Bios

Henry Eichman (Director) has been President of Midcoast Youth Theater for the past five years. Henry is active throughout the area in youth theater, he has directed all but two of MYT's productions since i'ts founding. Henry has served as a past director for Merrymeeting Community Players, he has been one of the Directors at Mt Ararat H.S. for the past ten years, Lighting Designer for Brunswick H.S. for five years; Lighting and Sound Designer for the Orion Performing Arts Center since it's opening, Sound and Lighting Designer for Lisbon Community School for the past 2 years; Lighting Designer for LL Bean’s Sunday With Santa for 5 years, Director for the first two St Johns School productions and Technical Assistant for the rest of their theater programs until this year when he will again resume the role of Director. Henry is also involved with various independent productions around the area. During the few remaining daylight hours, Henry is employed as a landscaper with one of our generous show sponsors, Rocky Hill Landscaping. Henry is the proud parent of three children and four grandchildren with his loving wife Lennie.

Vincent S. Ratsavong (Bill Sykes) is excited to join the Midcoast Youth Theater's production of Oliver! Vincent has had the pleasure of dancing with Pennsylvania Ballet Company, Everett Dance Theater, Philadanco Dance Company, Portland Ballet, Maine State Ballet, Philly Fringe, Bates Dance Festival, and University of the Arts Philadelphia, PA where he majored in Ballet Performance and Education. Favorite Ballet roles include Russian Trepak in Victorian Nutcracker, Blue Bird in The Sleeping Beauty, Cowboy in Western Symphony, Von Rothbart in Swan Lake, Cavalier in Symphony in C, and The Rose in Spectre de la Rose. Favorite Musical Theater roles include Tiny Tom Urinetown:The Musical, Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors, Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol:The Musical, Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz, Lun Tha in King and I, Prince Charming in Cinderella, Marcellus Washburn in The Music Man, and Elton in The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Amberly Shea (Workhouse Child, Delivery Boy) is from Brunswick and enjoys tennis, basketball, jumping on her trampoline, playing the piano, singing, dancing, and performing. This is Amberly's third show with Midcoast YouthTheater (MYT) and she loves it! This summer, she was an Oompa-Loompa in MYT's Willy Wonka Jr., and she was an Anderson child and member of the Angel Chorus in MYT's A Christmas Carol last year. Also, last spring, she played Marie and Mad Cat in Studio 48's Disney's AristoCats. Amberly is very excited about being in this show, especially with her cousin, Caiden (Oliver). Amberly would like to thank Henry, Pam, and Courtney for all of their hard work and her family for their encouragement and support. PEACE.

Courtney Jones (Bet) This is Courtney's 2nd performance with Mid-Coast Youth Theater. She has performed with Maine State Music Theater for 2 seasons and is Miss Little Maine 2005-2006. She has appeared in Coastal Star Search and recently was the winner of Maine Talent Recognition at Bentliff's this Summer. She studies voice at Studio 48 and has most recently appeared in Kiss Me Kate at Community Little Theater. Courtney has taken dance lessons for 8 years and is the youngest member of Vivid Motion Dance Company in Portland. Her dream is to be a Broadway Star and Miss America.

Tracy Kapocius (Nancy) is excited to continue performing with Midcoast Youth Theater, especially since it means being on stage with her son, Ben. This is her fourth family production with MYT, and she enjoys working on sets for the children's summer shows. Tracy has also performed with "Ron Carroll and Friends" doing fund-raising benefit shows, and has recorded two CDs with the "Nick Noxious" group. Many thanks to Henry, Pam, Courtney, Juli, the cast and crew of "Oliver" and everyone involved in Midcoast Youth Theater!! Thanks for coming and enjoy the show!!!

Ben Proctor (Mr. Sowerberry, Governor) is pleased to be cast as Mr. Sowerberry as this was his first leading role when MYT did "The Musical Adventures of Oliver Twist" in 2003. Ben has performed in many, many musicals with MYT as well as a benefit show with "Ron Carroll and Friends", several school productions, Honors Choir, District 3 Honors Choir and he very recently joined the Nor'easters Barbershop Chorus. Ben would like to thank everyone in the cast and crew of Oliver, and thanks to you for coming to the show!

