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JEFFERSON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
6400 AIRLINE DRIVE | METAIRIE, LA
Music By Elton John, Lyrics & Book by Lee Hall
Directed by Kenneth Beck
Music Director: Max DoVale
Billy Elliot tells the story of a young boy from a coal mining village in northeast England who transcends class and circumstance to become a ballet star.
Charlie recently was in Los Angeles playing the lead role in an exciting new musical, It’s All Your Fault Tyler Price under the direction of Tony nominated Kristin Hanggi and Emmy award winning composer Ben Decter. Prior to that, Charlie joined the global tour of the Broadway classic, The Sound of Music, playing the role of Friedrich Von Trapp in Hong Kong. Other favorite roles have been in A Christmas Story the Musical at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles, Charlie Bucket in the regional premiere of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Tuacahn Amphitheater and Michael Banks in Mary Poppins also at the beautiful Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Utah. Charlie has recurred on the television show Yellowstone, the Apple TV series Acapulco, and recently made his Cannes Film Festival debut for the film Riddle of Fire. His latest movie, This Bloody Country, comes out later this year.
Charlie is repped by CESD and April Mills Entertainment. ~TYP @charliesstover
CAST LIST:
Charlie Stover as BILLY ELLIOT
Parker Portera-Dufrene as MICHAEL
Leslie Castay as MRS. WILKINSON
Eleanor Zafirau as DEBBIE
Louis Dudoussat as JACKIE
Logan Breaux as TONY
Greg Coheley as MR. BRAITHWAITE
Meredith Long as GRANDMA
Candice Moses as MUM/ENSEMBLE
OLDER BILLY/ENSEMBLE
Ken Goode as GEORGE/ENSEMBLE
BIG DAVEY/ENSEMBLE
TALL BOY/ENSEMBLE
Jordan Paulin as POSH BOY/ENSEMBLE
Brenden Borne as LITTLE BOY/ENSEMBLE
ENSEMBLE:
Wayne Gonsoulin
Gabriel Bello
Ryan Kelly Moore
Andrew Butler
Matthew Butler
Adriel Aviles
Danny Rubio
Herb Spurlock
Ti Zampino
Katie Kitchen
Shelby Wynne
Emily Jones
Virginia Borne
Jessica Clayton
Andrew Letellier
Anna LaNasa
Everly Materne
BALLET GIRLS:
Olivia Yi
Basil Stanley
Sylvia Revon
Juliet Moeller
Anna Grace DePaula
Jane Sale
Merah Benoit
Kinley Brahney
Meadow Waltemyer
Mya Brown
Juliette Kogos
Sylvia Revon
Click headshot for bio
Charlie is beyond excited to be playing his dream role at JPA. No stranger to stage, Charlie recently was in Los Angeles playing the lead role in an exciting new musical, It’s All Your Fault Tyler Price under the direction of Tony nominated Kristin Hanggi and Emmy award winning composer Ben Decter. Prior to that, Charlie joined the global tour of the Broadway classic, The Sound of Music, playing the role of Friedrich Von Trapp in Hong Kong. Other favorite roles have been in A Christmas Story the Musical at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles, Charlie Bucket in the regional premiere of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Tuacahn Amphitheater and Michael Banks in Mary Poppins also at the beautiful Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Utah. Charlie has recurred on the television show Yellowstone, the Apple TV series Acapulco, and recently made his Cannes Film Festival debut for the film Riddle of Fire. His latest movie, This Bloody Country, comes out later this year. Charlie would like to thank his family and friends for their endless support! Special thank you to his dance teacher Rebekah Wainwright and also JPA director Kenneth Beck for entrusting him with the role of Billy and for this amazing opportunity! Charlie is repped by CESD and April Mills Entertainment. ~TYP @charliesstover
BILLY ELLIOT
Parker Portera-Dufrene (Michael) is a 7th grader at Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies. Billy Elliott is his 20th stage production! Some of his favorite roles include Billy (School of Rock), Fritz (Nutcracker), Horton (Seussical Jr.), Charlie Bucket (Willy Wonka Jr.), Young Simba (Lion King Jr), Ryan (High School Musical), Doody (Grease), and Gil (Finding Nemo Jr.). When not on stage, Parker continues his dedication to the performing arts through vocal lessons, tap, ballet, and musical theater classes. He is extremely thankful to JPA for the opportunity to share the stage with amazing talent! And a special thank you to all his family, friends, teachers, & mentors who continue to support his journey! INSTAGRAM: @parkerporteradufrene
MICHAEL
Leslie Castay (Mrs. Wilkinson) is happy to make her JPAC performing debut in this production under the direction of Kenny Beck. Leslie has recently been working as a director for JPAS for the past several years, directing hit productions of School of Rock earlier this season, Young Frankenstein, Addams Family and Holiday Inn (with Kenny Beck as choreographer) for JPAS, winning the Big Easy award for best director of a musical. As an actor, she starred as naughty Tallullah Bankhead in Looped at Teatro Wego last season. A multiple Broadway veteran and film and TV actress, she was recently seen onstage in Goodnight Oscar for Le Petit and recurring in AMC’s Mayfair Witches as Alicia Mayfair. Leslie is a proud member of Actor’s Equity and SAG-AFTRA, the professional unions of stage and screen actors. Dedicated to all my dance teachers who believed in me, especially Beverly Trask and Alton Geno.
