Willy Wonka the Musical Cast & Crew

Derrick Minnick is a graduate from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. Derrick has portrayed various roles at the MAC including Javert in Les Miserables, Beast in Beauty & The Beast, and was recently seen as Mr. Bratt in How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. He has also been music director and instrumentalist for shows such as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Fantastiks, All Shook Up, Wizard of Oz, and Sweeney Todd. He is both thrilled and honored to take on the role of Willy Wonka and as the music director for this year’s production.

Angela Yurcik makes her MRC acting debut as Grandma Georgina. She helped “backstage” while transforming her husband Douglas Yurcik in last year’s MRC’s Production of The Wizard of Oz, from Zeke into the Cowardly Lion. She is excited to join her husband and cast in Willy Wonka the Musical. While this is her first acting performance, Angela was on the MRC Stage 20 yrs. ago as Owner, Director and Performer of the Tennessee Country Cloggers Interpretive Dance Showcase. In her spare time she is a Baseball, Hockey, & Basketball Mom. She has five boys and 3 granddaughters.

Phillip Jackson Smith-
When Andrew Smith IV left Yorkshire England in 1704 to voyage across the great ocean. He hoped, nay dreamed that one day a descendant of his would preform in a community theater production of Willy Wonka the Musical. Dear reader, that day has arrived. Phillip J. Smith has been acting and singing for most of his life. Always looking for an audience to entertain. Mr. Smith brings a fresh yet familiar take on the beloved Candy Man character. This will be the first time his family of four will be on stage together at the MAC.

Kendyn Brock (Charlie) was born in St Louis, MO. He is 11 years old and in the 5th grade at Bel-Aire Elementary. He is excited to perform for the first time with MRC. He is fairly new to theatre and has only been in two other productions, both in Tullahoma; 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe' and 'Broadway Review'. In his spare time, Kendyn loves to sing, dance, and watch musicals on television. He is also currently rehearsing as Aspen in First Baptist of Tullahoma's Christmas production 'Jingle Bell Beach'. He is so excited to have found his happy place in theatre.

Mike Stein (Grandpa George) Mike teaches junior English and English as a Second Language (ESL) at Coffee County High School. This is his first production at the MAC, but he recently performed in Arsenic and Old Lace and Footloose at the high school. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mike writes a weekly education column for the Manchester Times that he co-publishes on his blog, unpackedu.com, and he is the president of the Coffee County Education Association, supporting teachers in every way that he can. For fun, he enjoys spending time with his family and anchoring down at Vandy football and men's basketball games.

James Petty is a member of the Manchester Arts Centers Wee Actors Guild. He has performed in productions of Aladdin Jr. with his master sword skills, and Shrek Jr. proving his expertise with fast costume changes. James made his theatre debut at 11 months appearing on Stage with his Daddy at South Jackson Civic Center. He wants to be a YouTube star. And wants everyone to know, that even though he is playing Augustus Gloop, James does not like chocolate.

Douglas Yurcik (Grandpa Joe), born in New York City, veteran of the USAF, has been performing at the MAC for about 4 years now. His debut was in 2014 as Duane in Duck Hunter Shoots Angel (MRC). Miles Gloriosus in a Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (MRC) in Feb 2015. He played con-man Carlino in Wait Until Dark (MRC) in October 2015. His last role was as Zeke/Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz (MRC) last November 2016. To date his favorite role thus far! In his spare time, he spends time with his family, coaches youth baseball, participates in his son’s youth hockey league, and cheers (HUGELY) for the NY Yankees! You can hear him on Thunder Radio’s Morning Show, Monday through Friday, 6:30 to 8:00 am.

Jonathon Duke (Mr. Bucket) is excited to be in his first production at the MAC. He has always enjoyed singing and acting, but has rarely performed in public. He is a professional software engineer, and in his spare time he enjoys reading, playing piano, and working with computers.

Alyssa Freeze: Alyssa is excited to be playing the role of Violet Beauregarde at her home theatre. Alyssa has enjoyed parts in several theatres in the Middle TN Area. Favorite past roles include Annie (Annie, Art Center of Cannon County), Fiona (Shrek, Jr. – Wee Actors Guild), and Mary Lenox (Secret Garden, Cumberland County Playhouse). She is a 6th grader at Westwood Middle School.


