BHS Productions Presents: THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

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.

Mateo is a Senior at Batavia High School and has loved theater since childhood. This is his first show at BHS and he is thrilled to be back on the stage! Mateo thanks Mr. Cattero and all his new friends for welcoming him to the department and being so supportive!

This is Desert’s 12th and final show here at the BFAC. It’s been one crazy journey these past 4 years but he’s glad to be ending it off playing his personal idol Squidward. He hopes that you will be blown away by this spectacle of a show.

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!! —

Ally is a senior and this is her 5th show at BHS. Some of her past roles include Mira in The Theory of Relativity and Lisa in Mamma Mia. She is also in Chromatics, BSF improv troupe, and Swingsingers show choir. She would like to give a special thanks to Kyle, Mr. Cattero, and Mr. Barsch for making this possible. Enjoy the show, YEEHAW!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

Kale is a senior at Batavia, a percussionist, saxophonist, and a member of several bands at the highschool. They are also active in several ensembles outside of the highschool. Kale is very grateful to all staff, parents, and volunteers that make this show possible and cannot wait to present this incredible show to you!

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. 

This is Charlie Liska’s third production at BHS, after Nevermore and Spongebob in their freshman year. They are very excited about performing again, especially after seeing the amazing shows that the students and parents put on earlier in the year. It’s going to be a great show!

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!

This is Will’s third show at BHS and he’s so thrilled for it! Previously he has played Sky in Mamma Mia and Anthony in Theory of Relativity. He’d like to thank the whole cast and crew for making his last show so memorable.

Kayla, a senior, is so excited to share this underwater spectacular with you as the cast dives deep into the meanings of friendship and perseverance. This is Kayla’s 7th and final show at Batavia High School and she couldn’t be happier to end it off with a bang. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does!

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!

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!

This is Zoe’s 12th and final show at BHS. She is so excited that the audiences gets to experience this one of a kind performance in person. With things finally feeling as close to normal as they can, she hopes that everyone has as much fun watching the show as she did during this process.

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.

Hello! Ben is a junior at Batavia High School and this is their first time stage managing a show at Batavia. They’ve assistant stage managed two previous shows and been in crew prior. They hope 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Tim is a senior at BHS and this is his final show. Having an extensive background in theater, he is over thrilled to be on the crew for BHS for the first time. Hesitant about SpongeBob at first, he is so glad he did this technical marvel of a show and is ecstatic about how amazing it has turned out.

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!

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!

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.

This is my sixth year playing Saxophone. I’ve always wanted to play in the pit and I have grown up watching SpongeBob, so this is the perfect combination for me! I didn’t know there was a SpongeBob musical until recently, but I’m so excited to get to play in it!

Zoe has been in music programs since the fifth grade, with this being her first year in the pit. She’s very excited for the performance and hopes that you all enjoy the show!

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.

I have been an active member of different musical groups through all 4 years that I have been at BHS, namely concert band, jazz groups, and show choir combo. I was lucky enough this year to be in the pit for Spongebob and I have enjoyed every minute of it!

Ethan is heavily involved in BHS’s other music programs, such as concert band, Marching band, Pep band, and Jazz band. Ethan mainly plays trombone, but can also play baritone and piano. Ethan is planning on attending Iowa State University this fall.

I am a musician who loves music and plans on doing this for the rest of my life and I hope this teaches me new things and I grow to get better.

I’m so excited to be a part of the pit for Spongebob this year; I couldn’t imagine a better way to end my senior year! I want to thank Mr. Barsch, Mr. Knautz, Mr. Owen, BVK, and my friends and family for being an integral part of my musical journey.

Tristan played guitar in Mamma Mia two years prior and is excited to return to the musical scene. He’s been playing guitar for 6 years now and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Hello! I am so excited to be a part of the Spongebob production in the pit this year. Thanks for coming!

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!

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!

Bella is a Freshman and she is very excited, Since this is her first time doing makeup for a show. She hopes you’ll enjoy what you see in the show!

Kendall is senior who has been involved in art throughout highschool. They have taken AP Art participated in Rock the Runway all four years.

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.

Mr. Knautz is the Pit Director for the musical. He is currently teaching music at J.B. Nelson. Mr. Knautz graduated from Batavia High School in 2017 and graduated this winter from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa with his music education degree. He has greatly enjoyed working with the amazing students of the pit orchestra and is very proud of them.

Jennifer Melendez has been an educator in the BHS Art & Media Department for 13 years. She graduated from DePaul University for her undergraduate degree in 2009, and from Northern Illinois University for her masters degree in 2013. Jennifer enjoys creating her own art pieces during her spare time. This is Jennifer’s second musical as the makeup director, the first being BHS presents Cats the Musical in 2017.

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.

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!