Matthew Abboud - "The Statue"

Before Matthew Abboud returned to his native Maine, he was an instructor with the Circus Warehouse in New York. Prior to that, he was an artistic performer for two productions involving dance and circus arts, working on ”The City of Dreams Creation” for Franco Dragone Entertainment Group in Macau, China. Matthew has also worked as a recreational therapist and coach for special needs children. He found unique inspiration in working with children who have it most difficult in this world; he has used his motivational energies, clear strength and love to push and nurture these special children to complete simple tasks to their absolute best abilities. He has worked as a promotion and events manager, gymnastics instructor, varsity gymnast and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Pennsylvania State University in Management and International Business. He has also studied abroad in Rome with Temple University as part of an exciting and dynamic foreign studies program for American artists and business students. Matthew shares his values and standards academically and professionally by striving for a clean journey towards a collective goal of absolute achievement, perseverance, enjoyment and the pursuit of infinite learning in the world.

Jared Bristol - Ensemble Cast; "Chess Player"

At 68, undoubtedly the elder cast member, Jared is a neophyte to theater productions with a long hiatus since playing Prince Charming in 1st grade and getting to wield a wooden sword but having to kiss the Princess!  Father of three and grandfather of 9, he has been involved in music all his life, however. He was a drummer, bass player, and singer/songwriter in classic rock, original rock, and contemporary Christian worship team bands.  Wishes there was a kazoo score for his character.

"The Bus Stop Bench"

“Bench” started life as a lonely spruce tree on a hillside in remote Maine. Through a series of most unusual circumstances that can only be seen as divine intervention, Bench came to be married and “joined as one flesh” with “Ms. End Pieces”. After going through the grueling audition process, Bench was chosen because of his uncanny resemblance to the logo. He is thrilled to be a part of this show and has promised the Director that he will never forget a cue!

Marissa Sheltra Brown - "Mary-Older"

Marissa Sheltra Brown is overjoyed to be in BSA, as it is her first musical in 3 years, but getting married and settling down in July 2013 is a perfectly fantastic reason for taking a little break!! In recent years Marissa’s credits include “Cosette” in Ogunquit Playhouse’s Les Miserables, “Dainty June” in Seacoast Repertory’s Gypsy, “Marion” in Snowlion Repertory’s The Christmas Bride, “Della” in Old Port Playhouse’s The Gift of the Magi, “Johanna” in Portland Player’s Sweeney Todd, and other community productions. Her love for teaching drama came about in 2010 when she traveled through 7 states with Missoula Children’s Theatre directing and acting in the Pied Piper with children ages 5-18, where she starred as the “Rat Queen” and sang about various types of cheese in rhyme every other week for 4 months. God is faithful to have led Marissa to her former high school in 2012-present to teach Theater and direct the One Act Play. She currently teaches private voice lessons, and sings regularly with the Saco River Jazz Ensemble, a 20 piece orchestra that loves big band music and encouraging seniors and their families...they would LOVE to play for you! It is a blessing to be part of a God-honoring debut like this! Singing and Dancing about loving Jesus and Him loving us…sounds like Heaven! He who began a good work in you will be faithful to carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Thankful to be part of this good work, thankful to the One who completes it, and to those who have been faithful to be His workmanship.

Christopher J. Dooley - "Convicting Man"

Christopher grew up in a small town in Massachusetts, and is now living in Buckfield, Maine. In his “day job” he works in a millroom cutting wood for a modular home company. Cristopher's greatist love is music and he has spent most of his life honing this craft. He has his first CD release on the way and when he's not spending time with his family, he is writing and singing his own original music, along with playing live acoustic shows. Christopher was asked to sing a few songs for the BSA musical because they needed a strong rock voice for the part of Convicting Man.

