Cast Bios:

Hunter Brown (Pythio/Owl/Oracle) is Head Over Heels to be returning to Coronado Playhouse! Past shows include: Sweeney Todd (CPH, Beadle Bamford), A Twisted Bargain (Compulsion Dance and Theatre, Xander), and The Mountain Song (CPH, Emmitt Jones). Hunter would like to thank Paco and Blue for their support.

Lucas Grana (Musidorus) is so excited to be making his Coronado Playhouse debut in Head Over Heels! He is in his third year at the University of California San Diego, studying Theatre Performance and Entrepreneurial Business. Some of his favorite credits include: First Date as Reggie/British Artist (Point Loma Playhouse), Stupid F*cking Bird as Sorn, Crazy For You as Bela Zangler, Defying Gravity as Monet, The Little Mermaid as Scuttle. He would like to thank the Head over Heels creative team for making it such a joyous atmosphere to perform in. Lastly, he would like to thank his friends and family for always pushing him to be a better performer and person. I LOVE YOU ALL.

Iker Leal (Ensemble/Musidorus Understudy) is ecstatic to be in this year’s cast of Head Over Heels and to make his debut here at Coronado Playhouse. He can’t wait to show all the work that has gone into this production. His favorite past credits include, Footloose (Bickle), Freaky Friday (Ensemble), Urinetown (Hot Blades Harry), Newsies (Ensemble) and Pirates of Penzance (Sam). He would also very much like to thank his family, friends and amazing partner. Iker cannot wait to show off all the hard work put into the production.

Jessica Lewis (Ensemble/Mopsa Understudy) (she/her) is a San Diego-based actor and dancer currently pursuing a degree in Musical Theatre at San Diego City College. Recent credits include Something Rotten! (Ensemble), Cabaret (Texas/Gorilla), and The Prom (Ensemble). Jessica is very excited to make her Coronado Playhouse debut in Head Over Heels!

Nikki Lyn Mass (Ensemble/Pamela Understudy) is a singer, actor, and voice teacher originally from the Chicago suburbs. After taking a break from performing to focus on her private voice studio, she started performing again here in San Diego in 2024. She is thrilled to be making her Coronado Playhouse debut! Recent credits include Mayzie in Seussical TYA (Trinity Theatre), Florence in Bright Star (Lamplighters), Percy swing in The Spitfire Grill (Lamplighters), Something Rotten (OB Playhouse), and Made In The USA (Vista’s Broadway Theatre). You can find Nikki on her social media platforms: TikTok – @tiktokvocalcoach / IG – @nikkilynmaas

Kay Marian McNellen (Pamela) is delighted to return for her second production with Coronado Playhouse! Audiences may remember her as Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Coronado Playhouse) or as Karen in August: Osage County (Backyard Renaissance). Most recently, she directed Miracle on 34th Street at New Village Arts. When she’s not on stage or behind the scenes, she’s online—sharing her love for live theatre with weekly videos highlighting every show playing in San Diego. If you haven’t seen them yet, you’re missing out. Follow her @sdstageguide on Instagram and TikTok to discover just how much amazing theatre this city has to offer. Enjoy the show!

Mileigh Nelson (Ensemble/Dance Captain) is so excited to be a part of the cast! Previous roles include Andy Lee (u/s Peggy Sawyer) in 42nd Street, Ella Backstreet in Popstars, and featured dancer in Bring it On. When she’s not dancing, Mileigh can be found reading, playing sports, or playing piano and guitar. She wants to thank the artistic team for this opportunity!

Laney Norberg (Philoclea) is delighted to make her Coronado Playhouse debut. Recent credits include Clue (Mrs. White), Merry Wives of Windsor (Host) and Romeo & Juliet (Peter). Her all-time favorite role was as Ella in Rodger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which earned her a Top 3 Actress honor at the 2023 Broadway San Diego Awards. Laney is pursuing her BFA in Acting at Shenandoah Conservatory. Much love to her family, friends and mentors for their endless love and support!

