INTO THE WOODS Cast & Crew Bios

Deborah Metzger

Director/Choreographer (NEWSIES), Director (12 ANGRY JURORS), Producer (LEND ME A TENOR, JUNGLE BOOK)

As the Founder and Executive Director of Paragon Studios, Deborah has built the studio over the last 20 years to be one of the foremost performing arts studios for all ages in the Pittsburgh area.

Deborah holds a BFA in Acting with a Musical Theatre emphasis from Point Park University. She has performed in or directed over 100 shows in Pittsburgh and throughout the state. Deborah was also a performer at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and has performed at nearly every major theme park in the country.

She was last seen as The Witch in INTO THE WOODS. Some of her other favorite roles include: Elizabeth Proctor in THE CRUCIBLE, Morticia Addams in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Alice in THE SECRET GARDEN and Philia in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. In addition to her Paragon work, Deborah also works as a dialects coach for local high schools.

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, writing, and fostering kittens and puppies for Animal Friends. She and her husband, Scott, have a four-year-old son (who is making his stage debut as a baby elephant in JUNGLE BOOK), and house full of pets!

Sydney McCaslin

Jojo (NEWSIES), Juror #12 (12 ANGRY JURORS)

Sydney was last seen on the Paragon stage in MATILDA and CHICAGO. She is a sophomore at North Hills where she is involved in Drama club, History Club, and Buddy Club. She works at Gifted Hands and enjoys making jewelry, painting, and sewing in her spare time.

Grace Hartzell

Henry (NEWSIES), Juror #7 (12 ANGRY JURORS)

An eighth grade student at Pine Richland, Grace was last seen in MATILDA. Other favorite shows include SNOOPY (Storyteller/Doctor), OLIVER (Orphan), and ALICE IN WONDERLAND (Queen of Hearts).

Grace plays softball, and is in her school band as a flute player. In her spare time she enjoys drawing, painting, crocheting, and song writing.

Avonlea Teaderman

Juror #10

Avonlea is a student at Fox Chapel where she is involved in Photography and Bible Club. She enjoys horseback riding, youth group, and is involved in Cakes for Care – a baking non-profit providing food to less fortunate people. Avonlea works at Large Plain pizza restaurant. This is her first show!

Lexi West

Juror #4

Lexi is a sophomore, attending cyber school. She worked as an extra in the movie BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR and was also featured in a Smith’s Dairy commercial. She is a server at The Oven pizza restaurant and enjoys baking, cooking, and working out in her spare time.

Makala O’Dell

A sophomore at Olsh, Makala is new to Paragon this year!

She works at WMG Garden Supply and enjoys horseback riding and swimming. She also enjoys playing with her dogs, reading, writing, and photography.

Sophia Quinn

Elmer (NEWSIES), Juror #5 (12 ANGRY JURORS)

Sophia is in eighth grade at North Hills where she plays saxophone in the band and participates in Latin club. Recent Paragon shows include: MATILDA, CHICAGO, LITTLE WOMEN, and SNOOPY. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, listening to music, and shopping.

Abby Yeh

Les

Abby is a student at Avonworth School where she runs cross country. Favorite Paragon shows include: CHICAGO and LITTLE WOMEN. Abby also enjoys baking, reading, and shopping.

Evie Mathie

Mush

Evie attends Avonworth School where she is involved in marching band, concert band, and Red Cross club. She was seen in last year’s production of MATILDA and her school’s production of GRAND HOTEL.

She enjoys painting, drawing, traveling, and reading.

Mandy Schroth

Buttons (NEWSIES), Juror #6 (12 ANGRY JURORS)

Mandy is a freshman at North Allegheny where she runs track and field.

She was last seen on the Paragon stage in MATILDA.

Janet Jourdan

Julia

Janet has a been performing on stage with various theatres since college, where she studied acting. Favorite roles include: Laura in THE GLASS MENAGERIE, Emily Brent in AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (Paragon), Mary in CHROME YELLOW, and Elizabeth in LAUNDRY AND BURBON. In her spare time, Janet enjoys abstract art and babysitting her grandchildren.

