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 is a junior at BHS, and hopes to be promoted to senior position for his fourth tour. He’s happy to find work again, supporting four lovely kids and a dog, Brucey. He’d like to thank his dad for his dedication to drama, the many talented people in the cast and crew, and you. You helped, too.

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.

This being Matthew’s 5th production at BHS, he considers himself somewhat of a seasoned thespian. Not to mention his many appearances in BHS’ most wonderful improv troupe, But Seriously Folks, over the past year and a half. An amalgamation of all of these skills is sure to leave you amazed by the end of this whimsical tale, especially when one considers the expertise of his fellow cast. Silence your damn phones, buckle your seatbelts, and enjoy; it’s a good one.

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 junior at Batavia High School and this is her fourth production at BHS. She is so excited for everyone to see this amazing show and hopes you enjoy!

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 is a Sophomore who adores theatre and is very excited to present to you Pride & Prejudice! This is his 5th show at BHS; though he wishes it was his 6th, he didn’t make it into the Winter Play(he says it was some of his most boring high school times). He thanks his friends and family for supporting him, and you for showing!

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 sophomore at batavia highschool and she is so excited to be a part of such an amazing show. She is so proud of this show and so proud of all the people who came together to make it happen. She wants to thank her family for all of their love and support, as well as her directors and choreographers who always push her to do her best. Enjoy the show!

Kaia is thrilled to be making her debut as a student at BHS! She has been a longtime lover of Musical Theater and has been in numerous youth theater in the area. Thanks to the amazing directors, cast, and crew of 42nd Street! Enjoy the show!

Beth is thrilled to be a part of her second show at BHS! Beth is a junior and has been dancing for ten years. She is so happy to be a part of Pride and Prejudice 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 Pride and Prejudice!

Maddie is a sophomore and is thrilled to be in her second show here at the BFAC. She has loved working on the show and spending time with her castmates. She would like to thank her family for always encouraging her to be her best, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Sarah Katz is a sophomore at Batavia High School. Pride and Prejudice is her fifth show at the school and she is very happy to be involved in it. She would like to thank her family and all of her friends for the opportunity to do this and the support they have given her. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Hailey is very excited for her second production! She is very grateful for all the cast and crew who have helped make this show wonderful. She hopes you enjoy the show just as much as she enjoys being in it.

Mitch is in his sophomore year at Batavia High School and has done several plays and a musical.  Mitch is super excited for being able to participate in the theater program and having the opportunity to get more experience with acting, especially this great cast. He would like to thank his mom for all her hours of volunteering as Production Manager and the constant support and encouragement. He really hopes that you enjoy the show!

Sydney is a Junior here at Batavia and this is her first show ever! She has had such a blast getting to be a part of this production. She has met so many amazingly talented people and can’t wait for you to be wowed by all the hard work we put in. Enjoy the show!

Charlotte is a freshman at Batavia High School, and this is her third production here at Batavia. She has loved being in theater this year and she’s so sad that this is her last production of the year. She wants to thank the entire cast for just being amazing!! She is so excited for you to see the show!! You’re gonna love it!

Julia is a Sophmore at BHS and she would like to thank you for coming to see this wonderful show! She would like to thank the parent volunteers, directors, her family, friends, and castmates for supporting her on the journey to bring this story to life.

This is Alivia’s 4th show at the Batavia Fine Arts Center.  She hopes everyone enjoys the production, she is so thankful to be part of such an amazing cast and crew!

Gianna is a freshman and this is her first show at BHS! She is so excited to share this with you and can’t wait for you to see the show! Gianna has been in productions at the middle school as well as show choir. She hopes that you enjoy the show!!

Mac is a sophomore and has been in five shows at BHS. She wants to thank all the people that helped put this amazing show together. She also wants to thank everyone for coming to see it!

Sophia is a sophomore at Batavia High School and so excited to perform in her 6th show here. She is so thankful for all the work that has been put in to bring this production to life from props, to costumes, to choreography. Sophia has been working hard on her British accent and cannot wait to perform for all of you! She hopes you enjoy the show!

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!

Kate Streepey is a sophomore at Batavia High School. This is her fifth production with Batavia and she is so excited to perform. She would like to thank all the parent volunteers and the audience for making this show possible

Lauren is a sophomore at Batavia highschool and her third show being a part of stage crew. She is very excited to have the opportunity to be Stage Manager with such an incredible cast and crew. She hopes you enjoy Pride and Prejudice!

This is Gianna Konrad’s second time partaking in crew. She is extremely excited to be a part of this production. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Lucy is a freshman and this is her first production at Batavia High School. She has been involved in the performing arts for 9 years. Enjoy the show!!

Pride & Prejudice is Senithi’s 2nd show at the highschool and 3rd show overall. She was involved in 42nd Street, as well as High School Musical Jr. in her 8th grade year. She can’t wait for you to see all of the hard work put in by the cast & crew.

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 a sophomore at BHS and this is her 2nd show being a part of the stage management team. This is her 4th show as a crew member and 5th show at the high school. She would like to thank all the people who put in time and energy into making the show what it is and hopes that everyone loves the show!

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!

Tatjana is excited to be part of her eighth show. She is a junior this year and is also props master! On their last show, she would just like to thanks the seniors for all they have done for her and this program. She wishes them all the BEST! She hopes you enjoy Pride and Prejudice!!!

Alia is a freshman and this is her second performance at BHS. She’s been wanting to be a part of performing arts for years. 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.

This is Quentin’s first show at BHS, he is excited for everyone in the cast who have worked incredibly hard to put on a fantastic show.

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.

Thomas Hibbeler is very excited to be playing in the pit orchestra in his first show at BHS. During school, Thomas plays French horn in band and sings bass in choir. He is thankful for everyone who made this show possible, and he really hopes you enjoy the show!

Natalie’s primary instrument is clarinet, but she learned alto sax just for this musical. She is drum major in marching band and loves helping out in the music programs.

Emilie is a clarinet and tenor sax player for the musical and will be doing it for her second year. She is a marching band leader and strives to continue improving as a musician.

KJ is a sophomore and this is his second year playing in the pit. He has been in music since fifth grade and is also involved in orchestra, jazz band, and marching band. He hopes you enjoy this years production of 42nd Street!

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.

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!

Ryan Anderson is thrilled to be portraying the role of Mr. Darcy in the production of Pride and Prejudice. With only experiences in 2 black box shows, he hopes you enjoy his first main stage event!

Lily is so thrilled and grateful to be part of such an amazing production team! As a junior at BHS, she is a part of Chamber Singers, Wind Symphony, and Chromatics. 42nd Street is her fifth production at BHS and her second as the Student Music Director. She is so thankful for her family and friends as well as Mr. Barsch and Mr. Cattero for supporting her!

Mimi is a freshman and this is her second show with BHS and first one in the cast. She loved being in the production and appreciates everyone’s hard work on the show and had a really fun time with all the amazing actors in the cast. She hopes that you enjoy the show and looks forward to continuing to be a part of the drama program!

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 is excited to help bring 42nd Street to life with this talented and hardworking team. He has been the Music Director for 19 shows, including Les Miserables, Chicago, Ragtime, and many more. He holds a Master’s Degree in Choral Music Education from NIU and two Bachelor’s Degrees from the Honors Program at Loyola University Chicago.
Special thanks to his supportive and patient wife Annie and his three wonderful kids through these long hours!

This is Heather’s 14th 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.