CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Annie Abrams (Estella) Recent theater credits: Theatre Banshee’s Of Mice and Men (Curley’s Wife), Theatre @ Boston Court’s A Picture of Dorian Gray (Sybil), Laguna Playhouse’s And the Winner Is (Serenity), ICT’s Charley’s Aunt (Ela), The Blank Theatre’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Cécile). TV credits: “Veronica Mars,” “Joan of Arcadia,” “King of Queens,” “Cold Case.” B.A. from Stanford. Annie is a native of Los Angeles.
Robert Arbogast (Joe) Robert Arbogast is grateful to be part of Great Expectations. Life is short and ….responsibility has stolen me from the now. Fractured moments of life go by and are missed, a disjointed picture, deleted scenes as if from a movie, and yet it’s always as it’s supposed to be – one small perfection. A perfection called living.
Dave Barrus (Joe US) Broadway: Les Miserables, Chess (w/ Josh Groban). National Tour: Les Miserables. Regional: The Boys Next Door (Connecticut Repertory Theater- Connecticut Critics Circle Award), Sweeney Todd (Pioneer Theatre Company), Evita (Pioneer Theatre Company), A Midsummer Nights Dream (Sundance Theater). Dave sang the title role in the animated feature film ‘The Scarecrow’ and was awarded the 1999 Pearl Award for Best New Artist and Best Male Vocalist for his solo albums ‘OnStage’ and ‘OnStage II’. He is cofounder and director of curriculum for the nonprofit organization, The Broadway Dreams Foundation.
LJ Benet (Young Herbert, Alt & US) L.J. Benet was most recently seen as young Tommy in The Who’s Tommy at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre. He has also appeared in Peter Pan (Michael), Big River (Ben, Joe and Young Fool), Bye Bye Birdie (Randolph), Grease, Alice in Wonderland (White Rabbit), Wizard of Oz (Lion), and A Christmas Carol. Film: “All God’s Children Can Dance,” “Sad Clown,” and “Fat Boy.” He also is featured as Young Spencer in Panic at the Disco’s “That Green Gentleman” music video. LJ also plays piano and trumpet, and was a member of the LAUSD Honors Orchestra this year. Thanks and love to mom, dad, and Hannah.
Ellen Crawford (Miss Havisham) Between Great Expectations engagements, Ellen appeared as “Boo” in the Jules Aaron production of The Last Night Of Ballyhoo at La Mirada Theatre. Best known by television audiences as Nurse Lydia Wright on “ER,” Ellen has appeared before theatre audiences from coast to coast. She is delighted to continue her portrayal of strange and intimidating elderly women, having created the role of Sister Lee on Broadway in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Recent stage roles include Emily Dickinson in The Belle Of Amherst at the Public Theatre in Maine, Meg in Jack O’Brien’s The Hostage at the Old Globe Theatre, and Martha in Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? at both San Diego Repertory and the Blank Theatre, opposite husband Mike Genovese. Ellen can be seen in the feature film, “The Man From Earth”, now available on DVD.
Britt Flatmo (Young Biddy) is an 11 year old who moved to Los Angeles from Seattle in summer 2007. In Seattle, Britt appeared in many stage productions including the Equity production of A Christmas Carol. Her favorite role was that of Baby June in Gypsy. In addition to stage, Britt has appeared in various films & commercials. She is thrilled to be a part of this show & would like to thank the production team, cast & crew for their support. Britt is repped by KSA and Young Performers Management.