Vanessa Jarman (Grandma Josephine) is thrilled to make her debut at the MAC after being away from theater for six years. She loves working with such a fantastic cast and crew. Her last play was a school production which also happened to be Willy Wonka where she was an Oompa Loompa. She is 17 years old and loves playing piano, guitar and singing every chance she gets. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing video games and is a mathlete at heart. After graduation, She has her sights set on attending Belmont University to pursue a degree in Commercial Music

Sarah Duke (Mrs. Bucket) is new to the MAC stage. She was in several small town plays from 3rd grade through high school in Smith County, TN where she grew up. She moved to Manchester, TN when she married her husband, Jonathon, in March of 2015. Willy Wonka is her first play as a Manchester resident, and she is very excited to be back into the art of performing! When she isn’t at rehearsal, Sarah enjoys working at New Union Elementary School as a special education assistant, dancing her heart out at Duck River Dance, and teaching the children at her church in Pelham, TN.

Loralei Petty(Veruca Salt/Sophie/Main Oompa Loompa) is a member of the Manchester Arts Center Wee actors guild. She has performed in productions of Peter Pan Jr. Aladdin Jr and Shrek Jr. She made her theatre debut at 6 months old the Temple Theatre in North Carolina, appearing in her Daddy's show. Loralei handles being the directors daughter, with grace and ease. She is an exceptional actress, and has embraced Veruca Salt and has hardly broke character since August, on and off the stage.

Elizabeth Damewood (Veruca Salt/Sophie/Main Oompa Loompa) is so thrilled to be a part of this production! She has been involved in numerous productions here at the MAC, and has done everything from performing onstage to working in the sound booth! Some of her favorite past rolls include Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr., Fiona in Shrek Jr., Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, and Zaneeta in Music Man. Elizabeth adores the outdoors and loves kayaking, white-water rafting, camping, and hiking. See will next be seen performing onstage in Duck River Dance's The Nutcracker Ballet. Elizabeth is currently in the 12th grade and aspires to become a medical missionary. Thank you to all of the lovely people that support and encourage her to do what she loves!

Jonathan Tucker (Mr. Salt) began his illustrious acting career at the MAC in 2016 at Judge Taylor in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Since then, he has played Richard in “Moon Over Buffalo.” That’s it. He is excited to be a part of the “Willy Wonka” cast, because he loves chocolate and hates children. His driving motive for all characters he plays is a hatred for mayonnaise. Watch closely, and you will see this attribute clearly. As an occupation, Jonathan is a youth minister. Yes, that’s not a real job, but he has pretended that it is for 18 years. His hobbies include; running, woodworking, being a dad, and theoretical physics. Stranger Things is his spirit animal.

Lucy Smith: (Matilda/Main Oompa Loompa)
is excited to appear in her second production at the MAC. You may remember her as Young Fiona/ Ugly Duckling in Shrek Jr. the Musical in May of this year. She is seven years old and enjoys singing, acting, dancing, Jiu Jitsu, art and piano. She is happy to have so many great friends in this production. They have all been really nice.

Fraea Stein--(Alfie/Main Oompa Loompa) Fraea (pronounced Fray-uh) is in the 1st grade at College Street Elementary. This is her fifth production at the MAC. Previously, she has appeared in Shrek Jr., Aladdin Jr., Jingle Bell Jukebox, and Peter Pan, Jr. At home, she enjoys singing and dancing and running around and getting exercise. She hopes one day to either become a basketball player or run her own doggie daycare.

Kieran Tarin (Oompa Loompa/Townsperson/ Cook) Kieran is 12 years old and is very excited to be a part of cast in Willy Wonka the Musical, which is his 2nd performance at the MRC. In addition to acting & singing, Kieran enjoys riding his bike, swimming, and all things Disney.

Erin Maccagnone (Oompa Loompa) ---- Erin is a 6th grader at CCMS. This is Erins first year as a competition clogger with The Rythem Express clogging team in Manchester. She has been clogging for about three years now. She is in Chorus at CCMS. Erin played The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, Jr. performed at the MAC by the North Coffee Elementary School fifth grade last year. Erin has been in numerous church plays as well. Erin is a team player and is always willing to help when needed.

