Zanna! A Development Staged Reading
In May 2026, LIHSA Performing Arts students performed a Developmental Staged Reading of Zanna! With book, music, and lyrics by Tim Acito and additional book and lyrics by Alex Dinelaris, this was a special and unique opportunity for students to work directly with the composer and author, Tim Acito.
The developmental reading of Zanna! came about through a connection between Theatrical Rights Worldwide, which holds the licensing rights to the original musical, Zanna, Don’t!, at LIHSA. This was a unique collaboration between students and the musical’s creator, Tim Acito, who joined the process to revisit and further develop the beloved work from its original iteration 20+ years ago. The project gave students the rare opportunity to engage directly with a writer while exploring the evolution of a musical and contributing their own artistry and perspectives to the rehearsal room.
Throughout the process, Tim shared insights into the show’s history, themes, and ongoing development while creating an environment that blended professional musical theatre practice with educational discovery. The reading offered students an invaluable firsthand look at how new work is shaped and refined while celebrating the collaborative spirit at the heart of musical theatre. At LIHSA, we are committed to ensuring that our students engage in authentic professional experiences that mirror the realities of the industry by offering unique opportunities designed specifically for them that extend far beyond a traditional classroom setting. Our dedication to creating transformative learning experiences that go beyond traditional arts education and give students direct access to the creative processes, mentorship, and professional standards of the industry is what makes The LIHSA Difference.
Production Stage Manager JESSICA HANCOCK
Additional Direction and Choreography CHRIS BRICK
Select Costume Design NOA SMIDT
Music Direction ADAM MICHAEL TILFORD
Direction & Choreography TIM ACITO
AM Class
Zanna ……………………… PAULA BARRERA
Steve ……………………… ZAC TELL
Kate ……………………… SOPHIA SACOULAS
Mike ……………………… KIERAN MAGUIRE
Roberta ……………………… ANGELICA VIVIANI
Tank/Principal Cooper ………………………. MADISON VITALE
Candi/Paramedic 2/Bus Depot Announcer ………………………JULIA DEAN
Arvin/Paramedic 1 ……………………… DEVEREN FLYNN
Officer Miller/Burger Palace Cashier ………………………SOLANA LOPEZ
PM Class
Zanna ……………………… XEN BAZEMORE
Steve ……………………… NICK ALLEN
Kate ……………………… CASSIDY PAUL
Mike ……………………… COOPER daSILVA
Roberta ……………………… ALLY ANGELL
Tank ……………………… ADRIAN ANDRADE
Candi ……………………… OLIVIA CARMODY
Arvin ……………………… LYLA DANKNER
Janet ……………………… NEVAEH ABRAHAM
Officer Miller/Principal Cooper ……………………… JOHNNIE SPECHT
Burger Palace Cashier/Bus Depot Announcer ……………………… EMERSON RATHBUN
Paramedic 1 ……………………… AVERY FERRARA
Paramedic 2 ……………………… DRUE MILLER
Students …………………. NEVAEH ABRAHAM, AVERY FERRARA, OLIVIA MARCHESE, DRUE MILLER, EMERSON RATHBUN, JOHNNIE SPECHT, CHLOE ZITTEL
ZANNA! is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
