When I was a junior in high school, the first national tour of Beauty and the Beast made a stop in Seattle and my grandparents wanted to take me. I went–begrudgingly–certain I was too old and too cool to enjoy a Disney fairy tale. Yet, from the first moments of the prologue when the Enchantress magically transforms the Prince into the Beast I was completely blown away by the spectacle. For the next two hours, I was on the edge of my seat, awed by the massive set, detailed costumes, magical special effects, and iconic music. I could not have been more wrong prematurely judging this musical based solely on the title. During that performance, I experienced the change in me that Mrs. Potts sings of in the titular song: ”Finding you can change, learning you were wrong.”

When the brilliant lyricist Howard Ashman was creating the music for this project in the late 1980s, the world was frightened and harshly condemning people that seemed different. Ashman, a recipient of that judgment and persecution, wrote this music as a plea for compassion and understanding. If we treat others like monsters, they will be.  But if we are able to focus on the humanity of others and show empathy, healing can begin and love will triumph. We are all human on the inside and love has the power to change lives.  It is indeed, a tale as old as time.

Thank you for joining us here tonight and being open to looking at those around us, who may appear different, mean, coarse or unrefined, as something more.  Perhaps you’ll wonder how you didn’t see it there before.

– Ryan Simmons

Jessica is honored to return to the Centre Stage with this production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast!  Her favorite stage credits include: The Light in the Piazza (Clara), The Secret Garden (Rose Lennox), Les Misérables (Cosette), A Tale of Two Cities (Lucie Manette), and A Christmas Carol (Belle/Laundress) with HCT; Little Women (Meg/Clarissa) with HCTO; The King-Final Hours (Priscilla Presley) in NYC; and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle). Jessica has a BFA from BYU in Music Dance Theatre. “For Parker and Hugh, who let me do what I love.”

Shae is thrilled to be back on the HCT stage!  Her favorite stage credits include: Hello, Dolly! (Irene Molloy), Cinderella (Ella) with HCT; Mamma Mia (Sophie), When You Wish (Mary Poppins & Snow White), Newsies (Katherine U/S), Disney’s Tarzan (Jane U/S), and Shrek: The Musical (Fiona U/S) with Tuacahn; as well as The Count of Monte Cristo (Mercedes) and In The Heights (Vanessa).  Her favorite film credits include “Destined at Christmas” (Kim), “Identical Love” (Charlotte), and “Passport to Love” (Nicole). Shae graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Dance Theater and is signed with Talent Management Group working in commercial, voice-over, TV, and film. You can catch her in some of her most recent movies on the Great American Family Network. “In the words of my Grandpa Harley, ‘Party on!’.” 

Most recently seen as the Canaan Days brother in (Joseph..Dreamcoat) at the Eccles in Salt Lake City. Seven years touring with The Forgotten Carols. Soloist for both Lyceum Philharmonic and Zion’s Youth Symphony and Chorus. Hale Centre Theatre Roles: Jean Valjean (Les Miserables 2021 & 2014) Sydney Carton (A Tale of Two Cities 2021 & 2011) Freddy Benson (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) Tateh (Ragtime) Tommy Albright (Brigadoon) Baron Bomburst (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) Charles Dickens/Fred (A Christmas Carol) Other venues include the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Jackson Hole Playhouse, the Sun Valley Opera House and the Conference Center on Temple Square. Other favorites include: Harold Hill (The Music Man), Nathan Detroit (Guys and Dolls), and Tony (West Side Story). Kyle’s album, ‘PREMIERE,’ is available now.

Darick is thrilled to be back on the Hale Centre Theatre Stage. Some of his favorite credits include: The Nutty Professor (Julius Kelp/Buddy Love), Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius Hackl), Bright Star (Jimmy Ray Dobbs) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho) with HCT, as well as National Tours of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Into The Woods, and Falsettos. “Hope you enjoy the show! Sure love ya, EESJLEA.”

Making his HCT debut! Russell is thrilled to join the Hale Centre Theatre family with this production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Other favorite credits include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Gaston) with CentrePoint Legacy Theatre and Sandy Amphitheater; Disney Anniversary Concert (Gaston) with Libby Gardner Concert Hall; Joseph..Dreamcoat (Joseph) with Sandy Amphitheater; as well as The Music Man (Harold Hill) with both Perry's Egyptian Theatre and CenterPoint Legacy Theatre.

Preston is thrilled to return to the Centre Stage! Notable performing credits include: Eric (Phantom), Phoebus and Claude Frollo U/S (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Javert (Les Miserables), Younger Brother (Ragtime), and Ramon (Zorro The Musical) with Hale Centre Theatre; Phantom (The Phantom of the Opera) and The Count/Edmund Dantes (The Count of Monte Cristo) at BYU; Sydney Carton (A Tale of Two Cities) with West Valley Arts; Petro (Kalyna The Musical) at The Eccles Theatre in SLC as well as Christmas and Redeemer Tours with Jenny Oaks Baker. Preston holds a Bachelors in Music Dance Theatre from BYU and is the Owner of Yates Vocal Studio. “It feels so great to be back with my Hale Centre Theatre family! Thanks to my awesome wife Megan for supporting me and being the best Mom to our three little ones!!”

Back on the HCT stage! Excited to revisit this character!  Thomas’s favorite credits include: Sweeney Todd (Toby) at West Valley Arts; Titanic The Musical (Frederick Fleet); Newsies (Race) and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 2016 (Lefou) at Hale Centre Theatre; and Children of Eden (Cain) at UMT. 

