MEET THE CAST

WHITLEY, THE HEAD CHEERLEADER

Allison is totally stoked to be here, in her first production with Rave On! She’s been active in Omaha theatre since 2003, having performed in lots of shows, on lots of stages. She’s even been nominated for and won some awards. Allison has three awesome kids, and a fantastic support system of friends and family.

Allison spends her days working as a Sr. Client Project Manager at Fiserv. She enjoys dive bars, karaoke, live music, watching sports (BEAR DOWN!), and hanging with her kids in her free time.

BLAKE, THE CAPTAIN OF THE FOOTBALL TEAM

Raydell is excited to work with Rave On! Raydell is a sixth-grade teacher at Loveland Elementary in the Westside Community Schools district. In addition, Raydell is a freelance teaching artist and professional actor in the Omaha area. Some of his recent and favorite shows include: A Very Die Hard Christmas, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Red Summer, and The Christians (TAG Award Best Supporting Actor) at Blue Barn Theatre. Miranda in The Tempest at Old School Shakespeare Omaha, The Diary of Anne Frank at the Rose Theater, A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Nebraska Shakespeare Fall Education Tour, Stupid F’in Bird and To Kill a Mockingbird (OEA Award for Best Supporting Actor in both productions) at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Raydell had the privilege of traveling to the United Kingdom and participating in workshops with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Raydell has a bachelor's in Theatre from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master’s in Elementary Education from the College of Saint Mary. He would like to thank everyone who has supported him: family, friends, and the theatre community here in Omaha!

MOLLY, THE FRESHMAN

Abby Custer is a teacher, director, performer, artist, and playwright. For over six years, Abby has taught a variety of drama courses at both the high school and university level, and currently, for the McGuigan Arts Academy. She has directed numerous plays, one acts, and musicals with actors of all ages and abilities. From performing in the ensemble of Sweeney Todd at Chanticleer Theatre, to stage managing Ralston Community Theatre’s Thoroughly Modern Millie, Abby enjoys working both on and off stage. The Awesome 80’s Prom will be her first performance with Rave On Productions. In 2023, Abby was honored as a finalist in ThinkTank Theatre’s TYA Playwright’s Festival. She loves to laugh, attend live local music, and wants to encourage anyone to be bold with their creative spark. Abby would like to thank her folks and family, those here and those departed, for always being her biggest and loudest cheerleaders.

MICHAEL, THE CLASS PRESIDENT

Thomas is an Omaha based actor and writer. Lately he’s been conspiring with Old School Shakespeare Omaha and their productions of Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest, and Julius Caesar. He’s a frequent flyer at the Omaha Community Playhouse, most recently as Dewey Finn in School of Rock: The Musical (OEAA Outstanding Actor, Musical; Fonda/McGuire Award), Robert Kinkaid in The Bridges of Madison County (Mary Peckham Award), as well as prominent roles in Once, Murder Ballad, Next to Normal, Les Miserables, and Evil Dead: The Musical, to name a few. Other Omaha credits include Across Rhodes at the Shelterbelt Theatre, Heroes of the Fourth Turning and Heathers at Blue Barn Theater, and We Are Proud to Present… with SNAP! Productions.

KERRIE, THE HYPER NERD

Evelyn Hill is thrilled to be apart of The Awesome 80s Prom with RaveOn Productions. She was last seen as Annie in The Play That Goes Wrong at the Omaha Community Playhouse and performed as a soloist in Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas “The Tenth Episode” at Steelhouse Omaha. Other recent roles include Maureen in RENT at the Omaha Community Playhouse, Viola in Practice House at the Great Plains Theatre Conference, and Cat in Love in the Title at Bridget Saint Bridget. Evelyn has also performed at the BLUEBARN Theatre, Opera Omaha, The Rose Children’s Theatre, Performing Artists Repertory Theatre, SumTur Amphitheatre, Bellevue Little Theater, and Creighton University. Evelyn was a 2022 OEAA winner for her role as Yitzhak in Rave On’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Outside of theater, Evelyn has had the opportunity to be apart of various commercials and voiceover work. In her free time, Evelyn enjoys teaching, hanging with her dogs, and playing the guitar.

MISSY, THE HEAD OF THE PROM COMMITTEE

Ejanae Hume is excited to return to Rave On Productions. She was last seen as Peggy in Godspell and a violinist in Yesterday and Today and Billy McGuigan's Pop Rock Orchestra.

