A Brief History of Weathervane Playhouse 5
Thank You to our Production Underwriters 5
Weathervane Boards and Staff 7
Our Generous Donors 8
In the Harris Family Gallery 11
Thanks to our Hard-Working Volunteers 13
The Hunchback of Notre Dame 15
About the Show and Creators 16
The Cast 17
Scenes and Musical Numbers 18
Cast Biographies 19
Creative Team Biographies 24
ADVERTISING Onstage Publications 937-424-0529 | 866-503-1966 e-mail: [email protected] www.onstagepublications.com The Weathervane Playhouse program is published in association with Onstage Publications, 1612 Prosser Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45409. The Weathervane Playhouse program may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Onstage Publications is a division of Just Business!, Inc. Contents © 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
weathervane playhouse 3 4 weathervane playhouse a brief history of weathervane playhouse
From the “barn” to Copley Road to the Valley …
Weathervane Community Playhouse began its run in 1935. Four artistically talented Woman’s City Club members–Grace Hower Crawford, Muriel MacLachlan, Laurine Schwan, Helen Troesch– and a core of charter members rented the empty carriage house belonging to Akron’s Senator Charles Dick. Their goal was to present a wide spectrum of plays: classics, dramas, comedies, new works–even opera–with casting open to anyone who fit a part.
The women chose a carnival as their fundraiser to start paying the rent. Despite a drenching downpour, they raised $60. They named their space “Weathervane” after the rooster on the barn’s cupola. After cleaning their new home, scrounging for seats, a curtain and a coffee pot, Weathervane opened its first season. During that summer of 1935, the group presented seven fully costumed and staged plays. In 1936, Muriel MacLachlan, with the other founders, offered classes to children and adults, beginning a tradition that has become today’s Education Department. In 1938, a Women’s Board was formed to offer volunteer financial assistance. This group is now the Volunteer Guild.
The “barn” was home until it was sold. In 1951 the Playhouse purchased a cement block building at 1474 Copley Road and renovated it for a theater with seating capacity of 125. The all-volunteer organization hired its first employee, Nora Scott, as custodian/ticket manager. Actual management of the Playhouse was handled by the Operating Board, which reported to the Board of Trustees. Because directors were becoming scarce, the Board hired Bob Belfance as full-time Manager/Director. He held the position from 1961-1969 and from 1974-1992. During the Copley Road days, plays were presented six days a week. Because of their popularity, not everyone who wanted to see a show could be accommodated. A new home was planned.
During the 1960s, the membership’s plans came together in June 1970 with the opening of Dark of the Moon here on Weathervane Lane. Longtime friend and founder Grace Hower Crawford died in 1971, remembering the Playhouse in her will. Her money enabled the Board to pare down the mortgage and set up an Endowment Fund. The last mortgage payment was made in 1974 through a contribution of the Women’s Board. Three major additions followed: these included first-floor restrooms, classrooms, a costume shop, fly gallery and elevator. The former scene shop became the John L. Dietz Theater/Classroom in 2005 and the lobby project was completed in 2009 in time for the opening of the 75th season. Weathervane is proud to celebrate its 84th season.
MISSION STATEMENT To enrich quality of life and engage the community through theatre and education.
thank you to our production underwriters
Helen AARP Fleming
Margaret J. Dietz
weathervane playhouse 5 6 weathervane playhouse weathervane boards and staff
2018-2019 Board of Trustees Executive Committee Trustees President:...... April Deming Pat Ameling Joe Geiger First Vice President:...... William Kist Kathy Ashcroft Ian Haberman Second Vice President:...... Mary Kay Finn Frank Castorena Diane Johnson Secretary:...... Lisa Armstrong Mike Chapman Coco Mayer Treasurer:...... David Bird Wendy Cooley Eileen Moushey Trustee-at-Large:...... Debbie Shama-Davis Jaqueline DeBose Nancy Schaffer Dick Ellison Dean Uher Barry Friedman Alex VanAllen Diane Geiger Ali Whitley
2018-2019 Volunteer Guild Executive Board President...... Nancy M. Schafer Treasurer...... Helen Vari Vice President...... Beverly Ricks Member-at-Large...... Bunny Lacey Correspondent Secretary...... Bess Raines
Weathervane Staff Melanie YC Pepe...... Chief Executive/ Kathy Kohl...... Assistant Technical Director Artistic Director Jasen J. Smith...... Resident Costume Designer/ Joshua T. Larkin...... Business Manager Costume Shop Manager Fred Gloor...... Associate Artistic/ Kira Brown...... Costume Intern Marketing Director Kellie Rossini...... Master Electrician Keith Campbell...... Director of Nancy Humes...... Administrative Associate Audience Development Scott K. Davis...... Coordinator of Volunteers Aimee Lambes...... Patron Services Manager Lauren Sprowls...... Education Director Justyn Jaymes...... Director of Development Kim Shores...... Bookkeeper Richard Morris, Jr...... Technical Director/ Resident Scenic Designer
For an Enjoyable Theater Experience PLEASE: • Turn OFF your cell phone because even silenced calls and text messages interfere with the sound system backstage, on stage, and throughout the theater. • Be sure your cell phone is turned off again after intermission when appropriate. • If you are using an Assistive Listening headset, please turn off your hearing aids to avoid feedback. • NO PHOTOS or VIDEO inside the theater or recording of the show in any way. • Food and drinks are permitted in the auditorium, but please consume them quietly out of respect to your fellow audience members and performers.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: • Please remain seated until the house lights have come up at Intermission and after the curtain call. • NOTE: in case of an emergency in which the performance cannot continue, Calamity Vouchers will be issued for a future performance.
