Lyla Anderson (Waitress #1) has been acting in productions for 6 years and has loved every minute of it. Since her 5th grade role as the Mad Hatter in Alice and Wonderland to ensemble member in Sweeney Todd, Lyla has loved musical theatre. Lyla also plays soccer for the school team when she isn’t rehearsing or doing school work. Additionally, she is very interested in lighting design and designs the middle school musicals in the winter. She would like to thank her parents for all the rides and support, the many teachers who have supported her and the amazing cast and crew whom she has really enjoyed working with these past few months.
Aila Balsano (Sherrie’s Mother/Venus A-Go-Go Dancer) is beyond grateful to be performing
alongside such a kind, talented, and hardworking cast! In her nearly three years in the Meridian theater department, she’s been in roles ranging from the hinges of a door (Frankenstein) to a perpetually bullied fairy (A Midsummer Night’s Dream-ish). As of this year, she’s also had the privilege of becoming president of the MHS Theater Publicity Team, where she’s able to put her questionable amount of pop culture and graphic design knowledge to use. When she’s not at rehearsal, or somehow still not having her driver's license, she spends time trying to understand the abomination that is the trigonometric unit circle or learning the chords to her favorite songs on the piano. Endless thanks to her family, friends, and teachers for always hyping her up, and to her left knee injury for being healed (mostly…) so she can dance!
Nathan Baroody (Dennis Dupree) is so excited to be acting in this musical alongside such an incredibly talented cast. Previously he was part of the amazing ensemble in Sweeney Todd, the musical of Fall 2024 for Meridian High School and is ready to step it up in a role this year! He wants to thank the kind members of the cast and crew and everyone involved in making this great musical happen! Enjoy the show!
Bea Canty (Arsenal Bass Player) has not done any work in official theatre productions, but has taken classes over the years in improv and circus work. She has played bass guitar for 4 years as of 2025 and enjoys putting her free time towards it. She enjoys creative arts and making dramatic changes to her appearance. Up until recently, she had been dyeing her hair various different colors. This came to an end after the damage became too much to work with. Unfortunately, she will not be able to do anything fun with it until further notice. She gets her incredibly beautiful features and defined bone structure from her parents, whom she cherishes dearly.
Raymond Cowan (Ensemble) is happy to be in his first musical, Rock of Ages. He has been in Midsummer Night's Dream-ish as ensemble and Greek Myths: Comedy Edition as Ajax and the zombie. In his free time, he enjoys talking with his friends, surfing the web and admiring his
handsomeness in the mirror. He would like to thank his amazing mother for encouraging and enabling his theater hobby as well as his grandmother for driving him home, his father for the same reasons and lastly his amazing friends.
Duke Crepin (Rhythm Guitar); no thanks!
Gundega Dāvidsone (Hilda Klinemann) auditioned for this show due to her love for rock music
and ended up playing an angry, rock-hating German lady. Since moving to the U.S. last year,
she has performed in the Sweeney Todd ensemble and in A Midsummer Night’s Dream-ish as
Titania. Gundega enjoys spending her free time listening to and playing music, as well as
spending time with her loved ones. She would like to express her love and gratitude toward her
family and friends (close and far), who have supported her immensely.
Grant Fiddy (Arsenal Drummer) has been playing drums since 5th grade, and is performing in a musical for his first time. He has done most of his drumming at the School of Rock in Vienna, and has played many gigs through their band program. He spends most of his free time listening to whatever band he feels like (usually Rush), and also 3D modeling. He expresses his thanks to his sisters who (sometimes after some convincing) allowed him to practice, and his parents, who supported him every step of the way.
Anisa Frey (Ja’Keith Gill) is rounding out her last Meridian musical as a baddie music agent by
the name of Ja’Keith. Having previously performed as Lita Encore in Ruthless!, Pippin, and
numerous other productions since the third grade, she has had her fair share of theater
experience. When she is not on stage, she spends her time on the basketball court, the softball
field or tanning on the 3rd floor balcony. She would like to thank Troy Bolton for being an
inspiration.
