Bios

Dayna Arnett (Mama Morton) is making her debut at Chapin Community Theatre! She made her Columbia theatre debut with Town Theatre's production of Anything Goes as "the Press." She is no stranger to the stage, however, having performed as Deloris Van Cartier (Sister Act the Musical), The Lady of the Lake (Spamalot), and Kala (Tarzan the Musical). She's also made an appearance on "$100,000 Pyramid" in 2021! Matron Mama Morton is one of her dream roles, and she is very grateful that Chapin has welcomed her with open arms

Adam Arsi (Amos Hart)) has been in theatre since he was about 11 years old. Enthralled by the art, he followed his passion to pursue his BFA in Musical Theatre at Anderson University. Now, he’s excited to perform one of his dream roles as Amos Hart.

Malayzhia Ashford (Go-To-Hell Kitty/Ensemble) is pleased to be returning for her third exciting show with Chapin Theatre Company. She has had a blast transforming into a feisty murderess, and has truly loved being a part of "all that jazz.” Malayzhia would like to express her gratitude to her friends and family for their unwavering support, as well as her cast mates and the production team for adding more than enough razzle-dazzle to this production. She awaits more performance opportunities in the future!

Lisa Baker (Mary Sunshine) is excited to return to the CTC stage with her daughter, Maggie, after waltzing at Cinderella’s ball this past summer. She’s been busy on stage since as Lady Grace in Something’s Afoot & sailing with Anything Goes, both at Town Theatre. A 31-year veteran music teacher/director in Lexington, some of her favorite roles around Columbia have been Grizabella (Workshop’s CATS), The Witch (Town’s Into the Woods), Glinda (Town’s The Wizard of Oz), Mrs. Fleming (Trustus’ Heathers: The Musical), Mrs. Potts (VST’s Beauty and the Beast), & Velma (OSP’s Hairspray). Lisa would like to thank her family for always supporting her theatrical endeavors & to the Chapin Theatre family for making her feel so at home on & off the stage!

Maggie Baker (Roxie Hart) is thrilled to be playing Roxie Hart in her dream show, Chicago! This production is especially meaningful as she gets to once again share the stage with her mom, making it an unforgettable experience! She is incredibly grateful to her fiancé for making this opportunity possible and for his endless support. Maggie has loved theater from a young age and is beyond excited to bring this iconic role to life. She thanks her family, friends, and cast for their encouragement and hopes you enjoy the razzle-dazzle of the show!

Christian Banks (Ensemble) bio coming.

Cindy Binnicker (Stage Manager) never thought in her wildest dreams she’d be stage managing one of her top five shows of all time! She is incredibly humbled to work alongside this talented cast and crew. This is a dream come true for Cindy and she gives much love to her parents who always inspired her to pursue her dreams. Who knew working backstage was one of them!

Meredith Boehme (Choreographer) bio coming.

Katherine Brown (Velma Kelly) is murderously excited to make her Chapin Theatre Company debut as Ms. Velma Kelly! Katherine was a former professional dancer with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines, holding positions of Dance Captain and Production Principal during her time at sea. Other performance credits include the Broadway National Tour of Saturday Night Fever and numerous regional theatre roles across the United States. Beyond her dance career, Katherine has achieved academic excellence in public health, obtaining a BS in Public Health from Coastal Carolina University and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of South Carolina. Recent local theatre productions include Cassie in A Chorus Line and Bombalurina in CATS at Workshop Theatre

Samuel Cleveland (Ensemble) is a college freshman, currently attending school at Midlands Technical College. He began acting in stage productions only a few short years ago. Since then, he’s taken on the roles of Ryan Evans (High School Musical: On Stage), Troy Bolton (High School Musical Jr), Prince Ben (Disney’s Descendants the Musical) and Prince Christopher in CTC’s last summer musical, Cinderella. In his spare time, Sam likes to play video games and create projects about his interests.

Will Dowd (Ensemble) is jazzed to make their debut at Chapin Theatre in the ensemble of Chicago. A versatile performer, Will has previously razzle-dazzled audiences in productions of Beauty and the Beast & Something’s Afoot at Town Theatre. He is grateful for the support of his lovely wife, Sarah, and this incredible cast and crew. When not on stage, Chef Wilbo enjoys smoking, frying, and baking all sorts of delicious culinary creations. Enjoy the show and all that jazz!

Pat Gagliano (Ensemble) is pleased to make his debut with CTC in Chicago. Since 1994, Pat has been a professor and administrator at Newberry College, after earning his BA in Education and his MFA in Theatre Directing. Pat has produced, directed, and acted in college, community, and church theatre productions actively since 1980. Notable acting credits include Noises Off (Lloyd), Godspell (Judas/John), West Side Story (Chino), Taming of the Shrew (Petruchio), 1940’s Radio Hour (Johnny), A New Brain (Mr. Bungee/Doctor), and Art (Serge). He sends love to his cast & crew, friends, family, and his children, Paul and Alyssa

Mary Jo Johnson (Director) is excited to be directing again for CTC. With 20 years of professional background in the industry, Mary Jo now enjoys guiding the talents of local performers to grace the stage with their gifts and brilliance. Although she loves the theatre, her greatest love is being a wife to Rocky and mother to Tyler, Ansley, and Audrey. Mary Jo is thrilled to announce her newest love in life…being Grandma to her first grand-baby!

