Cast & Crew

Marlena McHenry (Witch Hazel) – Marlena (she/her) is thrilled to be back at Storybook! She grew up in Redmond, and has a BA in Theatre from Western Washington University. She loves new works, devising, and commedia. She was most recently seen in StoryBook Theatre’s Winnie the Pooh and Hansel and Gretel, Starmites Pro at Secondstory Repertory, and Love Sucks Party with Pacific Play Company. Other favorite Seattle productions include Triceratops Love Song with Somniterum Productions, and Orange Flower Water with Come Up Productions. Cheers and enjoy the show!

Megan D. Connell (Mother) – Megan (she/her) earned her degree from UNLV in Stage & Screen Acting then spent a handful of years performing in Las Vegas on The Strip and in film projects around the area. Since back in WA she has been doing some film/commercial work and been with Storybook Theater. You may have seen her onstage in Hansel & Gretel, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Beauty and the Beast and a past 3 Pigs! Megan grew up training with Studio East, so to be a part of this company is an honor! 

Sonja Rose Usher (Rapunzel) – Sonja (she/her) is an Actress and Studio Alum who grew up taking various classes and workshops, along with performing frequently on the Studio East Mainstage. With skills and work ethic obtained at the Studio, she won a scholarship to successfully earn a B.A. in Theatre Performance at Northern Arizona University, where she graduated with high honors in her department. Now, she is working professionally with experience in Theatre and Film. Some of her favorite roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast (Studio East), Constance in King John (NAU), and Piglet in Winnie the Pooh (StoryBook Theater). Sonja attributes her achievements to her training at Studio East and is so excited to pass on what she’s learned and learn from her students as well!

Matthew Triplett (The Prince) – Matthew (he/him) has been performing in musicals since he was seven years old and spent 7 years as a Studio Rat. His favorite roles with the Studio include playing Jean Valjean (Les Misérables), Gaston (Beauty and the Beast), and Bottom (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). He has a BFA in History from Whitman College but he continued his theater education into college, performing in several of Checkov’s farces as well as playing Clotaldo in Calderón de la Barca’s Life is a Dream. He was also the president of the Whitman College Improv team and is skilled in clowning and comedy. He got so much out of his time at the Studio and cherishes the opportunity to give back!ns. Cheers and enjoy the show.

Lani Brockman (Writer and Adapter) – With 40+ years of experience in the performing arts, Lani brings considerable expertise to the role of Studio East’s Executive Artistic Director. As a teaching artist and director, Lani enjoys challenging youth to make strong and courageous choices both on stage and off. She revels in seeing youth discover their power and independence through the performing arts whether they pursue a career in theater or not. Lani is also the co-creator of StoryBook Theater, the Studio’s Professional Children’s Theater Company. She and her writing partner create musicals for young audiences, each providing life lessons for all ages. Lani is a graduate of Leadership Eastside and is also on the board of directors at the Kirkland Performance Center as well as the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission.

Susan Bardsley (Music & Lyrics) – Bio coming soon!

David Close (Musical Director) – Bio coming soon!

Etalia Thomas (Choreographer) – Bio coming soon!