Fiona Gillaspy (Head Costume Designer) is in her second year of costumes, and is loving every second of it. Previously, she has been costume deputy for A Midsummer Night's Dream-ish, and was in the ensemble for Sweeney Todd. When she’s not in school, stuck in the costume closet, or painting sets, she spends her time making her own clothes, dying her purple hair, and playing guitar, for balance. She expresses her deepest thanks to her parents for helping fund the obsession, and her crew for putting in the work, and putting up with her.
Tabby Hermann (Justice) is a senior this year and is making her return to the stage. Previously, she has performed in High School Musical, Annie, Mary Poppins, and Ruthless! Behind the scenes, she was on the makeup team for Frankenstein and Sweeney Todd. Before rehearsals, you can find her at Tropical Smoothie or Chipotle with Anisa:) She would like to thank her dogs and her weekend trip to Mexico for getting her through the ups and downs of this show.
Gavin Jones (Drew) is finally hitting the end of his High School career and is excited to see what else life has in store for him. Before this show, Gavin played Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, as well as singing songs with the Meridian Rock Band, Jazz Band, and Chamber Singers. His older sister, Ruby, couldn't make it to the show, but is here in spirit as she was one of his biggest fans, and they always pushed each other to be better musicians. Gavin wants to give a huge shoutout to his mom, dad, and little sister, who all helped him with his audition process and pushed him to be the best he could be.
Aarya Kamboh (Ensemble) is a sophomore who loves music. She has been a part of several productions since middle school, including Descendants, High School Musical, and Sweeney Todd. When she's not busy with school, she loves watching movies and hanging out with her friends. She would like to especially thank her personal Uber service (aka Mom and Dad) for all the rides to and from rehearsals, voice lessons, and when she misses the bus. She would also like to thank her friends for always supporting her and coming to her performances.
Buck Kirk (Arsenal Keyboardist) is a freshman at Meridian High School and has been learning piano for 9 years. Previously, he has played in several past plays at Mary Ellen Henderson, and some of these include Mal Beineke for The Addams Family in 2023 and Agatha Trunchbull for Matilda in 2025. Recently, he's spent more time focusing on music, and is extremely grateful for the opportunity to get to do a mix of both music and theatre. He wants to give special thanks to his parents and his sisters for supporting his goals, and he also wants to thank God for providing him the opportunity to pursue music.
Maeve Korves (Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of her first high school production! She has
previously been part of The Addams Family and Matilda. When not rehearsing or at school, she is probably either playing with her dog or testing out a new recipe. She'd like to thank her family for encouraging her to try out and for supporting her along way.
Jack Kreul (Lead Guitarist) is experiencing his first musical from the pit. In the past, he's done theater from the stage, playing Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream-ish, which earned him two Cappie nominations and a small role in last year's musical: Sweeney Todd. When he's not shredding in the musical, he's a part of his own band that you should really check out called VERB. It's on all those streaming services. Finally, he'd like to thank his mom, who made him practice guitar when he was a kid, even though he used to throw fits about it.
Shiloh Lambrecht (Ensemble/Go Go Dancer) just started her freshman year at Meridian High
School. She acted in all three productions in the middle school: Pugsley in The Addams Family,
Apollo/Orpheus in Greek Myths, and Michael Wormwood in Matilda. After the show, she will
most likely go home to binge-watch Pluribus on Prime Video. She’d like to thank her friends and
family for the love and support throughout the process, and hopes you enjoy the show.
Solomon Modell (Drummer) has been playing since he came out of the womb! You may have previously seen him performing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in another acting music role. He also plays in the school jazz band, jazz combo, and his personal band, VERB — be sure to check them out and catch a show (@verbtheband)! Solomon would like to thank everyone who came to watch this musical and everyone who helped bring it to life.
Eliana Pizzirusso (Sherrie) is thrilled to star in this year's musical Rock of Ages for her senior
year. Previously, she has been a featured ensemble member in past school productions
including, Frankenstein, Sweeney Todd, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream-ish. Her favorite
memory from the show is first read, as it’s the first time she got to really see the cast come
together as a family. Lastly, she would like to thank her family, specifically her father, for always
running lines and singing “Oh Sherrie” with her.
