Cast List

in alphabetical order

Kate Allen '28: Matilda Wormwood

I came to Laurel last year, and since then I have been in Junie B Jones and the past two winter concerts for cello playing. I love singing, dancing, and, of course, acting. I have been in many shows throughout my life, the earliest at the age of 7 as Zuzu in "It's a Wonderful Life." I was bitten by the theater bug during this performance, and, since then, I have been in around 8 plays and musicals. When I'm onstage, I feel like I could do anything or be anyone. I have to play a great hero? No problem. A conniving villain? Awesome. Theatre is just so fun, it's like having a life with do-overs. If you mess up during practice, you run it again! It's life with a plot, a living book. Outside of theatre, I love books, travel, writing, geodes & crystals, cello playing, and art. I would like to thank my mom, dad, and grandparents for all the driving and endless soundtrack listening, my twin sister Emily for the late nights running lines, my brother Will for driving me and my mom to school every day, and my friends for being excited for me and supporting my theatrical endeavor!

Dani Atkins '24: Henchman 1  

I started participating in the theater during Willoughby-Eastlake School of Innovation’s production of Aristocats in 8th grade but would join Laurel’s productions in 11th grade, with A Formal Night Evening after doing speech and debate for my first two years. I would continue to participate in Laurel’s performing arts with Once Upon a Mattress as part of the ensemble, The Tempest as Gonzalo, and Peter and the Starcatcher as Smee. I also play the bass–both electric and upright–and am currently playing with the Euclid Symphony Orchestra and the contradance band Mud in Yer Eye. I love theater because it’s fun to explore different characters, especially with my friends. It’s also really satisfying when everything comes together for opening night. When not onstage, I enjoy drawing, playing Minecraft, or trying to pet my cats.

Eve Belding '25: Doctor  

Matilda is my 7th high school show at Laurel. My favorite role was playing Kaliope in She Kills Monsters last year and my most challenging role was being a last-minute understudy in A Formal Night Evening. I love being in theater because of the people. It is a great opportunity to grow very close with people outside of your grade, especially for this performance where the middle and upper school are combined. When I'm not on stage, I'm usually working on Laurel's Upper School Robotics team. I would like to thank all the upperclassmen who have since graduated and who welcomed me into the Laurel Theater community and gave me the confidence to continue performing.

Lily Blitz '24: Nurse/Henchman 2  

This is my first ever theatrical production. My first real acting experience was the Fundamentals of Acting class, which I took at the start of this school year.  I’ve always loved music, and I especially love singing with other people. I’ve also loved getting to explore and improve my abilities as an actor and dancer. Offstage, I like to write, draw, and spend time with my obnoxious dogs. I’d like to thank Mr Sumlin, Mr Cruse, my parents, and all my friends for inspiring me to finally fulfill my dream of being an actor. 

Amelia Bravo '26: The Acrobat  

I have been doing theater since I was 5 years old and this is my 3rd production with Laurel’s Upper School. I love to sing, act, and pretend I can dance. Every day, I look forward to rehearsal because I get to be around the people who make me the happiest. Watching my friends on stage, I am always in awe of their talent; getting to perform with such amazing people really is a dream come true. When I’m not doing theater, I’m probably listening to music or rewatching a TV show for the hundredth time. I’d like to thank my friends and family for being incredibly supportive, my teachers for not making me do my homework during tech week, and my castmates and directors for always nurturing my love for theater.

Zoe Dent '27: Cook; Parent/Big Kid Ensemble  

This is my first year in any theater production. I love to dance and make people happy with dance. I have loved theater ever since I was 5 years old watching High School Musical. Theater has always been my happy place to express not only myself but a character. When not on stage I like to listen to music and cook food. I would like to thank my sister, Mia for being an inspiration to start being in theater productions.

Bea Dolzine '30: Lavender 

I have been in many productions throughout my life. Some of my favorites were Oliver!, Puffs, and Joseph. I enjoy playing ensemble roles because of how much more involved you are in the making the production. Being in shows has allowed me to expand socially and explore my own acting technique. Off stage I enjoy painting and sitting around with my dog Rigby. I would like to thank my mom for pushing me to do this production and I would like to thank my sister Lucy for helping me get to know her fellow high schoolers.  

Lucy Dolzine '27: Mrs. Phelps 

I have been acting since 2019, and singing since way before then (Winnie the Pooh being one of my favorites). Some of my favorite shows have been Peter and the Starcatcher, Dobama's Emerging Actors Shakespeare extravaganza, The Witches, and That Diner Off Main Street. I love the theater's way of making one be able to express one's self openly (while also giving the best giggles). My favorite part is when everyone becomes so comfortable with each other that we can let go making absolute fools of ourselves, and no one cares. When not onstage, I enjoy eating lots of food, reading lots of books, and skipping through hallways singing about who-knows-what! I would love to thank everyone involved in making this production what it is, my family who deals with my random outbursts of songs while doing dishes, and the creative team who, from the start, made us into a community of loving and supportive performers. 

