Panto: Rapunzel's Holiday Wish: A Hair-larious Tangled Tale

SALLY STRUTHERS (Madame Gothel) is a two-time Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner for her performance in the groundbreaking TV series “All In The Family.” She starred in CBS’ spinoff “Gloria” and “9 to 5” (FOX), and played recurring roles on “Still Standing” (CBS), as well as “The Gilmore Girls” (CW) and Netflix’s four movie revival, and guest starred in “Maron” (IFC). Sally’s television movies include: “A Gun In The House,” “And Your Name Is Jonah,” “The Great Houdinis,” “Hey… I’m Alive,” “In The Best Interest Of The Children,” “Deadly Silence,” “My Husband Is Missing,” and “Intimate Strangers.” Sally co-starred in two legendary motion pictures: “Five Easy Pieces” with Jack Nicholson, and “The Getaway” with Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw. Sally’s first two Broadway shows were Wally’s Cafe with Rita Moreno and James Coco, and Neil Simon’s female version of The Odd Couple with Brenda Vaccaro. For three years, she starred as Miss Mamie Lynch on Broadway and on tour in Tommy Tune’s production of Grease, and in the 20th Anniversary Tour of Annie co-starred as Miss Hannigan. Sally was named Best Actress by the Los Angeles Artistic Director Theatre Awards for her role as Louise Seger in the musical Always… Patsy Cline; won the Ovation Award as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance as Agnes Gooch in the LA production of Mame, a second Ovation Award for Cinderella, and also won a plaque for ‘Best Actress’ in her 7th Grade Class Play. Regional: Hello, Dolly!, Anything Goes, Fifth Of July, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, The Full Monty, Fiddler On The Roof, Chicago, All Shook Up, The Drowsy Chaperone, Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, 9 To 5, Legally Blonde, Tootsie, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Witches Of Eastwick, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and Grumpy Old Men. Sally recently filmed an eight-episode series, “A Man On The Inside,” for Netflix starring Ted Danson.

DARCY ROSE BYRNES (Rapunzel) US/Ireland citizen Darcy Rose Byrnes played Abby on “Y&R”, Penny on “Desperate Housewives,” Princess Amber on “Sofia the First,” Ikki on “Legend of Korra,” Maricela on “Spirit Riding Free”, Harper on “Big Shot” (and wrote 5 songs for it) starring John Stamos. In November she played Pamela Dare in To Sir, With Love starring Wayne Brady. D’Rose played Mary Lane in the Revival of Reefer Madness (directed by Spencer Liff, produced by Kristen Bell and others), from May ‘til it’s October closing (cast album released!). D’Rose is reprising her role of Amber in “Sofia the First: Royal Magic”.

L.J. BENET (Prince Sebastian) is thrilled to be joining the cast of Rapunzel and Her Holiday Wish. Most recently Denham in the stage reading of To Sir With Love a Lythgoe Production, Elvis in 5-Star Theatricals/MTW’s Million Dollar Quartet, Johnny in Ensemble Theatre Company’s Ring of Fire at The New Vic in Santa Barbara, Romeo in For The Record’s Baz: Star Crossed Love at the Palazzo Theater, Las Vegas; Film and television: Karl Fink in Disney Channel’s “Dog With a Blog,” “Dark Skies,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “Code Black,” “Bones”. Passionate about his community, you will also find him serving at Mosaic: a community of faith shaped by the mission to live by faith, be known by love and to be a voice of hope to the world.

RALPH COLE JR. (BeBe Bouffant) won the NAACP Theatre Award for creating the plum role of “Babaloo” in Sisterella, produced by Robert DeNiro and Michael Jackson. As well as, the Pasadena Playhouse awarding him their prestigious FRED Award as Favorite Actor. The Latino Theater Company invited him to create “Lupe” in Dementia at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. Film appearances include, “K-11” with Kate del Castillo, “This Train” with Soupy Sales and “The Soloist” with Robert Downey Jr. On TV, Ralph has guest starred on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “Mr. Mayor,” “NCIS,” “Snowfall,” “Mom,” “Dexter,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “American Crime Story”

GRANT HODGES (Sniville, December20-29) (he/him) Laguna Playhouse Debut! He earned his BA from the Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program at UCLA. Most recently played Caiaphas in the Broadway National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. He has lent his voice to many Netflix voice over projects, along with voicing the titular role of Simon/Maxxie in the animated film “Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super Shero,” currently in film festivals across the country. You can see him in the upcoming production of Jersey Boys at MTW as Nick Massi. Other Credits: Grease (Kenickie) La Mirada, Footloose (Chuck) The Rev, Frozen – Live (Kristoff/Hans) DCA. All the love to my family, friends, and everyone at ATB. IG: @grant_hodges.

