When big-hearted Annie, a child at the callous Miss Hannigan’s orphanage for girls, is adopted by billionaire Oliver Warbucks, she gets a taste for how the other half lives in the Big Apple. “The sun’ll come out tomorrow” in this beloved Broadway musical that takes Annie on an adventure as she realizes her big dreams, stands strong against her wrongdoers, and never forgets her humble beginnings. An inspiring story that will make your holidays sparkle, Annie proves that oftentimes all a child needs is the love of true family and friends—plus a faithful pup named Sandy!
Production Gallery
Photography by Ben Krantz Studio and Thomas Campitelli.
25/26 Season Audience Guide
A handy guide for each one of our shows in the Mainstage Season that includes content advisories and post show discussion questions. This guide is great for any theatergoer looking to learn more about a show before attending.
The Cast
BRENDAN SIMON* (Oliver Warbucks) is a Bay Area native and proud member of the Actors Equity Association who is thrilled to be returning to Berkeley Playhouse, where he has directed, choreographed, and performed in many shows throughout the years. Brendan is an award-winning theatre practitioner who has been on local, regional, and national stages for three decades. He is a graduate of the inaugural class of New York-based Lincoln Center Education’s Teaching Artist Training Program. He was also a National Manager at Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre and the former Artistic Director of TheatreFIRST. Brendan believes theatre heals, and he hopes attending this show leaves you changed for the better- even if just slightly.
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
MELINDA MEENG (Grace Farrell) is delighted to be back on the Berkeley Playhouse stage in her 10th show with the company! This is her third time playing Grace, having done the role for Berkeley Playhouse’s 2011 & 2017 productions! Other theatre credits include: Gypsy (Rose), Our Town (Narrator), Mamma Mia (Tanya), Flower Drum Song (Madame Rita Liang), A Chorus Line (Diana Morales), Man of La Mancha (Aldonza), The King & I (Lady Thiang), South Pacific (Bloody Mary, Shellie Award Winner)…and many more! TV: Chance with Hugh Laurie, Film: Americana (2016), Free Byrd (2019), The Outerlands (2025: SXSW Premiere), and various Commercial, Print & Voice Over credits. Cheers to my sweet parents! Love to Todd!
SARAH BYLSMA (Miss Hannigan) (she/her) is so excited to be making her Berkeley Playhouse debut in this production of Annie. Some of her previous performances have been in Waitress, Legally Blonde, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, School of Rock, Mary Poppins, Something Rotten, Kinky Boots, Matilda and Mamma Mia. She obtained a B.A in Theater with a dance minor from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. During the day she works full time as a senior account executive at Heffernan Walton Insurance Services and she is the parent to her lovable fluff child, Winnie. She hopes you enjoy the show.
LIAM CODY (Rooster Hannigan / Man 4) is excited to be returning for his second role at Berkeley Playhouse. Recent roles include the “Flyboy” Ancestor in Berkley Playhouse’s production of the Addams Family, Prince Topher in Tri-Valley Theatre Company’s Cinderella, Kenickie in Altarena Playhouse’s Grease, Stacee Jaxx in Tri-Valley Theatre Company’s Rock of Ages, Lancelot in Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble’s Spamalot, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in Pittsburg Theatre Company’s Young Frankenstein, and Robert Martin in Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble’s The Drowsy Chaperone. He would like to thank his friends and loved ones for their support and love.
MAIA CAMPBELL (Lily St Regis / Woman 2) (she/her) is overjoyed to return to the Berkeley Playhouse stage. She has appeared in the Playhouse productions of Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble), Kinky Boots (Pat), Fun Home (Medium Alison), and Matilda (Ensemble). Other favorite Bay Area credits include Next to Normal (Natalie) with Ray of Light Theater, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive Ostrovsky) with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. She graduated this past February from MIT with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Arts. She would like to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support; she would be unable to do this without them. Instagram: @maiaic.
