Cinderella

Ella – 

Zoella Sneed (she/her) is an Actor and Teaching Artist, recently graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with degrees in Theatre Performance and Theatre for Youth. She currently serves as Director of School-Based Programming and a Company Actor for The Rose Theater. In her theatre artistry, she has dedicated herself to discovering opportunities surrounding equity/anti-racism work and theatre for social change in order to create spaces for those of marginalized communities to take up space and use theatre as a platform to create and share their voices. She was recently seen as "Elephant" in Giraffes Can't Dance: The Musical at The Rose Theater and "Dawn" in Coco Queens at Great Plains Theatre Commons.

Topher –

"Topher” is played by Corbin Griffin. This is his very first Rose Theater show and is blessed to be able to grace the stage with such wonderful people. Corbin made his debut this past April at Benson Theater as “David” in Choir Boy. Since then, he has performed at the Union for Contemporary Art in show's Belle Terre by Justin Payne and Frydadies by Eric Lawson. So far, his favorite role has been “Orin (The Dentist)” in Little Shop of Horrors. He currently works as a full-time caregiver. You can see him in upcoming shows at the Omaha Community Playhouse in 2023!

Additional credits:
Melvin- Belle Terre (The Union for Contemporary Art)
Osei- Culture Shock (GPTC)
Evan- Greater Illinois (GPTC)

Madame – 

Hau, mitakuyepi! Carina is a queer, nonbinary, Dakota Theater Educator & Actor originally from South Dakota.

Carina has been a Teaching Artist and Company Actor at The Rose since Fall of 2018; they are now the Associate Director of CommUNITY Connections at The Rose Theater.

As part of their teaching philosophy, Carina continues to make space for Native youth to share their culture and explore storytelling in a theatrical setting – breaking down the theatrical colonial mindset one straw at a time.

Some of their favorite theatrical endeavors include Giraffes Can't Dance(as Gerald), Winnie the Pooh (as Winnie the Pooh), Darkness Like A Dream (as Hermia),The Jungle Book (as Baloo), Ella Enchanted (as Olive), Eurydice (Director), and Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Stage Manager/Prop Designer). #MMIR #BLM #EveryChildMatters

Pidamaye! Awáŋihdaka.
https://carinadumarce.weebly.com/

Sebastian –

As an Artist, Matthew (he/him) believes the sharing of story is intrinsically human, art and education should be accessible, and is fascinated with prioritizing & exploring the connective thread between actor and audience.
 
As a professional actor (currently based in Omaha, NE) Matthew has worked extensively for the last 20 years.  As a lover of language select Shakespeare credits include; Twelfth Night (OSSO), Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, Midsummer, Macbeth (Nebraska Shakespeare). As an explorer of physical theater/comedy he has found the most joy working on; Corduroy (The Rose Theater) & The Woodsman (Bluebarn Theatre). Some favorite credits include projects he’s shared with his partner Sarah; Venus In Fur, R33 (Bluebarn Theatre), It’s a Wonderful Life (The Rose Theater), Cinderella (The Rose Theater), and Every Brilliant Thing.

 As a Facilitator, Matthew has worked as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and University of South Florida as an Acting & Theatre Instructor. He is the creator of In Process Actor Training of Omaha and continues to work with learners of all ages in various disciplines (Acting, Directing, Intimacy, Combat, Shakespeare, Movement, Mime, & Storytelling). Matthew holds a B.F.A. from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and an M.F.A. from Florida State University– Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. 

Matthew is grateful to continue to be privileged enough to do what he loves. Thank you to my family, theatrical and biological for your love & support.

Marie –

Zhomontee is a mental health therapist and owner of Melanated Allied Counseling and Studio. She is a local actress and award winning performer. You may notice Zhomontee from her roles in Belle/ Cruella in The Descendants at The Rose, Uncle Billy/ Harry in It’s a Wonderful Life at The Rose and her roles as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Zhomontee has received an OEAA for best actress in a musical in 2017 and a Mary Peckham award from OCP for an outstanding performance in a musical.

Gabrielle/Dance Captain –

Biannah is so excited to be back on The Rose stage for another classic production - Cinderella. Last summer, she was in The Sound of Music at The Rose as Sister Margaretta. When she's not on stage, she can easily be found at The Rose Studios for Youth Artists as the Manager. Biannah was born, raised, and first trained in ballet, singing, and organ playing the Philippines. When she was 16 years old, she moved to the US to be part of a traveling performing arts group. With this opportunity, she traveled to Europe, Japan, and different parts of the US teaching and performing. Since then, she's been seeking multiple opportunities to delve in the arts in Nebraska. She very grateful to continue to share her enthusiasm for the performing arts at The Rose.

