Meet the Cast of Salerno Theatre's OKLAHOMA!

Michael Mathews Curly	Hilary Kraus Laurey	Joe Conboy Judd Fry	Cheryl Moore Aunt Eller	Capria Pichette Ado Annie	Alex Salup Will Parker
Ariel Calo Ali Hakim	David C. Baker Andrew Carnes	Jan E. Ray Gertie	John D. Hooper Cord Elam	Joseph Maguire Slim	Alexander Skijus Ike Skidmore
Esther Grondahl Kate	Victoria Rose Rios Vivian	Maria L. Brent Ellen	Megan Dormer Virginia	Tommy Conboy Ensemble	Rose Connolly Ensemble
Craig Ruska Ensemble/Swing	Michael Silas Ensemble	Dana Snell Ensemble	Anthony Vito Ensemble	Saara Alsayed Ensemble	Alexandra Rios Ensemble

Artist Biographies

MICHAEL MATHEWS (Curly) is pleased to be returning to the Salerno Theatre Company stage in his first mainstage Salerno musical since Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical in May 2007. Since J&H, he has been performing regularly on tour with Salerno's American Concert Company, most recently as "Cassoto/Bobby Darin" in Sweet Dreams: Frank, Bobby & Dean. Prior to that he appeared for ACC in Broadway In Concert (Phantom), Music of the Knight: The Songs Of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber & Friends (Principal Vocalist) as well as touring his one man show, The Kings of Swing Series: The Legendary Bobby Darin (www.BobbyDarinTribute.com) around the State. He is a graduate of the University of Tampa, where he pursed dual degrees in both Communications and Musical Theatre. He has had the extreme good fortune to study as the sole student of Broadway stars, perform professionally around the country, as well as to headline productions for several East Coast professional theatre companies. Favorite credits include Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical (Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde: 2005 and 2007 Regional Tours), Broadway In Concert (Phantom of the Opera: 2006/07/08 Regional Tours), She Loves Me (Georg Nowak: 2006 Regional Tour), Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy), Li’l Abner (Abner Yokum – directed by Broadway and Hollywood’s original Abner, Peter Palmer), Proof (Hal), The Unsinkable Molly Brown (‘Leadville’ Johnny Brown), and a musical review of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma (Jud Fry), playing opposite Palmer and his wife, Broadway actress and former Miss Canada, Aniko Farrell. He would like to thank the entire cast and crew for their hard work and support, Liz and Derek for the uncompromised dedication, his family for their unyielding support and Angela for keeping me smiling.

HILARY KRAUS (Laurey) is thrilled to be a part of such a great cast and show for her debut appearance at Salerno Theater. She has recently performed with Stages Productions in Sleeping Beauty, Let Freedom Sing, Santa’s Holiday Review, and Mother Goose, A Pocketful of Rhymes. Prior to that, she spent a year on tour with Children’s Stage Adventures teaching and performing with children in The Emperor's New Clothes.  Her favorite theatre credits include: The Fantasticks (Luisa), Into the Woods (Little Red), The Good Doctor (Julia/The Girl), and Tartuffe (Marianne).  She is a graduate from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Musical Theater.  Thank you to God for his many blessings, my family and friends for their never-ending love and support, and to everyone at Salerno for this wonderful opportunity.

JOE CONBOY (Jud Fry) graduated in May from the University of Tampa with a BM in vocal performance and a BA in musical theater. He has been seen in numerous productions at UT some of which include: A Funny Thing...Forum (Erronius), Boy Gets Girl (Les Kennkat), As You Like It (Charles, William), Little Women (Mr. Lawrence),  and with the Salerno Theater Company in The Music Man (Olin Britt) and Don't Hug Me (Gunner). He recently appeared at the Tarpon Springs performing arts center as the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance and as the Master Toymaker in Babes in Toyland. Mr. Conboy also spent the last summer working on nine productions with the College Light Opera Company in Cape Cod, Massachusetts of which some of his favorite shows and roles include: Iolanthe (Lord Mountararat), Can-Can (Boris), Crazy For You (Bela Zangler) and How to Suceed...Business (Mr. twimble). He is very excited to have the opportunity to perform in this role and again share the stage with his brother Tommy.

