Cast of "Once Upon a Mattress"
Shannon Bloom
Character: The Queen
Shannon Bloom is excited to be working with the directors and cast of Front Row Theater’s newest show, “Once Upon a Mattress”. This is her fourth youth show working with Don Bluth, having previously participated in the ensemble cast of “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Music Man”. Last year, Shannon played the Wardrobe in “Beauty and the Beast.” She enjoys getting to know the other youth in the production and has fun spending time with them during rehearsals. She says that working with Don is an incredible experience that she will always remember! Outside of theater, Shannon enjoys clothes design, piano and working with watercolors and oils.
George Piccininni-Avery
Character: The King (Sextimus)
Acting is a new found passion for George, an energetic teenager. He is excited about performing at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre again and to be part of this production. New to the acting community, he made his debut in the role of Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast at this very theatre. His latest role was Eugene, the leading role, in Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs at Desert Stages Theatre. George hopes to continue acting in further productions at DBFRT and beyond. George would like to give an gigantic thanks to Don, Roger, Curtis, and everyone that helped make this show happen and his family and friends their love and support.
Stephen Johnstun
Character: Prince Dauntless
If you frequent high school sports events, you have probably seen Stephen out there on the basketball court. He is a great lover of sports, and comes from a family tradition of the same, with three older brothers who have their eyes on the NFL. The role of Dauntless is a first for Stephen. Moving from the basketball court to the stage has put a big grin on his face. He keeps saying he would like to do more of this “stuff”, and he has a definite talent for the acting arts. He is no stranger to the arts. He is already pointing to great musicals that have inspired him, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and LE MISERALES. Look to see his face more often on the Front Row Theater stage.
Eliza Hill
Character: Lady Larken
My name is Eliza Hill. I am 16 years old and I am the oldest of six children. I live in Arizona, but I consider myself a Minnesota gal because we lived there for seven years. I love to sing, act, read, and play board and card games. I have been in two other plays with Don Bluth. They include Peter Pan (Wendy) and Beauty and The Beast (Silly girl/Narrator/Napkin). I love doing the youth productions because of the bonding experience with the cast and being able to sing and act with some of my best friends.
Noah Coe
Character: Sir Harry
High school is a wonderful time of life; given to young romances, plays ,sports, and choirs. Noah has a captivating vocal ability, and takes advantage of musical opportunities to the max. Most notable is his work in a barbershop quartet, and his group has participated in several competitions. Noah is no stranger to the stage. He was recently in a youth production at Desert Stages, and received great acclaim for his performance. Sir Harry is his first debut on the Front Row Theater stage.
Maddie Kinzie
Character: Winnifred
Maddie Kinzie has been in several shows at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast and Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man. Other shows at DBFRT include Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and Peter Pan. Maddie is very grateful for the opportunity that she has to be a part of this cast. She would like to give a big thanks to her family and friends for all the love and support they have given her.
AJ Nielsen
Character: The Minstrel
I am so glad I have the opportunity to perform at the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre for my 6th time. My favorite roles here have been as the the Wizard in The Wizard of OZ, The Cat in the Hat in Suessical, Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka Jr., and in the ensemble (a knife) in Beauty and the Beast. Thank you to everyone who helps make a show happen!
Pierce Nielsen
Character: The Minstrel
Acting is one of my favorite things to do. I have been in PeterPan, Oliver, Willy Wonka Jr. It's a Wonderful Life (two times), Beauty and the Beast, Suessical, and Once Upon a Mattress. Acting and Singing has given me confidence and helped me to grow as a person. I'm grateful for Don Bluth and all of the actors I have worked with at the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre.
Kate Hill
Character: The Jester
Kate Hill is 13-years-old, and this is her fourth production at Front Row Theatre. Previously she was in Peter Pan (pirate/Indian), Oliver! (The Artful Dodger), and Beauty and the Beast (Lefou). She enjoys all things that help her to be creative whether it is on stage or on the page, and hopes to become an animator.
Calina Thomas
Character: Princess #12 / Sophronia
Besides being lovely to look at, her smile is inspiring, Calina is a talented actress with sensitive insights into playing character roles. Her history with Front Row Theater stretches back a long ways with such memorable moments as, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, OKLAHOMA, and MUSIC MAN. She is actually a director’s dream actor. Whatever part she takes on will be successful. As princess # 12 in MATTRESS, she touches several emotions, shyness, frustration, anger, and finally panic.
