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Olivia Daniels (Max) is excited to be doing her third show at Highview Arts Center. Previously, she performed in Highview’s A Christmas Carol twice. Olivia is in 7th grade and currently going to Noe Middle School. Olivia enjoys acting as a hobby, but still makes time for other activities she enjoys such as writing and drawing. All in all, she is very excited for Wolf Tales, and cannot wait to perform her role as Max.
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Isla Desmond (Tiffany) is excited to take the stage as Tiffany! She most recently performed as an Ancestor in The Addams Family Musical: Young@Part and has appeared in several school productions at Lincoln Performing Arts School. A natural performer, Isla has been a figure skater in yearly productions of The Nutcracker on Ice and other showcases since she was just 3 years old. Whether on ice or stage, she brings energy and heart to every role and looks forward to sharing it with you!
Travis Desmond (BB) is thrilled to make his community theater debut as B.B.! A lifelong fan of storytelling, he studied drama in high school and college and has hosted multiple podcasts. Travis has a deep love for horror movies, sports, and the thrill of holding a captive audience. Offstage, he’s a proud father of five and brings his passion and energy to everything he does. He’s excited to bring B.B. to life and thanks you for supporting local theater!
Breanna “Stormy” Higginbotham (Darla) is excited to be part of this production! A lover of the preforming arts, I enjoy singing in choir and playing in band. This role combines my passion for music and storytelling on stage I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this experience and thank my friends and family for their support.
Mary Hicks (Stella the Storyteller) is thrilled to appear in her second theater production, embracing this newfound passion in her pre‑golden years. She debuted as “Mary” in Helen Brinich‑Barnes’s Lucy and Thornton, and has since had many opportunities to train and participate in Kentucky’s burgeoning movie industry. In her other life, Mary balances her artistry with a fulfilling career as a therapist. She is also the proud mother of six wonderfully creative, intelligent, and beautiful young adults.
Jesse Leezer (Rosie) is excited to join this production. She is a theater-trained actress who played Shrek in Shrek Jr. and has also worked behind the scenes with the tech crew. Jesse will be a freshman at Immaculata Classical Academy. Outside the theater, she plays basketball, enjoys reading and drawing, and dreams of acting in movies, on Broadway, and traveling the world. She wants to thank her family and acting teachers for all their support.
Jim Neeley (Leo the Hunter) is excited to be cast in his first role with HAC, HE has previously been cast in and around the Lexington area in over 20 plays. His favorite roles include " mitch" in " A streetcar named desire" and " Bob Cratchitt " in " A christmas carol" ..he also has performed in over 20 movies, he couldn't wait to take a part in this classic story...he hopes everyone sits back and has a laugh and enjoys the show.
Annabelle Rasche (Caroline) is thrilled to be making her HAC debut as Caroline! She is starting her 4th year of training at Classic Melodies Performance Institute, where she recently performed as part of Top Note in Disney World. This fall, she will attend YPAS as a musical theatre major. Her favorite roles to date are Kevin G. in Mean Girls and Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda. She would like to thank Melodie Stacy for her unwavering support!
Rebecca Smith (Granny) is thrilled to make her stage debut as Granny in Wolf Tales. In addition to theater, she has worked as a background actor and is grateful for the chance to share this experience with her daughter and friend.
Alexis Tilton (Marge) is delighted to return to the Highview Art Center, following her heartwarming performance in ‘Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus’. A student at Western Middle School for the Performing Arts, Alexis has brought her vibrant energy to roles in ‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ and ‘The SpongeBob Musical’. She sends heartfelt thanks to her teachers, family, and everyone who’s cheered her on throughout her journey.
Sandy Flaksman, (Director, Costume Director) is delighted to again direct Wolf Tales. Her connection began as Assistant Stage Manager for the original production at Weathervane Playhouse, Akron.Returning to her native Louisville as the Curator of Education at the Kentucky Derby Museum, Sandy was an active presenter to Kentucky Museum Educators and American Association of Museums. Public education beckoned, and now retired as a high school English teacher. A UofL alum, with an M.A from Akron U.
Jill Marie Guelda (Set Designer) is a multimedia artist and designer based in Jeffersonville, IN. For Wolf Tales, she drew from the wild and whimsical spirit of the stories to create a playful, layered set. She specializes in set and prop design, works by day at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, and serves as Director of Audience Engagement for Looking for Lilith. Jill is taking a step back from production this season to rest and recharge while continuing her studio, MoonJilly Magic.
Jay Marie Padilla-Hayter (Producer) Artistic director for Teatro Tercera Llamada (TTLL), Co-Artistic Director for Company OutCast, Artistic Co-director for The Chamber Theatre (TCT), & Board President of the Highview Arts Center (HAC). Credits include: The Wild Women of Winedale (director; Little Colonel Players); La Casa de Bernarda Alba (director; TCT & TTLL); This is Just a Box (Meg), God of Carnage (director; Company OutCast); Clash of the Woyzecks (actor; TCT); The Importance of Being Earnest (director; HAC).