Abigale Pfingsten

Maggie

A Carnegie Mellon University graduate, Abigale in making her Paragon debut in LEND ME A TENOR. Favorite shows include: THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Wednesday), YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Elizabeth), and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Paula Abagnale).

She is a data analyst, and enjoys playing piano, rock climbing, cooking fun dishes with her partner, Andrew, and going on hikes with their dog, Meelo.

Samantha Carpin

Maria

Maria graduated from Robert Morris University with a degree in Communication with a focus in Theatre, and a minor in Public Relations. She currently works as an Administrator of Federal Contracts and Deloitte Services.

Some of her favorite roles include: Mrs. Who (A WRINKLE IN TIME), Myrtle Wilson (THE GREAT GATSBY), Renfield (DRACULA), and Juliet (ROMEO AND JULIET). In her free time she enjoys baking, reading, crocheting, and being fiscally irresponsible at Disney World.

This is Samantha’s first show with Paragon.

Jordan Moore

Bellhop

Jordan is making his stage debut in LEND ME A TENOR. He is a graduate of Duquesne University with an M.A. in Communication. In his free time he enjoys, learning piano, reading, and catering to the every whim of his dog, Harley, and cat, Yzma.

Josh Lawrence

Tito Merelli (LEND ME A TENOR), Weisel (NEWSIES)

Josh was last seen on the Paragon stage in DAMN YANKEES and as Professor Bhaer in LITTLE WOMEN. Other favorite shows include: ADDAMS FAMILY (Mel Beineke) and ELF THE MUSICAL (Mr. Greenway).

Josh is a graduate of the University of Richmond where he studied History. He is currently employed by Dick’s Sporting Goods as a Pricing Analyst. His free time is mostly taken up with Theatre, studying voice, and hiking.

Kelsey Rhea

Diana

Kelsey is delighted to be making her Paragon Studios debut. Her most recent stage credit is the role of Smeraldina with the Pittsburgh Savoyards, and another favorite is the role she originated, Dr. Marta Havryshko in How Many Others at Carnegie Mellon University. She holds a BA from Grove City College.

Versatile on stage and screen, Rhea has three films in post-production. She is represented by The Talent Group. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys travel, reading, and the arts.

Mark Spondike

Mysterious Man & Music Director

Mark Spondike is a Vocal Music Teacher at Pittsburgh’s CAPA 6-12 school downtown. He holds a B.A. in Voice from Youngstown State University. Mark has appeared with multiple companies across the Pittsburgh region including onstage at the Benedum with the Pittsburgh Opera. At Paragon Studios, he serves as one of the advanced vocal instructors for the studio. Mark also provided musical direction for last year’s production of DAMN YANKEES, and has appeared on the Paragon stage in CLUE (Colonel Mustard), OLIVER (Fagin), and WORKING (Joe/various) in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.

Mark’s favorite hobby is riding his motorcycle.

Jordan Nofziger

The Baker

Jordan is marking his first appearance with Paragon Studios in this production. However, he is a well-trained performer holding a B.A in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. He continued his education earning an M. Ed in Higher Education Management from University of Pittsburgh and an Ed.D. in Leadership and Administration at Point Park. He currently works as the Director of HR and Labor Relations at PPU.

Favorite theatrical credits include Benjamin (JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT), Dickon (SECRET GARDEN) at Fountain City Festival and Fyedka (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF) at Stage 62. When not studying, working, or performing, Jordan enjoys biking, kayaking, his dogs, and (rather ironically) baking!

Bethany Tonarelli

Oscar Delancey

Bethany is a familiar face to Paragon audiences, having grown up in the student program. In fact, she holds the record for most appearances in shows. She was most recently seen as The Baker’s Wife in INTO THE WOODS. Other favorite roles include: Gloria in DAMN YANKEES, and as The Singing Telegram Girl in CLUE, Scarecrow in THE WIZARD OF OZ, Laurie in OKLAHOMA!, and Aida in AIDA.

