Behind
The Scenes
Come From Away
Our Show
We are thrilled to introduce our talented cast, directors, and crew! Their incredible skills and expertise are sure to leave you in awe. We are proud to a team of experienced directors and dedicated crew members. Our team has worked extremley hard to provide you with an amazing production.
Directors Note
Amanda Moore
Anastasia is a story that lives at the intersection of history, memory, and identity. While its sweeping score and sense of adventure immediately draw us in, what gives this musical its lasting power is the emotional depth of its characters and the questions it asks about who we are, who we have been, and who we are becoming.
Set against the turbulent backdrop of post–Imperial Russia, Anastasia reminds us that history is not just a collection of dates or events- it is shaped by real people navigating loss, displacement, resilience, and hope. The world of this musical is filled with echoes of the past: a fallen empire, fractured families, and memories that refuse to fade. Yet this is not a story about living in the past, but about learning how to carry it forward without letting it define or confine us.
In today’s uncertain world, Anastasia also resonates as a story of immigration and displacement—of people bringing their histories with them as they move toward an unknown future. Anya’s journey reflects the lived experiences of many individuals and families who cross borders seeking safety, opportunity, or belonging, often under the weight of fear, scrutiny, and separation. As conversations around immigration and enforcement continue to shape our national landscape, this story invites us to look beyond headlines and policies and instead see the humanity at the center of those journeys. Anastasia reminds us that honoring where you come from is not a weakness, but a source of strength.
At the heart of the show is Anya, a young woman searching for her place in the world. Her journey is not simply one of discovering her name or her history, but of learning to accept every version of herself, both the girl she once was and the person she is becoming. This theme of embracing your past to step fully and confidently into your present self is one that speaks powerfully to all of us, especially to students standing on the edge of new chapters in their own lives.
Each character in Anastasia wrestles with identity in their own way. Dmitry and Vlad navigate the tension between survival and integrity. Gleb struggles with duty versus compassion. Even the ensemble reflects a society in transition - people adapting to a world that no longer looks the way it once did. These characters remind us that growth is rarely simple, and that courage often comes from facing uncomfortable truths about ourselves.
As a director, it has been a privilege to watch the students of Heritage High School bring these layered characters and themes to life. Through their dedication, vulnerability, and artistry, they have explored what it means to honor where you come from while bravely moving forward.
We hope this production invites you to reflect on your own journey- to consider the memories,
experiences, and past versions of yourself that have shaped who you are today. May Anastasia inspire you to step into the future with confidence, compassion, and hope.
Thank you for supporting our next generation of story tellers and for being a patron of the arts in our community. Enjoy the show.
Our Directors
Director: Amanda Moore
Vocal Director: Amy Strong
Technical Director: Todd Penner
Technical Consultant/Projections: Desired Effect
Paint Supervisor: Crystal Shaw
Costume Director: Jennifer Stephenson
Assistant Vocal Director: Faith Hom
Choreographer: Shelly McDowell
Dialect Coach: Kristin Hill
Student Director: Carmel Knight
Lighting Design: Alice Mundy
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The Cast
The cast of Come From Away is filled with energy. They have all worked incredibly hard to create a show filled with the and intensity the show deserves!
Claude/Eddie/President Bush
Luke Strong (12)
Luke Strong is a senior at heritage and had been a part of 7 shows here at heritage, including Into the Woods, Legally Blonde, Peter and the Starcatcher, Shrek, Addams Family, Anastasia, and Come From Away. He also is a member of the Improv team. He would like to thank his family, especially his mom and his wonderful girlfriend Leila for motivating and supporting him.
Matty/Derm/Mr.Michales
Seth Armstrong (12)
Seth is a senior at Heritage. He has been a part of Into the Woods, Legally Blonde, Shrek and Addams Family. He would like to thank his friends.
Dwight/Terry/Brenda's Brother
Boston McCauley (11)
Boston is a junior at Heritage. He’s been in Shrek, Addams family and Anastasia. He would like to thank his awesome family, his amazing girlfriend and tech meals.
Oz/Joey
Theo LaBute (10)
Theo is a sophomore at Heritage High School, he’s been part of 3 shows here including Adam’s Family and Anastasia and he is also in the improv team here at Heritage High. He would like to thank his family and his friends for the support he receives constantly.
Mahumuza/Ensamble
Rashe Sherry (12)
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Nick/Doug
Cian Hansen (12)
Cian Hansen is a senior at Heritage High School. He was in crew for Into the woods and legally blonde before joining cast for Peter and the Starcatcher, Shrek, Adams Family, and Anastasia. He is also both the Improv General and Secretary for rising stars. He would like to thank his family for their endless support, friends for all the good times, and Canada because if it weren’t for you none of this show would be possible!