Ecstatic to be back on the HCT stage! Angel’s favorite credits include: Around the World in 80 Days, Hello, Dolly! and Titanic The Musical with Hale Centre Theatre; West Side Story with West Valley Arts; Forever Plaid with The Ziegfeld Theater; and the 2016 Jimmy Awards at The Minskoff Theater (NYC).  Angel is an alumnus of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. “Whether you think you can or you think you cannot, you are right.” - Henry Ford.

Some of Scott’s favorite credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis & Prince Eric U/S and King Triton U/S) with Hale Centre; Daddy Long Legs (Jervis Pendleton)  at the Covey Center of the Arts; Camelot (Lancelot) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Fredric Charlus), and The Scarlet Pimpernel (Percy Blakeney) with HCTO; The Play That Goes Wrong and Matilda The Musical (Mr. Wormwood) and A Christmas Story with SCERA; as well as Singin’ in the Rain (Don Lockwood), Les Misérables  (Javert), and Oliver! (Fagin). By day, Scott works with his Dad in their family-owned company, Sport Court West, in Sales and Project management. “All applause goes to my endlessly supportive wife Katie, and three beautiful boys.”

David Paul Smith has directed for Hale Center Theater Orem, Hale Centre Theatre, SCERA, American Fork Youth Theater, as well as other youth theater programs around Utah Valley. Some of his most recent directing credits include: May We All, Freaky Friday, Sound of Music Youth Edition, Newsies, Disney’s Descendants, School of Rock, Mary Poppins, My Son Pinocchio, Sister Act, Guys & Dolls, The Drowsy Chaperone, AIDA, The Sound of Music, Singin’ in the Rain, Seussical The Musical, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. He most recently appeared on stage as Buddy the Elf in Elf the Musical, Don Lockwood in Singin' in the Rain, Jervis Pendleton in Daddy Long Legs, and Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet with HCT. He also performs with American Performing Arts International at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He currently works for Hale Centre Theatre as Director of Education and Associate Resident Director. He also composes original musicals for children, some of which include The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, The Three Little Pigs, The Untold Story of the Tortoise and the Hare, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Peter Pan’s Great Adventure, Alice in Wonderland, Little Red, The Velveteen Rabbit, A Christmas Carol (HCTO), and a new full-length musical called Blink. He also writes the original productions performed by HCT’s Story Weavers. “Thank you, family, for letting me serve up some light and joy again in this tale as old as time. Be Our Guest!”

Some of BJ’s favorite credits include: HCT - The Nutty Professor, Clue On Stage, Around the World in 80 Days, Treasure Island, The Mousetrap, Murder on the Orient Express, Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical, Cinderella, Phantom, and The Wizard of Oz; Weber State University - Will Rogers Follies, Sleepy Hollow The Musical, The Lion in Winter, Tartuffe, Assassins, and JingleJacks; The Grand Theatre - Forever Plaid and First Date; CenterPoint Legacy Theatre - Shrek The Musical and Into the Woods. BJ holds a Bachelor's Degree in Musical Theatre from Weber State University and works as a freelance voiceover artist, Audiobook Narrator, and Substitute teacher for Ogden School District. “For my ‘Match Made in Space’ Danielle.”

Returning to the Centre Theatre! Kyle was most recently seen in our productions of Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis) and One for the Pot (Charlie Barnet); Blink (Jim), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Jegan/Gargoyle) with HCTO; UrineTown The Musical (Bobby Strong) and Noises Off! (Llyod) with UVU; Spamalot (Lancelot), and Shrek The Musical (Shrek) with SCERA. "Journey before Destination!"

Chelsea is pleased to return to Hale Centre Theatre for another holiday season. Favorite performing credits include: Octet Soprano in A Christmas Carol 2023  with HCT; Meg March in Little Women The Musical with Murray Arts in the Park; Tracy Turnbald in Hairspray and Sister Amnesia in Nunsense with SCERA; Cinderella in Into The Woods with The Empress Theatre; and A Christmas Carol with HCTO. “Special thanks to my grandma, who insisted I audition for this show. And all my love to my friends and family who have been ‘certain as the sun, rising in the east’; this magical opportunity wouldn’t be possible without you. Thank you for coming to enjoy this ‘tale as old as time’ with us.”

Returning to Hale Centre Theatre! Diana is thrilled to play on the Centre Stage this Holiday season. Favorite performing credits include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 2016 (Mrs. Potts), The Scarlet Pimpernel (Marguerite St. Just), Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre), and The King and I (Anna) with Hale Centre Theatre, as well as 1776 and Phantom with Pioneer Theatre Company. “While debating whether to audition, I talked to my teenage son, and he said something that convinced me to get back on stage. It became my new favorite quote: "You do you. Do the things that make you who you are. Thanks to my family for all their support!”

Benedict is thrilled to be back at Hale Centre Theatre. Previously, he was seen in our 2023 production of A Christmas Carol as Carol Boy/Frederick Cratchit. “Thank you, HCT, for this opportunity, and a huge thanks to my family for their love and support!”

Thrilled to be back on the HCT stage! Link was most recently seen as Ian Offenbach in Hans Christian Andersen in New York, as well as Tiny Tim in our 2022 & 2023 productions of  A Christmas Carol. Link loves school, friends, and his family so much!

Mason is excited to be back on the Hale Centre Theatre stage! He was recently seen on our Jewel Box Stage as Ian Offenbach in Hans Christian Andersen in New York and Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol 2022 & 2023. When not on stage, Mason loves to play soccer and tennis, build LEGOs, and spend time with family and friends.