Mallory Pack is excited to play a part in Willy Wonka as a squirrel and candy striper. This is her first performance with MRC. She is a third grader at New Union Elementary. She takes gymnastics, and enjoys softball, basketball, golf, and reading.

Joslyn Standridge (Candy Striper/Squirrel) is 9 years old and is excited to be in her first play. She has 10 pets- 4 dogs, 1 lizard, 2 bunnies, and 3 birds. She also lives with 8 people- her aunt, her mom and dad, her sister, and 2 cousins. She lives in Manchester, TN, and is homeschooled with her sister and 2 cousins. Her favorite thing to do is play with friends.

Tanner Maccagnone (Mike Teavee)--- Tanner is an 8th grader at CCMS. He is a member of the Raider Vision team where he does weekly reports of school news. His previous play experiences were playing the role of Detective Bobby in the middle school rendition of The Crooked House Murder last year, and he played Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast Jr., performed at the MAC by North Coffee Elementary when he was in 5th grade. He has also done numerous church Christmas plays. Tanner has always been comfortable in front of crowds and is always trying to make people laugh. The role of Mike in Willy Wonka is perfect for Tanner because he absolutely loves playing games on the computer or on his phone.

Amanda Costello, who plays the role of Ms. Teavee, is thrilled to be back on stage again after 20 years. She was part of the drama department at her south Florida high school where she was Brigitta in The Sound of Music, a cast member of Accentuate the POZitive (a tribute to the music of Harold Arlin), and stage manager for Steel Magnolias. She is a wife and mother of three, science teacher at CCMS, and a member of the church of Christ at Main Street. Amanda enjoys playing the piano, camping, running, doing puzzles, and reading. The chance to be a part of this amazing Wonka show would not be possible without the support of her amazing family!

Christien Tarin (James/ Main Oompa Loompa) Christien is 10 years old and is very honored and excited to be in his 1st production with the MRC. In addition to acting & singing, Christien enjoys running on his school's cross country team, shooting basketball and playing with his cats Nala & Cali. He is looking forward to performing in many future productions at the MAC.

Sabrina Speegle is an 8th grader at Coffee County Middle School. She is in chorus and has had the chance to sing the National Anthem at football games, basketball games and other school events! She has also been a part of the Middle School concert performances. Willy Wonka is her first play and she is excited to make her debut as an Oompa Loompa, part of the townspeople and a cook!

Hayden Watts (Oompa Loompa/ Townsperson/ Cook) is a 9 year old 4th grader at Morrison Elementary in Warren County. He enjoys sports, singing, acting, drama, STEM and Science Club. Hayden has performed in Farmyard Security, and The Little Mermaid with Morrison Drama Club. He has also performed Alice's Adventures with Compass Creative Dramatics.

Kayleen Costello, who plays an Oompa Loompa, is making her performing debut with Wonka. She is in the third grade and loves jumping rope, reading, and watching DIY videos. She is the youngest of three with two older brothers and holds her own pretty well. Kayleen is super excited to be a "Wonkerer".

Genna Sadler is excited to play a part in Willy Wonka The Musical as a candy striper and squirrel. This is her first performance at the Manchester Arts Center. She is a first grader at New Union Elementary School and enjoys taking gymnastics lessons at Tennessee Gymnastics. She also plays basketball, softball, and loves to sing, dance, and play with her friends

April Glosson-Smith: (Mrs. Gloop) is a native of Bedford County, and has been active in theatre for most of her life. She has done community theatre in Bedford, Rutherford, and Coffee Counties, making her directorial debut in March of this year with Moonlight and Magnolias for Fly Community Theatre in Shelbyville. Her second production as director of Moonlight and Magnolias will take place in March of 2018 for Community Playhouse, Inc. of Tullahoma. You may remember her as Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West from last year's production of Wizard of Oz here at the MAC, one of her favorite roles ever. She enjoys fishing, kayaking, live music, and spending time with family and friends. She is proud to share the stage with her husband Phillip, and their daughters, Lola and Lucy.