DOUGLAS LADNIER (Sniville, December 7-19) is an EMMY® Nominated songwriter, Broadway performer and critically-acclaimed, award-winning singer who has appeared in more than 65 countries around the world. He performed 11 roles in the original Broadway production of Jekyll & Hyde and his solo concerts won the Backstage Bistro Award for Outstanding Vocalist in NYC where he appears regularly in concert at The Town Hall, 54 Below
and Merkin Concert Hall. While his performances as Sweeney in Sweeney Todd have been thrilling audiences and critics from coast to coast, most recently Douglas directed and starred in Into The Woods for Ojai Performing Arts Theater. Other favorites include The Fantasticks (El Gallo), Jesus Christ Superstar (Pontius Pilate), Aladdin (Jafar), Gigi (Gaston), Into The Woods (Cinderella’s Prince), Dracula (Dracula), Chess (Molokov), and Phantom (Count). More info: www.douglasladnier.com

LARRY SAPERSTEIN (Simple Simon) is so excited to make his Laguna Playhouse debut! He gained widespread recognition as Big Red in the 11-time Emmy-nominated series, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” on Disney+. Recent/Favorite credits include The Griswolds’ Broadway Vacation (Premiere Reading), Miracle on 34th Street (West Coast Tour), and Fiddler on the Roof (Engeman Theater). Check out his weekly podcast, Let’s Talk About That! With Larry Saperstein and Jacob Bellotti on all audio streaming platforms! For virtual tap classes, head to tapwithlarry.com. Much love and thanks to the Lythgoes, Pamela, and Larry’s family! - all socials @larrysaperstein

ISABELLA CHILDERS(Ensemble) is ecstatic to be making her Laguna Beach debut! Isabella has been dancing and performing as long as she has been walking! She grew up training in all genres of dance at her mother’s dance studio—Backstage Dance Company—in Knoxville. She started her dance career dancing in numerous dance competitions winning countless national titles and awards around the country. You may have caught Isabella on last season’s So You Think You Can Dance Season 18 where she made it to the final 30 dancers. She also recently danced at the prestigious Industry Dance Awards. Isabella has also danced in several music videos including one for Freya Sky that will debut soon. Isabella is so very grateful to her supportive family, Mrs. Laura and to her amazing agents at MSA.

SYDNEY KINNEY (Ensemble) is a professional dancer from Columbus, Ohio. She moved to Los Angeles at 18, when she was selected to train in the Edge Preforming Arts Center Scholarship program. From there her career blossomed, and she danced in many television shows and movies such as Netflix’s “The Merry Gentlemen” and Peacock’s “Based on A True Story”. She has traveled to Albania to dance in Kenga Magjike, an international music competition show. She has also danced in music videos for artists such as Ryah, Chaii, and John Duff. She now passes along her knowledge teaching at Millennium Dance Complex while continuing her performance career.

ELISHA NEALY (Ensemble) Eli is super excited to make his debut at the Laguna Playhouse. He’s been performing his entire life and truly finds the most joy when he’s on stage. Credits: Disney Cruise Line (Kristoff u/s, Swing, Dance Captain), Disney. Shoutout to my wonderful agency Go2 Talent and to my family and friends for their continuous and unwavering support!

ANDRII STRELKIVSKYI (Ensemble) Born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, Andrii Strelkivskyi started his dance path as a Ukrainian Folk Dancer, leaning more towards Modern Dance, Contemporary and Commercial. Andrii studied dance and choreography at Kyiv Municipal Academy of Circus and Variety Arts, which gave him broad access to not only the art of dance but also Acting and Circus Art. Andrii moved to NYC in 2019 to pursue his dance career, and since he performed with Yu.S.Artistry, Nai Ni Chen Dance Company, Diavolo Architecture in Motion and Kybele Dance Theater. Performed in 2023 Orange County Pride event with Robert Rene, Super Mario World opening ceremony, Immersive Halloween experience “Angel of Light” and performed at Club Pixar in Disneyland Resort, as well as a Press Event for Tiana’s Bayou adventure opening. Andrii is represented by MTA agency and is very excited to join Laguna Playhouse for this year’s production of Rapunzel!

CHACHA SHEN (Youth Dancer) is 12 years old and has been a working professional actress, model, singer, social media influencer and dancer since she was 3 years old, making her first appearance on national TV dancing with Gwyneth Paltrow and James Corden (“Late Late Show”). She has been featured on "Little Big Shots" with Steve Harvey as well as the hit show “Kids Say the Darndest Things”.  Chacha trains with Shannon Mather at Mather Dance Company in all styles of dance.  She has been featured on Disney, Nickelodeon, CBS, ABC, and recently on the Amazon Kids+ series “Surprise and Seek”, Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” and Netflix series “Never Have I Ever”.  She has many commercial credits including with Xfinity, GEICO, Wing Stop, Target and H&M.  Chacha was a featured performer on "The Ellen Show" and the national broadcast of “Disney Sing-A-Long”.  Chacha is a SAG/AFTRA member.  Her IG social media is @chachashen1 and her YouTube page is "Chacha Shen Official".