ISABELLA ABIERRA (Royal Child) is super excited to be making her La Mirada Theatre debut! Isabella was a toddler when she booked her first commercial and has worked on 15 national commercials, appeared in TV/Film, as a voice actor on “Infinity Train” Book 3 (Hazel), “Arcane,” “Monster’s at Work,” Over the Moon, Raya and the Last Dragon. She was last seen in Orange County School of the Arts New Play Festival. In addition, she loves to rock on the drums, piano, and ukulele. Thank you to the creative team, my family and friends for all their support!
Instagram: @isabellaabiera
JOAN ALMEDILLA (Lady Thiang) Ecstatic to be back at La Mirada Theatre! Broadway, national tour & regional credits include Miss Saigon (Kim), Les Misérables (Fantine), The King and I (Lady Thiang), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary cover), Mamma Mia! (Donna), Assassins (Sara Jane Moore), Chess (Florence), Krunk Fu Battle Battle (Jean). She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Disney Concert Hall and The Apollo Theater. Film/TV: "New Amsterdam," “Pam & Tommy," “Griselda," “Bupkis," “Commencement," “Nurses’ Station,” “Shatter Belt” series, “Next of Kin," "TITA." Thank you McCoy Rigby Entertainment. For JC, Charles & CJ.
ALAN ARIANO (The Kralahome, u/s The King) La Mirada Debut! Broadway: M. Butterly, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, SHOGUN, Miss Saigon (original 1991 cast, 10 years), The King and I (LCT Revival), Flower Drum Song (Tour). Off-Broadway: Title role in Felix Starro (Ma-Yi), Good Enemy (Audible Theater), Letters of Suresh (2nd Stage), Greater Clements (LCT), Shanghai Moon (Greenwich House). LA Theater: Extraordinary Chambers (Geffen Playhouse) and Mamma Mia! (Sam, East West Players). Regional: The King and I (across the US) as The King and The Kralahome. TV: “Law & Order: SVU” (recurring), “FBI: Most Wanted,” “The Path,” “Treme,” “Gotham,” “Leverage.”
ERIC BADIQUÉ (Phra Alack, Ensemble) is excited to return to Southern California theatre with his La Mirada debut in The King and I. National Tours: Miss Saigon (Engineer u/s). Regional: Mary Poppins, Starlight Express (Tuacahn), The King and I (FCLO, Dallas Summer Musicals), White Christmas (SDMT), Once (Oguma Playhouse). Much gratitude to his friends and family. However, he couldn’t do this without his biggest cheerleader, Lea. Te amo mi corazón.
Instagram: @ericbdk
ANASTASIA BARZEE (Anna Leonowens) has starred on Broadway and the West End in musicals and plays including Tony award-winning Shakespeare's Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 opposite Kevin Kline, Urinetown, Jekyll & Hyde, Miss Saigon and Napoleon. Other favorite theatre roles include Kate in Kiss Me, Kate at The Old Globe directed by Darko Tresnjak, Lorna in Golden Boy at NY Encores directed by Walter Bobbie, Betty Haynes in White Christmas (original company and cast album) directed by Walter Bobbie, Rosabella in The Most Happy Fella for LA Reprise! directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman, Hope in Anything Goes for LA Reprise! directed by Glenn Casale, and Mrs. Wilkinson in Billy Elliot directed by BT McNicholl. This Summer, Anastasia created the role of Iris in BD Wong and Wayne Barker’s Musical Mr. Holland's Opus, based on the movie of same title. In TV, Anastasia has recurred and guested in: “The Good Fight,” “Inventing Anna,” “Hunters,” “FBI,” “Seven Seconds,” “The Society,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Madame Secretary,” “The Affair,” “Beauty and The Beast,” “The Mysteries of Laura,” “Elementary,” “The Blacklist,” “Golden Boy,” “Blue Bloods,” and many others. Film: She Said, Fair Game, Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk and others. Cast Albums: Sunset Boulevard, Napoleon, White Christmas. Solo album: The Dimming of The Day (Ghostlight Records). Anastasia is thrilled to be back at La Mirada and reunited with director Glenn Casale where she played the 13 women in Groucho: A Life in Revue almost 30 years ago!
