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Cast, Crew & OrchestraPrincipals, Featured Vocalists & Seniors

Andrew Aukerman - Orchestra

This is Andy Aukerman's second year as a violinist in the Orchestra pit, having completely enjoyed being a part of Thoroughly Modern Millie. He has been a member of the Orchestra since 3rd grade and made PMEA Honors Orchestra this year. Andy is looking forward to life as a college student next year, hopefully at Rice University, or perhaps at UT Austin, Pitt, or NCSU. He plans on studying biomedical engineering, with aspirations to change the medical field and save lives. Andy also pole vaults and is the co-president of Peer-to-Peer Empowerment. Andy would like to thank his parents for their never ending

support and Ms. Panza for her wonderful direction. Additionally, he thanks his teachers for the knowledge and wisdom, both academic and non-academic, he has gained during his 4 years at Pine-Richland.

Melanie Berexa - Catherine

Melanie, a senior, is so thrilled to be playing the role of Catherine in this year’s musical. Last year, Melanie played Ruth, a Pricilla Girl, in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Before joining the PR Musicals, Melanie was a student at Lincoln Park Performing School where she participated in The Secret Garden, White Christmas, The Miracle Worker, and several other shows. She has also participated in Jeter Backyard Theatre and recently played the role of Rose in Bye Bye Birdie. Melanie would like to thank Jim Scriven, Laura Wurzell, Joy Hess, Carole Rost, her fellow cast members, crew and orchestra for making this musical such a great experience.

She would also like to thank her past directors Christie Jeter, Gavan Pamer, Sharon Schaller and Lee Rickard for being wonderful teachers and always supporting her.  Melanie is thankful for the love and support from her family and friends. Lastly, she would like to thank her #1 fan, Dr. Banyas for never missing a show in the 7 years she has done musical theatre!

Hannah Breisinger - Crew

Hannah is a senior, and is excited to be involved with the Pine-Richland musical for the first time! Although it is her first year participating in stage crew, she has always loved musicals and is looking forward to helping make this year’s production of Pippin a memorable one. Outside of the musical, Hannah is in Women’s Ensemble and is heavily involved in Pine-Richland's art department. Hannah plans on attending College of the Atlantic in the fall, with a major in Human Ecology.

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Alison Celigoi - Berthe

Alison is a senior at Pine Richland High School and is thrilled to be cast as Berthe in Pippin this year! This is her third year in the musical, being in the ensemble in Big, The Musical and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Alison has been a member of Women's Ensemble and Chamber Singers and is the Vice President of the Choir Leadership Committee. In her free time, she is a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team, a member of the Interact Club, Global Relations Club and PRTV. She also is very involved in her parish Youth Ministry and has attended and lead various retreats. She would like to thank God, her family and friends and the wonderful

musical staff for their love and support. Next year she plans on attending a four year university with a major in nursing and a minor in music.

Christian Cochran - Charles/Featured Dancer

Christian Cochran, a junior, is honored to perform for you this evening in the role of King Charles.  Vice President of the PRHS International Thespian Society, Model UN participant and member of the PRHS Marching Band Drum Line, Christian made his film debut as a teenage orphan in The Dark Knight Rises.  Christian's recent theater credits include: PR Thespian Society’s productions of  The Bully Plays and 1984 (Winston Smith), PR Musical production Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy Smith), CLO Academy's CATS (Rum Tum Tugger) and Rent (Paul), PRMS - Into the Woods (Jack) and Thoroughly Modern

Millie (Jimmy Smith), and various other productions. Christian would like to extend thanks to fellow  Pippin  cast members, crew, orchestra and parents. He is truly grateful for the love and support of family and friends, John Dolphin (Fall Play Director) and Alirose (Keystone State Music Theater) -- your guidance is invaluable. Christie Jeter -- it all began with JBT. Special thanks to Jim Scriven, Joy Hess, Carole Rost and Laura Wurzell for making this production possible, as well as for your confidence and expert guidance and for extending this exciting opportunity.