Happy to be on the Hale Centre Theatre stage yet again; Corinne was recently seen in our production of Clue On Stage (Yvette), See How They Run (Penelope Toop), Lucky Stiff (Dominique), and One for the Pot (Cynthia Hardcastle). Other favorite stage credits include: Clue On Stage (Miss Scarlett), Matilda the Musical (Mrs. Wormwood) with HCTO; Curtains (Bambi) with The Grand Theatre; and Noises Off (Brooke) with Sandy Arts Guild.  She holds a BFA from the University of Utah, and when not on stage, she works as a voice-over artist and certified yoga instructor. “XOXO A, G, & B.”

Some of Ashey’s favorite stage credits include: HCT - An American in Paris, Matilda The Musical, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; HCTO - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Anything Goes; Pioneer Theatre Company - Mamma Mia and The Rocky Horror Picture Show; The Grand Theatre - Into The Woods and The Last Five Years; Scera Shell - Matilda The Musical (Choreographer); Alabama Shakespeare Festival - Disney’s Mary Poppins; Utah Lyric Opera - My Fair Lady; and Lyric Rep - The Drowsy Chaperone and Nunsense. Ashley graduated with a BA in Broadcast Communications from The University of Utah and an MBA from Westminster College.  She works as a dance teacher, choreographer, and director. “Thank you to Ryan, Afton, & Kelly for this opportunity and to HCT, as always, for being a great place to work!”

Ashely is pleased to join the Company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Favorite stage credits include: The Light in the Piazza, Newsies 2018, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame with Hale Centre Theatre; Romeo et Juliette, Magic Flute, Helene, and Suor Angelica with UVU Opera; and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with Sandy Amphitheatre. Ashley graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Vocal Performance. “I am ecstatic to be a part of this beautiful show and want to thank my family for cheering me on.”

Returning to the Hale Centre Stage, some of April’s favorite credits include: School of Rock, A Tale of Two Cities, Seussical The Musical, Freaky Friday, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and A Christmas Carol with HCT; Spring Awakening (Martha) with Hart Theatre Company; The Pirates of Penzance with Centerpoint Legacy Theatre as well as several productions with Kensington Theatre and Herriman Arts Council. April recently returned from Spain, where she earned her Master's Degree in Scoring for Film, Television, and Video Games at Berklee College of Music. 

Since its opening, Mark has spent most of his time doing shows at Hale Center Theatre Orem - even performing with founder Ruth and Nathan Hale in the early years. He’s enjoyed a long list of notable characters, from Bob Cratchit to Professor Higgins and many in between. His recent credits include: Emma: The Musical (Mr. Woodhouse) at HCTO and Hans Chirtsian Andersen in New York (Old Hans) with HCT. A graduate in education from BYU, Mark taught 4th grade for 30 years and was also at the Children's Library in Orem for 40 years.  Now retired, Mark enjoys doing more theater and volunteering at a local school and libraries.“Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.” - Hans Christian Andersen. “I seem to specialize in Disney fathers. From Pinocchio’s dad, Gepetto, to Jane’s father in Tarzan, and now Belle’s inventor father, Maurice. What fun to be a Disney Dad. May the joy of this beautiful production bring you magical moments and memories this holiday season that you can return to all year long.”

David’s HCT credits include: Elf The Musical, Hello, Dolly!, Lucky Stiff (Luigi Gaudi), One for the Pot (Arnold Piper), Guys & Dolls (Big Jule), The Play That Goes Wrong (Jonathan/Charles Haversham), Bright Star (Daddy Murphy),  Seussical The Musical (General Gengus Khan Schmitz), The Wizard of Oz (Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz), Cash on Delivery! (Dr. Chapman). Other credits include: Centerpoint Legacy Theatre - The Pirates of Penzance (The Major General), Mary Poppins (Mr. Banks), Curtains (Lt. Cioffi), Guys & Dolls (Nathan Detroit), and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Lawrence Jamison); Egyptian Theatre - Noises Off (Lloyd); and Lucky Stiff (Vinnie) at Rodgers Memorial Theatre. “Rule of Acquisition #208- Sometimes, the only thing more dangerous than a question is the answer.”

Izzy is excited to be back on the HCT stage. His favorite credits include: Hello, Dolly!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and An American in Paris with HCT; The Music Man (Tommy Djilas), Disney’s Tarzan, Anything Goes, In the Heights, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (HCTO); Something Rotten! and Newsies (PTC); La Cage Aux Folles (Arizona Broadway Theatre); and Footloose (Harman Theatre). Izzy studied at Utah Valley University and works as a dance teacher and photographer.

Excited to be back on the HCT stage!  Jeremy was most recently seen in our productions of The Nutty Professor, Fiddler On The Roof, Newsies, and Hello, Dolly! and was previously seen in our 2020 production of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical and also performed with Odyssey Dance Theatre for three years. Jeremy attended BYU and currently works as a dance instructor.  “Sometimes, the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else.” - Uncle Iroh. 

Scotty is thrilled to be back on the HCT stage! They were recently seen in our production of The Nutty Professor. Other favorite credits include: Hello, Dolly!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Jetsam), The Light in the Piazza, and Treasure Island at HCT: You Will Get Sick with Salt Lake Acting Company;  In The Heights and West Side Story with West Valley Performing Arts Center as well as performances with Lyric Repertory Company and Good Company Theatre. Scotty graduated from USU with a BFA in Acting.