David LaTorre (Ensemble) is proud to be making his debut at the Chapin Theatre Company! He was most recently seen in Home for the Holidays and Anything Goes at Town Theatre where he is currently directing Camp Rock and Once Upon a Mattress for the youth theatre program. David has used his passion for teaching and directing at multiple theatres in the Midlands, The South Carolina Children's Theatre in Greenville, and the historic Abbeville Opera House. He also did entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort. David would like to thank the production team for this wonderful opportunity! thedavidlatorre.com

Simon Marchant (Lighting Tech) has worked on and off in the theatre behind the scenes since the 1980s when his sister performed. He supported his son Gabriel in this same role throughout his middle and high school years until he went away to college. Simon inherited the role at that point. He loves to be part of this group and looks forward to helping the next show come to life.

Kelsey McGarrigan (Assistant Stage Manager) is jazzed to be assisting with this iconic show alongside an equally iconic cast and production crew. Kelsey has been previously seen on stage with CTC in Cinderella (Ensemble), Descendants the Musical (Fairy Godmother), 37 Postcards (Gillian), and Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble). Thank you, Cindy, for letting me shadow and learn from the queen of Stage Managers.

Kaeleigh Miller (Merry Murderess/Ensemble) bio coming.

Celeste Mills (Merry Murderess/Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the Chapin stage! She would like to thank everyone at Chapin Theatre Company for welcoming her with open arms and helping her find her theatre home! She would also like to thank her husband Andrew for being the bestest most awesomest husband around…love you shoogie!

Zanna Mills (Merry Murderess/Ensemble) is totally “jazzed” to be returning to the Chapin Theatre Company stage for Chicago! You may have seen her with CTC as Joy (Cinderella) or Izzy (Stilt Girl). Other favorite roles include Lucy (Bright Star), Annie (The Play That Goes Wrong), Mary Ann (Gilligan’s Island: The Musical), Amber Von Tussle (Hairspray), Rumpleteazer (Cats) and Shelby (Steel Magnolias). Follow along with Zanna’s theatre adventures on Instagram @Zanna.M, especially next up when she travels with the cast of CTC’s Stilt Girl to Baltimore to compete at the Southeastern Theatre Conference!

Christian Banks (Ensemble) bio coming.

Ivy Munnerlyn (Merry Murderess/Liz/Ensemble) is a Performing Arts graduate from Clemson University with over ten years of experience in both performance and technical theatre. She currently teaches theatre at Batesburg-Leesville High School. Favorite roles include Maria (The Sound of Music), Heather McNamara (Heathers), and Catherine (Pippin). Ivy is excited to join the cast of Spamalot at Town Theatre this May! She also leads vocals for the variety band Last Impression. She thanks her family, friends, students, and the talented production team who inspires her work. Follow @ivy.munnerlyn for updates on her artistic journey.

Caroline Schierlmann (Ensemble) is delighted to be making her debut with Chapin Theatre Company. Favorite credits include Carlile Floyd’s Susannah (Mrs. McLean) and Leo Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen (Lapak, a dog) with Opera at USC, Gilbert & Sullivan’s Iolanthe (The Queen of the Fairies) and Virgil Thompson’s Four Saints in Three Acts (Commere) with ECU Opera Theatre. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Choral Music Education from East Carolina University and a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of South Carolina. Caroline is currently the Choral Director at Fulmer Middle and the Director of Music for Lake Murray Presbyterian as well as a member of the Limited Time Only Chamber Choir.

Kathy Seppamaki (Musical Director) is thrilled to be musically directing her first show with Chapin Theatre Company. But musically directing Chicago isn’t her first time as a music director. She has also been the musical director for A Christmas Carol (Town Theatre), Hello Dolly (Town), and A Chorus Line (Workshop Theatre), and has musically directed youth theatre productions of Elf Jr. (Town), My Son Pinnochio (Town), Peter Pan Jr. (Town), Frozen Jr. (Town), Lion King Jr. (Town), and Aladdin Jr. (Workshop). When not working behind the scenes, you can often find her onstage in roles such as Dolly Levi (Hello Dolly), Paulette (Legally Blonde), Mimi Schwinn (A New Brain), and CeeCee Windham (Red Velvet Cake Wars). She has loved working with the amazing Chicago cast!

Jenna Sweeney (Merry Murderess/Ensemble) is a recent high school graduate. She has participated in three productions at Town Theatre, Anything Goes, The Sound of Music, and Beautiful, the Carole King Musical. She participated with ICRC Children’s Theatre for seven years and has danced since she was six. This is Jenna‘s first show with Chapin Theatre and she is ecstatic to be a part of this show. She hopes to pursue a career in stage acting and attend college to obtain a theatre degree. Jenna would like to thank her friends and family for their support and hopes that everyone enjoys Chicago!

Frank Thompson (Billy Flynn) bio coming.