CHERYL MOORE (Aunt Eller) jumped at the chance to play “Aunt Eller” when Mike Mathews told her Salerno was doing Oklahoma as  Oklahoma was the very first musical she was ever in 45 years ago, playing the part of "Ado Annie."  And after all these years, she's still just a girl who can’t say “NO”!    Most recent favorite productions have been “Player” in Godspell, “Reverend Mother” in Nunsense; “Lady Beaconsfield” in Jekyll & Hyde and “Mother Bailey” in A Wonderful Life.  She also eally enjoy being part of Gil Perlroth’s original production of Ain’t Retirement Grand!  She currently lives in Largo with the love of her life for 31 years, John, and Pugsley, their snorty little boy with furry pants.  Love working with Mike, Derek, Capria, Liz, John, Craig, Anthony and David again!

CAPRIA PICHETTE (Ado Annie) has been involved with Salerno since their first production of Li’l Abner. She graduated with her degree in theatre performance from the University of South Florida in 2005. Musical Credits Include: Guys and Dolls (Eight O'Clock Theatre), Godspell (Salerno), Annie Oakley in Broadway In Concert (American Concert Company), Nellie Forbush in South Pacific (City Players), Charity in Sweet Charity (Francis Wilson Playhouse), Aldonza in Man of La Mancha (Richey Suncoast Theatre), Frenchy in Grease (Salerno) and Mary Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life:The Musical (Salerno). Straight Plays include: Lysistrata (USF), Beckett One Acts: Play and Catastrophe (USF) and USF's Brit Program production of The Golden Ass. Amongst performing, Capria also enjoys the production side of theatre: more specifically dance. She is the resident choreographer for Salerno and American Concert Company. Choreography Credits Include: American Concert Company’s Sweet Dreams and Music of the Knight, 110 in the Shade (University of Tampa), Man of La Mancha (Richey Suncoast Theatre), Salerno's Jekyll and Hyde, Grease and It's A Wonderful Life: The Musical, Journey to Bethlehem (Pasedena Community Church) and Annie (Asst. Choreographer Keswick Christian).  To the Audience- Hope you enjoy the show...I will be....theatre would not exist without you and so I thank you for helping support my dreams!  To the cast- memories are being made and I am so privileged to have shared the stage with you. To the Crew- you make the show a success and we couldn't do it without you. Derek- thanks for this opportunity and the joys that come with working with you. Can't wait to do it again sometime in the future! Mom- you taught me everything I know. Mamaw and Papaw- you are so my favorite! JOSE- ALL MY LOVE AND MORE! Family and Friends- thanks for all the support and last but most important my Lord Jesus Christ....Glory to You and You alone!

ALEX SALUP (Will Parker) is thrilled to be making his debut in the Tampa Bay theatre community with the Salerno Theatre's production of Oklahoma! He has performed at variety of venues in the Orlando area, including The Orlando Repertory Theatre, Winter Park Playhouse, Theatre Downtown, The Plaza Theatre, The Moonlight Players, The Greater Orlando Actors Theatre, and many others. He would like to thank his family (especially his mom), his friends, Vince Santo for instilling in him a passion for theatre and, since his favorite show is Oklahoma!, and the cast and crew for all their hard work.

ARIEL CALO (Ali Hakim) Not much is known about Ariel Calo. Some say he crash landed on our planet Two decades ago in a mysterious craft just outside of Central Park in New York City where he was taken in by a family of Puerto Ricans from Brooklyn. He was brought to Tampa, Florida by his mother to start a new life where people began to notice he had awesome super human abilities! This is all speculation of course... All that can truly be said about Ariel Calo is that he is, most definitely, Awesome...  Totally.