JOHNISA BREAULT (Ensemble, u/s Angel George) is thrilled to be making her debut with McCoy Rigby Entertainment and La Mirada Theatre! National Tour: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical (Swing, u/s Clarice). Regional: On Your Feet! (Moonlight), Anything Goes (Purity, u/s Hope, Dance Captain, SDMT), Leonard Bernstein’s New York (Girl, New Village Arts), Hello, Dolly! (Minnie Fay, 3-D Theatricals), 42nd Street (Moonlight), Catch Me If You Can (Dance Captain, SDMT), Seussical the Musical (Bird Girl, Candlelight Pavilion), Sister Act (Michelle, Broadway at the Gardens), Oklahoma! (3-D Theatricals). OCSA MT Alum. Love to Mama, Papa, Johnna, Domm, Grandpa, and Marlon. :)
Instagram: @johnisabro
RICHARD BULDA (The Interpreter, Ensemble, u/s The King, u/s The Kralahome, u/s Captain Orton) Last seen in Cabaret, South Pacific, and as Pomahac in the world premiere of EMPIRE The Musical for McCoy Rigby. Recently seen in Damn Yankees (Van Buren) and Cinderella (Ensemble) for Musical Theater West. Recent credits: Beauty and the Beast, Annie, School of Rock and The Count of Monte Cristo in Utah. Other theater: The Old Globe, LA Opera, La Jolla Playhouse, and many others. He can also be seen in ENCORE with Kristen Bell, currently streaming on Disney+. He dedicates this performance to Peggy Hickey.
Instagram: @ricky_bulda
JOVEN CALLOWAY (Ensemble, u/s Uncle Thomas) Favorite credits: Miss Saigon Revival (Tour), Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan (Tour), A Chorus Line (Hollywood Bowl), Damn Yankees (Goodspeed), Aladdin and Frozen - Live at the Hyperion (Disney's California Adventure). He sends love to Taylor, Mallory, Josie, and his entire family! He gives thanks to the DDO Agency, Julia Flores Casting, and the entire creative team of The King and I!
Instagram: @jkabobs
SIERRA TOLENTINO CHAVEZ (Royal Child) Excited for her debut at La Mirada Theatre, Sierra has showcased her musical talent through roles in Aladdin (Isir), Seussical the Musical (Cindy Lou Who), and Les Misérables (Young Cosette) in the Buena Park community youth theatre. She has also performed in Beechwood Elementary School's musical foundation. Sierra is an accomplished Suzuki violinist of seven years and has performed with the Orange County Prelude Strings Orchestra and the advanced orchestra at her school. Sierra is grateful for her family and friends' support and gives special recognition to her voice coach, Eric Fütterer.
HARRY CHO (Ensemble, Lun Tha) Last graduated from UC Irvine with a BFA in Musical Theater. Recently performed as Aladdin in Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic (Disney Cruise Line), was the Swing on the Disney Magic (Disney Cruise Line), and as himself in Holiday Follies (Theater SilCo). Danced with Filipino stars in Star Magic: Beyond the Star (Los Angeles). Harry would like to thank his representatives from Firestarter Entertainment and NOVA Talent Group for making all of this possible!
Instagram: @yrrahoch
HAILEY CHOI (Royal Child) My name is Hailey Choi and I am 11years old. I currently study at Fullerton Sunset Lane Elementary. I’ve been learning K-pop dance since I was 7 years old. I had my first stage performance at this age. Throughout year 2020 to 2021, I've performed K-pop & jazz dance. In the summer of 2022, I took the role of Susan (first daughter of Dosan) in Musical Dosan that received a California Assembly Award. I am putting effort to build my acting carrier to become a better actress and will perform nonstop!
IRIS CHOI (Royal Child) My name is Iris Choi and I am 9 years old. I'm in 3rd grade at Sunset Lane Elementary. I've performed K-pop dance and was in the musical A Christmas Carol. Also, I took role of Sura (second daughter of Dosan) in the Musical Dosan world premier and received a California Assembly Award with my sister. I love singing and dancing. My dream is to become the best musical actress at Broadway.
AUBREY CHUN (Royal Child) is 12 years old and is thrilled to be making her Musical Theater debut in The King and I. An award-winning dancer, Aubrey began her formal dance training at Fusion Studios in Torrance at the age of 7. She is currently training in all forms of commercial dance, acting and voice with The Space in Brea, under the direction of Krista Miller and receives her Classical Ballet training with Renée and David Kim at the Los Alamitos Ballet School. Aubrey would like to thank her parents for their love and support and her teachers for preparing, guiding and coaching her.