Amy Oliverio (Gynecia) is extremely honored to be back at the Playhouse!!! Musical theater has been her passion since the 3rd grade and she can’t be more grateful to be sharing her love for her craft with all of you! Some of her favorite credits include Nunsense (Reverend Mother), Vanities (Joanne), and Lucky Stiff (Rita La Porta). As her love for performing is ever growing and flowing, Amy is currently in the process of applying to grad school to pursue her MFA in acting! Amy is incredibly honored to be apart of her second full production at the Playhouse and would like to thank her family, friends, and past educators for ALWAYS supporting her! She would, also, like to thank Micheal, Nina, Harrison, Katie, Paulina, and the rest of the Coronado Playhouse team for presenting her with this amazing opportunity! Enjoy our precious BEAT!!!

Cheyenne Parker (Ensemble/Gynecia Understudy) is delighted to make her Coronado Playhouse debut! She is a graduate of SDSU with a BA in Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite credits include Ziggy Stardust & Me, I Could Use A Drink [SDSU], James and the Giant Peach, and Into the Woods [Grossmont College]. She thanks her friends for their unwavering support- especially her girlfriend, her strongest pillar throughout this journey. @cheyenneleeparker

Hayden St. Clair (Mopsa) (they/them) joyously returns to the CPH stage. Previous CPH: Xanadu (Clio/Kira), Company (Jenny). Local acting: Joseph…Dreamcoat (Vanguard), Twelfth Night of the Living Dead (Loud Fridge). Education: Theatre BA, Concordia University Irvine. They are grateful to the cast, crew, & creative team for all their effort on this beautiful production. Many thanks to those that support live theatre, like you! HayBaleCreations.carrd.co

Jackson Taitano (Ensemble/Pythio/Owl/Oracle Understudy) (they/them) graduated from Cal State Chico with a BFA Musical Theatre with a Minor in Dance. Jackson made their New York debut in the original play Clay Mommy (Lior Rosenblatt). Some of Jackson’s stand out performances include Hello, Dolly! (Barnaby Tucker), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck/Philostrate), Romeo & Juliet (Nurse), The Wizard of Oz (Zeke/Cowardly Lion/Assistant Choreographer), and Head Over Heels (Pythio the Oracle/Fight Captain). Jackson is happy to be back home in San Diego and gives special thanks to Shawna and Damian for their love and support. @jacksontaitano jacksontaitano.com

Odie Taylor (Basilius) (he/they) transitioned out of the U.S. Navy nearly one year ago to the day. At 25 years old, he stepped onstage for the first time and quickly found his passion for performing. His recent credits include Randy Dexter in Curtains (Coronado Playhouse) and Billy Cane in Bright Star (Lamplighters Theatre). He’s excited to make his second appearance on the Coronado Playhouse stage!

Samuel Young (Dametas) is delighted to return to Coronado Playhouse where he was last seen as Constable Joe in Tuck Everlasting. Other appearances here include Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, Macbeth, Murder on the Orient Express, and King Charles III. Regional credits: Murder on the Orient Express (The Old Globe), Exotic Deadly: The MSG Play (u/s The Old Globe), Kagitingan (Blindspot Collective), Take Me Out (SpeakEasy Stage), The Sound of Music (Wheelock Family Theatre), and numerous other productions.

Production Bios:

Michael Mizerany (Director/Choreographer) (he/him) is the artistic director of Compulsion Dance & Theatre. Choreography/Direction (selected credits): Bat Boy: The Musical (OB Playhouse), Altar Boyz (Coronado Playhouse), Midnight Alley (Diversionary Theatre). Choreography (selected credits) Shockhead Peter, Spring Awakening and The Last Five Years (Cygnet Theatre), Smokey Joe’s Cafe and The Full Monty (New Village Arts), Thrill Me, A New Brain, bare: a pop opera and Hedwig & The Angry Inch (Diversionary Theatre), American Idiot and Heathers: The Musical (OB Playhouse) and All Shook Up! (San Diego Musical Theatre). Michael is the recipient of four Los Angeles Stage Scene Awards for Outstanding Choreography for Altar Boyz, bare: a pop opera, A New Brain and Shockhead Peter. He is the recipient of two Aubrey Awards for Outstanding Choreography for Altar Boyz and Green Day’s American Idiot. Michael is also a produced playwright. His plays include The Big D, Wally & His Lover Boys, Marry Me, Dennis Branigan, The Murder Room and Blood Moon, and his short film DEADFALL is now streaming on the Fawsome app. Michael’s next film, ZADDY!, is currently in pre-production.