ADAM SAVILLE (Franklin Delano Roosevelt / Lt. Ward) is thrilled to be making his Berkeley Playhouse debut with his daughter, Tula, and their scene-stealing dog, Penny! A proud member of the Oakland theatre troupe, Backyard Players, his recent credits include Max in The Play That Goes Wrong and Jimmy and Daniel in Almost, Maine. He sends love and gratitude to Yve and Jude—the other half of the family not on stage—and is deeply grateful to the warm and supportive Berkeley Playhouse team.
MILO MEE (Bert Healy / Bundles / Howe) is thrilled to be making his debut with Berkeley Playhouse! He recently graduated from San Diego State University, where he earned a degree in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Marketing. During his time at SDSU, Milo developed a deep love for storytelling that challenges, uplifts, and connects communities. Recent credits include Mark in Rent, Melchior in Spring Awakening, and Vladimir in Waiting for Godot. Milo is passionate about creating bold, honest work both onstage and behind the scenes, and he’s excited to begin this new chapter of his professional journey. Follow along at @milomeeofficial to see what’s next!
ANNA L. JOHAM (Mrs. Pugh / Perkins / Apple Seller / Producer / Woman 4) is an award winning bay area actor-singer, and is excited to return to Berkeley Playhouse in Annie. Past Productions: Cinderella’s Stepmother, Into the Woods (Berkeley Playhouse); Pat, Kinky Boots (Mountain Play); Helena, Midsummer Night’s Dream (Foodbank Players); Pennywise, Urinetown (Spreckles Performing Arts Center); Lili/Kate, Kiss Me Kate (Pentacle Theatre); Queen Anne, Three Musketeers (Marin Shakespeare Company); Mrs. Bateman, American Psycho (Ray of Light Theatre); Marie Dindon, La Cage aux Folles (Woodminster Summer Musicals); Clover, The Farm (Theatre First) where she received a nomination for Featured Actress in a Musical with BATCC Awards. Anna lives in Alameda where she teaches private voice and piano lessons to students of all ages.
RONNIE ANDERSON (Drake / Man 1) is thrilled reuniting with historical Julia Morgan Theater, where he experienced his first professional theatrical position; teaching and directing with The Bay Area Youth Theatre. Ronnie is having an incredible three years performing onstage (after a two decade hiatus), by portraying UberVillain, Ivan Smirnoff in Theatre Rhinoceros’ Billy; reviving later this year! Other recent favorites include Madame Sylvia St. Croix in Ruthless! The Musical, Gloucester in King Lear, James Wicker in It’s Only A Play, Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night, Jaques in As You Like It and ensemble with Center Repertory Company’s Arsenic And Old Lace, American Conservatory Theater’s A Christmas Carol and National Theatre’s The Lehman Trilogy.
DIELLA WOTTRICH (Sophie / Mrs. Greer / Boylan Sister) is thrilled to be back at Berkeley Playhouse, having last performed in Head Over Heels, Becoming Robin Hood and Mamma Mia! Other theatre credits include Center REPertory Company’s A Christmas Carol, Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s Grease, Gypsy, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Joseph….., Sunset Blvd., Oklahoma, Evita, Cinderella, Guys & Dolls, Beauty & The Beast, South Pacific, Anything Goes, and A Chorus Line, Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble’s Robin Hood, Diablo Theatre Company’s Guys & Dolls and Annie, and Tri-Valley Theatre Company’s The Sound of Music. She has also performed in numerous Mountain Plays and College of Marin productions. Enjoy the show!!
TRISTAN RODRIGUEZ (Morgenthau / Wacky / Police 2 / Dogcatcher) (he/him) is thrilled to be returning to the Julia Morgan Theatre, where he was last seen as Nick Bottom in “Something Rotten!” Some other favorite roles include Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf in “Into The Woods.” (Ohana Theatrical Productions) Jesus Christ in “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Berkeley Playhouse Teenstage) and Hades in “Hadestown” (Las Lomas High School) He would like to thank his parents, Mel Martinez, and Barm. He hopes you enjoy the show!
