Directed by Pierre Brault
Music Direction by Kenny Lear
Stage Managed by Venchise Phillips
Costume Design by Pierre Brault
Set Design by David McQuillen Robertson
Projection, Sound, and Light Design by Patrick Ciamacco
Sound Operation by Jenna Rhoades
CAST/STAFF/BAND
Brian Altman (Narrator) is thrilled to be back at BCT with this enchanting cast of characters! He was last seen here in Pippin (Charlemagne). His favorite BCT credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Mr. Mushnik), Bat Boy (Dr. Parker), Sweeney Todd (Judge Turpin), Little Miss Sunshine (Uncle Frank), American Psycho (Detective Kimball), and of course Silence! The Musical (Dr. Hannibal Lecter). One of his all time favorite shows was The 25th Annual...Spelling Bee (Vice Principal Doug Panch) at Cain Park directed by his friend and co-star Patrick Ciamacco! He thanks his partner Brendan, their much loved cat and very old turtle for all their love. He also thanks YOU for supporting live theater!
Benson Anderson (Cinderella's Prince/Wolf) is excited to be back to open this BCT season! Previous appearances include American Psycho, Zombie Prom, Altar Boyz, Alice by Heart, and Pippin. Offstage he teaches Middle School Language Arts and Reading at Birchwood School of Hawken. Children will listen! He sends love to his family, friends, students, and Rachel and our pet parrot Pippin.
Avery Carlisle (Rapunzel) is so excited to make her Blank Canvas Theatre debut as Rapunzel! She has previously been seen in Six: Teen Edition (Catherine of Aragon), The Lightning Thief (Clarisse), and Seussical (Gertrude). She wants to thank her voice teacher and family, as she could not be here without them!
Patrick Ciamacco (Baker) is very excited to be returning to the stage with such an amazing cast. Last season, you may have seen Patrick in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead (Guildenstern). Past Blank Canvas Theatre shows include the title roles in The Toxic Avenger, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Jekyll & Hyde, plus roles in The Crucible (John Proctor), The Wild Party (Burrs), Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show (Eddie), High Fidelity (Barry), and Of Mice and Men (Lennie). Other professional credits include Beck Center’s Shrek The Musical (Shrek), Jerry Springer: The Opera (Dwight/ God) , The 25th… Spelling Bee (William Barfee), and Evil Dead - The Musical (Jake). His experience also includes Playhouse Square's We Gotta Bingo (Bucky Fuller), a musical version of The Nutcracker at The Cleveland Play House, and Playhouse Square's two-and-a half-year run of Tony & Tina's Wedding. Patrick sends thanks to all those who believe in him and dedicates his performance to the person sitting in the first row, first seat from the left.
Kristiana Corona (Cinderella) is making her Blank Canvas Theatre debut! Originally from Arizona, she did community theatre around the Valley from ages 6-18 until attending Kent State University for their BFA Musical Theatre program. She was recently seen as Mimi Márquez in Kent State’s production of RENT. You may have also seen her in other Kent State productions including shows at their summer stock theatre, Porthouse, at Blossom Music Center. 2021 Jimmy Award Nominee. Extremely thankful to my loving parents, family, and friends for always supporting me, I couldn't do it with you! @kristianacorona_
Natalie Golz (Jack's Mother) - somehow survived the Disaster! last summer at Blank Canvas, and has gone from nun to Mother. Some recent credits include The Rake's Progress (Baba the Turk), The Music Man (Mrs. Paroo) at Cain Park, Songs for a New World, and "Aunt Nalalee" to some wonderful kiddos. Go outside, touch some grass, and be nice to critters!
Maggie Hilliard (Lucinda) is a sophomore Music Theatre Major at Baldwin Wallace University. Some most recent credits include The Prom (Alyssa Greene), Much Ado About Nothing (Hero), and Uhaulin’ (Mags). When she is not acting, singing, or dancing, she can be found knitting, reading, or playing Stardew Valley. She would like to thank all of her teachers and mentors for putting in the time and effort to help her chase her dreams and the cast and crew for creating such a welcoming environment for her.
