Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel Cast

Max Dutton (Billy Bigelow)
Max is thrilled to be taking on the role of Billy Bigelow! CAROUSEL has been his favorite musical for a number of years and Billy has been a dream role his entire acting career. Max has performed professionally on stage at Roxy’s Downtown in productions of LEGALLY BLONDE (Kyle), HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Phoebus), and URINETOWN (Bobby Strong). He was recently named the 2025 Roxy’s Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of Bobby Strong. When he’s not on stage, Max is a morning anchor at KWCH, hosting KANSAS NOW weekdays at 9am. Thank you to Mark and the entire creative team for trusting him with this mammoth of a role. @maxwelldutton
Danielle Brown (Julie Jordan)
Danielle is excited to make her Newman University debut as Julie Jordan! She has been in ten productions prior to Carousel. You may have seen her as Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank or Emma in Emma! A Pop Musical at Clearwater High School. Danielle is a freshman at Newman studying Nursing as a St. Newman scholar. She hopes to pursue a career in community theatre in her spare time as well.
Braden Sweet (Enoch Snow)
Braden is thrilled to be playing Enoch Snow and to be a dance captain in his first production working with Newman University. Braden is a graduate of Friends University gaining a degree in Music Theatre with a minor in dance. You may have previously seen Braden in shows with Crown Arts Collaborative, the Forum Theatre, and Stagelights Theatre Company. He would like to thank the creative team and his family for supporting him and allowing him to be weird in the best way he knows how.
Catherine Vessey (Carrie Pipperidge)
Catherine is excited to reprise the role of Carrie Pipperidge on the Newman Stage! You may have seen her most recently as Jane Doe in RIDE THE CYCLONE at Stage 9. Catherine is currently a Pre-K Aide in McPherson, and desires to pursue a Theatre Education degree. Some of her other favorite roles include Ronette in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Johanna in SWEENEY TODD, and Marian in MUSIC MAN. Before coming to Kansas, she was involved with a professional theatre company in Oregon. She is trained in Musical Theatre and Opera performance, and has found a love for choreographing/directing in addition to being on stage. Catherine is so grateful for the opportunity to perform in Wichita, and work with this talented group of people.
Anthony Larkin-Valdez (Jigger)
Anthony is very excited to join in this production of Carousel. He has been performing within the community for several years since 2016 at WSU, as well as the Kechi Playhouse in BUS STOP (2019) and as Don Jon in Kechi’s recent production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (2025). He has also been performing monthly as a member of Say What!? Improv since 2017! He would like to thank his wife and all his friends who encouraged him to get back into performing.
Rebekah Schwartz (Nettie Fowler)
Rebekah is thrilled to be on Newman’s stage again this time as Nettie Fowler. Her favorite roles have been Sophie Sheridan in MAMMA MIA and Titania in Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. And you may have seen her in many other roles. She is currently in her first year as a music teacher and is learning to juggle lines, lesson plans, classroom management and patience, but she is loving the experience! She would like to thank Mark for giving her the opportunity to be back on the stage again, her family and friends for always supporting her, and her students for being patient with her! She would especially like to thank her husband and best friend for always putting up with her attitude and loving her throughout the ups and downs of life!
Mary Lou Phipps-Winfrey (Mrs. Mullin)
Mary Lou is very proud to be in CAROUSEL. It is a wonderful musical and the cast and crew have taken on the challenge to create an excellent production. There is nothing better than live theatre and you are the proof. You may have seen her recently in WAITING IN THE WINGS at Wichita Community Theatre. She has performed in many productions there as well as for Music Theater of Wichita, Centre for the Arts, MadCap Productions, Cabaret Old Town, Crown Uptown, and Kechi Playhouse. She recently directedThe Cottage for WCT. She has also directed and written many other productions. Thank you for supporting live theatre!