Tony Farides - Ensemble Lead; "Dad"; "Professor"

Tony has been performing in musical theatre since 1970 having studied voice and drama while living in NYC.  Throughout the years he has performed as Sir Lancelot in “Camelot”, as Tony in “West Side Story”, as the King in “The King and I”, as Jesus in “Godspell”, as Billy in “Carousel”, as Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha”, as Sky in “Guys & Dolls” and as El Gallo in “The Fantasticks” (the list goes on and on and on...).  Tony resides in Windham with his wife Norma and their beautiful children.

Heidi Gagne - "Lady Angel"

Heidi hails from the NH Seacoast & has most recently been found on the stages of seacoast theatres.  Recently she performed at the Seacoast Spotlight Awards as a nominee for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Natalie in All Shook Up at the Rochester Opera House."

A. J. Gaudreau - Ensemble Cast; "Older Brother"

A.J. Gaudreau is a 17 year-old Senior at South Portland High School in South Portland, Maine.  Since about 5th Grade he has been heavily involved in music with The Boy Singers of Maine, and began to transition into musical theater as a Freshman.  He has participated in South Portland's Musical Productions of “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, and this year, he played the role of Shrek in “Shrek!”  “The Bus Stop Atheist” is his first foray into theater within the community and he hopes it will be a successful endeavor.

Michelle George - Ensemble Cast; "Bus Driver" and "Maria"

Michelle George is a passionate actress, local photographer and traveling evangelist.  She is currently a student with over six years of theater classes while still operating her own photography company.  She also enjoys singing with years of previous choir experience and over five years singing in her churches praise team.  She is a devoted wife of ten years and mother of two beautiful children and a faithful child of God!

Kamerin Hermenau - Ensemble Cast

Kamerin Hermenau has performed at many theaters throughout the years including The Seacoast Repertory Theater, Ogunquit Playhouse and Prescott Park. Most recently she preformed the role of Maggie in Lend Me a Tenor at Garrison Players and Violetta in La Traviata at UNH. Kamerin is very excited to be a part of the premier of the Bus Stop Atheist!

Jesse James - Ensemble Cast; "Pilgrim" as a Teen

Jesse James is a 17 year old graduate from Thornton Academy.  He is passionate about music and acting. Jesse was inspired to pursue acting after he discovered his love of being on stage. His acting began with his first play, A Christmas Carol, over ten years ago.  It seems like he has always been on stage. He is very excited to say that he will be starting college in the Fall as a music major.

Mehuman "May-mon" Jonson - "Street Musician"

Mehuman is a singer/songwriter/guitarist who cut her teeth on old time gospel, spirituals, straight ahead jazz, country blues, and classic rock and roll. Born the 8th of nine to missionary parents, the former Arista Records recording artist, Mehuman established herself in the Detroit, Manhattan, Dublin Ireland, Canne France, Nashville, and Los Angeles music scenes as an gifted performer.  Mehuman has toured in the U.S. and Europe as an award winning songwriter and producer delivering a powerful and punchy mix of "funky pulse-poet potions she calls folk hop for hip folk."  Performing Songwriter Magazine dubbed Mehuman a sultry blend of Lenny Kravitz and Indie Arie, mixed in the passionate delivery of Sade and Bono. CNN Music, touted "Mehuman to be one of the top 10 burgeoning songwriters to watch."  Recently relocated to coastal Maine, Mehuman is excited to take root in the thriving artistic community as a now independent local songbird and educator.

Steven Leighton - "Pilate"; "Panhandler"

Steven is a Maine Based singer songwriter, actor, director and business owner that is dusted off from time to time to join a local theater company for fun and frolic. Most recently he was cast as the disturbing mentor Will in Hal Cohen's latest work 'Intervention' for the Portland Fringe Festival where he was fortunate enough to share the stage with his son Jesse Leighton. In his 30 years of stage work, Steven has been cast in a wide range of roles. From Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar to Aaron The Moor in Titus Andronicus (thank you Michael Toth) Max Reinhardt in Good theaters 'Shakespeare in Hollywood' to Dracula (in 6 inch heals thank you Will Stewart) and the unforgettable favorite Mayor McD in Tim Ryan's '...Ballybun Village' " Clancy, get some meat." Steven is also a founding member of the band Beyond Reason who have been writing and recording together for 20 years on Laughing Cat Records. His latest studio work was with Dr. Alan Bean for the soundtrack album for The Bus Stop Atheist where he sang the parts of Pilgrim and Pilate. Steven lives In Alfred Maine with his Love Laura where they garden poorly, fix and re fix everything, and own Village Heating. He has been blessed to able to share this experience with the sunshine of his life, daughter Ali Leighton.

