Meet the Cast and Crew of Mary Poppins
Luke Anderson
Luke Anderson (George Banks) is a Senior. This is his fourth show and his final musical with the Bearden Theatre program. When Luke is not on the stage, he loves to cook and be with his friends and family. Luke Anderson would like to dedicate his performance to Kyle Mooney. He hopes the play reminds families the importance of being together. He hopes everyone enjoys the show. He gives his gives the Mooney family all of his thoughts and prayers during this time.
Brogan Armstrong
Brogan Armstrong (Doorman, Ensemble) is a Senior, and he would like to thank his friends who could make it. This is his first show, and he is very excited to be part of the program. He spends much of his time working or driving around with his friends.
Mattie Christensen
Mattie Christensen, (Jane Banks Saturday Evening, and Sunday Afternoon) is in 6th grade and is so excited to team up with the amazing actors at Bearden Theatre! Recent credits with Broadway Center for the Arts include Tuck Everlasting (Winnie Foster u/s), Seussical (JoJo), and Oliver with Maryville College (orphan). Other favorite shows with Las Vegas Children's Musical Theatre have been Willy Wonka (Violet Beauregarde), Into the Woods (Narrator), and Annie (Molly). She has also performed the national anthem on the Las Vegas Strip and for the Knoxville Ice Bears. When she's not on stage, she can be found relaxing at home with her pets!
Jonathan Clark
Jonathan Clark (Admiral Boom, Ensemble) is a Senior, and this is his 3rd year with Bearden Theatre. He enjoys most art forms aside from drawing. If he's not singing bass, he's singing tenor. If he's not singing tenor, he's singing alto. You can occasionally find him helping set crew or props during 2nd lunch.
Elijah Clemes
Elijah Clemes (Neleus, Ensemble) is a Junior performing in his third show with BHS — including The Music Man and Treasure Island. Elijah loves musical theatre with all his heart and even trains in his craft within Bearden’s Improv Team. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Afton Cruze
Afton Cruze (Ensemble) is a Sophomore at Bearden this year and is so excited to make her debut in Mary Poppins. When she’s not on stage, you’ll find her either at an ice rink, on the track, at church, or with her friends. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Chloe Ellis
Chloe Ellis (Ensemble) is a Junior at Bearden and has been doing theatre since a young age, with her favorite role-playing Junie B. in Junie B Jones is Not a Crook. This is Chloe's second show with Bearden and thrilled to be back on stage. When not performing, you'll find her perfecting her paint-by-number technique, eating entire bags of bold-flavored Chex Mix, or playing Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo on the piano. She's so grateful to her parents, friends, and teachers for their endless support! Romans 15:13
Lillee Elkins
Lillee Elkins (Jane Banks, Thursday evening and Saturday Afternoon) is the eleven-year-old daughter of Harvey and Natalee Elkins and is also proud to be a Holston Middle School Hurricane where she is a 6th grade honors student and also a member of the Holston Show Choir. She is privileged to dance with the Angela Floyd Dance Company where she is also a national award-winning soloist. Lillee also loves to sing and act and was most recently seen as Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical and Matilda in Matilda the Musical. She is thrilled to be back this year after making her Bearden Theatre debut last season as Amaryllis in The Music Man. Lillee dreams of one day performing on Broadway and is a veteran camper at Destination Broadway musical theatre camp under the direction of Broadway’s Tiffany Haas.
Gabby Gregg
Gabby Gregg (Ensemble) is a Sophomore this is her first year with Bearden Theatre. She loves to dance and sing and if she is not doing that you can find her in her bed taking a big ole nap after school. She loves to watch rom coms and wishes she was in them but can’t find love even if she wanted to. She hopes everyone does amazing in Mary Poppins and that everyone enjoys the show!
Layla Griffey
Layla Griffey (Winifred Banks) is in her Junior year, and is thrilled to be in this production of Mary Poppins. Layla has previously been in Bearden’s production of The Music Man, and was a mersister in The Palace Player’s The Little Mermaid. She is very involved in Bearden’s fine arts program, and is in Bearden Singers, B-Side, and currently the event planner on choir board. Layla is extremely grateful for this experience and would like to thank God, family, and friends for this incredible opportunity!
Taylor Haun
Taylor Haun (Von Hussler, Ensemble) is glad to make his return to the stage in his third production with Bearden Theatre, taking on yet *another* new accent. He has a love for film, music, acting, and anything that makes for a good laugh, and his friends and family are what make his world spin. Off the stage, you’ll find him on the BHS improv team or having an amazing time at Fellowship Church on Wednesday nights. He hopes you thoroughly enjoy the show, especially the breakdancing scenes, and as always kindly asks that you fill the room with thunderous applause at the end of the show! (Note: spoonfuls of sugar and tuppence a bag are no longer for sale in the gift shop.)
