ASU Music Theatre Showcase

Lara Bos

Lara Bos (she/her) believes there is nothing more beautiful than making someone laugh and appreciating the moments we are alive together. Lara is a Swiss native and came to the States as a Fulbright scholar to pursue her dream of Musical Theatre. She is a soprano who tells stories with feet grounded in both comedy and drama. She dances her heart out, especially in good ol’ fashioned lyrical jazz. Her versatility has allowed her to explore performing in musical theater, straight plays, and opera. Some of her favorite past roles include Catherine in Theory of Relativity, La Patrona in Eva Luna, Eurydice in Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo, and Ensemble/Fastrada u/s in Pippin, where she also served as the dance captain. Lara will be graduating in May with an MM in Musical Theatre Performance.  She also holds a BA in Theatre Studies from the University of Munich, Germany. She loves to read plays and fantasy novels and enjoys the little things in life like a good sip of coffee or walking on dry leaves. She would like to thank everyone who is here today for making the sharing of art possible.

@lara__bos

Nicky Caldwell

Nicky Caldwell (he/she/they) is a charismatic and vibrant performer who brings an earnest authenticity to everything he does.  His work is defined by an unwavering curiosity and playfulness that allows him to bring new ideas and fresh eyes into every role.  Equally comfortable in grounded, dramatic settings and zany, comedic ones, his credits run the gamut from Tom (Glass Menagerie) and Jerry (Betrayal) to Lord Farquaad (Shrek: The Musical) and Miss Trunchbull (Matilda).  As a gender-fluid performer, Nicky understands the importance of representation in media, and he is committed to telling queer stories onstage.  Off of the stage Nicky is a beacon of light who loves to make people laugh and is always willing to lend a helping hand.  He holds a BM in Music Theatre Performance from Carthage College, and will graduate with an MM in Music Theatre Vocal Performance from ASU in May.

@thenickycaldwell

nickycaldwell.com

Lauren Carroll

Lauren Carroll (She/Her/Hers) is a spunky, vibrant performer who thrives at the intersection of outlandish comedic acting and heartfelt storytelling. Her love for the stage ignited when she took on the role of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, and she hasn’t looked back since. Born and raised in Austin, Texas—a city known for its “Keep Austin Weird” mantra—Lauren fit right in with its eclectic spirit. Her dynamic stage presence, blending charm and boldness, has earned her standout roles such as Roxie in Chicago and Jo in Little Women. She has also shined in comedic supporting roles like Florinda in Into the Woods and showcased her dance skills in Pippin. This May, Lauren will make her professional debut as Lucinda in Into the Woods, while also understudying Little Red. Offstage, she enjoys building intricate LEGO creations, spending time with her cat Kudra, and diving into 20th-century war history.

https://laurenmariecarroll.godaddysites.com/

Samantha Celaya

Samantha Celaya (She/Her) is a heartfelt and versatile performer born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She has a captivating presence and loveable personality that lights up any stage. She has been performing since she was 2 years old and saw the Phantom of the Opera movie with her parents. That little girl was forever changed and has not stopped singing ever since. Most recently she starred in Anastasia at the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre where she had the honor of working with world-renowned animator and director Don Bluth as he directed the musical of his beloved film. Other favorite credits include A Christmas Carol, Anything Goes, and Legally Blonde. While offstage, she loves to draw, write, crochet, and spend time with her rescue dog Max. She credits her love of performing to her dad and is so grateful to her family and friends for all their support. Samantha will graduate this coming May with her BMU in Music Theatre from ASU and is so excited to see where this journey takes her!

@samanthamcelaya

Kambria Cook

Kambria Cook (she/her) is a bundle of energy with an unwavering passion for performance. She started her career focused on singing and then transitioned to the world of storytelling. She enjoys being able to tell stories and explore the emotional range that comes with being an actor. Her favorite roles she has played thus far include: Leading Player in Pippin, Ida B. Wells and Zora Neale Hurston in Black Women Walking, and Denise in Mutt (a new musical). Kambria’s creative journey also led her to win the Project Yellow Light scholarship for her jingle-writing skills. Through this, she created a safe driving PSA commercial and radio ad that was broadcast in Times Square and across the nation. Kambria is excited to continue her artistic journey, sharing stories that touch hearts and inspire change.

