Finding Neverland

Cody Elsensohn

J.M. Barrie

Cody (he/him) is delighted to return to Rivertown Theatres for “Finding Neverland!” Originally from Slidell, Louisiana, Cody earned his BFA in Acting from the University of Southern Mississippi (2022). Following graduation, Cody performed with the Charleston Stage Resident Acting Company in their 45th and 46th seasons. Regional credits include Percy Jackson (The Lightning Thief), Logan (Chicken and Biscuits), Kevin (The Prom), Mr. Boddy (Clue), Fred (Christmas Carol), Pablo (Native Gardens), Ancestor/Gomez u/s (Addams Family), Max (Play that Goes Wrong). Rivertown credits include Fender (Hairspray) and Nigel Bottom (Something Rotten). Cody expresses gratitude to his family and friends for their never ending support! Keep up with Cody on Instagram @cody.elsensohn

María Hefte

Sylvia Llewelyn Davies

María Hefte is thrilled to return to the Rivertown stage and to the role of Sylvia. Her most recent roles include her Tulane Summer Lyric debut in early July as Jacqueline (La Cage Aux Folles), Sibella (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder) with Westwego Performing Arts Center, as well as her most recent Rivertown credits which include Marianne Wilson (Disaster!) and Lady Larkin (Once Upon A Mattress). Hefte enjoys returning to the C.L.A.P.S. high school theatre program on the Northshore every year as a director, choreographer, and alumni performer, and she has the privilege of workshopping and performing two new musicals before the end of this year!

Jack Tomasich

Peter

Jack Tomasich (Peter Llewelyn Davies) is thrilled to make his Rivertown Theater debut! His favorite theatrical roles include Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (CECA), Tiny Tim in Scrooge (SLT), and Otho in Beetlejuice, Jr. (CECA). Jack also works beyond the stage, recently wrapping a supporting role in a feature film and a principal role in a worldwide commercial campaign. His recent accolades include winning 1st place at the NATS Southern Regional Conference in the Musical Theater singing category. When not performing, Jack enjoys drawing and being an active participant in his school clubs and leadership programs.

Jonas Fallon-Mokhiber

George

Jonas Fallon-Mokhiber is in eighth grade at the Willow School in New Orleans, where he plans to pursue a Certificate of the Arts in musical theater. He has played Bruce in Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical JR and Adult Simba in Disney’s The Lion King JR, both with City Park Movement and Art. Jonas is a member of the New Orleans Children’s Chorus, and he recently helped to found the student band at his alma mater, Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle Orleans. He speaks French, plays guitar and ukulele, and loves to write and draw comics. He is so excited to make his debut at Rivertown and is grateful to his teachers, his friends, his family and his dog Loie for supporting his dreams to be on stage.

Sammy Palumbo

Michael

Sammy Palumbo, age 11, is thrilled to be making his main stage debut as Michael in Finding Neverland. Some of his favorite past roles include JoJo (Seussical Jr.), Ugly (Honk Jr.), Oliver (Oliver Jr.), Nemo (Finding Nemo Jr.), Olaf (Frozen Jr.), and King Julien (Madagascar Jr.). Sammy is grateful to his family, friends, and directors for their love and encouragement. Don’t forget to “never grow up”!

Michael Paternostro

Charles Frohman / Captain James Hook

Michael Paternostro has appeared on Broadway and national tours more than a dozen times. Highlights include the original cast of Fosse, The Producers (Carmen Ghia), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), and the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line (Greg). Local audiences have seen him in Goodnight Oscar (Oscar), Young Frankenstein (Frederick), and Guys and Dolls (Nathan). Michael has also music directed locally, worked in television and film, and composed the original musical SCARY MUSICAL.

Ashley Lemmler

Mrs. du Maurier

Olivia Gray

Mary Barrie

Olivia is thrilled to make her debut at Rivertown Theaters! She is a NOCCA alum who received her B.M. from the Mannes School of Music at The New School and her M.M. from The Frost School of Music at University of Miami. Recent past roles include Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Margot (The Merry Widow), Minskwoman (Flight), and Olga Olsen (Street Scene). Olivia is forever grateful for all of the wonderful love and support from her family and friends!