weathervane playhouse 7 our generous donors
DIAMOND GOLD Steven P. Schmidt and ($7,500 & ABOVE) ($500 - $999) Richard J. Krochka The Estate of Vaughn Austin Sophie and Steve Albrecht Gordon and Janis Seward Clear Gold Audio and Lighting James and Lisa* Armstrong Kenneth Silioac The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Mark and Sandy Auburn Sue and Richard Smith Foundation Rollie and Mary Bauer Sarah and James Steiner Mary & Dr. Goerge L. Demetros Richard* and Alexandra VanAllen Charitable Trust Mary Beth Ellison Ellen and Jack Vollman Margaret J. Dietz Fred and Sherry Gloor Weathervane Volunteer Guild GAR Foundation Meg* and Steve Hopp Mary Wolfman The John A. McAlonan Fund of the Jim Horvath Mona Yasutake Akron Community Foundation Jesse Hurst Betty and Ken Zeigler The Ohio Arts Council Doug and Kathy Kohl Roush Memorial Fund of the Akron David and Bernadette Mann PATRON Community Foundation Loren “Coco” Mayer* ($150 - $249) Jean P. Stevens Fund of the Akron Paul Orchosky Tom Abdoo Community Foundation Roger Read Patricia* Ameling Vickie and Mark Simmons Ken and Carol Button PLATINUM William L. and Catherine and George Csanyi ($1,000 - $7,499) Cathleen M. Smith Jaqueline* DeBose Aimee Lambes Photography Sue Snyder John D.* and Richard P. Susan C. Baker Darwin L. Steele Grafton/Worswick Mary and David* Bird Shelli and Dean* Uher Ha Family Boggess Memorial Foundation Helen and Frank Vari Corina and Michael Gaffney Gail Cheslock Sean and Elise Vollman Emily Ha Corinne L. Dodero Foundation Ken Hardman for the Arts and Sciences SILVER Judy Holder Bill and Eileen DeWood ($250 - $499) Diane M. Johnson* Fairlawn Area Chamber Akrochem Stephanie and William* Kist of Commerce Verne L. and Keith A. Klafehn Helen D. Fleming Linda S. Adamson Mary Beth Kluge Gay Community Endowment Lynn and Charles Asente Richard and Judy Kotick Fund of the Akron Kathleen E. Ashcroft* Bill and Sally Manby Community Foundation Mary Ann and Doug Bell Patricia E. Marmaduke In Memory of Cleveland Black Oxide Margaret C. McBride Judith Davis Holliday Wendy* and Ralph Cooley Shelia Motter David L. Jesse* Judi and Scott Dalton Stephen and Eileen* Moushey Tom and Shelley Koutnik Steve and Debbie* Davis Barb and Jim Shriner Jim and Maureen Kovach Daniel and Shelley DeBolt Tom Stephan The Beatrice K. McDowell April* and David Deming Alasandra Whitley, REALTOR at Family Fund of the Akron Mary Kay* and Terrence Finn RE/MAX Crossroads Community Foundation Barry Friedman* Karen Wood Millennium Fund for Stephannie* and Ellen Garrett Children of the Akron John and Diana Gayer SUSTAINING Community Foundation Ian Haberman* ($100 - $149) Moffitt Foundation Roy and Mary Hartz Mark Allio OMNOVA Solutions Foundation Jay Hershey Kristabeth Balchak and Melanie and Christopher Pepe Drs. Charles and Rob Boxler Peg’s Foundation Sumru Johnson Ted and Jenny Banker PNC Bank Richard Lund Bob and Patty Berger Michael D. Russell David W. Mann Rebecca De Bolt Siebert Keck Insurance Martha Mazak Shelley and Daniel Boyle Smith Memorial Foundation Sean McConaha Richard Brockett Dr. Aileen Thong Gene Karlen and Ron Meinen Donne Clark Visit Mickey Vacations James Miller Diane Cuirle Welty Family Foundation Nicole and Ron Mullis Robert W. Dague Liz and Charlie Nelson Elizabeth A. Dalton Pat Obenour Henry Dietz Jo Ann Oelschlager In the name of Margaret Dietz Ian and Marta Oppenheim Frances E. Fischer Ted and Lucy* Randles Dewayne and Judy Fulton
Donations as of August 1, 2018 8 weathervane playhouse our generous donors