Sahil Dadoo - Orchestra

This is Sahil's second year in musical. He is the captain of the ultimate frisbee team and a section leader in Marching Band. He plans on attending a four-year university, with an intended track towards medicine. Sahil would like to thank his parents for their unconditional love and support, and the entire cast, crew, and orchestra for providing him with an amazing experience in the PRHS Musical for the past two years!

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Christine Dawson - Ensemble

Christine, a senior, is delighted to be performing in her first PRHS Musical! In addition to her participation in Pippin, Christine has been a part of many Jeter Backyard Theater productions including The Little Mermaid, Singin' in the Rain, and Xanadu. Outside of theater Christine is a member of National Honors Society and enjoys playing violin in the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Next year, she plans on attending a four-year university to study Nursing. Christine would like to thank all of the directors for an outstanding experience, her family for their continual love and support, and God for making it all possible!

Sarah Dawson - Fastrada

Sarah, a sophomore, is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of her second Pine-Richland High School musical! Some favorite past roles include Jojo Seussical, Ursula The Little Mermaid, Violet Beauregarde Willy Wonka,Jr. and Calliope Xanadu. In addition to musical theater, Sarah enjoys playing trumpet in the Pine-Richland High School Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Sarah would like to extend her tremendous gratitude to the directing team for making Pippin such a wonderful experience, to her directors and mentors of the past and present for helping her

develop her skills as an actress, to her amazing family for their unfailing love and encouragement, and most of all to God for being with her every step of the way. Enjoy the show! Psalm 100: 1-2

Rachel Ebner - Crew

Rachel is a senior and is excited to participate in her fourth musical at Pine-Richland High School. She was an ensemble member in The Wedding Singer and Big,The Musical, and a crew member in Thoroughly Modern Millie. After Rachel graduates, she plans to attend a four-year university where she will major in economics. Rachel would like to thank everyone she worked with over the years for always making the show such a success. She would also like to thank her parents, sisters, and friends for their endless support.

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Carissa Falcone - Ensemble

Carissa, a senior, is so excited to be performing in her first ever Pine-Richland High School musical! She is also involved with PRHS’s Colorguard, is the President of her church’s youth group, and is a crossfit athlete at Journeyman Fitness. Carissa intends on attending a four-year liberal arts university. She would like to thank her family and friends for encouraging her to pursue her dream of performing, to the direction and production staff for their endless hours of work and commitment to the cast, and to her fellow cast members for welcoming her and making this experience one of the best times of her life!

Laura Ferguson - Ensemble/Featured Dancer

Laura is a senior and is thrilled to be a part of her third Pine-Richland Musical. Laura made her debut as a kid in Big,The Musical. Since then, she has performed as an ensemble member in Thoroughly Modern Millie and now a featured dancer in Pippin. Laura is a member of National Honor Society, Chamber Singers, and Peer Buddies here at the high school. After high school, Laura plans to attend Capital University and major in nursing. She would like to thank Jim, Laura, Mrs. Rost, and Mrs. Hess for making such a memorable senior show, and to Mr. Rickard for mentoring her over the years. Also, to her mom, dad, and sisters, Amanda and

Julia, for the endless support and love!

Cassandra Fleming - Orchestra

Cassandra Fleming, a senior, has played violin for 9 years. She will be making her debut as a violist in this production! Cassandra has had the pleasure of performing with the high school musical last year in Thoroughly Modern Millie. In addition to the musical, Cassandra is a member of the Fall Play, Global Relations Club, Inkwell and Pittsburgh Youth Chamber Orchestra. She would like to thank Ms. Panza for being a fabulous pit director, her wonderful friends for their support, her twin sister (who will be performing in the Ensemble) and her parents for being “the best mom and dad in the world”.