Alyssa Ferrell
Character: The Wizard
I absolutely love working with the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre. I have known Don for as long as I can remember. My first show with Don was It's a Wonderful life when I was 8 years old. That was my first-ever acting experience and I have loved it ever since. The cast of each show is not just a cast; it's a family. I love each and every cast member and everyone is such a joy to work with. I look forward to each and every performance as a chance to give something special to the audience that they otherwise couldn't have gotten. Love you Don!!!
Madelynne Shuler
Character: Lady Mabel
Madelynn Shuler is ecstatic in returning for another show at DBFRT. This will be her fourth and last show as a youth. She loves performing, especially as a dancer and actress. Previous performances with the Don and the Front Row Theatre include The Wizard of Oz, The Music Man and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Madelynn has performed in a total of 7 previous productions and has 9 years of piano experience. She hopes to keep performing throughout college and is forever grateful to Don, Roger and each member of all of her casts and her family for their support and encouragement.
Gillian Kinzie
Character: Lady Rowena
Gillian Kinzie is very excited to be back for her 3rd year performing with Don Bluth's youth productions. She has performed in Music Man as Gracie Shinn and as an enchanted object and a candlestick girl in Beauty and the Beast. She has always had a flare for entertaining and at the early age of four began her own "Gillian Show." She loves to sing and loves being with her friends performing. She has been in church and school choirs and is looking forward to participating in future Don Bluth productions.
Brianna Fogelson
Character: Lady in Waiting
When the theater produced WILLIE WONKA, Brianna took on the role of one of the old grandparents. Our makeup artist had a big challenge in making her look tired, gnarly, and covered with wrinkles. Her features are strikingly beautiful, and so is her personality. Our director, claims she sparkles on stage. Brianna is the Lady in waiting who offers Winnifred fashionable dry gowns to wear after she got out of the moat. It wouldn’t be surprise if she became a fashion designer someday. Her dress style is unique. Congratulations. Go Brianna.
Katherine Lynch
Character: Lady in Waiting
When Katherine came to Front Row Theater, she requested to do props only. She claimed to have no interest in being on stage. However during rehearsals, the director noticed a faint twinkle in her eyes as she watched the musical numbers unfold. Finally she conceded to take part in one of the musical numbers, and, you guess it; she was hooked. Interesting, some of the audience have been asking, “who is that lovely girl in white.” Congratulations Katherine, Keep up the good work.
Rachel Pilkington
Character: Lady in Waiting
Thirteen years old and currently enrolled in Explorer Middle School, Rachael plays volleyball, and soccer; however, in the arena of the arts, she loves to sing. She has attended two summer camps with the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre, participating in both PETER PAN and WILLY WONKA productions. It has been an inspiration to watch Rachael develop into a seasoned performer. As a “Lady in waiting,” in the production of “MATTRESS,” she brings confidence, beauty and a lovely singing voice to this year’s youth production.
Lauren Aston
Character: Lady in Waiting
Lauren Aston One of my dreams has always been to become an actress. I have loved working on Once Upon a Mattress with Don Bluth Front Row Theatre. I love meeting new people and getting to be part of a whole new world on the stage. I can't wait for my acting journey to continue throughout the years ahead.
Marissa Piccininni-Avery
Character: Lady in Waiting
Marissa Piccininni-Avery Marissa used to be very shy about performing in front of people, but now she does not mind it at all! Ever since her first role as “Mrs. Bucket” in Willy Wonka at Don Bluth Front Row Theater, Marissa has completely fallen in love with theater, and wishes to continue to do theater for as long as she can. Her other roles include “The Baker” in Beauty and the Beast, “Dot” in Honk! The Musical, “The Wicked Witch” in The Wizard of Oz, and “Lady Merrill” in Once Upon a Mattress. Theater has taught Marissa to get out of her comfort zone, and has improved her confidence. If it were not for Don Bluth’s theater, she never would have known how magical the stage can truly be.
Payton Bloom
Character: Lady in Waiting
This is Payton Bloom’s second production with Front Row Theater. She had a great experience in the ensemble of “Beauty and the Beast” and is excited to work with Don and Roger in this year’s show, “Once Upon a Mattress”. Payton loves spending time with the cast and has made many great friends! She has participated in theater camps throughout the valley and is looking forward to Front Row Theater’s summer camp production of Annie. In her free time, Payton loves to read, draw and play soccer and the piano.
