CAST & CREW BIOGRAPHIES
Alex Mitts (Escapologist) is happy to play on The Empty Space stage once again. He would like to thank Marina Gradowitz and Kelso Morrow for their invaluable assistance while sound designing the show. Some of Alex's favorite TES roles include Mr. Darcy (Pride & Prejudice), Drew (Rock of Ages), and Cliff Bradshaw (Cabaret).
Amy Ressler (Agatha Trunchbull) has long been not only an admirer but also a proud supporter of The Empty Space and is delighted to be treading the boards here at last. A lifelong theatre artist, educator, and director, she teaches theatre at California State University Bakersfield and believes live theatre is one of the last sacred spaces where strangers gather to share a single emotional experience. She is grateful for every opportunity to return to the stage. Heartfelt thanks to Kristina, Jesus, Ruth, Kelsey, Nick, Ron, and the rest of the board for their welcoming warmth, expertise, and generous support throughout this process.
Aria Cohu (Lavender) is delighted to make her debut at The Empty Space in this brilliant production of “Matilda.” Notable roles include, Annie in Spotlight’s “Annie Kids,” Bielke in Ovation’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” Veruca Salt in “Willy Wonka Jr.”and Moana in “Moana Jr.” Aria wants to give a special thanks to her parents and grandparents for encouraging her in all of her artistic and athletic endeavors. And if you are not fond of reptiles, you should probably watch out for Sir Gary Newtward III
Avry Walker (Alice) is filled with the utmost excitement to be making her debut at The Empty Space in Matilda, the Musical. She is so grateful to be a part of this amazing production; and to have had the opportunity to work with and alongside the wonderful staff and delightful members of each cast! Whether it be acting, singing, or dancing, she truly LOVES performing on stage and putting on a show for everyone to enjoy! Previously, she has been cast in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Stage Door Academy); Beauty and the Beast Jr, Frozen Jr, Into the Woods Jr, and All Things Wicked (BYFAA). Avry would like to thank her entire family for always giving endless amounts of love and support in all that she does.
Axel Hernandez (Michael Wormwood) is extremely excited to be part of this production of Matilda. Some Past credits include Orin the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, as well as performances in Hairspray and Seussical. Outside of theatre, Axel enjoys skateboarding, figure skating, and works as an elementary school substitute teacher. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Cain Bean (Tommy) is thrilled to be performing for his first time at The Empty Space. Cain has also appeared as Captain America at the Melodrama, as well as performances at his school. He is especially delighted to be in this production of Matilda with his Aunt, Kayleigh Peaker. Theatre has become a passion for Cain, and he looks forward to continuing to audition for more productions around town in the future.
David Rock (Mr. Wormwood) is glad to be back on The Empty Space stage again. He’s been an actor for over 30 years, having appeared on almost every Bakersfield stage. He has been a Theatre Workshop Teacher with Tonicism Productions since 2010, and Team Improv founder and coach. He has been able to parlay his love of the stage into a career as the Drama Teacher at East Bakersfield High School. He would like to thank his wife Claire, his supportive parents, and Susan Elgar at Pizzaz Salon and Spa for the awesome new hair. Hope you all enjoy the show!
Elizabeth Heckathorn (Acrobat/Big Kid) is thrilled to return for her third production with The Empty Space. Favorite roles include Company (Sarah), Avenue Q (Bad Idea Bear), and The Prom (Dee Dee Allen). She recently finished her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at CSUB, which means she finally has time for important things… like musicals! Love to the amazing team and cast, and to her family, friends, and husband Jacob for their endless encouragement.
Ellie Sivesind (Mrs. Wormwood) is excited to portray one of her favorite icons. Recent roles include Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing at BC and M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias at TES. She would like to thank her family for their unwavering support.
Elliot Davis (Amanda Thripp) is so excited to be making her stage debut in Matilda at the Empty Space! Elliot is no stranger to performing and has been dancing since the age of two. She loves the challenge of acting and singing. She is so happy to have such a fun part in her first show. She would to thank Miss Kristina, Mr. Nick, Miss Ruth and her aunt Ryanne for their help during this production. She would also like to thank her family for their support and encouragement.