She graduated from La Roche University with a B.S. in Business Management and is currently employed as an Administration Assistant and Kuchar Turek & Associates. In her spare time, she enjoys softball, trivia nights, and attending Renaissance festivals.

Niki Slaven-Rettig

Medda

Niki made her Paragon debut last fall as Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS. She also boasts an impressive resume of shows from various theatre communities throughout Ohio. Favorite roles include Johanna in SWEENEY TODD, Eponine in LES MISERABLES, Olive in 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, Daisy in THE GREAT GATSBY, and Magenta in THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.

Niki studied both Musical Theatre and History at Kent State University and earned an M.A. in Public History from Duquesne University. She currently works as an HR Project Coordinator for the Nursing Talent Strategies at UPMC.

Jackson Conforti

Jack

Jackson is a freshman at Lincoln Park Performing Arts charter school where he is majoring in Musical Theatre. He has appeared in numerous shows at Lincoln Park, including THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL (as Old Man Jenkins), CAROUSEL (as Enoch Snow Jr.), and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (as Hermey). Jackson also appeared as Peter Pevensie in THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE at Prime Stage.

Mackenzie Heidenreich

Little Red Ridinghood

Mackenzie is a full-time student pursuing dual degrees in Acting and Business. She is making her Paragon debut with INTO THE WOODS and has appeared in her high school productions of LEGALLY BLONDE (Enid Hoopes) and 9 TO 5 (ensemble).

Mackenzie has also been active in shows at both Pittsburgh Musical Theater and CLO Academy. When not studying or performing, Mackenzie spending time with her family.

Alex Kerr

Max (LEND ME A TENOR), Seitz (NEWSIES)

Alex was recently seen in the last fall’s Paragon production of INTO THE WOODS as Cinderella’s Prince. Other favorite roles include: Billy Flynn in CHICAGO, Mr. Green in CLUE, Laurie in LITTLE WOMEN, and Frank Sr. in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. He holds an Environmental Science degree from the University of Scranton and works as a technical assistant at PPG. In his spare time, Alex likes to playing video games, escape rooms, game nights, solving the NYT crossword puzzle, and (mostly losing at) trivia nights with friends. Alex also studies acting and voice at Paragon.

Kyle O’Keefe

Rapunzel's Prince

Kyle is a graduate of Geneva College with a B.S. in Chemistry and works as a Product Development Chemist at PPG. His theatre career includes Miles Tuck in Geneva’s production of TUCK EVERLASTING and Smokey in Paragon’s production of DAMN YANKEES. Kyle is active in his church as a Sunday School teacher and enjoys his athletic hobbies of weightlifting and skiing. He also recently got married!

Grace Phillips

Hannah

Grace made her Paragon debut as Rapunzel in last fall’s production of INTO THE WOODS. Other prior favorite theatrical appearances include Heather Chandler in HEATHERS, Wendla in SPRING AWAKENING (both at the Geyer Performing Arts Center), and Hope Harcourt in ANYTHING GOES (at Stage Right).

Grace has a B.S. in Computer Science from Seton Hill University and is a Technology Support Analyst at All Lines Technology. She also volunteers in her community with meal making at Sts. John and Paul Parish.

Lisa Cavlovich

Jack's Mother

Lisa is a graduate of Point Park University’s Musical Theatre program as well as CCAC’s Physical Therapist Assistant degree program. Favorite threatre credits include: Roxie Hart in CHICAGO at McKeesport Little Theatre and Sister Mary Hubert in NUNSENSE and Jan in GREASE, both at the Wester Virginia Public Theatre.

Lisa is an at-home caretaker having previously retired from managing a restaurant. Her other activities include dancing, singing as a soloist at church, and being a mom.