Paul McIntosh - "The Adversary"; Dancer

Paul Jesus McIntosh started his theater career in California where he was born and raised. It wasn't until his move to Maine in 2003 that he seriously pursued the study of dance. Paul was accepted to Dean college in 2010 as a dance major but the following year changed majors to his original love of theatre. He currently teaches dance at Centre of Movement, is a member of "The Happy Hoofers" Tap dance company, and is the youth advisor for Ossipee Trail Arts Center. Paul would like to thank the cast of "The Bus Stop Atheist" for welcoming him into their group. He would also like to give thanks to Ms. Vicky Lloyd. Without her lessons of dance and life, he wouldn't be the performer he is today.

William Montalvo - Ensemble Cast; "Polyester Preacher"

I have been singing most of my life.  No need to say how long that is.  I have done stage, theater, church and professional vocal work.  I am honored to have been chosen to be part of this musical.

Carlos Olmeda - "Street Preacher"

Carlos Angeles Olmeda is a songwriter's songwriter. Known as a mockingbird and a Tri-cultural Artist, he is recognized as a dynamic original performer anywhere he performs. Born in Puerto Rico, raised in San Diego and now living in Maine, Carlos has always maintained that "song quality is more important than genre". Fans are always treated to a (delightfully original!) multicultural roller- coaster ride of melody, rhythm, and heartfelt emotion. Although his professional acting career has been centered around voice overs and television commercials, all who see him perform understand that he is a natural for theatre. Enjoy the ride!

Hannah Perreault - Ensemble Cast; "Punk"

Hannah Perreault is 13 years old and attends Brunswick Junior High.  She has performed in film and on stage in over 30 productions since she was 3, with some of her favorite roles being Mushu in Mulan Jr, Gloria in Wait Until Dark, Annie in Annie Jr. and Sebastian in The Little Mermaid.  She is featured in the upcoming second season of the web series, Welcome to Grandpaville.  She loves to sing, act, & dance – as well as swimming, enjoying the outdoors, and hanging with friends and family. Hannah is so excited to be a part of The Bus Stop Atheist and truly appreciates this amazing opportunity!

Alexis "Lexie" Pilk - Ensemble Cast

Alexis Pilk is 9 years old and a 4th grader at Pond Cove Elementary School in Cape Elizabeth. She is excited to work with her older sister, Julia, for the second time this year.  She recently was young Gerda in Portland Stage’s The Snow Queen.  In her free time, Alexis loves to sing, play soccer, play guitar and spending time with her sisters.  She is thrilled to be part of this cast, and is ready to HOP ON THE BUS!

Julia Pilk - Ensemble Cast

Julia Pilk is a 13 year old 8th grader at Cape Elizabeth Middle School. She loves to perform and has been in Portland Stage’s seasonal productions for the last three years.  Julia recently performed in her school production of Alice in Wonderland, as Alice, and last year she was in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Portland Player’s.  In her free time Julia enjoys singing, dancing, playing guitar, cooking and spending time with her two sisters Taylor and Alexis.  Julia is thrilled to be a part of The Bus Stop Atheist’s world premiere!

Madison Proctor - Ensemble Cast; "Punk"

Madison is in the sixth grade.  She loves playing piano, sports, acting, writing, and creating.

Sue Proctor - Ensemble Cast; "Mom"; "Nun"

Sue is married and a mother of four children.  By day she works as an Occupational Therapist.