She believes in the saying that as long as there is still breath in your lungs, you can go after anything. Dream big and never give up! 

https://linktr.ee/kambriacookofficial 

Ava Cusiter

Ava Cusiter (She/her) is a fun, energetic, and expressive performer, who consistently loves to perform in the dance ensembles of musicals. Originally from Southern California, Ava began performing at the age of 8, shining as the coveted role of  “fish” in her youth theatre’s production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”. Over the last 3 years, Ava has performed in over 10 professional musicals amongst Arizona and California. Her favorite roles include Judy Turner (A Chorus Line) at the Laguna Playhouse, Silly Girl (Beauty and the Beast), and Splasher in (Newsies) at Hale Centre Theatre. Ava loves to find the joy in storytelling through movement and facial expression. Up next for Ava, she will be performing in Hale Centre Theatre’s production of Scarlet Pimpernel as the Female Ensemble swing, #swingnation, and will be graduating this May with a BM in Music Theatre performance, and minor in Education Studies.

 @avacusiter

 https://avacusiter.com

Connor Dunning

is an actor who is known for his sincere, and compassionate interpretations of characters. This pairs well with his strong and alluring voice. His ultimate goal is to become a white boy, who can play that funky music. He has been learning piano for the past few years and has had the opportunity to use it on stage. His favorite roles include Pierre in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Basilius in Head Over Heels, Teen Angel/Danny understudy in Grease, Ensemble in Pippin, and has performed in the Festival of New American Theatre at The Phoenix Theatre. When off the stage Connor enjoys practicing Yoga and Buddhism. Through these practices he has realized his passion for spreading love through performance, and wants to be a part of it any way he can. It is what makes him open minded and versatile on the stage. Connor also knows that nothing can be done alone. He wants to thank every mentor and teacher he has had the opportunity to learn from, and every friend who has helped along the way. 

Gabrielle Gernon

Gabrielle Gernon (she/her) is a bubbly and bright performer known for her infectious smile. Friends have stated “you can always tell when Gabby is around the corner because of her iconic laugh”. These qualities may be attributed to her southern charm having grown up in New Orleans, LA where culture, music, and artistry raised her. She moved to Arizona in 2021 to pursue a Bachelors of Music in Music Theatre performance. Gabby has performed professionally in the valley at Hale Centre Theatre AZ, Arizona Theatre Company (ATC), and Arizona Lyric Theatre. Through ATC she was given the incredible opportunity to workshop and perform a staged reading of the new musical My Man Godfrey with Mark Hollmann and Rupert Holmes. Off stage, Gabby works with children and young adults with disabilities through Theatre Under the Stars: The River School and The Phoenix Theatre Company. Gabby would like to thank her family and especially her puppies, Scooter and Queso for all of their support.

@gabriellegernon

https://sites.google.com/view/gabrielle-gernon/home 

Séarli Green

Séarli Green (pronounced Charlie) (She/Her) is a passionate Irish-American performer with a unique and captivating sound. From her very first performance at 2 years old, (dressed in a Barney costume singing the “I Love You” song in a hotel lobby) her love for performing has only grown stronger. With family in both Ireland and the United States, Séarli has developed a deep-rooted love for music and performing all around the world. Notable credits include: Sonya in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Beverly Brown in The Mad Ones, Chorus and Isabel U/S in The Pirates of Penzance, and most recently Ailey in The Phoenix Theatre Company’s staged reading of Loch Lomond. She recently released her first album, A Christmassy Album, which is available on all streaming platforms! When not performing, Séarli can be seen in her hometown coaching the local swim team and spending time with her pets. Séarli is so excited to keep performing and creating, and would like to thank her friends, family, and teachers for their endless support. 