Nora Johnson
Nora Johnson (Miss Smythe, Ensemble) is excited to return to the stage for her third show! When not on the stage, Nora can be found with the improv team, her fellow choir dawgs, or hanging with the best stumie EVER (shoutout to Addi Kammann!) Nora would like to thank her friends and family for all the encouragement and God for paving her way! She thanks everyone for coming and enjoy the show!
Justin Lattimore, Jr.
Justin Lattimore Jr. (Policeman, Ensemble) is a Senior, and this is his third show with Bearden Theatre and his first time in a musical. In his free time you can find him not doing something math related but listening to Christmas music year round, saying “go team!”, and being an amazing person! He is very excited to be part of such a wonderful production and knows you’ll enjoy the show.
Keith McInnis
Keith McInnis (John Northbrook, Ensemble) is a Senior, and is excited to be able to partake in a Disney production. He’s previously been seen in The Music Man as one of the quartet members and is excited to take the stage again. Keith hopes you enjoy the show!
Maggie Miller
Maggie Miller (Ensemble) is a Junior who loves everything music! Her hobbies include journaling, making crafts, and playing piano. She is in a capella, musical theatre, and choir! She can't wait to be back on the stage after being in her first production of The Music Man last year! She would like to thank her mom and dad for supporting her in this amazing opportunity.
Piper Milligan
Piper Milligan (Mrs. Corry, Ensemble) is a Senior and is so excited to be a part of this production of Mary Poppins! She was in Curtains and The Music Man with Bearden Theatre. She is also this years choir president, she has been a part of choir at Bearden for 4 years. She has also been a part of All-East Honor choir 2 years in a row, and got to got to All-State honor choir last spring. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her!
Cordelia Nelson
Cordelia Nelson (Mrs. Brill, Ensemble) is a Senior in her fourth role at Bearden. She has previously been seen in Curtains, The Music Man, and Treasure Island. She loves books, hates cucumbers, and detests the color orange.
Natalie Newman
Natalie Newman (Mary Poppins) is a Junior who is ecstatic to perform her first lead role as Mary Poppins! She was in the ensemble of The Music Man last year and attended the vocal music program at Governor’s School for the Arts this summer. She is also an active member of the Bearden Choral Department and has attended All East Honor Choir in 8th, 9th, and 10th grade and All State Honor Choir in April 2024. She wants to thank all of her family, friends, and teachers who have supported her every step of the way!
Katie Nichols
Katie Nichols (The Bird Woman, Ensemble) is a Senior at Bearden High School, and this is her third year as a part of Bearden Theatre. She has previously been in the ensemble in Bearden Theatre’s productions of Curtains and The Music Man! When she is not in the theatre, she can be found singing, ice skating, learning Japanese, and hanging out with her friends! She has loved being a part of the BHS Theatre program for the past three years, and she is very excited to play the role of The Bird Woman in Mary Poppins this year! She hopes you enjoy the show!
Makayla Norvell
Makayla Norvell (Miss Andrew, Ensemble) is a Sophomore, and she is thrilled to make her debut with Bearden Theatre. Besides theatre, she loves doing dance and spending time with her family. She hopes you enjoy the show and remember “Anything Can Happen if You Let It”! 1 Corinthians 10:31
Silas Randall
Silas Randall (Michael Banks, Saturday Evening, and Sunday Afternoon) is honored and excited to be back on the Bearden High School stage! He is a 6th grader at Classical Conversations West Knoxville. Silas has loved all things theatre since he was little. His most recent role was Flounder in The Little Mermaid with The Palace Players. There are so many significant people that have made his theatre dreams possible and he is very thankful!
Dominique Ross
Dominique Ross (Ensemble, Costume Crew) is a Senior, and this is her fourth year with Bearden Theatre; However, Mary Poppins will be her first real production on stage as ensemble and backstage as costume crew. In her free time you can find her sewing up crazy creations or working with comics at her after school job as well as working on her acting. She hopes you have a jolly holiday with Mary, enjoy!!
Josh Scott
Josh Scott (Park Keeper, Ensemble) is a Senior at Bearden High School and is so excited to be playing Park Keeper in Mary Poppins! This will be Josh’s third show with Bearden’s theatre program. He had appeared as Randy Dexter in Curtains and ensemble in The Music Man. Josh hopes to pursue his passion in business and film as he moves towards college and hopes you enjoy the show!