Ken and Vicki Gessford Fletcher and Donna Carroll Robert Strother Bart P. and Lois Jean Hamilton Frank Castorena* Dennis and Linda Sullivan Dale Gilbert and Millie Keyser Scott Davis Carol Zeh Gloria Gooden Scott K. Davis Shaheen A. Harris Wendy S. Duke *Denotes Trustee Tatiana and Richard Harris Richard and Shelley Duxbury Linda A. Heath Sandra and Arne Englehart Kathryn Hibbard In Honor of IN MEMORY OF Ronald and Kay Hine Emily Audra Fleisher PAT OBENOUR Sally A. Kandel Rose Gabriele Foti Karen and Patrick Burridge Robert Logan Diane Geul Mrs. Mary Ann Cook Margaret McDowell Lloyd Fred and Lizabeth Gloor Wendy and Ralph Cooley Jo McGarvey Jerry and Tamara Gonsiewski Margaret Dietz Libby Merriman Merna Green Mrs. Shirley Herbert Lois Murray Karen C. Greenlee Mrs. Evie Kidder Barbara B. O’Connor Richard and Alice Gross Adrian and Sean Lewis Jennifer O’Neill Janice M. Gui Mrs. Mitzi Mild John O’Neill Linda Heath Mrs. Lois Murray Glenn and Donna Orr Rose Herdon Mary and family Obenour George and Donna Payerle Gretchen Hyland Barbara B. O’Connor Jean Questel Timothy and Patricia Jolly Mrs. James O’Connor Richard Shirey Frank Jozsa Jean Questel Lois Simmons Dr. and Mrs. C. William Keck Ralph and Adrian Rapp Ethel Soudry David W. Kellogg Mrs. Ruth Skidmore Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stone B.J. Kipling Alice and John Venier James Switzer and Kevin and Valerie Kreider Gretchen Laatsch Joshua Larkin IN MEMORY OF In Memory of Patsy Tennant Diane and Oren Leblanc CONNIE VELOTTA James and Nancy Tobar Sandy Leith Frank and Helen Vari John L. Dietz Theater Deanna and Gregg Manes The Weathervane Volunteer Guild In the name of Margaret Bob McElwee and Kimberly John and Paula Troche Gloor McElwee Tom and Shirley Waltermire Helen and Larry McWilliams Wayne and Ida Walker Bruce Mericle Would you like to appear on Sarah Wright Sophia and Larry Morton our donor page? You can use this David Muniak QR code to make a donation CONTRIBUTORS JoAnne Nally to Weathervane Playhouse ($25 - $99) Harvey and Sharon Nerhood via PayPal. Patti and Mike Alderson Patti and Mike Passarelli Mary Lu Barbour Joseph F. Rapotec Chelby Benson Bob and Sonta Robinson Fred Berry Dr. John and Patty Saks Jeffrey Bixby Patricia Sattler Loretta E. Bower Cindi Shama Winnie Brown Mike and Diantha Siebert Keith Campbell Randall D. Snure Mary and Glenn Campbell Janet Stewart
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10 weathervane playhouse in the harris family gallery
Hunchback History I wanted this exhibit to feature the role of hunchbacks throughout history. The hunchback has been part of literature, opera, plays, and films for many years. Many of us are only familiar with the silent film starring Lon Chaney, or, the later film with Charles Laughton and Maureen O’Hara. Of course, these films were based on Victor Hugo’s book, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, which was published in 1831. In 1996, Walt Disney Animated Studios made an animated film of the famous story and added music. A musical play was adapted from the film and new songs were added. “Rigoletto”, an opera in three acts by Italian composer Giuseppi Verdi, based on a play by Victor Hugo, features a hunchback in the title role. There are also films of the opera. A hunchback is the title character in William Shakespeare’s play “Richard the III”. “Richard the III” has also been made into several films. Of course, there is Igor, the lab assistant, in both “Frankenstein” and “Young Frankenstein” and other horror films. There are many depictions of hunchbacks in paintings, engravings and books going back a few centuries. This display also features the work of Robert A. Kraus (RAK), well known local fantasy artist. His original artwork presents unique interpretations of the “Hunchback of Notre Dame” characters, and movie posters embellished with his original artwork. Robert is the creator of the famous board game, “Dragon War” and the hundreds of expansions to go with it. RAK is involved in many Comic Cons throughout the year and many of the Wizard World Cons. Visit www.rakgraphics.com to see all his work. The artwork by Robert A. Kraus is for sale. If you wish to make a purchase, please inquire at the Box Office or the Gift Shop. RAK has generously offered to donate a portion of the proceeds of any sales to Weathervane. Thank you for supporting the arts!
