The Charles Stewart Howard Playhouse

Allie Sundman (Heather - May 4 and 12)

Allie Sundman is delighted to perform Hands on a Hardbody after it had been shut down during rehearsals in 2020; thanks, COVID-19. Favorite credits include Children of Eden with Minnesota Youth Performing Arts, Theory of Relativity with Charles Stewart Howard Playhouse (CSHP), and Almost, Maine with the CSHP. She has a bachelor's degree in rhetoric/speech communications from Pepperdine University's Seaver College. During the day, Allie enjoys her work as a media specialist for Kaiser Permanente. She is excited to bring this true story based on a competition in Texas to life!

Andrew Nava (Mike)

Andrew Nava is a nefarious ALIEN!!! A notorious MONSTER, come to invade your musical stages. He has "Occupied" stages from the East Coast to the West; last musically performing as KARL in Promises, Promises for the "unknowing" Group Rep Theatre. Now making Los Angeles  his base of operations, he has turned his attention to various film projects. Slowly, sowing delightful discontent as Steven in Clown Class for the AFI Conservatory. Heed this warning, STOP HIM!!! Before he completes his terrible plan, my dear reader, before you know him as "I KNEW HIM WHEN!!!" RUN!!! BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!!!

Bryan Windom (Ronald)

Bryan Windom is a seasoned vocalist and musician hailing from the vibrant city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With a musical journey that began at the age of 10 as a member of the East Baton Rouge Parish Boys Choir, Bryan’s passion for singing quickly became evident. Throughout his formative years, Bryan honed his craft and developed a voice that resonates with soulful richness and captivating range. From his roots in Baton Rouge to his dynamic musical leadership in Dallas and here in Los Angeles, Bryan’s journey is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of song.

Danica Waitley (Heather - May 5, 11, 18)

Danica is originally from San Diego where she majored in theatre at the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Her recent credits include Fran in Promises, Promises, Marcy in Dogfight, and Ivy in Bare: a Pop Opera. She works in the film industry as an animal trainer for commercials and tv and also as a raptor trainer/educator for various Renaissance Faires from California to Oregon. She’s thrilled to be back for her second show at the CSHP!

Isaiah Gundermann Graham (Chris)

Isaiah Gundermann Graham was born and raised on Hawai’i. After getting his BSW at Colorado Mesa University, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue the arts. Isaiah is very grateful to have this opportunity to be on stage and dedicates his performance to his Tutu and Papa.

Lara Blanco (Cindy, Dance Captain)

Lara Blanco has performed with LAMC Theatre (Mission College), LAVC Theatre (Valley College), and Loft Ensemble (NoHo Arts District). For Spring 2023, she was a Coach & Choreographer for the Granada Hills High School Dance Team. Lara taught Dance at the California Conservatory of Performing Arts for 8 years. She now works with Reflections in Dance and Dance Time by Stephanie. She is also a cook and Graduated from LAMC Culinary Arts. Lara has previously been an actress for Music Videos & Short Films. This is Lara’s first show at the CSHPlayhouse. She wants to give a very special thanks to her best friend Carlos Gomez aka “Papi Carlitos” (who plays Greg) for introducing her to the CSHP and supporting her constantly.

Pat Nye (Don)

Trained in acting at Anthony Meindl's Actors Workshop and improv with The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade, Pat has appeared in national commercials, PSAs, short films, live sketch comedy and some television. Hands on a Hardbody is his first foray into musical theater and he was cast in part based on his singing a hair-metal ballad acapella during his audition.

Tamarah Ashton (Janis)

Tamarah Ashton has been a director, vocal director, and costumer for countless shows, and obviously, the theatre is her favorite place to be. She has performed all over Los Angeles and San Diego, but especially enjoys her time here at the Charles Stewart Howard Playhouse because of the incredible camaraderie and collaborative spirit. Recent roles with the CSHP were Dr. Vivian Bearing (W;t), Mother (‘night, Mother), and her absolute favorite, Mama Euralie (Once on this Island). She would like to thank Suzanne, Marshelle, Larry, Jess, Matt, and Brittany for welcoming her back so warmly to the company. “Enjoy the show, y’all.”