Previous theatre credits include Lulu in Cabaret, Rhoda in white Christmas, Janelle Woods in Beautiful The Carole King Musical, Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors and Reza in Once! Other fun credits include Mordecai in Esther with Evergreen Dance Company, and being a featured performer in Don’t Stop Me Now, Also with Rave On Productions. She loves coffee, dancing and eating, food is definitely her top love language. You can follow Ejanae on social media at @ejanae_hume.

INGA, THE SWEDISH EXCHANGE STUDENT

Angela was most recently seen on stage at the Omaha Community Playhouse as Alice Murphy in Bright Star and, prior to that, Francesca in The Bridges of Madison County, receiving the Mary Peckham Award for Featured Role in a Musical for both shows. Other favorite roles include Tanya in Mamma Mia (OCP), Diana in Next to Normal (OCP -Mary Peckham Award), Nellie in South Pacific (OCP- TAG, Fonda-McGuire, and OEA Awards), Violet in Side Show at Stages of Omaha, and Roxie Hart in Chicago at Ralston Community Theater. Angela has worked as a professional actor in regional theater across the U.S., and has toured with the Nebraska Theatre Caravan. Angela is the Administrative Manager for the Omaha Conservatory of Music, and also serves as music director for the Jr. Rose Brigade, the Rose Theater’s ambassador performing group.

MRS. LASCALZO, THE DRAMA TEACHER

Erika has been an Omaha area performer for a number of years, and also works in the arts as Managing Director of BLUEBARN Theatre. Her past Rave On Productions roles include Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show (a role she has played three times with Rave On, once with Omaha Community Playhouse and once with PART) and in the ensemble of Don't Stop Me Now. She was seen most recently as Narrator in A Very Die Hard Christmas at BLUEBARN Theatre, and other favorite roles include Patsy Cline in Always, Patsy Cline and Annie Oakley in Annie, Get Your Gun, both at Omaha Community Playhouse and Mindy in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (BLUEBARN Theatre and TED Bailey Productions). Erika is spending a lot of time revisiting the 80's these days, as she also sings with The Damones, a totally rad 80's New Wave Band. You can also still catch her once in a while with early 70's glam rock band Bennie and the Gents (with husband Benn Sieff). Like, OMIGOD YOU GUYS! Have a totally awesome time!

JONNY, THE EMCEE/BAND LEADER

Billy McGuigan is the owner and creative director of Rave On Productions. He has created and produced several award winning shows that actively tour North American including; Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience, and Pop Rock Orchestra. Touring North America since 2003, Billy’s shows have sold out countless performances and have broken box office and attendance records in several theaters across the country. Career highlights include performing with Buddy Holly’s contemporaries Tommy Allsup and Sonny West and headlining Las Vegas with Yesterday and Today, considered to be the world’s most innovative and interactive Beatles show. Billy has won countless awards for his work including the Spotlight Award for Best Actor in a Musical, an Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award for Yesterday and Today, a recipient of the Midland Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award, the CPACS Alumni Award for Excellence in Public Service awarded by the Faculty and Staff at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and, most recently, was inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame.

When not on tour Billy lends his talent to acting in industrial films and commercials, doing voice-over work and working with artists on show and brand development.

LOUIS, THE COMPUTER NERD

A man of few words, Matthew is more than excited to be performing with Rave On! Productions. Matthew is a graduate of PCCA in St. Petersburg, FL and has extensive theatrical credits including: West Side Story (Tony), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Tommy) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Musical Director). He was the OEAA winner for Best Musical Direction for Rave On Productions’ Rock of Ages (2022). When he's not performing with Rave On! Productions, he's the other half to the band Moses Prey. They have released a full length album (A Paper Moon) and 2 EP's (The Martyr and Breystory). He's been playing music for over 20 years, and couldn’t be anymore excited to be a part of this production. He dedicates this performance to his wife Julia and sons Lennon and Shawn, and to the memory of his late father, Bill.

NICK, THE BAD BOY

You may know Ryan as Billy’s brother in Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience. He is a versatile musician and performer with Rave On Productions. A graduate of the Pinellas County Center for the Arts in St Petersburg, Fl, Ryan has portrayed various roles in productions such as Tony n Tina's Wedding, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Last Session, where he received accolades from the Theatre Arts Guild. Alongside his brothers Billy and Matthew, he rocks out to the greatest music of all time. Previous Omaha Series roles include Lonnie in Rock Of Ages and Dr. Scott in The Rocky Horror Show. He dedicates his performances to his loving family: Mary, Harry, Josie, and Jackie, and remembers the late Kay J. McGuigan.

