NETworks Presentations is thrilled to announce updated casting for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, Peter Pan, as the national tour continues into its second year.
Beginning December 3, original tour company member Bailey Frankenberg will assume the role of ‘Tiger Lily’ at The Orpheum Theatre in Omaha, NE. As a Tribal Member of the Cherokee Nation and Choctaw heritage, Frankenberg is so proud to be a part of this new production that elevates representation. Frankenberg says “I’m thrilled to be a part of the visibility that I wished for when I was younger, and I’m so honored to be a part of inspiring the next generation!“
In the iconic role of ‘Peter Pan,’ Nolan Almeida continues his star driven journey to Neverland. An Orange County, California native, Nolan was most recently seen as ‘Crutchie’ in Newsies at 5-Star Theatricals and was featured in “Christmas on Repeat” on Hulu. Cody Garcia thrills on as ‘Captain Hook.’ They most recently starred as ‘Willy Wonka’ in the national tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and as ‘Buddy’ in Elf; and Emerson College graduate Hawa Kamara delights audiences as ‘Wendy.’
The full cast is completed by Shefali Deshpande as ‘Mrs. Darling,’ Kurt Perry as ‘Smee,’ Levi Chrisopulos as ‘John,’ Camden Kwok as ‘Michael.’ The ensemble includes Jonah Barricklo, Ryan Behan, Eduardo Campirano III, Brandon Gille, Calista Jones, Ryan Perry Marks, Ernesto Olivas, Kenny Ramos, Hannah Schmidt, Zanie Love Shaia, Owen Suarez and James Douglas Vinson. The swings are Tony Collins, Leo Gallegos, Serenity Mariana and Cheyenne Omani.
This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a newly-imagined production directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) with additional book by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse (The Thanksgiving Play, What Would Crazy Horse Do?) and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress, The Who’s Tommy).
Biographies
NOLAN ALMEIDA (Peter Pan) appeared as Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the age of seven, and he’s been acting ever since. His last appearance was as Crutchie in Newsies directed by Richard J. Hinds at 5-Star Theatricals. Nolan hails from Orange County, California, and aside from acting, he likes songwriting and playing guitar, skateboarding and playing basketball. His favorite actor is Leonardo DiCaprio, his favorite movie is Titanic, and his favorite singer/songwriter is Bruno Major. He likes apple pie and vanilla ice cream (yup) and his favorite foods are tacos and beef with broccoli. (But not together.) Playing this iconic role and getting to introduce his generation to the magic of Peter Pan is a dream come true! Endless gratitude to his acting coach Danielle Keaton for introducing him to the art in acting, as well as his family and friends for their constant support.
CODY GARCIA (Captain Hook) is a tall and stereotypically indecisive Libra that never acted before but is excited to figure out how it works today. In their spare time, Cody enjoys being a wall flower at social gatherings, dancing like people are watching and honking at chickens who are taking their sweet time crossing the road. Like most people, Cody lies awake at night wondering what life was like before they sliced bread. One would have to assume it was a pretty crazy time prior to that. Cody would like to dedicate their performance to all the pirates and none of the crocodiles – you know what you did. National tours: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Wonka), Elf (Buddy). Other credits: Urinetown (Officer Lockstock), the Star Wars Ballet (Darth Vader) and Oklahoma (Roustabout #3). Alma mater: Boston Conservatory. IG: @popgoesthecultureshock
HAWA KAMARA (Wendy) is absolutely delighted to be making her professional debut playing Wendy Darling in Peter Pan. She recently graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Musical Theatre and is now based in New York City. Some of her favorite credits include Jelly’s Last Jam (Anita), Heathers: the Musical (Veronica Sawyer) and Spitfire Grill (Hannah Ferguson). Hawakamara.com
BAILEY FRANKENBERG (Tiger Lily, Flight Captain, Fight Captain). Osiyo! So honored to step into this revised, powerful TL after being a Swing and the Curtain Call Croc! Bailey is Choctaw and an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. She’s an aerialist, specializes in stage violence, and really loves cats. Training: Collin College (Plano, Tx) and the CAP21 Conservatory in NYC. Credits: 9 to 5 (Doralee), Havoc Movement’s Dracula: The Failings of Men (Lucy), The Lost Colony (Eleanor Dare), Tokyo Disney Resort (Singer), Alvin and the Chipmunks Live! Tour (Every Female Human in the Show). Instagram @baileyfrankenberg
Photos: Jeremy Daniel
SHEFALI DESHPANDE (Mrs. Darling) is thrilled to be touring with this beautiful new production of Peter Pan. Shefali, a graduate of USC, is a musical theatre performer, actress, and pop/R&B singer-songwriter. She played Chalali on Minx (HBO Max), wrote/sang on the soundtrack for Double Cross (ALLBLK), and played Kamala Harris in the nationally-touring political parody musical, Capitol Comedy. Shefali is proud of her Bay Area and Indian roots, and is ever-grateful to her family, friends, and educators for their unconditional belief in her.
