Meet the Cast

CASEY ELLIOTT (Jimmy)

Casey has performed in many theaters across Utah, including: Hale Centre Theatre, Dessert Star, Weber State University, The Conference Center Theatre, and Rodgers Memorial Theater.  In 2006 he played Radames in Aida at Hale Centre Theatre and later reprised that role on the 2006-2007 National Tour of Aida.  He will reprise that role (yet again) in the 2008 China tour of Aida.  Other favorite roles include Joseph in Joseph And The...etc., Tony in West Side Story, Archibald in The Secret Garden, and Daniel in the film Daniel And The Lions.  Casey also teaches voice lessons, has two beautiful children, and has a smokin' hot wife!

CARRIE COLTON (Pam)

Carrie Colton is so excited to be joining the cast of Saturday's Warrior and The White Star. Carrie grew up in Sandy, Utah and graduated from Jordan High School. Carrie is currently a 20 year-old sophomore at Southern Utah University where she is president of V-Day SUU, Managing Director of Stage II, SUU’s student production company, and a recent senator for the College of Performing of Visual Arts. She is studying theater and math education in hopes of one day becoming a high school teacher. Some of her favorite roles include Henry from Henry V, Hedy La Rue from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Adelaide from Noir Town. Carrie was recently named Best Cameo 2008, an Irene Ryan Acting Nominee 2007, and the recipient of the Tanner Scholarship. In her spare time Carrie plays sports, sleeps, and loves to go running.

TAYLOR ELIASON (Mack / Matt)

Taylor was nine when he made his entrance into the musical theatre world playing Ernie Flinders in Saturday's Warrior. He has portrayed many roles since then, including Joseph in The Savior of the World and Ren McCormick in Footloose. He is so grateful and excited for the chance to work with such an amazing cast and under such incredible direction.

SHANNON ENGEMANN (Jessi)

Shannon is from Los Angeles and now splits her time between there and  Holladay, Utah. She enjoys a highly successful, multi-faceted entertainment career, including that of television & motion picture actress, radio & television voice talent, commercial actress, model, t.v. spokesperson, and studio vocalist. Her first acting job was at 11 months of age in a national TV commercial for Gerber Baby Food. She is also an accomplished make-up artist, winning an Emmy Award for her work on Steven King's The Stand. Shannon is more than thrilled to be a part of The White Star cast, as she was Shelly and Alice in the original national touring cast of Saturday's Warrior 35 years ago! She is currently the co-host of LDS Lives on the BYU Channel.

ANDREW LEWIS (Elder Kestler / Luke)

Andrew is very excited to be part of this cast! He has just graduated from Weber State University where he received a B.A. in Musical Theatre. In the fall he will continue his education at the University of Central Florida where he has been accepted into the M.F.A. Musical Theatre program. Some of Andrew’s acting credits at Weber State include, Theseus & Oberon in A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Angus in Macbeth, Peter Bruce in Pirated!, Diesel in West Side Story and Mr. Jitters in The Musical of Musicals. Andrew has also been seen performing at Lagoon for the past two seasons; On Broadway in 2007 and Club-A-Go-Go in 2006. He would like to thank all those who support him, but especially his wife, Kathy, who lets him pursue this crazy dream.

JEFF LONG (Todd /Jubal)

Jeff Long, of Saratoga Springs, Utah, is a recording artist who has appeared in lead roles in various regional theater productions throughout the country.  Some of his favorite roles include: Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Curly in Oklahoma, Japeth in Michael McLean's The Ark, The Landlord in Michael McLean's The Garden, Sparky in Forever Plaid, Linus in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Young Ben in Follies.  He and his wife Morgan direct their own three little "stars" on the stage of life.  When he's not performing, Jeff runs his own successful internet business and is a success coach and mentor to many around the world.

DAVID WEEKES (Mr. Flinders / Levi )

David is excited to work with this fun and talented cast. He has performed in various shows throughout the Northwest and Alaska, but most recently he has lived and performed in Utah for the past 21 years. His favorite credits include:  Archibald in The Secret Garden, Pierce in The Civil War, Atticus in To Kill A Mockingbird, Chauvelin in The Scarlet Pimpernell, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Zoser in Aida, Jinx in Forever Plaid and Huck Finn in Big River. He has a BA in Theatre Arts from Utah State University and his day job is at Feature Films For Families. His hobbies include football, wrestling and playing games with his family. Thanks and love to Doug Stewart and Matt for letting me do this show with my hectic schedule. And a special thanks and love to my patient wife, Brenda and my wonderful children, Austin, Maddy, Aubrey and Jocelyn for all their love and support.

SHELLY TRUAX (Mrs. Flinders / Abigail)

Shelly joins this cast from St. George, Utah and is thrilled that she is finally involved in a production of "Saturday's Warrior". She is also honored to be a part of its sequel "The White Star" once again. This experience is especially exciting for her, as she is able to spend this summer tour with her daughter, Emma. When she is not on stage, she enjoys spending time with her husband (and biggest fan) James and their four amazing children. Some of Shelly's favorite roles include: Amahl and the Night Visitors, Mother; Bye Bye Birdie, Rosie; The Spitfire Grill, Percy; The Scarlet Pimpernel, Marguerite; The White Star, Grace.

