Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Abigail Campbell (Ariel) is thrilled to return to Sierra Rep for this summer under the sea! Originally from NJ, she received her BFA in Musical Theater at UMiami and then lived in NYC for several years. Now, Abigail is grateful to call San Francisco home! Favorite credits include: Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher (Adrienne Arsht Center), Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act (Theater Bay Area Award Winner), and Andy in the original cast of Coming Soon. Always, for Ev&Teddy.

Justin Burr (Prince Eric is a NYC based actor thrilled to be making his Sierra Rep and West Coast debut! Select Regional credits include: Forever Plaid & Plaid Tidings (Smudge), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Those Canaan Days), Scrooge, The Musical (Bob Cratchit), Peter and the Starcatcher (Mrs.Bumbrake), and Bright Star (Stanford Adams). Justin is originally from Rochester, NY and is a proud BFA graduate of Fredonia State University of NY. Love and thanks to his family and friends.

Kaylene Howard (Sebastian) is so excited to be making her debut with Sierra Rep! She hails from Fresno, California, but has spent time in Santa Maria at the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts and recently in Milwaukee, where she was an Emerging Professional Resident at Milwaukee Rep. Some of her favorite performances include The Wolves, The Taming, The Cake (she likes plays that start with ‘the’ apparently), and The Winter’s Tale.

Brenda O’Brien began her theater career in San Diego, where she was seen as Judas in Godspell, Louise in Gypsy, Nicki in Sweet Charity, and Viola in Twelfth Night (to name a few). She received awards for her roles as Ouisa in Six Degrees of Separation, Joan in Dames at Sea, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, and Electra in Gypsy. Brenda then went on to perform as Svetlana in the 1st National tour of Chess. Soon after she began portraying Carmen San Diego on the PBS television show and video games. In addition to acting, Brenda is an accomplished make-up artist and hairdresser for TV, Film, and Theater. She received her 25 years on Broadway pin in 2019 for her work on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, Jekyll & Hyde, and Disney’s The Lion King. SRT Audiences might remember her as Tanya in Mamma Mia (2018), or as Tootie in Meet Me in St. Louis (2021). So glad to be back!

Sincée J. Daniels (Triton/Pilot) is proud to be back at SRT after last appearing here as Dr. John Prentice in Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner in 2019. A New York (long-time) transplant, he keeps busy there with ample print, commercial and television work while also working as a videographer/editor and photographer. “King Triton” is dream role in this wonderful production and Sincée couldn’t be happier to join this talented cast! “A special thanks to Scott Viets for having me back and Anne and Ron Jacobs for hosting me again in their beautiful home.” Carpe Diem.

Kevin Heath (Buster; u/s Paul Sheldon) is immensely grateful to return to the SRT stage! Previous SRT credits include Clue (Mr. Green), Elf The Musical (Santa/Greenway), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Grimsby), and Agatha Christie’s Murder on The Orient Express (Michel). His acting career started in New York and Boston before moving to California where he co-founded Limelight Actors Theater. Bay Area production credits include The Velocity of Autumn (Chris), The Outgoing Tide (Jack), and The 39 Steps (Hannay). Kevin is the Manager of Development Operations at SRT and is beyond grateful for his rock, Alan.

After some time on the east coast, Alex is ecstatic to be returning to SRT! Previous SRT credits include: The Drowsy Chaperone, Rodgers & Hammerstein Cinderella working backstage, The Little Mermaid (Scuttle), and Shrek The Musical (Ensemble). Alex has had a wonderful time performing with several regional theaters including; PCPA Solvang Theaterfest and TheREV Theatre. Alex is immensely grateful to his friends, family, and especially his partner for all their love and support.

Olivia is pleased to be back rockin-n’-rollin on the Sierra Repertory stage this season! Her previous SRT credits include last year’s productions of Steel Magnolias and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. These shows are accompanied by her other selected roles; Sheila in Hair, Macy in The Cake, Lorraine in All Shook Up, and Sarah in Ragtime. Olivia would like to thank SRT’s fantastic creative team as well as her supportive friends & family back home!

Jackie is thrilled to be returning to SRT once again! She has most recently been seen in SRT’s production of Cinderella as Charlotte. Jackie is a graduate of PCPA and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Cornish College of the Arts. Favorite credits include: Cinderella, Sunday in the Park with George, Elf, Shrek, and The Wizard of Oz (Sierra Rep); Men on Boats (Cornish College); Freaky Friday (PCPA). Jackie would like to thank her friends and family for their constant love and support.

