HAIRSPRAY

ISAIAH ALSTON (Seaweed J. Stubbs) is an internationally acclaimed performing artist, actor, dancer and model making his WPPAC debut! Theatre: Carnival Cruise Line, Women Of Color On Broadway. TV: The X Factor, Kristen Chenoweth & The LA Philharmonic Orchestra. Film: White Men Can’t Jump. Music: In My Feelings on all music platforms. Isaiah is grateful to God, his family, friends, and the FSE family for their unwavering support. IG: @isaiahalston_ Website:isaiahsalston.com

KATHERINE “KATIE” ASHLEY (Little Inez) is thrilled to join the Hairspray cast. Katie, a seventh grader at Tuckahoe Middle School, discovered her passion for musical theatre through engaging in school productions and performances with the Helen Hayes Youth Theatre Company. As a self-proclaimed theatre kid, Katie has showcased her talents in various productions, including The Little Mermaid, Willy Wonka, Annie, Matilda, and School House Rock. Katie enjoys singing, dancing, and playing the piano when she’s not on stage.  

HANNAH BONNETT (Brenda/Ensemble/Penny u/s) is thrilled to be performing with the WPPAC HAIRSPRAY TEAM! Tour: Legally Blonde (Elle Woods). Off-Broadway: FIVE: The Parody Musical (Ivanka), Big Bang Theory… (Bernadette), The Picher Project (Suzanna). Hannah was most recently seen in the World Premiere of Dandelion (Jane) and as a co-star on the TV Show FBI! Hannah graduated from Pace University’s BFA Musical Theatre Program and is signed with The Hells Kitchen Agency. All thanks to Brian and the WPPAC team! This one is for Mom- my favorite duet partner x Insta: @hannah_bonnett17 TikTok: @hannahbonnett

DEAN CESTARI* (Link Larkin) is stoked to be back at WPPAC to shake & shimmy with this beautiful company. Dean recently played Anatole in the Shanghai premiere of Great Comet of 1812. Off-Broadway: Stranger Sings! The Musical (Mike Wheeler, OCR). National Tour: Mamma Mia! (25th Anniversary), Fiddler on the Roof, A Christmas Story. Regional: Sound of Music (u/s Rolf, Paper Mill Playhouse), Kinky Boots (u/s Charlie, North Shore Music Theatre/TBTS), Footloose (Ren), Saturday Night Fever (Tony Manero), Newsies (Davey, WPPAC/TBTS), Legally Blonde, South Pacific. TV: American Horror Story (Sean, S11E8), Law & Order. Special shoutout to his amazing agent, Brian, at HKA for his constant support. For my incredible family, friends & for Patrick. Hope Zac Efron is proud <3 @deancestari | www.deancestari.com

INDYA CHERISE (Cindy Watkins/Dynamite/Ensemble) is so excited to be joining the WPPAC family! A Goodyear, Arizona native, Indya has been performing nearly her whole life. She is so grateful to be making her professional debut with such a talented and passionate group of people. She began her studies at NYU Tisch School of the Arts for musical theatre, and finished her degree at The New York Conservatory in May 2024. Big love to mom and sissy. This is for you! And thank you to God, most of all!!!! More available on instagram/linktree: @indyacherise  

ASHIA COLLINS (Shayna/Dynamite/Ensemble) is so grateful to be a part of the cast of Hairspray! Born in Poughkeepsie NY, Ashia began pursuing her passion at Western Connecticut State University with amazing professors and continued her training with the LINK program. She began her career at the Broadway Palm Theatre and has also worked with RWS, Disney Cruise Line and the National Tour of Hairspray. She would like to thank her family and God for everything. IG @collinsashia

LIZ DAVIS (Tammy/Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at WPPAC ponying the day away with such a stellar group of humans! She recently wrapped up as the female swing on The Cher Show First National Tour and was last seen on this stage as Shelby in The Prom. Other credits include You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Lucy), White Christmas (Rita), Jersey Boys (Lorraine). Much love to all her friends and family. Inhale confidence, exhale doubt. 🙂 @lizzdavviss

JANET DICKINSON* (Velma Von Tussle) is thrilled to be making her debut as VELMA here at the White Plains Performing Art Center. Broadway: Anastasia OG cast. Bullets Over Broadway OG cast; How The Grinch Stole Christmas OG cast; Happiness at Lincoln Center; Little Dancer (Mary Cassatt) World premiere at the Kennedy Center. Tours: Mrs. Wilkinson in Billy Elliot; 9 to 5 The Musical. Off-Broadway: Sandy in Fat Camp; Forbidden Broadway’s Rude Awakening cast recording and 2008 Drama Desk Award.Chasing Rainbows  World premiere at the Flat Rock Playhouse. 2011 NYMF Award for Best Individual Performance in “Madame X”. HBO- High Maintenance; Billions on Showtime; Feud on FX Capote vs. The Swans. Janet is originally from Bemidji, MN. Thanks to Doug, my family, friends and agents at Carson/Kolker for all of their support.  

