater. She is always grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Stockton Civic Theatre.
Sabrina Schmier (Betty, Ensemble) Sabrina Schmier is an actor local to the Stockton area. Beautiful is her second production working with Stockton Civic Theatre. Her previous credits include a member of the Cornley Crew in The Play That Goes Wrong, Abby Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace and Geraldine Dunbar in Play On! She has been grateful for the chance to return to such a beloved art form this year and thanks her friends and family for the encouragement they have given her throughout the process.
Trevon Mitchell Smith (Drifter, Ensemble) This is Trevon’s first SCT show. He could have been previously seen in Lodi musical’s productions of Hairspray, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, and Mamma Mia.
Ben Wimer (Nick, Neil, Dick Clark, Righteous Brother, Ensemble) Ben is returning to the SCT stage for his second musical. He will be playing Nick and will be singing as one of the iconic Righteous Brothers duo. He is excited to perform these classic songs for the audience. Ben would like to give a special thank you to James Reed for the opportunity to be on stage again.
PRODUCTION STAFF & CREW
James Reed (Director) James Reed is an accomplished director, choreographer, and set designer at Stockton Civic Theatre (SCT), where he recently helmed the award-winning production of CABARET. His directing credits at SCT include a range of well-received shows, such as Matilda, Ripcord, Spamalot, Legally Blonde, and Little Shop of Horrors. Beyond SCT, James directed the award-winning production of James and the Giant Peach at Showbiz Theatre, showcasing his versatility across genres. In addition to his creative work, James serves as Vice President for Fundraising and Special Events on SCT’s Board of Directors. His leadership has brought life to key events like the annual Black and Gold Gala and the Young@Heart Fundraiser, which continue to support the theatre’s vibrant community.
Jon Robinson (Music Director) Jon is thrilled to be partnering once again with James (their 8th production together as Director and Musical Director). Highlights from previous collaborations at SCT include Sister Act, Mamma Mia!, Matilda, and Spamalot. A lifelong fan of Carole King, Jon is delighted to be working with this very talented cast and he hopes you enjoy this wonderful show. As always, Jon thanks the love of his life, Debbie, for her never-ending love, support, and encouragement.
Karissa Kiriu (Choreographer) Karissa has been seen in multiple SCT, Showbiz, and LMT productions over the past 15 years, most recently as Sally Bowles in SCT’s Cabaret. She has also choreographed multiple shows throughout the area including SCT’s 9 to 5: The Musical and Mamma Mia which won her a Willie Award in 2018. Karissa has a Master’s Degree from UOP and is a licensed Civil Engineer.
Jessica Spencer (Assistant Director) Jessica Spencer is back in the assistant director’s chair for her sophomore effort, apparently having survived the chaos of her first gig, Cabaret. Rumor has it she’s mastered the fine art of wrangling actors, coaxing genius out of chaos, and pretending to know exactly what’s going on at all times. Jessica is quickly becoming the go-to AD for anyone who enjoys a little drama—both on and off the stage. She’d like to thank her family and friends for their constant love and support, and James Reed for bringing her along for another adventure into his world.
R. Israel Rodriguez (Stage Manager) Israel has formal training in technical theatre, and, in addition to stage managing, has had a wide range of responsibilities on production teams. He’s previously stage managed Rent, The Little Dog Laughed, Rock of Ages, and Ripcord at SCT. Israel is also on SCT’s Board of Directors.
Dean Blount (Set Designer) Dean has helped in the set shop for several productions on the SCT stage, going back to 2017. However, this is his first foyer into set design. He has enjoyed the new challenges and looks forward to future theatrical adventures. By day, Dean is a mild-mannered school psychologist in Lodi Unified School District.
Cristo Montanez (Lighting Designer) Cristo Montañez is a Chicano Lighting Designer based in Central Valley, CA. He holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts with a focus on Technical Theatre from CSU Stanislaus and will be advancing his expertise in the Design & Technology master’s program at UCLA this Fall. Cristo is dedicated to creating memorable and impactful experiences through collaboration, with a passion for telling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. His notable design credits include Cabaret at Stockton Civic Theatre, where he was honored with a Willie Award for Outstanding Lighting Design, as well as The Tempest – CSU Stanislaus, Roosters – Prospect Theatre Project, Fiddler on the Roof – Merced Multicultural Arts Center, and Miss You Like Hell – Playhouse Merced.
Val Cichocki (Scenic Designer) Val has been working with and for SCT for many years. Her most recent credit was set designing for The Doyle and Debbie Show. She has also done Scenic Design on many shows including 9 to 5 and Something Rotten.
Anthony Allen (Costume Designer) This is Anthony’s 2nd show in the seat of costume designer, his last production being SCT’s “the Little Mermaid” in which his unconventional style of innovative craftsmanship. Coming into this production was a whole new world of trying to keep the spirit of the era alive, trading in glue guns and seahorses, for colorful clothing that needed tailoring. He would like to thank each and every one of the costume designers out there for their help and support, as well as empathize what an enormous task it is to take on a show of any kind when spending nights on the sewing machine. He hopes you enjoy this beautiful story and amazing talents for every bit that they shine, and just hopes for the clothes to be the icing on top of this epic show. While normally on the stage, Anthony does have a background with costuming from his years at Delta college almost 20 years ago. SJDC also graciously gave him access to their costume wardrobe, as did Fairfield’s MST for also contributing rentals to help bring this “Beautiful’ show to fruition. Special Thanks to Johnathan Singer for making our Drifters everything they could be, Vic Knives for the stunning Shirelle gowns, and Kathy Dixon for her continuing support in times of need.
Denise Powell-Kelley (Props Design) Denise has been a prop designer for Saint Mary’s High School theater program, this year she will be doing her 19th show. She enjoys working with the kids and being involved in theatre. She has helped out at SCT doing props but Beautiful is her first show as prop designer, and loves working with everyone! Here’s to many more!