Asunta Fleming (Molly, Ensemble, Miss Havisham US), recent credits Lilli Vanessi/Kate in Kiss Me Kate, the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol and Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate. Hosted on the Travel Channel, recorded animated V/O, sung on film soundtracks, Putnam Books author, host of Girl Talk radio, performed in the opera Flora for PBS, and is recording her CD Spellbound. Great thanks to this lovely cast and creative team and to Stage 9. AEA. www.asuntafleming.com
David Kirk Grant (Jaggers, Ensemble, Magwitch US) David recently returned from a three year journey across America with the National tours of 42nd Street (Julian Marsh) and The Music Man ( Charlie Cowell/ Harold Hill) Recent regional credits include : I Do! I Do! (Michael), Oklahoma (Ali Hakim), Chess (Walter Anderson), Evita (Juan Peron), Footloose (Rev. Shaw Moore), Annie Get Your Gun (Buffalo Bill). Evel Knievel! The Rock Opera! (Tex Montana), My Favorite Year (Alan Swann), Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson), Oliver (Fagin), Camelot w/Dale Kristin (Lancelot), Into The Woods (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf ), Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus), Tommy (Captain Walker), Forever Plaid (Smudge/Sparky), Carousel (Jigger) and Pump Boys and Dinettes (Jackson). David is a proud member of AEA. David sends much love to Carolyn, his wife of 12 years!
Christie Herring (Estella & Biddy US) Christie is very excited to be in this production! A native Angelino, her credits include: I Married Wyatt Earp, A Piece of My Heart, Grease, Orpheus Descending, The Foreigner, and various tv/film projects including “All Ages Night,” “Big Shots,” and “A Cinderella Story.” Christie wants to thank her supportive family and friends, and YOU for supporting the arts!
Kevin High (Pumblechook,Wemmick, Judge US) Kevin is excited to be back in this fantastic musical. Recent LA productions include: Dance with Me: The Story of a Cuban and a Redhead (Samuel Goldwyn/Frank Nelson) at WeHo Church and The Full Monty (Dave Bukatinsky) at Repertory East. Other favorites: Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Paint Your Wagon with Sierra Rep, Christmas Dreamland and Wizard of Oz with American Musical Theatre of San Jose, Streetcar Named Desire at MCT, Beauty & the Beast and Measure for Measure at Pacific Rep. Kevin is also a prolific voice over artist and can be heard across the country in various media. For more info, visit: www.kwhigh.com. Time to play…
Troy Hussmann (Young Pip) Credits include How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Boo Who), The Old Globe; Seussical, the Musical (JoJo), Moonlight Stage Productions; Bridge to Terabithia (Jesse), Christian Youth Theater; The Secret Garden (Colin), Actors Contemporary Theater; Les Miserables (Gavroche), Fine Arts Network. Troy is finishing 8th grade and looking forward to high school. He is thankful for his family and has amazing friends. Thanks to KSA and Jo Bowman.
Tricia Kelly (Mrs. Joe/Young Miss Havisham/Clara) Originally from Boston, MA. Tricia has done two successful runs as Brenda Lee, Petula Clark & Janis Joplin in Beehive at the El Portal theatre and nominated for the LA’s Ovation Award 2007. Since the release of her independent CD “Keep on Movin’”, she has performed as an opening act for KC & The Sunshine Band, performed The National Anthem for the Boston Celtics and most recently was honored to perform live, “I’ve Had The Time of My Life” with musical legend, Bill Medley. She is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful show! Tricia is also a professional Deva Method® vocal coach. And….You may have caught her episode of “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” on Fox, Thanksgiving ‘07. www.myspace.com/triciakellyla
Matthew Koehler (Startop US/ Police Officer) Matthew is glad to be working with Jules and Brian having just finished a successful run of Cabaret at ICT in Long Beach! Regional credits: Ray Charles LIVE, Godspell, Down in the Basement, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Guy’s & Dolls, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pasadena Playhouse, Hermosa Beach Playhouse, Actors’ Rep of Simi, Downey Civic Light Opera, Mt. Baker Theatre & Biola Conservatory. Film: “North Frontera,” “Little Boy’s.” Television: “Scrubs.” Education: Biola University, The American Musical & Dramatic Academy. Matthew wants to thank Mom, Jennifer, Joel and Samantha for their love and support.