MRS. WILKINSON
Eleanor Zafirau (Debbie Wilkinson) is thrilled to be back on the JPAC stage in Billy Elliot. Some of her previous credits with JPA include Shrek the Musical (Young Fiona), School of Rock (Marcy), Seussical the Musical, Jr. (Gertrude McFuzz), Willy Wonka, Jr. (Veruca Salt), and Elf Jr. (Jovie). She has also performed in productions of Annie (Annie), Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Matilda, Jr. (Matilda), Frozen Jr. (Young Elsa), and Finding Nemo, Jr. (Nemo) across the New Orleans metro area. In her spare time, Eleanor loves to sing (a lot), travel, create, and learn about the world. She would like to thank Mr. Kenny and Mr. Dennis for the opportunity to be a part of such a beautiful production! @eleanorzafirau
DEBBIE
Louis Dudoussat (Jackie Elliot) is grateful for the support of his WWOZ work family for their enthusiastic support of his theatrical endeavors throughout the region. Some of his favorite recent roles include: Xanadu (Danny MaguireZeus), Clue (Wadsworth), Drowsy Chaperone (Underling), Fun Home (Bruce Bechdel), Tarzan (Kerchak), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (both Lawrence and Andre in separate productions) Mary Poppins (George Banks), The Addams Family (Gomez Addams and Mal), Elf the Musical (Walter Hobbs), Pippin (King Charlemagne), Hairspray (Edna), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (JB Biggley), Billy Elliot (George), Sweet Charity (Herman), The Little Mermaid (King Triton), 1776 (John Hancock), My Fair Lady (Colonel Pickering).
JACKIE
Logan Breaux (Tony Elliot) is excited to return to the JPA stage. He was previously seen as James the Apostle in Jesus Christ Superstar at JPA. Other favorite roles include Nostradamus (Something Rotten!, Jesuit Phileletic Society), The Wizard (The Wizard of Oz, St. Luke’s), and Rapunzel’s Prince (Into the Woods, BCM Dinner Theater). He has also been part of the running/fly crew for multiple shows at Rivertown Theaters including Oliver!, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Sister Act. He would especially like to thank Kenny for trusting him with this role and breaking him out of being the comedic relief. He would also like to thank his wife Emily for supporting him throughout this process. Thanks also go out to Dennis and the cast and crew for everything they do to make this show possible. Lastly, he would like to wish Baby Breaux on the way to always express themself! See you in April!
TONY
Greg Coheley For the last five decades it seems that Greg has been performing and entertaining all over the world. He has toured the world extensively, captivating audiences with his brilliance on ice. Greg began his performing career in New Orleans and was picked up by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet while still a teenager. He moved to Canada and then later was signed with the touring company of Ice Capades. Greg has skated with Olympic Champions, Dorothy Hamill and Scott Hamilton. He has been a principal adagio skater for several television specials and even skated with the Radio City Rockettes.
Whether performing in theme parks, theatres, casinos or large arenas on the road or overseas, Greg continues to bring audiences to their feet with his skill, passion and presence. Greg has stepped into the musical theatre arena with several lead roles under his belt (Westside Story, LaCage Aux Folles, Bells Are Ringing, Oklahoma, Hello Dolly, The Robber Bridegroom, South Pacific and many more).