Charlotte – 

Kylah Calloway is a musical theatre actress and director based in Omaha, NE. A recent graduate of UNO, Kylah has performed and directed at venues such as The Union of Contemporary Arts, Omaha Fringe Festival, Ollie Webb Center (or The Scottish Rite) and others. When she is not onstage Kylah enjoys making coffee as a barista. For more visit https://kylahcalloway99.wixsite.com/mysite

Jean-Michel –

Hey everyone--I'm Fran--and I'm thrilled to be back at The Rose Theater! I've been fortunate to share the magic of the stage with fellow cast members and patrons in the productions of Newsies, Matilda, and Elf: The Musical. I feel grateful to again be back at The Rose with the incredible and talented cast of Cinderella! If I'm not working in a lab, you can find me out and about with my dancing shoes as Lady Etta Mommy, a drag queen! As a California native who now resides in Omaha, I look forward to sharing my dancing slippers with you all! Fran X. Adrianto

Lord Pinkleton – 

Ever since he was a little boy Donovaughn had a strong love for the story of Cinderella and now gets to live a dream come true by making a story he adores come to life in his first ever role at the iconic Rose Theater. Donovaughn would like to thank his mom, his boyfriend Alan, his best friend Allie and his grandmother for always believing in him and helping him believe in himself. Not only does Donovaughn have a passion for theater he's also been growing his social media presence since the pandemic with now having 19.8k followers on TikTok and growing! Donovaughn would also like to thank the wonderful cast, crew and staff of The Rose Theater for giving him such a wonderful opportunity to preform in the theater that made him want to becoming a performer.

Raccoon Puppeteer –

Sabori Cervantes is grateful for having been part of this magical production of Cinderella at The Rose Theater. Performing at The Rose has been a dream of hers since she was a young girl. Additionally, Cinderella has always been her favorite princess. She felt that this opportunity was almost too good to be true!

Sabori grew up in Omaha, writing and performing plays for her family since she can remember. She threw herself into her school's theatre programs and always knew that the stage was a place where she felt at home. She is currently in her third year at Creighton University and is double majoring in Spanish and Hispanic Studies and in Theatre Performance and she plans to go on to receive a master's degree in Secondary Education. She would like to thank all of her theatre teachers and directors, from both Mercy High School and Creighton, for their teaching and wisdom, as well as her support system, a.k.a. Mom and Papi, for their continual abundance of love and encouragement.

Fox Puppeteer/Ensemble/Puppet Engineer –

Jessica is excited to be back on The Rose mainstage especially bringing this beautiful show fox friend to life.  She is originally from Maine and has been involved in professional theater since the age of 3. Jessica holds a degree in early childhood development and education with a theater arts focus as well a voice, instrumental, fine arts, puppetry, writing and photography. She loves teaching and working with students, sharing the joy and passion that theater, especially musical theater can bring to them and their community.   Jessica is an award-winning puppeteer and has been the voice for commercials and videos in the Omaha Metro area as well as worked on shows for CBS and the Discovery Channel. Jessica is a fiber artist, designer, and educator and when not directing, designing, writing, puppeteering, or on stage. Jessica is mom to two amazing artistic daughters, Jules & Jocey, and wants to thank family & friends for always believing in her & allowing her to dance amongst the stars!

You may have seen her on stage, assistant directing, or back stage for shows here at The Rose, such as The Sound of Music, Up and Away, It's A Wonderful Life, Penguin Problems, Elf the Musical, Ella Enchanted, Bucket Of Blessings, The Cat In The Hat, Go Dog Go, Thumbelina, Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt, Curious George and The Golden Meatball, Wynken, Blynken and Nod, Babe The Sheep Pig, Huck Finn and Good Night Moon! She is an ensemble member for Kerfuffle TVY and the puppeteer and voice behind the award winning Professor Durham for a weekly virtual show, Museum LIVE! at the Durham Museum. Jessica is super excited to also be bringing her award winning theater for the very young sensory adventure show "Firefly" to the Rose this spring!

Ensemble –

Alfred has been performing in Omaha for 5 years and is really excited to work with The Rose again after having a wonderful time in their production of The Sound of Music. He started as a dancer at Creighton and has since continued his education in singing and acting.
Additional credits:
The Sound of Music - The Rose
Popularity Coach - The Rose

Ensemble –

Sydney is extremely excited to perform in The Rose’s production of Cinderella, her first mainstage show. She is a Freshman at Papillion South and in her third year of Show Choir. Sydney has always loved singing and dancing, becoming a Rose Kid at age six, and quickly finding her passion for musicals. Leading to rolls including Mrs. Phelps, Matilda the Musical (Rose Brigade), Gertrude McFuzz, Seussical the Musical (Papillion Middle), and Fairy Godmother, Descendants the Musical (Rose Youth Productions). This is her fourth year in The Rose Brigade and she would like to thank Sue Gillespie Valker, Jerry Brabec, and Michael James for their advice and encouragement throughout her journey.

Ensemble –

Judson Cloudt is honored to be back on The Rose mainstage! You may have seen Judson at The Rose Theater as Cooper in Popularity Coach during October, Kurt Von Trapp in The Sound of Music this past June, or as Nigel in Matilda the Musical in 2019. Other local credits include the Bellevue Little Theater where he played Josh Baskin in BIG The Musical and Leroy Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, both in 2021. The Omaha Community Playhouse: A Christmas Carol (2016 – 2019), Annie the Musical (Dog Catcher), Shrek The Musical (Baby Bear) and Beauty and the Beast (Pepper Shaker). He also played Wally Webb in Our Town at UNO. Judson is in 8th grade at Otte Middle School in the Blair Community School District. He enjoys participating in Student Senate, Circle of Friends, Show Choir, and Concert Choir at school. Judson is excited to perform in Cinderella this holiday season and wishes all of our audience members peace and happiness in the New Year!