Luke Jones (Mr. Bascombe)
Luke is an Art major in his second year hear at Newman. He has been in a number of productions at Newman. He played Dr. Bullfinger in MURDER ON THE MENU, Martin in BETWEEN THE LINES, and the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father in HAMLET. He most recently appeared in the production of TOM, DICK AND HARRY as Dick Kerwood.
Clara Mayans (Louise)
Clara is so excited to be a part of CAROUSEL. She has been performing since she was eight years old. Some of her recent roles include Kathy in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN and Gertrude in SEUSSICAL. Clara loves everything musical theater related, especially singing and dancing. She is trained in Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance, Jazz, Lyrical, and Tap. She is also a student intern at Paquita Dance Center, where she helps teach Ballet and Tap to young children. “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” - Pope Benedict XVI
Vince Uhlschmidt  (Enoch Jr.)
Vince is a magnetic 17-year-old high school junior who hails from Bel Aire, Kansas. He discovered his love for theater while playing Maui in MOANA JR. as a tiny 13-year-old. He has acted alongside the Empire House Players at Old Cowtown Museum, in multiple productions with Christian Performance Theatre, and most recently in various productions as a teen leader in Lolek Theatre Company. His favorite roles thus far have been playing Matthews in ELF THE MUSICAL, Ralph in ANNIE, JR. and Don Lockwood in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, JR. When Vince isn't on stage, he's usually hammering out homework, being brother to his six siblings, playing board games with friends, or working at the Rock Road Chick-fil-A.
Matthew Neises  (Starkeeper et al)
Matthew is excited to work again with Newman University. Matt is a graduate of KSU with a bachelor's in Food Science & Industry, but has greatly enjoyed returning to theatre. You may have seen him singing previously this year as Perchik in Wichita Community Theater's FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. He would like to thank his friends, family, and mentors for the love and support over the years.
Steven Brown  (Oren Peasley, et al)
Steven is a Junior at Newman University and has been in past Newman productions like ALL MY SONS, WEDDING SINGER, TREASURE ISLAND, MURDER ON THE MENU, HAMLET, and just recently TOM DICK AND HARRY. He's also helped behind the scenes with BETWEEN THE LINES. Acting is his passion, and he is excited to be a part of this production of CAROUSEL.
Anna Bohr  (Ensemble)
Anna is thrilled to be performing for the first time at Newman University as a community member. Her last musical performance was in HELLO DOLLY! at Guild Hall Players, but she has also performed in many Wichita area theaters including Wichita Community Theater, Wichita Shakespeare Company, Kechi Playhouse, and Empire House Players. Favorite past roles include Grace Fryer (RADIUM GIRLS), Smitty (PLAY ON!), and Prudence (PANTIEMONIUM). She would like to thank everyone in the artistic team for all the advice and encouragement during the rehearsal process.
Abigail Hale Luttrell  (Hannah et al)
Abigail is an alum of Friends University, where she double majored in musical theatre and vocal performance. She has spent time at Wichita Grand Opera, Forum Theatre, and Music Theatre of Wichita. Some of her favorite roles include Cosette in LES MISERABLES, Kate McGowan in TITANIC, and Laurey Williams in OKLAHOMA, and she is grateful for the gifts God has given her. When she isn’t singing, she enjoys reading, composing music, dancing ballet, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.
Jasmine Vertilus  (Ensemble)
Jasmine, originally from Boston, is a rising multi-talented performer making her musical theatre debut as an ensemble member in CAROUSEL. She recently starred as the co-lead in the upcoming film BLAIR, premiering on Tubi in late November, and will also appear in the early 2026 release BIG DOG. On November 8th, she will model for a featured fashion show benefitting local woman-owned businesses in the Butler County community. And extending her passion for performance beyond film and stage, Jasmine will release her debut mini-EP album on December 1st titled "SOLO". From screen to stage to studio, Jasmine continues to carve out her place as an emerging new voice in all aspects of entertainment. Follow her journey: @Jasmiine.Vertii on all platforms