BHS Presents: 42nd Street

Rachel can’t believe that this is her 4th and final musical at BHS. She is grateful for the time she’s spent over the years with people who have encouraged her to do what she loves. She’s glad you’re here and hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does!

Drew Page is excited to start his senior year with his last musical at BHS! Drew had a lengthy career in show business, including roles like Julian Marsh (42nd Street), Sam Carmichael (Mamma Mia!), and Prince Charming (Into the Woods). He is also a member of But Seriously, Folks! When not pretending to be people other than himself, Drew’s often found cocooned in a large pile of DVDs and vintage objects, writing or finding various excuses not to. He’d like to thank the crew and pit for the great work they’ve put in such a short time, his director for inspiring him to put meaning into his work, and you, for sticking with this bio long enough.

Gemma is a senior previously in shows such as 42nd Street (Dorothy), I Remember Mama (Christine), Theory of Relativity (Julie), and Animal Farm (Napoleon), as well as the play Columbinus (Rebel) at the Albright Theatre. She also studied at Actors’ Training Center in Wilmette and Piven Theatre Workshop in Evanston.

All that Matthew could ever ask for is for each and every one of you to listen, think, and feel during this production. This story is of the utmost importance to him, more so than any of the other 6 he has been a part of at BHS. He couldn’t be more thankful to be performing his last musical in the BFAC under the direction of Dominic Cattero. He thanks each and every one of you for taking the time to let us share this story. Enjoy the show.

This is Clara’s twelfth and final show at BHS, but her very first main stage play! She has loved working with the cast and crew of Pride and Prejudice to bring this classic story to life. She hopes that this show inspires you to look beyond your prejudices and open your heart. Enjoy the performance!

Josue is a senior at BHS and is so excited to share this show with all of you! This is his second show at BHS, but he has always been involved in music through Swingsingers and Chromatics. He is so happy you are here and hopes that you enjoy the show!

Chloe is a junior this year and really looks forward to this years production of 42nd street! She was involved in the pit orchestra for Spongebob last year and now dances in the show this year. She loves to dance and sing and has had so many amazing times during rehearsals. She hopes you enjoy the show and looks forward to bringing 42nd street to life!

Ashlyn is a senior at Batavia High School, she can’t wait to be in her last show at Batavia Pride and Prejudice! She has has a wonderful year of shows including playing Maggie Jones in 42nd Street, and Edwina Dunbar in Murder on the Rerun. She will be going to Lawrence University next fall for theatre arts! She would like to thank her family and the Hunecke’s for always supporting her!

Abe is so thrilled for the last play of his high school career, and he is excited to share this fun show with you! He is grateful for this drama program and how much it has shaped him and his life. Previous productions include 42nd Street, Animal Farm, and the Theory of Relativity, as well as several shows with the improv troupe, But Seriously Folks… He hopes you enjoy all the hard work the cast, parents, crew, and directors have put in this performance. Enjoy the show!

Erin is a senior and this is her fifth production at BHS. She has been involved in Batavia’s theatre and choir departments all four years of high school and is so grateful to have had an amazing experience for her final musical. She wants to thank her family for all of their support as well as  the cast and crew who helped bring the show to life.  She is so excited for everyone to see the show and hopes you enjoy the performance!

T.J. is a senior at BHS this year, and this is his 9th show here at the high school. He will miss this program so so much, and cannot thank the directors, parents, castmates, and audiences enough. Assistant directing has been super fun, and he feels very lucky to have been given this chance! Casburn has taught him so much throughout this process, and they’re now best friends!! —

Jayden(Martin J, Christian W during Spring Fling) is a Junior and is happy to be in his sixth show at BHS. He says Mean Girls has been the best one yet! He’d like to thank the entire cast for being so supportive and being great friends and you for coming!

In his final high school production, Joey hopes to go out with a bang. While he only joined the Batavia High School drama program in his senior year, he enjoyed every moment of it and wouldn’t trade it for anything. He plans to focus on presenting a memorable performance as well as not taking any moment for granted. He dearly thanks everybody in the program that made his journey possible.

Megan Cooper is a Junior and is very excited to be apart of Mean Girls! Megan has been in previous shows at the highschool, including, 42nd Street, and Spongebob. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support, as well as the directors for helping to make this show happen. Megan hopes you all enjoy the show!

Kaia Olberg (Karen Smith), a sophomore, is thrilled to be returning to the BFAC stage for her second production at BHS. A long time performer in multiple youth performance groups in the area, Kaia loves musical theatre!  She is a proud member of But Seriously Folks and Chromatics here at BHS.  She would like to thank her family, production team, and this amazing cast.  Remember to ALWAYS wear pink on Wednesdays!  HaHa Bikini emoji…enjoy the show!