Emma Cramer (Eric) recently discovered her love for theater, a passion that has grown with this experience at the Empty Space. She loves the story of Matilda and is so excited to be a part of this production. Her previous roles with NOR were Cheshire Cat in Alice In Wonderland, Sergei in Matilda Jr., and most recently Otho in Beetlejuice Jr.. She was also in Frozen with BYFAA. She likes to stay busy with band, choir, yearbook, Battle of the Books, and competitive swim. She would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated directors whose vision has guided this production, and to her family (especially her mom) for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout her theater journey.
Evangeline Heber (Hortensia) is delighted to make her Empty Space debut in Matilda and is filled with gratitude for production team welcoming her to help bring this bold, spirited story to life. Recent credits include Sprintze in Fiddler on the Roof, Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, Annie in Annie, Girl in Cinderella, Tinkerbell in Peter Pan, and Susan Walker in Miracle on 34th Street. She would like to give heartfelt thanks to her music teacher, the directors of her Evolution performing group, and her teachers at Civic Dance Center for helping her build the skills that allow her to do what she loves most—performing. Extra love to her expert level taxi drivers (Mom and Dad) and her siblings, who cheer her on and make space for her big theater dreams.
Everett Orozco (Nigel Hicks Cast B) is very grateful and excited to be in the Empty Space’s production of Matilda: The Musical. Other productions they have been apart of include Seussical Jr. where they played a Jungle Kid, and Willy Wonka Jr. in which they played an Oompa Loompa. Everett would like to thank the directorial team, other cast members, the people on lighting and sound, and everyone else at the Empty Space who made this fabulous production possible. They are absolutely ecstatic for the shows and cannot wait for everyone else to experience the wonder of Matilda like they have.
Gabriel Gordon (Bruce Bogtrotter) is excited to be making his debut at The Empty Space in this incredible musical! Past credits include Michael Banks in Mary Poppins (Ovation), Oaken in Frozen Jr (BYFAA), Candy kid/Squirrel in Willy Wonka Jr (Stage Door Academy), NOR Jr theater roles include Eric in Matilda Jr, Jack in Into the Woods Jr, Doorknob in Alice in Wonderland Jr, Chip in Beauty and the Beast Jr and Nibs in Peter Pan Jr. He sends special thanks to his mom and little sister, Natalie.
Gianna Milazzo (Nigel) is thrilled to be appearing in Matilda and is so excited to help bring this energetic and imaginative story to life! She has been performing with Stage Door Academy for as long as she can remember and is grateful for every opportunity to be onstage. Her most recent roles include Player 3 (Annabeth Lane) in Dare to Dream Jr. and Violet Beauregard in Willy Wonka Jr. Gianna would like to thank her parents for always encouraging her passion for theater as well as the directors and production team for creating such a fun and supportive rehearsal process. Gianna is overjoyed to make her first appearance on the Empty Space stage!
Isaiah Flores (Big Kid/Ensemble) is excited to be part of Matilda at The Empty Space. This is his first production with The Empty Space, and he is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such a fun and welcoming community. Isaiah would like to give a special thank you to his sister for being an amazing production assistant, convincing him to audition, giving him rides, and helping him with songs and choreography. He thanks his girlfriend for her constant support and encouragement. Last but not least thanks his family for being very supportive! He is incredibly thankful to The Empty Space for this opportunity and is excited to be part of the magic on stage.
Isla Friedman (Matilda Wormwood) is beyond grateful to be trusted with this role and to be part of this whimsical, clever, and heart-filled production. She previously appeared as Summer Hathaway in School of Rock and Shprintze in Fiddler on the Roof, both with Ovation Theatre. A middle school student who loves learning, reading, and finding creative outlets, Isla is happiest when she’s on stage telling stories. She would like to thank her parents for their endless love and support, her siblings for always cheering her on, and her amazing friends who are forever by her side. If you leave tonight believing in a little bit of magic (and standing up for what’s right), she’s done her job.