Brevan is honored to be back on our Centre Stage. His favorite credits include The Nutty Professor, Elf The Musical, Hello, Dolly!, Disney The Little Mermaid with HCT, and In The Heights with West Valley Arts. “Here for a good time. Not a long time.”

Joey returns to the Centre Stage after previously appearing in our 2023 production of Newsies and has an extensive resume; favorite credits include: Les Miserables and Godspell with NMRHS; You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and A Very Hairy Fairytale with PCA as well as serving a Nauvoo Performing Mission (2021 - 2022). Joey is currently studying at Utah Valley University, pursuing a BFA in Illustration with an emphasis in Design for Entertainment.  "Do small things with great love."

A familiar face to HCT audiences, Evan was recently seen in our productions of The Nutty Professor (Chad), Hello, Dolly! (Ambrose Kemper) and Fiddler on the Roof. Other favorite credits include: The Music Man (Tommy Djilas) with HCTO; Cinderella and Footloose with Sundance Summer Theater, and BYU’s Young Ambassadors (2020 - 2022).  He recently graduated from BYU with a Masters in Professional Accountancy and works with Technical Accounting Consultant with Connor Group.

Making his HCT debut! Excited to play on the Centre Stage; some of Cameron’s favorite performing credits include: Footloose (Willard) with St. George Musical Theatre; Alice (Jack/The Knave of Hearts) and Dracula (Van Helsing) with SAINT Contemporary Ballet; and Thriller (Youth Zombie) with Odyssey Dance Theatre. Cameron hails from St. George, Utah, recently graduated from high school, and has recently started his collegiate pursuits. “Special thanks to all family and friends for their continuous love and support, and HCT for this amazing opportunity!”

Spencer is thrilled to join the company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast! He was recently seen in The Nutty Professor on our stage and Cinderella with Sundance Summer Theatre. Spencer holds a BFA in Dance from Brigham Young University, where he is also an adjunct faculty member. “I am excited to make my debut at Hale Centre Theatre! I am so grateful for the opportunity to perform and for all the support from my family, friends, and professors.”

Aidan is honored to join the company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Some of his favorite credits include: The Nutty Professor with Hale Centre Theatre; The Little Mermaid (Sebastian), and Sister Act (TJ), both with Draper Historic Theatre. Aidan is currently a Utah Valley University student working towards his bachelor degree as well as a ballroom dance certificate.

Returning to the Centre Stage, Leonardo was last seen in our productions of The Nutty Professor and  Newsies. Other favorite credits include: Descendants Jr. and The Lion King Jr. with Timpanogos Youth Theatre. Leonardo is pursuing a double major in Accounting and Dance at Utah Valley University. 

Making his HCT debut! Seth is honored to join the Hale Centre Theatre family with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast! Some favorite performing credits include: Shrek The Musical (Pinocchio) and The Game’s Afoot (Simon) with Boulder City High School; Reparable (Officer/Poker Player) with ZYSC, as well as performing with Dance Ect. Studio for ten years. Seth is pursuing a degree in Animation from Brigham Young University. 

Prince is thrilled to be back on the Centre Stage! Previously, he was seen in our productions of The Nutty Professor and Newsies. Prince is a sophomore at Utah Valley University pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. “I Act, I Sing, I Dance, and…I’m Asian.”

Returning to the Centre Stage! Christian was previously seen in our 2023 production of Newsies. Christian’s favorite credits include Godspell and Fiddler on the Roof as well as performing with the Young Ambassadors at BYU, where he is currently a Senior in the Music Dance Theatre Program.  

Returning to the Centre Stage, Phil was last seen in our productions of The Nutty Professor, Elf The Musical, and Newsies. Born and raised in Southeast Georgia, he graduated from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelor’s in Dance Performance and Choreography. He was also featured on ‘America’s Got Talent’ in Season 19, as well as the Idaho Talent Fest at Boise State University and the US National Baton Twirling Championships (Top 10) in Jacksonville, Florida. Phil works as a Dance Conditioning Instructor and Stretch Practitioner at Stretch Zone in Salt Lake City. “10,000 steps towards the time of your life” - Beyonce’

Noah’s favorite credits include: Newsies with Hale Centre Theatre; Newsies (Specs) with Sundance Summer Theatre; The Secret Garden (Archibald Craven),  12 Angry Jurors and Matilda The Musical with BYU; CATS with Ashland Productions; and Footloose, The Addams Family, Shrek The Musical, and Bye Bye Birdie with North Stage Door Theatre.  He is currently a part of the BYU MDT program. “I am grateful for my amazing wife and supportive parents and mentors!”

Returning to the Hale Centre Theatre stage! Geoff has performed internationally in Asia, Russia, South America, and Europe. Favorite acting roles include: Bert (Mary Poppins) with HCT; Jimmy Ray  (Bright Star), Mr. Brooke (Little Women), and The Cat in the Hat (Seussical The Musical). Geoff is also certified stage combatant through the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). As a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographer Society (SDC), Geoff has directed and choreographed over 100 productions. His creative work has been performed across the US. Geoff is currently teaching Acting and Directing at Brigham Young University.  He received his Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music, Dance, Theatre, and Theatre Education from Brigham Young University.