CRISTYN DANG (Simon of Legree, Ensemble) is a dancer and choreographer from Honolulu, HI, who is now based in Los Angeles, CA. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a BA in Psychology, minor in Dance, and MS in Global Medicine. Some favorite credits include the national tour of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical, West Side Story (USC), parade dancer at Disneyland, Gatsby Redux, and commercials with Apple and Tik Tok. She is also a current member of GRooVe hip hop dance team.
Instagram: @dangitscristyn
ARIELLE DETTMER (Angel George, Ensemble) is a multifaceted performer recently seen in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” as a principal dancer. She is a graduate of the Orange County School of the Arts' Commercial Dance Program and has trained under industry leaders like Marguerite Derricks and Cat Rendric. Additional credits: The Wizard of Oz, Lythgoe Holiday Pantos: Robinhood and Maid Marion, The Wonderful Winter of Oz, Debbie Allen's Brothers of the Knight, Kidz Bop. She would like to thank her family, friends, the team at McCoy Rigby, and agents at Bloc. She dedicates these performances to her family in Thailand.
Instagram: @arielledettmer
ANDREA DOBBINS (Offstage Swing) is so excited to be returning to La Mirada Theatre! Andrea is a proud native of St. Louis, Missouri. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Chapman University. Professional credits include In the Heights (La Mirada Theatre), and commercials for Nike House of Hoops and Huawei Technologies. Special thanks to Mom, Dad, James, and Bloc Talent Agency for their unwavering love and support!
Instagram: @andreadobbins
JULIAN PAZ FEDOROV (Royal Child) is a happy 4th grader who enjoys creative writing, rooting for the Jets with his daddy, and is also happy to share his knowledge of all things long division, multiplication, and fractions. He enjoys watching nature shows and wants to "discover a new species" someday. Regional: a sleeping baby at 7 months old in "Miss Saigon" (Northshore Music Theatre), first solo was with Crazy Talented Asians (East West Players). Julian is excited to be making his La Mirada debut! High five and love to his friends, and family, especially mommy, and daddy. He is repped by CTA and Briones Management.
EMMA GONG-KOISO (Princess Ying Yaowalak) was born in Los Angeles. Her first acting job was in a Barbie Holiday commercial when she was five. They called her in a second time to market the Barbie Dreamhouse with that cheerful smile. Since then, Emma has led two short films, principal cast in heartwarming commercials for Zillow, Rise Schmidt Futures, etc. In 2022, she led a Nutcracker Ballet production as Clara with Vaganova ballet training at the Grand Academy of Ballet. Other training includes Triple Talent Musical Theatre, Inner City Shakespeare, and Joy Theater Improv Comedy. Representation: Impact Talent Group and Kreativ Media Partners. She is honored to be part of this production and thanks her family for supporting her.
LAUREN HAN (Ensemble, u/s Tuptim) is thrilled to make her debut at the La Mirada Theatre! Stage credits: The Addams Family (5-Star Theatricals) as an Ancestor, Tarantino Live (FTR) as O-Ren Ishii, and Mickey and the Magical Map (Disneyland) as Mulan. Recent TV credits: Beef (Netflix/A24), Partners in Rhyme (ALLBLK). Also sings in Vocal Seoul, a Korean a cappella group founded by The Filharmonic. Awarded 1st Place in NATS-LA Competition and Performance Award in the Bel Canto Program in Florence, Italy. In 2018, she was nominated as Best Featured Actress in Broadway World.
ELEEN HSU-WENTLANDT (Ensemble, u/s Lady Thiang) is a Los Angeles based vocalist/actor. Her mission as a Teaching Artist is for youth to develop their courage and creativity through musicals and choirs. She sings with Pacific Chorale and Los Angeles Master Chorale and performed on the Grammy-winning recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. Favorite experiences: The Importance of Being Earnest: A Wilde New Musical (Prism), The Odd Couple (Gwen), The Music Man (Marian), and Howard Shore’s The Fellowship of the Ring film score. Never will she turn down dark chocolate, hiking, NYC, or Italy. Love to Josh.www.eleenmusic.com
LINDA IGARASHI (Ensemble) a UCLA grad, has done shows with Musical Theatre Guild, Sacramento Music Circus, San Gabriel Valley Music Theatre, East West Players, the Broadway revival tour of The King and I, the original Canadian company of Miss Saigon, the original L.A. company of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and James Clavell's SHOGUN, The Musical on Broadway. Her favorite performed roles include Madame Liang in Flower Drum Song, Sharon in Master Class, Babette in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Clara in Passion, Cinderella in Into the Woods, and Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing. She can also be seen in the Oscar-winning short film Visas and Virtue.
