PITTSBURGH CLO ANNOUNCES THE CAST & CREATIVE TEAM OF BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical KICKING OFF THE 80th ANNIVERSARY SUMMER OF MUSICALS JUNE 23-28 AT THE BENEDUM CENTER

Pittsburgh CLO is proud to announce the cast and creative team of BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical, running June 23-28 at the Benedum Center as part of Pittsburgh CLO's 2026 PNC Summer of Musicals.

Tickets are on sale now at PITTSBURGHCLO.ORG or by calling 412-456-6666.

"There's no better way to begin our 2026 PNC Summer of Musicals than with the uplifting story and unforgettable music of BEAUTIFUL," said Mark Fleischer, Pittsburgh CLO Executive Producer. "This production showcases the extraordinary depth of talent that defines Pittsburgh CLO, with Academy students, emerging professionals, accomplished local artists, and Broadway veterans sharing the stage together. Created right here in Pittsburgh for our community, BEAUTIFUL celebrates the power of music, mentorship, and storytelling to bring people together."

 

This summer marks Pittsburgh CLO's milestone 80th Anniversary, celebrated in honor of Carol Hefren Tillotson, a devoted supporter and advocate for the arts in our community. For eight decades, Pittsburgh CLO has brought the magic of live musical theater to Pittsburgh audiences while helping launch the careers of countless performers who have gone on to Broadway, national tours, television, and film.

 

BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical is sponsored by Joan Clark Davis.

 

The Pittsburgh CLO 2026 PNC Summer of Musicals includes BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical, MEAN GIRLS, and the National Tour of the Tony Award-winning SUFFS.

MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM:

Director/Choreographer: Dan Knechtges

Music Director: Catie Brown

Stage Manager: Renee Rimland

Scenic Designer: Derek McLane

Costume Designer: Mary Folino

Additional Costume Designs: Colleen Grady

Wardrobe Supervisor & Costume Coordinator: Kyle Huber

Lighting Designer: Paul Miller and Jonathan Spencer

Sound Designer: Sarah Speck

Hair and Makeup Designer: Kelley Jordan

Hair and Makeup Supervisor: Jayson Kolbicz

Intimacy Coordinator: Tome' Cousin

MEET THE CAST:

KYRA KENNEDY (Carole King) is thrilled to be back on this iconic piano bench for the fifth time! Most recently she was the Dawn Alternate in Teeth the Musical Off-Broadway. Some other recent favorites include: Carole King in Beautiful the Carole King Musical (Tony Award Winning Paper Mill Playhouse, Maine State Music Theatre, TUTS); Ellie Greenwich in Leader of the Pack (Bucks County Playhouse), Corie Bratter in Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park (Arizona Theatre Company); Shelby in Steel Magnolias (Pittsburgh Public); Jenna and Dawn cover in Waitress (1st National Tour). Kyra originated the role of Kat Arujo in the World Premiere of Mystic Pizza the Musical (Ogunquit Playhouse, La Mirada, CenterREP, Harris Center). She also originated the role of Monica Lewinsky in the World Premiere play When Monica Met Hillary (Miami New Drama). Kyra is also a singer-songwriter who frequently plays at The Bitter End in NYC. Stream her new single "savannah" on all music platforms. Thank you endlessly to the entire Beautiful team and to you. @kyramkennedy

 

DYLAN S. WALLACH (Gerry Goffin) is thrilled to be returning to Pittsburgh, where he graduated from CMU. Broadway: Leopoldstadt, Betrayal. Off-Broadway: Love, Love, Love, Pope. Broadway National Tour: Tina, Beautiful. Regional: Gruesome Playground Injuries, Windfall, Grease. TV/Film: Lioness, We Crashed, A Spectacular Holiday, Mannies (Creator/Writer). Thank you to everyone in the cast and on the creative team! Love to my family, my wife Sarah, my agents at TalentWorks, and our dogs Josh and Warren. IG: @DSWallach

 