Fiona Mowbray (Allana/Ensemble; Dance Captain) is delighted to be returning to Sierra Rep! Past SRT credits: Camelot and White Christmas. She is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with degrees in Musical Theatre (BFA) and International Business (BS) and is currently based in NYC. Favorite credits include Singin’ in the Rain (Kathy Selden) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van De Graaff). Many thanks to her family for their constant support.

Marlee is a New York-based actor—originally from California. She is thrilled to be spending the holiday season on the West Coast and returning to Sierra Rep!

She graduated from the University of California- Los Angeles (UCLA). She received degrees in Musical Theatre, Film/Television/Digital Media (Directing+Producing), and Visual/Performing Arts Education. She has performed internationally and regionally. Some of her favorite credits include The Music Man In Concert with the Pacific Symphony at Segerstrom Concert Hall and Cabaret at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Special thanks to her family, The Segerstroms, and incredible team at Daniel Hoff/Station 3.

Mia Mekjian (Aquata/Ensemble; u/s Ariel) is thrilled to be swimming back to Sierra Rep! Last seen in Baskerville, she currently resides in sunny San Luis Obispo and is a graduate of PCPA. Recent favorites: Sylvia (Sylvia, The Great American Melodrama), The Music Man (Zaneeta Shinn, Utah Festival Opera). She’d like to thank her family for always supporting and believing in her, especially her dad.

Charlie is thrilled to be returning to Sierra Rep with Dogfight, after appearing in and choreographing this summer’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Charlie is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and a Broadway World nominated choreographer for his work on Mamma Mia!, Elf: The Musical and Young Frankenstein. Charlie has been seen performing across stages both in Australia and the United States, credits include Matilda (Rudolpho), Mary Poppins (Neleus), The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke), Mamma Mia (Eddie), Cabaret, Damn Yankees, and Bright Star. Charlie would like to thank his incredible family in Australia as well as his friends and mentors.

Graduate of AMDA. This is Thad’s first show at Sierra Rep! Select Credits: Mamma Mia! (Pepper), Newsies (Romeo), Sister Act (TJ), Swing! The Musical, Bring it On The Musical (Cameron, Cheer Captain, Co-choreographer, u/s Twig, La Cienega), Mary Poppins (Neleus), Guys and Dolls (Scranton Slim), Tarzan The Musical. TV: Marshall in Paw Patrol Live! (Paramount+). Glory to God, love to my family.

Kabir is thrilled to return to Sierra Repertory Theatre! He is a proud IUMT alumni from Duluth, Georgia. Select credits: Denny in ShBoom! and Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid (SRT), Bobby in Urinetown (Okoboji Summer Theatre), Franz in Rock of Ages, Plato in Cats, and Ensemble in Beauty and the Beast (Music Theatre Wichita). He would like to thank his friends and family for their constant support. Enjoy the show!

Asher Berg (Kid Elvis) is 11 years old and attends Sonora Elementary School.  He is so excited to return to SRT after appearing as Tom in The Christmas Foundling, Flounder in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and the television-obsessed Mike Teavee in SRT Jr.’s Willy Wonka KIDS. When he is not on the stage, Asher enjoys long-distance running, super competitive Four Square games, and playing with friends.

Bree Igoe (Windward/Ensemble) is 10 years old and is a student at Gold Rush Charter School. Last summer she delivered some amazing one-liners as Grumpy Dwarf in SRT’s Shrek. This spring she got many laughs as the over-indulgent enabler Mrs. Gloop in SRT Jr’s Wonka KIDS. Bree is always looking to bring joy to those around her with a good story and her full-body laugh. When she’s not talking or singing, she is busy daydreaming about the marvelous things she plans to do with her life.

Quinn Igoe (Louise) is 13 years old and in the 7th grade at Connections Academy. She loves theater and is excited to be on the SRT stage again. Previously with SRT, Quinn has performed in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Youth Ensemble) and Shrek (Young Fiona/Baby Bear). She also just wrapped up performing in Newsies (Katherine) at Mountain Youth and Community Theater and in Connections Academy’s Dear Edwina (Edwina). Quinn is kind, thoughtful, and so genuinely passionate about life’s experiences; especially reading, singing, and dancing. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her and hopes you enjoy the show!