He is still performing, skating and has settled down back in New Orleans where he taught theatre for the Gifted and Talented Program of Jefferson Parish. He has been part of the Local IATSE Union and has dressed over 100 Broadway touring shows that have traveled to the region. Greg is a proud member of Actors Equity, AGVA and SAG. This will be Greg’s JPAS debut and he is “beyond thrilled and honored to continue to share the stage with such an amazing and dedicated group, bringing this timeless story of Billy Elliot to our New Orleans audiences.”
MR. BRAITHWAITE
Meredith Long (Dieth) was last scene on JPAS stage in Young Frankenstein where she played Frau Blucher. Meredith is a graduate of the Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah University. She moved to New Orleans in 2002 after having lived and performed in New York City. Her past credits include: Ruthless, where she won the Big Easy Award for Best Actress, The World Goes Round and Tunes at Le Petit Theatre, “Miss Mona” in the JPAS production of The Best Little Whore House in Texas, “Ms. Pennywise” in Urinetown at Rivertown Theatre and most recently Widow Corney in Oliver at Tulane Summer Lyric. Meredith also portrayed “Cha Cha” in the national tour of Grease with Frankie Avalon and Chubby Checker, and “Ethel Toffelmier” in The Music Man with Tony Award Winners Gary Beech and Terrence Mann. She also worked for The Disney Cruise Line and various regional and touring companies. You may have also seen her on TV in Disney's Secrets of Sulphur Springs, and a few Lunchables commercials. Meredith loves working with children and has grown several school theatre programs in the New Orleans area. She is currently serving Christian Brothers School. For more about her you can go to www.themeredithlong.com
GRANDMA
Candice Moses (Mum) - Candice is thrilled to perform again with JPA after appearing as Mrs. White earlier this season in CLUE. Other favorite credits include: Assassins (Sara Jane Moore), Matilda (Miss Honey) & Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Mona) at Rivertown Theaters, Oliver (Mrs. Bedwin) at Tulane Summer Lyric, 42nd Street (Nederlander Asian Tour & Atlanta TOTS US Tour), & The Producers at Gateway Playhouse (NY). Candice is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Music. Love to my sweet boys, Oliver & Colin, and my supportive husband, Nick.
DEAD MUM
Noah is thrilled to be making his debut at JPAS. Originally hailing from Minneapolis, MN, he recently appeared in 42nd Street and Beauty and the Beast (Ordway), White Christmas and The Prom (Chanhassen Dinner Theater), and just finished playing Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet (Collide Theatrical). He has also performed at many other theaters across the Twin Cities including Guthrie, Park Square Theater, History Theater, and Children's Theater as well as in three national tours and various theaters in Chicago. He received his degree in Musical Theater/Dance from Roosevelt University.
OLDER BILLY/ENSEMBLE
Ken Goode
GEORGE/ENSEMBLE
Adriel Aviles is pleased to join in yet another production at JPAS. Aviles has been on stage for many shows at JPAS, including most recently Murder on the Nile, Jeckyll and Hyde, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Other shows at JPAS include Hunchback of Notre Dame, Shrek the Musical, Young Frankenstein, and In the Heights. Aviles has also performed with TWTC in The Night of the Iguana and with Rivertown Theater in The Little Mermaid and Bye Bye Birdie. Adriel is grateful as always that he has been blessed with friends and family who encourage his continued performing, and hopes that everyone will enjoy this show!
BIG DAVEY/ENSEMBLE
Jordan is so excited to return to the JPAC stage this season! He is a 16-year-old junior studying dance at NOCCA. This is his 20th stage production, and some of his favorite experiences include Les Misérables (Jesuit Philelectic Society), Winthrop Paroo in Music Man Jr. (Rivertown Theaters), Mean Girls (Rivertown Theaters), and The Nutcracker (Jefferson Ballet Theater). Jordan would like to thank his family for their continuous love and support and Kenny Beck for endless opportunities and encouragement.
