Anastasia
RATED PG
CAST BIOS
Jared Albano (Dmitry) – Jared is thrilled to make his SCT debut, stepping into the role of Dimitry in only his second musical production ever. He has performed across Northern California with companies such as the Woodland Opera House and Lincoln Theatre Company. Notable roles include Biff Loman in Death of a Salesman, Frederick Barrett in Titanic the Musical at LTC, and Thomas Colleymore in The Play That Goes Wrong at the Woodland Opera House. Jared has been honored with two Broadway Sacramento Award nominations: Best Performer in a Play and Best Performer in a Musical. He extends heartfelt thanks to his friends and family for their unwavering support throughout his theatrical journey. Special thanks go to the entire SCT production team for their encouragement, and gives his greatest thanks to his loving partner, Sierra Nevin, for her endless support and inspiration.
“From the stages to the stars, my darling!”
Paul Andrews (Count Ipolitov, Russian Ensemble, Government Worker, Drunk) – This is Paul’s seventh production on the SCT main stage since 2021, starting with Something Rotten!, then roles in Skin of Our Teeth, Oliver!, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Murder on the Orient Express, and, most recently as one of the priests (and a generally bad guy!) in Jesus Christ Superstar. He also directed one of the inaugural ten minute plays in the Black Box and, on crew, did his valiant best to keep The Play That Goes Wrong from going wrong(er)!
Alexandra Annen (Tsarina, Russian Ensemble, Paulina, Traveler, Parisian, Aristocrat, Reporter) – Alexandra is so excited to be in SCT’s production of Anastasia! Her recent credits include SCT’s productions of Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Cynthia Weil), and Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble). Alexandra teaches classroom music and choir in Lincoln Unified School District. She’d like to thank her family and her husband for their support!
Kyle Rex Beal (Vlad) – Kyle is excited to be back! His credits include Jimmy Winter (Nice Work If You Can Get It), Officer Lockstock (Urinetown: The Musical), Barry Mann (Beautiful: the Carol King musical), and Judas (Jesus Christ Superstar). Kyle would like to thank the cast and crew for the time and effort put into this show!
Sierra Beal (Anya) – Sierra is thrilled to be back on the SCT Main Stage! She could have been previously seen in SCT’s production of Seussical as Gertrude McFuzz, The Doyle and Debbie Show as Debbie, 9 to 5 as Doralee Rhodes, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels as Jolene, Something Rotten as Portia, The Last Five Years as Cathy, and Sister Act as Sister Mary Robert. Other productions outside of SCT include Gypsy as Dainty June, Wizard of Oz as Dorothy Gale, 1776 as Martha Jefferson, Seussical as Gertrude McFuzz, and Mamma Mia as Sophie. Special thanks to her wonderful husband, Kyle Rex Beal, for his constant love and support. Enjoy the show!
Emma Boccia (Russian Ensemble, Marfa, Traveler, Parisian, Reporter) – Emma is thrilled to return to the SCT stage! Her past credits include 9 to 5 and the wedding singer, and she will next appear in SCT’s Home for the Holidays as a featured singer. Anastasia has been Emma’s favorite production to be part of so far, and she is so excited for audiences to experience its beauty.
Leona Bottorff-Kuster (Teen Anastasia, Parisian, Aristocrat, Swan Lake Dancer) – Leona is a junior at Lincoln High School with a passion for musical theatre. Recent shows include: Beautiful: The Carol King Musical (Interlochen Arts Camp, 2025) as co-dance captain and ensemble, Seussical (Stockton Civic Theater, 2024) as featured dancer and ensemble, Grease (Lincoln High School, 2024), and High School Showcase (Interlochen Arts Camp, 2023 and 2024). She trained at Deane Dance Center with a focus in ballet, and performed with the Sac Civic Ballet company as Clara in Nutcracker & Christmas Angels and Bird in Peter and the Wolf. Leona sings with Stockton’s Valley Youth A Cappella and studies voice at the Pacific Community Music School with Heidi Moss Erickson. She excels academically, volunteers in Stockton through Lincoln’s service program, Commitment 2 Community, and won first place at Lincoln High School’s “Lincoln Idol” music competition in 2024 and 2025.
