The Prom Cast List and Profiles

CAST (in order of appearance)

Ensemble: Ryan Adams, Luisana Borjas, Jalen Brown, Lesya Davis, Hannah Enciso, Kayla Joyner, Jonathan Lopez, Anna Meyer, Kenny Miller, Rayze Miller, Ben Paynic, Anisa Rosado, Jose Rosado, Eliza Santiago, Erica Silver, Jenny Yaccino, and El Patito Juan Quac Quac

UNDERSTUDIES

CAST PROFILES

Ryan Adams (Ensemble, U/S Trent Oliver) is overjoyed to be performing with the wonderful people at Dominican for the first time! Recent credits include Much Ado About Nothing and The Seagull (The Theatre School at DePaul University), as well as the world-premiere tour of Uncaped Heroes (La Mer Entertainment). Outside of acting, Ryan enjoys playing the trumpet, having last performed in the pit orchestra for Cabaret (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre). Ryan sends love to Mom, Dad, Cooper, and Blaze.

Jackie Argyropoulos (Dee Dee Allen) is absolutely thrilled to be returning to the Dominican stage as Dee Dee in this fabulous production. When not performing, she’s teaching future performers theatre at Cary Jr High. Tremendous thanks and gratitude to the loveliest cast and crew in the world. Every rehearsal has been a joy. I adore you all! Love to Marinos, Violet & Harrison. 💖

Shawn A. Bechtol (Barry Glickman) is excited to be back at Dominican University with his friends and sharing the stage with his husband. Previous Dominican shows include Freddie in Noises Off and Charlie in The Foreigner. Some of Shawn’s favorite productions/roles include Sparky in Forever Plaid, Greg in A Chorus Line, the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, Mercedes in La Cage aux Folles, the Narrator in Into the Woods, and the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. Shawn would like to thank all of you for showing your love and support for live theatre.

Luisana Borjas (Ensemble) is so excited to be on stage at Dominican. This is her first production. Luisana is looking forward to graduating in 2027. 

Jalen Brown (Ensemble) feels enthusiastic to return to their theatrical roots to star in Dominican's The Prom. This is Jalen's first role as a professional actor. They are excited to share in the love of performing with this incredible cast. When not acting or singing on stage, they are a medical student with a passion for intervening in LGBTQ+ health disparities. Thank you to everyone for coming and to the encouraging friends and family in their life!

Todd D. Bulmash (Sheldon) is thrilled to returning to the Dominican University stage. Todd was last seen on the Dominican stage in Legally Blonde. Some of Todd’s favorite Chicagoland credits include: Bye Bye Birdie (Conrad Birdie), A Chorus Line (Bobby), Forever Plaid (Frankie), Kiss Me Kate (Paul), La Cage aux Folles (Chantal) and Fiddler on the Roof (Motel). Todd is thrilled have the opportunity once again to share the stage with Shawn. Finally, Todd would like to say, “thanks to you, the audience for your support of our production. We could not have done it if it weren’t for you.”

Melissa Crabtree (Angie) is an Actor, Director, & Theatrical Illustrator who lives for making audiences - and all those around her - laugh. Last seen on the DU stage as Tanya (Mamma Mia!), as well as Fräulein Kost (Cabaret - Metropolis PAC), and Lucy/Mrs. T/Bear (Avenue Q - MTW). On the other side of the table - Director - The Prairie Center for the Arts (The SpongeBob Musical) & EDGE of Orion (1776, Peter & the Starcatcher) and owns theatrical stationery shop An Actor Plans. https://melissacrabtreeactor.com/ @melissa.m.crabtree

Kelli Clevenger (Mrs. Greene) is delighted to return to the DUPAC stage, having last been seen as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! Recently seen as Helen u/s in Paramount Theatre’s Jeff nominated Fun Home and Orange Girl in Shout! (Metropolis Performing Arts). Currently seen in the nationwide Jardiance commercial. Favorite credits: Irene Malloy - Hello Dolly starring Sally Struthers, She Loves Me (Writers Theatre), Dennis DeYoung’s Hunchback of Notre Dame (Bailiwick Rep), Tomorrow Morning Chicago premiere (Victory Gardens Greenhouse), Joanne Jefferson - Rent (Chicago premiere), Sister Hubert - Nunsense (Metropolis). TV: Chicago Med, Leverage, Prison Break. Coming up next, catch Kelli on the big screen in the feature film, Gaia. Many thanks to Krista, David, and the DUPAC team. Love to Tommy and Chase. @kelliclevenger1 http://www.kelliclevenger.com/

Lesya Davis (Ensemble) is stoked to be on stage at Dominican. A junior, Lesya was last seen as a dancer in movie renditions with dance company Creative Expressions. Outside of the theatre, Lesya loves to travel, explore, dance, and clothes shop. Lesya is looking so very forward to graduating in 2025. Shout out to my mom, my family, and my funny looking chihuahua Chai. Much love!