POSH BOY/ENSEMBLE
Wyatt is excited for his debut performance with JPAS! Wyatt is a 7th grader at St. Dominic School and will be attending Jesuit High School in the fall. He is Captain of his school’s lacrosse team and a Scout of America. He loves to perform and has previously played the role of Flynt Rider in “Tangled“ with NOLA Youth Theatre as well as the roles of Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid” and Schroeder in “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” through the Saint Dominic School Theatre Program.
Tall Boy/Ensemble
Brendan Borne is excited to return to the JPA stage for this production of Billy Elliott! He has danced twice on the stage in Jefferson Ballet’s production of Nutcracker as a party child, mouse, and ginger child. He is a 4th grader at Logos Academy in Metairie where his favorite subject is Math. He is a student at Jefferson Ballet as well as Metropolitan Dance (hip hop, acrobatics).
LITTLE BOY/ENSEMBLE
Wayne Gonsoulin
ENSEMBLE
Gabriel is very excited to be making his professional stage debut in this JPA production of Murder on the Nile, fulfilling a dream he's had since his avid participation in many productions at his Alma Mater, Holy Cross.
ENSEMBLE
This is Ryan Kelly-Moore’s (Ensemble) third show with JPA and he is thankful as always! Ryan obtained his B.A. at the University of Southern Mississippi Theatre program where he performed in various productions at USM and in the community. Some of his favorite roles include Next to Normal (Henry), Jekyll & Hyde (Priest), Phantom of the Opera (Ensemble/Piangi Understudy), Into the Woods (Ensemble), and Spring Awakening (Ensemble). Other favorite roles from his resume include Les Mis (Javert), CATS (Skimbleshanks), and Radio Gals (Mr. Abbott). Ryan wants to thank all of his family and his eternally supportive husband Zach Moore. Enjoy the show!
ENSEMBLE
Andrew Butler (Ensemble), is an award-winning baritone, New Orleans native, Brother Martin Alumni, and a passionate artist in both the realms of music and visual arts. Having just graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University, this will be Andrew’s first performance since earning his Bachelor’s degree. But prior to this graduation, Andrew was a Southern Regional NATS 1st Place winner of the Senior Division in 2022, and a Southern Regional NATS 2nd Place Finalist of the Advanced Upper Level in 2023. Most recently, Andrew participated in the international program La Musica Lirica, which enabled him to make his operatic debut in Italy as Ford in Giuseppe Verdi’s “Falstaff.”
Outside of performance halls and stages, Andrew constructs large scale sculptures from the remains of broken musical instruments, giving them a second life. His most recent series, “The Searing Roar of Air” is on display in New Orleans at 538 Wilkinson Street.
ENSEMBLE
Matthew Butler (ensemble), is a young, fiery whirlwind of creativity and enthusiasm from the city of New Orleans. Since six years of age, Matthew has loved theatre, starring as Michael Banks in Mary Poppins the Musical and has showcased in twenty-four separate theatre productions and films across Louisiana since then, with Billy Elliot the Musical marking his 25th instance of acting. Despite a lengthy resume for a sixteen year old, this is surprisingly Matthew’s first time performing with JPAS. It was his older brother and castmate, Andrew Butler, who introduced him to this company and the two greatly look forward to performing together again for the first time since 2017.
ENSEMBLE
This marks Danny’s fifth JPAS production, following his performances in Young Frankenstein, Jesus Christ Superstar, School of Rock, and Jekyll & Hyde.
After a 20-year hiatus since performing at BAMA, Danny embarked on a journey to become a true song-and-dance man 2.5 years ago. Since then, he has appeared in four Rivertown productions and seven shows with The Company of St. Bernard, most recently making his directorial debut with “The Sound of Music” last month. He has also been honing his tap skills at NODA.
Danny extends his heartfelt gratitude to Dennis, Kenny, and the entire JPAS family for their unwavering support. He also thanks his friends for their patience with his rehearsal schedules, those that call him Unky, everyone at The Azienda, his dance guru and choreography partner, his cherished siblings, and especially his parents, Danny and Peggy, for their constant love and encouragement.