Chaney Briggs (Romanov Sister, Parisian, Aristocrat, Odette) – Chaney is thrilled to be making their debut with Stockton Civic Theatre in Anastasia. Recently, she has returned to their hometown of Sacramento and could not be more excited to be back on the stage. In high school, Chaney worked with River City Theatre Company and her credits include Judy in White Christmas and Peter in Peter Pan. She continued her love of performing at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City where she received a BFA in Dance. Along with various companies, Chaney toured nationally and internationally with the modern dance company, Rioult Dance NY and most recently performed with the ballet company, Danse En’Lair. Chaney would like to thank her parents for their support and her cast and crew for creating magic onstage and off. She looks forward to performing in more SCT musicals in the future!
Cole Bryant (Gleb) – Cole is so excited to be making his 21st appearance on the SCT stage! Credits include Stockton Civic: Jesus Christ Superstar(Jesus), Rent(Collins), Matilda(Miss Trunchbull), Rock Of Ages(Lonny), Something Rotten(Nostradamus), The Little Mermaid(Sebastian) 9 to 5(Dewayne/Ensemble), Mary Poppins(Miss Andrews). Dirty Rotten Scoundrels(Andre) A little Night Music(Mr. Lindquist) Regional: Kinky Boots (Angel) Local: Godspell(Judas), The Rocky Horror Show(Frank N Furter), Ain’t Misbehavin, A Funny Thing Happened On the way to the Forum(Miles Gloriosus), Baby(Nick), Alice’s Adventures Underground(The Mock Turtle/Mad Hatter), James And The Giant Peach(Earthworm)
Director: Haunted by Eric Coble(SCT), Bitten By Cole Bryant(SCT)
Choreographer: Ain’t Misbehavin(Showbiz Theatre Company) A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum(Showbiz Theatre Company), Hairspray(Manteca High School), Urinetown(Manteca High School), Ragtime(Manteca High School) Vocal Coach: Les Miserables(Yes Company)
Stephanie Chavez (Russian Ensemble, Government Worker, Traveler, Parisian, Aristocrat, Ballet Patron, Reporter) – After taking a break from theatre and recently moving back to her hometown, Stephanie is thrilled to return to the stage in one her favorite musicals! She would like to thank the SCT community for welcoming her with open arms, and her friends and family for their unyielding support.
Elon Drake (Romanov Sister, Parisian, Aristocrat, Swan Lake Dancer) – Elon is so excited to be making her debut in theater at Stockton Civic Theater. She has danced since 12 years old, doing mostly ballet and contemporary but also trained in tap and jazz, all at Unique Visions Dance Company, up until 18 years old. She currently is not with any dance company and trains at home. She hopes to perform more in the near future. In her free time, she likes to crochet, read, or work out. She thanks her mom for supporting her love for dancing and performing since day one.
Sherry Dumos (Dowager Empress) – Sherry has been performing in local theaters since 1981: in Tuolumne Co. with Columbia Actors’ Repertory, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Mountain Youth and Community Theatre, and Stage 3 Theatre; in the Central Valley with Playhouse Merced, Community Theatre of Linden, Showbiz Theatre, and Stockton Civic Theatre (SCT). She was nominated for SARTA Elly Awards for her roles as Ethel in On Golden Pond (SCT) and as Abby in Ripcord (SCT). She is delighted to be working on SCT’s main stage for the third time this year, having recently performed as Princess Dragomiroff in Murder on the Orient Express and as Grandma Rosie in The Wedding Singer. She is so happy to be working with this wonderful directing team, cast, and crew in this very beautiful production! And, as always, she is grateful to her family and friends who support her passion for live theater.
