Family Weekend Performance Dates: January 26 & February 1 – 2, 2025 

School Matinee Performance Dates: January 28 – 31, 2025 

On Tour: February 18 – May 9, 2025 


Adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller 
Based on the book by Lewis Carroll 

Cast

Alice: Sarita Alvarado

Lewis, Mad Hatter: Walter Steven Dagley

White Rabbit, Pigeon, Cheshire Cat operator, Queen of Hearts: Brittney Huerta

Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, Gardener: Goldie Hatch

Cast & Crew Bios

SARITA ALVARADO (Alice)

Sarita is a native of Long Island, NY and a recent graduate from Oakland University, MI with a BFA in Musical Theatre. At Oakland Sarita honed their craft through playing various roles such as: King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, Fabian/Captain in Twelfth Night, Fanny Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility and Olive Ostrovsky (U/S) in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Sarita also founded Kaleidoscope Theatre: an organization that champions the voices of performers of color. Professionally, Sarita has performed as Carla in In The Heights, Learn Your Lessons Well Soloist in Godspell, Tanya (U/S) in Native Gardens. Sarita has also found a love for children’s theatre while performing in Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical at the Argyle Theatre on LI, and Kooky Spooky Halloween at Theatre Three on LI. Sarita is thrilled to bring the joy of theatre to the children of Kentucky!

WALTER STEVEN DAGLEY (Lewis, Mad Hatter)

Walter Steven Dagley is an actor and director from Beaufort, South Carolina. He is an alumni of the South Carolina Governors School for the Arts and Humanities as well as Texas Christian University’s Theatre program. This is his 1st contract with Lexington Children’s Theatre. Other recent productions include 2 tours with Bright Star Theatre, where he performed in 2-person touring versions of Peter Pan, Bullysaurus Rex, The Story of Anne Frank and others. Before that, he played Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Hip Pocket Theatre in Fort Worth Texas. Walter Steven Dagley would like to thank Bonnie Hargrove, Lisa Clancy, Lynleigh McLain, and Ryan Arbuckle for instilling a love of theatre and theatre for youth in him at an early age, setting him on course to be here today.

GOLDIE HATCH (Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, Gardener)

Goldie Hatch is an Atlanta-based actor and recently graduated from Samford University with a B.F.A in Musical Theatre. Some of Goldie’s favorite shows during their time there include the world premiere of Tomorrow the Island Dies (Widow Clack), Urinetown (Officer Lockstock), Mr. Burns, A Post -Electric Play (Bart Simpson), and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Mr. Tumnus/Father Christmas). Goldie has also performed in Into the Woods (Milky White/Granny/Giant) with the Virginia Samford Theatre and Sweeney Todd (Tobias) with Woodstock Arts.

BRITTNEY HUERTA (White Rabbit, Pigeon, Cheshire Cast operator, Queen of Hearts)

Brittney Huerta (She/Her) is a Chicago-based Actor Represented by Talent X Alexander. She recently graduated from Millikin University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Her recent credits are performing as Merv/Hermes, in Circus Olympus, 13, in When The Clock Strikes 13, and Everybody U/S in Everybody. Brittney loves to bring the joy of live theatre to young audiences, hoping to inspire the young to find excitement, creative thinking, and appreciation for theatre. Brittney is thrilled to be part of LCT’s Family!

Special Thanks

Dr. John Denison DDS; HighBridge Spring Water; Sally Horowitz, Sally Horowitz Photography3M CynthianaCopy Express; Bobby Taylor; Matthew Snoddy, Network Therapists, Inc.; Pro Sound and LightsTransylvania University Theater DepartmentUniversity of Kentucky Department of Theatre and DanceMahan Multimedia; University of LouisvilleCentre College; The Lexington Legends