@searli_green 

searligreen.com 

Logan Holmes

Logan Holmes (He/Him) is a performer full of life and strives to bring physicality to every role. He is a non-union, bisexual performer currently based in Tempe, Arizona. He has been in many shows, some of his favorite credits include: Nigel- Something Rotten, Race in Newsies, Mr. Mistoffelees- Cats, Rich- Be More Chill, Scuttle- Little Mermaid, and many more. Logan loves to find humor & joy in every moment on stage. He is also not one to shy away from the serious moments in his storytelling as well to show off his versatility in his dancing, acting, and singing. When Logan’s feet are not glued to the stage, he enjoys roller skating, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Check Logan out on his Instagram @theloganholmes5 to see all the daily happenings, what shows he is performing in, or what shows he is supporting around the Phoenix Valley. In addition to performing, Logan also finds it thrilling and important to be an audience member and support local artists.

https://loganholmesonline.weebly.com/

Karsten Lane Flake

Karsten Lane Flake (She/Her) is an exciting, story driven actress who leads every performance with creative and thoughtful choices, a powerful belt, and exemplary musicianship. She commands the stage in leading and featured roles while also shining in ensemble tracks with her impressive dancing and confidence in tight harmonies. She will be portraying Rosalind, in Shaina Taub’s As You Like It as well as a featured dancer in First Date later this spring (Arizona State University). Her most recent credits include Claire in Ordinary Days (Prism Theatre), Ensemble in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (ASU), Schnauzer in Mutt: A New Musical Comedy (Original Cast ASU) Ensemble and Mopsa Understudy in Head Over Heels (ASU), the High Voice Swing in Godspell (ASU), and Ensemble in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (Hale Centre Theatre). Karsten is a hard worker with a BM in Musical Theatre and a minor in dance. She is always looking for fun and comedy in every situation. Her most recent hobby is editing her website so go check it out! 

IG: @karsten_lane

https://karstenflake.wixsite.com/karsten-lane-flake

Beaux Mali

Beaux Mali (they/them) is a nonbinary Black and Irish-American actor who is passionate about telling stories through an honest and perceptive performance. They always bring a bright and intoxicating energy to the stage. As a first generation student, they are proud to be graduating in May having earned two degrees; a BMU in Music Theater Performance and a BA in Social Justice and Human Rights, all while maintaining a job. Beaux’s enthusiasm for both of these paths cross in their belief that theater is a creative way to educate people about the human condition. Their past projects include Sandy Dumbrowski in Grease, Leading Player Understudy/Ensemble in Pippin, Lead Dancer/Pythio Understudy in Head Over Heels, and most recently an Ensemble Swing in The Phoenix Theater Company’s production of Waitress. In their spare time, they enjoy watching stand up comedy and obsessing over past and present seasons of RuPaul’s Drag race. Beaux feels immense gratitude to anyone who has shared their time, wisdom, love and laughter with them throughout their college career and is eager to see where their journey takes them.

@beaux.mali 

Grace Del Pizzo

Grace Del Pizzo (she/her) is an expressive, versatile artist who pours her soul into every performance. Grace is a Philadelphia native armed with quick wit and dry humor befitting her hometown. She prioritizes authenticity in everything she does, both onstage and off. Equipped with a strong, confident belt and honest, grounded acting, her charm and genuine love for performance captivate audiences. Grace’s grandparents met as cast members of a production of South Pacific, so she technically owes her existence to Rodgers & Hammerstein. Next up, you can see Grace as Casey in First Date at Arizona State University! Other favorite credits include Amy March in Little Women and Irena in I Never Saw Another Butterfly. When she’s not performing, Grace is most likely working as media at a Philadelphia Phillies game or rewatching highlights of the 2024 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. She will graduate this May with a BA in Sports Journalism and a minor in Music Theatre from Arizona State University. Grace is thrilled to make her return to the East Coast, and would like to thank her family who made the trip from Philly to support her!

@gdelpizzo_ 

Isreal Rodriguez Jr

Isreal Rodriguez Jr (He/Him) is a dynamic and passionate performer who thrives in emotionally rich storytelling and high-energy ensemble work. Hailing from Arizona, he has been performing since the age of 8 and has cultivated a deep love for musical theatre, with a special focus on versatile and character-driven roles. Isreal recently starred as Billy Cane in Bright Star and has been featured in the Arizona premiere of Miss You Like Hell. Other favorite credits include Jack u/s (Into The Woods), Sonny (In The Heights), and Charlie Brown (You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown). He has also showcased his talents in productions such as GREASE, The Annual Color Cabaret at Arizona State, and The Sonic Revolution Performance Troupe with Arizona Broadway Theatre. This season, he is preparing for his musical theatre showcase and will graduate this May with a BM in Music Theatre Performance from Arizona State University. Isreal would love to thank his family, friends, voice teachers and his amazing boyfriend for all of their love and support! 