LEE HARRINGTON (Cynthia Weil) is thrilled to be back in Pittsburgh! Favorite theatre: Barefoot in the Park (Geva Theatre), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Pioneer Theatre), Crumbs from the Table of Joy (Crossroads Theatre), She Loves Me (Gulfshore Playhouse), Christmas Story (Lexington Theatre), Man of No Importance (CSC), Assassins (CSC), Into the Woods (Roundabout), Company (Pittsburgh Public), Merrily We Roll Along (Cincinnati Playhouse). Film: Where’d You Go Bernadette, Last Flag Flying. TV: Gone. Love to friends, family, my honey and DGRW. Education: Carnegie Mellon. Insta: laharrington

 

BARRETT RIGGINS (Barry Mann) he/him is an actor and songwriter based in Brooklyn. The New York Times once called him "very funny." Thanks, guys!! NY: CELLINO V. BARNES (AsylumNYC), HARMONY (NYTF), SUMMER VALLEY FAIR (NYMF). Regional: Asolo Rep, Bucks County Playhouse, Cape Playhouse, The MUNY, Ogunquit Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus, TUTS. He won the 2025 Richard Rodgers Award for his musical HELSINKI (Upcoming; The New Group, Official Selection; NAMT). Barrett is a proud member of the BMI Workshop. BFA: University of Michigan. @barrettadamriggins

 

J. ALEX NOBLE (Don Kirshner) is excited to be back on stage with Pittsburgh CLO. A native Pittsburgher, he has been seen onstage with PCLO, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Pittsburgh Playwrights, Quantum Theatre, PICT Classic Theater, West Virginia Public Theater, and Westmoreland Performing Arts. Previous PCLO roles include; Harry the Horse, Officer Krupke, Franz the Butler, and Jameson in the World Premiere of The Double-Threat Trio at the CLO Cabaret. AEA member since 2012.

 

CHRISTINE LAITTA (Genie Klein) has been a fixture in the Pittsburgh theater scene for over 30 years. She has performed regularly with Pittsburgh CLO at both the Benedum and the Greer Cabaret Theater. Some of her favorite shows have been Young Frankenstein, Music Man, Sister Act, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Singing in the Rain, A Musical Christmas Carol  and Legally Blonde just to name a few. Chris has also performed with the Pgh Public Theater in Barefoot in the Park and The Diary of Anne Frank. Chris is also known for her original cabaret TV Tunes Sing a Long and is the co-author of The Dramatically Different Classroom (Kagan Publishing). She is thrilled to perform with the company she holds near and dear to her heart. In addition to performing and teaching she also directs, choreographs and helps write the yearly spoof of Pittsburgh Off The Record.  Chris has been teaching at Pittsburgh CAPA for over 25 years. She dedicates this performance to her mother and her husband Paul. Life is short tell people you love them. Chrislaitta.com

 

BRETT BARTHELEMY (Lou Adler) is a rising junior at Pace University majoring in Musical Theatre with a minor in Commercial Dance. He is grateful to return to PCLO for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Mean Girls. His previous PCLO credits include Disney’s Frozen, Camelot, Seussical, and A Chorus Line. Brett has also performed with Kansas City Starlight and the American Dance Machine for the 21st Century. This spring, Brett was named a finalist for Broadway’s Next Triple Threat by the Chita Rivera Awards. IG: @brett.barthelemy

 

MARINA BRAZENDALE (Marilyn) is thrilled to be making her professional debut in Beautiful! She is a rising sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University, where she is pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. Originally from London, England, Marina sends all her love and gratitude to her family, who have traveled across the pond to be here tonight, and to everyone who has supported her along the way.

 

ANTHONY CANGIAMILA (Swing) is thrilled to be returning to Pittsburgh for his first production with Pittsburgh CLO! A proud first-generation Italian from Jersey, he recently attended Point Park University before making NYC his home. Much love and gratitude to his friends and family and a big thanks to the creative team for making this all possible! Recent credits include: Book of Wonder (Forestburgh) Beautiful (Axelrod), Jersey Boys (ACT of CT, The REV), Here I Am (Off-Broadway). IG: @anthony_cang_

 

CHARLES CURRY II (Drifter) is a Sophomore Musical Theater major at Carnegie Mellon University. Charles is beyond excited and grateful to perform in his first Pittsburgh CLO production! He gives all the glory to God, his family, mentors and the creative team for their support and guidance!