Abby DeRose (Emma Nolan) is so excited to join the cast of The Prom in her first show at Dominican University! Abby graduated from Roosevelt University and since has been acting all over Chicago. Some of her favorite roles include Patsy (Crazy for You), Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh), and Bebe (A Chorus Line). When she’s not onstage you can find Abby nannying for the most wonderful kiddos and playing with her kitties. Thanks to her girlfriend Emily, Mom, and Grammy. 

Hannah Enciso (Ensemble, U/S Emma Nolan) Hannah is so excited to be on stage at Dominican. Previous credits include Pugsley in The Addams Family and Mark Antony in Julius Caesar both at Ohio Northern University. Outside of performing, Hannah occasionally stage manages and writes poetry. Lots of love to my parents and my darling cat Dolores.

Jake Gartung (Kevin, U/S Barry Glickman) is thrilled to be part of the wonderful cast and crew of The Prom! As a recent graduate of Aurora University, Jake has previously been seen on their stage as Franklin Shepard in Merrily We Roll Along and Mr. Krabs in The Spongebob Musical. Outside of theatre, Jake likes to explore other creative outlets, such as music and art. Huge thank you to everyone who has supported me through this journey! Enjoy the show!

Shea Hopkins (Trent Oliver) is happy to be making his Dominican University debut in The Prom. Previous credits include Flip/The Prince The Apple Tree (Porchlight), Cane U/S Children of Eden (Chicago Theatre Land Fund) and many more. When not on stage you can find Shea streaming on his twitch account @Sheabooter24. He’d like to thank his Parents, 3 Beautiful Sisters, Brother In laws, Nana, and the rest of his friends and family for all their love and support. 

Kayla Joyner (Ensemble, U/S Angie Dickinson) is so thrilled to be making her guest artist debut at Dominican University this fall! Her most recent theatre credits include: Xanadu (Euterpe) at Metropolis PAC, Joseph…Dreamcoat (Narrator) at Big Noise Theater, and Something Rotten (Dance Ensemble) at Rising Stars Theater Co. Much gratitude to the cast and creative team of The Prom, and a special thanks to Mom, Mia, and Gregg for their endless support! Enjoy the show! 

Jonathan Lopez (Ensemble) is so thrilled to be a part of an incredible team at Dominican. A senior, Jonathan is performing his first show ever. When he's not acting, he is a natural science major on a pre-PA track and Trio Ambassador. Thank you to Krista and the team for the beautiful experience and my family for all the love and support!

Carlie Merola (Kaylee, U/S Alyssa Greene) is ecstatic to welcome you to The Prom! Now in her final semester at Dominican, Carlie was previously on stage in Retrospective Revue, A Midsummer Night's Cirque (Helena), Silent Sky (Margaret), and online in She Kills Monsters Virtual Realms (Tilly). When not onstage or in theatre classes, Carlie also studies Graphic Design and Photography. With this being her last show as a Dominican student, she thanks everyone who has supported her passions, from family and friends to professors, cast, and crew. 

Anna Meyer (Ensemble, U/S Kaylee) is so excited to be a part of Dominican’s production of The Prom. A senior, Anna was last seen acting in Dominican’s Retrospective Revue, as well as previous Dominican shows including A Midsummer Night Cirque (though you may not have seen her on stage as she had Covid the week of performances), Annie Cannon in Silent Sky, Ensemble in Mamma Mia!, and Gabby in She Kills Monsters Virtual Realms. Outside of the theatre, Anna is active in the Cosplay Community and has done characters such as Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia and Robin from DC comics Batman and Robin. Anna is looking forward to graduating in 2024.

Kenny Miller (Ensemble, U/S Nick & Kevin) is so excited to be part of The Prom! Recent credits include Jeff Recommend Production SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical (Swing) with Kokandy Productions, House: The House Musical (Jeff) with Campsong Productions, She Loves Me (Ensemble) with Brightside Theatre and The Addams Family (Lurch) with NCC. “The prettiest flowers have the sharpest thorns.” @kmrfabulous

Rayze Miller (Ensemble) is a freshman who is majoring in both English and Painting. They are excited to bring their flair into the Ensemble for this production! While Rayze has been in productions in their high school, none were of this scale. Outside of theatre, Rayze is interested in playing Dungeons and Dragons with their friends. Rayze will be graduating in 2027 and entering the world of books and painting, if all goes well that is. 