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Rachel Fleming - Ensemble

Rachel is a senior this year at PRHS. She is very excited to be a member of the cast for the first time! In last year’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, she played cello in the pit orchestra. She was also House Manager of the fall play for three years, and has been a member of the PR orchestra since 2nd grade. She is excited to further her education next year at Baldwin-Wallace University, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. She would like to thank her parents, for piquing her interest in music and always supporting her, her grandfather, her wonderful Uncle Scott and Aunt Denise, for always believing

in her and making the trip from Maryland to Pittsburgh, Jim, Laura, Becca, Mrs. Hess, and all of the students involved in the production. 

Erin Freshwater - Orchestra

Erin is excited to play the cello in the pit orchestra for her senior year. She has played the cello for 10 years and plays in the high school orchestra. She is also a member of National Honor Society and vice president of the Technology Student Association. Erin plans on studying engineering at Virginia Tech next fall. She would like to thank her friends, family, and Ms. Panza for their encouragement throughout Pippin!

Rowan Grieb - Lewis

Rowan is so excited to be performing in his fourth PRHS musical as Lewis! Through Rowan’s high school years, he was Jared Shapiro in The Wedding Singer, one of Susan’s friends in BIG The Musical, and the policeman in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Rowan has been a member of Pine-Richland Chamber Singers for the past 3 years. In addition, he has achieved the great honor of being a member of PMEA All State Choir for the past two years. Upon Rowan’s graduation, he plans to attend High Point University with a double major in Biology and Vocal Music. Rowan would like to thank the Cast, Crew, and Orchestra along with the

Directors and Production staff for making this show and past shows possible. Rowan would also like to give a special thank you to his voice/piano teacher, Michelle Scott and his Choir teacher, Mr. Rickard for helping him get to where he is today vocally. Most of all, he would like to thank his family for their love and support that they have given him through the years.

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Jack Harnick - Ensemble/Featured Dancer

Jack is a senior retuning to the PR stage for his third and final musical.  He was a member of the ensemble in The Wedding Singer and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Jack was first introduced to theater through Jeter Backyard Theater and was in various productions such as Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka Jr., Thoroughly Modern Millie, Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and Thirteen. Jack is a Cellist in the PR Orchestra and is a member of the Rotary Club. As a member of the Western Pennsylvania Race Club, Jack has been an alpine ski racer for 11 years. His future plans include attending the University of Utah to study business and communications.  Jack would like to

thank his family for their love and support. A special thanks to Mrs. Rost, Mrs. Hess, Jim, Laura, Men of Musical, along with the entire cast and crew for all of the great memories.

Bobby Kang - Orchestra

Bobby is a Senior this year and is very excited to play in his second PR Musical Pit Orchestra. He has played the drums since 2nd grade. He has been part of the PRMS Jazz Band, PRHS Marching Band, PRHS Jazz Ensemble, and also the PRHS Wind Ensemble for 4 years. He has studied drums with Mr. Allen Muckle and Mr. Roger Humphries. He has been part of the AV Honors Band. He has thoroughly enjoyed every year with the PR Band, especially his Senior year as the co-captain of the Drumline and helping the underclassmen drummers. He also plays piano and guitar. Bobby has been on the PRHS Fencing Team for 4 years. He

plans to attend college to study Business and minor in Music in the fall. Bobby would like to thank all his teachers, especially Mr. Scott, Mr. Stillwagon, Mr. Supinski, Mr. Mazur, Mr. Nicodemus, and especially Mrs. Jen Bowers for her continuous encouragement. Bobby would like to thank his parents for their unconditional love and support, and his friends for always being there for him.

Jia Kim - Ensemble

Jia, a senior, is excited to participate in Pippin as her first musical. Jia has been a part of PRHS musical as an orchestra pit member, playing the piano and flute. Jia has enjoyed every aspect of musical for four years, and hopes to continue musical activities in college. Jia is a flutist in Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra and participated in PMEA. In addition, Jia is a Director of Finance in Global Relations Club, president in Math Club, and an active member of National Honors Society. After Jia graduates, she is planning to delve into science and mathematics, and pursue a healthcare career in the future. Jia would like to thank

her family and friends for their help and support!