Ensemble –

As a native of Omaha, Nebraska, Sania is excited and honored to represent Nebraska as a national title holder of America’s Junior Miss Preteen and National American Miss (NAM) Miss Nebraska Preteen! She is also an international talent queen and scholarship award recipient. As a 13-year-old, she is busy with pageantry, singing, dance team, track, piano lessons, and volunteering in her community. Her accolades are as follows:

· National America’s Junior Miss Preteen 2021-2022 (IJM)
· International Talent 2021-2022 (NAM)
· National American Miss Nebraska Preteen 2021-2022
· POA Miss Nebraska Preteen 2021
· 1st Place talent winner 2019, 2020, & 2021 – POA & NAM
· Outstanding American Miss – Talent Winner/Queen
· Cash Scholarship award recipient – Talent & Spokesmodel
· Cruise award recipient – America’s Junior Miss
· Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo XYZ/ Jr. Crew member volunteer
· YES (Youth Emergency Services) volunteer
· Dance & singing performances at UNMC – Culture Fest, Gospel Fest, Black History Month, & Juneteenth
· Gymnastic Silver team – 2019/2020
· The Rose (RDP) Dance team 2021/2022
· State & Regional 400m/800m Track Medalist (Wings Of Omaha Select Track Team
· St. Cecelia School Choir soloist, track, & school play participant

Sania is currently an 8th grade honor roll student at St. Cecelia Grade School which she enjoys volunteering, performing in plays, and singing in their choir. In addition to her school activities, she has a passion for fashion, helping rescue animals, and owning her own businesses. She aspires to become a fashion designer, singer, and own an animal spa and shelter. She is also registered and volunteers with Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue. Her passion for animals of any kind, lead her to become a volunteer at the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo for the past 4 summers!

Ensemble –

Carson is very excited to be part of the ensemble in this production of Cinderella. This is his sixth time participating in a mainstage production at The Rose Theater. Carson first appeared at The Rose as Tootles, one of the Lost Boys, in Peter Pan. He is proud to be a seven-year member of The Rose Brigade and is currently a senior at Millard North High School.

Ensemble –

Grant is so excited to be part of Cinderella! Grant was most recently in The Sound of Music at The Rose Theater and was Marlin in the iTheatrics promotional video for Finding NEMO Kids, which was filmed in New York City in June 2022. Grant also appeared in Disney’s Descendants The Musical and Elf The Musical at The Rose Theater. Grant has been a member of The Senior Rose Brigade for five years where he is currently a dance captain and is a member of The Rose Dance Project. At Millard North High School, Grant is a dance captain and member of the Millard North Varsity Show Choir, Infinity. In his free time, Grant enjoys volunteering as a student leader for the Millard North middle school show choir.  Grant would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support of his passion for musical theater. 

Director –

Currently, Sarah is a freelance facilitator of Storytelling, Adaptation, Shakespeare and Gender Performance, and Creative Mindfulness workshops. Sarah Lynn works with Creighton University, Why Arts, and serves as a professional STEAM mentor for UNMC’s Opportunity Corp.

Additionally, Sarah Lynn has worked for Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Utah Shakespeare, Folger Library Theatre, Denizen Theatre (NY), Nebraska Shakespeare, NTC productions, BlueBarn Theatre, Omaha Symphony, and Opera Omaha. She has a Masters of Arts in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado and has trained with TIE (Theatre Intimacy Education) for two years. Most recently, Sarah Lynn directed a production Every Brilliant Thing for Lamplighter Theatre in Staples, MN.

Music Director –

Jerry Brabec, tenor, is an Ordained Deacon on the clergy staff at Omaha Saint Paul United Methodist Church where he serves as Minister of Worship. His responsibilities include the overseeing of liturgical preparation for the congregation of 350. He also serves as choral director for Temple Israel’s Kol Rina. Awarded the Master of Music degree from the University of Nebraska, he studied choral conducting with Dr. Cina Crisara and Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. As a chorister of the acclaimed Robert Shaw Festival Chorus at Carnegie Hall, he sang for five years under the baton of the late Robert Shaw; was twice selected one of six participants in the Alice Parker Melodius Accord Fellowship Program; and frequently continues his conducting studies with Ms. Parker during January in New York. At The Rose Theater the past thirteen seasons, “Cinderella” marks his 51st show as a resident music director/vocal coach. He also serves as music director for the nationally acclaimed Rose Brigade, one of the award winning offerings of the “Broadway at The Rose” program. Formerly, Jerry taught at the high school level for Council Bluffs Community Schools, served as associate artistic director of the Omaha Clarion Chorale, and as artistic director for the Kanesville Chorus and Renaissance Faire of the Midlands.