Kevin T./ Garth
Nathan Penner (12)
Nathan Penner is a Senior at Heritage High School. He has been with Rising Stars in the cast for 6 previous productions including Into the Woods, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Anastasia. Along with community theatre, vocal lessons, and crew works, Nathan is so very excited to bring the story of Come From Away to life. He would like to thank his family and friends for always supporting him. Enjoy the show!
Kevin J./Ali
Alec Gordovez (10)
Alec is a sophomore here at Heritage and is incredibly excited to be back for the 26-27 season! He has been apart of 3 other Rising Stars productions such as Anastasia, Hadestown, and Addams Family. As well as being on stage, he is the rising stars council media public relations! He would like to thank everyone who came to support him, and to the friends we made along the way.
Annette/Flight Attendant
Leila Slavick (11)
Leila Slavick (Annette/Flight Attendant) is a junior at Heritage and has been performing since the age of seven. She has appeared in several productions, including The Addams Family (Wednesday Addams), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), and most recently, Crazy for You (Polly Baker). You can also see her take on the role of Juliet in Romeo & Juliet in January 2027. Leila has also loved being a part of the Heritage Improv Team for the past three years and is excited to serve as Improv Colonel this year. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support, and all of you for joining us. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Bonnie/Passenger
Carmel Knight (12)
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Janice/Passenger
Olivia Otten (11)
Olivia is a junior at Heritage, and this is her first show on cast here with Rising Stars! She has been involved with costumes since Peter and the Starcatcher, and Costumes Crew Head for Adams Family and Anastaia, as well as the current Co-Historian for Rising t. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support and the audience for joining us. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Crystal/Delores/Mickey
Isabella Hernandez (10)
Isabella is a sophomore at Heritage! She has been part of three shows here, including Addams Family, Anastasia, and Come from Away! She would love to give a million thanks to her parents for supporting her passion and their willingness to contribute to Rising Stars!
Diane/Margie
Sarah El Fakharany (12)
Sarah is a senior at heritage, she’s been apart of 3 shows here including Addams family, Anastasia, and come from away. I would love to thank Ms Moore and all of cast for this amazing experience as well as my supportive family
Hannah/Martha
Kaira Ponce (12)
Kaira is a Senior this year and this is her first production with Rising Stars. She is beyond thankful to her family for being her biggest supporters and the wonderful cast, crew, and directors who have been nothing but loving and supportive towards her. This show has been such a journey for all of us and we hope you enjoy the show #mamabearout
Beverly Bass/Britney
Thirza Olonan (10)
Thirza is a sophomore at Heritage High School. She loves being in Rising Stars, and has done Addams Family and Anastasia! She started theater in 5th grade at El Campanil Theatre Academy. She would like to thank her mom, brothers, and everyone who worked on this show!
Bob/Others
Frankie Martinez (12)
Frankie is a senior at Heritage she has been in 3 shows here for including, Adams family, Anastasia, and now Come From Away. She would like to thank the cast for always supporting her and helping her perfect the role of Bob.
Beulah/Passenger
Suri Victor (11)
Suri is a junior at Heritage this year and this will be her 5th Heritage production. These productions include titles such as: Peter and the Starcatcher, Shrek, Adam’s Family, Anastasia, and now Cone from Away. She also serves as the Rising Stars 2026-2027 Co-Historian. Suri want to thank her Bob, Paiger, Baja Blast, and Alfred for helping her through the hard times this show!!
Ensamble
Henry Blum (11)
Henry is a junior at Heritage. This is his second show now, including Anastasia and this. He would like to thank Botson David McCauley and he would like to thank his parents.
Ensamble
Alessio Perez (9)
Alessio Perez is a Freshman at HHS. This is his first show with the Rising Stars! He would like to thank his directors and cast mates for all helping each other bring this show to life, and his family for supporting him all the way. He also thinks you all will love the show and that you should save some snacks from the concessions for him after the show….
Ensamble
Jaxson Walsh (10)
Jaxon is a sophomore here at Heritage, transferring his freshman year and wants to thank his castmates for being so helpful. This is his first Rising Stars performance! This will be Jaxon's 16th show overall. He would like to thank his mom, family and friends. ​
Ensamble
Hayes Roman (11)
Hayes is a junior at Heritage. This is his first ever show! And he really enjoys all of Rising Stars!