TOSCA BLOOM (Annette / Star To Be / Boylan Sister / Woman 3) (she/her) is thrilled to return to Berkeley Playhouse! She previously appeared as Alice in The Addams Family, as Gemma Louise in Kinky Boots, as Wren in Becoming Robin Hood, and in Hairspray. Tosca is a Bay Area native who graduated from Tulane University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and Digital Media Production. Past credits include: Olive in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Contra Costa Musical Theatre), Poopsie in The Pajama Game (42nd Street Moon), Anna in Tintypes, Lucy in Bright Star, Whatsername in American Idiot, Wednesday in Addams Family (Contra Costa Civic Theatre), and Ilse in Spring Awakening (Tulane University). Love to Marco, Sonnet & Lyric and mom & dad.
MELODY PAYNE ALONZO (Cecille / Woman 1 / Boylan Sister / Usherette) (she/her) is happy to be back with Berkeley Playhouse. She was last seen here in Jesus Christ Superstar. Melody has been singing her whole life and acting/dancing for two decades. She trained with All Access Productions in Long Island, NY and with private coaches throughout the years. She most recently played Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda at Novato Theater Company, and Janet in The Rocky Horror Show at Missouri Street Theatre. Other favorite roles include the title role in Sylvia and Penny Pingleton in Hairspray (Elly Award winner). Melody works in children’s theater and is a partner dance instructor with husband, Justin.
KELI’I SALVADOR (Hull / Jimmy Johnson / Brandeis / Asst Dog Catcher) is super excited to perform in his first show with Berkeley Playhouse. Keli’i has been seen in RENT as Angel (Chabot College), Legally Blonde as Carlos (Korsa), Love U as Phoenix (Z Space), and Carrie as Stokes (American Conservatory Theatre). His choreography has been seen in Hadestown (American Conservatory Theatre), Oklahoma! and Little Shop of Horrors (Korsa), Once Upon a Mattress and SpongeBob (Young Peopleʻs Teen Musical Theatre), and Chicago (Oakland Technical High School). He currently attends Chabot College where he furthers his training in theatre. He thanks the cast and crew for helping put on the show! Instagram: @itsmekelii
MATEO URQUIDEZ (Eddie / Ickes / Man 2 / SFX Man) (he/him) is thrilled to be back at Berkeley Playhouse in Annie, previously seen in The Prom, last season apart of the featured ensemble. Recent credits also include; Teen Angel/Eugene/Vince Fontaine in Grease at Altarena Playhouse, as well as featured ensemble in 9 to 5, with Ray of Light Theatre. A recent graduate of San Francisco State University, receiving his Bachelors of Theatre Arts, Mateo is excited to continue his theatrical journey in the bay area!
MYLES WU (Ensemble / Swing) is thrilled to return to the Berkeley Playhouse MainStage since his debut in Cinderella Enchanted. Since he was 6 years old, Myles has participated in Berkeley Playhouse summer camps including Mary Poppins and Matilda. He is a Berkeley Playhouse Counselor-in-Training during the summer. Previous credits: Mary Poppins (TMC Arts), A Christmas Carol (Center Repertory Company), The Music Man (Tri-Valley Theatre Company), The Song of the Nightingale (Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre), and Freaky Friday (Diablo Valley College Drama). Myles would like to thank everyone for their love and support. Please enjoy the show! @mylesjonathanwu
LOURDES VERDE LOMBARDO (Ensemble / Swing) is thrilled to be a part of her first Mainstage Berkeley Playhouse production! Some of her past credits include Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar (Berkeley Playhouse Teenstage), Kate in Oklahoma! (Korsa Musical Theatre), Sister Sophia in The Sound of Music (Korsa Musical Theatre) and Christian in the Shadow Cast of Fun Home (Korsa Musical Theatre’s Alumni Project), with her Mainstage debut as Young Ella in Town Hall’s 2019 production of Cinderella: A Fairytale. She would like to thank the entire cast for such an amazing opportunity and experience, and she hopes you enjoy the show! IG: @lourdesverdelombardo