 

CADENCE GATES (Janelle, Shirelle) is a rising Senior at the University of Oklahoma in the Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theater. She's ecstatic to be making her PCLO debut in such a wonderful show! Instagram: @cadence.gates

 

J'QUAY GIBBS (Drifter) they/them is ecstatic to be coming home to the 412 and making their PCLO debut! Favorite credits: Saturday Church (Off-Broadway premiere), Rent (Short North Stage), Jesus Christ Superstar (The REV), Rock of Ages (Broadway Palm), White Christmas (Short North Stage), Host/Vocalist (MSC Seascape). Much love to my Pittsburgh theatre crews that helped raise my hyperactive behind, my incredibly supportive family, Adunni Rose Agency and God's grace. Love you, Mom, T'Rell, O'Mari, E'Lija, Mikaela, Cristy & Becki! @jquaygibbs

 

LAURA GULEY (Betty) is thrilled to be returning to PCLO for her fourth season. PCLO credits: Disney's Frozen, Camelot, Seussical (Mrs. Mayor), The Music Man, Anything Goes. National Tour: Tootsie (Sandy U/S). Regional: 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer, Theatre by the Sea); Titanic (Kate Murphey, Marriott Theatre); The Music Man (U/S Marian, Marriott Theatre); White Christmas (Goodspeed Opera House); Joseph...Dreamcoat, Mary Poppins, Wonderland (Tuacahn Amphitheater). Immense gratitude to the entire PCLO team. Love to Katie and the crew at PMA, Mom, Dad, Jacob and Jilly. Penn State. @lauraguley

 

MEL HOLLEY (Swing) he/him is a graduate of Point Park University with a Musical Theatre BFA. An actor and a playwright, Mel has mainly focused on writing since graduating, with three plays produced. Previous professional acting credits include: Pittsburgh Playhouse REP’s Choir Boy (David). He currently serves as one of the Assistant Directors of Artistic Recruitment for Point Park’s Conservatory, but will soon be featured as a Swing in Come From Away (Front Porch Theatricals). @melholley26 @periodpiecemusical

 

ISABEL MINCY (Swing) graduated this spring from Point Park University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She is honored to be part of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Some favorite credits include Anastasia (Anya), On the Town (Ivy Smith), Legally Blonde (Vivienne Kensington), and Urinetown (Ensemble/Dance Captain). She would like to thank her friends, family, teachers, and the creative team for their support as she starts her career. Enjoy the show and God Bless! Instagram: @isabelmincy

 

SAMANTHA ALLISON NELSON ("Uptown" Singer, Shirelle) is an upcoming Senior at Carnegie Mellon University. She will be receiving her BFA in Musical Theater. This is her third production with PCLO and she is so excited to be back! She was previously in Seussical (Yertle the Turtle) and The Color Purple (female swing) She is so excited for all of you to be here and see this amazing show. She would like to thank her Mother, Father, Nana, Miles all of her family for their endless love and support. Follow her instagram @samanthanelsonnnn to see what she has next!

 

MAX PELUSO (Nick, Righteous Brother) is excited to return to CLO! He was previously seen in the 2023 production of The Sound of Music as Friedrich Von Trapp. He just completed his sophomore year at the University of Michigan and is happy to be performing in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He would like to thank his family, friends, professors, and PCLO cast and crew! @maxmpeluso

 

AVERY RAMSEY (Lucille, Shirelle) is beyond happy to be making her PCLO debut in this beautiful show! She is currently pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan (Class of 2028), where she recently appeared in Cabaret (Frenchie, u/s Sally Bowles) and Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble). Last summer, Avery performed at Theatre Aspen in Mamma Mia! (Ali, u/s Sophie), and learned that singing ABBA at altitude is truly its own kind of cardio—before returning in the winter for their Holiday Cabarets! Other credits include work with Paper Mill Playhouse, Macy’s, Kidz Bop, and Discovery Education. Go blue! @averyjramsey

 