Makenna Ferrell
Character: Lady in Waiting
This is my 5th show with Don, and it's my absolute favorite!! I love working with him. Even when you have a part in ensemble Don does a great job of still making us have fun up on stage and a great time. I love my friends, doing crafts, and singing in my choir at school. The top auditioned choir at my school (Desert Canyon Middle School) is DC Voices, and I am it. We sing some amazing arrangements and have so much fun! But still my favorite hobby is probably acting, and it's been my favorite doing it at Don Bluth Front Row Theater. No place is like it and it's an amazing experience. I'm so thankful for Don and everyone who helps to make it all happen!!
Faith Graham
Character: Lady in Waiting
Faith Graham is thrilled to be a part of Once Upon a Mattress. Faith has enjoys being on stage and interacted with people of all ages. This will be Faith’s 14th play she has participated in. She is a bright young woman that loves to help others and make people happy. She wants to be a positive influence in other’s lives. Faith also enjoys Brazilian Jiu Jitzu, singing, family activities, and socializing with friends.
Angyle Mills
Character: Lady in Waiting
I love Don! He is so kind and creative. I first started acting at his theatre during the summer show Willy Wonka. I was nervous at first but the cast was so helpful and encouraging. I continued with his shows of Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, and now Once Upon A Mattress. I am so grateful for everything Don does and the rest of the very helpful ladies and gentlemen. I am glad that I have found a place to be me.
BROOKE NIELSEN
Character: Lady in Waiting
My experience here has been “practically perfect in every way.” I've “got no diamonds got no pearls still I think I'm a lucky girl I've got” the Don Bluth Front Row Theater.”I've always been shy! I confess it I'm shy!”, but when I'm on stage performing I'm “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” My experience has been amazing and I've loved working with many wonderful people. I have performed as Gracie Shinn in The Music Man, a cup in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the Sour Kangaroo in Suessical, and as a lady in waiting in Once upon a mattress. Come to Don’s theater and you'll enter a “world of pure imagination.”
Melody Silva
Character: Lady in Waiting
I am 13 years of age and have had 5 theater experiences, all at the Don Bluth Front Row Theater. I was very shy when I was younger but always secretly wanted to be an actor. Working in the theater has been a great experience for me. I’ve loved every show that I’ve been in, and honestly was always a bit sad that I was never able to see them for myself. I believe anyone can be an actor as long as they put their heart into it. I have yet to receive a major role in a play, but working in Don’s theater has taught me that even the smallest things and parts can make a huge difference in the production. Every background character is important and helps make the show amazing, not only that but helping backstage is also a big thing that makes a huge difference, in the show, and in how you demonstrate responsibility. Some other things that I enjoy are drawing, art, playing my instrument, and reading.
Serena Turner
Character: Lady in Waiting
Serena Turner is new to DBFRT and is very excited to participate in such a wonderful production. She has performed in school productions and is excited to expand her acting horizons. Serena loves working with Don and the other fabulous cast members. She hopes to be able to do this again and is so thankful for this opportunity. Serena has learned a lot about working in a team to be able to put together something beautiful. She really enjoys the feeling of performing and is thrilled by the spirit of the theater. This wonderful new experience has taught her so much about the process of putting on a production like this. There are a lot of jobs that need to be fulfilled in order to put on the show and Serena is really glad to be a part of it.
Nathan Carter
Character: Knight
This handsome youngster is twelve, and goes to Cicero Prep Middle School. He definitely has an affinity for sports, especially basketball and baseball. Off stage he has proved to be a bit of joker, always telling jokes to members of the cast. On stage he is little more serious, which he accredits to his lawyer father. Nathan has several lines in the play which he delivers with great style. He just might turn out to be an stage actor.
Sam Levine
Character: Knight
Sam is twelve years old and attends the Jones Gordon Middle School. What does he love doing? He loves to play video games. He has a great love for the outdoors. Hiking and swimming are on the top of his list. His parents recently gifted him a new dog, and when he talks about “Speedy,” his face lights up like a Christmas tree. I’ve noticed a huge improvement in his on stage performance since Speedy arrived. Thanks Speedy.
NAKOA DAVIS
Character: Knight
NAKOA DAVIS has been interested in theatre since going to DBFRT’s 2014 production of Guys and Dolls. Nakoa’s comment after that play was “That was the best two hours of my life!” Nakoa has performed in DBFRT’s plays for the past two years in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as Mr. Bucket, Seussical and Beauty and the Beast. In November 2015, Nakoa performed at his school, Saguaro High in Scottsdale, as Mr. Beaver in The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. Nakoa was also in the ensemble of Les Miserable in March, while also rehearsing for Once Upon a Mattress.