Kendall Edge '30: Eric  

I have never been in a play before however I have always wanted to be in one because I do love to act and dance. Being onstage is fun for me because you can never go to big. You can play to your character as much as possible. Also, I love being able to dive into an imaginative world with my mind. I can treat my character as a real person, explore who they are, and be able to switch from myself to my character because they are two different people. I also enjoy meeting new people and making connections with my fellow actors on stage. When I'm not acting, I like to paint and build with legos as these are ways I can express my creativity. I would like to thank my Mom, Grandma, and Aunt for pushing me to do this play and pushing me to be the best I can be.    

Mary Abigail Fitz '24: Miss Agatha Trunchbull 

This is my fourth production at Laurel. Previous productions include Twelfth Night, Once Upon a Mattress, and Peter and the Starcatcher. Acting and performing favorite things to do. I love to work with others to create a wonderful production. When acting I am given the ability to become another person completely removed from myself, which is so fun. I like to be able to be outrageous and crazy onstage and no one cares. I can do and say things I never would in real life, but are normal onstage. I will miss Laurel and Laurel Theater so much after I leave and am eternally grateful for all the opportunities I have been given. When I’m not onstage I like to be with my friends and family. I’d like to thank my family, the directors, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Elvis.  

Jade Gladue '24: Miss Honey   

I have been in several Laurel productions, including The Hello Girls, Once Upon a Mattress, as well as Peter and the Starcatcher this past fall. I am also a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus and enjoy singing whenever I can. Additionally, I will be attending the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College next year! When onstage, I love exploring and embodying characters that may be similar or different to me. I also enjoy dissecting the text and presenting it in a very unique and meaningful way. When not onstage, you may find me drawing or playing video games, or playing golf or softball. I'd like to thank our incredible team of directors, our lovely crew, as well as my amazing cast mates. And of course, shout out to my mom!

Cora Gross '27: Parent/Big Kid Ensemble  

I have done four productions here at Laurel including Junie B. Jones, Project Brave, The Tempest, and Peter and the Starcatcher. I love dance classes and participating in various choirs. I have also done a lot of plays and musicals outside of Laurel including Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Pirates of the Silly Seas. I love the cast experience- everyone is amazing to work with. I love seeing my costume for the first time and the lighting is also really cool. When not on stage, I love baking, writing, and the outdoors. I'd like to thank my family and the cast for this experience.  

Eva Gross '25: Mr. Wormwood   

I have been in 3 other Laurel productions, always playing ensemble characters, and am very excited for my very first large role in Matilda. I love the community created in theater with everyone meshing together in very unique ways, as well as all the different perspectives on one character just by asking different people what they think of it. When off stage, I love to read and sing, going on my second year in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus. I would like to thank my mother for helping me out so much when I was first auditioning for my role, as well as my sister, who is also in this production. 

Eryn Howery '28: Tommy  

I’ve been in two previous productions, the last being Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians. This, however, would be my first Laurel School production. I enjoy getting involved with the production process and acting out scenes with castmates. It’s so fun to learn songs and dances as I get to practice my dancing and singing skills, and also to show them off. When I'm not on stage I appreciate a good book and song. I want to thank my mother and father, and my golden doodle, Sammy.

Sage Julka '30: Nigel  

Hello! My name is Sage. I did my first production at the age of 4. It was a kid's production of The Lion King, and I played Puma. Between then and now, I've been in many different children's mini productions including Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and Mary Poppins, but no bigger shows (yet.) I enjoy theater because of the rush. The feeling of anticipation, the knowing that I have been preparing for the very moment of the show for dozens of rehearsals. When I'm onstage, I love to try to make the audience laugh! I would like to thank my family, including my dog, Scrappy for supporting me throughout the production.

Maddox Katiyar '26: Rudolpho  

I have been in Laurel's shows since I was 5 years old, with this being my tenth show. I'm a huge theater enthusiast who plays flute and piccolo on the side, sings in the school's choir, and started a dance club in the Upper School. You will likely find me dancing at all hours of the day in some way. I also did three shows at the Fairmount Center of the Arts when I was younger. I love getting to build a community through theater, especially with this show since Middle Schoolers are also included. When I'm not onstage, I delve into a lot of visual arts, as I am a hugely arts-based individual who listens to music nonstop. Thank you to all of the cast and crew as they're all amazing individuals, and I'd like to thank my friends and family for being wonderful supporters and showing up to the shows. 

Nora Kelly '25: Parent/Big Kid Ensemble  

I have been a part of Laurel's theatre program since 7th grade, and have been a part of theatre since second grade. My favorite productions I have been in are The Hello Girls and Once Upon a Mattress. I enjoy the friendships theatre allows me to foster, and being able to play a role on stage that makes others happy. I meet many different people, who get me into new hobbies that I take on offstage. A few of these hobbies include drawing, singing, and felting. I'd like to thank my parents and brother for always supporting me on this journey, and helping me succeed at what I love most. 

Eliana Kennedy '29: Bruce  

This is my first year at Laurel and Matilda will be the first production that I will act in here. I never really got a chance from 4th to 6th to act so being in Matilda is very exciting and it will skyrocket my acting career. I enjoy singing and being VERY dramatic when I’m on stage. I love theater because no matter how weird or crazy you are, no one will judge you, but instead go along with what you are doing. When I’m not acting you can usually find me reading murder mysteries, playing video games, or drawing. I can also be seen playing with my silly but sweet dog Goose. I want to thank my parents, grandparents, and myself for supporting me in auditioning.