KAI SACHON (Drifter) is a proud Pittsburgher back home for another summer with PCLO! Recent regional credits include PCLO, KC Starlight, & Lied Center: Disney's Frozen (King Agnarr, Ensemble, Kristoff u/s); PCLO: Camelot (Ensemble, Mordred u/s), Madame Clicquot (Ensemble), Seussical (The Grinch, Ensemble); Pittsburgh Opera: We Shall Not Be Moved, dir. Bill T. Jones (Swing). A 2024 Jimmy Awards Semi-Finalist, he studies Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan. Go blue! @kai.sachon

 

AYYOOB SHUIBAT (Neal, Righteous Brother) is a Kentucky native, ice cream enthusiast, and Carnegie Mellon Music Theater student who is making his PCLO debut! He was most recently seen as David in Company (CMU Drama) and as Tank in East Carson Street, a City Theatre and CMU Center for New Work Momentum Festival feature. He sends his sincere gratitude to the CMU Drama faculty for their guidance and support and to his family and friends for their love and encouragement.

 

SUNAYNA SMITH (Ensemble) is thrilled to be stepping onto the Benedum stage after spending her childhood watching from the audience. The Pittsburgh native is a 2017 West Allegheny grad and got her BFA in Musical Theatre from Kent State University. Favorite credits include: Grease (North Shore, Bucks County) and Six the Musical (NCL). Thanks to Katie, Violet, Madison and a special shoutout to Bobby and Catie. All the love to Mom, Dad, Jordan, and Trin. Enjoy the show! @sunaynasmith

 

BREE S. TAYLOR (Little Eva, Shirelle) she/her is a BFA Musical Theatre student at Carnegie Mellon and is thrilled to join this beautiful (wink wink nudge nudge) cast! Her favorite credits include Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Into the Woods (Lucinda), and The Little Mermaid (Sebastian). She sends love to God, her family, friends, and mentors — and a special shoutout to her mom, her forever role model and best friend. When not on stage, she’s probably lifting in the gym, drawing in her sketchbook, or listening to Erykah Badu, of course.

 

JUSTUS WHEATLEY (Drifter) is a Carnegie Mellon student and ecstatic to make his PCLO debut! Most recent professional credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (u/s Jesus, Simon) at Pittsburgh’s Byham Theatre and upcoming credits include Meet Me in St Louis (Ensemble) at The Muny. Shoutout to his family and supporters for their unwavering support and belief in him! Find him at @Official_Justoos or justuswheatley.com

TEEN ENSEMBLE:

ZEV ADELSON is entering his Senior year at CAPA, where he majors in Musical Theatre. He has appeared in multiple productions at CAPA and the JCC. Some roles include Jack (Disney's Newsies) and Warner (Legally Blonde). Many thanks to CLO for giving him the opportunity to be in his first professional production! Shout-out to Claudia Benack (voice teacher) and his teachers at CAPA and CLO Academy!

 

ADALYN BURGOYNE is elated to be in her 2nd PCLO mainstage show. She has been nominated 3 times for Best Supporting Actress through the Gene Kelly Awards and the Prime Stage Awards, winning in 2025 for her role as Rosalind Hay in Moon Over Buffalo. Some of her other favorite past roles are Melinda (A Musical Christmas Carol, CLO), Fastrata (Pippin, CLO Academy), Toby (Sweeney Todd, Avonworth), and Meg (Phantom of the Opera, Avonworth). Adalyn is an upcoming senior at Avonworth High School. She attends the CLO Academy Pre-professional Program, trains voice under Amy Stabnau, and studies acting under Daina Griffith. After high school, she plans to earn a BFA in Musical Theater to continue singing and dancing through life.

 

SIALIA CHAMBERS is so grateful to be part of her first professional production with Pittsburgh CLO! A junior musical theater major at Pittsburgh CAPA, her past credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Urinetown (Hope), Guys and Dolls (u/s Miss Adelaide), and  Great Comet (u/s Sonya). Lots of love to her family, friends, and CLO and CAPA teachers-- and especially vocal coach Amy Stabnau and acting coach Daina Griffith. Enjoy the show!

 

MIA EVANKOVICH is so excited to be making her debut with Pittsburgh CLO! She's a recent graduate from Franklin Regional Senior High School and is committed to Marymount Manhattan College for a BFA in Musical Theater. She has trained at CLO Academy and StageRight!, Greensburg. Her favorite past roles include Eurydice (Hadestown: Teen Edition) and Gleb Vaganov (Anastasia) at StageRight!, and Princess Fiona (Shrek) at Franklin Regional.