Ben Paynic (Ensemble, U/S Sheldon) is ecstatic to be back at Dominican University! Some previous credits include Mamma Mia! (Dominican University), A Chorus Line (MadKap Productions), Surrender: A Devised Work (North Central College). As an out and proud queer person, being a part of the creative process for this show has been an honor. He would like to thank the team, his friends, and his family for all of their support.

Leslie Rodriguez (U/S Mrs. Greene) has been the director of the Dominican University Performing Arts Center since 2005. Highlights from her past life as an actor include Mamma Mia! (Rosie), A Streetcar Named Desire (Stella), A Shayna Maidel (Rose), A Girl’s Guide to Chaos (Cynthia), Beautiful Bodies (Nina), The Great Nebula in Orion (Carrie) and A Christmas Carol (Alice), among others. 

Anisa Rosado (Ensemble, U/S Shelby) is a senior at Dominican University and is majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Theatre Arts. She enjoys dancing and traveling. The Prom is Anisa's fourth production at Dominican, other productions include Mamma Mia! and Silent Sky. Special thanks to her family, friends, cast mates, and production staff for their support and guidance.

Jose Rosado (Ensemble, U/S Hawkins) is thrilled to be returning to the stage for the first time since high school (1983) for the opportunity to share it with his daughter, Anisa.

Eliza Santiago (Ensemble) is a Freshman at Dominican University studying Theatre Arts and loves watching musicals. Past shows include: Revengers Tragedy (Josephinum Academy). She would like to thank her family and friends in supporting her passions.

Erica Silver (Ensemble) is thrilled to be working with this extraordinary cast of The Prom. A graduate of Chapman University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Erica has the privilege of being a finalist on Season 1 of The CW's Christmas Caroler Challenge with her collegiate a cappella group, and the principal (U/S) for Haven Chicago’s Get Out Alive, an original musical at the illustrious Den Theater. Additionally, her talent shines through in the original musical Tess “A Song Like Mine," available on Apple Music and Spotify. Although you won’t hear her vocals directly tonight, you can on Instagram @ericasilvr. 

Timothy Sullivan (Mr. Hawkins) is excited to join Dominican for the third time. His Chicago credits include Asa in The Wonder (Eclectic FCT), George Seacole and the Friar (u/s) in Much Ado About Nothing (OPFT), Sir Robin in Spamalot (Metropolis), Michael in Route 66 (Metropolis), Jeeves (U/S) in Jeeves Saves the Day (First Folio), Mycroft Holmes (U/S) and Stamford (U/S) in Miss Holmes (Lifeline Theater), and Kahless Past in A Klingon Christmas Carol (Commedia Beauregard).

Khristian Summerall (Shelby) is so excited to be on stage at Dominican. Khristian was last seen acting in A Midsummer Night's Cirque (Robin Starvling) and Retrospective Revue. Outside of the theatre, Khristian bakes and ice skates for fun. Khristian is looking forward to graduating with a Theatre Arts Major in 2025. She sends a big thank you to her Mom for being her biggest supporter in everything she does!

Caleb Swick (Nick) is a Chicago based actor represented by BMG Talent. He has been in walking plays including Mama and Papa Goose and Winnie the Pooh at the Morton Arboretum. While studying at North Central College, he was in productions including Peter and the Starcatcher and Spring Awakening. Caleb wants to thank the team for having him for this production, and his loved ones for all they do. He hopes you enjoy the show!!

Cesia Villatoro (Alyssa Greene) is a senior at Dominican University and is very thrilled and thankful to be a part of this production of The Prom. She is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Fashion Design and is looking forward to graduating in May 2024. She was last seen in the Retrospective Revue and A Midsummer Night's Cirque. Outside of the theatre, she enjoys going on adventures with her loved ones and completing her research study. She gives a huge thank you to all those who have supported and encouraged her to give it her all in everything she does. 

Jenny Yaccino (Ensemble) is a theatre veteran who has been performing in various operettas, musicals, and plays since the age of six. Some of her notable roles are Scuttle the Seagull in The Little Mermaid, Essie in You Can’t Take It with You, Wiesel in the second ever all-girls production of Newsies, and multiple roles including Messenger in the world-premiere of The Morrigan. Jenny is also a former competition dancer, whose specialty is tap dance.