Summer returns to the Centre Stage after last appearing in our productions of Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Arista and Ariel U/S) and Phantom. Other favorite credits include: Into The Woods (Cinderella) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Esmerelda) with Hopebox Theatre; I Believe in Christmas (Pickleville On Tour); Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle) with Cottonwood Heights Arts Council; The 25th Annual Spelling Bee (Olive) with Weber State; Footloose (Ariel) with Spotlight Theatre Company; Little Women (Amy & Beth March) with CenterPoint Legacy Theatre; and The Secret Garden with Hale Centre Theatre and The Utah Shakespeare Festival. Summer spent two years performing at Tokyo Disney Resort with several of her favorite Disney characters. She earned a BA in Musical Theatre from Weber State University and is co-owner of several Uptown Cheapskates located around the valley. “Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine.”

Making her HCT debut! Tally is excited to perform on the Centre Stage this holiday season! Some of her favorite performing credits include: Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney) and Into the Woods (Rapunzel) in her hometown of Los Angeles, California. Tally is pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre from The University of Utah with a minor in Modern Dance. “It’s always been a dream of mine to be in a Disney musical -  I’m so excited to be part of this production!” 

Making her HCT debut! McCall is thrilled to join the company of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast! Notable performing credits include Oklahoma! (Ado Annie), Thriller! with Odyssey Dance Company, and the World Premier of Fly More Than You Would Fall (Dance Captain) directed by Jeff Whiting as well as performing at BYU with Contemporary Dance Theatre and The Young Ambassadors where she toured across the nation as well as London and Scotland. McCall is a recent graduate of BYU with a BFA in Music Dance Theatre.

Dancing yet again on the Centre Stage, Gabrielle was last seen in our recent productions of The Nutty Professor, and Hello, Dolly!. She was also a member of BYU’s Young Ambassadors from 2022 to 2024 and is currently a senior in the Music Dance Theatre program at Brigham Young University. “I only did what I thought was right. I have no regrets. Even in this rotten world, I still want to walk down a path I can believe in!” -Bruno Bucciarati.

Returning to the Centre Stage, Becca was recently seen as Anne Bonny in our production of Treasure Island. Other favorite stage credits include: Elf The Musical, Bright Star, and The Addams Family with HCT; Little Women (Jo March) and The Odd Couple (Cecily Pigeon) with HCTO. Becca earned her BFA in acting from UVU and is represented by TMG. “For Grandma Hanny and Grandpa Tony, who took me to my very first show(Beauty and the Beast at Hale Centre Theatre in 2006) and are not around to see this journey come full circle. Love and miss you both.” 

Je Eun is thrilled to be back on the HCT stage after her most recent appearance in our production of Hello, Dolly (Minnie Fay) and Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Adella). Favorite stage credits include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ariel), All Shook Up (Sylvia), Little Women (Marmee), and Mary Poppins (Mrs. Corey). Je Eun is currently studying Nursing at Utah Valley University. “What you allow is what will continue” - unknown.

Making her HCT debut! Heidi is excited to join the company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast! Some of her favorite credits include: Annie (Kate) with HCTO as well as Annie (Orphan/Dance Swing) with Tuacahn Center of the Arts.  Heidi is currently a freshman at BYU. “I've been dancing for about nine years, and grew up performing in musical theater as a child then started seriously competing in dance throughout high school. I would love to thank Utah COPA and the Artistic Dance Project for my training.”

Glad to be back on the Centre Stage; Ally was most recently seen in our productions of The Nutty Professor and Hello, Dolly!. Other performing credits include: How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying with HCTO and performing with Chrysalis Ballet under Jennie Creer-King. Ally is currently studying Marketing at Utah Valley University and works as a Dance Teacher. “Grateful for the incredible opportunity to perform with Hale Centre Theatre! Thankful for my family.”

Performing credits for Anna include: The Nutty Professor, Newsies, Hello, Dolly!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical with Hale Centre Theatre; Deseret Newsies (Katherine) and Nutcracker Men In Tights (Heather) with Desert Star Playhouse; and Oklahoma! (Laurie) and Little Women (Amy) with BYU. Anna has a BFA in Music Dance Theatre from BYU and recently graduated with her Master's Degree in Dance Education. She was a Cabaret finalist in the U.S. National Dancesport competition and worked with Open Jar Institute in New York City for their Broadway actors training program.  She works as an Adjunct Jazz Dance faculty member with BYU, dance teacher at Utah COPA as well as a private vocal and piano instructor. “Thank you to my parents and husband, Jeremy, for all their support.”

Marissa is thrilled to be back on the HCT stage after her recent performance in our production of The Nutty Professor,  Hello, Dolly! and Disney The Little Mermaid! She trained with Jacqueline’s School of Ballet for 15 years and performed with Utah Metropolitan Ballet productions, including The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, and Snow White. She also toured across Europe with Stars of Tomorrow International for ballet and many ballet festivals across the United States.  She graduated from Pleasant Grove High School and works as a ballet teacher and private coach  “Do it big, do it right, and do it with style!”

Returning to the Centre Stage, Janessa was recently seen in our productions of The Nutty Professor and Elf The Musical. She is graduating this year from UVU with degrees in Anthropology and German and plans on pursuing a career in humanitarian work and international aid. 

Returning to the Centre Stage! Some of Kimberly’s favorite performing credits include: The Nutty Professor and Hello, Dolly!. Kimberly trained with Jacqueline’s School of Ballet and was a professional ballerina with Utah Metropolitan Ballet.  Her favorite productions include: The Nutcracker, Snow White, Legend of Timpanogos, and Romeo and Juliet.  She has performed worldwide in competitions and festivals, including YAGP, Stars of Tomorrow International, and Regional Dance America.  She works as a teacher at Center Stage Performing Arts Studio. “There’s always something to be grateful for!”