KURT PERRY (Mr. Smee) is ecstatic to join the company of Peter Pan. NYC: Noblesse Oblige (Ma-Yi Theatre Company), Quilt: A Musical Celebration (MJP Theatricals). Tours: A Christmas Carol (Christmas Present). Regional: The Addams Family (Fester, Beef and Boards), The Music Man (Jacey Squires, Fireside Dinner Theatre), South Pacific (Stewpot, Plaza Theatricals), HAIR (Margret Mead, Maine State Music Theater). TV: “Bull” (CBS). Thank you to Penny Luedtke, Jordan Fischer and my friends and family for their unconditional support. @KurtPerry41.
LEVI CHRISOPULOS (John) is thrilled to be making his national tour debut with Peter Pan. Credits: “FBI:CBS (Lucas Ravener),” Matilda-The Musical (Nigel), Broadway! @ Disneyland. Levi would like to thank his Mom, Dad, twin sisters, extended family, and dance family @ DFNW for their unending love and support on this journey. @lchrisop_dancer
CAMDEN KWOK (Michael) is ecstatic to be making his national tour debut! He loves all things performing and cannot wait to meet Peter Pan fans across the country! When he’s not on stage, you can find him enjoying a movie night with his fam, breakdancing, playing sports, or spending time with friends. Camden wishes to thank his Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister and pup Gigi Pickles for their love and support. Special thanks to BEA, Maxed Management, ARC + Robert @CamdenKwok
JONAH BARRICKLO (Ensemble) a New York native now living in Boston, and recent graduate of Emerson College (BFA, Musical Theatre). He is thrilled to be a part of this magical production! Favorite credits include: Xanadu (Sonny Malone, The Prizery), online concert premiere of Sticks and Stones, and Cabaret (Herr Schultz, Emerson College). He owes everything to his friends, family, and loving girlfriend for their continuous support! jonahbarricklo.com @_jonahbear
RYAN BEHAN (Ensemble) is making his national tour debut! Ryan is a student at CCM. Regional: Frozen (NSMT), Footloose (Ren), A Chorus Line (Mark). CCM: She Loves Me (Arpad). He thanks Peter Pan for welcoming him, and his classmates, friends, and family for their endless love and support! @ryanbehan03
EDUARDO CAMPIRANO III (Ensemble) is proud to be making his national tour debut with Peter Pan after spending the last three years working in film and television. Credits: From Black (Noah), Shudder; Imaginary (Boy), Blumhouse, Lionsgate; Blue’s Clues, Nick Jr. and various roles in independent projects, short films, and commercials. A TX native, Eduardo enjoys singing, dancing, his community theater, and spending time with friends and family.
TONY COLLINS (Swing, Dance Captain, Assistant Flight Captain) is thrilled to be joining the National tour of Peter Pan! Off Broadway: The Goodbye Girl. Regional: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Full Monty, Kinky Boots, Newsies, and Ragtime! TV/Film: NBC’s “Rockin NYE” 2021/22 as a dancer and J. Lo’s Halftime Netflix Premier Viewing as a dancer! Thank you to the best of friends and loved ones. Huge thank you to Duncan and Patrick at ARC! Social Media: @tonyycollinss
LEO GALLEGOS (Swing) is a striving Latino artist who was most recently seen in the Ensemble of Phoenix Theatre Company’s production of The Prom. His other credits include the socially awkward Daryl in Bright Star and the lovesick Musidorus in Head Over Heels.