Jorge Morales Garcia (Backstage Tech) (he/him) is very excited to be a part of Matilda! You may have last seen Jorge as “WEBSTER” in “Andy, The Creator” or as “Ted” in “Peter and The Starcatcher”, both at TES. When Jorge isn’t helping with a production, he’s spending his time writing, such as adapting “Zorro” at Mira Monte for their March show, “Zorro: Behind The Mask”, or various other creative endeavors both online and in-person. He would like to thank his girlfriend, Lily Andrade, for supporting him through all his crazy shenanigans, his friends and family for their ongoing support, and the cast and crew of Matilda for killing it every night!
Julie Gaines (Mrs. Phelps) has been a fan of The Empty Space (TES) for many years, having seen so much fabulous theatre there and having done her first show there with her son, Skylar, 13 years ago! Some credits over the years include: Frau Blucher in “Young Frankenstein” (TES), Mrs. Potts in “Beauty & the Beast” (BMT), Bunny Watson in “The Desk Set” (BCT), Fraulein Schneider in “Cabaret” (TES), and Miriam in “Apples in Winter” (BCT). She wants to thank Kristina, Ruth, Kelso & Nick for allowing her to be part of this terrific show, and her family and friends for their support no matter what her craziness may be! Enjoy the show!!
Kayleigh Peaker (Parent/Big Kid/Cook) is a local elementary educator and currently serves on The Empty Space Board of Directors as the Technical Director of Costuming. You may have most recently seen her as MacNeil & Mrs Fryer in Radium Girls. Favorite past roles include Mrs. Bennet (Pride & Prejudice), Mae (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Marcy (Dog Sees God), and A Company of Wayward Saints all also at The Empty Space. She is incredibly grateful to get to perform alongside her nephew, Cain, during this production.
Ke’ilani Colter (Lavender) is so excited to be part of Matilda the Musical! She is so glad she gets to participate with this extremely talented cast and directorial team. Recent credits include Ensemble in In the Heights (Stars), Little Inez in Hairspray (Stars) and Ensemble in Once on This Island (Stars). She would like to thank her coaches and the Music Fusion Directors for all of their support and helping her to continue to grow as a performer. She would also like to thank her amazing parents for helping and encouraging her in everything.
Kelsey Morrow (Vocal Director) is excited to work on this project with so many talented young artists. She most recently co-directed A Christmas Carol with Ron Warren here at the Empty Space and voiced the Ghost of Christmas Past. Some past vocal direction credits include Urinetown, The Rocky Horror Show, and Head Over Heels. She also appeared in last years’ productions of Carrie and Company. Next up, she will be making her official directorial debut with I Wanna F—- Like Romeo & Juliet here in August. She would like to thank Marina Gradowitz & Alex Mitts for their diligent sound design on this beast of a musical, and her partner Ian for his support (and for taking care of their cats & dinner while she is in rehearsals).
Konstantina Kiuftis (Eric) is ecstatic to be a part of Matilda the Musical. This is her second show, and she is so excited to be back on stage. She is incredibly thankful to her parents for staying up late to drive her home and for encouraging her every step of the way. She also wants to thank the directors for all the hard work they put into making this show happen.
Kristina Saldaña (Director) is currently serving her 16th term as the financial director on The Empty Space board and is incredibly grateful to be working with so many of her brilliant and closest friends. She graduated with a bachelor’s in Business Administration Management from California State University Bakersfield and a degree in Culinary Arts and Foodservice Management from Bakersfield College. Kristina works as the administrative coordinator for the Department of Music & Theatre at CSUB where she enjoys connecting her students with opportunities within the local theatre, music, and art community. She is thankful to be a part of The Empty Space as a director, actor, designer, and board member for almost two decades now.
Leah Larson (Amanda Thripp) is bursting with excitement to be a part of Matilda the Musical! Just like Amanda, Leah is small but mighty — full of spunk, sparkle, and big personality. She has been performing since she was 5 years old and has appeared in multiple productions at The Gaslight Melodrama and at Stars Theater through Stage Door Academy’s children’s workshops. Leah loves making people laugh, lighting up the stage, and bringing plenty of sass. She is thrilled to be a part of this cast and would like to thank all of the directors and technical staff for all of their hard work and guidance during this process! She hopes you enjoy the show — and maybe watch out for flying pigtailed girls!