Brooklyn is very grateful to join the company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Favorite stage credits include: The Nutty Professor with HCT;  Fiddler on the Roof with BYU and Cinderella with Sundance Summer Theatre. Brooklyn is currently a junior at BYU, studying Exercise Science and Dance and performs with the BYU Young Ambassadors. “I’m so happy to be back on this stage performing with my Hale family again! Thanks to all my friends and family out there who never fail to support me in pursuit of my dreams. I love you endlessly!”

Returning to the Centre Stage! Payton appeared in our 2020 production of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical as well as Annie with The North Carolina Theatre and performed with the BYU Young Ambassadors from 2020 - 2022. Payton graduated from BYU with a BFA in Acting and teaches  at the Carolina Academy of Performing Arts. Payton is  professionally represented by KU Talent Agency. “Thank you to everyone at the Hale for making it possible to have THIS much fun! To my friends, my family, and my amazing husband, thank you for your endless support. I love you! “

Sarah is thrilled to join the company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast! Some of her favorite performing credits include: Legally Blonde with Twelfth Night Productions; Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Edmonds Driftwood Players; and Annie with Seattle Musical Theatre. Sarah holds a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Behavioral Sciences from The University of Utah and works for Intermountain Health in the TOSH Program as well as the Ballet West dance medicine team. “HUGE thank you to my husband, Rose and Iris for always supporting mom in her passions!”

Christina is thrilled to be back on the HCT stage! Her HCT credits include: Hello, Dolly!, The Wizard of Oz, Seussical, and Tarzan.  She was a principal dancer and assistant artistic director with Odyssey Dance Theater and teaches dance, choreography, as well as aerial training with Defying Gravity Utah.  “I would like to thank my ever-supportive husband, mother, and three boys for holding down the fort while I continue to live my performance dreams and stretch my artistic wings.”

Honored to return to the Centre Stage; some of Lauren’s favorite Hale Centre credits include: Fiddler on the Roof, The Light in the Piazza, A Christmas Carol 2021 & 2022, The Secret Garden, and Les Misérables; Maria Rainer (The Sound of Music) with Sundance Summer Theatre; Ophelia (Hamlet) with Parker Theatre;  Belle (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) at Scera Outdoor Theatre; and Ariel (The Little Mermaid) at HCTO. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from BYU. 

Returning to the HCT Stage, Zack was previously seen in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric), Singin’ in the Rain (Don Lockwood), Tarzan (Tarzan), AIDA (Radames), and Joseph...Dreamcoat (Joseph). Other favorite stage credits include: the world premiere of 1820: The Musical (Joseph), West Side Story (Tony), and All Shook Up (Chad); TV/Film credits: “ABC’s Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann'' and “High School Musical 3” (featured dancer and Zac Effron’s stand-in for choreography). He toured China as a member of BYU’s Young Ambassadors, graduated from UVU with a degree in Communications, and specializes in Medical Professional Liability Insurance. “All my love to my incredible wife and four children.” “Come what may and love it.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin

Thrilled to be back on the HCT stage!  Samuel was most recently seen in our production of The Nutty Professor, Newsies, and Hello, Dolly! Samuel is currently a student at UVU and works as a dance instructor. 

Colton is excited to be back at HCT! His previous credits at HCT include; The Mousetrap, Murder on the Orient Express, Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical, Cinderella, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Other favorite credits include Clue On Stage, Puffs, West Side Story with West Valley Arts, Kiss Me Kate and Newsies at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, and Damn Yankees, She Loves Me, and 35MM at Weber State University. He is a graduate of WSU with a degree in Musical Theatre and has previously worked as a performer at Walt Disney World. Colton currently works as the Scenic Charge Artist at West Valley Arts.

Mikenzie is thrilled to be back on the Centre Stage with this production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Other favorite credits include Footloose with Sundance Summer Theater; Fiddler on the Roof with BYU, and BYU Young Ambassadors.  She is currently majoring in Dance Education and History Education at BYU. 

Abigail is thrilled to return to the Centre Stage! She was most recently seen in our production of The Nutty Professor. By day, Abigail works as a nail technician.

Ryan returns to the director chair after helming our productions of Hello, Dolly!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, One for the Pot, and The Play That Goes Wrong. Ryan is also a familiar performer on our stages, most recently starring as Passepartout in Around the World in 80 Days.. Other HCT stage credits include Mr. Wormwood (Matilda The Musical), Lumiere (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), and the titular role in The Nerd in both our 2016 and 2006 productions. Ryan's award-winning one-man show has toured around Utah for years and was produced at the United Solo Theatre Festival in NYC last year. He is an adjunct professor in the Theatre Department at both Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University.

Afton loved choreographing Hello, Dolly! last summer and the North American premiere of  Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom the Musical in 2020. Afton had the great honor of receiving Choreographer of the Year at The Dance Awards in Las Vegas in 2023.  As a renowned choreographer and teacher, Afton has been dancing ever since she can remember. Trained in every style of dance, she has been privileged to dance and teach all over the world. At the age of 9, Afton made a Blackpool Final and was ranked 6th in the world in Ballroom dance, one of the first Americans to accomplish this. 