Annabel Lee '30: Amanda/Henchman 3 

This is my first production at Laurel School.  I appeared in the Spring One-Act Plays at Solon Center for the Arts in 2022.  I train as a gymnast at JumpStart Gymnastics and have training in ballet, tap, and jazz. I am grateful to Mr. Cruse, Mr. Sumlin, Mr. McDaniel, my fellow cast members, and all of the crew that are making this production of Matilda magical.  

Sascha Leiken '25: Sergei  

Heya! I’ve been in five Laurel School Productions since 2022, as a crew member in Formal Night Evening, and then as part of the cast in Once Upon a Mattress, The Tempest, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Matilda! I’ve been figure skating since I was three years old and I specialize in Showcase, which is a theatrical sub-category of the sport, and I participated in Fundamentals of Acting and Musical Theatre and Scene Study classes this year. The elements of the theatrical process I enjoy the most is the creative aspect of it; I love creating my own character or expanding on the one I’m given, expanding their personalities and relationships with other characters. Additionally, I love the ensemble-building process that comes with working on a production. When I’m not onstage, you could find me doing one of many things, but usually drawing, crocheting, acting as a coxswain for my rowing team, practicing on the ice, or hanging out with my two dogs! I want to thank my parents for helping me manage the stressful beginning of the semester and encouraging me to do well in all that I do, and my dogs because they’re always the best way to be greeted at the end of a hard day. :) 

Madie Malbasa '24: The Escapologist  

This is my fourth production at Laurel's Upper School. I have also participated in She Kills Monsters, Peter and the Starcatcher, and the Tempest. I have taken fundamentals of acting three times. Theatre is fun. When not onstage I like to play softball, climb, and read. I'd like to thank Owen, Amelia, and Eve for getting me to write this bio, as well as Jade.  

EJ Reindel-Swan '24: Michael Wormwood  

I've been involved in tech crew, especially lighting, in six Laurel Upper School productions, including The Hello Girls, She Kills Monsters, and Once Upon a Mattress. I was also involved in the one time only (unless they win a Tony) A Formal Night Evening and have helped organize tech for a few middle school productions. I have so much fun doing lighting and paying attention all the small details that don't seem to matter until you put them all together. Plus, I get to sit back and enjoy the show! I also love getting to spend time with my friends as we bring the stories to life. Outside of theater, I enjoy reading, crocheting, rock climbing, and movie nights with friends. Thank you to everyone, especially my friends and Mr. Cruse, who encouraged me to join theater–it's been the best decision I could've possibly made. 

Hazel Segal '27: Mrs. Wormwood  

I have been in three Laurel productions; Junie B. Jones, The Tempest, and Peter & the Starcatcher. Besides those shows, I also have stage experience from Laurel’s Upper School Choir. I love doing theater because it allows me to explore different personalities and step outside of my comfort zone. While off stage I like to read, draw, and write. I would like to thank my sister for convincing me to participate in this show with her (break a leg Lulu).

Lulu Segal '29: Alice  

Matilda is my fourth production at Laurel, and I have enjoyed joking and practicing with this amazing cast and crew. I love learning all the songs and dance steps and then putting it them together into a story. When I’m not on stage, I like to hang out with my friends, play with my dog, and bake. I would like to thank my mom, dad and babysitter, Paige, for supporting and transporting me. Thanks to my two younger sisters, Pearl and Daisy, for reading Roald Dahl’s Matilda with me, and thank you to my big sister and castmate, Hazel. I’ve had so much fun being in a second play with you. 

Fiona Thackaberry Stevens '30: Hortensia 

I am a third-generation actor and this is my third production of Matilda. This is the seventh show I have been in since I started acting 18 months ago. My favorite credits include Lavender in Matilda the Musical at Weathervane Playhouse, Sharpay in High School Musical, Jr. and Tiny Tim in Scrooge the Musical.  So far my favorite theater companies are Rubber City Theater and Weathervane Playhouse.  I study acting with Christine McBurney and voice with Denise Milner Howell.  I love theater because it takes me away from any worries or anxiety. When not onstage, I love baking, traveling, and hanging out with my friends. I am grateful to my parents for inspiring me to do this show, my friends for being with me every step of the way, and everyone who worked on the show and helped make it so much fun.

Adria van der Wiel '30: Axton

Ever since I was in third grade I have been performing as a singer for The School of Rock company and performed in 10 shows there. I have also done ballet, tap, acro, and hip-hop dance shows when I was little. When I was in fourth grade I was in the production of Frozen and played Duke Weselton for my town theater in Brecksville. When I sing, dance, and act I feel as if I'm in my element. Theater allows me to escape from all my frustrations and worries. It also is an amazing way for me to connect with my friends and it is a good way to make new ones as well. When I’m not onstage I enjoy listening to my friends act when they are on stage and I like to see and learn all the cool things the crew does behind the seans. I would like to thank my family, my friends, and my dog, Coco.