Hap Lawrence (Pumblechook, Wemmick, Judge) loves playing Brits like Fagin in Oliver!, Georgie, Lord Bellimore in Only A Kingdom at the Pasadena Playhouse, and twins in a Murder Mystery in Marina del Rey. Other favorite roles include Pseudolus in A Funny Thing…, and Rosencrantz in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead. Film credits include “The Best of Times” with Robin Williams, “Loving Couples” with Susan Sarandon, and “Wholly Moses!” with Dudley Moore. Hap has appeared in TV and commercials for 35 years and was The M&M’s Candy Man back when you were just little.
Zarah Mahler (Biddy) is a native Angelino, having grown up in the Hollywood Hills. She is thrilled to be returning to the stage after recently finishing work on the horror film “Kemper.” Theatre credits include Romeo & Juliet (Juliet, Glendale Theatre), Metamorphoses (Myrrah, Browyn Dodson Theatre), Les Miserables (Fantine, Fullerton), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania, Fullerton), Into the Woods (Witch, NR Loats Theatre). Film: “Kemper,” “Leaving Barstow,” “Trick,” “Punish the Wicked,” and “Dizzyland.” She has appeared at Carnegie Hall with the National Youth Chorus. With the William Hall Master Chorale Chorus she performed Britten’s “War Requiem,” Mussorgsky’s “Boris Godunov,” and Orff’s “Carmina Burana.”
Garrett Patrick Marshall (Herbert US) Garrett Marshall is incredibly happy to be back in La doing Great Expectations again. Marshall would like to thank this amazing cast, crew, and everyone who made this show possible. He would also like to thank You, the audience member, for coming out to support the Arts, without you they wouldn’t exist. Now sit back relax and enjoy the show, here’s to a happy day.
Steve Marvel (Drummle/Compeyson/Vicar) Although appearing on the LA scene a mere five years ago, Steve has gained a reputation as one of the city’s most versatile performers. His stage work has encompassed a variety of roles with the Laguna Playhouse, A Noise Within, The Theatre at Boston Court, and the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. On the small screen, Steve has transformed from nice-guy to brute as an enchanted prison guard on the popular daytime soap “Passions,” and his vocal work is featured as Azul, the regal peacock, in Mattel’s animated musical feature “Barbie as the Island Princess.” Video game fans also know him as the wise-cracking Bryce Stevens in Sony’s “NBA: The Life” series. Along with author Brian Van der Wilt, Steve shares the distinction of graduating from Northwestern University.
Brian Maslow (Herbert Pocket) Brian is a graduate of the Mason Gross School of the Arts (NJ) and the Stella Adler Conservatory (NYC) as well as a proud member of Actor’s Equity. Recently he shot the role of the Travel Agent in the independent feature film Strawberry Cliff. He made his LA theater debut in the west coast premier of Zanna Don’t in the role of Mike Singer at the Lyric Hyperion Theater. Originally from New Jersey Brian has worked regionally in the NJ/NY area at many theaters including Papermill Playhouse and McCarter Theater. Many thanks to my family and Trusik Talent Management for their support and guidance. www.brianmaslow.com
Steve Mazurek (Startop/Officer (u/s Pip)) Thrilled to be back with Great 
Expectations, he has recently performed as a featured solo artist under the direction of Erich Kunzel with the Cincinnati Pops, Vancouver Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, Steve is also a 2007 graduate of Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. This summer you can see him at the Hollywood Bowl in Les Miserables along side Rosie O’Donnell and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Other credits include Jan the Wise in the new musical Yeast Nation by the creators of Urinetown at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Reilly O’Conner in the world premier of The Irish Crossing with the Pittsburgh City Theater, and Silvius in As You Like It with the Unseam’d Shakespeare Playhouse. Angelenos can hear him regularly as a cast member of LA’s famed Upright Cabaret. www.myspace.com/SteveMazurek
Terren Mueller (Young Herbert) Terren has just turned ten and is thrilled to be the youngest member of this amazing cast. Audience members may have seen Terren as Young Erik in Phantom of the Opera at FCLO, as an orphan and member of Fagin’s gang in CLOSBC’s production of Oliver!, in several productions at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster, and last holiday season as Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. When not singing and dancing, Terren loves to camp with his Cub Scout pack, play with his cat, and listen to his I-Pod. He thanks Jules and Kay for thier guidance!