Kristen Pokryfka (Assistant Sound Operator) is a sophomore in high school who spent the summer training dolphins and discovered they’re surprisingly good at it. Previously, they worked on Sweeney Todd as part of mic crew, served as assistant sound operator for Matilda, and was sound operator for A Midsummer Night’s Dream-ish. When they’re not in the booth, they can usually be found doing art, and are currently stitching a mini tapestry. They’d like to thank their mom, their rats Chiaro and Roscuro, their girlfriend Jett, Mrs. Sample, Ashe, and Mr. Northrip for the support and opportunities that led them here.
Maureen Riot is totally stoked to be slamming the keys and keeping the chaos in order for Rock of Ages! As both the Music Director and the show's resident Keyboardist, she's ready to unleash the biggest, baddest 80s rock anthems. Maureen's previous experience includes attempts at civilizing the youth as a Choir Director, a private Voice Teacher, and a Piano Teacher. She’s trading in the sheet music for shredding riffs and is excited to be rocking out with this amazing cast and crew. Enjoy the glorious excess and the hairspray!
Meera Sharma (Waitress #3) is super excited to be performing in her first high school show! At the middle school, she has been Mrs. Phelps in Matilda, Athena and Atalanta in Greek Myths: Comedy Style!, and The Addams Family. While she is not singing and dancing, she’s reading lots of books, supporting Liverpool F. C., and playing with her younger brother. She would like to thank her family for being super encouraging and supportive of her performing and constant singing around the house.
Ariel Soya (Props) is a new student at Meridian, though is so excited to continue participating in the school plays! She has performed in numerous plays such as Oliver! Jr, A Year With Frog and Toad, Saving the Greeks: One Tragedy at a Time: a comedy, Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind (30 plays in 60 seconds), Les Misérables School Edition, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mamma Mia!, and two original plays created by her theater teacher called If You Were Me, and Rags 2 Riches, in her previous schools in three different cities: Jamestown (Rhode Island), Paris (France), and Mumbai (India) as well as two ISTA Theater Festivals. Ariel is also an athlete on the varsity volleyball team. She’d like to congratulate everyone for bringing life to such an amazing performance!
Lucia Torres (Ensemble) wants nothing but a good time. This is her first high school production, and she hopes to do more in the future! Outside of school she enjoys cooking, figure skating, and listening to music. She would like to thank her parents for putting her on some great 80’s jams, and her friends for always encouraging and being supportive of her!
Simon Tysse (Franz) has loved watching and performing musical theatre for years. He has previously worked in other high school shows including Sweeney Todd and A Midsummer NIght's Dream-ish. When not on the stage, he enjoys playing sports like tennis and track, and getting quality time in with friends. He would love to let his family and friends know that he is extremely appreciative of all their support!
Katarina Villasmil (Constance Sack) is a junior and cannot believe how fast her time in the Meridian theater department has gone by. She has previously been in A Midsummer Night's Dream-ish, Sweeney Todd, Frankenstein, and Ruthless! Outside of school she likes to paint, box, and walk outside enjoying the autumn leaves. She is so thankful to her friends in the cast (especially Lucia who is in her first high school production) for making this her favorite production yet!!
Marshall Vogel-Rogers (Stacee Jaxx) is a straight A student, starting varsity volleyball player, and an actor. He has been a part of three other Meridian productions including Pippin, Sweeney Todd, and the Cappie nominated A Midsummer Night's Dream-ish. When he is not on stage, he enjoys supporting his favorite Premier League team Newcastle United with his friends. He'd like to thank his mom and dad for being his biggest fans (they're probably in the front of the house reading this now).
Sam Young (Ensemble) found how she wanted to be seen by the world after being described as “small, but fierce”. Although Rock of Ages: Teen Edition is her first time performing in a musical, she has previously been in shows such as Meridian’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream-ish, as well as played the role of Brutus in a one-act performance of Julius Caesar. When she is not busy with theatre, Sam loves drawing and writing her unfinished novel Once in a Blue Moon, which she hopes to one day find an audience and fanbase for. Sam would like to thank her closest friends from home and camp, who have always supported her and encouraged her to follow her dreams.