The Cast

Eleanor Hammond is a second-year English/Theater Double Major. Growing up writing pop songs on guitar in her bedroom and participating in theater shows in high school, her love for the arts was always apparent. Fantasizing about one day writing her own musical, she saw the 1916 portrait of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney by Robert Henri. The caption read that Gertrude's husband did not allow her to hang the painting in their home because she was wearing pants. From that moment, Eleanor knew she had a story to tell. She cannot wait for you to witness her debut musical Walls, and wants to thank all of her amazing family, friends, mentors, cast, and production team for making her dream become a reality!

Tessalou Valera is a first-year student at Cal and is an intended MCB major and theater minor. This is her second time performing in a musical production, and she is eager to continue to grow as a performer. She is grateful for the entire production cast and crew for being so hardworking and kind, and she hopes this musical inspires you!

Tanvi is a graduating senior double-majoring in Theater and American Studies (with an honors thesis in Augmented Reality). Over the course of their time at Cal they have acted and directed in many projects, but never a musical, so they are honored to be debuting the role of Annabelle in this original production. They are very grateful and would like to thank everyone who has made this experience so incredible!

Lea Akima has performed in various musicals since sophomore year of high school and hopes to continue pursuing her passion for musical theatre and performance throughout her whole life. Some roles she has starred in include: King Arthur in Spamalot, Glinda in The Wiz, and Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Lea is beyond proud to be a part of this wonderful team of human beings and super excited to help share this brand new musical with you all.

Luis is a Junior studying computer science. He has long dreamed of being in a musical, and would like to credit the amazing Eleanor Hammond for making his dream a reality. He is thrilled that his first ever performance is also the premiere of WALLS, and thanks the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication.

Brian is a Sophomore English Major attending UC Berkeley, and he is very excited to be a part of his first musical production. He's been acting since Sophomore year of high school, but he's never really thought himself much of a singer until he auditioned. And he couldn't be happier to be a Part of It. On top of acting, he has a strong interest in writing, music, and film.

Liam is a graduating senior studying the history of science, technology, and mathematics. Following a hiatus from professional vocal and piano lessons (as well as performing in choir, theatre, and musicals), this is the first time they have performed in musical theater since high school - they’re overjoyed to be back on the stage and singing again! Along with caring for their tortoise, Liam enjoys film, reading, and podcasts; they are also a transman and excited to be in the early stages of hormone therapy. Liam is incredibly grateful to be a part of this production and wishes to thank all involved for their humor, kindness, and enthusiasm. Cheers!

Nikita is a Freshman with an intended major in Data Science at UC Berkeley with a passion for music and theatre. From India, she’s acted in several productions including Peter Pan and Hansel and Gretel through a renowned School of Drama in her city. Now in Berkeley, she’s found her community within the arts and is grateful to be part of her first production here in this historic one-of-a-kind musical.

Michael “Mikee” Loria is from Palmdale, CA. He is currently a UC Berkeley Sophomore majoring in Theater and Performance Studies. Mikee has been a part of numerous theater companies such as Desert Opera Theater, Barestage Theater, Bindlestiff Studios, and Theater Rhinoceros. Walls will be his first musical production since high school. Mikee would like to thank his family for all the love and support a son/brother could ever ask for. He is thankful for this opportunity to work with such talented individuals, and hopes to work with them again in future productions.

Chyna Kane-Ross is a native of Oakland,Ca. She is a senior majoring in Legal Studies and double minoring in Dance and Theater Performance Studies. She has been dancing for 18 years, and acting for 11 years. A few of her other hobbies are sports, traveling, spending time in nature, reading, and trying new things!