CHRIS DONOVAN (Male Authority Figure/Edna & Wilbur u/s) is thrilled to be making his WPPAC debut. He has most recently been seen as Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys (Winnipesaukee Playhouse) and Harry Bright in Mamma Mia (Plaza Theatrical). His other credits include the Senator/Mayor in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (National Tour), Damn Yankees (River Rep), Midnight Clear (Riverside Theater), Shakespeare in Space (Mint Theater), Cymbeline (Brick Theater), Delilah (Midtown Festival), Pride & Prejudice (Theatre for a New City), and MacBeth (Edinburgh Fringe/Judith Anderson Theatre NYC). He studied acting/directing at Western Connecticut State University, Circle in the Square Theatre School, CUNY Brooklyn College, and Roosevelt University at The Chicago College of the Performing Arts. He is a member of SAG/AFTRA, SAFD, and is on the theatre faculty at LIU Post, CUNY City College & SUNY Westchester. @chrisdonovan.nyc

HOLLY ECHSNER (Lou Ann/Ensemble/Velma u/s) is thrilled to be back performing with White Plains Performing Arts. She most recently performed in the Regional Premiere of Anastasia. Some of her favorite professional credits include Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde, and Valerie Clark in A Chorus Line. Other credits include All Shook Up and Sister Act with San Diego Musical Theatre. Holly graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Musical Theater Performance. You can find Holly chasing her dreams in New York City. She is grateful to her family for all their love and support. Instagram @Holly_xner

AMY GRIFFIN* (Prudy Pingleton) is delighted to be onstage at WPPAC, having directed 4 Mainstage productions here. Amy is an NYC actor/director who has appeared on Broadway in How the Grinch Stole Christmas; Off-Broadway in The English Bride, Mr. President, Infertility, Forbidden Broadway, Newsical, and Once Upon A Mattress (w/Jackie Hoffman); in the First National Tours of Seussical (w/Cathy Rigby) and Grinch; and regionally as standby for Judy Kuhn, Unknown Soldier (Arena Stage); Male Greek Chorus, How I Learned to Drive (Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Critics’ Choice Award); and Alison, Fun Home (New England Premiere, Critics’ Circle Award). Love to SB and NB, and thanks to the creative team!

JUSTIN R. G. HOLCOMB* (Wilbur Turnblad) NATIONAL TOURS: Cheers – Live on Stage.  NCL: Rock of Ages (Hertz), Million Dollar Quartet (Sam Phillips), Footloose (Wes), Wine Lovers – The Musical.  NEW YORK: Channeling Kevin Spacey; Monster; Sayonara; Honor Bound; Two by Tennessee; Ladyship (Sami Saltzman, Dir.), Orphan Train (Patricia Birch, Director); Hamlet(Claudius); Henry VI, pt 3 (Warwick); The Cherry Orchard (Lopakhin); Teen Party Massacre! (Director & Co-Librettist/Composer).  REGIONAL: Actors Theatre of Louisville: A Christmas Story (The Old Man); Arkansas Rep: A Christmas Story; Gateway Playhouse: Fiddler on the Roof (Lazar Wolf); PICT Theatre: Macbeth (Banquo), Observe the Sons of Ulster… (Roulston), The Crucifer of Blood(Dr. Watson); Gulfshore Playhouse: Unnecessary Farce (Todd); Westchester Broadway: Show Boat.  TV: The Blacklist, FBI, The Last O.G., Unforgettable.  Col. Holcomb is an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma, and a Kentucky Colonel. www.justinrgholcomb.com

JADEN HOLTSCHLAG (IQ/Ensemble/Dance Captain is so excited to be performing at White Plains Performing Arts Center! Regional credits include: A Christmas Story (Lexington Theatre Company), Hello Dolly, Spamalot, Fiddler on the Roof (Woodstock Playhouse), Matilda, Elf (Constell-ation Stage), The Prom, Escape to Margaritaville, Beautiful, Rock of Ages, Rocky Horror (Forest-burgh Playhouse), and Joseph . . . Dreamcoat (Utah Festival Opera). BFA Musical Theatre, Indiana University. He would like to thank his family and friends for all their love and support. @jadenholtschlag 

ISABELLA JONES (Little Inez) is a 12 year old honor student at North Salem Middle School/High School in North Salem, Putnam County, N.Y. (Birthday Dec 3rd).  She loves volleyball, track and field and hanging out with her friends. She has also been in the band as a clarinet player and in the chorus for the last four years. This is her first time in a professional performance and is very excited.