EMMA JILIZIAN (Annie) is so thrilled to be making her Berkeley Playhouse debut in her dream role! She is 10-years-old and in the 5th grade. Her previous credits include Matilda Jr. (Bruce), The Jungle Book Kids (Shanti), and Annie Jr. (Annie) with I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center. Emma would like to thank her family and friends for all of the love and support in helping her live out her dreams. IG: @emma.louise.sings
MACKENZIE PAIGE PREISLER (Duffy) is INCREDIBLY excited to make her Berkeley Playhouse debut with Annie! Previous credits include Jane Banks in Mary Poppins and Tinker Bell in Wish Upon a Star. She is a Lamorinda Idol winner, a Project LPIE First Place winner in Acting, Solo Vocals, and Group Vocals, and a Mayoral Award recipient for achievement in the arts. She is in 7th grade, appears next as Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie, and is thrilled to be working towards her dream of performing on Broadway. Outside of theatre, Mackenzie loves reading, math, driving her 9.9 boat, playing volleyball, violin, and guitar. Follow her amazing journey here: IG: @mackenziepaige.official, YouTube: @mackenziesmusic
CHANA WEINTRAUB (July) (she/her, pronounced Hana) is over the moon to make her second appearance on the Berkeley Playhouse Mainstage. She has been performing since age three and brings passion and joy for theater to every role. Favorite credits include the Youth Ensemble in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella Enchanted (Berkeley Playhouse Mainstage), Les in Disney’s Newsies (Berkeley Playhouse Spotlight Series), Flotsam and Atina in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Berkeley Playhouse Youth Stage), and title roles in Mary Poppins and Frozen 2 (Berkeley Playhouse). Chana studies voice and dance, and when not on stage, she loves producing home performances with her older sister and spending time with her siblings, dog, parents, and friends.
ELLIE SMITH (Pepper) is so excited to make her Berkeley Playhouse debut! She was most recently seen in the youth ensemble of Mary Poppins with TMC Arts. Favorite past roles include Katherine in Newsies with Performing Academy and Curly in Oklahoma! with I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center. When she’s not on stage, Ellie loves dancing and getting lost in a good book. She thanks her family, friends, and teachers for cheering her on!
DARCI SIVA (Tessie) is truly delighted to make her debut with Berkeley Playhouse. She discovered her passion for performing four years ago, at the age of 8. She resides in San Francisco and has recently performed in local productions of Legally Blonde, Jr. (Salesian Theatre) and Sister Act, Jr. (Salesian Theatre). Darci currently trains with ACT’s Young Conservatory and Elissa K Studios. She is thrilled for the opportunity to perform in Annie and would like to thank her family and her acting coach, Elissa Kapneck, for making it all possible!
NORA FARIVAR (Kate) is thrilled to be making her Berkeley Playhouse debut! Past roles include the Sugarplum Fairy Attendant and Drummer Mouse in The Nutcracker (Oakland Ballet) and Storyteller and Grandmother Spider in Hungry Anansi (Fairyland Children’s Theater). She performs with the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Concert Choir and studies piano at Asha’s House of Piano and many styles of dance at East Bay Dance Center. When she is not acting Nora enjoys reading, puzzles, biking, dancing, and playing video games with her brother. Nora would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work.
ALICE SONG (Molly) is overjoyed to return to Berkeley Playhouse for her second MainStage production, after her debut last spring as Gretl Von Trapp in the Sound of Music! She has also previously trained/performed in Broadway Dreams NYC showcase numbers, in the 2025 Lamorinda Idols finals, and in Tielle Baker Vocal Studio’s spring 2025 showcase. She loves dancing in many genres from contemporary to hip hop, club soccer, skiing, and reading. She would like to thank the incredible, dedicated people at Berkeley Playhouse for all the heart they pour into their work and her family, teachers, and friends for supporting her and the arts!