Tom Smithyman

The Narrator

Tom holds a lengthy performance resume in the Pittsburgh theatrical scene and was most recently seen on the Paragon stage as Miss Agatha Trunchbull in MATILDA, Applegate in DAMN YANKEES, and Wadsworth in CLUE. Other favorite roles include: Marc in ART, Lee in TRUE WEST, and McMurphy in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST.

When Tom isn’t on stage he can be found reading and writing about comic books and attending comic-cons. He is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Journalism and now works in Executive Communications at Ansys.

Nicole Stefonek-Weiss

Level 3 instructor and coach

Nicole graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from St. Mary’s University and has previously appeared with CLO Cabaret (in RING OF FIRE) and Steel City Cabaret. Her time at Paragon includes performances as the Stepmother in INTO THE WOODS, Marmee in LITTLE WOMEN and Fastrada in PIPPIN. She also has recently marked her 10-year anniversary as a member of Paragon’s Faculty as an instructor and vocal coach.

Outside of the performing arts, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs!

Rachel Lucas

Lucinda

Rachel was seen last year as Lola in Paragon’s well-acclaimed production of DAMN YANKEES. She is a graduate from La Roche University with a B.A. in English Literature and Communications. She currently works as a Shift Supervisor at Starbucks and enjoys Cosplaying, Writing, and Singing/songwriting.

A former actor in Paragon’s student division, she has appeared in several Paragon productions including: MATILDA (Big Kid), Seussical (Wickersham), and as the waitress in Paragon’s Mystery Dinner “Murder at Flamingo Bay”. Other favorite roles include Chris Gormon in RUMORS and Aslan in NARNIA. She also studied film with Nancy Mosser Casting.

Melissa Goetz

Florinda

Melissa is making her Paragon debut in this production. Prior theatrical appearances include Muzzy in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and Melissa in STATE FAIR, both at Waynesburg University where she earned her B.A in Elementary/Special Education.

Melissa also holds a MSED in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and currently works as a People Development Lead for the USA at Hatch. Melissa enjoys spending times with her husband, dogs, and with friends over a good board game.

Logan Mlecko

Jack Kelly (NEWSIES), Juror #3 (12 ANGRY JURORS)

Logan was last seen on the Paragon stage as the Steward in INTO THE WOODS and Eric in MATILDA. He also played Amos in both Paragon and North Catholic’s productions of CHICAGO.

A senior at North Catholic High School, he is on the swim team and participates in the school musicals. He is a Lifeguard at Wildwood Golf Club and likes to draw and play video games in his spare time.

Logan will be attending Kent State University.

Keri Hoffmann

Cinderella's Mother

Keri is a retired Army musician and is currently a medical laboratory scientist. Keri holds several degrees including a B.S. in Music Education, a B. S. in Medical Laboratory Science and an M.S. in Clinical Embryology and Andrology from Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Keri was seen last year as Meg in Paragon’s production of DAMN YANKEES. Notably, Keri played Cinderella in the 2003 Stable Theater’s production of INTO THE WOODS in Bamberg, Germany. She would like to dedicate her performance in this production to the late Janet Austin who played Cinderella’s Mother in that production.

Ryan Dappen

Cinderella's Father

Ryan made his debut on the Paragon stage as The Steward in INTO THE WOODS ten years ago–and is excited to be a part of this show again! He was seen last year as “Old Joe” in Paragon’s production of DAMN YANKEES. His favorite roles over the years include: Juror #3 in TWELVE ANGRY JURORS and Mal Beineke in THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL. Ryan holds a degree in Computer Science from Pitt and works as a Database Administrator and Business Intelligence Analyst. In his spare time, he is avid aquarist (a person who raises fish).

Jodi Tonarelli

Grandmother

This is Jodi’s second show with Paragon after appearing as The Cook in CLUE in 2021. Jodi was active in her high school musicals and is enjoying returning to the stage. Jodi holds a Business Management and Administration degree from La Roche College and now works the front desk at Female Physiques gym. In her spare time, she enjoys working out and crafting.