GRACE JENKINS (Royal Child) is elated to be making her stage debut at La Mirada Theatre! She can be seen playing Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas’s daughter in Adrian Lyne’s Deep Water (Hulu). She has also been featured in commercials for VW, Dish Network, NASCAR, Teleflora, and Magic Mixies. She is also an accomplished violinist. Big thanks to Mom, Dad, and Grandma Kay; Marshie, Steven, Emi and Keiko; her team at KMR, Sandra at OneWorld, and her amazing King and I family!
JONATHAN KIM (Ensemble, u/s Simon of Legree) Hailing from the mysterious, far-away land of La Habra, Jonathan is honored to be a part of The King and I cast at La Mirada Theatre. Previous theatre credits include Newsies (Buttons) at 3D Theatricals; She Loves Me (Busboy) at South Coast Repertory; and Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Baby Bear) at MainStreet Theatre -- all productions for which he is also proud to have served as Dance Captain. When not on stage, he can be found cooking weird food, playing online games, or attempting to keep plants alive in the garden. "Life is short; choose joy!"
KEVIN KULP (Ensemble, u/s Prince Chulalongkorn) is a NY-based actor, excited to be making his La Mirada debut! National Tours: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Story the Musical. NY: Cinderella (NAAP), Touch the Sky Concert (Carnegie Hall). Regional: Walnut Street Theatre: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Flounder), Matilda The Musical, Cinderella, The King and I, Miss Saigon. Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre (DC area); The Marriott, Drury Lane Theatre (Chicago area); Newsies (Arts Center Coastal Carolina); All Shook Up, South Pacific (Flat Rock Playhouse); Anything Goes (Palace Theatre). Upcoming: Grease (The Fulton Theatre). Thank you to Glenn & Rumi for everything. Love to Mom, Dad & Scott.
FRANCESCA LING (Ensemble, u/s Anna) began her training in hometown Chicago, continued at the University of Southern California, and the British American Drama Academy for studies in England. Leading musical roles include Anything Goes! (Hope Harcourt), West Side Story (Maria), and in concert with Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown. Francesca has worked in film, tv, and commercials, including Netflix’s The Good Neighbor and guest starring TV roles on “Intelligence,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “CSI: Vegas,” and a series recurring role on CBS drama, “God Friended Me.” She is proud of her mixed-race heritage.
LAYLA ROSE LOVIN (Royal Child) I am 10 years old, in 4th grade, and this is my 10th performance! Past roles include the Witch in Into the Woods, Toto in The Wizard of Oz, The Stepsister (Grace) in Cinderella and Amanda Tripp in Matilda. Also: Moana Jr., School House Rock and Frog and Toad and more with the Clubhouse Academy.
SAKI MASUDA (Dance Captain, Ensemble, u/s Eliza) is so thrilled to be a part of The King and I at La Mirada. Her favorite credits include The King and I (Lincoln Center production 1st National Tour/Maltz Jupiter), CATS, The Little Mermaid, The Bodyguard, ELF The Musical, Sayonara, Scheherazade, A Christmas Carol, “Madam Secretary” (CBS), Spirit Box (Film), Heidi Latsky Dance, General Mischief Dance, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, Catskill Ballet, Ballet Hispanico 2, Xodus Dance Collective, Nashville Symphony, among others. Assistant Choreographer for Debbie Roshe. Gratitude to all my family in Japan. Special thanks to Glenn and Rumi for bringing us together, and love to this wonderful company.