Alice loves SRT! She is so happy to jump in at a moment’s notice.  Previous SRT credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Moth), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ensemble), The Wizard of Oz (Swing). Alice has had so much fun in the following SRT JR productions: Finding Nemo JR (Ensemble), Frozen JR (Middle Elsa), Winnie the Pooh KIDS (Winnie the Pooh), Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR (Sabastian). She is also in her sixth season of competitive dance at Mother Lode Dance Academy, and loves it! She wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, and enjoy the show!

Ruby E. James is elated to be a part of this production. She most recently appeared as Ariel in SRT Jr’s production of The Little Mermaid Jr. She is a Junior at Connections Visual and Performing Arts Academy. Other past favorites include: The Little Mermaid (SRT), Matilda (SCT) Annie KIDS (SRT Jr.), Shrek (SRT), Willy Wonka KIDS (SRT Jr.), Alice in Wonderland (CSTARS) Footloose (CVAPAA), The Wizard of Oz (SRT), The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition (SRT Jr.), Suessical (CSTARS). She was awarded and Elly Award and Willy Award for her performance in Matilda at Stockton Civic Theatre. A huge thank you to her friends and family. Happy Holidays and enjoy the show!

Alan Menken (Composer). Theater: God Bless You Mr Rosewater, Little Shop Of Horrors, Real Life Funnies, Atina: Evil Queen Of The Galaxy, Kicks, The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz, Beauty And The Beast, A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap Of Faith, Aladdin and Newsies. Film: Little Shop Of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Hercules, Life With Mikey, Lincoln, Home On The Range, Noel, Enchanted, Shaggy Dog, Tangled and Mirror Mirror. Songs: Rocky V, Home Alone 2 and Captain America. Awards: 8 Oscars (19 nominations), 11 Grammys (including Song of the Year), 7 Golden Globes, Tony® (plus 4 nominations), Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics, Olivier and London’s Evening Standard Award, Drama League. Honors: Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Doctorates from New York University and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Howard Ashman (Lyrics) Best known as a pivotal creative mind behind the renaissance of Disney animation and his work on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and The Beast (which is dedicated to, “Our friend, Howard Ashman, who gave a Mermaid her voice and a Beast his soul…”) Ashman’s first love was theater. Ashman was a founder of off off Broadway’s renowned WPA Theater, where he conceived, wrote, and directed God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, as well as the classic musical, Little Shop of Horrors (both music by Alan Menken). In 1986, he wrote and directed the Broadway musical Smile (music by Marvin Hamlisch). Lamented as a lost treasure of the 1980’s theater scene, Smile remains popular on High School and College campuses throughout the country. Howard Ashman died in 1991 from complications of AIDS.

Glenn Slater (Lyrics) co-created Disney’s 2010 worldwide smash Tangled (2011 Grammy Winner, 2010 Oscar and Golden Globe nominee), as well as the Broadway and international hit musicals Sister Act (2011 Tony nominee – Best Score) and The Little Mermaid (2008 Tony nominee – Best Score, Grammy nominee – Best Cast Album), and, most recently School of Rock (2015). With longtime collaborator Alan Menken, he is Executive Producer and Lyricist for the ABC-TV musical comedy series Galavant, and has also written songs for the Disney animated film Home On The Range (2004) and the Broadway musical Leap of Faith (Tony nominee – Best Musical, 2012). In the West End, Glenn provided both book and lyrics for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies (2010 Olivier nominee – Best Musical), the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. Other work includes an Emmy-nominated song for the ABC-TV comedy The Neighbors (2013), and the stage revue Newyorkers at The Manhattan Theatre Club (Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations). Glenn is the recipient of the prestigious Kleban Award for Lyrics, the ASCAP/Richard Rogers New Horizons Award, and the Jonathan Larson Award. He is an alumnus of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop, and a member of both ASCAP and the Dramatists’ Guild.

Doug Wright (Book) GLAAD Media Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, a Drama League Award and a Lucille Lortel Award for I Am My Own Wife. His screen adaptation of Quills was named Best Picture by the National Board of Review and nominated for three Academy Awards. Doug was cited by the American Academy of Arts and Letters and awarded the Tolerance Prize from the Kulturforum Europa. Currently, he serves on the board of the New York Theatre Workshop and serves as Secretary on the Dramatists Guild Council. Works include: Interrogating the Nude (1988), Quills (1995), Unwrap Your Candy (2001), I Am My Own Wife (2003), Grey Gardens (book) (2006), The Little Mermaid (book) (2007), The Pavilion (2009).