TULA SAVILLE (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her MainStage debut in Annie! She has performed with Berkeley Playhouse YouthStage for the past three years, in Matilda (Matilda Wormwood), The Addams Family (Pugsley Addams), Les Misérables (Enjolras), RENT (Ensemble), and Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas). Tula is a junior at Bishop O’Dowd High School and is especially excited to share the stage with her dad and dog in this production. She sends love and thanks to her friends, family, and the Berkeley Playhouse team.
AVA RABKIN (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Berkeley Playhouse debut. A 7th grader with a passion for the performing arts, Ava has been lighting up the stage since the age of five. She is a member of the American Conservatory Theater’s Youth Cabaret (A.C.T.), and some of her favorite past roles include “Mary Beth” in A Christmas Story (Los Altos Stage Company), “Patrick Star” in The SpongeBob Musical (Los Altos Youth Theater), and “Small Alison” in Fun Home (Korsa Musical Theater). She is especially excited to be sharing the stage with her beloved dog, Maccabee, who makes his own stage debut. Ava would like to thank her vocal coach, Kristin Walter, her family for their endless support, and the amazing cast and crew of this production. Follow Ava on Instagram: @ava_ann_actor
MACCABEE “MAC” RABKIN (Sandy) is paws-itively excited to be making his stage debut as the lovable Sandy in Annie. A proud Bernedoodle, Mac learned everything he knows about the stage from his sister Ava Rabkin, who appears alongside him in this production. Offstage, he enjoys stealing slices of pizza from unsuspecting humans, long trail hikes, and plenty of cuddles. Follow Mac on Instagram: @maccabee_the_dog
CARA IMPALLOMENI (Annie) is thrilled to be making her Berkeley Playhouse debut. Favorite roles: Annie Who, u/s Cindy-Lou Who (Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical!, Broadway National Tour), YoYo (Cocomelon Lane, Netflix / Moonbug Entertainment), Ellen (The Man Who Saved Christmas, East Bay Children’s Theatre), Michael Darling (Wish Upon A Star, Peter Pan Foundation). Cara is a 5-time winner of Lamorinda Idol. Thanks to Mallory Levy (DDO), Leorah Haberfield (Bohemia), Eric Petersen, Badiene Magaziner, Raquel Nobile, Leslie Noel-Hansen, Renee De Weese-Moran, Steve Harwood, Ron Lytle, Elana Bohm… and my friends, family, and pets! Instagram: @caraimpallomeni
HARPER SIMS (Duffy) is thrilled to make her Berkeley Playhouse debut! She has trained at American Conservatory Theater, Marin Dance Theater, Marin Girls Chorus, New York Broadway Training Programs, and is now in her fourth year as a lead vocalist with the School of Rock Performance Bands. Recent roles include Ruth in the world premiere of A Whynot Christmas Carol (American Conservatory Theater), Taylor in High School Musical (New York Broadway Training Programs), Eric in Matilda (Novato Theater Company), and Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone (New York Broadway Training Programs). Harper is incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the love and support of her family and friends!