ADRIENNE AMANDA MORROW (Royal Child) Glad to be back with MRE at La Mirada Theatre, previously in Matilda (Lavender). Other credits: School of Rock (Freddy), A Christmas Story (Ensemble) at Tuacahn Amphitheatre; Mary Poppins (Jane Banks), A Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim) at the Rose Center Theater. Studies at Orange County School of the Arts; plays guitar, bass, drums, and piano; and sings with the Voices of Hope Children’s Choir. Special thanks: Julia Flores, Tim Nelson, Patrick Sales, Sarah Grandpre, and her family and friends for their love and support! Dedicated to two beautiful angels, Aly West and Peggy Hickey.Instagram: @adrienneamorrow
PAUL NAKAUCHI (The King) LA native, began his career in Yul Brynner’s last national tour of The King and I. Then, numerous productions of the classic, playing the King in Asia and the West End with Elaine Paige, on Broadway (1996) and the 2016 Lincoln Center Revival. 1st National Tour of Miss Saigon. Regional: The Old Globe, The Guthrie, Papermill Playhouse, Berkeley Rep. Film/TV: Death Note, The Great Raid, “The Rookie,” “Deadbeat,” “ER.” Voiceover: numerous animated characters on Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ including “Carmen Sandiego,” “Yasuke,” Dr. Strange, “Star Wars: Visions,” “Hit-Monkey” and countless video game characters, the most famous being Hanzo from “Overwatch.” Excited to be making his La Mirada Theatre debut in this beloved musical.
LUKE NAPHAT (Prince Chulalongkorn) is buzzing to appear in The King and I with McCoy Rigby Entertainment as a young American Thai actor; it’s a magnanimous honor to appear in a show so close to his heart. Following credits in: Theatre (Original Cast of Trevor: A New Musical), Voiceover (Bubble Guppies, New Gods: Yang Jian), and TV (“New Amsterdam,” “FBI”). A drama major at LaGuardia HS in NYC, Luke would like to thank everyone for attending the show; you’re part of the magic. He would like to thank his parents and Take3Talent for supporting him on his journey. Instagram: @lukenaphat.
ETHAN LE PHONG (Lu Tha) Broadway: Miss Saigon, Aladdin (u/s Aladdin). West End: Miss Saigon Revival (Thuy), Royal Albert Hall's The King and I (Lun Tha), National Theatre's South Pacific (Abner), We Will Rock You, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ching Ho/Bun Foo), Aladdin (u/s Aladdin), Jerry Springer the Opera. Theatre: East West Players’ Allegiance (Sammy) and Pippin (Pippin), Hollywood Bowl's Les Misérables (Montparnasse) and RENT, Drury Lane’s The King and I (Lun Tha), Pasadena Playhouse's Mask, La Mirada’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. National Tours: Mamma Mia! (Pepper), Miss Saigon, The King and I. Film/TV: 25th Anniversary Miss Saigon, “Aladdin: Live,” “Little Britain USA,” Waiting in the Wings, Big Gay Love, Squared.
MICHAEL ROTHHARR (Captain Orton, u/s Sir Edward Ramsey) Previously at La Mirada Theatre: 1776, South Pacific, Spring Awakening, Last Night of Ballyhoo, The Foreigner and King O’ The Moon. Broadway: The Front Page and The Corn is Green. Off-Broadway: Frankenstein and Brand. San Francisco company: The Foreigner. Regional Theatres: Mark Taper, Geffen, Cincinnati, Rep/St. Louis, Arrow Rock Lyceum and Olney. Film and TV: “Bones,” “Modern Family,” “True Blood,” “Longmire,” “Star Trek: The New Generation,” The Nutty Professor and Space Jam. Artistic Director: Allenberry Playhouse, 1987 to 1992. Proud member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA and SDC. Married to Debbie Rothhaar. Four children and four grandchildren.
CALLULA SAWYER (Topsy, Ensemble) is delighted to be making her debut at La Mirada Theatre with McCoy Rigby. Recent credits include Ragtime (5-Star Theatricals), Cinderella (MTW), and Newsies (5-Star Theatricals). A special thank you to Julia Flores and the entire creative team for this opportunity! And lots of hugs and kisses to her family and friends for their never-ending love and support!!
ANALEIGH CHARLIZE SINGHI (Royal Child) is thrilled to be making her debut at La Mirada Theatre as one of the Royal Children in The King and I. Analeigh is 10 years old and in the fourth grade. She started performing at age 6 as Molly in Annie, and her most recent role was as Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at the Rose Center Theater. Analeigh wants to thank her family and friends for their love and support. She also wants to thank the casting staff, director, and producers for giving her this amazing opportunity! Enjoy the show!