@dannyboyrubio
ENSEMBLE
Katie Kitchen is ecstatic to be returning to the JPA stage! She was most recently seen this season in School of Rock (Ensemble). Katie graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a BA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance. While born and raised in New Orleans, she also spends her time touring the country with The National Theatre for Children to perform educational shows for local schools and organizations. Some of her past credits include The Polar Express Train Ride (Bailey), Sondheim on Sondheim (Company), The Stonewater Rapture (Carlyle), Legally Blonde (Serena), Girls Like That (Girl In Shoulder Pads), Songs For A New World (Woman 1), and more. Special thanks to everyone at JPA including Dennis and Kenny for the opportunity as well as her family and friends. (IG: katieakitchen)
ENSEMBLE
Shelby Wynne (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to the JPA stage for her third production. Most recently seen in Jekyll & Hyde, she is grateful to the incredible cast, crew, and creative team for making this experience unforgettable. Shelby also performs improv with two local troupes around town. Offstage, she works as a public health program manager, driven by her passion for improving maternal and child health in New Orleans. Balancing her love for theater with her commitment to the community, Shelby truly embodies the spirit of an artist with a purpose.
ENSEMBLE
Emily Jones is a recent graduate of the Loyola Music Industry Program and elated to return to the JPAS stage. A performer and music lover all her life, Emily has worked on and offstage in roles such as Ensemble in JPAS’s Cinderella, Sound Technician for Loyola’s 2023 production of Urinetown, Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man, Stage Manager for the 2023 debut of Onepiece: A Splashy Musical Play, and Ensemble in JPAS’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Emily is grateful for the continuous support from her family, friends, and mentors and looks forward to creating lasting memories on and off the stage with JPAS and beyond!
ENSEMBLE
Virginia Borne is excited to be returning to the JPA stage for Billy Elliott! She was last seen in JPA’s production of Jekyll and Hyde (Nellie) and has also been a part of their previous productions of Ballet Goes to Broadway (featured singer/dance ensemble), Jesus Christ Superstar (Angel) and Holiday Inn (Ensemble). She wishes to thank Kenny Beck, Max DoVale, and Dennis Assaf for the opportunity to share the stage with her youngest son, Brendan, and all the love and gratitude to her sons, Seth and Nathan, and husband, Brad, for always being her biggest supporters.
ENSEMBLE
Jessica Clayton (Ensemble), is an award-winning soprano, Pearl River High School Alumni, and a passionate performer with a love for creative writing. In Spring 2023, Jessica received a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Southeastern Louisiana University. In July 2023, Jessica participated in the international program La Musica Lirica, which enabled her to make her operatic debut in Italy as Zerlina in Mozart’s "Don Giovanni." While taking a short break from the stage in 2024, Jessica has continued to fuel her love of collaborative singing. She is the Soprano Section Leader for the choir at First United Methodist Church of Hammond, where she has found a community whose love of song and of neighbor is unparalleled. This is Jessica’s first performance with JPAS, and it is one that she hopes will herald the opening of a new musical chapter in her life.
ENSEMBLE
Andrew Letellier is very excited to return to the JPAS mainstage. Earlier this season he had the pleasure of playing Zack Mooneyham in JPAS’s production of School of Rock the Musical. When not acting, you can find Andrew studying jazz piano at the Heritage School of Music and rock climbing at the New Orleans Boulder Lounge.
ENSEMBLE
Anna LaNasa is thrilled to return to the JPAS stage after debuting in the children’s ensemble of “School of Rock.” She also appeared in JPAS Kids’ “Into the Woods, Jr.” as Granny. At Rivertown Theater, Anna has performed as Marlin in “Finding Nemo, Jr.”, Gretchen Wieners in “Mean Girls, Jr.”, Pearl in “Spongebob, Jr.” and Tomatoa in “Moana, Jr.” This past summer, she trained in an audition-based musical theatre program at Broadway Artists’ Alliance in New York City. Anna is an eighth grader at Mount Carmel Academy.