SHANDRA WORTHEN (Liz  / Marjorie)

Shandra (Shani) is thrilled and honored to be a part of this summer’s production of Saturday’s Warrior/The White Star. Shani hails from Sugar Land, TX and is currently a junior at Southern Utah University studying acting. Shani has had a deep passion and love for performing since the age of 6 where she made her stage debt as an orphan in Annie. Other roles includ Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress, Smitty in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Florence Unger in The Odd Couple (the female version). Shani recently received the award for Best Supporting Actress 2008 and an Irene Ryan Nominee 2007. Shani loves spending time with her friends, adding to her elaborate frog collection, a good dance party and laughing… a lot. She would like to thank her family for their unwavering love and support in her pursuit to follow her dreams and would also like to thank her GFR for convincing her not to give up on those dreams.

WOODY WHITE(Benjy / Angel)

Woody is a 17-year old kid with a heart full of song. That is, mainly Musical Theatre. He's loved the arts for years, doing numerous shows back to back, such as Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Pharaoh), and High School Musical (Chad). Attending Alta High School, Woody recently showcased and took first in State competition with straight superior ratings on his own rendition of "Shiksa Goddess" from the musical The Last Five Years. Fresh from having starred as the Baker in Into The Woods, Woody is pumped to be in Saturday's Warrior & The White Star. He'd like to thank his parents, his brother, and all his best friends for giving him the wonderful life he has.

BRIAN COTA (Elder Greene / Caleb)

Brian is thrilled to be a part of this production!  He is an enthusiastic actor originally from California, who has grown up on the stage.  He has been involved in musical theater since the age of 5, and has been featured in leading roles in shows including the Sound of Music, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Pajama Game and Damn Yankees.  He has also enjoyed working on such productions as Pippin and Beauty and the Beast.  Brian, who is currently studying Musical Theater at Utah Valley University, served his mission in the South Africa Cape Town Mission.  Brian is an award-winning vocalist who would like to thank his loving family and friends for their support.

MACKENZIE PEDERSON (Julie / Ruth)

MacKenzie is enthralled to be performing with such a magnificent cast! She just recently graduated from Lone Peak High School and will be attending SUU this fall. Some of her favorite performances include: Les Miserables, Children of Eden, Bye Bye Birdie, Grease, and Steven Kapp Perry's From Cumorah's Hill. She would like to thank her family for putting up with her loud singing in the shower, her friends for supporting her and making her laugh, and her Savior for giving her this marvelous gift and opportunity!

KAELIE PELLEGRINI(Alice / Nora)

Kaelie Pellegrini recently graduated from American Fork High School and is planning on attending BYU Provo this coming fall. She lives for the theater and performing and couldn't imagine a world without it. A few of her other performing credits include: Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Liza in Peter Pan, and Silly Girl #3 in Beauty and the Beast, all with AFHS drama dept. She thanks all who have taught and loved her thus far in life, is grateful for this chance to share her testimony of the restored gospel through performance, and hopes that this piece can be a light for all that come to see it.

EMMA TRUAX (Izzy)

Emma has always been interested in acting and performing. She has gone through life singing and dancing. When she is not performing on stage, she is writing, directing, and choreographing her own shows with her two sisters and brother.   She is excited to add the role of Izzy to her current resume. Her favorite roles include: Amahl and the Night Visitors, Shepherd; Aladdin Jr., Jasmine; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Children's Chorus.

KADE TYSON (Ernie / Timothy)

Kade Tyson is from Eagle Mountain, Utah.  He has been involved in theatrical productions for 3 years.  He appeared at the Valley Center Playhouse in Lindon, Utah in The Rented Christmas (Freddie) and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Charlie).  He had a starring role in the Lehi Children's Theater production Cinderella: The Musical (The Prince).  Most recently he played the role of Papa Ge in Once on this Island Junior at Pony Express Elementary School.  Kade is very excited to be in Saturday's Warrior and The White Star.  He would like to thank his family for all their support.

COLLIN WORLAND (Andy)

Collin was a born performer. He sang his first solo in church at age 3 and was awarded 1st place in the “Southern Utah’s Most Talented Kid” contest at age 4 when he competed with a song and dance routine in the mall. Though this is his first theatrical debut, Collin’s film credits include: Coming Home (young Aaron Miller), One Lucky Boy (classmate), and a model for a face-painting instructional video. He also won the hearts of many Salt Lake area radio listeners in 2005 as Star 102.7’s “Official Spokeskid.” His mother Erin Camp Worland is a veteran of the stage and is thrilled that her son is following suit. Collin is the oldest of three children. He resides in the Salt Lake Valley with his parents, his younger brother and sister, and his little dog Winnie. He hopes to someday become a famous actor or scientist.

MORGAN TEW (Emily / Elizabeth)

Morgan is six and has been sharing her talents with audiences since she was only three. As a four-year-old, KUTV 2 News featured Morgan calling their story “Little Girl vs. College Students: Who knows more?”, she led the 4th of July Freedom Festival Parade and presented four Public Service Announcements promoting children’s health. Morgan has recorded two CDs: My Country and Morgan’s Magic, was awarded the only perfect score in the Fiesta Days 2007 Talent Competition and performed her ‘magic’ for a sold-out theatre audience at London Market’s midnight premier showing of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix winning a first prize for being Hermione Granger. Morgan was thrilled to be ‘MC’ as Hermione Granger for SFHS Arts’ production ‘Welcome to Hogwarts.’ Morgan says she is a “thespian like grandma,” loves being a big sister and is excited to be a part of this wonderful production.