On May 23 LEGOLAND® California launches "Journey to the Lost Temple", a 25-minute musical adventure comedy featuring characters from the Park’s own Land of Adventure. The first year-round musical production in the history of LEGOLAND California, “Journey to the Lost Temple” was written by Shawn Greiner, the Park’s entertainment supervisor, specifically for children ages 2 to 12. The show features a cast of five San Diego-based actors and more than 30 volunteers pulled from the audience.
Journey to The Lost Temple is performed by a rotating cast that includes:
Michael Ahmann (Johnny Thunder)
Mr. Ahmann is a 23 year-old native San Diegan who has been performing since he was a child. Credits include: A Christmas Carol at San Diego Repertory Theatre; Godspell and Turandot for San Diego Opera; Grease; and Hamlet at La Jolla Playhouse. He performs regularly with Fern Street Circus as an acrobat and aerialist in shows throughout the city. One of his favorite summers was spent juggling in a Japanese theme park.
Rachel Dorman (Swing): is a 23 year-old San Diego native who recently graduated from San Diego Christian College with a B.A. in musical theater. She has been singing and dancing in many stages across San Diego including The Broadway Theatre, The Mt. Helix Amphitheater and The East County Performing Arts Center. Among her favorite roles are Meg in Leading Ladies, Maria in West Side Story and Belle in Beauty and the Beast.
Shannon Fitzpatrick (Swing):
Ms. Fitzpatrick is excited to be involved with the new musical at LEGOLAND. Born and raised in El Cajon, she has performed with many local theatres such as La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, Lamb's Players Theatre, San Diego Lyric Opera and Mystery Cafe Dinner Theatre. She is currently studying theatre and dance at UCSD and plans to graduate next spring. She also performs in LEGOLAND California's acrobat show The Big Test.
Mia Bella Josimovic (Pippin Reed/ Moriah the Mummy)
Ms. Josimovic is a senior at La Costa Canyon High School and has lived in Carlsbad and Encinitas most of her life. She has been performing in San Diego for more than 12 years in over 30 productions. Credits include Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown, Marian in The Music Man, Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, and her latest role as Queen Aggravain in Once Upon A Mattress.
Drew Larson (Lord Sam Sinister/ Sphinx/ Slither)
Mr. Larson was born in St. Louis, MO and raised in Houston, finally landing in Oceanside after three years at UCSC and a year in Europe. He also lived in Japan for a year. He has an M.A. from SDSU and has appeared in more than 20 professional theatrical productions across the US and in Europe.
Jenn Mandala-Gravel (Cleo/ Pippin Reed us)
Ms. Mandala-Gravel began performing at the age of 4 at her church in Ramona and never stopped. After attaining her B.A. in Drama from UC Irvine, Jenn returned to the San Diego area and began performing daily at LEGOLAND, California. Jenn has also performed at the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Starlight Theatre, Moonlight at the Avo Playhouse and with San Diego Musical Theatre in various shows and roles.
Marty Martin (Lord Sam Sinister/ Sphinx/ Slither)
Mr. Martin is no stranger to LEGOLAND California where he has been bringing laughter, smiles and water (to those in the first three rows) for more than 8 years in roles such as Fire Chief Stern, Bernie the Red knight and Brick-or-Treat favorite Jester Funny-Bones. Martin has written two original shows for LEGOLAND California that have been nominated as finalists for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Awards. His most recent effort, Skull's Eye: The Search for the Enchanted Crown, landed the top honor. He also wrote the Sphinx Song for Journey to the Lost Temple.
Dirk Stenger (Johnny Thunder)
Mr. Stenger has been involved in San Diego theatre from a very young age. Starting with an elementary school program F.A.M.E (Fine Arts Magnet Education), he has gone on to perform on the Lyceum Stage, 6th@Penn Theatre and with San Diego Lyric Opera. He has performed such roles as Marius in Les Miserables, Jekyll/Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He is extremely excited to be performing at LEGOLAND for the first time and wants to give thanks for all of the support forces in his life.
Jaysen Waller (Lord Sam Sinister/ Sphinx/ Slither)
Mr. Waller lives in Escondido, California. Regional and local theatre credits include: La Jolla Playhouse, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Sledgehammer, Moonlight Stage Productions, Playwrights Project with The Old Globe, and LEGOLAND California in the shows The Big Test, Knights Challenge and The Adventures of The S.S. ½ Mast. TV credits include a recurring role on MyNetworkTV’s Fashion House and a guest starring role on Wicked Wicked Games. He received his BA in Theatre from UCSD and is a member of AFTRA.
Christina Dasha Burns (Dasha) is a student at La Costa Canyon High School. She was born in Ukraine but grew up in San Diego. She began doing theatre when she was 7 years old and hasn’t been able to stay away from the stage ever since. She has performed in community theatres throughout San Diego and is involved in theatre at her school as well. Some of her favorite roles include Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls”, Kim in “Bye Bye Birdie”, and Frenchy in “Grease”. She feels extremely privileged to work with the talented cast and directors of “Journey to the Lost Temple” and is very excited to be performing at LEGOLAND California.