Biographies

Cast

Ava Allen (Joseph: Dan)

Ava Allen has been doing theater for many years and is part of the high school troupe 1096. She is a competitive dancer with 10 years of experience. She’s super excited to work with Durango Theaterworks to put on these amazing performances!

Shanna Allen (Joseph: Ensemble/Heathers: Ensemble)

Shanna Allen is a recent transplant to Colorado and after 10 years away from the stage, she is overjoyed to be a part of Durango Theatreworks’ opening production and inaugural season! She hopes to expand her musical presence in town with the support of local teachers, coaches, musicians and students.

Kiedis Begaye (Much Ado)

Kiedis Begaye is excited to work with Durango Theatre Works. He previously worked on both tech and acting in previous shows and is looking forward to his role in Much Ado About Nothing.

Madison Britton (she/her) (Heathers: Heather Chandler; Season: Social Media Director)

Originally from Washington, DC, Madison recently graduated from Tulane University with degrees in Musical Theatre and Communications. Favorite roles include: Wendla Bergman in Spring Awakening, Iolanthe in Iolanthe, and Heather Chandler in Heathers. She is so excited to be a part of this premiere season for Durango Theatreworks, and would like to thank Dr. Michael McKelvey and the rest of the incredible artistic staff. As always, so much love to my family.

Travis Carlson (Joseph: Reuben/Heathers: Ensemble)

A Durango native, Travis studies Musical Performance for Voice at Fort Lewis College. He is thrilled to be playing Reuben in Joseph. Previously, Travis performed in the ensemble of Fort Lewis College’s production of Sweeney Todd.

Julian Colby (Heathers: Kurt)

Julian Colby is a recent DHS graduate. He has participated in community theater since he was 10, and is thrilled to be playing the part of Kurt in Heathers! He hopes you enjoy the show and are thoroughly traumatized after watching it.

Holden Grace (Much Ado)

Holden Grace is a recent FLC graduate with a degree in theatre. He's acted in the FLC performances of Sweeney Todd, Two Rooms, and Pirates of Penzance. This is Holden's first Shakespearean play. He wants to thank his friends and family who have supported him for so long.

Jade Graves (Heathers: Heather Duke)

With a passion for singing, dancing, and theater, Jade is very excited to be a part of this amazing production and will continue to perform for many years to come. This is her first time performing in a theater production in Durango, CO with the hopes of many more performances to come.

Liam Hahn (Joseph: Zebulon/Heathers: Ensemble)

Liam Hahn is excited to be performing in his hometown again. You may recognize him from DHS's Les Miserables as Enjolras, The DAC's Joseph as Pharaoh, or most recently in Sweeney Todd at FLC as Adolpho Pirelli. He's honored to be a part of this inaugural production.

Sadie Hanson (Joseph: Gad)

Sadie Hanson has been a local theatre kid for about 8 years. You may have seen her at the DAC in Suessical, The Lion King, Oliver, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory or with The Merely Players in All Together Now and Matilda. She hopes you thoroughly enjoy the show and have a great Canaan day.

Isabelle Herringer (Much Ado)

Isabelle Herringer is ecstatic to be playing the part of Beatrice! Isabelle is studies Theater Arts and Political Science at Loyola Marymount University. She would like to thank her loved ones for being so supportive of her and the cast and crew of Much Ado for their tireless work on this production.

Cecil Hutt (They/them) (Joseph: Ensemble)

Cecil Hutt is absolutely thrilled to be making their musical debut in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. They are going on fifteen and full of energy that they channel almost exclusively to theater. They are grateful for the opportunity to act, and hope everyone enjoys the show.

Jodi James (Joseph: Ensemble/Heathers: Ensemble)

Jodi James is from Durango, Colorado. She is majoring in both Theatre and Computer Engineering at Fort Lewis College. She has performed in FLC’s productions of My Favorite Year and Sweeney Todd. Jodi would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support.

Mohriah James (Joseph: Mrs. Potiphar/Heathers: Ensemble)

Mohriah James holds a B.A. in Theatre from Fort Lewis College with Gypsy being her most recent FLC credit. Favorite roles include Lisa in Mamma Mia (Merely Players), Columbia in Rocky Horror Show (Strater/DAC), Lucy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Thingamajig Theatre Co.), and Frenchy in Grease (Sandstone Productions).

Geoff Johnson (Joseph: Jacob, Potiphar, Butler/Heathers: Ram's Dad)

Geoff Johnson, an FLC alum, is thrilled to return to Fort Lewis, and to share the stage with his wife Mohriah James, whom he met on the FLC campus. Recent credits include Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda (Merely Players), Austin in True West (DAC), and Herbie in Gypsy (FLC).