Marci Paolucci Gallery Curator
weathervane playhouse 11 12 weathervane playhouse thanks to our hard-working volunteers
Many thanks to the dozens of volunteers who have recently contributed time and talents. Ben Arrington Harriet DeVeto Joanna Mack Cindi Shama Grace Bailey Patrick Dukeman Bridgett Martinez Linda Shaw Tina Bailey Tonya Duus Connor Mast Jay Sigler Simon Bailey Brandi Eaton Jason Maurer Jack Steele Jenny Banker Denise Eletich Coco Mayer Barb Steinbrick MaryLu Barbour MaryKay Finn Aurora McCloud Tom Stephan Thomas Baumgardner Jill Forster Mari McCloud Prudence Stephenson Phyllis Bernel Cheryle Franks Riley McCloud Evelyn Stevens Alexa Bird Katy Froelich Connor McFalls Laura Stitt Jackson Bird Sally Froelich Laura McFalls Patrick Sullivan Makenna Bird Dale Gilbert Sean McFalls Dominique Surace Tiffany Bird Lisa Goldstein Grace Mitri Rick Taylor Maria Bradbury Casey Ha Michael Moyseenko Melissa Tippin Bob Brauning Jeremy Ha Julia Mullin Hazen Tober Drea Brown Sara Ha Kathy Mullin Barbara Trotter Kira Brown Kenneth Hardman Christine Naizer Jahlil Underwood Eleanor Cambell Melanie Hauer Serena Naizer Alexandra VanAllen Chris Capron Hannah Herraiz Megan Nelson Noah Vandegrift Owen Casino Meg Hopp Laura Niehaus Robin Vandegrift Lindsay Chapman Amanda Jarrell Lauren Odioso Verna VanderKooi Logan Chapman Kate Johnson John O’Neill Nate Vanderneut Mike Chapman Ginny Kelleher David Panyathon Maggie Vollman Greg Cinko Millie Keyser Marci Paolucci Sara Vollman Libby Cinko Beth Kitchen Madison Pelle Sean Vollman Lucas Cinko Elek Kitchen Stephen Pfister Eva Wagner Jeannie Clarkson Ilona Kitchen Katlyn Rankins Abby Whitney Conor Clawson Jim Kitchen Maxwell Rees Kim Whitney Steve Clawson Al Klesh Ruth Richardson Scott Whitney Wendy Cooley John Kraus Beverly Ricks Richard Worswick Jason Copen Doug Kubinski Taylor Rinn Max Winer Pam Costa Skye Kubinski Corina Rivera Jonathon Yokiel Gary Davis Allison Kump Mary Rohrer Vanessa Yovanovich ScottK. Davis Josh Larkin Rob Rohrer John Zido Sue Davis Sarah LavenderNees Kellie Rossini April Deming Ayron Lord Kaya Sandel Dave Deming Abigail Lyman Nancy Schafer
For volunteer hours worked during July, 2018
weathervane playhouse 13 For over 80 years, and more than 700 productions, Weathervane Playhouse has entertained our community with high quality live theater. It has been a place for people of all backgrounds to experience and appreciate live theater onstage, backstage or in the audience. We are proud to be associated with Weathervane Playhouse.
News w Talk w Sports For over 80 years, and more than 700 productions, Weathervane Playhouse has entertained our community with high quality live theater. It has been a place for people of all backgrounds to experience and appreciate live theater onstage, backstage or in the audience. We are proud to be associated with Weathervane Playhouse.
News w Talk w Sports about the creators
ALAN MENKEN (Author) Stage musicals: God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater; Little Shop of Horrors; Beauty and The Beast; A Christmas Carol; Disney’s The Little Mermaid; Sister Act; Leap of Faith; Newsies; Aladdin; The Hunchback of Notre Dame; The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and A Bronx Tale . Film work: The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast (animated), Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Enchanted, Tangled, Sausage Party, Beauty and the Beast (live version). Television credits: Sesame Street, Lincoln, The Neighbors, Galavant, Tangled. Awards: 2012 Tony®, Drama Desk, 8 Oscars®, 11 Grammy® Awards, 7 Golden Globes®, London’s Evening Standard, the Olivier and Outer Critics Circle. Other: Songwriters Hall of Fame, Billboard’s #1 single and album, Disney Legend, star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Doctorates from NYU and the North Carolina School of the Arts.
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ (Music) wrote the music and lyrics for the current Broadway hit WICKED, and has also contributed music and/or lyrics to Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, The Baker’s Wife, Working (which he also adapted and directed), Rags, and Children of Eden. He collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on the English texts for Bernstein’s Mass and wrote the title song for the play and movie Butterflies are Free. For children, he has written songs for two musicals, Captain Louie and My Son Pinocchio. He has also worked in film, collaborating with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s Enchanted as well as the animated features Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and writing the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature The Prince of Egypt. His first opera, Séance on a Wet Afternoon, was produced at Opera Santa Barbara and New York City Opera. A book about his career, Defying Gravity, has been released by Applause Books. Mr. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Awards include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a tiny handful of tennis trophies.