OLIVER STELLAN (Royal Child, u/s Louis Leonowens) is thrilled to be making his debut at La Mirada Theatre with McCoy Rigby. Some of his previous highlights include Carlos in Descendants (YAE), Eddie in 13 the Musical (Panic Productions), Pugsley in The Addams Family (YAE), and Friederich in The Sound of Music (BCB). While he loves being on stage performing as much as he can, he also likes gaming, skateboarding, and drawing during his off time. He’d like to thank everyone in the production, Julia Flores, and his cast mates for the opportunity and experience. He’d also like to thank his friends and family for always being so supportive.
OLIVER STEWART (Louis Leonowens) is a 12-year-old who is thrilled to be returning to the La Mirada stage. He was last seen here playing Kurt von Trapp in The Sound of Music. His favorite roles include Flounder in The Little Mermaid (Rose Center Theater) and James in James and the Giant Peach (McCoy Rigby Arts). Oliver loves to sing and is proud to be a touring member of the All-American Boys Chorus. When not performing, he enjoys video games, traveling with his chorus and playing outside. He would like to thank his parents, sister, grandparents, and everyone at McCoy Rigby!
ANGEL STRITTMATER (Little Eva, Ensemble) Originally from Prior Lake Minnesota, Angel began dancing at the age of four and hasn’t stopped since! Growing up, she trained and competed in a wide variety of styles such as jazz, contemporary, ballet, hip hop and heels. She eventually went on to continue her dance education at The University of Minnesota, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in dance as well as participated in The University of Minnesota Dance Team. Upon moving to Los Angeles, Angel has now danced in productions such as “The Kids Choice Awards,” Paris by Night, and various local productions.
KEVIN SYMONS (Sir Edward Ramsey) has appeared in numerous theatrical productions in Los Angeles, New York and regional theaters. Most recently in Damn Yankees at Musical Theatre West and The Sound of Music at La Mirada Theatre. He won an Ovation Award for The Complete History of America (Abridged) at the Garry Marshall Theatre. On Television, he is perhaps best known for playing Councilman Bill Dexhart on NBC's hit comedy "Parks & Recreation" for four seasons. He has been a Series Regular, Recurring, and Guest Star on numerous series. On film, he most recently appeared opposite Brad Pitt in Babylon.Instagram: @thekevinsymons
CHAD TAKEDA (Uncle Thomas, Ensemble) is a proud Japanese American hailing from Fresno, CA. Credits include Allegiance (East West Players), Kinky Boots, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Maine State Music Theatre), Hair (Asolo Repertory Theatre), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (The Maltz Jupiter), Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Disney’s When You Wish (Tuacahn Center for the Arts). Instagram: @chapanda11
MICHIKO TAKEMASA (Assistant Choreographer, Eliza) is thrilled to be making her La Mirada Theatre debut. Michiko was in the original cast of 2015 Broadway revival of The King and I (Little Eva, u/s Eliza) at Lincoln Center Theatre directed by Bartlett Sher. She then toured throughout the US for two years. Other national tour/regional theater credits include: The King and I, Miss Saigon, Big River, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Oliver!, Sayonara, The Fiddler on the Roof. Ballet credits: Victoria Ballet Theatre/SGI Ballet with repertoires of Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Paquita and others. Much love to family and friends!
JEE TEO (Ensemble, u/s The Interpreter, u/s Phra Alack) Born and raised in Malaysia, came to US to study Engineering in 1981, but became a performer 2 years later. Have worked in films, TV, commercials, musicals, operas, traveling shows, videos, etc., etc. Very excited to work once again in this production of The King and I. Thanks to Glenn Casale (Director) and Rumi Oyama (Choreographer). Have worked as a choreographer before and a voiceover artist in different languages. Thanks to the constant support of my friends and family, I love you all!!
BERNICE WANG (Ensemble, u/s Topsy) As a Taiwanese-American interdisciplinary artist, Bernice has a passion for art beyond her classical ballet and modern training. She is the recipient of the Herb Alpert Emerging Young Artist Scholarship and holds two BAs from UCLA in Dance and Psychology. Bernice studied with Inland Pacific Ballet’s Victoria Koenig and Jill Voznick, Clinton Rothwell of Royal Opera Ballet, Gregory Dawson of Alonzo King LINES Ballet at the California State Summer School for the Arts, and Stella Viorica of Southland Ballet. Beyond this foundation, her movement holds influences from Chinese traditional dance, contemporary dance, West African dance, and improvisation practices.