isrealrodriguezjr.com 

@isreal.rodrigo

Sonia Rodriguez Wood

Sonia Rodriguez Wood, (she/her/ella), is a small but mighty, Puerto Rican, mezzo belter who can play 30-60 yr old, silly, sexy, wise, and/or nurturing female lead and supporting roles. Sonia has been performing in Arizona for almost 30 years. Born in Queens, New York, she grew up in South Jersey and Central Florida and transplanted to Phoenix in 1996. She’s performed at venues all over the Valley of the Sun including AZ Broadway Theatre, Phoenix Theatre Co., Theater Works, and Hale Centre Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Beatriz in Miss You Like Hell, Lady of the Lake Spamalot, Dominique Du Monaco Lucky Stiff, Madeline True Wild Party, Abuela Claudia In The Heights,  Miss Adelaide Guys and Dolls, Antonia/Aldonza (u/s performed) Man of La Mancha. She will be graduating with her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Theatre Performance from Arizona State University in May where she last performed as Marya Dimitri in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. When she’s not studying or on stage, she enjoys spending time camping with her husband or enjoying a cup of coffee in her backyard while feeding wild hummingbirds.

 soniarodriguezwood.com

Grace Rogers

Grace Rogers (She/her), an AEA actress and vocalist, brings authenticity and a captivating presence to every stage she “graces.” She has mesmerized audiences from 200 to over 45,000 people - having performed the National Anthem over 150 times for major sporting and charity events including the MLB, NHL, and Pac-12 athletics. Grace is committed to spreading her love of the arts in all she does, and is known for the professionalism and creativity she brings both onstage and off. Notable theatre credits: Milo U/S in An American In Paris (The Phoenix Theatre Company), My Man Godfrey (Arizona Theatre Company), Natasha U/S in Great Comet (Arizona State), Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie, The Witch in Into The Woods, and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Next up, you can see Grace as Rapunzel in Into the Woods at The Phoenix Theatre Company! “Much love and gratitude for this experience, and to my family and friends who support and inspire me every day!”

 @GraceFaceRogers

 @GraceRogersOfficial 

www.grace-rogers.com

Ben Sasnett

Ben Sasnett (He/Him) is a thoughtful, kind, passionate tenor with a strong acting background and a humble, gentle demeanor. He strives to bring honesty and authenticity to the characters he plays.  Having been born into a performing family, he was raised on professional stages, and feels most at home when surrounded by beautiful music and meaningful stories. Known for his powerful high notes, Ben is equally at home with Musical Theatre, Opera, and Straight Plays. Some favorite past roles include Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Tony in West Side Story, Rodolfo in La Bohème, and Tamino in The Magic Flute. Ben is a science fanatic with many, varied interests and some unique life experience. He has moved 43 times, has a post-bacc degree in speech and language pathology, has worked with the first signing chimpanzees, has visited 37 countries, was a waiter at one of the worlds finest restaurants and is grateful to learn from every new adventure.

bensasnett.com

Chan Wannapat

Chan Wannapat (she/her) is a singer/performer from Thailand. She has a bright smile and powerful positivity in her soul. Her skill in singing high soprano and high belt, quirkiness, maturity, and her ability to entertain allows her to navigate the art of storytelling in her own unique way.  Her favorite past roles include: The voice of Mirabel in Disney’s Encanto Thailand, Natasha from Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 (ASU), Elvira from Eva Luna (ASU), Ensemble/Katherine u/s from Pippin (ASU), Mad Lady from Luna The Immersive Musical (Castscape, Thailand), Ensemble and sub-lead in many Ratchadalai Theatre’s originals (Thailand). She loves to sing Jazz, Funk, RnB, Pop-Rock music in bar settings and cabarets. She will be graduating from ASU in May 2025 with a MM in Musical Theatre Vocal Performance. She wants to thank all of her teachers, her family, and friends for always being there for her.  

IG: Chan_Wannapat