ENSEMBLE
Everly is thrilled to return to the JPAS stage after her debut in School of Rock as Chloe Kingsley last fall. An active member of the local and national theatre community, Everly has enjoyed roles in the Adderly Theatre Conservatory of Austin in Bye, Bye Birdie! (Mrs. Merkle) and performed on stage with Kenny Loggins and James Corden in Santa Barbara as part of the Adderly Company’s 30th anniversary show. Locally Everly has performed with Adderly Theatre School in Wicked (Elphaba), The Greatest Showman (P.T. Barnum) and Legally Blonde (Kate/Paulette) as well as Ursuline Academy’s Annie (ensemble) and Rivertown’s Repertory Theatre’s Descendants Jr. and Mary Poppins, Jr. (ensemble). As a singer, Everly has performed with the NextGen chorus at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Harmony University and competed at the BHS’s International Chorus Competition in July. Everly is a member of Ursuline Academy’s choir and district honor chorus. When she is not on stage singing, Everly enjoys competitive swimming as a freshman at Ursuline Academy.
ENSEMBLE
Olivia Yi (Ballet Girl) is a 12-year-old 6th grader from Slidell, Louisiana. She is very excited and blessed to perform again at JPAC with this talented cast and creative team! You may have seen her back in September in her JPA debut in School of Rock as Summer Hathaway or in December at WPAT in Elf Jr. as Deb. Some previous credits include Young Anna (Frozen Jr. at PJPII High), Children’s Ensemble (Christmas Carol at Slidell High), and several at Slidell Little Theatre including Chip (Beauty & the Beast), Children’s Ensemble (Matilda the Musical), Nemo (Finding Nemo Jr.), Mrs. Wormwood (Matilda Jr.) and Flounder (The Little Mermaid, with a nomination for "Best Supporting Actress in a Musical" for SLT's 2023 Ginny Awards!) Olivia has been involved in musical theater since the age of 3. She also enjoys playing piano, drawing, and sharing her vocal abilities at her church and local community events. MANY thanks to everyone involved with Billy Elliot, and to all her family, friends, teachers, & mentors who continue to support her journey in the arts! IG: @olivia.g.yi
BALLET GIRLS
Basil Stanley is a 5th grader at The Willow School. Favorite roles include Cinderella’s Prince, Into the Woods Jr. (Mount Carmel Academy); Goldilocks (Porta-Puppet Players); Narrator, Into the Woods Jr. (JPAS); Stepsister, Cinderella (Missoula Children’s Theater); Young Alma, Summer and Smoke (The Tennessee Williams Theatre Co); Amanda Thripp, Matilda (Mount Carmel Academy); Molly, Annie (Mount Carmel Academy). Most recently she was on the JPAS stage in School of Rock and Elf Jr. She studies voice as part of the NORD Vocal Workshop with Ms. Tonya Boyd Cannon, musical theater at Encore, and dance at Stray Dance Company. She is thankful for this opportunity, and excited to be back on the JPAS stage!
BALLET GIRLS
Anna Grace DePaula is a 5th grader at St. Catherine of Siena School. She is thrilled to be joining the cast of Billy Elliot for her first main stage role. She has appeared in numerous "junior" productions. Some of her favorite roles include Nemo in Finding Nemo(JPA), Violet Beauregarde in Charlie in the Chocolate Factory(JPA), Chenille Richards in Junie B. Jones(Rivertown Theatre) and Sandy Cheeks in Sponge Bob(30 by Ninety Theatre). When Anna Grace is not on the stage, she enjoys dancing as a Gatorette for St. Catherine and singing in the school choir. She studies ballet with Giacobbe Academy of Dance and musical theatre from Encore Studio. She is excited to share the stage in this production with her voice teacher Candace Moses from Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts(LAAPA).
BALLET GIRLS
Jane Sale is thrilled to be returning to the JPAS main stage for the second time this season and is especially delighted to be working again with Director, Kenny Beck. Jane’s past JPAS credits include School of Rock (Madison), the Sound of Music (Marta von Trapp), and Annie (Molly). Jane has also appeared in various “junior” productions, including Spongebob (Sandy Cheeks), Into the Woods (Little Red), and Mary Poppins (Jane Banks). Last summer, Jane attended Stagedoor Manor camp in Loch Sheldrake, NY, where she was cast in the very first performance of Once Upon a One More Time, which will be featured by Musical Theatre International. Jane is an 8th grader at the Willow School, and when not on stage, you can find her attending voice, dance, acting, and musical theater classes or on the softball field. Most of all, Jane is grateful for the opportunity to work with the amazing talent and crew at JPAS once again!
