debut in Hairspray( Dynamite / Kamilah) and later appeared in Frozen as a member of the ensemble. In addition to performing, Najaya was part of the costume crew for Little Shop of Horrors, which was an absolute delight to be involved in. Najaya would like to express her heartfelt gratitude to her family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement as she continues to explore and grow in the world of theater.
Samuel Labath( Ensemble) Samuel is thrilled to be making his debut performance with TCR. A 2025 graduate of Linn-Mar High School, he has previously appeared on stage in several musicals. Most recently he played Roscoe Dexter in Singin’ in the Rain. Samuel was also a three-year member of Linn-Mar’ s varsity show choir, 10th Street Edition. He is grateful for the opportunity to perform with TCR and thanks his family, friends, and directors for their continued support.
Kayla Lansing-Green( Atina / Ensemble) Kayla is excited to be back with her TCR friends and family bringing this Disney classic to life. She would like to say thank you to her husband and cats, as well as the cast, crew, and her wonderful TCR friends for supporting her and reminding her of the true magic of live theatre. This story has been one of Kayla’ s favorites ever since she was a little girl singing along to her princess cassette tape in the car and holds a special place in her heart. Remember, life is the bubbles when you are supporting live community theatre. Enjoy the show!
Rebekah Leipold( Carlotta / Ensemble) Rebekah Leipold is excited to be a part of her first show onstage at TCR! While no stranger to the Theatre Cedar Rapids stage, she has mainly worked backstage as part of the Stage Management team, or as a crew member. Some recent credits include Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Wolves. Rebekah would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support, the amazing cast and crew for all they do, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Lyova Merkle( Ensemble) Lyova Merkle is excited to be back at TCR for his third show after recently being in Guys and Dolls( Dave the Dude) and Frozen( Hans Understudy / Ensamble). He recently was a Teaching Artist with Footliters Traveling Playhouse in Coralville. At Kirkwood Community College he has been in Silent Sky( Peter Shaw), Into The Woods( Cinderella’ s Prince / Wolf), and Chicago the Musical( Billy Flynn). He thanks his family and friends for supporting his love for the arts. Enjoy the show!
EJ Miller( Pilot / Ensemble) EJ is so happy to be back on the TCR stage for the fifth time. Recently, you might have seen him in Guys and Dolls( Jack o’ Hearts / Ensemble), Frozen( Ensemble), Little Shop Of Horrors( Ensemble), Hairspray( Duane), and Wizard Of Oz( Ensemble). EJ is currently a freshman at the University Of Northern Iowa where he studies theater. EJ would like to thank both his parents and some amazing coaches that got him where he is today; Layne Sheetz, Rishi Wagle, Pat Fagan, Mic Evans, and Carrie Tinkham. Also huge shout out to his favorite adults;