Caiden Shea (Oliver) is active in Football, Basketball, Soccer and Baseball. Caiden started playing the guitar last year and became part of a band called the 543 Rockers, where he played guitar and sang lead vocals. This is Caiden’s first production with the Midcoast Youth Theater. He is excited to have been cast as Oliver and to be performing with his cousin, Amberly. Thanks to Pam and Henry for giving me this opportunity - I won't let you down! - ....and Thanks to Courtney for all his help with the music!..Caiden

Julie Hale (Widow Corney) is performing in her first performance with MYT, thanks to her son, Dean. Dean encouraged her to try out with him for the holiday show so they could spend more time together...little did she know that this would be such a challange! (The old body is having a hard time keeping up wtih all the youngsters). Julie has been a big fan of the theater all her life. She is a regular patron of MST here in Brunswick. As a teen, hundreds of years ago, Julie performed with the Music Theater group at Mechuwana in Winthrop. Some performances included Two By Two, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and 1776 where she played Ben Franklin...(this was a fun role!). Julie has also performed in Godspell with a group in Yarmouth. Julie's weekends are mostly spent recuperating from all the activity...she would like to thank the wonderful folks at MYT for allowing her to have this "flash back" and to work with all of the talented folks in Oliver! Enjoy the show!!!

Rochelle Maderal (Workhouse Child) is performing in her third MYT musical. She has never done this play, but thinks it is cool and awesome. Hope you enjoy it!

Simone Maderal (Fagin's Gang) is performing in her sixth play (her third with MYT) and she has had a lot of fun. Simone would like to encourage everyone to come again next year...enjoy the show!

Marie Maderal (Mrs. Bedwin) has thoroughly enjoyed working with this cast of great people. This is her second MYT production and she highly recommends joining the fun!

Anna Sawicki (Workhouse Child) is performing in her very first theaterical experience. Anna has played violin for four years and also likes to sing, read, draw, play soccer and likes being with her friends. Anna is very excited to sing in Oliver, as it is one of her favorite shows!

Megan Sawicki (Workhouse Child) is performing in her first show with MYT. She played the main character role, Lilly, in her school musical last year,United We Sing. Megan has played the violin for seven years. She also likes to read, cook, draw, and play soccer. Megan is very grateful to have the opportunity to participate in Oliver this year.

Hannah Cain (Workhouse Assistant, Fagin's Gang, Milkmaid) is excited to be in her second performance with MYT. In her free time, Hannah enjoys horseback riding, reading, and spending time with her animals. Hannah sends a big thank you to Henry, Pam, and Courtney, and hopes that everyone enjoy the show.

Natalie Schmidt (Workhouse Child) is involved in her school's drama club and has been in two school play. Evelyn is very interested in musicals and OLIVER! is one of her favorites (she has learned all the songs!)

Evelyn Atwood (Workhouse Assistant, Fagin's Gang, Milkmaid) is participating in her second musical with MYT (first was Willy Wonka Jr.). Evelyn's hoppies are reading, acting, writing, and singing. Evelyn is very happy to be in this musical and hopes to be in many more.

Charlotte Cooney (Workhouse Child) isexcited to be in her second MYT production. She was a Street Kid and a Panto Girl in last year's A Christmas Carol. Charlotte was in the BJH production of the musical, Dear Edwina, as Periwinkle. When she's not acting or singing, Charlotte enjoys playing soccer and lacrosse.

Annette Shea (Tavern Keeper) is from Brunswick. This is her first performance, and she would like to thank her daughter, Amberly, for encouraging her to participate. She is pleased to be in the show with her daughter, Amberly, and nephew, Caiden. Thanks to all the cast & crew!

Alex Kamphorst (Dodger): This is Alex's second play with MYT and he loves being part of a real production! He is involved in Show choir, Wind Ensemble, and has been in the Wizard of Oz (Joe), Willy Wonka JR. (Charlie), Dear Edwina, and Cinderella. This will be his last play with MYT as Alex is a navy dependent and will be moving in the spring of 09. In his free time he takes drum lessons, writes, reads, sings, does destination imagination, and runs track. Alex would Like to thank Henry, Pam, and Courtney and everyone else behind the scenes who helps to make the plays a success.