Christy Eang (Russian Ensemble, Traveler, Parisian, Aristocrat) – Christy is thrilled to be in the ensemble of Anastasia, her second theatre production. She was part of the offstage chorus in Ragtime and loved it so much she had to come back. Now she’s excited to be onstage, dancing, and exploring more of musical theatre. Outside of theatre, she enjoys coding, trying new things, and challenging herself. She’s grateful for the chance to learn from this talented cast and share the show with the community.
Cory Faamausili (Romanov Family, Parisian, Russian Ensemble, Prince Siegfried) – Dance is a language that Cory Faamausili can’t explain with words, but can show you on stage. Whether you have seen Cory dancing or seen their choreography work, you know that movement is important not only on stage, but in life. From dancing in Italy to choreographing around California, Cory gets inspiration by staying present. During the holidays, Cory loves the simple pleasures of watching holiday movies while drinking hot chocolate or making day trips to the Bay Area. Cory is very excited for you all to see Anastasia filled with an amazing and talented cast & crew! Enjoy the show
Sabiene Fontanilla (Russian Ensemble, Black Marketeer, Traveler, Parisian, Aristocrat, Reporter) – Sabiene is very excited to perform in her third main stage production with SCT, Anastasia. You may have recognized her in her previous production of The Wedding Singer (Holly) or back in 2023 in Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl #2). Other credits include shows at Delta Drama such as You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Snoopy), Love/Sick (Kelly), and And Then There Were None (Mrs. Rogers).
Vanessa Gates (Romanov Family, Russian Ensemble, Traveler, Parisian, Aristocrat, Reporter) – Vanessa is excited to be back on the SCT stage. Her prior Stockton Civic shows include Suessical, Beauty and the Beast, and Legally Blonde. You may have also seen her as Sally Brown in Delta Drama’s You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Other notable roles Vanessa has portrayed are Violet Beauregard in Willy Wonka, Tiger Lily in Peter Pan: A British Musical, and Lioness in The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle. Vanessa hopes you are enthralled with the charming historical fiction and haunting melodies of Anastasia.
Thomas James (Russian Ensemble, Traveler, Parisian, Aristocrat) – He was last seen in SCT’s RAGTIME, and has also performed in SCT’s “Seussical the Musical” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Oliver!” Thomas would like to dedicate this performance to his grandparents who also tread these same boards 50 years ago.
Lura Longmire (Lily) – Lura is very excited to make her official SCT stage debut as Countess Lily in Anastasia! You may have seen her this summer as Emma Goldman in Ragtime, as Sister Mary Lazarus in DMTC’s Sister Act, or performing all over Northern California with The Murder Mystery Company. She moved to the region from Portland, Oregon 1 year ago and feels so grateful for all the amazing and talented people she has met and performed with in that time, including this fabulous cast! Lura thanks her friends and family for their unending love and support, especially her bestie G. She would also like to thank Dennis, Paul, and the entire SCT team for welcoming her into their talented community!
Erica Miles (Young Anastasia, Alexei, Taveler, Parisian, Aristocrat) – Erica is a fifth grader at John McCandless STEM Charter School in Stockton. She has previously performed as “Pearl”, “Bobby cop”, and “Nikko” in the Stockton Civic Theatre Jr. productions of Finding Nemo, James and the Giant Peach, and Wizard of Oz, respectively. She also performed as “Chip” in the 2023 Stockton Civic Theatre production of Beauty and the Beast. In her free time, Erica enjoys singing with the Stockton Youth Chorale, Girl Scouts, gymnastics, bicycling, and spending time with her family. She wants to thank her parents for supporting her theatre interests; her family, friends, and teachers for attending her performances; and all the staff and volunteers at SCT for the opportunities to perform and for bringing the arts to her community!
Artai Miller (Romanov Sister, Parisian, Aristocrat, Swan Lake Dancer) – Artai has been dancing in various styles for over 10 years. This is her first performance with the SCT. When she graduates from college, she plans on being an elementary school teacher. Besides dancing, she enjoys painting, baking, fashion, being at home, sweet treats, and trying new things.