RYAN WONG (Offstage Swing) Born and raised in Malaysia, Ryan Wong made his professional debut at age 17 appearing on Asia’s biggest reality street dance competition “Astro Battleground.” Wong has since transitioned to America in pursuit of his tertiary education and graduated from Messiah University, Class of ’21. Ryan is excited to make his debut at La Mirada Theatre! Theatre credits: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical National Tour 2021 & 2022, In the Heights (Colorado Springs FAC), Mary Poppins (Riverside Theatre). TV Credit: “Astro Battleground Malaysia 2016 (Available on YouTube). Thank you to my family in Malaysia, Hannah, Spark Talent Agency and everyone who has supported my journey! Instagram: @Ryan_Wongkh
PAULINA YEUNG (Tuptim) Born in California and raised in Manila and Hong Kong, Paulina is excited to be back performing on the West Coast. National Tour: The King and I (Tuptim). International: The King and I UK & International Tour (Tuptim), The Magic Flute (First Lady, Opera Hong Kong), The Mikado (Peep-Bo, The Philippine Opera Company). Recordings: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” The Staircase. Much love to my family and to my TEG managers, Bobbie and Deborah. Outside of the stage, Paulina shares her love of music by teaching voice and piano to students around the world. Instagram: @paulinanastasha | paulinayeung.com
NATALIE YOKOTA (Royal Child) is proud to debut with McCoy Rigby Entertainment in The King and I cast as part of the Royal Children ensemble. Natalie has played a host of roles in musicals through her school, church and Broadway Arts Studio. She would like to thank her mom, dad, and two older sisters, Rachel and Emily, for their love and support. She enjoys her free time by drawing and playing with her two puppies. Natalie also thanks director Glenn Casale and casting director Julia Flores for allowing her to enjoy this valuable experience.
AIARU ZHUMAKHMET (Royal Child) was born in Kazakhstan. She is a very energetic, smart girl who is learning the Chinese language (Mandarin). She also loves sports, especially as an ice skater, cheerleader, and gymnast. We are very proud of our daughter!
RICHARD RODGERS and OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II (Book and Lyrics) joined forces to create the most consistently fruitful and successful partnership in the American musical theatre. Oklahoma!, the first Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, was also the first of a new genre, the musical play, representing a unique fusion of Rodgers’ musical comedy and Hammerstein’s operetta. A milestone in the development of the American musical, it was followed by Carousel, Allegro, South Pacific, The King and I, Me and Juliet, Pipe Dream, Flower Drum Song and The Sound of Music. Rodgers & Hammerstein wrote one musical specifically for the big screen, State Fair, and one for television, Cinderella. Collectively, the musicals of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II earned 42 Tony Awards, 15 Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes, two Grammy Awards and 2 Emmy Awards.
GLENN CASALE (Director) Broadway: Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby (Tony Award nomination, Best Revival) which was filmed by A&E and garnered two Emmy Awards. Off-Broadway: Dragapella at Studio 54 (Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Award nominations for Best Production). International: for Media Lane Entertainment, Hello Dolly, Stage Entertainment. The Netherlands: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan and Russia), The Wiz. National Tours: Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Camelot. Los Angeles: Wrestlers starring Mark Harmon and George Clooney, From the Top starring Carol Burnett. Los Angeles Ovation Award-winning Best Musical Anything Goes starring Rachel York, Brent Barrett, Sally Struthers and Fred Willard, The Prisoner of Second Avenue with Jason Alexander. Glenn served as Artistic Director for Broadway Sacramento At Music Circus from 2008-2018. Television: ABC’s “The Faculty” starring Meredith Baxter and “The Wayans Brothers” for The WB. I would like to dedicate this show to Peggy Hickey.
RUMI OYAMA (Choreographer) is thrilled to be working with McCoy Rigby Entertainment and Director, Glenn Casale. Rumi Oyama’s choreography credits include Sayonara (2015, Pan Asian Rep’s Off-Broadway musical; she won the Fred Astaire Award for Outstanding Female Dancer); Dance for Learning (2017, a global conference with Michelle Obama as speaker); Allegiance (2018, Los Angeles's Arataki Theater; she was nominated in the Broadway World Regional Awards). Rumi’s acting credits include Allegiance (2015, on Broadway), Running for Grace (2018, on Amazon Prime).