PETER PARNELL (Book) most recently wrote the new book for the Broadway revival of Lerner and Lane’s On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, starring Harry Connick Jr. and Jessie Mueller. His plays include Trumpery (Atlantic Theatre Company), QED starring Alan Alda (Mark Taper Forum, Vivian Beaumont, LCT), a two-part stage adaptation of John Irving’s The Cider House Rules (Seattle Rep, Taper, Atlantic, American Theatre Critics Association Award). His other plays, Sorrows of Stephen, The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket, Romance Language, Hyde in Hollywood, Flaubert’s Latest, and An Imaginary Life, were first produced by the Public Theater and at Playwrights Horizons. For television, Parnell was a co-producer for The West Wing (two Emmy Award citations), and a producer for The Guardian, Inconceivable, and Six Degrees. His children’s book And Tango Makes Three, co- authored with Justin Richardson, was an American Library Association Notable Book, a Henry Bergh Award winner, and has either headed or been on the ALA’S Top Ten List of Most Banned Books from 2006-2012. Parnell has served on the Literary Award Committee of PEN, and has taught writing at Dartmouth, the New School, Columbia, the Yale School of Drama, and currently at NYU. He proudly serves as Vice-President of The Dramatists Guild.
16 weathervane playhouse cast list
CAST LIST Quasimodo...... TONY HEFFNER Dom Claude Frollo...... THOMAS BAUMGARDNER Esmeralda...... BROOKE LYTTON Phoebus Du Martin...... JONATHAN MERECHANT Clopin Trouillefou...... MICHAEL MOYSEENKO Jehan...... BENJAMIN ARRINGTON Saint Aphrodisius...... GARY DAVIS King Louis XI...... TYLER FERREBEE Florika...... TÉA WITTMANN Father Dupin/Tribunal...... ADAM C. ALDERSON Lt. Frederic Charlus...... JASON COPEN Madam...... LAURA NIEHAUS Congregants...... GARY DAVIS, MELISSA TIPPIN, MARGO TIPPING
Gargoyles...... BENJAMIN ARRINGTON, JASON COPEN, TYLER FERREBEE, LAURA NIEHAUS, TÉA WITTMANN, PATRICK SULLIVAN, SARAH JANE TOY, ALEXANDRA VANALLEN
Ensemble...... SYDNEY BANKS, OWEN CASINO, EMILY CONTI, CASEY HA, KATE JOHNSON, CONNOR MAST, JASON BRYAN MAURER, MADISON PELLE, MARY ROHRER, PATRICK RYEL, JASEN J. SMITH, VANESSA YOVANOVICH
weathervane playhouse 17 scenes and musical numbers
SETTING Paris, 1482
THERE WILL BE ONE 10-MINUTE INTERMISSION
ACT ONE Olim...... Congregation, Choir The Bells of Notre Dame...... Congregation, Choir, Frollo, Jehan, Father Dupin Sanctuary...... Frollo, Quasimodo Out There...... Quasimodo Topsy Turvy...... Clopin, Quasimodo, Revelers, Choir Rest and Recreation...... Phoebus, Frollo, Clopin, Revelers, Soldiers, Choir Rhythm of the Tambourine...... Esmeralda, Phoebus, Frollo, Quasimodo, Clopin Topsy Turvy (Reprise)...... Clopin, Esmeralda, Revelers, Choir Sanctuary II...... Frollo, Quasimodo God Help the Outcasts...... Esmeralda, Parishioners, Choir Top of the World...... Esmeralda, Quasimodo, Statues, Gargoyles Tavern Song (Thai Mol Piyas)...... Gypsies, Esmeralda, Frollo Heaven’s Light...... Quasimodo Hellfire...... Frollo, Priests, Choir Esmeralda...... Company
ACT TWO Entr’acte...... Choir Agnus Dei...... Choir Flight into Egypt...... Saint Aphrodisius, Quasimodo, Statues, Gargoyles, Choir The Court of Miracles...... Clopin, Gypsies In a Place of Miracles...... Phoebus, Esmeralda, Quasimodo, Clopin, Gypsies, Choir Someday...... Esmeralda, Phoebus Made of Stone...... Quasimodo, Statues, Gargoyles Judex Crederis/KyrieEleison...... Company Finale Ultimo...... Company
ORCHESTRA
Edward Ridley, Jr., Musical Director, Keyboards Trent Kay Maverick, Keyboards Patrick Wagner, Drums and Percussion
18 weathervane playhouse cast biographies
TONY HEFFNER (Quasimodo) provided to sing with the Wooster College Opera is thrilled to be at Weathervane as program. Additional education was acquired on part of this amazing production! an ad hoc basis, by being willing to sing or try He resides in Berea and has anything, from Motown to Mozart, a method participated in many productions Tom heartily endorses. in the greater Cleveland area including Cassidy Theatre, Cain Park, The BROOKE LYTTON (Esmeralda) Brecksville Theatre, and Beck Center. Some of Brooke Lytton (Esmerelda) is Tony’s favorite credits include Next to Normal happy to be back at Weathervane (Gabe), Bonnie and Clyde: A New Musical (Clyde after last season’s Young Barrow), American Idiot (Johnny), Urinetown: Frankenstein. She was most The Musical (Bobby Strong), The 25th Annual recently seen in Bare at Western Putnam County Spelling Bee (Leaf Coneybear/ Reserve Playhouse as Rory. Other favorite credits Carl Dad/Olive’s Dad), and Catch Me If You include Cathy (The Last Five Years), Claire Can: The Musical (Frank Abagnale, Jr.). When (Ordinary Days), Marcy (I Love You Because), not on the stage, Tony is an instructor at The Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Little Gym of Rocky River teaching gymnastics, Dreamcoat), and Mother (Ragtime). She would sports, and dance to children ages 4 months to like to thank her family and friends for their love 12 years. Tony would like to thank his family and and support. friends for always supporting him in all he does! “GBOGB! For Bug.” JONATHAN MERECHANT (Phoebus Du Martin) has been on THOMAS BAUMGARDNER