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Jon Rash is thrilled to be playing the part of Monty for Music Theatre West. Now in his ninth year teaching Theatre at Sky View High School, Jon has directed nearly 40 plays and musicals. He holds a B.A. from Utah State University and an M.A. in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado. His honors include “Teacher of the Year” from the Utah Advisory Council of Theatre Teachers and “Best Director” from the Utah High School Musical Theatre Awards. Beyond teaching, Jon serves on the Board of Directors for Four Seasons Theatre and regularly directs and performs in community productions. His favorite role, however, is being dad to his twin boys, Henry and Lewis.
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Clifton has played many different characters over the years, just…not usually this many all at once! He would like to thank his kids for giving him so much practice with odd characters and silly voices, it has made all the difference! Clifton loves performing and directing with his wife whenever possible, but on the rare occasions when they are not involved in a production, he can be found building cosplay props and costumes in the garage, choreographing stage combat, or cooking ribs and steaks low and slow on his smoker.
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Rachel got her start in tutus with Imagine Ballet Theatre, where she quickly learned that life is simply better when there’s a stage involved. As a familiar face in Cache Valley, she stays busy performing in multiple shows every year, mostly because "free time" is a concept she hasn't quite mastered yet. Audiences might recognize her from her recent roles as the Fairy Godmother in Shrek: The Musical and Jerusha in Daddy Long Legs. When she isn't busy navigating the social ladder as Sibella, Rachel can be found playing the cello, writing, or molding the next generation of dancers at Allegro Dance Studio. While playing Jerusha was a lesson in humility, playing Sibella is a much-needed excuse to wear better jewelry. She is thrilled to showcase some new "charms" in this production and hopes you enjoy the show!
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Baylie fell in love with this musical back in high school and feels very lucky to be a part of it! Recent local roles she has played are Fiona in Shrek the Musical (CTC), Harriet in Jane Austen’s Emma (MTW), Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (FSTC), and Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods (FSTC). She wishes to thank the production team for all their amazing work, the cast for all the laughter and encouragement, her husband for all his constant support, and her children for dealing with “Mommy’s loud practicing”. Enjoy the show!
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Amber is delighted to be playing Miss Shingle in this production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder! While she has previously appeared onstage in several productions with Four Seasons Theater Company - including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Tarzan, and Anastasia - this is her first production as a cast member with Music Theater West. Amber has so many people to thank! She extends heartfelt gratitude to Clifton Richards, Carissa Mathews, Rachel Fillingham, Baylie Hendry, Lauren Kian, and Alycia Loftus for their hours of help and encouragement during the audition process for this show. She sends love to her fellow members of The Antics Comedy Improv, whom she loves, adores, and misses dreadfully. Above all, she thanks her children, Ezekiel and Abigail, for their love and encouragement. She is so grateful that her number one fans are not tired of hearing “You’re a D’ysquith!” sung all around the house. Enjoy the show!
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Laur is a graduate of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, and also attended USU’s music program, vocal emphasis. Select previous credits include The Witch in Into the Woods, Narrator in Joseph…Dreamcoat, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Ruth in Blithe Spirit, and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. When she’s not doing shows, Laur teaches voice and acting lessons out of her studio.
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Kennady is thrilled to be returning to the stage with Music Theatre West. Previous credits include Ella in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Murray Arts), Mayzie in Seussical the Musical (Timpanogos Theatre), and Ariel in The Little Mermaid (HCTO). She was most recently seen onstage as an Ancestor in The Addams Family with Music Theatre West. Kennady is a recent graduate in Voice from Utah State University and currently teaches voice from her home studio in Nibley, Utah. “Thank you to my love, Ty, for supporting your crazy singing wife ” @kennady.pulsipher
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Appearing in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder has checked off two more boxes on Kyle Cottam's theater bingo card, performing in the Utah Theater and working with Celeste Baillio as a director. It is always a pleasure to share the stage with such talented people, and this cast is one of the best. Much love and gratitude to his beautiful and loving wife for her patience and support. Also, a big shout out to his four talented daughters at home, love you all! Enjoy the show!
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Alec Finley is overjoyed to be a part of the ensemble for this production, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. No stranger to the stage, Alec was last seen flexing his character muscles as a Pig, a King, and a Guard in Shrek the Musical last Spring, proving he is truly a man of many hats. He also recently played the romantic lead, Jervis Pendleton in Daddy Long Legs, in the Summer of 2024. When he isn’t busy being in shows, he performs and directs shows for The Antics Comedy Improv, where he uses his quick wit to survive unscripted chaos. He’s also the team's Technology Officer, which basically means he’s the only one who knows how to turn the lights on. Alec hopes you enjoy the show as much as he enjoys not being the one getting murdered tonight!
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Kyle is delighted (and slightly surprised) to find himself in the cast of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Inspired by Yes Theory’s motto “seek discomfort,” he decided to try something new and attend an audition for the first time since middle school… and now he’s here! He owes endless thanks to his incredibly patient and supportive wife, Klydi, and his two delightful daughters, Collins and Morgan, who are amazing examples of trying new things. He also thanks his fellow cast members who have been so kind, helpful, and inspiring throughout. He hopes you enjoy the mayhem as much as he’s enjoyed stepping outside his comfort zone.
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Tori recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Utah State University. Right now she is an AmeriCorps member serving at Logan High School as a Youth Engagement Support Navigator. Doing theatre in Cache Valley over the past year has lit up her life, and she is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be working with such an amazing cast and crew on this fantastical show!
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Melissa did NOT use AI to write this bio. She has performed many roles in musicals and operas. Some favorite roles are Nellie Forbush in "South Pacific", Mrs. Banks in "Mary Poppins", and most recently the Dowager Empress in "Anastasia". Melissa teaches voice at USU and runs a large private voice studio. For extra fun, she can often be found behind the scenes as music director or vocal coach.
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Aaron was born at the tender age of zero. His parents immediately saw potential and decided to keep him around. He recently graduated from USU and will be attending Physician Assistant school in May. Aaron currently works as a medical assistant at Cache Valley Ear Nose and Throat. When he's not working or performing on stage, he enjoys playing the cello, playing basketball, and going on dates with cute girls. (If you would like additional information regarding that last part, please find him after the show.)
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