Oliver Kennedy (Joseph: Issachar, Potiphar Trio/Heathers: Ensemble)

Oliver Kennedy is a Senior transfer student to Fort Lewis College. He is from Dallas, Texas and is excited to make his theatrical debut in the Durango Theatreworks Summer season. He would like to thank his family for their continued support.

Abby Kerr (Heathers: Ensemble)

Abby Kerr is a senior at Colorado State University, studying Dance. She has performed in several ballets, including Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Cinderella. Abby performed in Fort Lewis College’s Gypsy, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and Musical Scenes of Diversity and Inclusion.

Joy Kilpatrick (Heathers: Mrs. Fleming)

Joy Kilpatrick is delighted to be a part of Heathers! Joy has worked as a professional actress on stage, television, and film. She earned her BFA from the University of Miami and attended the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre, as well as the Royal National Theatre in London.

Wyatt Krob (Joseph: Naphtali, Potiphar Trio/Heathers: Ram)

Wyatt Krob is a Musical Theatre major at FLC. He recently made his Durango debut in Sweeney Todd (FLC). He has also appeared in Aida, Radium Girls, and Alice in Wonderland. He would like to thank everyone involved with this eccentric musical, especially Michael McKelvey for continuing to provide opportunities for his education.

Jason Lythgoe (Joseph: Joseph)

Originally from SoCal, He is happy to have made Colorado his home. Having done his 1st show when he was 6, the last 38 years have been all about the stage. He is the artistic director at the Durango Arts Center. Thanks to family and friends who have allowed him to pursue his passion for almost 4 decades! Notable Durango roles - Don Quixote (Man of La Mancha), Archibald Craven (Secret Garden), Macbeth, Benedick (Much Ado About Nothing), Brad and Riff Raff (Rocky Horror).

Benjamin Mattson (Joseph: Pharaoh; Heathers: Big Bud)

Benjamin Mattson moved to Durango in 2015 to become the theatre director of Troupe 1096 at Durango High School, and is extremely excited to be part of the inaugural year for Theatreworks. Ben has been in many local productions including playing Tom Collins in Rent, Lonny in Rock of Ages, Frankenfurter in Rocky Horror, and Dan Goodman in Next to Normal. He would like to thank the community and FLC for keeping theater alive and growing in Durango.

Luca Sandoval McCallum (Joseph: Benjamin)

Luca Sandoval McCallum has been singing and dancing since birth and performing in musicals since 4th grade. He recently played Nigel in Merely Players’ Matilda and Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka, Jr. at the Durango Arts Center. He plays various instruments and hopes to join a rock band or two.

Priscilla Moreno (Joseph: Ensemble)

Priscilla Moreno studies at Fort Lewis College and will graduate with a Sociology Human Services degree with a minor in Music in 2023. She has sung in the Fort Lewis Concert Choir for 3 years and is excited to be a part of her first ensemble role for Durango Theaterworks.

Shaunibah Morfin (Joseph: Ensemble)

Shaunibah Morfin is from Window Rock, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation. She recently graduated from Fort Lewis College with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. Her most recent credits include Matilda, Men on Boats, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. Thank you to the actors, technicians, creative team, and audience members for coming together for this experience!

Melissa Mossinghoff (Joseph: Narrator)

Melissa Mossinghoff is thrilled to be joining the inaugural production of Durango Theatreworks in the trio of Narrators. After ten years away from performing, it has been a joy for her to return to the stage with this company. Off stage, Melissa works as the Assistant Director of Student Housing at Fort Lewis College.

Maya Mouret (Joseph: Ensemble/Heathers: Heathers Understudy, Ensemble)

Maya Mouret is from Durango, CO, and will start college at Fort Lewis this fall. As part of Durango High School’s Troupe 1096, Maya appeared in Into the Woods, The Addams Family, and many other productions. Maya would like to thank her family for their undying support and love.

Aiden Page (Heathers: Ensemble)

Aiden Page is a recent graduate of Fort Lewis College with a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts. Some of his FLC roles were Jonas Fogg in Sweeney Todd, and Kringelein/Phil/Announcer/Weber in Gypsy. During his time at the University of Iowa, he appeared in The Crucible, Iphigenia, and This King's County.