Eric Radcliffe - "Joseph"; Ensemble Cast

Eric Radcliffe has been heard singing regional opera in the area for many years. Formerly of the Lakes Region Opera Co. Eric has performed all over the six state region. He is thrilled to be a part of this Production and to be working in the beautiful town of Portland. Most recently Eric preformed the role of Alfredo in La Traviata at UNH.

Hannah Ranco - Ensemble Cast; "Dance Co-Captain"

Hannah Ranco is a 15 year old 10th grader at Lake Region Highschool. She has been a competitive dancer and gymnast at Western Maine Dance and Gymnastics since she was 11 along with recreational dance since the age of 3. She has worked with multiple famous dancers and gymnast. She has been in many community plays and musicals and is a part of chorus and show choir with her school. Her favorite things to do are dance, gymnastics, singing and acting, and she is beyond thankful to be given such a great opportunity.

Alexa Reddy - Ensemble Cast

Alexa Reddy is 10 years old and attends Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School in Brunswick.  She started performing at the age of seven and has showcased her talent in dozens of productions, including film, professional and community theater, as well as, commercials and print work.  Some of her favorite stage productions include Les Miserables at Maine State Music Theater, Cinderella and Aristocats Jr. at Studio 48 Performing Arts Center and Midcoast Youth Theater's Winnie the Pooh.  Alexa loves to dance, act and sing, and is a proud member of the Portland Sea Dogs Dance Team.  Alexa is thrilled to be a part of The Bus Stop Atheist and is so thankful for this amazing opportunity!

-Annie Robbins-Sennewald - Ensemble Cast; "Pregnant Teen"; "Mary-Younger"

Annie is an incoming Senior at South Portland High school and is very excited to have the opportunity to play Mary-Younger! Her most notable shows have been with directors Steve and Jane Filieo with her most recent role being Gingy in their production of Shrek: The Musical. She is in the Chamber Singers at her school along with the Wind Ensemble and studies voice with the incredible Gloria Bonnin. Annie not only performs in the theatre, but does private gigs as well. She is overjoyed to be a part of such an amazing show!

David Scannell - "Mentor"; "Gabriel"

David Scannell of Peabody, MA, is thrilled at the opportunity to perform in the World Premiere of The Bus Stop Atheist. In his long career, he has played the King in The King and I six times, including three times professionally with the Reagle Players in Waltham, Massachusetts. Other roles include Bill Sykes in Oliver!, the Beast in Beauty and the Beast for Marblehead Little Theatre (Nominated for Best Actor in a Musical by EMACT), Thenardier in Les Miserables, Daddy Warbucks in Annie with Neverland Theater, Judas in Jesus Christ, Superstar, and John the Baptist/Judas in Godspell (Winner Best Ensemble, Best Production NETC, Winner Best Production New England Theater Conference, placed 4th in National Competition in Memphis, TN, Best East of the Mississippi). David was co-founder and first President of Crossroad Company, a professional musical theater troupe performing at the Prince Restaurant in Saugus, MA throughout the 1980s. He has played in many comedy murder mysteries with Mystery Café based in Boson and at the Mount Washington, Red Jacket and Point Sebago Resorts.

Katie Sullivan - Ensemble Cast; "Dance Co-Captain"

Katie Sullivan is a 15 year old 10th grader at Lake Region High School.  She has been competitively dancing at Western Maine Dance and Gymnastics for 2 years and has been taking dance classes since the age of 3.  This is her first musical, although she has been involved with many dance productions.  In her free time she likes to go to the beach, sew and spend time with the crew (a group of friends).  She is very thankful to be involved in this musical and hopes that she can do more.

Sylvia "Sylvie" Young - Ensemble Cast

Sylvie is a singer and songwriter. She is a member of the worship team at her church. She has been in several musical groups over the years and has written many songs along the way. She has both acted in and written music for musicals which were performed in her church setting. She has worked with the composer/playwright on several projects and is excited to see what God will do with The Bus Stop Atheist.