Kelly is one of the most sought-after Music Directors along the Wasatch Front. His talent and skills have been instrumental in the success of many of our productions, with the most recent being Newsies, Hello, Dolly!,  Titanic The Musical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Lucky Stiff, Singin’ in the Rain, School of Rock, The Secret Garden, Always...Patsy Cline, Les Misérables, A Tale of Two Cities, Disney’s Tarzan, Disney’s Mary Poppins, Bright Star, Seussical, Freaky Friday, An American in Paris, AIDA, Forever Plaid, Sister Act, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Peter and the Starcatcher, Big Fish, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, GHOST the Musical, Catch Me If You Can, and Mary Poppins. Kelly also served as Director for our production of Always...Patsy Cline. A few of Kelly’s stage roles at HCT include Lucky Stiff (Vinnie Di Ruzzio), Catch Me if You Can (Carl Hanratty), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Goran), My Fair Lady (Colonel Pickering), Man of La Mancha (Sancho Panza), and Ragtime (Tateh). 

Susan was born and raised in Irvine, California, and holds a BA in Stage Management from Brigham Young University. Her recent credits include: Production Stage Manager of Elf The Musical, Newsies, Hello, Dolly!, See How They Run, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, The Light in the Piazza, One for the Pot, The Secret Garden, Les Miserables, Bright Star and Disney’s Tarzan at Hale Centre Theatre; Stage Manager for Gentri's Christmas Tour in 2021, 2022, and 2023; Production Assistant of Into the Woods at the Hollywood Bowl; Production Stage Manager for Utah Vocal Arts Academy’s Don Giovanni; and Assistant Stage Manager of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Noorda Center for the Arts and Sundance Summer Theatre’s Oklahoma!. Susan currently teaches Stage Management at Brigham Young University and is a member of USITT and SMA. 

Nate Bertone is a NYC-based theatrical storyteller who has worked internationally as a director, designer, playwright, and producer. His work has been seen at Lincoln Center, Disney's D23 Expo, Google, The Sydney Coliseum, and regional theaters across the country. Recently, he co-produced the new musical How to Dance in Ohio on Broadway, Your Lie in April on the West End, and Co-Produced/Directed/Designed the Australian tour of Alice in Wonderland. At Hale Centre Theatre, his design work will be seen in the upcoming productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Prince of Egypt, Finding Neverland, Sister Act, and Disney Frozen. As the Associate to 2-time Tony Award-Winning Designer Beowulf Boritt: Be More Chill (West End/Japan), Crazy for You (LCT), Superhero (2ST). Assistant to: Harmony, New York, New York, Freestyle Love Supreme, A Bronx Tale (Broadway). His plays Letters From War and The SeaView Nursing Home for the Newly Deceased are currently in development. Nate's children's book Nana Nana was published in September 2024 and was created in benefit of Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen's Hilarity for Charity and The Alzheimer's Association. He is a proud member of The Dramatists Guild and USA829. Nate is represented by the Gersh Agency. Carnegie Mellon University Alumnus. Dean's Scholar of Central Saint Martins, London.

Jenn’s work was most recently seen as the Scenic Designer for Clue On Stage, Catch Me If You Can, Hans Christian Andersen in New York, See How They Run, The Light in the Piazza, One for the Pot, The Mousetrap, Bright Star, The Addams Family, Freaky Friday, and Steel Magnolias. Recent costume design credits for HCT: Clue, Elf The Musical, Singin’ in the Rain, Guys and Dolls, The Wizard of Oz, and Aida. Other Scenic Designs for HCT include The Nerd, Big River, Beau Jest, Over the River and Through the Woods, Is He Dead?, The Foreigner, The 39 Steps, and The Game’s Afoot. Jenn has also done scenic design for Utah State Theater’s Lincoln Center’s KCACT award-winning design for Sweeney Todd, Mad Woman of Chailott, and lighting designer for Love's Labour's Lost, Utah Lyric’s The Foreigner, Sandy City’s Hairspray, and Park City’s Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady, Trailer Park, and many more. Jenn has a BFA from the U of U in Theatre Design and an MFA from Utah State in Scenic Design. Jenn has been with HCT in some capacity for nigh on 27 years. “Thank you to my family for their support and love. A special thanks to Isaac, without you this would be impossible.”

Jaron has been the resident Lighting Designer for the oldest operating summer theater in the nation: The Cape Playhouse, where his credits include Little Shop of Horrors, The Importance of Being Earnest, Deathtrap, Clue, Altar Boyz, Steel Magnolias, Art, Red, The Foreigner, Murder for Two. Other credits include: The Nutty Professor, The Time Machine, May We All, Fiddler on the Roof, Clue On Stage, Elf The Musical, Around the World in 80 Days, Newsies, Hello, Dolly!, Titanic The Musical, Disney The Little Mermaid, Lucky Stiff, Singin’ in the Rain, School of Rock, One For The Pot, A Christmas Carol 2021, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Secret Garden, A Tale of Two Cities, Million Dollar Quartet, Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical (Hale Centre Theatre); The Music Man, The Wizard of Oz, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Fiddler on the Roof (Sundance Summer Theatre, Utah); Eleemosynary (The Brooks, California); The King’s Men, Private Ear, Hedda Gabler, The Weird Play (Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, Utah); Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, Romeo & Juliet (Noorda Center for the Performing Arts, Utah); This Bird of Dawning (Regent Street Black Box, Utah). 

Michelle has always loved telling stories. Being Native Hawaiian has helped her gain experience in events from a young age. She decided to dive into finding out more about sound and how it functions. This path led her to her MFA in Sound for the Performing Arts from Purdue University. She has designed shows from Utah to Indiana, toured the United States and Central America, worked with touring groups from Olivia Newton-John to Pentatonix, and has worked many local performances in multiple states. Michelle loves theater and being able to use sound to help tell the story. She currently serves as one of the Sound Commissioners of the United States Institute of Theater Technology (USITT) and is a member of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA). She'd like to say: “Thank you to my outstanding sound team and all of your hard work!”                        