DENNIS CASTELLANO (Musical Director) McCoy Rigby: The Sound of Music, Dreamgirls, Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mary Poppins, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, My Fair Lady, Annie, Guys & Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun, The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Musical Supervisor/Director for Broadway Sacramento At Music Circus: Carousel, The Secret Garden, In the Heights, Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act, Hair, Sweeney Todd, and La Cage aux Folles. South Coast Repertory: The Light in the Piazza, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George. Musical Theatre West: Cinderella, Something Rotten, Catch Me If You Can, Bright Star, Oklahoma!, Hairspray. This one’s for Peggy.
JULIA FLORES (Casting Director) Music Celebrating our 28th season with McCoy Rigby Entertainment. Past MRE productions include touring productions of Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby, Camelot starring Lou Diamond Phillips, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Little Mermaid. Additional credits include productions for Boston Court Theatre, The REV Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre Company, TheatreWorks, Denver Center Theatre, A Noise Within, The Pasadena Playhouse, Portland Center Stage, B Street Theatre. For Peg and all of our Angels watching over this one; you are in my heart always.
STEVEN YOUNG (Lighting Designer) Recent designs for MRE: Grease, Clue, Matilda, Singin’ in the Rain, Newsies, Cabaret, Ain’t Misbehavin’, West Side Story, Billy Elliot, and Next to Normal. Other credits: Guys & Dolls and In the Heights (TUTS Houston), Putting It Together (South Coast Repertory), Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings (Theatre@ Boston Court). Awards: three Los Angeles Ovation Awards, LA Weekly Award, LADCC Angstrom Lifetime Achievement Award. As Principal Designer for Visual Terrain, Inc., Steven has designed in China, South Korea, and Canada.
www.syoungld.com / visualterrain.net
CRICKET S. MYERS (Sound Designer) On Broadway, Cricket earned a Tony nomination and a Drama Desk award for her design of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. Regional designs include La Jolla Playhouse, The Ahmanson, The Mark Taper Forum, South Coast Rep, The Denver Center for Performing Arts, La Mirada Theater, The Kirk Douglas Theater, Pasadena Playhouse and the Geffen Theater. She has earned 24 Ovation nominations, as well as winning The Ruth Morley award from the League of Professional Theater Women, and The Kinetic Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatrical Design in Los Angeles.
KAITLIN YAGEN (Co-Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer) has is thrilled to be designing again for McCoy Rigby Entertainment. Design credits include Grease, A Few Good Men, Clue, Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, Man of La Mancha, Peter Pan, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Carrie the Musical. She has also supervised on numerous national tours. Kaitlin loves the work she does and the joy it brings to the audience. Thank you to wee baby Harvey, my husband and family for their continuous love and support.
MADISON MEDRANO (Co-Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer) The is excited to be designing her second show for McCoy Rigby Entertainment. Credits include Designer: A Few Good Men. Wig Running Head: Grease. Wig Assistant: Young Frankenstein, Clue, Sound of Music, In the Heights, Mamma Mia!, Cinderella. Makeup: OC Fashion week. TV: “Makeup,” “Gown and Out in Beverly Hills” on Amazon Prime. Madison loves the creative and collaborative work in Theater. Thank you to my family for your support.
DAVID ELZER (Publicist) represents La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 5-Star Theatricals, Ensemble Theatre Company, Laguna Playhouse, Road Theatre Company, Rubicon Theatre Company. He is also an Ovation, Drama Desk, LADCC, LA Weekly, and Garland Award-winning theatrical producer and recipient of the LADCC Joel Hirschhorn Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre. Productions include Justin Love, Having it All, The Marvelous Wonderettes and Winter Wonderettes at the El Portal and Life Could Be a Dream, at the Hudson, among others. He also produced the Off-Broadway run of The Marvelous Wonderettes. Many thanks to BT, Jane, Tom, and Cathy and thank you for supporting La Mirada Theatre!
ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 49,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence.
LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS The Tony-nominated theatre has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “one of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California.” This beautiful state-of-the-art theatre has been producing quality productions since 1977. The theatre has produced several national tours and is the recipient of many accolades, including Tony, Emmy and Ovation Award nominations. For its 2012-13 season, it won the LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award for Best Season of the Year.