 

DREW HARING is thrilled to make his professional theater debut! A 2026 North Catholic HS graduate, he has trained in singing, acting , and dancing with Molly Stater, Daina Griffith, and the CLO Academy. His favorite roles include Ren McCormack (Footloose), Gomez Addams (The Addams Family), Billy Flynn (Chicago: Teen Edition), and Joseph (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). He plans to attend Wright State University for Musical Theatre. He thanks his parents, friends, and mentors for all they do!

 

KAITLIN HOWE is thrilled to be joining the cast of PCLO’s Beautiful! She has been a student at the CLO Academy for 11 years, with some favorite credits including the Shirley Jones Gala, The Wizard of Oz, and countless CLO Academy shows! Kaitlin is getting her BFA in Acting from Penn State starting this fall, and she extends her gratitude to her family, teachers, and Pittsburgh CLO! Enjoy the show! @kait_the_actor

 

PAISLIE KLEIN-MERLIN is thrilled to be making her professional debut! This is extra special because last summer she performed with the first ever high school summer production of Beautiful: the Carole King Musical at Interlochen, MI! She is currently a sophomore who will be attending Walnut Hill School for the Arts, MA this fall to pursue musical theater! She is incredibly thankful for Pittsburgh CLO, Higher Voice studio, and her family for all they do! @pais_km

 

TREVOR MCCLINTOCK-COMEAUX is excited to make his debut with CLO in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. In addition to CLO’s professional development program, he participate in the Center for Theater Art’s high school musicals, recently playing Bobby Child in Crazy for You, and performs in his high school musicals at Upper St. Clair High School, this past year playing Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia!.

 

ANNA RHOADS is a rising sophomore at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School where she has been in several shows. This is Anna's first role with Pittsburgh CLO, and she is incredibly thankful to be able to be a part of such an amazing experience. Anna would like to thank PCLO and all of her teachers, family, and friends who have helped her achieve this opportunity.

 

SIMRAN SHAH a rising high school sophomore, this is Simran's first production with Pittsburgh CLO. She is delighted to be a part of this cast and is grateful to the creative team for this incredible opportunity. Simran would like to thank her family, friends, Mrs. Jackie, Daina, all of her mentors at the CLO Academy, and the cast and crew of this production. She hopes you enjoy the show!

"MORE THAN A SHOW" EVENTS:

Thanks to a generous grant provided through the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Pittsburgh CLO is pleased to announce the "More Than a Show" series to elevate your theater experience. Most events are cost-free for ticket buyers to the associated performances.

 

Create Your Own Tapestry Crafting Event

In Partnership with Contemporary Craft

Wednesday, June 24 | 6pm

Benedum Center Multipurpose Room

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical Vocal Masterclass (Ages 8-18)

Thursday, June 25 | 4pm

Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

 

Talkback with Cast of BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical

Thursday, June 25 | Immediately Following Performance

Benedum Center Orchestra Level

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

BEAUTIFUL Female Singer-Songwriter Brunch (18+)

Sunday, June 28 | 11:30am

Benedum Center Multipurpose Room

($) Event will have additional cost to cover food and beverage.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

 

Start your BEAUTIFUL matinee experience with a lively pre-show brunch buffet featuring live music from some of Pittsburgh’s top female singer-songwriters, including Pinky & Clementine, Gabriella Salvucci, and Kelsey Robinson. Enjoy an afternoon of great food, live entertainment, and the timeless music-inspired spirit of BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical. Brunch ticket includes brunch buffet plus tea and water; a cash bar will also be available.

 

Must pre-register for events and have valid ticket to the associated performance to enter the Benedum Center.

TICKET INFORMATION:

 

Tickets to All Shows On Sale Now at PITTSBURGHCLO.org or call 412-456-6666

Subscribers Save Up to 35% vs Individual Ticket Prices. Click HERE to view the 2026 Subscription Package options.

Groups (10+): Call 412-471-6930, email groupsales@trustarts.org, or visit TrustArts.org/GroupSales.