Matthew Korver (Steward) is excited to play his part as the Steward in his first ever production at Blank Canvas Theatre. Matthew recently graduated, in 2025, with a BA in Theatre and Music from the University of Mount Union. His recent credits include Jonathan Brewster (Arsenic and Old Lace), Sebastian (The Tempest), Romeo (Romeo and Juliet), Pasquale (Lend Me a Soprano) and Officer Lockstock (Urinetown). He soon will also be seen at the Renaissance Theatre/Mansfield Symphony Orchestra's upcoming production of 1776: In Concert as Charles Thomas. In addition to his love for theatre, Matthew has made it his personal dream to one day be cast on CBS's show, Survivor. Matthew is excited for this incredible opportunity to be part of an incredibly talented and passionate cast and would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support. Matthew hopes that you enjoy this production of Into the Woods.
Ethan Monaghan (Jack) is so thrilled to be making his Blank Canvas debut as Jack. Favorite roles include A Christmas Story (Ralphie), Freaky Friday (Adam), High School Musical (Troy), School of Rock (Mason). TV/FILM: Netflix: Dr. Seuss’s Horton! (Horton), Manhunt, Deadly Games (Timothy), Kotaro Lives Alone (George), Disney: Mickey Mouse Funhouse (Kyle the Polar Bear).
Melissa Pacetti Hollis (Cinderella’s Stepmother, US Witch/Baker’s Wife) is thrilled to be back at Blank Canvas where she most recently performed in Rent (Ensemble) and the Grease Benefit Concert (Marty). She received a B.A. in Music with a Vocal Jazz/Musical Theatre emphasis from the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music in Cleveland, Ohio. Melissa is a native of Cleveland, where she has performed in over 20 musicals. Favorite roles include City of Angels (Bobbi/Gabby), Grease (Jan), and Little Shop (Crystal). She has also directed over 20 productions in Cleveland and at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, FL, where she introduced and directed their Drama Ministry program. She has been involved in Music Ministry since age 15 as a cantor, pianist, and Music Director at Parish Churches and in Catholic Campus Ministry at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX and Saint Leo University. She was an adjunct music professor at Saint Leo, and is a voice teacher/vocal coach. Melissa just recently opened her own business, Harmony Arts and Wellness, LLC, and started a Homeschool Theatre Program. She is a proud homeschool mom of three and is thrilled to be passing along her love of musical theatre to her children.
JOHN J. POLK (Milky White) is happy and grateful to join the cast of Into The Woods. He has brought a parade of authority figures, blowhards, villains and foils to the Blank Canvas Stage. Maybe you caught him in One Man Two Guvnors (Harry Dangle), Kiss of the Spider Woman (The Warden), Cabaret (Herr Schultz), Urinetown: The Musical (Cladwell), Of Mice and Men (The Boss), One Flew Over Cuckoo’s Nest (Dale Harding), Our Town (Doc Gibbs), and The Crucible (Francis Nurse). Thanks to Patrick for trusting him to work on roles he probably had no business doing, and to Pierre for trusting him to now play. . .a cow! And mostly, to my charming wife, Laura, and family for just about everything else. . .“And in the end/The love you take/Is equal to/The love you make!”
Lennon Rosiar (Little Red Riding Hood) Lennon is thrilled to be making her, Blank Canvas debut. Regional works include: Great Lakes Theatre, A Christmas Carol (Sarah/Polly/Want) Cleveland Playhouse, Our Town (Rebecca Gibbs), A Christmas Story (Ester Jane-Helen u/s). Lennon is a proud company and competition team member of Caryl Crane Youth Theatre. When not acting, she enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, and playing volleyball. Lennon is grateful for this opportunity. IG: @lennonrosiarofficial
Stephen Sandham (Rapunzel’s Prince) has performed on community and professional stages from Avon to Madison and is excited to make his Blank Canvas debut! Stephen recently returned from Michigan performing as a guest artist with the internationally touring trio The Manhattan Dolls in their show, Salute to America. Regional: Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka), Hit Me With Your Best Shot (Stephen), A Christmas Carol (Fred/Young Ebenezer/Bob Cratchit US), Ruth (Mahlon), and Tuck Everlasting (Jesse Tuck). Upcoming: Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow) and My Fair Lady (Freddy Eynsford-Hill). When not performing, he enjoys choreographing, visual art, and being an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Thanks go to God, — from whom all blessings flow — his friends, and his family. @the_blond_newsie | John 3:16
Melissa Siegel (Baker's Wife) - is very happy to be on the Blank Canvas stage for the first time! Favorite credits include Shrek (Princess Fiona), The Wedding Singer (Julia Sullivan), Soho Cinders (Marilyn Platt), Peter Pan (Mrs. Darling), and Seussical the Musical (Gertrude McFuzz). Love to N, N, and L.