Evan Skalet
Evan Skalet (Michael Banks Thursday Evening and Saturday Afternoon) is a 6th grader at Webb School of Knoxville. He has previously appeared in West Hills Elementary School’s productions of Frozen Jr. (Hans), High School Musical Jr. (Ryan) and Finding Nemo Jr .(Marlin). He has also appeared with the Tennessee Valley Players as Chip in Beauty and the Beast, as well as in their Holiday Showcase and their Greatest Hits Gala. This is Evan’s first show with the Bearden Theatre department and he is very excited for his debut!
Reagan Smith
Reagan Smith (Katie Nanna, Ensemble) is a Senior, and this is her third show with Bearden Musical Theatre! When she’s not in rehearsal, you can find her painting, reading, playing piano, or working on random crafts. She hopes you enjoy the show!!
Eli Soloman
Eli Solomon (Bert) is a Senior at Bearden High school and is in his third year with Bearden Theatre. He has been featured as Bobby Pepper in Curtains, as well as Tommy Djilas in The Music Man. He is involved in the local theatre scene as well, most recently playing Prince Eric in the Palace Player’s production of The Little Mermaid and Ensemble in the Wordplayers’ production of Fiddler on the Roof. He would like to thank Mrs. Andrejko, Mr. Brown, and all who made this wonderful production a reality. From one rooftop to another, enjoy the show Guv’nor!
Caitlin Stout
Caitlin Stout (Ensemble) is a Junior, and it is her third show with Bearden Theatre. She was a part of the set crew for Treasure Island and was also in the ensemble for the the 2023 one-act This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing. This is her first time in a musical. She is also the vice president of NAHS this year.
Joseph Swinson
Joseph Swinson (Ensemble) is a Sophomore and has been singing since 5th grade. Joseph has enjoyed the process of bringing his first musical to life with his energy and he is so excited for Mary Poppins!
Charlottle Vairetta
Charlotte Vairetta (Fannie, Ensemble) is a Sophomore excited to be a part of the Bearden Theatre program, with Mary Poppins being her first Bearden show. When she isn’t on stage, she’s often found listening to indie rock music and flipping flags for the guard. She hopes you’re as excited to see the characters come to life as she is.
Aiden Vinh
Aiden Vinh (Messenger, Ensemble) is a Senior, and this is his second show with the Bearden Theatre program. Last year, he made his stage debut as Constable Locke in The Music Man, and he's incredibly excited to be returning to the stage as the Messenger in Mary Poppins! When he is not delivering important letters, he enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, writing poetry, and drinking boba tea at Hey Bear Cafe. He hopes you have a jolly holiday watching Mary Poppins!
Phillips Vogel
Phillips Vogel (Miss Lark, Ensemble) is a Sophomore, this is her first musical production at Bearden. Her first ever role in a musical was in 7th grade in Moana! If she isn’t at the theatre, she is playing lacrosse or going home, getting a coffee, and reading a new book!
McKenna Webb
McKenna Webb (Valentine, Ensemble) is a Sophomore, and this is her first show with the Bearden Theatre program. In her free time, she enjoys songwriting and playing her guitar, she also is in the Bearden Band and plays the saxophone. As this is her first show, she hopes you love it as much as she does!
Zane White
Zane White (Robertson Ay, Ensemble) is in his Junior year of high school and is so excited to be a part of this production of Mary Poppins. Zane has previously been in The Music Man, This Girl Laughs, This Girls Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, and La Dispute with Bearden and The Little Mermaid with The Palace Players. He is very involved in the fine arts at Bearden and is part of B-side, Bearden Singers, Musical Theatre, Advanced Acting, and Improv. Zane is so grateful to have a chance to put on a beautiful show for you all and would like to thank his family, friends, and God!
Joslyn Whitehead
Joslyn Whitehead (Ensemble) is a Sophomore, and this is her first show with the Bearden Theatre Department. She is so excited to be a part of the ensemble this year. In her free time you can find her in choir or dance. She would like to thank her mom, everyone who supports her and the Lord!
Natalie Wilson
Natalie Wilson (Ensemble) is a Sophomore and this is her first year in musical theatre! She enjoys singing with her friends in choir and swimming in her free time. If she isn’t at Dutch Bros you can always find her at the pool!