BEEF, THE DUMB JOCK

Eric is an Omaha based vocalist and performer. He has had a deep-seated connection with music and theatre from a young age. Some of his previous roles include: Mr. Macafee in Bye Bye Birdie, Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, The Genie in Aladdin, and Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Eric would like to dedicate his performance to his parents, Carl and Mary Perlstein for their never ending and unconditional love & support! And to the Brothers McGuigan who welcomed him into their home some 25 years ago and who have always treated him as one of their own! Peace + Love + Rock ‘n’ Roll!!

DICKIE, THE DRAMA STUDENT

Josh Peyton is thrilled to be making his Rave On Productions debut as Dickie Harrington in The Awesome 80’s Prom! A Nebraska native, Josh has appeared in many productions in the Omaha area. Most recently, Josh appeared as John McClane in A Very Die Hard Christmas at the BLUEBARN theatre. Also at BLUEBARN, Josh played as Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Fool in King Lear. Other theatrical credits include his roles at the Omaha Community Playhouse as Jason in Clyde’s, the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, Jack in Dear Jack, Dear Louise, George in Of Mice and Men, and his one man performance in Fully Committed (Omaha Arts & Entertainment Award-Best Actor). In addition to performing, Josh has served as the interim director of numerous productions at Roncalli Catholic High School and currently works at Mutual of Omaha.

HEATHER, A CHEERLEADER

Kaitlyn is thrilled to be hanging out with her friends at Rave On Productions in this fantastic cast made up of some of her oldest friends. Kaitlyn has been a face around Rave On as an actor, teaching artist, director and writer. She is so excited to revisit her first role she ever had in Omaha as Heather #2 in The Awesome 80's Prom. An award winning director, actress and playwright from State College, Pennsylvania, Kaitlyn last appeared onstage starring for Snap Productions in their production of her self authored script, Those Two Are Definitely Getting Murdered. Other notable roles are Donna in Harbor (OEAA Best Actress) and Ruth in Tribes (OEAA Best Supporting Actress). Tess Maynard in The City in the City in the City (OEAA Nominee Best Actress) at the Blue Barn Theater, Jenny in The Christians at the Blue Barn Theater (OEAA Winner Best Supporting Actress, TAG Award Winner Best Featured Actress) and Vern Schultz in 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche. She is currently directing 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche for Snap Productions, and was last seen directing in town for The Rocky Horror Show (Omaha Community Playhouse, Rave On Productions) Gutenberg the Musical (Omaha Community Playhouse, The Candy Project) and was the Artistic Associate for the Omaha Community Playhouse, where she oversaw the Alternative Programming and Directing Fellowship Programs respectively.

THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT

Aaron has been active in the music scene for over 17 years working both on and off stage. Aaron’s touring history includes Guitar Tech for Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience and Audio Engineer for Billy McGuigan and is currently.the lead guitarist for Rave On Productions. Aaron has performed on stage in bands Moses Prey and Icky Thump and he wrote, produced and starred in the web series Restrung. Previously you may have seen Aaron on stage as Franz in Rave On Productions’ Rock Of Ages. Aaron would like to thank Kate Whitecotton for writing this bio for him.

MR. SNELGROVE, THE PRINCIPAL

Jay is an Omaha-based actor and musician. Credits include White Christmas (Bob Wallace) at Bellevue Little Theatre, Ring of Fire (Eddie) with Rave On, Spamalot (King Arthur) at Ralston Community Theatre, Into the Woods (The Wolf, Cinderella’s Father) at the Chanticleer Theatre, Sound of Music (Captain von Trapp) at the Rose, Bright Star (Jimmy Ray Dobbs), Murder On The Orient Express (Michele), Annie (Daddy Warbucks) and Ragtime, (Stanford White) all at the Omaha Community Playhouse; Big Fish (Edward Bloom) at Bellevue Little Theatre; Hairspray (Corny Collins) and Guys & Dolls (Sky Masterson) both at Papillion/La Vista Community Theatre; Jukebox Journey and Lost In The 50’s at OCP; and various Omaha Symphony, Branson, and Cruise Line shows. Jay is the Music and Worship Arts Director at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Omaha.

HEATHER, A CHEERLEADER

Erin, an Omaha native, is totally stoked to play Heather AGAIN in Awesome 80's Prom after performing in the show 14 years ago at Omaha Community Playhouse. Her most recent performance was Sonja, in Godspell also with Rave On Productions. She's also done productions with The Blue Barn, Shelterbelt, Papillion La-Vista Community Theatre, and The Living Picture Project. Erin is the owner/creator of Style Thief Fashion: A personal styling business for women who are ready to make their own style rules. You can follow her on Instagram @stylethieffashion

Erin would like to thank her rad husband Jeremy and totally awesome girls, Eliza & Charlotte for their love and support.