Tom Boyce

Roosevelt

Tom has a long history with Paragon and was last seen as The Wolf in INTO THE WOODS. Other roles include: TWELVE ANGRY JURORS, THE CRUCIBLE (Giles Corey) and in THE ADDAMS FAMILY as Uncle Fester. Notably, Tom played a Roosevelt before. He appeared as Franklin Deleno Roosevelt in Paragon’s 2011 production of ANNIE!

Tom holds a B.A. from University of California Berkeley and is currently studying for his MBA at Point Park University while working at PNC Bank. In addition, Tom is an accomplished musician playing five different instruments for various groups throughout the Pittsburgh region – most prominently at the Lead Guitarist for Right Turn Clyde.

Amy Peters

Mayor

Amy started her performance career onstage with Paragon two years ago, appearing in both DAMN YANKEES and MATILDA. She most recently voiced the Giant in INTO THE WOODS. She’s no stranger to Paragon, though, having seen both her husband and daughter perform in dozens of shows through the years!

Amy studies enjoys traveling (especially to see Broadway shows in NYC), reading, and writing–including a recently published short story. She holds a B.A. in Film Studies from Bowling Green University and works as a Purchasing Coordinator at Pittsburgh Veterinary & Emergency Clinic.

Katelyn Baker

Crutchie (NEWSIES), Juror #8 (12 ANGRY JURORS)

Katelyn was last seen this spring on the Paragon stage as Sleeping Beauty in INTO THE WOODS and Hortensia in MATILDA. Previous roles include Annie in CHICAGO and Mrs. Kirk in LITTLE WOMEN.

A senior at North Hills High School, she participates as an officer in French Club, Drama Club, Sew Fabulous, and SADD. She also participates in the high school musicals.

In her spare time Katelyn volunteers at church and is a member of Girl Scouts, Junior Ladies of Charity, and works at Plato’s Closet.

Katelyn will be majoring in Marketing.

Regan Borsh

Davey

Regan is a senior at North Hills High School where she serves as the Vice President of the school’s Drama Club and participates in French Club and North Hills Ambassadors. She is also very active in the high school musicals, and recently played Logainne in their production of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTMAN COUNTY SPELLING BEE.

Regan was last seen on the Paragon stage as Snow White in INTO THE WOODS and Alice in MATILDA. Other favorite roles include Missy (9 TO 5) and Flounder (LITTLE MERMAID). She works as a Hostess at North Park Lounge and enjoys thrifting and bracelet making in her spare time.

Katelyn will be majoring in K-4 Education at Slipper Rock. She will be minoring in Psychology.

Scott has appeared onstage in various roles since 2000 with multiple theatre companies. Favorite roles include: Gomez in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, John Proctor in THE CRUCIBLE, and the tile role in PIPPIN–all at Paragon Studios. Since 2020, Scott has moved up to the tech booth to coordinate and lead the technical crew of the production runs.

Scott is an alumnus of Geneva College (B.A. in Communication) and Duquesne University (MBA). He works full-time as an Operations Director of North America Lease Administration at JLL and is an adjunct professor at Duquesne University. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching baseball for his son’s little league team and reading novels.

Zack grew up on the Paragon stage and recently returned to the limelight here in last spring’s production of MATILDA! His notable roles include Curly in OKLAHOMA!, Lion in THE WIZARD OF OZ and his most well-known role – P.T. Barnum in BARNUM. Now he’s moving backstage with this production and is excited to remain a part of Paragon productions!

Zack is a graduate of Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in Secondary Education. He is currently a substitute teacher for Seneca Valley School District and is enrolled in a Masters of Education for Special Education. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with loved ones, reading, cooking and taking long naps with his cats.

Adam has been a part of Paragon Studios since 2011 when he started as a student performer and has continued into the adult program. He has appeared onstage with Paragon in numerous shows – most notably OKLAHOMA (Jud Fry), ADDAMS FAMILY (Lucas Beineke), and DAMN YANKEES (Linville). He has also worked crew for multiple productions – including his greatest challenge of CLUE with over 100 timed sound effects per performance!