Jerry Lee is Sierra Rep’s Artistic Director. He’s appeared in the SRT productions of Misery, Sunday in the Park with George, Elf The Musical, Shrek The Musical, Camelot, Cabaret, Route 66, Intimate Apparel, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Man of La Mancha, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair, and The Drowsy Chaperone. As an actor: I Love You…Change, Forbidden Broadway (California Musical Theatre); Life Could Be a Dream, A Christmas Carol (CenterREP); A Little Princess, The Fantasticks (Sacramento Theatre Company); West Side Story (Mountain Play); Orlando, An Iliad, A Tale of Two Cities (SacImpulse Theatre). As a soloist: Rodgers and Hammerstein Celebration (Sacramento Choral Society); Billy Bigelow in Carousel in Concert (Sacramento Philharmonic). As a director: HAIR, Little Shop of Horrors, Mean Girls JR., Sh-Boom! A Christmas Miracle (World Premiere), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Twelfth Night, Jersey Boys, Clue, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS, Elvis The Musical (West Coast Premiere), Dogfight, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Steel Magnolias, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka KIDS, I Love You…Change, The Wizard of Oz, Holiday Jukebox, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, The Robber Bridegroom (SRT); I Love You…Change (STC). Lee began his association with Sierra Rep in 2010 when he stepped in as a replacement in Guys and Dolls.

In 2019, Lee created SRT in Schools, a touring program that brings live professional theatre to Tuolumne County schools at no cost to the schools, students, or their families. In 2023, the program branched out to include Stanislaus and Calaveras counties.

Charlie is thrilled to be returning to Sierra Rep with Dogfight, after appearing in and choreographing this summer’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Charlie is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and a Broadway World nominated choreographer for his work on Mamma Mia!, Elf: The Musical and Young Frankenstein. Charlie has been seen performing across stages both in Australia and the United States, credits include Matilda (Rudolpho), Mary Poppins (Neleus), The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke), Mamma Mia (Eddie), Cabaret, Damn Yankees, and Bright Star. Charlie would like to thank his incredible family in Australia as well as his friends and mentors.

Scott Michaelsen (Music Director) hails from Central Oregon and is thrilled to return to SRT, following previous music direction for Grease in 2019 and Camelot in 2020. He holds a BA in music composition and music technology from Seattle Pacific University and has been in love with music and the piano since the age of five. Other recent credits include The Full Monty and A Christmas Story The Musical (Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre), original cabaret shows Unchained Melodies and Three Pianos (Florida Studio Theatre) and an outdoor production of Into the Woods (Lay it Out Events, Bend, OR).

Tijana Bjelajac (Scenic & Projection Designer) is a New York/Los Angeles based, international set designer and visual artist. She is born in Belgrade, Serbia. She received her B.F.A. in Fine Arts and Scenography from Belgrade University and her M.F.A. in theater design from Boston University. Her work includes set designs, paintings, installations, and sculptures. She has worked on a set design for Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, operas such as The Magic Flute for Sidney Opera House and numerous Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Her paintings and installations have been exhibited in New York City, Los Angeles, Prague, and Belgrade. Tijana is the recipient of the prestigious Kahn Award for extraordinary talents (2007) and several nominations and awards for outstanding set designs. She is a member of the United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE since 2013.

Lukas Pimin Wassmann (Costume Designer) received his BFA at the HAW Hamburg, Germany in 2017 and his MFA in 2021 at NYU Tisch. Before studying abroad in 2016 at the California State University Long Beach, Lukas assisted in Moscow, Hamburg, Berlin, Vienna, Zurich, and Salzburg in opera, musical, and film. He worked as a costume and scenic designer in Luxembourg, Hamburg, Berlin, New York, and in Chemnitz where he designed My Fair Lady, directed by Erik Petersen, whom he also currently works with on scenery and costumes for the operetta Viktoria & Her Hussar. Recently he worked with Rakesh Palisetty on Hedda Gabbler at Columbia University, Much Ado About Nothing at Two River Theater, and with Jacob Sexton on Echo, In A Diner, written by Evie Mason and Indian Summer by Gregory S. Moss. Lukas is excited to come back to Sierra Rep after designing the costumes for Murder on the Orient Express and Steel Magnolias.