DAVID C. BAKER (Andrew Carnes) Oklahoma! marks Mr. Baker’s sixth production with the Salerno Theatre Company and he couldn’t be happier to be back! He was last seen on our stage in Annie Get Your Gun and our encore production of Jekyll & Hyde: the Musical which he also directed. Mr. Baker was born in Miami, raised in Clearwater, and has resided in Tampa for the last six years. When he is not performing, Mr. Baker is a professional voice-over artist and computer geek. He would like to thank God for His Eternal Guidance, his parents Melvin & Linda Baker for still being his biggest fans, his pet cockatiel, Morgan, for always keeping him on his toes, and you, our audience. Mr. Baker would like you all to know that he dedicates his performance in Oklahoma! to the memory of Susan Hussey of the Gorilla Theatre. Though tonight our footlights are bright, the stage is a little darker without you, Susan. Thank you for supporting live theatre!

JAN E. RAY (Gertie) is very happy to join this production of Oklahoma! Recent credits include Reefer Madness at American Stage, and Proof at Eight O’Clock Theater. An Eckerd College graduate, Jan has also been seen in Godspell, The Pavilion, and Incorruptible. Jan wishes to thank Liz and Derek for putting her in her place ( on and off stage ), Steve for being an amazing husband, Valerie for being such a snugglebear, and her family for watching Valerie during rehearsals so she could dazzle the audience with her contagious laughter.

JOHN D. HOOPER (Cord Elam) is a regular on the Salerno stage, having performed in Godspell (Judas/John the Baptist), The Journey (Herod), The Fantasticks (Henry), Annie Get Your Gun (Sitting Bull), Jekyll and Hyde (General Lord Glossop), and Fiddler (Constable), but he is also often seen working with many companies throughout the Bay area.  He most recently appeared as Principal Snelgrove in the National tour of The Awesome 80’s Prom at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Sleeney/Flinthog in Stagework’s Pow!r Play, and Abbott Charles in Hat Trick’s Incorruptible.  He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and spent some time writing, studying, and performing with the improvisational comedy troupe, The Groundlings, in LA.  He would like to thank his wife, Elizabeth, his step-daughter, Saara, Mike, Derek, his Salerno “family”, and YOU!

JOSEPH MAGUIRE (Slim) is happy to be making his debut with Salerno in one of the great classic musicals. He is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College where he played one of his favorite roles as Percival Browne in The Boyfriend. Other roles include: Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress, Jim Dillingham in Gifts of the Magi, and Schroeder in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Joe would like to thank Linda Switzer for her guidance and support.

ALEXANDER M. SKIJUS (Ike Skidmore) has trained in musical theatre, voice, and acting with the Patel Conservatory and PrinWall Entertainment in Tampa, Florida. His most recent credits include Damn Yankees (Vernon) and Show Boat (ensemble) with Spanish Lyric Theatre Productions. He is thrilled to be begin working with Salerno Theatre and with an incredible cast. Thanks to my amazing friends who have helped me along so far, thank you Jesus, and thank you Alyssa for making me go to my first audition.

ESTHER MILLER GRONDAHL (Kate) is from West Palm Beach.  She studied voice at USF and is a chorus teacher and Singer/Songwriter in Tampa.  Listen to her music at www.myspace.com/esthergrondahlsolo.

VICTORIA ROSE RIOS (Vivian) is thrilled to return to the Salerno stage and family and honored to work with Resident Director, Derek Baxter for the first time. She has performed with numerous theaters in Tampa. Favorite roles include Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Bielke in Fiddler on the Roof, Gilmer in Godspell, and Katy in Quilt: A Musical Celebration. Currently, she is cast in Steel Magnolias, Key.Pin.It.Real and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Hugs and kisses to my extended theatre family and supportive family and friends... you make me smile. Shout out to Mrs. V and all the students at Alonso (raspberries!).

MARIA L. BRENT (Ellen) has been performing onstage with various companies throughout the Bay area for 26 years, but this is her first show with Salerno.  She was last seen directing NTP's Once Upon a Mattress and appeared as Dr. Billeaux in Carrollwood's Urinetown. Some of her favorite roles are Lady Larken in Once Upon a Mattress, Sunny in The Last Night of Ballyhoo, and Widow Corney in Oliver! the musical. For the past nine years, by day, she has assumed the role of her alter-ego, "Drama Teacher", for Hillsborough County Public Schools, where she puts a stop to bad acting and constructs sets and costumes in a single semester.  She would like to thank the production staff, cast and crew of Oklahoma! for this opportunity to be in one of her favorite musicals of all time.