Ana Luiza Bourroul (Norma)

Ana Luiza Bourroul (she/her/hers) is feeling the joy to be returning to the CSHP stage. Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Ana Luiza graduated with honors from AMDA College of the Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre. She has enjoyed portraying characters such as Carla Albanese in Nine, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Gladys in Boom Headshot! A Geek Tragedy, and Olivia Keegan in Things My Mother Taught Me. Ana Luiza would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for all their support. @anabourroul

Aris Kakkis (Benny)

I am so thrilled to be in my 7th production at the CSHPlayhouse. What I love about this show tonight is that it features so many different kinds of people, and as Americans we are better for trying to learn and understand each person’s story, rather than decide whose story is important or worthy. I am so grateful to my mentors for giving me the encouragement to finally chase my artistic dreams: Marshelle Giggles-Mills and Suzanne Ryan and my CSHPlayhouse Family, Michael Orland, Ilene Graff - and my wonderful family and friends for their support. A special shout-out to my dear friend Erin Pennacchio, who taught me so much about making every word of a song matter - and using the arts to tell stories honestly. Thank you to my fellow cast members for their love and dedication to making this show happen…I had the best seat in the house watching these artists bring their amazing crafts to this show - and I hope you enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

Carlos Gomez Jr. (Greg)

Carlos returns to the CSHP with such delight and joy. He considers himself a multi-disciplinary artist with emphasis on acting. Carlos would like to thank his cast and crew for always fostering such a prosperous and liberating environment as this community is truly the hard definition of theatre.

Georgan George (Virginia)

Georgan George is excited to be making her debut at the CSHPlayhouse.  Recent favorite roles include: Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins (Troll Players), Vadoma in Fangs (Downtown Repertory Theatre), Boyet in Love’s Labor’s Lost (SC Shakesfest) and M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias (Troll Players). Georgan has a Bachelor of Theatre Degree in Acting Performance from Willamette University and she studies singing at the Hummingbird Conservatory.

Keeley Bell (Kelli)

Keeley is so happy to be back on the CSHP stage after having the time of her life as Joan in Fun Home last year! She is a writer, podcaster, and all-around attention-seeker, so naturally, community theatre is where she feels right at home. Keeley graduated from UCLA'S School of Theatre, Film, & Television in 2018 and has been doing shows around the valley ever since. Being in Hands on a Hardbody with this company has been a long time coming (IYKYK) and she is so excited to bring this show to life!

Larry Toffler (JD)

Larry took a two-decade hiatus from performing but is now trying to make up for lost time. Recent roles include Harold Hill in The Music Man and Applegate in Damn Yankees. During his hiatus, Larry co-created Fantastic Race, a scavenger hunt/sightseeing tour company, co-parented a fantastic son, and became the stand-in host on the TV show, The Voice. Prior to that, Larry co-wrote the movie The Settlement with John C. Reilly. He also appeared in multiple TV shows and movies, including Arrested Development, Joey, and Scrubs. Larry is extremely grateful to everyone involved at Hardbody.  Insta: @larrytoffler

Sean Dela Pena (Frank)

Introducing Sean Dela Pena with his return to live theater! Previously, Sean completed a minor at the University of California, Davis in Theatre and Dance. He is a person who generally loves to seek out good vibes and always has a great time living his life. In his free time, you can catch Sean streaming, performing stand-up comedy, or hiking with his beloved dog, Bruno!

Viktor Pacheco-Espinoza (Jesus)

Viktor Pacheco-Espinoza is happy to be back on the stage with the CSHPlayhouse after a long break. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continuous support and can’t wait to keep this momentum going! Enjoy the show!