Crisha Kamphorst (Rose Seller). This is Crisha's first play with MYT on stage. Crisha got involved so she could spend time with her children, Alex and Katy who are both in the play. A very long time ago, before marriage and children, Crisha was involved in all sorts of theater productions and short play writing. Crisha would like to thank MYT for giving the kids a creative outlet for their energy.

Katy Kamphorst (Street Chorus, Tavern Ensemble) is a freshman at S.M.C.C. This is her first and last show with MYT because she is moving next spring. She has been in many shows in the past, the most resent was Taming of the Shrew at Brunswick High School in the fall 2007. Katy was also prop misters for Willy Wonka Jr. , the MYT production this past . Katy would like to give a huge thank you to Courtney, Pam, and Henry for all that they do. The show could not have gone on with out them. Katy would also like to thank the cast and crew.

Tessa Hauptman (Charlie, Workhouse Child) is performing in her sixth play with MYT and her eighth play altogether (the other two were at BJH). Besides acting and singing, Tessa also likes to play trombone, hang out with friends, make up nicknames for friends, play video games (mostly one called "Harvest Moon"), write stories, and play with her two dogs (Echo and Paxton). Tessa also has two older brothers (Zack and Ben). Tessa loves playing Charlie in Oliver! because she gets to perform with a lot of her amazing friends. "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." -Mahatma Gandhi

Brianna Pinkham (Workhouse Child) is performing in her very first MYT musical. Brianna enjoys singing, dancing, playing soccer, and hanging out with friends. Brianna is very excited about being in Oliver with her dad, Mike (Mr. Bumble)!

Merissa Madarasz (Charlotte, Fagin's Gang) is currently in her 5th production with MYT. She loves being a member of Fagin's gang and picking on Mike. Other shows Merissa has been involved in were Grease, Willy Wonka, A Christmas Carol, and now Oliver. Merissa is also currently rehearing for the Wizard of Oz with New England Youth Theater where she has also done a few shows. Merissa loves acting and hopes to go further with it some day. She would like to thank all of the people who put in the hard work to make this happen. The people involved with MYT have become like family and Merissa is very sad to say that this will be her last production with MYT because she is moving to Florida and will miss everyone (especially Grandpa Henry).

Kathryn Madarasz (Mrs. Sowerberry, Strawberry Vendor) is glad to be in another production with MYT....thanks to all the hardworking people who put in countless hours so everyone can have a fantastic theater program. Kathryn has been in lots of plays and musicals since she was four. Sadly, this will be Kathryn's last show in Brunswick as she is off to Hollywood to persue her lifetime wish of being on Broadway.....of course this is after she moves to Florida with her family who is being re-stationed there. Kathryn would like everyone to know that she will miss them all...she want to be sure that Tracy, Henry, Mike and Pam don't forget her...and best wishes to everyone else. Keep an eye out on Broadway for this rising star !!!

Emily McCracken (Workhouse Child) is thrilled to be involved in her second production with MYT. She was an Oompa Loompa last summer in Willy Wonka Jr. When not singing and dancing, Emily loves to play basketball, soccer, skate and ski. Emily would like to thank Henry, Pam, and all those involved, for the opportunity to participate in Oliver!

Michael Millett (Fagan) would like to let everyone know that these kids are wonderful! Thanks to all of you parents who let them participate. Enjoy the show, we have all worked hard....WATCH YOUR POCKETS!

Michael Pinkham (Mr. Bumble) is performing for the first time with MYT along with his daughter, Brianna. Mike is a prima ballerina who collects precious stones and metals. He also enjoys playing cards and sipping chick drinks with his friends on the weekends. In his spare time, Mike also coaches soccer, softball, tap dancing and is a closet Yankee fan who also loves routing for Tony Stewart during NASCAR season. Mike would also like to thank his lovely wife for supporting his stage antics. Sit back and enjoy the show!!

Larry Tondreau (Mr. Brownlow) is performing in his third performance with his wife, Pam (Music Man and Once Upon A Mattress). When not on stage, Larry keeps himself busy working on cars and building a gokart track and cruising around town in his Camaro. Larry would like to thank his wife and daughters, Leah and Michelle, for encouraging him to get out on stage (actually, Larry is thinking of a way to get even with them). To everyone coming to see the show, we hope you enjoy it!