BRIAN KALINOWSKI (Edna Turnblad) grew up in Wilmington, DE, received a B/A in Theatre: Acting/Directing from DeSales University in Allentown, PA, and has lived in NYC for the past 20 years. Brian originated the role of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray onboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Other credits include: Chicago (Amos) on the 25th Anniversary International Tour; The Prom (Sheldon u/s Barry);  Sister Act (Joey). Brian is also an award-winning performer at NYC’s legendary Don’t Tell Mama Piano Bar. IG: @bkonbway  

MEAGHAN MAHER (Penny Pingleton) is thrilled to be making her WPPAC debut! Meaghan is a recent graduate of WCSU where she received her BFA in musical theater. Recent credits include: Dorothy (Shenandoah Summer Music), Hairspray (Amber), Elle Woods (Great Plains), Something Rotten! (Portia), Sweeney Todd (Johanna). Regional: Annie (Engeman Theater), The Music Man, A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Christmas Carol. Many thanks to her friends, family and Mikey at The Collective for their love and support. @meaghannmaher

ELLISHA MARIE (Motormouth Maybelle) is thrilled to be back at WPPAC, a theatre she refers to as her second home. She attended the American Musical & Dramatic Academy, a college & conservatory for the performing arts. She has since played notable characters such as Dotty Moffett in Caroline or Change at The Gallery Players & Trio/Soloist in the Inaugural Cast of After Midnightonboard N.C.L’s ‘Escape’. Ellisha Marie has performed the role of Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray at The Millbrook Playhouse and onboard R.C.C.L’s Oasis of the Seas. Her cast was featured on the 66th Annual Tony Awards and were the first group of performers integrated into a prominent award show, broadcasting live from the Caribbean Sea. Ellisha Marie has performed as a background vocalist for music artists all-stars such as Josh Groban at Jones Beach Amphitheater & Michael Buble at Madison Square Garden. Regional Credits at WPPAC include: The Color Purple (Church Lady), Ghost The Musical (Oda Mae Brown), Newsies (Medda Larkin) and A Christmas Carol (The Ghost of Christmas Present). “Special thanks to my heartbeats K.J.A.N. for their continuous support. To my Angel Mom and Dad, this show is for you. To God be the Glory!”ellishamarie.com, IG/Threads:@ellishamarie 

JOSEPHINE MAUREEN (Amber Von Tussle)  is thrilled to be making her debut with WPPAC this winter. Some of her recent credits include Off-Broadway: Cinderella (Charlotte), Millikin University: Into the Woods (Witch), She Loves Me (Ensemble, Ilona u/s). She is a recent graduate of Millikin University and is originally from Fargo, North Dakota. She would like to thank her dog Franklin and her incredible midwest fan club. @josephinemaureen.g

ANDREW MEIER (Brad/Ensemble/Dance Captain) is a senior currently attaining his BFA in Musical Theatre at TCU and is ecstatic to be working on his first show with WPPAC. Recent credits include Casa Mañana’s: Grease (Sonny/Dance Captain), Newsies(Oscar/Ensemble), and BatBoy (Ensemble). He has also performed in Cruel Intentions (Greg) and Once Upon a Mattress (Prince Dauntless) at StageWest/Uptown Players. Other credits include Catch Me If You Can (Frank Jr.), Eurydice (Orpheus), Sweet Charity (Frug Dancer), Mamma Mia (Pepper/Sky), Othello (Iago U/S) and Wild Party (Ensemble). He would love to thank God and his loving family for all the support through this incredible opportunity. @andrew.meier

JENNA LEIGH MILLER* (Tracy Turnblad) is thrilled to be back at WPPAC playing one of her Dream Roles! Jenna is a NYC based Actor/ Singer/ Dancer, Content Creator, Social Media Manager and Theatre & Brand Coach (@ProblemSolvedbyJenna). You can catch JLM at BroadwayCon presenting the panel Branding like a Broadway Boss in February. Select Credits: Anything Goes– Reno Sweeney (Black Rock Theater), Hairspray– Tracy (Roxy Regional Theatre, ETC), Elf– Deb (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina/ Mill Mountain Theatre), Oliver!– Sally/ Dance Captain (Sharon Playhouse), Side Show– Dolly Dimples/ Dance Captain (WPPAC), Escape to Margaritaville– Tammy/ Dance Captain (Cumberland County Playhouse). Otterbein University BFA in Musical Theatre. Never a dull moment on Insta & TikTok: @JennaLeighMiller so follow along on her #JennaforBroadway journey! JennaLeighMiller.com