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Hanna Klei - Orchestra

Hanna is a senior and is performing in the pit in her third Musical. This year she will be playing the oboe and the English horn. Over the past years she has also played alto saxophone in the pit. Hanna would like to thank Ms. Rise Kostilnik for 9 years of not just oboe lessons,but friendship too. Next year Hanna will be attending either the University of Pittsburgh or Boston University for Athletic training and Physical Therapy.

Sarah Krause - Ensemble

Sarah is a senior and is pleased to be in her second musical at PRHS. She was in stage crew for Big, the Musical and the ensemble in Thoroughly Modern Millie.  Sarah has enjoyed being a part of musical theater since she was in the 5th grade. Sarah volunteers at the Carnegie Museum of Art, is a Student Government officer, Vice-President  for PR Chapter of Amnesty International, member of National Honor Society, and Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team. She plans to pursue Neuroscience, Philosophy, and Psychology as an undergraduate. She would like to thank  her family and friends for their unconditional love and support.

Whitney Linn - Stage Manager

This is Whitney's third and final year as a part of crew in the Spring Musical. She has worked her way up to Stage Manager for the Fall Play, and Student Stage Manager for the Spring Musical this year. Whitney has also been involved behind and in front of the camera for PRTV. She would like to thank former Student Stage Manager, Ben King, for inspiring her to work with the theatre program at Pine-Richland throughout high school. Whitney will be majoring in sociology/ criminal justice at Duquesne University next fall. She would still like to work on plays and musicals as a hobby in college.

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Marielle Lynch - Orchestra

Senior, Marielle Lynch is proud to showcase her musicianship for the third consecutive year in the PR Student Orchestra, the "PIT." She has enjoyed playing the flute in Gene Kelly Nominated shows, Big, The Musical, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She would like to acknowledge her flute teacher, Abby Tuffiash, for her years of instruction. Marielle was selected to participate in AV Honors band last year. She also proudly plays the violin in the PRHS Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Belchick and Ms. Panza.  Her acting credits include performances in the Middle School productions of The Wizard of Oz Jr.

(Munchkin) and Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. (Gloria and Student Dance Choreographer.) She would also like to thank Mr. Scott and Mr. Stillwagon for the opportunity to represent the PRHS Marching Band as one of the 2014-2015 Drum Majors. She plans to attend a four year college after graduating. Marielle sends her thanks to her friends and family for attending her various concerts and performances.

Ryan Mann - Orchestra

This is Ryan's sixth and final year playing guitar in the pit for the musical. He started in 7th grade with Children of Eden and has loved it ever since. In addition to musical, Ryan is the Drumline captain and has played in marching band all four years of high school. He has also played in the Pine-Richland Jazz Ensemble since 9th grade and is a member of the Mock Trial and Forensics teams at the high school. Ryan plans on attending a four-year university and studying engineering. He would like to thank his family and friends for all the support they have given him throughout the years.

Jordon Martig - Ensemble/Featured Dancer

Jordon is a senior in his second and final year as a member of the cast of Pine Richland’s Musical theater program. Along with Musical, Jordon is also involved in Men’s Ensemble, Chamber Choir, and is the former Commander of the High School JROTC program. Next year he plans on attending a university with the goal of becoming a teacher, while participating in senior ROTC and eventually commissioning in the United States Army. He would like to thank everyone who has assisted him throughout his participation in this year’s production of Pippin.

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Luke Miller - Ensemble

Luke is a senior and is glad to be a part of his first Pine-Richland musical. Luke has enjoyed singing over the years and participated in two productions during grade school, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and Alice in Wonderland, Jr. He has been a member of the percussion section in the marching band and wind ensemble for four years. Luke plans to attend Duquesne University in the fall. He would like to thank Mr. Scriven, Mrs. Wurzell, Mrs. Hess and Mrs. Rost for giving him the opportunity to participate in the musical in his senior year, as well as the cast for making him a part of the musical family.