BRANDON GILLE (Ensemble) is absolutely thankful and thrilled to be performing in national tour in Peter Pan! Brandon attended Pepperdine University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre. Notable credits include him starring as Josh in the North American Tour of Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues (Round Room Live), understudying Claude in Hair (El Portal Theater), starring as Quasimodo in Disney’s West Coast premiere of the Hunchback of Notre Dame in 2017 (Disney Theatricals), and featured as various live roles at the Foundation of New American Musicals in Los Angeles, CA. “I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to ARC Casting, my agent, and my family!” Check him out on his website, http://www.brandongille.com, or follow his new Instagram account, @bdgille
CALISTA JONES (Ensemble) is delighted to be making her national tour debut! Regional: Funny Girl (Ensemble, MSMT), White Christmas (Ensemble/Rita US, MSMT), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Swing, MSMT). Much love to mentors, friends, and family for their endless support! @calista.jones
SERENITY MARIANA (Swing) is an Indigenous artist of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, currently based in New York City. She is a Senior pursuing a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch, having studied in the Experimental Theatre Wing and the Lee Strasberg Institute. Credits Include: Shaleena in Can’t Drink Salt Water (Montana Repertory Theatre), Frankie Brown in Perhaps the World Ends Here (NYU Tisch Mainstage), Emma in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (CJ Productions), Janis Joplin/Elizabeth Warren in 9 Studies for a Dance Opera (Experimental Theatre Wing), and Iris in The Tempest (Classic Theatre of Maryland). She is thrilled to be making her National Tour Debut! Instagram: serenitymariana
RYAN PERRY MARKS (Ensemble, Flight Captain) is thrilled to be touring with the incredible new production of Peter Pan! Regional: Mary Poppins (Bert), Cinderella (Prince Topher), Newsies (Race, Dance Captain), Saturday Night Fever (Double J). National Tour: Rudolph… (Charlie). Thank you to ARC Casting, Natalie at LA Talent, and my incredibly supportive family and friends! @ryanperrymarks
ERNESTO OLIVAS (Ensemble) is stoked to be joining the national tour of Peter Pan! Tours: West Side Story (International Tour), Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville (National Tour). Favorite Regional Credits: The Cher Show, La Cage Aux Folles, Disney’s Newsies, & On Your Feet! He sends love to his mom, sisters, Kayla Alexis, & Levi. @_ernestoolivas_
CHEYENNE OMANI (Swing). National Tour: Annie (Dance Captain/Swing). Regional: Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine), On Your Feet! (Robin), A Chorus Line (Maggie), Mamma Mia! (Ali), Singin’ in the Rain (Mary Margaret), and Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit). Special thanks to Tiera Ashley at Firestarter Entertainment. @cheyenneomani
KENNY RAMOS (Ensemble) is from the Barona Band of Mission Indians/Kumeyaay Nation and he grew up on the Barona Indian Reservation. He is an ensemble member at Cornerstone Theatre Company in Los Angeles, and Artist-in-Residence at La Jolla Playhouse. Kenny has credits with Cornerstone Theater Company, The Rose/Omaha Theater Company, Native Voices at the Autry, Perseverance Theatre, Krannert Center/Illinois Theatre, Passage Theatre Company, Woolly Mammoth, South Dakota Shakespeare Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Denver Center, Seattle Rep, Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum, and The Kennedy Center. TV: “Spirit Rangers” (Netflix). Awards: 2019 Theatre Communications Group (TCG) Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellow; 2019 First Peoples Fund Cultural Capital Fellow; Yale Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration 2021 Mellon Artist Fellow; Center for Cultural Innovation 2022 CALI Catalyst Grantee. Education: BA in American Indian Studies, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). @krayramos
HANNAH SCHMIDT (Ensemble, Dance Captain). National tour debut! Northeast Ohio native from Bainbridge Township. BFA in musical theatre from Otterbein University. Endless gratitude to the Peter Pan team, Hudson Artists Agency, and Casting by Arc. Love to everyone who keeps me dancing—Mom, Dad, Allie, Joe, Dean, and my amazing friends! @hannahdschmidt
ZANIE LOVE SHAIA (Ensemble). National tour debut! Born and raised a southern girl, Zanie is now an NYC based actress. Past: Mary Poppins (Jane), Cinderella (Ella), The World Games Opening Ceremonies (CBS/Olympics). Endless gratitude to her family, friends, and manager, Lynne Marks. Psalm 91!
OWEN SUAREZ (Ensemble) is from Columbus, Ohio, and is thrilled to make his National Tour debut in Peter Pan! Regional credits include Ragtime the Musical! (The Little Boy), School of Rock (Mason), A Christmas Story: The Musical (Randy) and Matilda (Tommy). Owen would like to thank his family for their never-ending support and his coaches, Chelsea Heart Melcher and Nick Cosgrove, without whom this would not have been possible.
JAMES DOUGLAS VINSON (Ensemble) is an NYC based actor and is thrilled to be flying to Neverland! National Tour: Hairspray (Fender/Link Larkin, Corny Collins understudy). Regional: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Gunther); Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Righteous Brother/Nick); Descendants (Doug); A Chorus Line (Larry). A big thank you to his friends and family for their endless love and support! @jaames_vinsonn
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