Production Staff Credits

  • Heather Branham (Director)
  • Heather Branham, John Ryan Sparks (Composer)
  • Tony Hardin (Scenic Design)
  • Marie Henderson (Costume Design, Costume Director)
  • Kate Tayler (Stage Manager)
  • Gabriel Slusser (Technical Director)
  • Laika Myers (Assistant Technical Director, Charge Artist, Properties Manager)
  • Tessa Franklin, Forrest Loeffler, Laika Myers, Gabriel Slusser, Delaney Walton (Carpenters, Scenic Painters)
  • Gabriella Cortes, Emily Hampton, Marie Henderson, Haberlin Roberts (Costume Construction)

Staff Bios

Rhonda Bell (Education Director)

Rhonda is excited to continue her journey at LCT as Education Director. She holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and a BA from Berea College. Rhonda enjoys driving her car, watching cartoons, and having lively debates with her students.

Octavia Biggs (Director of Shooting Stars Youtheatre)

Tavia has worked hard over the last 19 years to bring children’s theatre to Eastern Kentucky. She believes strongly that all children have the ability to be creative and through that creativity will discover the gifts they possess. She would like to thank LCT and the W. Paul and Lucille C. Little Foundation!

Heather N. Branham (Director / Composer / Company Manager)

Heather is overjoyed to be back at LCT after an artistic odyssey spanning from “The Little Apple” of Manhattan, KS to “The Second City” of Chicago. She earned a Master of Arts from University of Kentucky and serves on the KPW board. Heather dedicates this season to Eddy and Huckleberry.

Ashlee Collins (Development Director)

Since completing LCT’s Arts Administration internship in 2015, Ashlee has worked with theatres all over the country, including Chicago Children’s Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, and most notably, with Broadway in Chicago as a marketing assistant during the first National Tour of Disney’s Aladdin!

Emily Hampton (Costume Artist)

Emily graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Theatre in 2020. She is passionate about costuming and the fiber arts! 

Tony Hardin (Scenic Designer)

Marie Henderson (Costume Director)

Marie’s experience with LCT, and theatre altogether, began with a walk on role at the age of nine.  She is delighted to have closed the circle of her theatrical experience by coming “home” to LCT as a staff member. 

Jaime Hurt (Marketing and Sales Director)

With over 20 years in arts marketing, Jaime connects communities through storytelling and creative collaboration. As Marketing and Sales Director at LCT, she captures moments that make theatre magical for children and families, expanding access to engaging, immersive experiences while embracing the joy of bringing stories to life.

Jeremy Kisling (Producing Artistic Director)

Welcome to LCT! We want this to be your theatre, a place where you feel empowered, enriched, and emboldened. I am so honored and humbled to work with such amazing and talented artists and individuals every day! Thank you for being here, for your support, and for being a part of the LCT Family.

Maddi Knoettner (Communications Manager)

Maddi graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Communication Studies. She is a Gold Medalist of The United States Figure Skating Association and is a figure skating instructor over at the Lexington Ice Center. Maddi brings a unique blend of communication expertise and athletic achievements, and she is honored to showcase her diverse skills at Lexington Children’s Theatre!

Forrest Loeffler (Technical Associate)

Forrest Loeffler is from Lexington, he has a BFA in Acting from Illinois Wesleyan University, and is currently Kentucky Chautauqua’s Abraham Lincoln performer. He has worked with Leeds Center for the Arts, Woodford Theatre, Adventure Theatre, Pioneer Playhouse, Athens West, and is happy to have added LCT to that list!

Caleb Lunsford (Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Assistant Director)

Caleb is a teacher, painter, and arts education enthusiast from Harrodsburg, Kentucky. A graduate of Morehead State University, he is passionate about children’s theatre; striving to provide an outlet for creative expression. With a history in youth-based creative programs, he aims to curate a safe space to learn and grow.

Tessa Miller (Box Office Assistant)

Tessa Miller is a recent graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design. She holds a BFA in Performing Arts and Vocal Performance. Tessa has been a part of the LCT Family since she was six years old. She is excited to work with this amazing team of artists!

Mary Ann Mullins (Bookkeeper)

Mary Ann retired a year ago from full time employment and is overjoyed to have been given the part time bookkeeper position at LCT. In her spare time, she loves to visit festivals and see her grandchildren and share in their adventures.

