UPSTAGE ALUMNI: Where are they now?

Rebekah was raised in Euclid, OH where she participated in UpStage players for 7 years in several productions including but not limited to Hello Dolly (2003), Grease (2005), Guys and Dolls(2006), and Into the Woods (2008). She attended Case Western Reserve University where she completed her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master of Public Health degrees. Currently, Rebekah is a first year medical student at Case Western Reserve University. In her free time, Rebekah still enjoys the arts by singing, dancing, and painting. In addition, she enjoys traveling and remaining physically active.

Janice Wessner (center) starred as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar and now performs in plays in California. Here she is at the American Conservatory Theater. Way to rock the red carpet, Janice!

Michael Cappetta -- Congratulations to Michael Capetta for accepting a position as a producer with Nightline News in California. Formerly a producer for ABC in New York, Michael has worked on Dancing with the Stars and other shows. Michael played Detective Schrank in our 2000 production of West Side Story (and did a phenomenal job). While in Cleveland at age 12, he completed an intern program with TV5 and Tracy Carloss. Keep up the great work, Michael! We'll be watching more Nightline News these days!

Brandon Fleming had the part of Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain (2001). And yes, he actually danced in actual rain on our UpStage stage! What a trick that was! Brandon, who also has the title of "First UpStage Kiss," performed in Memphis the Musical in Los Angeles. We are so proud of you, Brandon!

Cleveland WKYC Channel 3 hosted Amy Steigerwald, who works for WKYC's affiliate channel in Toledo, (WTOL Toledo). Amy hosted our Saturday performance during Lion King. Amy is an alumni of UpStage having performed with us for 8 years. She is a graduate of Bowling Green State University.

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Luke Simonis is now Dr. Luke Simonis in Las Vegas Nevada - he is an Orthodontist. and was part of UpStage back in 1994. He is now the proud Dad of three, married to Amy Goodwin.

Gabbi Cappello was recently named Director of Youth programs for Chagrin Valley Little Theatre and credits UpStage for putting the theatre bug into her. Another original UpStager back in the days of 1994.

Elizabeth Toth just graduated from Eastern Michigan University and was awarded an internship with Tampa Bay Buccaneers as part of Women's Summit for Careers in Football.

Carissa Mavec now works at Progressive Insurance. She is Subrogation Support Supervisor. She and her mom and sister were part of the building blocks of UpStage when we were at Shore. Carissa was scheduled to be a featured performer during Frozen Jr. Her singing voice is amazing.

Maddie (Otcasek) Adamission was one of the original UpStagers. Maddie was the Lion in the Wiz at Shore Cultural Centre. During the production of Lion King Jr. she brought her 2 year old to be baby Simba, thus creating the Circle of Life. Maddie is a lawyer with Adamission Law Firm. Her second child is a daughter. Maddie serves on the Board of UpStage Players.

Mary Walsh-Hilf is performing in her senior play at Allegheny College April 28- May 1! Details: https://sites.allegheny.edu/playshop/91st-season-2021-2022/