William Brown is a New York City-based Lighting Designer. He has collaborated in the past with Disney Theatrical Group, Grammy Award-winning artists, and designed in Europe with RWS Entertainment Group. William also serves as the Lighting Director for the renowned modern dance company, José Limón, and tours around the country with the company. Recent designs include Steel Magnolias; The Little Mermaid (Sierra Rep); A Chorus Line (New London Barn Playhouse); Assistant Design credits include Off-B’way: Coal Country (Audible Theatre/The Public Theatre); The Patsy (Transport Group). Regional: Kinky Boots; Or, What She Will (Hangar); Romeo & Juliet (The Huntington); Fellow Travelers (Boston Lyric Opera); Camelot (Charlottesville Opera). BFA: SCAD; MFA: Boston University.

Julian Kelley (Video Designer) is a projection designer, motion graphics artist, and 3D animator currently pursuing his MFA in Video & Media Design at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama. Selected projection design credits include Fort Dicks: The Musical (American Theatre of Actors, NYC), Hide and Seek (Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC) Caged (Passage Theatre, Trenton NJ), and Fun Home (4th Wall Theatre, Montclair NJ). Julian is excited to work at the Sierra Rep for the first time!

Brenda O’Brien began her theater career in San Diego, where she was seen as Judas in Godspell, Louise in Gypsy, Nicki in Sweet Charity, and Viola in Twelfth Night (to name a few). She received awards for her roles as Ouisa in Six Degrees of Separation, Joan in Dames at Sea, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, and Electra in Gypsy. Brenda then went on to perform as Svetlana in the 1st National tour of Chess. Soon after she began portraying Carmen San Diego on the PBS television show and video games. In addition to acting, Brenda is an accomplished make-up artist and hairdresser for TV, Film, and Theater. She received her 25 years on Broadway pin in 2019 for her work on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, Jekyll & Hyde, and Disney’s The Lion King. SRT Audiences might remember her as Tanya in Mamma Mia (2018), or as Tootie in Meet Me in St. Louis (2021). So glad to be back!

Tatiana Covington-Parra is thrilled to be diving into another season at Sierra Rep after a whirlwind 2021 return. Beginning as a sound engineer at Modesto Junior College, she is grateful to have found a community and the opportunity to grow as an artist thanks to the guidance and support of the SRT company. Her favorite design work at SRT includes Cabaret, The Wizard of Oz, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. She would like to thank her Mom, Grandma, family, friends, the MJC Theatre staff, and all her mentors for always allowing her to create, explore, and grow with love.

Kimily Conkle (Dialect Coach) recently coached Steel Magnolias for SRT and is delighted to join the creative team once again. She has coached dialects extensively throughout the Bay Area, including 20 shows for TheatreWorks (notably the world premiere of Memphis). Other theatres include Marin Theatre Company, San Jose Stage, South Bay Musical Theatre, Broadway by the Bay, Los Altos Stage, The Mountain Play, Foothill Music Theatre, Palo Alto Players, Tabard Theatre, Dragon Productions, Pear Theatre, Woodside Community Theatre, Hillbarn Theatre, Ross Valley Players, and at Stanford University and Santa Rosa Junior College. Kimily has performed with TheatreWorks, San Jose Stage, PCPA Theaterfest, Western Stage, Los Altos Conservatory Theatre, Empire Plush Room, Palo Alto Players, and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She is a former member of the Theatre Arts faculty at Foothill College and received her training from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, American Conservatory Theater, and Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.

Alicia Lerner (Stage Manager) is excited to return to Sierra Rep. She most recently stage managed Center REPertory Company’s production of Our Town. Other stage management credits include Meet Me in St. Louis: A Live Radio Play (Sierra Repertory Theatre); Stoop Stories (Aurora Theatre Company); A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Scrooge in Love!, Once, 110 in the Shade, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (42^nd Street Moon); Hedwig and the Angry Inch (San Jose Stage Company and National Tour). She holds a BFA in Media-Film Studies from The University of California, San Diego and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity.

Maggie Braun (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back at her theatre home! SRT: Steel Magnolias, Murder on the Orient Express, Route 66, The Wizard of Oz, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, and Million Dollar Quartet. With her associate degree in Theater from Modesto Junior College, she is proud to have her dream job here in Sonora. She would like to thank her family, best friends, and Connor for supporting her in her journey of chasing her dreams. “Look ma, I made it!”