Beth is thrilled to be a part of her third show at BHS! Beth is a senior and has been dancing for eleven years. She is so happy to be a part of Mean Girls and has made so many great memories along the way. She would like to thank her family and friends who have encouraged her along the way. She hopes you enjoy Mean Girls!

Maddie Cooper is a junior at Batavia High School. Mean Girls is her third production at BHS  (The SpongeBob Musical and 42nd Street). She would like to thank her family for pushing her to do her best, and the cast and crew for bringing the show to life. She’s had so much fun spending time with them and is so exited to finally share the show with you. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Sarah Katz is a junior at Batavia High School. This is her 6th production at BHS and she is so happy to bring you this incredible show! She thanks her friends, family, and the whole mean girls cast and crew for the support and the opportunity to be in this show. She hopes you enjoy it!

Hailey Adams can’t believe this is her last musical. As a senior, she has been extremely thankful for everything she has been able to experience from the shows. She is looking forward to her final year of drama. She hopes you all enjoy the show.

Mitchell is very excited to continue his acting career with Mean Girls being his sixth show at the Batavia Fine Arts Center. Mitchell is a junior in high school and has done previous shows (Animal Farm, Nevermore, Spongebob, 42nd Street, and Pride and Prejudice).  He appreciates the opportunities for theater and other fine arts events at Batavia High School. Mitchell is so excited to have a chance to showcase a collection of music, fantastic writing, and outstanding acting performances by not just him but all of the talented people involved in this show.

Sydney is a senior and this is her second production at Batavia High School. She performed in 42nd street last year and is so excited to be back performing Mean Girls this year. She would like to thank her family and friends for always being there to support and encourage her. She hopes you enjoy the show! It’ll be fetch!

Charlotte is a sophomore and this is her fourth show here at Batavia high school!! She’d like to thank her fellow cast members. Though the show is called Mean Girls these are truly the kindest, and loveliest people you’ll ever have the pleasure of getting to meet. She hopes you love the show just as much as she’s loved belting the songs around her house for the past three months.

Julia is a junior at BHS and is so grateful to have been a part of Mean Girls! This is her 2nd musical and 5th show overall. She would like to extend her gratitude to her directors, family, and friends for their support and hopes you all enjoy the show!

Gianna is a sophomore and this is her second show at Batavia High School. She would like to thank her family, friends, and directors for making this experience possible. She is so grateful to be a part of this amazing cast and has had so much fun watching this show come together. She is looking forward to sharing this with you and hopes you enjoy the show!

Sophia Jech can’t wait to perform as Ms.Buck and a student in Mean Girls. She is a Junior this year and is excited to perform in her seventh show at Batavia High School. She has loved getting to rehearse for this show and work with the other actors and hopes you will all enjoy the performance. 

Ravyn is so excited to be performing as Lydia in her final production at BHS. This is her ninth show at the high school and she is so thankful to have been a part of such a wonderful program. Her favorite thing in the world is performing with her favorite people. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Gianna Konrad is a junior at Batavia High School. This is her second musical being a part of  stage crew. She is very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of Mean Girls. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Senithi is a sophomore and is so excited to be a part of Mean girls as a crew member! She has been a crew member for Pride & Prejudice and 42nd Street; the musical, as well as High School Musical Jr. in previous years. She enjoys all parts of crew, from doing lighting to helping with props. Senithi would like to thank the directors, STAGE board, her parents, and everyone who has made this opportunity possible for her.

Naomi Gustin is a sophomore at BHS. Previously she’s been involved with productions at RMS, The Albright Theatre, and Vero Voce. The cast, directors, and crew have put so much effort into this show. Enjoy!

Lexie is so excited for the show! She is a Junior at BHS and this is her 6th BHS production, and 3rd as a member of the stage management team. In addition to being stage manager, she is a member of swingsingers showchoir. She has loved watching the show come together and knows everyone is going to do great! Break a leg!

This is Lydia’s first time doing crew for a show. She is very excited to be here and hopes that everybody enjoys the show!

Ronni is a Senior here at BHS and is so excited to be apart Pride and Prejudice. This is Ronni’s second year doing crew but has been in many other performances on the stage as well. Enjoy the show!

This is Haley’s first year on stage crew and being involved at the BFAC. She is so excited to be able to help put on such amazing productions! She really hopes you enjoy the show!

Morgan is a senior in the Batavia Music Program and this is her first time performing in a pit orchestra. She plays a variety of instruments, but has simplified it to three for this show. She would like to thank her big brother for inspiring her to take this leap.

Abby is so excited to be a part of this production! This is her first production as a pit member at BHS. She plays clarinet and has been in band for many years. Shes so proud of how hard every member of this production has worked and hopes you enjoy the show.

Michael has played trumpet for 7 years, participating in several music extracurriculars at Batavia High School.