PATRICK MURRAY (Fender/Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his WPPAC debut in Hairspray! Regional credits include Jersey Boys (Bob Gaudio), A Chorus Line (Gregory Gardner), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Reuben), as well as Chicago, White Christmas, ELF, XANADU, and The Little Mermaid. Patrick is oh-so grateful to be spending the holidays performing in this musical. Kisses to his family & friends. For more, find him on Instagram @potatorick.

RUSSELL MUZYCZKA (Corny Collins) is elated to be back at White Plains for Hairspray! Recent credits include WPPAC’s Jekyll and Hyde (Simon Stride), Gemelli Films’ Heavy Hitters (Josh “Big Country” Campbell), Bespoke Theatricals’ The Lost Boys (David), and Rock of Ages at Mountain Theatre Company (Stacee Jaxx). Special thanks to his team at PMA, and his family for their love and support, and especially for his little brother, Max. 

BRIAN PIAZZA JR. (Stooie/Ensemble) hails from Sacramento, CA, where he grew up singing and dancing with his family. This marks Brian’s first professional production and first time working the amazing WPPAC! He’s always wished to use his God-given gifts to spread joy and inspiration. He has had the opportunity to create with iTheatrics, Music Theatre International and Disney Musicals and cannot wait to start this new journey and share the stage with such incredible artists!  

ARIELLE ROBERTS (Lorraine/Dynamite/Ensemble)  is excited to be getting her land legs back as she makes her debut with WPPAC– just after sailing around the world for a year as a Featured Singer on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. Favorite roles include Billie Holiday/Lena Horne in Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For (Pittsburgh Public Theatre), Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray (Clear Springs Theatre), Oli in Come See About Me (Cedar Fair Entertainment), and Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors (Artisan Center Theatre). BFA Acting – TCU. LINK Class 5. She sends endless love to Joel, Ann-Mary, and her little imps. Arielle also enjoys playing bass guitar, among many other things which you can discover here: @ariellemroberts. 

TROY SERENA (Sketch/Ensemble) WPPAC debut! Alabama boy living in NYC. Credits include: The SpongeBob Musical (SpongeBob SquarePants), Chicago (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Bright Star, Dreamgirls, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Red Mountain Theatre), Home for the Holidays (Mountain Theatre Company), 9 to 5 The Musical (Virginia Samford Theatre). BFA: University of Alabama at Birmingham, ‘23. Hugs and kisses to his family, friends, gorg roomie Kara, and the bloc NYC team. @troyallenserena  

CORY SIMMONS (Gilbert/ Ensemble) is excited to be making his WPPAC debut! He is a proud Maryland native and graduate of Anderson University (SC). His most recent regional credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Jersey Boys (John W. Engeman Theater), and In the Heights (Oregon Cabaret Theatre). Cory has also been seen playing sudoku as Stanley/Darryl in The Office: A Musical Parody Off-Broadway. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support over the years. He sends a special shoutout to Helene with Marquee Talent Management for being a rock star manager! “Love. Peace. And Hair Grease!”

ABBY TUCKER (Shelley/Ensemble/Amber u/s) is so excited to be making her White Plains Performing Arts Center debut! She may have previously been seen as Maria in The Sound of Music, at The Carnegie Theatre, and in the ensemble of Black Rock Theatre’s Sweeney Todd. She studied at The University of Cincinnati: College Conservatory of Music where she recently received her BFA in Musical Theatre. Abby is incredibly grateful for the support of her friends and family and opportunity to perform! Instagram: @abbytgreen 

JUSTIN WAITE (Duane/Ensemble/Seaweed u/s) is a Long Island native who is thrilled to be making his WPPAC debut! Justin is also a graduate of SUNY Cortland with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Other regional credits include Swing/ Drifter u/s in Beautiful: The Musical (Engeman Theatre, Fireside Theatre, The Gateway), Mayor/Ja’Keith/ Others in Rock of Ages (Mountain Theatre Co), and Doody in Grease (Clearspace). NYC Readings: Mr. Laird in The Bone Harp (Theatre Row). Special thanks to the team at MSA and to his mother for all the love and support. IG: justinmwaite