Adam works as an administrative and rehearsal assistant at Paragon part-time and studies acting and voice regularly at the studio. Adam enjoys gaming in his spare time and sings with a Barbershop quartet.

Harry Bolette

Snyder the Spider

Harry has appeared on stage with Assumption Theatre Guild and in several Paragon shows including WORKING (The Mason), OLIVER (ensemble), and Paragon’s mystery dinner – MURDER IN FLAMINGO BAY. Backstage, his contributions to lighting designs, and set construction have been witnessed by thousands of audience members.

Harry is employed as a Certified TAB Technician, working for Northstar Environmental. He holds an Associate Degree in Mechanical Drafting and Design from Triangle Institute of Technology. In his spare time, he enjoys doing nature and landscape photography and set construction for theatre!

Sophia Burik

Katherine (NEWSIES), Juror #2 (12 ANGRY JURORS)

Sophie was most recently seen in last year’s production of MATLIDA as Lavender and CHICAGO as Mama Morton. She is also involved in North Hill’s High School musicals where she recently plays in The 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.

Sophia participates in many clubs including: French Club, Service Club, Ski Club, and International Thespian Society. She is a senior and will be attending

She works at Panera and enjoys traveling, baking, and thrifting.

Addison Korbel

Albert (NEWSIES), Foreman (12 ANGRY JURORS)

A junior at North Hills High School, Addison is involved in marching band, French Club, Art Club, and History Club as well as participating in choir and the school musicals.

Addison was last seen as Bruce in Paragon’s production of MATILDA. Other favorite roles include: Old Hag (LITTLE WOMEN, Paragon), and Eel (THE LITTLE MERMAID), Knight (ONCE UPON A MATTRESS), Dan (The 25th ANNUAL PUTMAN COUNTY SPELLING BEE) – all with North Hills High School.

Addison Lee

Finch

Addison is a senior at North Allegheny High School where she attends the Beattie Cosmetology program and plays on the varsity softball team. She was last seen in MATILDA and CHICAGO as Mona/dancer.

Addison works at Hot Topic and likes to read and crochet in her spare time.

She will be majoring in Environmental Geosciences at Slippery Rock University.

Nina Lee

Race

Nina is a senior at North Allegheny High School where she is a member of the French Club. Shows at Paragon include: MATILDA (Amanda), LITTLE WOMEN (troll), CHCIAGO (Hunyak, dancer), and DAMN YANKEES (newsie).

Nina currently works at The Milkshake Factory and loves learning new languages in her spare time.

Ella Ging

Specs (NEWSIES), Juror #11 (12 ANGRY JURORS)

Ella is a freshman at Avonworth High School. She has been seen in Paragon’s productions of: CHICAGO (reporter), LITTLE WOMEN (troll), and SNOOPY (flower girl) and most recently as Abigail in MATILDA.

In addition to participating in her school’s musicals, Ella is also in marching band, French Club, Key Club, and Red Cross. She also plays softball and basketball.

In her spare time, Ella enjoys crocheting, singing, and baking.

Kirk Peters

Saunders (LEND ME A TENOR), Pulitzer (NEWSIES)

Kirk’s most recently roles at Paragon include Mr. Wormwood in MATILDA, Welch in DAMN YANKEES and Mr. Boddy in CLUE. He also performed in WORKING, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, AIDA, and TWELVE ANGRY JURORS. Kirk attended Bowling Green State University, majoring in Telecommunications and Math. He works as a website programmer. Kirk appears regularly on the Steel City Improv Theater stage.

Kate Giger

Morris Delancey

Kate was most recently seen on the Paragon stage as Miss Honey in last year’s production of MATILDA. Other favorite roles include: Joy in CINDERELLA and Yvette in CLUE.

She attended the Pittsburgh Career Institute, majoring in Specialized Technology. She is an Animal Care Technician at the University of Pitt. In her spare time Kate enjoys reading, nature walks and hanging out with friends.