Tommy Gray is proud to be a part of his 3rd musical pit. A dedicated guitarist, Gray is able to play a wide range of genres from jazz to doom metal. He is honored to return and can’t wait for more musical adventures in the future.

Emma Hirschauer

Riley has been an active member of different musical groups through all 5 years that he has been involved with BHS, namely concert band, jazz ensemble, and marching band. This is his second musical, having played in the SpongeBob pit last year, and is ecstatic to play in the pit orchestra again for 42nd Street.

Ariana Venecia

Kera Kennaugh is a junior at Batavia High School. She has participated as an actor in numerous theatrical productions but after learning trombone in 2020 she has now switched to the pit. Kera is very excited to play such fun music and work with the rest of the pit and actors to produce a great show.

Sebastian Arellanes is a senior who is very excited for the upcoming show. After 42nd Street last year he has been looking forward to participating in Mean Girls. Along with musical pit, he plays for Batavia Wind Symphony along with Batavia Jazz Ensemble.

Kyle is a senior at BHS and this is his second musical in the pit. He has played trombone for over 7 years and is a proud member of the Batavia marching band. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Alan is a 2017 alum from BHS and a recent graduate from Elmhurst University. During his studies he had the opportunity to study with local legends such as Doug Beach, Mark Colby, Tom Garling, and many more. He teaches and performs around the Chicagoland area primarily in the jazz idiom.

This is one of Madeline’s final BHS productions and she couldn’t be happier to share it with her closest friends. She hopes you enjoy the show!

As a senior Ryan has enjoyed working alongside an amazing cast, crew, and pit for his final time assistant stage managing a musical at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. He hopes you all fall in love with the production so fetch! Mean Girls!

Lucy Lollini is a sophomore and this is her second show at BHS! She’s been very theatrically involved for 10 years and has been a part of over 30 productions. She’s very excited to be on stage again and a part of this amazing musical. She really hopes you enjoy the show, caucasian thumbs up!

Dominic Is a Batavia native, graduating from BHS in 1999, at which point he attended Illinois Wesleyan University, where he earned a BFA in Theatre Arts. Following a short stint as a freelance director, he settled in Quincy Illinois at Quincy Community Theatre and served as their Director of Student Theatre and Head of Education from 2003-2005 at which time he transitioned to the position of CEO and Managing Artistic Director from 2005 – January of 2011. Dominic has also been appointed and served a three-year term with the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and served as an adjunct professor of Theatre Arts and Acting with Hannibal-LaGrange University from 2008 to 2010. A Theatrical Dominic met his wife Miranda on stage in Grease and they have four children, Brayden, Delaney, Mirabella, and Bianca.

Directing Credits Include: The Sound of Music, Urinetown, The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors (twice), Miracle on 34th Street, Steel Magnolias, Jesus Christ Superstar, On Golden Pond, The Graduate, Chicago, Little Brother, Lucky Stiff, Forever Plaid, Footloose, The Importance of Being Earnest, All Shook Up, Jake’s Women, Everybody, Death of a Salesman, Lost in Yonkers, Shrek, Beauty and the Beast, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, Dear Edwina, The Theory of Relativity, 9 to 5 The Musical, Arsenic and Old Lace, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Bridge to Terabithia, I Do! I Do! and many more. He is also the founding Director and coach for But Seriously, Folks… improv troupe founded in 2003.

Awards & Reccognition
* West Central Illinois 20 Under 40 recipient
* Individual Artist recipient for Wes Central Illinois?SouthEastern Iowa/North Eastern Missouri
* Arts Educator of the year – 2009
* Enid Ireland Award
* Batavia/Geneva/St. Charles 30 Under 30 recipient
* Batavia Hall of Honor

Peter Barsch teaches all curricular and co-curricular choirs at Batavia High School. Mean Girls marks his 20th show as Music Director. In addition to the last nine years of BHS shows, he has worked on Les Miserables, Ragtime, Beauty and the Beast, Into the Woods, The Producers, and more. Mr. Barsch holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education from NIU and two Bachelor’s Degrees from the Honors Program at Loyola University Chicago. Mr. Barsch has been listed in “Who’s Who among America’s Teachers” and was a Quarter-Finalist for the Grammy “Music Educator of the Year” Award. Mr. Barsch and his wife, Annie, live in Batavia with their three children.

This is Heather’s 15th production at Batavia High School. Heather is a graduate of West Aurora High School and Illinois State University. By day, she can be found working at Marklund Day School where she helps make everyday life possible for students with mild to complex disabilities, including autism. By night, she can be found at one of the local theatres. She shares her theatre talents with numerous productions in the area throughout the year. If you can’t find her in either of those places, then she’s probably at home with her cat, Smudge.