Sophia Olivares (Russian Ensemble, Government Worker, Traveler, Parisian, Aristocrat, Reporter) – Sophia is thrilled to be back on stage at the Stockton civic theatre for Anastasia! Previously, credited productions, Stockton Civic Theater’s Seussical (Birdgirl), (Paulette Bonafonte) Legally Blonde and (Alice Beineke) The Addams Family at Lincoln High School, and delta dramas Urinetown (ensemble) . She is very excited to bring to life this wonderfully show along with her fellow cast members and hopes you enjoy the the amazing story of Anastasia!
Nikolas Navarro (Romanov Family, Russian Family, Government Worker, Traveler, Parisian, Aristocrat, Ballet Patron, Reporter) Niko is thrilled to make his Stockton Civic Theatre debut in Anastasia! This marks his first time back on stage since 2019, and he couldn’t be more excited to return to the world of musical theatre. Previous acting credits include The Tin Man in The Wiz, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies, and Gaston in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Outside of theatre, Niko works with third graders at Commodore Skills of Stockton as an Activity Enrichment Leader. There, he combines creativity and performance by putting on live puppet shows that bring his students’ original stories to life.
He has also worked behind the scenes as an assistant to technical director Brian Johnson on Saint Mary’s rendition of The Music Man, an experience that strengthened his appreciation for the technical artistry that makes theatre magic possible.
Niko extends his heartfelt thanks to Ms. Alex, his wonderful students, and his incredible friends and family for their unwavering encouragement and support. He also hopes you enjoy the show
Joseph Racca (Romanov Family, Russian Ensemble, Black Marketeer, Drunk, Traveler, Parisian, Aristocrat, Von Rothbart, Count Leopold) – A Stockton, CA transplant since 2013, Joseph is thrilled to appear on the Stockton Civic Theatre stage for the first time in Anastasia as Count Leopold and part of the Ensemble. This marks his second musical theatre production following his debut in Ragtime earlier this year.
Though newer to theatre, Joseph’s love for performing runs deep. He has danced and sung with the Filipino folk dance group Parangal Dance Company in San Francisco and with the Little Manila Dance Collective in the mid-2010s—experiences that helped shape his artistry and passion for storytelling through movement.
For Joseph, Anastasia is more than a show—it’s a celebration of rediscovery. Performing allows him to honor the two-year-old inside who loved to twirl and shine, embracing this moment as part of his ongoing “glow-up” and creative journey.
Offstage, Joseph enjoys life with his two dogs, his loving boyfriend, and his supportive friends and family. He’s grateful to share this experience with the Anastasia cast and crew and hopes the audience is swept away by the story’s beauty and magic.
Leiyah Russell (Romanov Family, Russian Ensemble, Dunya, Traveler, Parisian, Aristocrat, Ballet Patron) – Leiyah is excited to be part of SCT’s Anastasia, marking her 13th production. She was recently seen as Tina Turner in SCT’s Wedding Singer, as well as Magenta in The Shared Light CO’s The Rocky Horror Show. Other favorite credits include Marianne in Prospect Theater’s The Revolutionists and Joanne’s Mother in SCT’s Rent. She extends her deepest gratitude to her family and friends.
Jody Sampley (Russian Ensemble, Government Worker, Traveler, Countess Gregory, Ballet Patron) – Jody has been directing/producing youth theatre for 40+ years & is thrilled to be a part of the Anastasia cast! Local credits include: UOP-SCT-Delta Drama’s Ragtime the Musical (Brigit, Ensemble), Gallo Center for the Arts Repertory’s Children of the Dust Bowl (Migrant Child) & Little Women (Aunt March). Other favorite credits include Moonlight Stage Productions’ Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Mother/Granny/Giantess), Sweeny Todd (Ensemble), Kopit & Yeston’s Phantom (Ensemble), Fallbrook Players’ Quilters (Jody), to name a few. Jody teaches high school digital/theatre arts at Aspire Langston Hughes Academy, here in Stockton.