the Weathervane stage in Disney’s (Dom Claude Frollo) Husband, The Little Mermaid (Sebastian), Father, Grandfather, and Singer, The 25th Annual Putnam County Tom has been drawn to the arts Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney), throughout his life. He has been a Hair (tribe), Peter Pan (Starkey), Oklahoma! (Ali soldier, a nurse, a truck driver, and Hakim), and Hairspray (Seaweed J. Stubbs). many other things in a paisley career, but always, He made his backstage crew debut on the a singer. Tom has sung in Madame Butterflyand props crew for Dracula. You also may recall his The Magic Flute at Wooster College with director/ many performances in Joseph and the Amazing performer Todd Ranney, in comic operas The Technicolor Dreamcoat from 2007 to 2012. Other Rose Of Algiers and Little Johnny Jones with the roles include Dr. Watson in Art of Deduction: Canton Comic Operas with Joseph Rubin, and Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes and The Cat has had solo performances with Summit Choral in the Hat in Seussical, both at Weathervane. Society at St. Bernard’s/St. Mary’s in Akron, as Other credits include Benjamin Coffin III in well as dinner theater showings with the Canton Rent at North Canton Playhouse, ensemble in Repertory, where anything from Broadway Ragtime at Kent State University and ensemble in to nightclub to Motown was performed. For The Producers at Firestone High School. Jonathan four years, he performed as a soloist and choir currently attends The University of Akron. member in the Larry Wilgus Christmas Music Spectacular at the Akron Civic Theater. Church MICHAEL MOYSEENKO music remains a strong part of Tom’s musical (Clopin Trouillefou) is delighted career, appearing regularly at local churches, to be returning to Weathervane especially the Unity Chapel in Akron. Five years Playhouse to beguile you as ago, Tom performed in Xanadu at Weathervane Clopin–King of the Gypsies! and was astonished to find how much there Michael studied at Bowling Green is still to learn. Last year he worked again with State University, where he received a BMA in Weathervane in Christmas Carol and learned still Music Education, with a concentration in opera. more! Tom trained with Clifford Billions at the Michael’s most recent theatrical involvements as University of Akron, and took instruction and an actor or as part of a directing team include training as well with Todd Ranney, whom he Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Prince), The Addams wishes to thank for the opportunities Mr. Ranney Family (Music Director), Seussical the Musical (Director), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Music
weathervane playhouse 19 cast biographies
Director/Prince Eric), Grease (Director), The overwhelming support, and the cast and crew for King and I (King Mongkut), Die Fledermaus being such a pleasure to work with! (Dr. Falke), Pirates of Penzance (chorus), and The Merry Widow (chorus). Michael is forever TÉA WITTMANN (Florika/ grateful for the love and support of his friends, Gargoyle) was born and raised family, and “heaven’s light,” Melissa. Please enjoy in Darmstadt, Germany. She has this magnificent production, and thank you for always sung in the choir for school your support of local theatre and Weathervane and took piano lessons. At 17 Playhouse. Brother, you’re there! she moved to St. Croix (USVI), an island in the Caribbean, and attended High BENJAMIN ARRINGTON School there for two years, where she discovered (Jehan/Gargoyle) is excited to her interest in musicals. After graduating from be making his Weathervane Country Day School she went to Stage & Playhouse debut in one of his Musical School in Frankfurt, Germany. Within favorite musicals. He has been the three years of studying she was seen on acting in the Akron/Canton area stage in different plays such as Fame, a school for over a decade in dozens of productions. His production, and Jekyll & Hyde, a production of favorite previous credits include The 25th Annual the city Theatre of Lahnstein. After graduating Putnam County Spelling Bee (Leaf), Sweeney from Stage & Musical School, she was in the Todd (Beadle Bamford), Shrek the Musical (Lord show Mass by Leonard Bernstein, produced Farquaad), Dogfight (Fector), and All Shook Up by Konzertchor Darmstadt, got to perform All (Dennis). Ben spends his time playing guitar, That Jazz in the Opera House Frankfurt for playing Zelda, and playing house with kids at his the Hessian Movie Awards, which led to an day job. employment in the State Theatre Darmstadt in Footloose, this last May. GARY DAVIS (Saint Aphrodisius/ Congregant) is the husband of ADAM C. ALDERSON (Father longtime Weathervane lighting Dupin/Tribunal) is pleased to be designer, volunteer, and four-time performing in his fifth musical on Chanticleer winner Susan Davis. the Weathervane stage! Seen most He ended his long retirement from recently in his Chanticleer Award- the stage, which started with the birth of their winning performance as the Baker children, with Weathervane’s summer production in Into the Woods, Adam has also performed of Into the Woods. Gary is a tenor whose previous roles throughout northern Ohio. Favorite roles performance was in Weathervane’s A