Danna has worked at Hale Centre Theatre in various departments for 20 years. Much of that time was as Master Electrician, Lighting Design, and Lighting Department Head. She has created designs for The Nerd, Is He Dead?, AIDA, Freaky Friday, and Wait Until Dark. She recently ventured into prop design with our production of The Nutty Professor, The Time Machine, Clue On Stage, Catch Me If You Can, and Hans Christian Andersen in New York as well as contributing to our production of The Three Musketeers and Disney’s Tarzan. She would like to thank all of those who supported her and made this a possibility.

See bio under Director

Some of Candice’s favorite hair and makeup designs for HCT include: Steel Magnolias, Always...Patsy Cline, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Around the World in 80 Days, and Clue On Stage. She is a graduate of Paul Mitchell the School, where she has been an instructor since 2008.  She also works as a resident designer and cosmetologist for the HCT Hair and Makeup Department. “I would like to thank Trisha, Krissa, and Marneé for helping me grow as an Artist and Designer. I also want to thank Adam, Cordelia, and Gabriella for being so supportive of my dream to work in theatre. Kiss Kiss!”

Originally from Bountiful, Utah now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Graduate of SUU. Previous HCT credits include, Makeup Designer for The Wizard of Oz and nose designer for My Son, Pinnochio. Currently works for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group as Costume Craft Tech and 3D Scanner Tech, formerly Wig Designer at Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ, Hair and Make-up Artist at Michael Jackson ONE, and Make-up artist at Zumanity. Other theatre credits include Hair and Make-up artist for The Utah Shakespeare Festival and Pioneer Theatre Co. and Makeup designer at One Drop.

Nick serves as Hale Centre Theatre’s Head of Automation and resident Automation Designer and Programmer. Of the many shows he’s been a part of here at HCT, his favorites include: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Treasure Island, Disney The Little Mermaid, Titanic The Musical, and Fiddler on the Roof. Beyond HCT, Nick once held a distinguished career with Disney Live Entertainment as a Senior Show Control Designer where he had been instrumental in designing and programming sophisticated show control and automation systems for landmark attractions, including Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. His work also spans large-scale spectaculars such as Frozen, Live at the Hyperion, Fantasmic!, numerous castle firework displays, and most recently, Luminous: The Symphony of Us at Epcot.

Brad has been acting and choreographing controlled mayhem on stage for the last (gulp!) 35 years. Some of his favorite roles include Petruchio (Taming of the Shrew), Rooster (Annie), Harold (K2), Jason (Madea) and Mercutio (Romeo and Juliet). Brad has had a fabulous time teaching, choreographing and performing fight choreography throughout the state of Utah and has found that his true calling is the art of beating up folks and getting beaten up, in a safe and believable environment. His fist-a-cuffs and swordplay credits include numerous productions of Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, as well as choreography for Hamlet, I Hate Hamlet, Taming of the Shrew, Man of La Mancha and MacBeth. For HCT, his favorites include Treasure Island, Zorro, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Pirate Queen, No Time for Sergeants and the swashbuckling Three Musketeers. Joyous to be back at Hale once again working with this extraordinarily talented cast, Brad is eternally grateful to Mark, Sally and Ryan for letting him play in the grandest of all sand boxes.

Ramsi’s extensive background as a competitive gymnast and professional dancer led her to the circus. Inspired as a youth by Cirque du Soleil, she added aerial arts to her repertoire twenty-five years ago. Her talents have been seen around the world, performing in theatrical productions, televised awards shows, sports arenas, theme parks, conventions, music videos, software apps, fitness videos, cruise ships, and commercials. She is a member of the nation’s premier acrobatic troupe – Anti-Gravity. Some of her favorite performances have been for Walt Disney World, where she was a principal aerialist and original cast member in Tarzan Rocks!, at Universal Studios, and here locally as the original aerialist for Odyssey Dance Theatre, Utah State University, and ICON Health & Fitness. Ramsi loves being a part of the team at HCT, where she has been the Aerial Choreographer & Trainer since 2013. Favorite credits include Disney’s Tarzan (2013, 2020), Catch Me If You Can, Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2015, 2022), AIDA, The Wizard of Oz, Seussical The Musical and Around the World in 80 Days. Ramsi shares her passion for the aerial arts through her pro-level classes and workshops @DefyingGravityUtah. Ramsi is eternally grateful to her husband and their four children for their love and support… and for letting her make their lives a circus!

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.

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. For more information, please visit howardashman.com.

Tim Rice has worked in music, theater, and film since 1965, when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim's ambitions to write rock or pop songs, they turned their attention to Andrew's obsession - musical theater. Their first collaboration, The Likes Of Us (lyrics by Tim, music by Andrew), was an unsuccessful show based on the life of Dr. Barnardo, the Victorian philanthropist. Their next three works together were much more successful: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita. Tim has also worked with other distinguished popular composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), and Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess). From Here to Eternity, with music by newcomer Stuart Brayson, co produced with Lee Menzies, directed by Tamara Harvey, and with book by Bill Oakes, premiered in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2013. He formed his own cricket team in 1973 and was president of the MCC in 2002. In 2013, he wrote and presented a 52-part series for BBC Radio 2, American Pie, a trawl through the music and musicians of every American State. He has won several awards, mainly for the wrong thing or for simply turning up.

Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.