Lynette Turner (Witch) is very excited to be back on stage playing the Witch in this production. Her recent credits include Caroline, or Change (Washer/Moon), Carousel (Nettie), Hairspray (Motormouth Maybelle), Dr. Doolittle (Polynesia), Seus (Sour Kangaroo), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), and many more. Returning from her Gospel Pearls Italy tour, she is excited to be back on the theatre stage. Special thanks to her children (Riley, Pierce, and Liam), family and friends for their support and love.
Reese Wall (Lucinda) is thrilled to be joining this production! Recent credits include Beetlejuice (Delia), Side Show (Violet), Cinderella (Cinderella), and Legally Blonde (Elle Woods). Reese is a senior in high school with a passion for musical theater. She is incredibly grateful for every opportunity to grow as a performer and work alongside such talented casts and creative teams. Reese would like to thank Brian Marshall for encouraging her to audition, as well as her friends and family for their constant support and encouragement.
Pierre-Jacques Brault (Director/Costume Designer) is thrilled to direct his second production at Blank Canvas Theatre, following last season’s premiere of Alice by Heart. He currently serves as Administrative Coordinator with Cleveland Kids' Book Bank, where his work supports expanding access to books and literacy resources across the community. As these familiar stories unfold in unexpected ways, he hopes audiences leave inspired to revisit the tales that shaped them and help put more stories into the hands of children who are still discovering their own.
Ken Lear (Music Director) is thrilled to be back at Blank Canvas after last season’s Alice by Heart and RENT. Ken is an adjunct professor at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Performing Arts and a Vocal Coach for BW Community Arts School. Other music direction credits include: Mamma Mia!, A Christmas Carol, Queen of the Night: Whitney Tribute Concert, (Palace Theater, New Hampshire), Elf, The Rat Pack Loinge, Chicago, Always Patsy Cline (Show Palace Dinner Theater, Florida), The 80s Benefit for Broadway Cares (GreenRoom 42/NYC). Locally, Ken has music directed Man of La Mancha (Ohio Shakespeare Festival), A Funny Thing…Forum (Baldwin Wallace), Big Fish (Cain Park), and Waitress (assoc. MD/Beck Center). Ken is also a professional actor, select on-stage credits include: Four seasons in the Ensemble of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall, NYC), Swing in Naked Boys Singing! (off-Broadway), and Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet (Show Palace Dinner Theater, Florida).
Venchise Phillips (Stage Manager) is excited to be back in the Stage Manager’s booth at Blank Canvas Theatre, where she has recently stage-managed Pippin, Little Shop of Horrors, Of Mice and Men, and The Laughter League. Recent on-stage credits at Blank Canvas include the ensembles of Rent and American Idiot, as well as The Crucible (Tituba), Zombie Prom (Ramona), and comma (Nurse). Venchise has also worked as a Prop Designer for Blank Canvas Theatre, Near West Theatre, and Playhouse Square. Endless thanks to Patrick and the BCT community. Love to Aaron, now and for always. Enjoy the show!
Jenna Rhoades (Sound Operator) is thrilled to be back at Blank Canvas Theatre! Some of her favorite past shows include Groundhog Day (Stage Manager), Disaster! (Sound Operator), Pippin (Sound Operator), Frankenstein the Musical (Sound Operator), RENT (Sound Operator), Hair (Assistant Stage Manager), Shrek The Musical (Assistant Stage Manager), and Dead Man's Cell Phone (Assistant Director). Jenna attended Heidelberg University as a Communications major and was heavily involved in theatre there as an executive member of Heidelberg’s chapter of the National Theatre Honor Society, Alpha Psi Omega. Lots of love to Nana, Homey, mom, and Zara for their love and support! Enjoy the show!!