Lily Andrade (Big Kid/Ensemble) is ecstatic to be back on stage! You may have seen her in Tarzan (Tarzan’s Mom/Ensemble) at TES with B&G club. Her favorite roles include Audrey (LSOH), Mayzie La Bird (Seussical), and Velma Von Tussle (Hairspray) all performed at Ridgeview High School. She would like to thank the directorial team for the honor to perform alongside such talented people! She would also like to thank her friends, family, and amazing boyfriend who supports her through everything!
Liz Bomar (Miss Honey) is so excited to be back onstage at The Empty Space after nearly three years! She most recently worked as the assistant director and light board operator for Radium Girls at TES. Notable onstage credits include Tzeitel (Fiddler on the Roof), Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast), Thea (Spring Awakening), and Gabrielle U/S (Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella). When not onstage, Liz often stage manages, serves as a proud director-at-large for TES, and is your friendly neighborhood barista. She would like to give a big thanks to Kristina, Nick, Ruth, and Kelso for giving her the opportunity to take on one of her dream roles and hopes she makes ‘em proud. Liz would also like to express her endless appreciation to each of these dedicated kiddos for being an absolute joy to share the stage with, and of course, Amy for being the best “evil aunt” ever. Lastly, she’d like to thank YOU for supporting local theater!
Lizzie Mitts (Hortensia) is happy to be in Matilda at the Empty Space and thrilled to be a part of this community. She would like to thank her mom and dad because they have been working hard to get her to and from rehearsal while encouraging her to do her best. She would like to say thanks to her siblings for having to work around her schedule over the last few weeks. She would also like to thank her Uncle Alex and is so happy to be doing her first Empty Space show with him. She would like to thank all of the directors and other adults who have made this a very fun process. She would also like to say thanks to all of the other kid actors in the show because they have made her feel very welcome. Her most recent roles were as Dolly in Rudolph Jr., Jojo in Seussical the Musical Jr., and an Oompa Loompa in Wonka Jr.
Makaio Colter (Bruce Bogtrotter) is so excited to be part of bringing this classic story to life amongst such a talented cast! Some of his favorite credits include Lawrence in School of Rock (Ovation Theater), Jack in Into The Woods Jr. (BYFAA), Player 5 in Dare to Dream Jr. (BGCKC) and Sebastian in The Little Mermaid Jr. (BYFAA). He is grateful to the Directors for the opportunity to perform for the first time on The Empty Space stage and is thankful for all the support from his coaches and family.
Mariah Jameson ( Production Manager) This is her first production with the Empty Space and she is excited to be a part of the magic. Mariah is hoping to keep those she has met through the Empty Space community close to her and do future projects with them. Her first role was for CSUB playing Maria in 9 to 5 the musical. Her passions are writing songs, poems, and singing. Mariah would like to thank her family for hyping her dramatic karaoke performances, giving her the confidence to one day do it on stage. She also wants to thank her husband for encouraging her to dream big and make her dreams a reality.
Marina Gradowitz (Sound Operator) is pleased to be here pushing buttons on such a wonderful show! Her sound credits list grows ever longer, with a few recent projects including sound design for Radium Girls, and sound operator for A Christmas Carol, Dracula, and Company at TES. When she’s not busy painting 500 colorful orbs or snacking in the booth, she’s working on her Bachelors in Accounting/Business Administration and serving as both the Facilities Director and the Technical Director of Sound at The Empty Space. She would like to thank Kelso Morrow and Alex Mitts for being the dream sound team, and she would also like to take a moment to curse Tim Minchin for all the grief he has caused in trying to sort out the score.
Matthew Caleb Brown (Doctor/Sergei) is honored to return to The Empty Space in this amazing production of Matilda! Previous TES roles include The Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol and Samuel in Cataract House. Matthew is extremely grateful to perform in a space as amazing as this one!