Laika Myers (Charge Artist / Assistant Technical Director)

Laika Myers graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Bowling Green State University with a specialization in Design and Technical Theatre. In her spare time, she loves to read and visit a new coffee shop; while on the clock, she loves to use her artistry to share the magic of theatre with young audiences!

Lydia Rice (Resident Teaching Artist)

As a Columbus State University graduate, Lydia has directed, choreographed, and taught all ages by working at Rose Theatre and the Alliance Theatre. She believes theatre inspires creativity, teaches life skills, and helps students reach their fullest potential. She loves connecting with students at LCT and watching them shine.

Gabriel Slusser (Technical Director)

Gabriel has worked throughout the southeast in positions ranging from sound engineer to lead electrician to shop foreman at theatres including Titusville Playhouse, Inc., Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and Buford Community Center. As LCT’s Technical Director, he facilitates the implementation of all scenic, lighting, audio, and projection elements for their season.

John Ryan Spears (Composer)

John Ryan Sparks has operated in abstract audio production circles around Central Kentucky since 1995 working in independent arenas of film, advertising and live bands / recordings. Self-taught and over-thought, his interests are varied and many.

Chris Swanson (Sales Administrator)

Chris Swanson has been a theatre professional for the past 25 years. She is very excited to be joining the staff at LCT. She earned her MA and BA in Theatre and Communications from Morehead State. Her past credits include Bat Boy the musical and Book of Days

Kate Tayler (Resident Stage Manager)

Kate Tayler graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree from Bowling Green State University in Design & Technical Theatre. She is originally from Monroe, Michigan. Kate loves spending time with her cats and her partner, keeping up on all things Taylor Swift, and working with young people.

LCT Professional Staff

  • Rhonda Bell, Education Director 
  • Octavia Biggs, Program Director of Shooting Stars Youtheatre
  • Heather N. Branham, Resident Director / Company Manager
  • Ashlee Collins, Development Director 
  • Emily Hampton, Costume Artist
  • Marie Henderson, Costume Director
  • Jaime Hurt, Marketing and Sales Director
  • Jeremy Kisling, Producing Artistic Director
  • Maddi Knoettner, Communications Manager
  • Forest Loeffler, Technical Associate
  • Caleb Lunsford, Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Assistant Director
  • Tessa Miller, Box Office Assistant
  • Mary Ann Mullins, Bookkeeper
  • Laika Myers, Charge Artist / Assistant Technical Director
  • Lydia Rice, Resident Teaching Artist
  • Haberlin Roberts, Costume Artist
  • Gabriel Slusser, Technical Director
  • Chris Swanson, Sales Administrator
  • Kate Tayler, Resident Stage Manager 

Indigenous peoples have lived on the land now called Kentucky for at least 12,000 years. Every community owes its existence and heritage to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and stories to making the history that led to this moment. Indigenous peoples have always lived on the land that is now called Kentucky and continue to live here today. The place we now call Kentucky is primarily Shawnee, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Osage land.

A commonly cited claim many of us heard in history class growing up is that this region was merely a hunting ground. This claim is a myth, perpetuated at first by land speculators who wished to improve land sales, and still today to absolve settler colonists and their descendants from grappling with their history of land theft, genocide, and white supremacy. The continuation of this myth is harmful for all of us.

Lexington Children’s Theatre is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome to enjoy the magic of theatre. Learn more about Audio Description, ASL Interpretation, Sensory Friendly Performance, and Pre-Visit Resources by following the link below.

ACCESS at LCT

LCT’s Annual Campaign

Imagine if all 100,000+ people LCT serves a year made a $10 donation every year. That would cover more than 95% of LCT’s operating expenses and bring the cost of our classes and shows WAY down. If you share our passion for arts education and want to support our mission, please consider making a donation of any size to our Annual Campaign. Learn more about LCT’s Annual Campaign by visiting https://www.lctonstage.org/support-us/give-online/ or by emailing our Development Director, Ashlee Collins, at acollins@lctonstage.org.

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