Who's Who

Amy is beyond excited to be a part of this amazing production of Come From Away! Freshly retired after 37 years of teaching, she is looking forward to having more time to act, travel, and figure out the rest of her life. She has performed in many local shows, but being part of this stirring story has inspired her to plan a trip to seek out her grandmother’s roots in Newfoundland and see “The Rock” with her own eyes! Thanks, as always, to my supportive family and friends.

Connie Cassidy (Martha and others) has performed in theaters throughout OH and PA, and just appeared here in Prince of Egypt as Queen Tuya. Other favorites: Guys & Dolls (Adelaide); Into the Woods (Witch); King and I (Anna); Gypsy! (Mama Rose); Footloose (Vi Moore); Carousel (Nettie): Kiss Me Kate (Kate); Camelot (Guenevere); My Fair Lady (Eliza Doolittle); Oliver! (Nancy); Sound of Music (Maria); Always, Patsy Cline (Patsy Cline); Honk! (Ida). In real life, Connie is a substitute teacher

Shelby Gossick is excited to join the cast of Come From Away! When she’s not on stage, she’s balancing being a tattoo artist, a full time student, and being all of her friends’ best friend. She’s been in local productions such as How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas, Miss Tuesday Night, Little Shop of Horrors, and more! She would love to thank her best friend Keith for encouraging her to work with the wonderful people at Top Hat. Now grab some Screech and pucker up, welcome to Newfoundland!

Kai Green (Bob and others) is ecstatic to be in Come From Away! A junior at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, Kai is a dedicated actor who's been performing for nearly 4 years. He has previously appeared on stage at the New Castle Playhouse in musicals such as Children of Eden and The SpongeBob Musical, and portrayed Time in the play The Mad Tea Party. Recently, Kai made his Top Hat Productions debut as Hades in Hadestown.

Renee Johntony (Hannah and others) has directed and performed in many shows at several local theaters in the valley since moving to Ohio in the mid 80s. Memorable roles include the Grandma in “Addams Family”, Ursula in “The Little Mermaid” and Mrs. Irene Molloy in “Hello, Dolly!” She recently retired from 33 years of teaching and is enjoying her favorite role as that of Grandma to her 3 beautiful grandchildren. “May we never forget the events of 9/11/01"

Sarah Kinser (Margie and others) is a Top Hat newcomer but she is not new to the stage. With 30 years experience, she is thrilled to be back on stage for this special show after a couple years hiatus. Her favorite role she’s ever played thus far was The Witch in Into the Woods. She would like to thank the cast and crew for welcoming her with such grace and love as well as her husband for being the sole child wrangler of their three beautiful kids.

Connie Leathers (Beulah and others) is thankful to be portraying Beulah in honor of those who lived this amazing true story of kindness. September 11th started her 25 years of regular blood donations. She is grateful to the amazingly talented cast and to her family for their support. Special appreciation to her husband, Mark, for doing all of the lawn-mowing this summer!

Jessica Ludovici (Janice and others) is excited to bring this show to the area with so many talented actors! She’s been doing theater for 16 years and has always had this on her list as a bucket list show. The story of 9/11 has always been one she wouldn’t forget. But this story especially has been special to her, since her grandmother had been the one to take her to see the show after it started touring in 2019. She wants to thank her family and friends for their never ending love and support.

Alex MacDuff (Doug and others) is thrilled to join the Top Hat Productions family for Come From Away. As the son of two thespians, some of his recent credits include Max in The Play That Goes Wrong, Wadsworth in Clue, and Frederick in Young Frankenstein. When he isn’t playing pretend on stage, Alex can be found designing things or spending time with his family. He is so thankful to the directors, production team, and cast for making this process so special. Extra love and gratitude to his wife.

Diane Marie (Kevin T.) is excited to be a part of Come From Away at Top Hat. They haven't really done much in theater in over seven years. Diane is a professional drag queen and writes their own songs which is on social media platforms world wide. They have done many roles in the past such as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Cosmo in Singing In The Rain, Tina Man for Wizard of Oz and so much more. Diane is excited to be playing the role, Kevin T, in this production.

Sarah Martz (Bonnie and others) is new to the Top Hat Stage, and is very excited to work with this company. She has performed all her life, in many different company’s throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. She has worn almost every hat one in theatre can wear and has loved every chance she has been given. Sarah can’t narrow down her experiences to just one, but a few that have stayed with her have been Eve from Children of Eden and Elsa from Frozen. Sarah is so excited to be performing.