Nick Ono (Choreographer/ Rudolfo) is proud to be a part of the Matilda production team! He is an instructor for the Boys & Girls Clubs, Stage Door Academy and Drama Matters programs. Choreography credits include: Memphis, Head Over Heels, American Idot, Dogfight, and 9 to 5. Stage credits include: Tarzan (Tarzan), Anastasia (Gleb), In the Heights (Usnavi), Cinderella (Jean Michel), and Newsies (Jack Kelly). Enjoy the show!
Reyna Abdool (Alice) is excited to return to the Empty Space stage! Previous credits include A Christmas Carol (Fan) and Tarzan (Young Terk) at The Empty Space, School of Rock (Tomika) with Ovation Theatre; High School Musical (Gabriella), Frozen (Anna), Mean Girls (Cady Heron), and Moana (Moana) with Spotlight Academy; and ensemble roles in Once on This Island, The Prom, Billy Elliot, and The Wizard of Oz at Stars Theatre. She is a student at Heartland Charter School, a member of the Boys and Girls Club music group Music Fusion and studies voice with Amy Adams Coaching. Thank you to the directors and BGCKC for this opportunity, the entire cast and crew and my family and friends. Casey Abdool (Tommy) is excited to return to the stage at The Empty Space! Previous credits include Tiny Tim (A Christmas Carol” Tarzan (Young Tarzan) and Luchadora! (Newspaper Boy) at The Empty Space, and Willy Wonka (Mike TeeVee), Frozen (Sven), and Moana (Pua) with Spotlight Academy. He is a student at Heartland Charter School and enjoys video games and all things theater. Casey thanks his directors and the BGCKC for this opportunity as well as Spotlight Academy, BYFA, and Theatrix Kids for nurturing his love of theater. Most of all, thank you to his family and friends who are his biggest fans. Thank you for coming and supporting TES!
Ruth Luna (assistant director) is always happy to be at The Empty Space! Some of her recent credits include Martha in “The Children’s Hour (BCT), assistant director for “Luchadora!”, and Jane in “Pride and Prejudice” (The Empty Space). Offstage Ruth enjoys scuba diving, teaching Lagree, and taking cat naps with her fur babies, Salem & Oreo. She would like to thank Kristina and Jesus for letting her be a part of this wonderful production, Harley, and everyone involved for creating magic each night!
Ryanne Smith (Ensemble) is so happy to be making her Empty Space debut! Ryanne recently rediscovered her love for performing and is so grateful for the joy that community theater has brought into her life. She was recently seen onstage in Mary Poppins at The Ovation Theater. This production is extra special as she gets to share the stage with her niece, Elliot. She would like to thank the directors, the cast and her family and friends for all of their unwavering support.
Sophia Bertram (Children’s Entertainer / Mrs. Wormwood understudy) is overjoyed to be part of Matilda and thrilled to help bring this witty, bold story to life. Recent credits include Mrs. Michaels/Ensemble in Radium Girls, Fred’s Wife/Ensemble in A Christmas Carol at The Empty Space, Kitty/Ensemble in Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, Professor Porter & Ensemble in Tarzan, and Sophie in Country House. She sends heartfelt thanks to the directorial team for this wonderful opportunity, and to her family, boyfriend, and friends for their constant love and support.
Stella Destefani (Matilda) is so excited to be back at The Empty Space for Matilda: the Musical! Stella most recently appeared as Jane Banks in Mary Poppins at The Ovation Theater and ensemble and Young Tarzan in Tarzan and Teen Tarzan respectively at The Empty Space last summer. Outside of acting, Stella is part of The Rising Stars Singing Group, a student of Amy Adams coaching, & spends any extra time shopping with friends or playing with her cats. To her family & friends, Stella sends a huge ‘THANK YOU for always coming to cheer for me!’ and especially her Third Grade teacher, Mrs. Amanda Green, for introducing her to Matilda Wormwood five years ago. To Directors Kristina & Ruth: ‘the biggest hug in the world’ for believing in Stella’s ability to bring the complex Matilda Wormwood to life. And lastly, to “fellow Matilda” Isla Friedman: friends forever because ‘a promise is a promise is a promise!’