Little Night include Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, Music and has also performed with Cleveland Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came to Opera (including Aida, Carousel, Cavalleria Dinner, Herr Schultz in Cabaret, and Gregory Rusticana and the world premiere of Stewart Poynter in Weathervane’s Relatively Speaking. Copeland’s Holy Blood & Crescent Moon), the Adam has also worked backstage as a director, Cleveland Orchestra and Akron Symphony music director, and dialect coach. He would like Choruses, University of Akron’s Opera to thank his wife, Patti, his son, Alex, his family Workshop (including Mozart’s Magic Flute and and co-workers for their unfailing support of his The Fantasticks), Geauga Lyric Theater Guild theatrical pursuits. (Brigadoon), and more Stow Players productions than he can remember. JASON COPEN (Lt. Frederic Charlus/Gargoyle) As a lifelong TYLER FERREBEE (King Disney and theater fan, he is Louis XI/Gargoyle) is making a beyond thrilled to be making his return to the Weathervane stage Weathervane debut in this special as King Louis XI and a Gargoyle. production! He was recently He was last seen here as Annas in in the Canton Players Guild production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Tyler would The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Choir), and like to thank his friends and family for their locally he has performed in the Curtain Up fundraiser for North Canton Playhouse since
20 weathervane playhouse cast biographies
2015. Jason has had the privilege of singing at ALEXANDRA VANALLEN Carnegie Hall in New York City with Keith and (Gargoyle) is proud to be back Kristyn Getty every December since 2014, and on the Weathervane stage. She has been a part of the choir and vocal team at was last seen as the Witch in last The Chapel in Akron and Green for 20 years. He season’s production of Into the received a B.A. in vocal music from Kent State Woods. Previous Weathervane University. Phil 4:13 credits are Rebecca in It Shoulda Been You and Inga in Young Frankenstein. VanAllen has been LAURA NIEHAUS (Madam/ participating in theatrical productions since she Gargoyle) was recently seen on the was eight years old and is happy to have found Weathervane stage as Mrs. Merkle a new theater family at Weathervane. When in Bye Bye Birdie and as Aunt she isn’t performing, she works as the Business Shelia in It Shoulda Been You. She Development Manager for Kisling, Nestico and is excited to join this production Redick, spends time with family, and participates of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Laura would in charity functions sponsored by her work. She like to thank her family for supporting her from would like to take the opportunity to thank that production, to this, and beyond. Marissa for the opportunity to be part of this talented cast. MELISSA TIPPIN (Congregant) is very excited to be back in SARAH JANE TOY (Gargoyle) another Weathervane production. is excited to be back on the Melissa received a BS from Weathervane stage! She has been Heidelberg University, where performing and choreographing she studied Music and Business for 13 years and has been in Administration. She is currently studying Arts 47+ shows. She’s grateful for the Administration at the University of Akron. opportunity to be a part of this show. Some Originally from Bryan, Ohio, Melissa was of her most recent roles include Logainne most recently seen in Weathervane Playhouse’s (Schwartzy) in The 25th Annual Putnum County production of Into the Woods as Cinderella. She Spelling Bee, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, has previously appeared in Heidelberg University (Weathervane Playhouse) and Miss Sandra Theatre and Ritz Players productions such as (North Canton Playhouse). Shrek the Musical (Fiona), Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), Betty’s Summer Vacation (Trudy), Almost PATRICK SULLIVAN Maine (Rhonda), as well as numerous Fountain (Gargoyle) is currently in his City Festival productions including The Addams junior year at Archbishop Hoban Family (Wednesday Addams) and Fiddler on the High School in Akron. He has Roof (Hodel). She would like to thank her family most recently appeared in the and fiancée for their continuous love and support, 2018 All-City musical Jesus Christ as well as the cast and crew of Hunchback of Notre Superstar (King Herod), Archbishop Hoban’s Dame. Enjoy the show! Oklahoma! (Will Parker) and Godspell (Jesus). Other credits include The Addams Family MARGO TIPPING (Congregant) (Pugsley) and the 2017 All-City musical, Mary is honored to be a congregant in Poppins (ensemble). Patrick is a 6-year member The Hunchback of Notre Dame. of ETC show choir, a 3-year member of Student Margo is 16 years old and is Council, and a manager for the varsity basketball a junior at Walsh Jesuit High team at Hoban. He hopes you enjoy the show. School. Margo is in Harmony Gold Show Choir and performs with Centerstage KATE LYNNE JOHNSON Theatre at Walsh. Margo has been various (Ensemble) of Dover Ohio, is productions including Godspell, Legally Blonde, making her debut performance A Christmas Carol, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, on the Weathervane