Fred Pinto (Doyle, Drummle/Compeyson US) Fred is proud to be back on stage with a great creative team and cast. Past credits include the Paris Premiere and European Tour of “West Side Story”, National Tour of “42nd Street” and numerous regional credits. Film and TV credits include a costar on MADtv, General Hospital, with extensive commercial and print experience. Special thanks to Ronnie and friends!
Adam Simmons (Pip) Thank you for supporting live theatre. It is an honor to perform for you today. Credits: Broadway - Jesus Christ Superstar Off-Broadway/Regional - Forbidden Broadway, End of the World Party, Cabaret (Emcee), Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus), Joseph..Dreamcoat (Joseph), Dorian (Portrait), etc. TV/Film - “Crossing Jordan,” “Close to Home,” “Passions,” “On The Lot,” “The Sleeper Cell,” “Day 5,” “Innocence of Devils,” to name a few... adamsimmons.info
Anthony Skillman (Young Pip, Alt & US) is very excited to be part of this wonderful new production! He has been singing since he was two years old and acting in community theatre since he was five. When he was eight years old, he was chosen to play Gavroche for the Broadway National Tour of Les Miserables. He recently played Oliver in Oliver at FCLO. He played in and recorded a CD as Chris Partridge for the “New Partridge Family.” He also recorded the songs of High School Musical as Ryan and Troy, and Willy Wonka as Charlie for Broadway Junior used in school drama departments. He can be heard as the voice of Little Foot on the new “Land Before Time” DVD. His TV/Movie credits include “Bernie Mac,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Cheaper by the Dozen.” He would like to thank God, family and friends for their love and support.
Kelsey Smith (Young Estella) Twelve-year-old Kelsey is honored to be part of this production. She played the lead role in Annie at both Atlanta Theatre of the Stars, and Sacramento Music Circus. She was lead performer in the National Tour of Care Bears Live. She performs in American Girl Revue at American Girl Place Theater. Other credits: At Welk Resort; White Christmas, Welk 12th, and 10th Musical Christmas, Bye Bye Birdie, Annie Get Your Gun, and Sound of Music. Zhivago workshop at LaJolla Playhouse, and Dorian at NoHo Arts Center. On television she played young Samantha in an episode of “Samantha Who?” Thank you Jo at KSA.
Kailey Swanson (Young Estella/Young Biddy US) She is 10 years old and performs Laura in the American Girl Revue at the American Girl Place Theatre in Los Angeles. Kailey is a featured soloist, the “Sunflower Fairy” in the “Wheels on the Bus” DVD with Roger Daltry as the voice of Argon the Dragon. She was also “Jessie”, the Kid Witness News Reporter for Panasonic at the Panasonic CES Keynote Address in Las Vegas. She would like to thank Jules, Steve, Dick, and Kay for this wonderful opportunity. Kailey is repped by KSA, for more info visit www.kaileyswanson.com
Karen Volpe (US Mrs Joe, Young Havisham) National Tour: Shulie, Schoolhouse Rock Live! Recent credits: Ado Annie in Oklahoma! and Sr. Robert Anne in Nunsense (Downey CLO) and Molly in Bark! (Coast Playhouse). She has worked with The Second City in Toronto and Chicago. Her favorite gig was playing Gilda in Bunny, Bunny, Gilda Radner: A Sort of Romantic Comedy. Many thanks to Paul, Weezy and Clear Talent Group.
Dan Woren (Magwitch, Ensemble, Jaggers US) Seems to me, a good Musical tends to “sing to your soul”, which would explain the tears running down my face in the mid 1970’s after seeing “A Chorus Line” at the Schubert Theater. My love of good Musical Theater is only exceeded by my desire to be a part of it. Much to my delight, I am now a part of this Great Expectations family….Who’d a thunk it???