Grace Hart

Peter Pan

Hart, a New Orleans native, began her performance journey studying dance and theater with Delta Festival Ballet. She later pursued both yoga and dance in New York City, earning her BFA in Modern Dance from Marymount Manhattan College in 2016. While in New York, Hart trained in the techniques of Martha Graham, Bill T. Jones, and Shen Wei. Returning to New Orleans in 2017, Hart began working as a dancer, choreographer, yoga instructor, and teacher. She has performed with Jefferson Performing Arts Society, Rivertown Theaters, Tulane Summer Lyric Theater, Marigny Opera Ballet, Verismo Opera and Lightwire Theater, touring nationally and internationally. Today, Hart continues to teach, choreograph, perform, and serve her community as a birth doula.

Adrienne Simmons

Peter Pan / Ensemble

Adrienne Simmons is a dancer, singer, actor, and choreographer, dedicated to inclusive representation that expands perspectives for diverse audiences. They are a principal dancer with Mélange Dance Theatre and a dance instructor at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts. Adrienne holds bachelor's degrees in management and theatre, as well as an MBA from the University of New Orleans. Recent credits include Jagged Little Pill (JPA), Guys and Dolls (Le Petit), Love Letters from WWII (Mélange), and Penny Dreadfuls (TWTC). IG: @adriennecsimmons

Juan Williams

Mr. Cromer

Juan is thrilled to return to the Rivertown stage! He played the role of Robin in Something Rotten, a role in a production that he will cherish forever. He has also performed with the New Orleans Opera for over 25 years.

Sophie Stechmann

Miss Jones / Ensemble

Sophie is a Louisiana based theatre and film actor. She graduated from Northwestern State University in musical theatre and is thrilled to be performing again with Rivertown! Some of her past credits include Ordinary Days (Claire), Newsies (Katherine) and Cinderella (Ensemble). Sophie has also worked professionally in film, theatre, and children’s theatre education across the country! She would like to extend her love and appreciation to her family and her fiancé, Derek, for always supporting her behind the scenes.

Abbey Murrell

Miss Bassett / Ensemble

Abbey is excited be returning to the Rivertown stage! She is a former Talented Theatre teacher and current stay-at-home mom (Love to Margot & Jack) and choreographer for STK. Past favorite roles include Smitty in "How to Succeed" at Rivertown, Rusty in "Footloose" at JPAS, Little Becky in "Urinetown" at NSU, Bridget in "Lizzie the Musical" with SEOS (Big Easy Award nominated). Love to Yaya, Papa and (of course!) Bob for the constant support!!

Emily Clulee

Emily / Ensemble

A New Orleans native, Emily is a proud graduate of NOCCA, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she earned her BFA in Musical Theatre. Locally, she recently choreographed and assistant directed SIX: Teen Edition at the River Region Drama Guild and was in the ensemble of Rivertown’s Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. She is so excited to return to the Rivertown stage to tell this beautiful story!

Avery Gerosa

Elliot

Avery Gerosa is thrilled to be back on the Rivertown stage. A Theatre student at Loyola University New Orleans, Avery has had a love of the performing arts for many years. He is grateful for the opportunity to perform alongside such a talented cast and creative team and gives thanks to his family and friends for the endless encouragement and support.

Liam Favre

Elliot

Liam Favre is excited and grateful to be taking part in another Rivertown production. He is currently a student at Archbishop Hannan High School, and his past credits include: Ensemble (Cinderella-Rivertown Theaters), Evan Goldman (13!-30 by Ninety), Percy Jackson (The Lightning Thief-Christ Episcopal), Danny Zuko (Grease-Hannan High), and more. He wants to thank his family, Dr. Jennifer Mouledous, Addie Fitzmorris, Jan Gardner, Reese, and AK for their support.

Cailyn O'Hara

Wendy (Acting Troupe)

Nicholas Stephens

Capt James Hook (Acting Troupe) / Mr. Turpin

Nicholas is happy to take part in Rivertown's debut of Finding Neverland. Thirteen years ago, Nicholas played “Boy (Peter Pan)” in Le Petite’s Peter and the Starcatcher. Now he is excited to wear the hook. Nicholas has performed in Rivertown's Once Upon a Mattress as Sir Studley. Assassins, where he played “David Herold/Ensemble.” Into the Woods, playing “Rapunzel's Prince.” Nicholas sends his gratitude to Kelly Fouchi for allowing him to be a part of such a stunning and talented cast. He also sends his love to his lady wife, Kayln Hepting Stephens, as well as his family and friends.