Ensamble
Gabrielle Hervey (10)
Gabrielle Hervey is a sophomore at Heritage High School. She has played a part in Addams Family, Anastasia and Come From Away. She cannot wait to do more shows with Rising Stars and would like to thank her family and friends.
Ensamble
Isabella Maiwand (11)
Izzy is a junior at Heritage. She has been on cast for Adams Family and Anastasia, on crew for Peter and the Starcatcher and Shrek, as well as the Librarian and ITS Trainee on the Rising Stars council. She would like to thank her friends and family.
Ensamble
Ena Seals (12)
Ena Seals is a senior at Heritage. She has been a part of 2 shows here, Anastasia and Come From Away. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her.
Our Crew
Fall Show: Come From Away
Our production is made even more special by the talented members who bring the show to life behind the scenes. From set construction to lighting and sound, our student crew members have worked tirelessly to create a truly magical experience for our audience. We are proud to showcase the incredible skills and dedication of our young artists and technicians.
Stage Manager
Cordelia Stoddard (12)
Cordelia is a senior at Heritage and this is her 9th show with Rising Stars. She would like to thank her sister Sawyer and her best friend Alice Mundy. She would like to dedicate her stage management to snails, calico critters, and caffeine.
Assistant Technical Director
Anaya Pierre (12)
Anaya is a Senior at Heritage High this year. She has been a part of several Heritage shows from Peter and the Starcatcher to our most recent show Anastasia. She is currently ATD and loves it! She would like to thank her family.
Assistant Technical Director
Justin Atalit (12)
Justin is a senior at Heritage. He has been a part of Into the Woods, Legally Blonde, Peter and the Starcatcher, Shrek: The Musical, The Addams Family, Hadestown, and Anastasia. He would like to thank his friends and family.
Lights Head
Alice Mundy (11)
Alice Mundy is a Junior at Heritage and has been apart of Legally Blonde, Peter and The Starcatcher, Shrek, Pippin, Addams Family, Hadestown, and Anastasia. Alice also does various crew jobs around Brentwood. She would like to thank her family and best friend Cordelia. She would also like to shoutout Spotify, salt packets, ladybugs, and google drive.
Natalie Moon (10)
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Macie Tweedy (11)
Macie is a junior at Heritage. She has been apart of 2 shows at Heritage, including Shrek and Anastasia. Along with this, she has been on crew for Adam's Family, Hadestown, and Come From Away. She is currently the Activities Director on the Rising Stars Council. She would like to thank her mom and dad, her younger siblings, and her friends who have been with her for every step of the way.
Iya Gagui (9)
Im Iya Gagui and this is my first year at Heritage as a freshman. I have been apart of 4 shows at Adams for 2 years (1st year as light crew, 2nd year light head) and also this year’s first show, Come From Away. Im happy to have been apart of the crew and look forward to joining the next shows to come!
Gabriella Coldburn (9)
This is my first year on crew and Come From Away is my first show that I am taking part in. I am a general member on lights crew and thank the rest of the lights crew members for being so welcoming and helpful.
Sound Head
Macyn Hankins (11)
Macyn Hankins is a Junior at Heritage. She has been on sound crew for four shows including Peter and the Starcather, Shrek, Addams Family, and Anastasia. She did spotlight for HadesTown and is now the Sound Head for Come From Away. She would like to thank her family.
Chloe Pate (12)
Chloe Pate is a freshmen at Heritage. This is her first show and is on sound crew.
Anthony Guzman (12)
My name is Anthony Guzman! Although im a senior, this is my first time ever participating in a show. I really loved helping out and interacting with people, it brought a lot of joy. Everybody was so nice too!!
Toby Simmons (11)
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Alivia Donell (9)
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Costumes Head
Erin Shon (9)
Erin Shon is a sophomore at Heritage. She has been a part of 2 other shows including Addams Family and Anastasia. She was on crew for both and now is Costume crew head for Come From Away. She would like to thank Mrs. Stephenson for everything.
Aria Gilchrist (12)
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Manideep Kalahasthi (11)
Manideep Kalahasthi is a junior at Hertiage High School. Come From Away was his first time working on a school show, and his first time working on a crew, specifically being a member of Costumes.
Sophia Maiwand (9)
Sophia is a freshman, this is her first show at Heritage. She would like to thank her parents for giving her much support and help with the show and she would also like to thank her sister for encouraging her to be a part of the Heritage Rising Stars program.
Steffano Jimenez (9)
Steffano Jimenez is a freshman at Heritage. This is currently his first show with heritage as costumes crew. He would like to thank Erin and Mrs. Stephenson for the help and the learning experience he has been part of.
