The Whale Cast

Manuel Halkias (Charlie)
Manuel holds a Bachelor's in Education from University of Akron and is licensed to teach English, Speech, Theatre, and Journalism. When not on stage, Manuel works as an educator and the director of the speech and debate team at McKinley High School. Previous stage credits include IT"S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Clarence Odbody), SCREWTAPE (Wormwood), THE LARAMIE PROJECT (Various), AGATHA CHRISTIE'S AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (General Mackenzie) and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Narrator). Manuel has done stand up comedy and is a published writer that, in his spare time, has done 26 5K Races after surviving Stage 4 Cancer!. Manuel would like to thank the audiences -- the incredible supporters of theatre in this area and the wonderful actors, directors, and creative individuals who make these shows happen.
Victoria Kirgesner (Liz)
Victoria is 31 years old and holds a BA in Linguistics and Classics from the University of Buffalo and an MA in Linguistics from Georgetown University. Currently, Victoria teaches Latin at Cuyahoga Falls High School. No stranger to the stage, you may have seen Victoria in productions such as BLITHE SPIRIT (Elvira), ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (Elaine), EMMA (Mrs. Weston), HAPPY HOLLANDAISE! (Claire) and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (Eunice). Victoria would like to thank Kourtney, the cast and the rest of the production team for a memorable experience as well as her family and friends for their constant support and love and to the one that gives her the late night pep talks and continuous encouragement! Instagram: @vkirg. Twitter: @victoriakirg
Trenton Eaves (Elder Thomas)
Trenton is 17 years old and currently attends McKinley High School as a senior! Previous stage credits include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Seymour), ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Daniel) and DEMENTED: A FRANKENSTEIN PLAY IN TWO ACTS (Buck). Trenton is also the president of the speech and debate team at McKinley and performs in Humorous Interpretation! He would like to thank Ruth Dubinsky for getting him involved in theatre to begin with and Manuel Halkias for telling him about this opportunity and encouraging him to come audition. He would also like to thank his family and friends for their continued support.
Dakota Naples (Ellie)
Dakota is currently 21 years old and lives in Niles, Ohio where she is a bartender. She attends Youngstown State University majoring in Political Science. Past stage credits include HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE (Female Chorus). Dakota would like to thank the Avenue Arts team for the opportunity and all of her family and friends for supporting her! @dakotalmnaples
Mary Mahoney (Mary)
Mary is thrilled to be making her debut at Avenue Arts Marketplace & Theatre. She has been performing in theater for 30 years. Some of Mary's favorite rolls are Arlene in NEXT FALL (Weathervane); Doris in SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR (Coach House); Sally in David Selby's FINAL ASSAULT (Player's Guild Canton); Lenny in CRIMES OF THE HEART (Coach House) and the Witch/Lucy in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE ( Magical Theatre Company). You might recognize Mary from her role as Isley's Chipped Chop Ham lady on TV commercials. She has worked professionally in industrials, radio/TV commercials and voiceovers. "XOXO to my hubby Mark."