Zack Schuster (Russian Ensemble, Streetsweeper, Policeman, Parisian, Ballet Patron) – Zack has performed on stage from childhood through college. After a decade-plus hiatus, he returned to theatre this year for roles in ‘Ragtime’ as Harry K. Thaw (and others) and ‘Bug’ as Dr. Sweet. Previous credits include: ‘Oklahoma’ as Ali Hakim, ‘Escanaba in da Moonlight’ as Albert Soady and ‘A Doll’s House’ as Torvald Helmer.
Ron Smith (Russian Ensemble, Black Marketeer, Drunk, Traveler, Parisian, Ballet Patron, Reporter) – Ron is very excited to be performing in “Anastasia”. Some of his favorite roles include Warbucks in “Annie”, Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls”, The Narrator in “A Christmas Story” the musical and Herr Schultz in “Cabaret“.
Robby Van Arsdale (Tsar, Russian Ensemble, Streetsweeper, Governement Worker, Policeman, Parisian, Sergei, Reporter) – His first play credit was “boy who kisses girl on the cheek and it pops her pimple” in a fifth grade play. He chickened out and did not actually kiss her cheek, and the pain of that failure destined him to be a theater kid in high school, always searching for an on-stage kiss that would redeem him. In his senior year, a girl he did not like kissed him in “Man of the House.” Since then, he has written, directed, and acted in seven five-act plays for youth summer camps. These received rave reviews from acclaimed critics such as “Marie from Chickadee Cabin,” who is an acknowledged snob. She may never forget the night when the fog machine set off the fire alarm and everyone learned the true meaning of “the play must go on” down by the lake with sirens for a backing track. Anastasia is his first SCT production. He has a wife and two kids and is no longer afraid of kissing a girl on the cheek.
Bill Yee (Russian Ensemble, Drunk, Gorlinsky, Parisian, Count Gregory, Reporter) – Bill is an Oncology Pharmacist for Kaiser Permanente. He has performed throughout San Joaquin County and was last seen on the SCT stage in “Clever Little Lies.” Recent SCT credits include “Seussical,” Lionel Bart’s Oliver,” “Something Rotten!”, “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “Company,” “You Can’t Take It With You,” and “Calendar Girls.” Other credits include “Baby” and “The Drowsy Chaperone” at Showbiz Theatre Company. He is a four-time Willie Award recipient: Sound Design (“Murder On the Orient Express”) Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (“Monty Python’s Spamalot”), Best Supporting Actor in a Play (“Are You Being Served”), and Best Actor in a Play (“Caught in the Net”). Bill also served as Director for the short plays “Grey Matter,” “The DMV One” and “Wash and Dry.”
STAFF BIOS
Dennis Beasley (Director) – Dennis is a theatre artist, educator, and administrator and has been the Artistic Director here at SCT since 2016. He has worked in various capacities at theatres across the country including South Coast Repertory, The Utah Shakespearean Festival, Downstairs Cabaret Theatre, Davis Shakespeare Ensemble, Odyssey Theatre Company, and The Western Stage. He has also been an Adjunct Theatre Instructor at Gavilan College, Hartnell College, and Delta College. He has directed many productions at SCT in his tenure including The Addams Family, Rock of Ages, August: Osage County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Little Dog Laughed, and 9 to 5.
Paul Kimball (Musical Director) – Paul has conducted over 300 performances at Stockton Civic Theater. He is a retired music teacher, French Horn player, and conductor of the Zion Chamber Orchestra. He loves hiking in nature and hanging out with his family. He has authored two books, Sight Singing Magic and We are all Human Beings/An Adoptee Ponders.