My name is Mathias Montoya, and I am a veteran actor at the MAC. I have been in over 10 shows and starred in a few of them. My passion for theater comes from my personality, and ability to be heard without a microphone. I play the role of Phineas Trout, I love playing him because he has sarcasm on lock down. My dream job is to help people and I plan to go into the Navy. I hope everyone enjoys the show, as I have.

Graciella Villa is an 8th grader at Coffee County Middle School. Since moving here from California and joining WAG she has been in
Aladdin Jr. (ensemble) and most recently
Shrek Jr. (Storyteller/3 blind mice) Willy Wonka the Musical is her first all ages play and she is very excited to play the part of Billie (one of Charlie’s friends) and a Main Oompa Loompa!

Lorelai is excited to be playing the role of Oompa Loompa, Cook, and townspeople. This is her second play with the first being Shrek Jr. When Lorelai is not participating in plays she enjoys swimming, golf, and reading.

Mariana Stein--Mariana (pronounced Mar-ee-ahn-uh) is in the 7th grade at Coffee County Middle School. This is her fourth play total and third one at the MAC. Previously, she has appeared in Shrek Jr., and Aladdin Jr. at the MAC and Six Characters in Search of an Author at Coffee County High School. In addition to school and her roles at the MAC, Mariana is currently in the Beta Club, Chess Club, Yearbook, and plays trombone in the middle school band. She hopes to one day become an anesthesiologist

Bella Harris (Oompa Loompa) is 10 years old and is a 5th grader at Robert E. Lee Elementary. Bella enjoys singing in her school’s choir, theatre, drawing, pageants and spending time with family and friends. Some of Bella’s favorite roles have been Mrs. Clause in The Elfis Impersonator, Narrator in Aladdin Jr., and Donkey in Shrek the Musical Jr.

Branham Freeze: Branham is happy to join his first adult cast as an Oompa Loompa. He began performing at age three with the Wee Actors Guild. This will be his fourth show. Favorite past roles include Pig Sticks (Shrek) and Visiting Prince (Aladdin, Jr.). He is a Kindergartener at New Union Elementary.

Annalise Richardson (Squirrel/Candy Striper)
Is 8 years old and so excited to be apart in the Willy Wonka Musical. She is a 3rd grader at Stewarts Creek Elementary and recently made the Principals list.This is her first theater performance with MAC and she is enjoying every minute of the experience. Anna has been a dancer since she could walk and is currently in her 6th year at Dance with Stacy in Smyrna. Where she is currently taking tap, ballet and jazz lessons. She loves reading, writing short skits and performing in front of any audience!

Hailey Hansen is a homeschool graduate and has been doing theater for as long as she can remember. She has been in many shows at the MAC, some of which include: Pride and Prejudice, The Music Man, and, more recently, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Matchmaker. Hailey is delighted to be playing Mrs. Beauregard in this production of Willy Wonka and to share the stage with her youngest sister, Tabby, for the very first time! In fact, Hailey's first role, many moons ago, was an Oompa Loompa! Also, don't miss her in her longest ongoing role as The Best Barista at Manchester Starbucks, where she makes a mean white chocolate mocha!

Hi I’m Kendal Brewer (the Photographer/ Cameraman). I’m a 7th grader at Coffee County Middle School. I have done a couple plays for the MAC. I was Scout in How To Kill A Mockingbird. I was also Annie in Annie Jr. for North Coffee Elementary School. I was in one school production for CCMS. My two favorite roles I have played are Scout and Annie. I really enjoy acting. I have enjoy working with this cast, crew, and directors! Thank you for this wonderful experience!

Jackson (Alfie/Main Oompa Loompa) is a 2nd grader at Winchester Christian Academy. Willy Wonka will be his third performance at the MAC after previously appearing in Disney's Aladdin Jr. and Shrek Jr., The Musical. Jackson loves to entertain his friends and family, and he especially loves to make them laugh by telling jokes or acting silly. So much so, that at his school's talent show last year, he chose to do stand-up comedy. He also loves video games, learning to play the piano, and anything related to Pokemon. Jackson thanks his family, friends and teachers for supporting him and his love of theatre.