Marissa McKenzie (Swing and others) is excited to be back on the Top Hat stage. Her favorite roles have included Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, Mary Warren in The Crucible, and most recently: Persephone in Hadestown: Teen Edition. She is a part of the NCP Mini-Stars and frequently performs across Western Pennsylvania. She gives her thanks to her mom (for always being her number one supporter), her voice coaches (for helping her get where she is today), the cast and crew (for being so kind.

Al McKinnon (Claude and others) is excited to be in his first Top Hat production with so many beautiful and talented theater friends. His recent on stage roles include Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (KSU-TC), Nick Bottom in Something Rotten (TNT & Youngstown Playhouse), and Uncle Fester in The Addams Family (KSU-TC). Al lives in Girard with his adorable daughter, his wise father-in-law, and his kooky kitty cat. Thank you all for coming

Patience Miles (Diane and others) Has performed on various stages for the past 20+ years but is so honored to be a part of Come from Away at Top Hat. Patience says it is a privilege to share the stage with this talented cast as they try to bring the characters to life. She hopes the compassion and empathy of Gander follow you out of the theatre, and a little piece stays in your heart forever as it has hers. Special thanks to her friends with whom she shares this experience.

Daniel Pappalardo (Oz and others) is a proud father of 4 talented actor-musicians, a husband to an amazing wife (gracias Rubi por todo!), a Speech & Debate Coach, and a Spanish Teacher at South Range High School. His high school theater career culminated with the role of Puck in ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’. In 2019, after a 20 year hiatus, he returned to the stage to share the theater with his kids- portraying Joseph Pulitzer in ‘Newsies’.

Michelle Jones (Delores and others) is honored to be part of this beautiful and meaningful show with such an amazing group of people. She has performed in shows at Top Hat, Trumbull New Theatre in Niles, Selah Dessert Theatre, and KSU Trumbull. Michelle is an elementary music teacher and enjoys being crafty and spending time with her husband and two dogs.

Melanie Lucas (Director) is excited to bring this show to the stage after falling in love with the story of Gander years ago. With more than 35 years of experience both on and off the stage, some favorite directing credits include Hadestown and Six with Top Hat, Matilda and RENT at KSU-TC. Her favorite role is being Mom to Ethan, Grayson, and Amelia. This show is a reminder to look for the helpers and to be one whenever we can. Thanks to Keith, Dalton, Brian, Jeff, and this amazing cast and crew

Dalton Stoops (Music Director) is an area musician and music educator. He is the choir and assistant band director at Champion Local Schools. The majority of his theatre experience happens just in front of the stage, where he regularly performs as an orchestra pit musician. This is his first time working with Top Hat Productions.

Keith Stepanic (Choreographer and AD) This will be Keith's fourth time being a part of a production here at Top Hat and his second time working with Melanie on bringing a story to life. He would like to thank the crew and actors for working hard and being so dedicated to making this story compelling and wants to give a huge shoutout to his friends, family and boyfriend James for always being his biggest supporters. WELCOME TO THE ROCK!

Midi Playback Operator - Grayson Montoya Light Board Operator - Derek Stoner Follow Spot Team - Christina Kopscos (coach), Richard Smiley, Rachael Conrad, Ellie Kistler Technical Director, Sound Design, Lighting Design (Jeff Chann) Sound Board - Jeff Chann

Marie Keene-James (Production Stage Manager) is a veteran community theater enthusiast. Her most recent roles include directing Rocky Horror at Kent Trumbull theater and spot operator for the Top Hat production of Hadestown. She has enjoyed every aspect of volunteering for local theaters. Theatre is Family and it builds Community and it can be therapy for those that need it. She would like to thank her family for supporting her Theatre addiction.

Alexandra Ashraf Karam Milad (Rehearsal Stage Manager) is a senior at Struthers High School. Some past shows that she has stage managed include The Play That Goes Wrong (Tri – City), Totally Red (SHS), Amazing Grace (Top Hat Productions), Hadestown Teen Edition (Tri – City Drama Club), and The Prince of Egypt (Top Hat Productions). Alex would like to thank Mrs. D and Mrs. Dill for introducing her to the wonderful world of stage managing.