Bradley Witzel
Bradley Witzel (Chairman, Ensemble) is a Senior, and he is playing the Chairman. This is his third musical with the Bearden Theatre. Other musicals done with the theatre include Curtains and The Music Man. Outside of theatre Bradley spends his time playing guitar for the marching band, playing jazz guitar around town, or just practicing the guitar. He hopes you have a great time and enjoy the show!
Audrey Wyatt
Audrey Wyatt (Ensemble) is a Sophomore, and this is her first year with Bearden Theatre. Her favorite activities are spending time with friends and shopping. She is really excited for the show this year!
Emily Yang
Emily Yang (Ensemble) is a Sophomore and this is her first year in Bearden Theatre. She is very excited to be a part of this year’s production, Mary Poppins. In her free time during school you’ll probably find her somewhere in the music hallway.
Caroline Alley
Caroline Alley (Props Crew) a junior at Bearden, is thrilled to be working on her fifth show with Bearden Theatre. She’s been part of the crew for last fall's The Music Man and has appeared on stage in shows like the 2023 TTA one-act This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, and This Girl Does Nothing, the 2024 TTA one-act La Dispute, and Bearden’s spring 2024 production of Treasure Island as Jim Hawkins. Caroline loves theatre almost as much as a good Starbucks run, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Anna Bell
Anna Bell (Costume Crew) is a Sophomore, and this is her first show with Bearden Theatre. After working hard on costumes to bring this story to life, you can find her chatting up a storm with her best friends and family. She enjoys Sewing, photography, reading, and keeping herself busy! She hopes you enjoy Mary Poppins.
Brooklynn Childress
Brooklynn Childress (Props Crew) is a Sophomore, and this is her first production with the Bearden Theatre. She is a part of the props crew for stage tech. She is always somewhere in the school building rather than performing flute with the Bearden Marching band or in the asl room. She hopes you enjoy watching this production of Mary Poppins.
Caylee Cole
Caylee Cole (Props Crew) is a Sophomore. This is their first show at Bearden’s Theatre, working in props. When not working you can find them reading a book or talking and laughing with their friends. They hope you have an amazing time at the show! Enjoy!!
Gracen Daniel
Gracen Daniel (Prop Crew) is a Sophomore and this is her first show with Bearden Theatre. When not working on props Gracen can be found serving as secretary for Bearden’s National Art Honors Society, painting, or taking photos she hopes you enjoy the show!
Reese Dudych
Reese Dudych (Business Crew Head) is a Senior, and this is her second year participating in Bearden Stage Tech. It is her first year as Business Crew Head. In her free time, she loves to go shopping and hangout with friends. She hopes to attend the University of Tennessee next year and major in Marketing!
Cadence Fierro
Cadence Fierro (Stage Manager) is a Senior, and this is her fourth and unfortunately final year in the Bearden Theatre Department. In her free time you can find her at home doing art or at the mall with friends. She has worked really hard to help make this magical experience and hopes you enjoy the show!
Wally Fortenberry
Wally Fortenberry (Set Crew) is a Sophomore, this is his first show and first theatre experience. He is on the set crew and loves to build things. He hopes you enjoy Mary Poppins!
Janus Gooden
Janus Gooden (Set Crew) is a Senior, and this is his fifth show with Bearden Theatre. He's enjoyed working with set and props this year to make the show look amazing for the audience. In his free time he enjoys hanging out with his friends, crafting, playing D&D, and listening to music.
Kennedy High
Kennedy High (Costumes Crew) is a senior in the costume department and Mary Poppins is her first show with Bearden. Her favorite color is pink, she listens to all kinds of music (except for country), and learned how to sew for this production. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Lauren Holladay
Lauren Holladay (Set Crew) is a Senior, and this is her first year in stage tech. She is a part of the set crew and finds building and painting sets very enjoyable. She also likes to spend time with her friends and family.
Addi Kammann
Addi Kammann (Costumes Crew) is a Senior, and this is her second year doing costumes for Bearden Theatre. Addi has loved creating costumes for Mary Poppins (especially for Nora Johnson). If she isn’t in the costume closet you can find her reviewing pickles, doing cartwheels, or in the bunkers on the golf course! She hopes you enjoy the show!
Mirabelle King
Mirabelle King (Costumes Crew) is a Junior, and this is her second year with Bearden Theatre. If she is not seen somewhere in costumes, you can find her eating mac-and-cheese, playing with her cats, or spending money.
Campbell Lacey
Campbell Lacey (Set Crew) is a Sophomore, and this is her first year as a techie. She loves rock climbing, music, and cozy hoodies. If you ever just need a good laugh, she’s your girl. She looks forward to working alongside other techies and the actors that make Mary Poppins come to life.