Gregory Palese (Joseph: Simeon)

Gregory Palese is originally from Lakewood, Colorado. He is a Fort Lewis college Alumnus (Geology, 2021) and has previously performed in Fort Lewis College’s productions of My Favorite Year and Sweeney Todd. Gregory would like to thank Durango Theatre Works for this opportunity.

Katie Patterson (Joseph: Ensemble) 

A soon to be senior in high school, and heavily involved with Troupe 1096 at DHS, Katie is extremely honored and excited to be a part of Durango Theatreworks' opening production. Go go go Jo!

Kieran Peck (Much Ado)

Kieran Peck is a Theater major at Fort Lewis in high senior year. He is so glad to have performed in the 2nd Indigenous Artists Festival at FLC. Other credits include: Teaching disco square dancing to our elders (first IAF), Irma Vep, Two Rooms, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime. He is so thankful to everyone who supports him in his dream, and to all of you who come to see the shows everyone works so hard to put on!

Melody Postoak (Joseph: Ensemble/Heathers: Ensemble)

Melody Postoak is a recent Music Education graduate from Fort Lewis College. She has performed in many capacities throughout her time at the Fort, including playing the role of La Fée in Cendrillon. She is thrilled to continue performing in Durango this summer with Durango Theatreworks.

Haley Sandford (Joseph: Ensemble/ Heathers: Martha)

Haley Sandford is a senior Theatre Performance major at Fort Lewis College. She is looking forward to finishing up her undergraduate degree and continuing to pursue local theatre here in Durango.

Conor Sheehan (Joseph: Levi/ Heathers: JD)

Conor Sheehan is a proud Durangotang who is so insanely psyched to join the jaunty jubilance that is ‘Joseph’! Past credits include The Escapologist and others in Matilda (Merely Players), the Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show (DAC), and Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (Long Beach Shakespeare). All love to his friends, family and fellow theatre-lovers. Now enjoy this biblical bonanza!

Tayler Smith (Joseph: Narrator/ Heathers: Ensemble)

Tayler Smith is a Durango native and FLC alum (Music Performance, ‘20). She has previously starred in FLC productions of Dido and Aeneus, Cendrillon, and Sweeney Todd. Tayler is honored to be a part of the inaugural season of Durango Theatreworks and is immensely grateful to work with so many talented friends once again.

Linda Stephenson (Much Ado)

Linda Stephenson really loves performing. She is a fresh high school graduate with a love of learning and a great ring of support. She participated in band, choir, and theater throughout high school, and wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all those people who supported her.

Rebecca Thurston (Joseph: Choreographer, Narrator/Heathers: Heather McNamara)

Rebecca Thurston is a Durango native and grew up performing in the community. She’s ecstatic to be working with Durango Theatreworks this summer. She was last seen in Matilda, Men on Boats (Merely Players) and The Durango Snowdown Follies! She would like to thank her Dad for his unconditional support and dedicate this performance to Isla and Huck! Titi loves you!

Riki Tsethlikai (Joseph: Judah/Heathers: Ensemble)

Riki Tsethlikai is excited to be performing with Theatreworks this season. Riki has played such roles as Donolbane (Macbeth) and Big Kid (Matilda). As a Bayfield High School graduate, Riki thanks all the friends and family who supported him.

Ethan Vlchek (Heathers: Ensemble)

Ethan Vlchek is a football player for Fort Lewis College. He was asked by his coaching staff to be their PR specialist and to take an acting class. Three years later, he's minoring in theatre and plans on being a member of the department for years to come.

Isaiah West (Heathers: Ensemble)

Isaiah West is from Aurora, CO and a recent graduate from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a B.A in Theatre: Acting/Directing. This is his first professional acting performance and he’s so excited for everyone to enjoy all the hard work these artists have done.

Siena Widen (Heathers: Veronica; Season: Set Designer)

Siena Widen , born and raised Durango, is a senior at FLC. She has been on stage since she was 3 years old, and was a member of DHS's Theatre Troupe 1096. She recently starred in Sweeney Todd, Next to Normal, Mamma Mia, Men on Boats, and The Rocky Horror Show. She dedicates this show to her best friend, Sawyer.

Armondo M. Yazzie (Joseph: Asher)

Armondo M. Yazzie is a Business Administration major and a Theater minor at Fort Lewis. He has been in productions such as The Rocky Horror Show in Durango and was also, part of ensemble and Sweeney Todd at the Fort in 2021. He would love to thank his theater family for all their love and support.

Production Staff

Annissa Allred (Heathers: Assistant Stage Manager) In the past she has been Master Carpenter, Projections Head and Stage Manager for Troupe 1096 at Durango Highschool. She’s recently graduated and is excited to go to Portland State University in Oregon next year to pursue a major in theatre arts!