Genna Ellis

Ensemble / Miss Potter

Genna Ellis (Miss Potter/Ensemble) is thrilled to make her Rivertown debut in Finding Neverland! Favorite credits include Oliver (Strawberry Seller) at Summer Lyric; Last Night in Karaoke Town (Audrey) and The Adventures of Spirit Force Five (U/S Gilda*/Layla) at The Factory Theater (Chicago); One Thousand Words (Elizabeth) at Theatre Faction; Awkward Santa at The Second City (Chicago); Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper (Cinderella) at Playmakers Baton Rouge; and Carrie (Miss Gardner) and Grease (Frenchy) at LSU. Offstage, I am a 3/4 teacher at Metairie Park Country Day School, where I also enjoy teaching after-school theatre. Endless thanks to my wonderful husband, Dexter; sweet baby Daisy; cuddly cat Beret; and to Nana and Pop Pop for being such an important part of our village and helping care for Daisy. Thank you also to my family and friends for their love and support. Enjoy the show, y'all!

Kevin

Porthos

Benjamin Benigno

Ensemble

Benjamin is excited to make his Rivertown debut in Finding Neverland. He has fond memories associated with this musical, so it is extra special to him to be bringing this story to life. Previous performances include Waitress, Frozen, Rudolph, and Cinderella at Jefferson Performing Arts. Benjamin earned his BA in Theatre Arts and MBA from Loyola University New Orleans. He dedicates these performances to Big Mack, a dog who does not stop playing.

Anna Laura Birbiglia

Ensemble

Lilly Cazabon

Ensemble

Lillian “Lilly” Cazabon is a recent graduate of Loyola University New Orleans. Her most recent productions include “Ghost Quartet and “Little Shop of Horrors”. This is her first Rivertown production and she has really enjoyed getting to know her cast! “Thank you to my family, my boyfriend, Aidan, and all my friends for their continued support during this new journey in my career and life!”

Kyle Davis

Ensemble

Kyle Davis is a graduate of Nicholls State University where he received his BA in Vocal Music Education. During the day, he attends Cosmetology School at Aveda Arts Institute. Some of his most notable theatrical credits include Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical, Charlie Brown in You‘re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd- a role that won him People‘s Choice and Best Leading Actor for the Thibodaux Playhouse 65th Season. Directing credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Grease, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Addams Family. Kyle has music directed and hair designed many shows with local theatre organizations. Kyle would like to thank his family and Mason for their undying support.

Emma St. Cyr

Ensemble

Emily Schacht

Ensemble

Emily is a recent graduate of Loyola University New Orleans (‘26) with her BA in Musical Theatre and a double minor in Environmental Studies and Mass Communication. She has experience in directing, stage managing, and film & theatre acting. Some of her recent performing credits include Alice by Heart (Cheshire Cat), Newsies (Finch/Kathrine US), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip Tolentino). Emily also is aspiring to get her masters degree in environmental science with a focus on coastal ecology & restoration. She gives thanks to the Lord for countless blessings and hopes you enjoy the show! Colossians 3:12-14

Keshaun Tervalon

Ensemble

Keshaun is a freshman Musical Theatre major at Loyola University New Orleans. His past roles include Mr. Parchester in Me and My Girl, the Minstrel in Something Rotten, Jack Kelly in Newsies, and Adam in An American in Paris, and Teen Angel in Grease. Keshaun would like to thank the creative team of Finding Neverland and is thrilled to be a part of his first Rivertown production!

Leah Velasquez

Ensemble

Leah (Female Ensemble) is elated to be a part of Finding Neverland with this stellar cast! This is Leah’s first production with Rivertown Theatres, and she is grateful to be able to perform again. Leah has been the Makeup and Hair Artist for Haynes Academy’s Theatre Department for the past two years, and a scare actor with New Orleans Nightmare Haunted House. Outside of theatre, Leah is an assistant manager at PJ’s Coffee and a children’s face painter. Leah would love to send thanks to her family and friends that have always supported her endeavors, XO.

Kelly Fouchi

Director / Producer

Kerry Lambert

Co-Choreographers

Kerry Lambert has spent more than 20 years as a professional performer and choreographer across the United States and abroad. Raised in Gonzales, Louisiana, he received his BA from Northwestern State University. Credits include Apex Touring Company, Broadway Palm, Dutch Apple Theatre, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, and Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan.

Jessica Holl

Musical Director

A lifelong music educator and choral enthusiast, she sings with the New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale. Jessica holds a Master’s in Music Education from UNC Greensboro and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Ithaca College. In support of her school’s musical theatre program, she has enjoyed joining the teacher ensemble in productions such as Bye Bye Birdie (Doris MacAfee), Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (the Baker), and Les Misérables (ensemble).

Baylee Robertson

Costume Coordinator

Savannah Lloyd

Backstage Crew