Katie Rodriguez (Assistant Director/Dramaturg) is thrilled to be making her Coronado Playhouse debut. Directing: 24 Experiment (Point Loma Playhouse). Dramaturgy: The Age of Innocence (The Old Globe; world premiere). Acting: The Vagina Monologues & Their Stories (UCSD); The Odd Couple, Hamlet, Rumors, Macbeth (CCYT). Education: B.S. in Global Health, Minor in Theatre from University of California, San Diego. @katiearodriguez on Instagram

Nina Gilbert (Musical Director)’s background ranges from Kenya (Peace Corps), where she directed her students in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; to Carnegie Hall (Associate Conductor, NY Choral Society). In San Diego since 2016, Nina has music-directed Avenue Q and Singin’ in the Rain (New Village Arts), Cinderella (Center Stage Productions), The Fantasticks (Point Loma), Always… Patsy Cline (D&P, Point Loma), Joseph/Dreamcoat (Vanguard), and Dogfight, Matilda, SpongeBob, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Nunsense, and Xanadu (Coronado Playhouse). Nina has offered NPR music commentaries and lectured on the history and science of chocolate. She serves as music director for the Congregational Church of La Jolla.

Joshua Olmstead (Lighting Designer) Many thanks to Michael and CPH for this opportunity! Much love to his husband Joey for his endless support. Some past lighting designs include: Compulsion Dance & Theater—Blood Moon (2024), Wally & His Lover Boys (2023), Chalk Circle Collective—The Turn of the Screw (2023), Coronado Playhouse—Mamma Mia! (2019, ACT Aubrey Award), Fly by Night (2017, Blue Ribbon Award), Hamlet (2016), Frog and Toad (2015, Blue Ribbon Award), OB Playhouse—Rocky Horror Show (2018). OnStage Playhouse—Heathers the Musical (2017). Thanks for supporting the arts!

Teresa E. Craven (Costume Designer) is a San Diego freelance designer specializing in theatre costumes, wigs, and makeup artistry. With an Associate’s Degree in Fashion Design from Fashion Careers College and ten years of experience as a Cosmetologist, she has made her mark in the industry. Teresa was a contestant in the Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 and received the San Diego Broadway Designs award for her work on The Rocky Horror Picture Show: The Musical. She is thrilled to return as Costume Designer after working on wigs for Dogfight at Coronado Playhouse in 2019. More designs are on her Instagram @craven.beauty.

Sarah Floersheimer (Properties Designer) is delighted to be making her designing debut at Coronado Playhouse. She has previously designed props for The Addams Family (San Diego Junior Theatre). A philosopher by trade, she enjoys puns, baking, writing songs, and feeding pigeons. She would like to thank Gordo and everyone at SDJT for their support and encouragement, and extend a special thanks to Ezra for her input and patience throughout the creative process.

Jared Jacobs (Set Designer/Production Manager) recent design and production work includes Marry Me, Dennis Branigan (Set Designer, Compulsion Dance & Theatre), Merry Me (Technical Director/Head Electrician, Diversionary Theatre), and Die Mommie, Die! (Set/Lighting Design, Compulsion Dance & Theatre). His passion for lighting began in high school in Maine and deepened after joining the Marines and being stationed in San Diego. Since 2017, he has contributed his expertise to numerous local theaters and venues. He’s an IT consultant by day and spends his off-hours expanding into live electronic music lighting design. He enjoys rollerblading, surfing, and attending EDM festivals.

Robin Wheeler (Sound designer/Mixer) is delighted to be working on Head Over Heels! Robin has been mixing sound at CPH since late 2023, mixing shows such as Xanadu, Sweeney Todd, and Curtains. Robin studied sound at San Diego Junior Theatre, mixing 18 shows as a student, Head Over Heels being one of them in 2022, and is now one of their resident Sound Designers. He recently has designed James and the Giant Peach, Lion King Jr, The Prom: School Edition, and many more. Robin would like to thank you for supporting community theatre!

Harrison H Harper (Stage Manager) is excited for you all to fall head over heels with this production! Recent works includes Stage manager: The Constant Wife (Out Of The Box Theater NYC), Stage Manager: The Butter and Egg Man (Out Of The Box Theater NYC) Stage Manager: Spring Awakening (Breaking Borders NYC) Stage Manager: Barbeque, The Mountain Song (Coronado Playhouse) Production Stage Manager: As You Like It (Coronado Playhouse) Stage Manager: Head Over Heels (Coronado Playhouse).