Andrew Brackett (Joseph, Much Ado, Heathers: Lighting Designer/Much Ado: Set Designer/Season: Technical Director)

Andrew Brackett is the Assistant Professor of Theatre Design and Production at Fort Lewis College. Andrew was the Associate Production Manager with TEXAS Musical Drama in Canyon, TX, an onboard technician for Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Disney Cruise Lines. Some of his credits include The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and Jekyll and Hyde.

Linann Easley (Season: Costume Designer & Coordinator)

Linann Easley, born in Farmington, NM, completed her degrees in costuming from New Mexico State University and Illinois State University. While working at the prestigious Julliard School, she designed for opera, dance, television, film, Broadway, and Off-Broadway. Professional credits include Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Creede Repertory Theatre, Comedy Central, Circle in the Square, Radio City Rockettes, New York City Ballet, Phantom of the Opera, and The Lion King. Returning to Farmington to raise her daughters and garden.

Robert Faires (Much Ado: Director)

Robert Faires is an actor, a director, and a writer based in Austin, Texas. He has more than 85 productions to his credit, among them his own one-man adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry V, which he has performed in Austin and at the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival. Offstage, he spent 35 years covering the arts as a writer and editor. He’s also conducted live interviews with Stephen Sondheim, David Mamet, Susan Sarandon, and others. In 2011, American Theatre Magazine named him one of the nation's 12 most influential theatre critics. In 2019, he was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters.

Mady Hunter (Heathers: Stage Manager; Season: Company Manager)

Mady Hunter is a recent grad from Fort Lewis College. Mady is excited to start this new adventure with Durango Theatreworks. She is from Denver CO and can’t wait to see where this company takes her.

Kayla Johnson (Much Ado: Assistant Stage Manager)

Kayla Johnson is very excited to be part of this inaugural season. She is a recent graduate of Durango High School, where she was Technical Director and Scenic Designer for Troupe 1096. Kayla is eager to delve into more of the technical theatre world and learn more about her passions.

Simone Leonard (Season: Costume Shop Assistant and Running Crew)

Simone Leonard is a rising sophomore at Fort Lewis College studying history. She has been sewing and working in costume production since she was fourteen. This is her fourth show associated with Fort Lewis College and looks forward to many more.

Kathleen McAveety (Costume Shop Coordinator)

Kathleen McAveety has been sewing costumes for schools, churches, and amateur dramatics for over 35 years. She also served as the garment construction teacher for a fashion design school for 10 years. Kathleen is also a professional kiltmaker having trained in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Michael E. McKelvey (Joseph, Heathers: Director/Season: Producing Artistic Director)

Michael E. McKelvey is the Director of FLC’s new Musical Theatre major. He is also PAD for Doctuh Mistuh Productions, and served as the Artistic Director of Summer Lyric Theatre in New Orleans, and the A.D. and Co-Founder of Summer Stock Austin. Some of Dr. McKelvey’s recent credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Ragtime, Matilda, She Loves Me (SLT), Something Rotten, The Last Five Years (Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre), Hunchback of Notre Dame, White Christmas (JPAS), Hand to God, Reefer Madness, and The Laramie Project (DMP).

Maddie Morgan (Much Ado: Stage Manager/Season: Production Manager)

Maddie Morgan is a recent graduate from Fort Lewis College, originally from Denver, CO is thrilled to be working as the production manager for Durango Theatreworks. She hopes you enjoy all the hard work these artists have created.

Caroline Mousner (Joseph: Stage Manager/Season: Prop Master)

Caroline Mousner is a second-year theatre major. She has been in over 30 productions since the age of 8. She was recently assistant stage manager for Sweeney Todd last semester. She is excited to work with Durango Theatreworks this summer.

Dallas Padoven (Joseph: co-choreographer)

Dallas Padoven is excited for this opening season! His recent work as choreographer includes Matilda, Men on Boats, and Addams Family. After almost a decade on the east coast and working at top regional theatres across the country, he could not be more excited to be back. Love to Zach Mom and Dakota. www.dallaspadoven.com

Robbie Zanotti (Season: Costume Shop Assistant and Running Crew)

Robbie Zanotti was born and raised in Los Lunas, NM and is a second-year student at Fort Lewis College. His recent show he worked on was Sweeney Todd here at the college and he worked on building the set and costumes. He will be the costume runner for Much Ado and Heathers later this season.