ARACELI GRACE (July) (she/her) is thrilled to return to Berkeley Playhouse! Past favorite roles include Brigitta in The Sound of Music (Berkeley Playhouse), Young Anastasia in Anastasia (Hillbarn Theatre), Bielke in Fiddler on the Roof (Palo Alto Players), Amaryllis in The Music Man (Palo Alto Players), Matilda in Matilda the Musical (Palo Alto Players and StarStruck Theatre). When she’s not stage, Araceli enjoys cheer & stunt, crocheting and reading. She thanks everyone for their continued support! ig: @araceligraceofficial
COLETTE GOODMAN (Pepper) (she/her) is thrilled to be returning to Berkeley Playhouse’s MainStage in the role of Pepper! Previous theatrical credits include: Jojo in Seussical (Berkeley Playhouse MainStage), Matilda in Matilda (Berkeley Playhouse KidStage), Small Alison in the Fun Home Reunion Concert with OBC (The Public Theater NYC) and Cinderella in Into the Woods (Korsa Musical Theatre). TV/Film (on camera): Shell (Max Minghella/Blank Tape Productions), 300 Feet Tall (Michelle Vezilj), suddenly. (Ben Sanders/BX Films); (animated): Dr. Seuss’s Horton! (Netflix), LOL: House of Surprises (Netflix/MGA) and games: Snoopy & the Great Mystery Club (GameMill Ent.); Zenless Zone Zero (MiYoHo Games). Fun facts: Colette is an advanced classical pianist, a competitive swimmer and a Lamorinda Idol 14x category finalist and 4x winner. Thanks to Mom and Dad! Enjoy the show! IG:@coletteannalise
JACQUELYN KINSEY (Tessie) is delighted to make her professional theatre debut at the Berkeley Playhouse! She has been performing in musicals since she was five. Highlights include: Lion King (Zazu) and Frozen (Olaf) with Performing Academy, Addams Family (Wednesday) with Poison Apple, Alice In Wonderland (Alice) with Town Hall, Cinderella (Cinderella) with Starlight, and Wish Upon A Star (Anna) and Seussical (Cat in the Hat) with the Peter Pan Foundation. The first musical she ever saw was Berkeley Playhouse’s Annie, so it is extra special for her to be performing here! She thanks her family and friends for supporting her along the way, and the Berkeley Playhouse for this wonderful opportunity!
PIERA TAMER (Kate) is so excited to make her Berkeley Playhouse debut! Piera has brought cherished characters to life on stage, including precocious Matilda in Matilda the Musical (Novato Theater Company), iconic Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol (American Conservatory Theater) and originating the wise character of Zayd in the world premiere of A Whynot Christmas Carol (American Conservatory Theater). Film credits include Betsey in By The Roots. Piera is thrilled to be a part of this production of Annie and can’t wait to perform her heart out!
MIRA RANCHOD (Molly) is thrilled to make her Berkeley Playhouse debut in Annie! Mira first fell in love with the theater at BPH camps, playing characters in Harry Potter, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, and Trolls). She continued her BPH education with roles in Annie (Molly and Apple Seller), Peter Pan (Nana and Lost Boy), and her favorite role as Lord Farquad in Shrek. In her free time, Mira loves sketching fashion designs, baking, and playing with her adorable bunny Kesari. She thanks her family, friends and drama, music, dance and vocal teachers for their encouragement and support in pursuing her love of the performing arts.
ABI LOPEZ (Ensemble) is thrilled to join the Berkeley Playhouse family and be part of Annie! She is happiest when she’s on stage singing, acting, or dancing. Recent roles include Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka Jr. (Plethos Productions), Tamika in School of Rock (Royal Theater Academy), and James in James and the Giant Peach (Plethos Productions). Abi is incredibly thankful for this opportunity and excited to bring this story to life. Special thanks to her parents for their constant love and support during the audition journey, and to Camille La’akea Wong for her invaluable guidance throughout this process.
SERENAH WHITNEY (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at Berkeley Playhouse! Her most recent productions have been The Little Mermaid Jr (flounder) and Susicle ( The cat in the hat). Serenah has been acting since she was 5 and dancing since she was 3. Now she can’t wait to join MainStage Berkeley playhouse! Serenah is in 8th grade and can’t wait to close out her middle school years and go on to high school. Serenah hopes on joining her school’s dance team and plans to continue acting to stay in touch with her hobby and expand her skills.
PENNY (Sandy) Ever since Penny was a young pup, she dreamed of the bright lights of Broadway. Although Broadway never came callin’, Berkeley Playhouse did! When she’s not on stage, Penny enjoys off-leash hikes in the Oakland Hills, long naps in the sun, and morning belly rubs. Like Sandy, she was once a homeless dog on the streets before being rescued. Penny sends tail wags of love and gratitude to her wonderful family and to the Milo Foundation ( www.milofoundation.org ) for giving her a forever home.