Lola Smith: (Oompa Loompa/Townspeople/ Cook) is happy to make her stage debut in Millennium Repertory Company's Willy Wonka the Musical. She is nine years old and enjoys drawing, painting, singing, playing with her cat Koko, Jiu Jitsu, and playing piano. She thinks working with her parents and sister in this production has been really fun, and made her first time on stage a little easier. She is happy to have made all the friends she has made during this production.

Cason Abed is a member of the Wee Actors Guild and is excited be playing the role of an Oompa Loompa. He is 7 years old and in the 1st grade. When he isn't on stage, he enjoys baseball, soccer, and watching hockey. Willy Wonka is his 4th performance at the Manchester Arts Center, but his first with an adult cast. He was also in the Ensemble for Jinglebell Jukebox, and Traveling Prince & Guard in Disney's Aladdin Jr, and Little Shrek, Puss n Boots, and knight in Shrek Jr.

Caleb is a home- schooled 1st grader and is very excited about being an Oompa Loompa. Willy Wonka is his theatrical debut. He enjoys soccer, swimming, and gymnastics.

Leila Cate Clark (Candy Striper/Squirrel) is a 5 year old Kindergarten student at College Street Elementary. She loves to sing, dance, and play with her one year old sister! She loves to dress up and act out roles! Her debut was in 2017 as she appeared as the Blue Bird in Shrek, JR for WAG! She wants to thank everyone for supporting her and watching her do what she loves!
At 5 years old, Tabby is the youngest member of the Wonka cast and performing in her very first stage production! She is a homeschooled Kindergartener that loves to sing and dance, and has enjoyed watching her three older siblings perform on stage for her entire life. Tabby is super excited to be a squirrel and candy girl while her sister performs as Mrs. Beauregard

Hope Petty is thrilled to be directing her fourth show for the Manchester Arts Center. Hope feels extremely blessed to be apart of the talented and dedicated volunteers at the theatre.

Andrea Freeze is a lifelong community theatre fan. Her renewed love for community theatre began with her children’s desire to be active participants. She’s been volunteering behind the scenes for the last six years and this is the third show she’s had the pleasure of working on crew. Andrea teaches Economics at CCCHS and is a member of the Manchester Municipal Arts Commission Board

Jill Abed is excited to be co-directing her first show. Although she has never officially been on stage, she has loved learning different crew roles. She has also served as Costume Coordinator for Disney's Aladdin Jr, and Producer for Shrek Jr. She would like to thank her family & everyone that helped bring this show to life.

Zach Smith is a Junior at THS. He has done many productions around the surrounding counties. You may have seen him recently in Once Upon a Mattress (Price Dauntless-MRC), Mary Poppins (Michael Banks-THS), or 13 the Musical (Archie-MRC). He has enjoyed being able to help in the booth, because he enjoys exploring what goes into producing a show. He would like to thank the directors for giving him an opportunity to grow and learn.

Derrick Minnick is a graduate from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. Derrick has portrayed various roles at the MAC including Javert in Les Miserables, Beast in Beauty & The Beast, and was recently seen as Mr. Bratt in How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. He has also been music director and instrumentalist for shows such as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Fantastiks, All Shook Up, Wizard of Oz, and Sweeney Todd. He is both thrilled and honored to take on the role of Willy Wonka and as the music director for this year’s production.

Micah is a homeschooled senior with over a decade of theater experience. He was most recently cast in HSTEP’s Shrek as Donkey. He has enjoyed helping work lights for Willy Wonka and looks forward to his next show: Arsenic and Old Lace. Don't miss it!

Pia McCotter moved here from California two years ago with her daughter and fiancé! To help her daughter create new friendships they became a part of WAG. This is the first play that she has produced but her third play as backstage manager. She loves being a part of something that her daughter loves as well and is eager to see where this journey takes both of them!

Ethan Duke is currently a sophomore at Motlow State Community College studying for an Associate's degree in Fine Arts before transferring to MTSU. He has performed in a production of "Fame Jr.", playing the role of Schlomo at Westwood Junior High in 2012. Ethan is excited to return for yet another show at the MAC. Willy Wonka is his third show running lights at the Arts Center, preceded by Once Upon a Mattress, and Deathtrap, and he can't wait for the many shows to come.