BALLET GIRLS
Kinley Brahney is an eighth grader at Haynes Academy of Advance Studies. She not only thrives academically, but has also been an avid student of ballet since she was three. She currently attends classes at Jefferson Ballet Theatre where she has performed in many stage productions including Snow Queen 2017, Alice in Wonderland 2018, Coppélia 2019, and Ballet Goes to Broadway 2024. Kinley has also performed in various roles in the seasonal JBT Nutcracker performances including the starring role of Clara in 2023. Kinley is looking forward to being on stage again at JPAS.
BALLET GIRLS
Merah Benoit is excited to step on the JPA stage and join the cast of “Billy Elliot the Musical” as [Ballet Girl]. Merah has been performing professionally on stage since the age of five with her most recent credits as the bass player “Katie” in JPA’S School of Rock, “Marta” in Sound of Music, “Tootles” in Peter Pan, Rivertown’s “Matilda” in Matilda Jr. as well as “Genie” in Aladdin Jr. Also, you might catch her on several Film and TV productions currently streaming such as “Kinds of Kindness” [Disney Plus], We Have a Ghost [Netflix], Emancipation [Apple Studios], The Passenger [Prime Video], and The Thing About Pam [NBC]. In addition, Merah was recently in Los Angeles taking the lead role on a film project with the prestigious American Film Institute that will hit the festival circuit in 2025.
BALLET GIRLS
Meadow Waltemyer is 13 years old and loves the opportunity to perform on stage. She has been dancing since she was 18 months old. She has been seen in local theater performances in Slidell including Snow White, Trolls, Frozen, Jr., and The Little Mermaid, Jr. She was in the JPAS performance of The Ballet Goes to Broadway, and most recently seen as Clara in the Nutcracker with Jefferson Ballet Theatre. She is so excited for another opportunity to take the stage with JPAS!
BALLET GIRLS
Sylvia Revon - (Ballet Girl) - is thrilled to be returning to JPA for her JPA Main Stage debut in Billy Elliot. This marks her 8th theater production. Previous performances include Jogger/Ensemble in Elf Jr. (JPAS), Omar in Aladdin Jr. (Rivertown), Right Claw in Moana Jr. (Rivertown), Start to Be in Annie Jr. (LAAPA), Ensemble in A Christmas Story (Rivertown), Tad and Squirt in Finding Nemo Jr. (JPAS), and Ensemble in the Frozen Showcase (RRDG). Sylvia is a straight-A student who expertly juggles her school responsibilities with her acting, singing, and dance classes. She manages her rigorous rehearsal schedules with grace and dedication. Having studied dance since the age of 2, Sylvia began her theater career in January 2023. She loves to travel and try new things, and she is deeply grateful to her family and friends for their unwavering support throughout each of her productions.
BALLET GIRLS
Juliet Moeller (Ballet Girl/Ensemble) is in 5th grade at McGehee School and is thrilled to be a part of the production of Billy Elliot! Some of her other favorite roles include Mal (Descendants), Grace (Annie, kids), Wickersham Brother (Seussical, jr.), Little Eponine (Les Miserable, jr.), Elf #2 (Elf, jr.), and Grandpa Joe (Willy Wonka, kids). When not performing, Juliet loves to run cross country, play soccer, and of course, sing, dance, and act! She sends a huge thank you to her family and friends, everyone at JPA, and all of her teachers, directors, and coaches!
BALLET GIRLS/ENSEMBLE
Mya Brown is an 11 year old student at St. Clement of Rome in Metairie, Louisiana. Mya is well known for her love of making others laugh and being so dedicated to working hard at everything she is involved in. Mya loves her school, church, cheerleading, soccer, and especially stage performance with ballet.Mya has been a ballet student since the age of 3 with Jefferson School of Ballet and loves dancing on stage in the nutcracker every year with JPAC. She is so excited for the opportunity to participate in this new project with JPAC and Mr. Kenny...
BALLET GIRLS
Juliette is an eighth grader at St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Metairie and has a passion for performing on stage. She has been taking ballet and jazz for many years at NODA, and was selected to perform with the National Children’s Honor Choir in Cincinnati in 2023. Juliette has had multiple roles in the Jefferson Ballet/JPAS’ Nutcracker for the past three years and is looking forward to being in the cast of Billy Elliot!.
BALLET GIRLS