Gwyn Neumont - Crew

Gwyn is a senior and has been a part of the stage crew for Pine-Richland’s musical for two years including last year’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie and this year’s production of Pippin. She is also involved with Pine-Richland’s art department and reads a lot of books. After graduation, she will be attending Drexel University in Philadelphia. Gwyn would like to thank all of the crew for being super cool and also her friends for being super cool.

Jake Pedersen - Pippin

Jake is a sophomore this year and is thrilled to be making his 4th appearance on the Pine-Richland stage as Pippin! Jake played the role of Gavroche in Les Mis in 6th grade, Little Josh in Big, The Musical in 8th grade, and Ching Ho in Thoroughly Modern Millie in 9th grade. Jake has participated for 6 years in Jeter Backyard Theater, including his most recent role as Hugo in Bye Bye Birdie last November. Jake takes private voice and piano with Christie Jeter. Just this past April, he competed and won the Audience Choice award in the Kean Quest Talent Competition. Jake is a member of Chamber singers and plays on the PR Ultimate

Frisbee team. Jake would like to thank the cast, crew, orchestra, Jim Scriven, Laura Wurzell, Joy Hess, Carole Rost, and all of the parents for their hard work and dedication to this show. Big thanks to Christie Jeter for all of her support and guidance throughout the years.

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Gabe Schoone - Theo/Featured Dancer

Gabe, a freshman, is excited to be performing as Theo in his first PRHS musical. Gabe made his debut in musical theater performing as Aladdin in Aladdin Jr. with Jeter Backyard Theater, when he was twelve. Other roles with JBT include Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, Jr., Milo in The Phantom Toll Booth, Horton in Seusical, and ensemble in Singin' in the Rain. Gabe would like to thank Jim Scriven, Joy Hess, Carole Rost and Laura Wurzell for giving him this opportunity, and for their endless time and support. He thanks Christie Jeter for giving him his start in acting, and thanks his family for their love and encouragement.

Tess Petak is a senior at Pine-Richland High School and is so excited to be playing the part of Leading Player. This is her fourth time performing with Pine-Richland High School and her 16th show. She attended ActOne Theatre School for 8 years, and is a student at the Civic Light Opera Academy in downtown Pittsburgh. Over the summer, Tess studied musical theatre at the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, where she expanded her knowledge of theatre and acting. Tess is involved in numerous activities at the high school including National Honor Society, Choir Officers, and the Four-Diamonds Mini-Thon. Tess is currently in

Women’s Ensemble under the direction of Lee Rickard, and she takes private voice lessons with Robert Fire. Tess would like to thank her loving parents and sister Tara for their endless support. Tess plans on attending Penn State University where she will major in journalism and continue to perform.

Tessa Petak - Leading Player

Allison, a senior, is thrilled to be part of the PR Musical cast for her second and final year. She debuted in last year's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie as Miss Flannery. In addition, Allison was cast in several roles in the Thespian Society’s fall production of The Bully Plays and has enjoyed performing on stage her whole life. She has taken eleven years of dance under the instruction of Tammy Clune, three years of vocal lessons from Susan Young, and has been an active member of Pine-Richland's Colorguard for the past four years. Allison plans on attending college and seeking a career in Musical Theatre. She would

like to thank her fellow cast members past and present for all their encouragement and support, Mr. Dolphin, Mrs. Hess, Mrs. Rost, Laura, the production staff and crew, and her family and friends for their continued understanding and support of her theatrical endeavors.

Allison Rush - Ensemble

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Joe Shannon - Orchestra

Joe Shannon is a senior at Pine-Richland High School. This is his first time performing in the pit orchestra for the spring musical, and he really enjoys it! He is playing the viola part, despite the fact that he is a violinist. He has been playing the violin for  eight years, and is active in the school district, as well as in the community. He  has been  a violinist in the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra for 5 years now, and plans to continue his study of the violin in college. As of right now, he wishes to attend a four year university to study Physics and Astronomy. 