Hair & Makeup Head
Malina Ortega 12)
Malina Ortega is a senior at Heritage. She has done hair and makeup for Legally Blonde, Peter and the Starcatcher, Shrek the Musical, The Addams Family, Anastasia the Musical, and now, Come from Away. She was also on paint crew for Into the Woods. She would like to thank her family and her old crew members, Julia, Paige, Tatyana, Keira, and Chrystal.
Leha Monis (11)
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Peighton O'Malley (10)
Peighton O’Malley is a sophomore at Heritage and has been apart of Hair and Makeup crew for Anastasia and Come From Away. She would like to thank her friends and family for encouraging her to join theatre and to try something new.
Rachael Ulangca (10)
Rachael Ulangca is a junior at Heritage. She has been part of 3 shows including, Addams Family, Anastasia, and Come From Away. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support.
Paige Maher (12)
Paige is a senior at Heritage. She has been a part of Much Ado, Peter and the Starcatcher, Shrek, and The Addams Family. She would like to thank her friends and family.
Karyna Xu (11)
Karyna is a junior at heritage. She’s been on crew for Shrek and The Addams Family. She would like to thank her friends and family!
Paola Ximena Avalos Paz (12)
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Mari Talo (11)
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Paint Co-Head
Janessa-Monet Atalit (11)
Janessa is a junior at heritage. She has been happily part of the shows Addams Family, Anastasia, and now, Come From Away. She is one of the heads on paint crew for the Rising Stars club. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her and coming to watch the shows, even if she isn’t always being seen on stage.
Paint Co-Head
Daisy Brook (11)
Daisy is a junior at Heritage High. She been part of Adam’s family, hades town, and now Anastasia working on paint. She has also been on run crew for Adam’s family. She would like to thank her family and friends.
Ella Rae Esteban (11)
Ella Rae is a junior at heritage. She has been apart of 4 shows including Shrek, Addams family, and Anastasia. She would like to thank her family for all the support as well as the paint crew for an amazing time together.
Tabitha William (11)
Tabitha William is a Junior at Heritage. This is her first show at Heritage! She’d like to thank her best friends Ena and Sarah, and her parents.
Madison Shaw (10)
Madison is a sophomore at Heritage. She has been been part of 7 shows including Anastasia. She was on paint crew for Come from Away. She would like to thank her family and friends.
Rylie Anderson (10)
Riley is a sophomore at Heritage High school. She has been apart of Shrek The Musical and The Addams Family. She would like to thank her parents for encouraging her to try new things.
Brisa Herrara (11)
Brisa is a Junior at Heritage and has done Crew for Peter and the Starcatcher, Shrek, Adams Family, and Anastasia. She has been on both Props Crew and Paint Crew. She would like to thank her friends for encouraging her to join theater.
Jannalily Lopez (10)
Jannalilly is a sophomore attending at Heritage. This is her first year and show with Rising stars in Come From Away and a current part of paint crew as a painter. She would like to thank her beautiful NOT obese cat Ivy as this show would not be able to go on without her. Enjoy the show in the room where it happened :)
Charlotte Davis (10)
Charlotte is a junior at heritage high school. She has been apart of 5 shows including, Anastasia, Adam’s family, Shrek and others. She is also the ITS manager for the rising stars council. She would like to thank her family and friends for always being there for her. And she also want’s to thank Ben for always picking up the phone!
Makayla Myles (9)
Makayla is a freshman at heritage. This is her first show here! She wants to thank her family and friends for supporting her and the show
Bali Richardson (10)
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Deena Hannan (11)
Deena Hannan is a junior at Heritage. She has been a part of 4 shows at Heritage. Come From Away is her first show on paint crew. She would like to thank her family and the rest of paint crew.
Amy Rattanachuen (11)
Amy is a junior at Heritage and has been a part of 2 shows as crew including Come From Away, the other of which being Shrek.
Set Head
Darren Dizon (12)
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Tyler Best (11)
Tyler Best is a senior at Heritage. He has been apart of 3 shows including Adams family, Anastasia, and come from away. He would like to thank his family and friends.
Scarlett Sund (9)
Scarlett Sund is a freshman at heritage. She has been apart of one show at heritage come from away and is on set construction crew. She would like to thank the rest of set crew for being awesome and her parents for driving her every day.
Caleb Arnold (11)
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Nina Dizon (9)
Nina is a freshman at Heritage. Come From Away is her first show here at Heritage and is a member of the set construction crew. She would like to thank her family, friends and Darren Dizon.