Pam Tondreau (Choreographer) has been involved with MYT since it beginning and has been active in community theater for years as a choreographer, costumer, musician, and has even been known to be on stage a time or two....but somehow could not land a role in this production of Oliver! Pam enjoys getting her "kid fix" and working with the children's program along with Henry and Mr. OP in the summer and currently has the privilege of serving on MYT's Board of Directors as Secretary. Pam's hobbies are watching her husband, Larry, up on his Kioti building a gokart track (can't wait for the fun of zooming around it!!!), doing embroidery, and cruising around in her purple Camaro....yup the convertible that Larry got for her xxth birthday.

Courtney Babbidge (Music Director) is a local music instructor and musician for hire. He has played in a variety of musicals with various theater groups in the midcoast Maine area, including The Wiz (piano), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Piano), 42nd Street (Drum Set/Percussion), Once upon a Mattress (piano), A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum (Piano), High School Musical (Guitar). He did his first show with MYT this summer as pianist for Grease. Courtney teaches at Music & Moore in the Topsham Fair Mall as well as traveling around Brunswick/Topsham to teach privately.

Faith Allen-Harris (Workhouse Child) is performing in her second production with MYT. Last summer Faith was an Oompa Loompa in Willie Wonka Jr. Faith enjoys soccer, basketball, and playing with her pets (3 dogs and 3 cats) as well as her 2 siblings.

Corrinne Latti (Workhouse Child) loves to read and write in her quiet times. Corrinne is active in fencing and basketball. Oliver! is Corrinne's fifth MYT production. Corrinne would like to say "thanks" to Henery and her parents. She wishes you all a Merry Christmas.

McKayla Prophett (Workhouse Child) is performing in her third production with MYT. She has also been seen in MYT's A Christmas Carol and most recently in Willy Wonka Jr. McKayla is happy to be in the show (and we are trilled to have her)..."Have a good Christmas!"

Kaitlyn Prophett (Wokhouse Child) likes art, singing, and enjoys playing video games. This is Kaitlyn's second production with MYT, she was also seen in Willy Wonka Jr. last summer. "Happy holidays!"

Dean Hale (Noah Claypole and Knife Grinder) is excited to be involved in another MYT production...especially since he is performing on stage with his mother, Julie. Some of Dean's other performances have been in Sardines & Biscuits, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Christmas Carol, Taming of the Shrew, Grease, and Godspell. Dean's theater involvement has been shared amongst the Music theater group at Mechuwana in Winthrop,BHS and MYT. While rehearsing, Dean practices and perfects his text messaging skills which will come in handy as an intrenet auctioneer. Dean also enjoys cheering, wrestling, and bird watching.

Courteney Miller (Workhouse Child) is performing in her fourth production with MYT. She has also performed in Willy Wonka Jr. and A Christmas Carol for the past two years. Courteney's other interests are counting sheep and inventing new colors in the rainbow. This is one charming little actress to watch out for.

Barbara Miller (Old Sally) is performing in her third production with MYT. For the past two years she has played the fishmonger in A Christmas Carol and is enjoying performing with her daughter Courteney. Besides acting, Barbara likes to hunt, pick petals off daisys, and count beans. Barbara aspires to someday be a waitress (wench) at a medieval castle.

Nate Levesque (Governor) enjoys long walks and aspires someday to be a poet. His favorite actor is Rodney Dangerfield. Nate loves to act, sing, and his favorite hobby is hog calling and yodeling.

Victoria Kadziauskas (Tavern Ensemble and Street Chorus) is a welcome addition to MYT as this is her first show with the group. Victoria has performed dramatic readings with Center Stage Players including the role of Titania, Queen of the Fairies in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”She had the role of of Joy in “Don’t Kick the Turkeys” with Cundy’s Harbor Acting Guild.

Summer Becker (Workhouse Child) is excited to be in this year's show. Summer enjoys playing with her friends and singing. Her favorite color is flourscent orange and her favorite movie is Bambi.