Addi Barclay is a rising junior in the Lyric Theatre program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, studying with Professor Dawn Harris and Dr Alonza Lawrence. She recently appeared in Carnaval! and Lyric Under the Stars at Illinois. Some of her favorite previous roles include Deloris Van Cartier (Sister Act), Carrie White (Carrie), and the Witch (Into the Woods).

Jack Bertrand is a theatre educator, director, musician, and performer based in Urbana. He teaches Theatre Arts and directs the Comet Theatre program at Edison Middle School. Recent stage credits include Come From Away, Head Over Heels, and The Wedding Singer, and he also serves as music director for The Station Theatre’s upcoming production of Dogfight. Jack holds a master’s degree in choral conducting and is currently pursuing his PhD in Music Education at the University of Illinois.

Dr. Lara Brooks is a dynamic soprano, educator, and director celebrated for her versatility across opera, musical theatre, jazz, and contemporary music. Her performances include roles such as Mother in Ragtime, Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and Tytania in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Dr. Brooks is a sought after clinician who has shared her expertise at conferences and symposiums around the world, with a particular focus on contemporary vocal pedagogy. She serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Voice & Lyric Theatre at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is an Estill Master Trainer®.

Kari Croop is grateful to be performing again after a two-year hiatus from local theater filled with full-time corporate tech drama and the demands of being a mom to three busy triplet teens. Credits include Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins, CUTC), Cinderella (Into the Woods, CUTC), Madame de la Grande Bouche (Beauty and the Beast, CUTC), Eulalie Shinn (The Music Man, CUTC), Aunt Em/Glinda (The Wizard of Oz, CUTC), Eleanor Roosevelt (First Lady Suite, Parkland), Mother (A Christmas Story: The Musical, CPD), Dead Mum (Billy Elliot/Twin City) and the Acid Queen (The Who’s Tommy, CUTC).

Paige Greve is thrilled to be starting her senior year as a Lyric Theatre Major at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign! She is currently studying under the direction of Professor Dawn Harris and Professor Sarah Wigley. You may have previously seen her in Lyric Theatre @ Illinois productions of 35mm: A Musical Exhibition, Under the Stars, Carnaval!, and Black Square at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Her other previous works include Julia in Oberacker and Taylor’s Bandstand, Elizabeth in Oberacker and Taylor’s pilot production of Ace, Celia in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and Foreman in Twelve Angry Men. These productions were performed under the direction of Rebecca Marianetti, Matthew Bourke, and John Forsythe at York Community High School. She would like to thank TAMS for the opportunity to perform and her family and friends for their support!

Nolan J. Rice is thrilled to be a part of TAMS’ opening performance! Recent credits: Ragtime, Romeo and Juliet, Beautiful, Assassins, White Christmas, True West. BS in Acting from Illinois State. This fall, he will be directing Significant Other with Twin City Theatre Company. He wants to thank Abby for inviting him to be a part of this exciting new program!

Noah Larson is a musician, composer, and producer from Central Illinois. He has Music Directed over a dozen productions in the Champaign-Urbana area, including: Anastasia (Parkland Theatre), Mean Girls (CUTC), Memphis (Parkland Theatre), 25th Annual…Spelling Bee (Lyric Theatre @ Illinois), and Fun Home (Station Theatre). Upcoming: Come From Away (Station Theatre). In local music, he is the co-founder and producer for Booth Blues, and plays keyboards with Kilborn Alley Blues Band and Castle Finn.

Alek Mann is an area school administrator and freelance percussionist who has been playing for live and recorded musical theatre performances for 20 years. Recent credits include Ragtime and The Little Mermaid with upcoming performances for Come From Away. Alek would like to thank Justin Brauer for continuing to hire him and his mother Jane for allowing him to be a musician in grade school. Much love!

Justin M. Brauer (Music Director) is a director, musician, and educator whose career includes work with Illinois Theatre, Children‘s Musical Theater San Jose, Parkland College, Music Theatre International, the Curtis Institute of Music, Purdue University, the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, and other colleges and high schools across the country. Select credits: Failure: A Love Story, Assassins, A Funny Thing… Forum, The Neverland, Urinetown, Rent (Illinois Theatre); A Charlie Brown Christmas, Anything Goes, Chicago (Parkland College); Snoopy, The Lightning Thief, Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Frozen, Chess (CMTSJ). By day, he serves as Associate Director of Strategic Engagement for the University of Illinois. He is a co-founder and serves as vice president of the Theatre and Music Society. www.JustinMBrauer.com

Abby Gailey (Director/Producer) is a director, producer, and performer based in Champaign-Urbana. She holds a degree in Dramatic Arts from UNC Chapel Hill and has worked at regional theaters including Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, PlayMakers Repertory Company, Hartford Stage, and La Jolla Playhouse. Recent directing credits include Anastasia, Blithe Spirit, and Chicago* at Parkland Theater. This winter, she’ll be directing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Eastern Illinois University. She is a co-founder and serves as president of the Theatre and Music Society.