Joshua Irwin (11)
Joshua is a senior at Heritage. He has been apart of 8 shows here including some shows like Shrek, Anastasia, and Come From Away. He has been apart of set crew for all 8 shows. He would like to thank his family, close friends, and everyone in between for helping him through this wonderful production.
Lily Palombi (11)
Lily is a junior at Heritage this is her first show with the school. She would like to thank Darren for making her first time on set crew memorable and fun.
Trinity Tulipano-Stopps (11)
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Sophie Yang (10)
Sophie is a sophomore at Heritage. She's been apart of crew for three shows including, Adams Family, Anastasia, and Come From Away. She would like to thank her friends and family for their never ending support.
Joseph Gatterer (9)
This is Joey’s first show with Rising Stars and so excited to be a part of the production. He started his theater experience at Adams Middle School, performing on stage in several shows. He is so happy to have had the opportunity to work behind the scenes this time.
Props Head
Owen Beale (11)
Owen is a junior at Heritage. He has been apart of 6 shows here including, Peter And The Starcatcher, Pippin, Shrek, Addams Family, Hadestown, and Anastasia. He has been on props and run crew for all the shows and is currently the Rising Stars and ASB Treasurer! He would like to thank props and run crew for such a memorable show!
Deena Hannan (11)
Deena Hannan is a junior at Heritage. She has been a part of 4 shows at Heritage. Come From Away is her first show on paint crew. She would like to thank her family and the rest of paint crew.
Megan Lawrence (12)
Megan is a senior at heritage, she has been a part of 5 shows including, Shrek, The Addams Family, Hadestown, Anastasia, and Come From Away. She would like to thank cast and crew for putting in hard work to make an awesome show.
Dia Bernabe (9)
Dia is a freshman at Heritage and is excited to be a part of the props crew for Come From Away! She is grateful to Mrs. Moore, the cast, the crew, the Boosters, our families, and everyone else for their dedication and hard work!
Makenah Love
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Tyler Strong (9)
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Holly Goyich (11)
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Joey Paz (11)
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Rylie Anderson (11)
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Allie Sweet (9)
Allie is a freshman at Heritage and this is her first show with Rising Stars! She is excited to be a part of this production, and would like to thank all the awesome people involved in Come From Away for making this a great show!
Lily Mundy (9)
Lily Mundy is a freshman at Heritage and this is her first show here. She would like to her parents and siblings, except her brother, he knows why. She would like to shoutout her goats Sue Sylvester, Coach Todd, and all the dutch bros employees out there, love you.
Sydney Wright (12)
Sydney is a senior at Heritage. She has been a part of Shrek, Addam’s Family, Hadestown, and Anastasia. She would like to thank her friends for being her supporters.
Front of House Head
Riley Fiame (11)
Riley is a junior at Heritage. She has been on crew for 3 shows here including Addams Family, Anastasia, and Come From Away. She would like to thank her family for the support and her crew for all of the love, care, and effort they’ve put into the show.
Ariana Gutierrez (10)
Ariana Gutierrez is a sophomore at Heritage. She has been a part of 2 shows here including Anastasia and Come From Away. She has been part of house crew for both shows. She would like to thank her house crew family for always creating a great lobby.
Tabitha William (12)
Tabitha is a senior at Heritage. She has been on crew of 2 shows here including Anastasia and Come from Away, and is a General Member on the Rising Stars council. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support.
Olivia Genereaux (10)
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Amelia Bailey (9)
Amelia Bailey is a freshman at Heritage. She has been apart of crew for Come from away. She would love to thank her friends, family, and teammates for making this production Amazing!
Madison Alexander (9)
Madison is a freshman at Heritage, who is so excited to see what this theatre program will produce over her next four years. She has been in one Bristow Middle School production, The Little Mermaid. She would like to thank her family and everyone who supported her through the production.
Abigail Valmores (9)
I'm a freshman at Heritage High!! This is my first year in Rising Stars, but I've been doing theatre for the past 4 years! As an actor, I've been part of Newsies, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Into the Woods, and others! This is my first show as crew! <3
Chloe Escoto (11)
Chloe is a junior at Heritage!! Come From Away is her very first time being on a crew and being in theater in general.
Aliyah Simeon (9)
I’m a freshman this year, and this is my first show in Rising Stars! I’ve also done two shows as crew in the past, and I’m really excited for the shows yet to come!
Giovanni Montoya (11)
I’m a Junior on my first show! I really, really love this house crew with all my heart. Huge thanks to Henry Blum for roping me into this!
Zoe Pangelinan (9)
Zoe Pangelinan is a Freshman at Heritage, and this is her first production with Rising Stars, on crew.