MEGAN DORMER (Virginia) is a student at HCC and she has been acting, singing, and dancing for many years. She has performed in many local groups such as, The Patel Conservatory Youth Theatre Company at the Performing Arts Center, Carrollwood Players, Entertainment Revue, and Gaither High School Showcase. She wants to thank her family for always believing in her and letting her follow her dreams.

TOMMY CONBOY (Ensemble) is very excited to be able to work on this show. He is a tenor saxophone player in the East Lake High School Silver Sound Marching Band, and also enjoys playing a variety of instruments ranging from trumpets and saxophones to guitars and drums. He recently appeared in his first stage production with the Gilbert and Sullivan Players of Tarpon Springs as a pirate and policeman in the Pirates of Penzance.

ROSE CONNOLLY (Ensemble) is a graduate of The University of Tampa. During her time there she was recognized by The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival as an Irene Ryan Scholarship nominee and also honored as UT's Theatre Student of the Year 2007. She was also seen in such main stage productions as Into the Woods, The Fantasticks!, Tartuffe, Isn't It Romantic, Sordid Lives, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Rose would like to give special thanks to her family for all of their support throughout the years. Jer. 29:11

CRAIG RUSKA (Ensemble/Swing) has performed in numerous Salerno Theatre and American Concert Theatre productions.  Mostly recently Craig was seen as "Crocetti/Dean Martin" in Sweet Dreams. He would like to thank his friends, family, “Bubbles”, and Erin for all their love and support. 

MICHAEL SILAS (Ensemble) has been performing in some form or other since he was a child. Guitar recitals, church choir, drama club. He has gone on to appear on the Sally Jesse Raphael Show, theatre credits include South Pacific, Zebras, Guys & Dolls and now Oklahoma. It is an honor to have been chosen to be in this production. Love you Becky, Dad, Mom, and everyone else who blesses my life by believing in me and encouraging me to pursue my dreams. This performance is dedicated to the memory of his wonderful grandmother Claudia B. Silas who always told him to reach for the stars and to be the best in all things.

DANA SNELL (Ensemble) is a dancer from Tampa, FL who specializes in Hip Hop and Modern dance. Dana’s commitment to dance began with high school musical theater and continued throughout her studies at Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida, where she was a Dance Studies major and Technical Theater minor.  Dana has studied and performed under such dance artists as John Parks (Alvin Ailey Company), Janis Brenner, and Carolina Garcia (Urban Bush Women), as well as Paulette Rolle-Alesnik and DeMario Henry.  She has also performed at the Express Your Worship Conferences in Tampa, Detroit, and London in addition to productions of Off Stage Dance & Theatre Company and the Tampa Bay Ballet.  Dana is excited to be working with the Salerno Theater for the first time in this Oklahoma! production.

ANTHONY VITO (Ensemble) is working on his third Salerno/ACC show in the ensemble role and is excited to be back on stage with the company. He played Jesus in Salerno's earlier tour of Godspell in the fall, and assisted technically with the company. Anthony is a freshman at the University of South Florida and is studying Theatre Design; he graduated from East Lake High School in 2008. His most notable role there was that of Cosmo Brown in Singin’ In the Rain. Anthony would like to thank his past directors, friends, family, and of course Derek and Liz for teaching me important things. Make It Happen.

SAARA ALSAYED (Children's Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of Oklahoma!, having previously appeared as an angel with Salerno’s The Journey back in 2007.  She has also been seen in AAA’s industrial video, Rescuers, in Opera Tampa Chorus’ 2008 Holiday Concert, and in Brucie Klay’s “Dancin’ Into Fame” recital.  Thanks to Mom, Dad, John, Derek, her family, Jelly, her doggies, and YOU!  “We like the sho’!”

ALEXANDRA RIOS (Children's Ensemble) is thrilled to return to Salerno. She has performed with many local theaters in her short 8 years. Favorite roles include Ngana in South Pacific, Zuzu in It’s a Wonderful Life, Little Miss Muffet in Babes in Toyland, and the Rabbi’s Daughter in Fiddler on the Roof.  Love to her growing “theatre family,” supportive family and friends, especially her CreA+ive DramA+ics crew. XOXO