Olivia Shipley - Dance Captain/Featured Dancer

Olivia is thrilled to be performing in her fourth and final PRHS spring musical! Previous roles of Olivia’s include a featured dancer in The Wedding Singer, an ensemble member in BIG the Musical, and a featured dancer, along with being the dance captain in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Olivia has been dancing all of her life, and currently takes classes at Fairgrieve School of Dance. She is a member of the PRHS Women’s Ensemble, Band, Student Government, and Key Club. In the fall, Olivia plans to attend Penn State University main campus. She would like to thank her parents for their endless support these past four years, along with their

countless rides to rehearsals. She would also like to thank her sisters Raychel, for teaching her to love musical theater, and Rebekah, for always being at every show. Lastly, she would like to thank Jim, Laura, Mrs. Hess, and Mrs. Rost for their incredible direction and hard work they put into the show! Good luck and congrats to the cast, crew, and orchestra of Pippin!

Megan Shulkosky - Orchestra

Megan, a senior, is thrilled to be playing the violin in the pit orchestra for the second year in a row! She has been playing the violin for 10 years and plays in the high school orchestra, as well as the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Outside of violin, she is the Senior Class President and a member of the National Honor Society. Megan plans to study pharmacy at the University of Toledo in the fall. She would like to thank her family and violin teachers for their constant support!

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Mario Tierno - Leading Player

Mario is a junior this year at Pine-Richland and is excited to perform in his third high school musical production. Before performing as one of the Leading Players in Pippin, Mario played Nick in Big, the Musical and was an ensemble member in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Mario also is the lead singer and multi-instrumentalist in a band called Vertical 48, playing venues all throughout the Pittsburgh area and releasing original music. In addition to vocals, Mario plays piano, bass, guitar, and drums. Mario is a snare captain on the PR drumline. He owes his success on stage to his years in the North Star Kids performance troupe, in which he

performed for 4 years. Mario would like to thank his mom and dad, as well as Jim, Laura, Becca, Mrs. Hess, NSK director Annie Snyder, voice teacher Jim Tokarski, and the cast, crew and orchestra for making this possible!

Alena Zappa - Leading Player

This is Alena’s third year participating in the PRHS musicals and she is absolutely thrilled to be performing as one of the Leading Players. Alena played the part of Cynthia Benson in Big, the Musical as a freshman and was a featured dancer in Thoroughly Modern Millie as a sophomore. While performing with Jeter Backyard Theater, Alena’s favorite role was playing the Genie in Aladdin, Jr. Alena has been dancing for twelve years under her beloved teachers Tammy Clune and Stevie Smith and currently dances for the PRHS Dance Team. She is also a member of National Honor Society and Chamber Singers. Alena has studied musical theater

at the Pittsburgh CLO and is currently a student at Keystone State Music Theater. A special thanks to Chris Saunders and her vocal coach, Alison Rose-Saunders of KSMT, for their amazing expertise and encouragement and also to Christie Jeter of JBT for introducing her to her passion for musical theater. Alena would also like to thank Jim Scriven, Laura Wurzell, Joy Hess and Carole Rost for giving her this amazing opportunity and her family for their endless support and love!

Carolyn Zeis - Ensemble

Carolyn is a senior and is excited to be a part of her first Pine-Richland High School musical. She has performed in four fall plays including: Tell Me That You Love Me Junie Moon (Mario's Grandmother), The Giver (Ensemble), 1984 (Syme), and The Bully Plays (Various roles). This year, she is the president of the Pine-Richland Thespian Society troupe. Carolyn is also a member of Women's Ensemble and Concert Choir. She would like to thank her parents and friends for their encouragement and support. She would like to thank the directors for their hard work and wishes good luck to the cast, crew, and orchestra!