Chelsea Hill (Choreographer) – Chelsea is a local of Stockton with over 19 years of experience in choreography and dance education. Her credits and education include creating and facilitating multiple showcases and original ballet productions, earning a B.A. in Liberal Studies focused on elementary education, certification by Dance Educators of America, certification by Dance Teacher University by UNLV, and Acrobatic Arts certification. She also recently choreographed for SCT’s Seussical and SCT Jr’s The Wizard of Oz
Kurt Nielsen (Choreographer) – Kurt is honored to be involved in his fourth production at SCT. Kurt comes from 35 years with the Walt Disney Company/Marvel Productions & 12 years at Universal Studios as a Performer, Director and Casting Associate, performing numerous times at The Hollywood Bowl and abroad in Japan, France, Canada, Qatar & Malaysia. Kurt is a theatrical director & award-winning Show Choir Choreographer, taking many groups to National Championships and training the next generation of Performers.
Kathie Dixon (Costumer) – Kathie has been a costumer for Stockton Civic Theatre for the past 14 years. She enjoys designing costumes in her Lodi home with a group of dedicated friends who have been constructing and altering costumes for Anastasia for the past seven weeks. She is grateful for the dedication and hard work shown in the production of this show and for the opportunity to create as costumer.
Melissa Esau (Wigs & Hair Design) – Melissa started doing wigs for Sweeney Todd and has continued to do wigs off and on since then. She enjoys the challenge of each new production!
Tim Graffham (Set Designer) – Tim has been an artist and maker since he could hold a pencil. In addition to building whatever his wife’s imagination can dream up, for over 10 years, he has been designing and building sets and props for many community theater productions in Tracy and Stockton. Anastasia marks Tim’s first foray into designing for a Disney princess.
Val Cichocki (Scenic Artist) – Val works on every show that hits the SCT stage as Shop Manager. She also works frequently as scenic artist and also is a Willie Award winning Set Designer.
Annie Morris (Lighting Designer) – Annie is happy to be back for her third production with SCT after designing Jesus Christ Superstar and The Wedding Singer in 2025. Annie holds a Master’s in Theatre, an MBA, and is the Technical Director at the Vacaville
Performing Arts Theatre and Downtown Theatre Fairfield. For the past 7 years, she’s been the Resident LD for Missouri Street Theatre. Some of her favorite designs include: Jesus Christ Superstar (SCT & MST), Assassins, Six: Teen Edition (MST), The Little Mermaid (Wood Lively Arts), and the Fantastic Negrito (3-time Grammy winner) 2021 Livestream. Follow her work on Instagram: @ld_anniem
R. Israel Rodriguez (Sound Designer) – Israel has formal training in technical theatre, and has had a wide range of responsibilities on production teams. His recent sound design credits at SCT include Suessical: the musical, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Doyle & Debbie Show, 9 to 5, The Fox and The Fairway, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, and Oliver!
Jenna Zepponi Lehman (Stage Manager) – Jenna is excited to be returning to stage management after many years away. After being hyper focused on stage management, she shifted to other aspects of theatre. Last fall, she directed The Lifespan of a Fact at Stockton Civic Theatre (SCT). Other directing credits include Stage Kiss (SCT), Prelude to a Kiss (Showbiz Theatre Company), and The Imaginary Invalid (Lincoln High School). Some favorite acting projects include SCT: The Play That Goes Wrong (Annie), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Maggie), The Little Dog Laughed (Ellen), Company (Kathy), Stage Right Productions: Little Women (Jo), Lincoln Theatre Company: Noises Off (Poppy), Chautauqua Playhouse: Crimes of the Heart (Lenny), Changing Faces Theatre Company: Twelfth Night (Viola). Now for some gratitude… Firstly, she would like to thank her assistant stage manager, Jeanine Michael Kiley, for agreeing to help her with this project – without her, revisiting stage management simply would not have been possible. Secondly, she would like to thank the director, Dennis Beasley, for trusting her with such a large project. And lastly, she would like to thank her and her husband, Martin (and their four fur babies), for his never ending love and support.
Jeanine Michael Kiley (Assistant Stage Manager) – Jeanine has been a part of SCT since 1974. Working on stage, back stage and front of house. In 1975 she won the William Karraker Award and 50 years later she was the recipient of the Founders Award.