Blake Leslie
Blake Leslie (Set Crew Head) is a Junior, and this is his second year with Bearden Theatre. Last year he was a techie for The Music Man and also helped with Treasure Island. If he’s not building, he’s probably at the gym. He loves lifting heavy objects and eating delicious food. He hopes you enjoy Mary Poppins!
Kristen Loveday
Kirsten Loveday (Costumes Crew) is a Junior, and she is very excited for her third show. She did costumes for The Music Man and Treasure Island. If you can't find her in the costume room she is in her room watching Netflix or playing with her little brother. She hopes you enjoy Mary Poppins!
Abi Lundberg
Abi Lundberg (Props Crew) is a Junior, and this is her second year in Bearden Theatre. When not making props, Abi enjoys singing karaoke, eating sushi, and playing soccer. She is very appreciative of her friends, family, dog, and cat. She hopes you find Mary Poppins a-meow-zing!
Hayden Myers
Hayden Myers (Stage Manager) is a Junior in her second year with the Bearden Theatre department, and her first year with stage technology. When Hayden isn't working on the show, you can find her supporting the Bearden Band or with her nose in a book. She hopes you love the magical world of Bearden Theatre's Mary Poppins as much as she does. It’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Sophia Norton
Sophia Norton (Costumes Crew Head) is a Senior, and this is her 4th year with Bearden Theatre. Previous shows she’s worked on are The Crucible and The Music Man. If she’s not in school, she is usually playing video games, at El Mezcal, or with her friends.
Milena Painter
Milena Painter (Business Crew) is a Junior, and this is her second show working in stage tech. She’s extremely grateful for the opportunities she’s had in her two semesters. In her free time, she likes to practice piano and draw. She hopes you love the show!
Spencer Pilant
Spencer Pilant (Props Crew Head) is a Senior, and this will be his third show with the Bearden Theatre program. He enjoys reading books and screaming at bad reality TV in his free time. He hopes that you will enjoy our magical production of Mary Poppins.
Addison Pratt
Addison Pratt (Set Crew) is a junior and this is her second year involved in Bearden Theatre. She has been backstage for Bearden’s fall 2023 musical, The Music Man, and spring 2024 play, Treasure Island, as well as stage managing the 2024 TTA One Act, La Dispute. Addison absolutely loves theatre and being able to work backstage on the sets, if not there she can be found rock climbing or hanging out with Giovanni. She is so excited for Mary Poppins!
Tess Ruberg
Tess Ruberg (Business Crew) is a Senior, and this is her first year with Bearden Stage Tech. She enjoys writing emails in the business crew, and in her free time she enjoys yoga, lacrosse, and spending time with friends. She hopes you enjoy Mary Poppins!
Katelynn Saunders
Katelynn Saunders (Business Crew) is a Senior, and this is her first year in the Bearden Theatre Department. Katelynn is in charge of making phone calls and dabbling in the costume department. In her free time she enjoys reading, being outdoors, sleeping, and spending as much time as she can with friends and family. She hopes you guys love our production of Mary Poppins.
Carley Short
Carley Short (Business Crew) is a Senior, and this is her first year in stage tech. She enjoys being with friends and participating in Bearden Activities. While being in business, she has been happy calling local stores to find fundraising opportunities for the musical. She hopes you enjoy the show.
Abigail Smith
Abigail Smith (Props Crew) is a Sophomore, and Mary Poppins is her first production with Bearden Theatre. If Abigail’s not cutting out or hot-gluing together flower petals in the Props Room, she’s probably at home playing violin, reading in her room, or buying stuffed animals at the mall. Abigail really enjoyed creating props this semester and hopes you enjoy Mary Poppins!
Abby Swansion
Abby Swanson (Costumes Crew) is a Junior, and this is her 2nd year with Bearden Theatre. If she is not in stumes she is probably at home with her cats or at Dunkin! She worked hard on her costumes and hopes you enjoy the show!
Roman Vance
Roman Vance (Business Crew) is in their 2nd year in tech and 4th year in the theatre program. They love the theatre; it's like a second home to them. They did tech for The Music Man last fall and is going to be an actor in the spring production.
Anthony Zavala
Anthony Zavala (Business Crew) is a Junior who is currently in the business department in stage tech. This is his first year on stage tech and second year in the theatre department. He usually is too focused on his tablet to notice much of anything around him. You can find him anywhere and everywhere. Most likely you’ll find him drawing something new and surviving on coffee. He hopes you enjoy Mary Poppins!