stage. Kate and Clue. Margo also played Mary Magdalene has been active in community in Akron Civic’s All-City Musical production of theatre since 2004, and is thrilled Jesus Christ Superstar. Margo would like to family to be a part of such a talented and professional and friends for always supporting her. weathervane playhouse 21 cast biographies cast and theatre. Her most recent roles were, MARY ROHRER (Ensemble) Fiona in Shrek The Musical, Rose in Meet Me will be starting her senior year at in St. Louis, Lorraine Sheldon in The Man Firestone CLC this fall. There she Who Came To Dinner, and Alice Beineke in participates in the ASA program The Addams Family. When she is not at the for Dance, and is a member of ‘theatre’, Kate works as a Customer Service the Madrigal and Symphonic Representative at IAITAM in Canton, and enjoys Choirs. She also plays soccer, softball, and is in spending time with her boyfriend, drawing, and the Catalina Club. Mary has been dancing with singing Karaoke. Miss Sheena Mason for 13 years. She was most recently in Chicago at FHS, where she played VANESSA YOVANOVICH “Liz” (“POP”). She got to be a part of the Dazzle (Ensemble) could not be happier Awards in Cleveland, where the show won 4 to be back on the Weathervane out of their 6 nominations. Her other favorite stage. You might have seen her last shows she has been in include Bye Bye Birdie as Lucinda in Into the Woods. Some and Hairspray at Weathervane, and Godspell at of her favorite roles include I Never Rubber City Theatre. “Thank you to my friends Saw Another Butterfly (Irca), Hello, Dolly! (Dolly), and family for supporting me, and to my teachers A Christmas Carol (Clara/Bessie Fezziwig). Other for helping me get where I am today!” credits include Sweeney Todd, South Pacific, Carmen, Beauty and the Beast and Bye Bye Birdie. CONNOR MAST (Ensemble) is She would like to dedicate this performance as ecstatic to make his Weathervane well as every other to her grandmother. debut. Connor is from Millersburg and has done many JASON BRYAN MAURER shows and musicals including (Ensemble) is glad to be Disney’s The Little Mermaid, working with this bright cast in Arsenic and Old Lace, Peter Pan, Cat on a Hot Tin Weathervane’s second mainstage Roof, and Shrek The Musical. Connor would like show of the 2018-2019 season. to thank Marissa and Josh for making him a part Jason is a multiple Chanticleer of this wonderful show and the cast and crew for winner. Jason is glad to be singing and acting in all their hard work. this show, which marks his fourth time on stage. This will be his first appearance that has not been OWEN CASINO (Ensemble) an emergency casting choice (bad joke, but hey graduated from high school it’s live theater and the show must go on). Jason in June and began college this would like to thank the staff of Weathervane and semester. He couldn’t be happier the production team of The Hunchback of Notre to be returning to Weathervane Dame. Please sit back and enjoy the show! Playhouse for his fourth production. He most recently played Zig Zag in EMILY CONTI (Ensemble) is a Holes. Other Weathervane credits include Joseph junior at Our lady of the Elms. and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and A She is thrilled to be returning to Christmas Carol: The Musical. In his spare time Weathervane’s stage, especially he enjoys playing video games, talking with his with such an amazing cast. Her friends, spending time with his dog, and playing recent roles include Snow White Dungeon and Dragons. in Into the Woods and Lenore Harris in A New Style for Murder. Outside of the theater, Emily is a CASEY HA (Ensemble) is in the member of her the Chamber Choir, Social Action tenth grade and home-schooled. club and her school’s theater program. She loves His most recent Weathervane volunteering here at Weathervane and teaching credit is as Magnet in Holes. Before children about music. Emily is incredibly grateful that, he was the assistant stage for every opportunity she has and how supportive manager for A Christmas Carol: her family is. The Musical. Other Weathervane credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, Peter Pan, Honk!,
22 weathervane playhouse cast biographies
Annie, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. costuming internship for the production of Bye Casey is an advanced-level tap dancer at the Bye Birdie. Madison has played other various Dance Institute at The University of Akron. He roles in her high school career such as Little Sally also dances classical ballet, jazz, and ballroom. At of Urinetown, Sodapop Curtis of The Outsiders, The Dance Institute, Casey performed in The and Humpty Dumpty of Alice of Wonderland Snow Maiden and The Sleeping Beauty: Act II. just to name a few. She also performed in the He also performed as Michael in the 2016 Verb Ensemble of How to Succeed in Business without Ballets Ohio tour of Peter Pan and he danced for Even Trying, Roger and Hammersteins’ Cinderella, NEOS Dance Theatre in Count: The Legend of and performed in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dracula and Snow White and the Magic Mirror. Madeline, The Nutcracker, and more as a dancer of Casey enjoys playing piano, organ, guitar and Point West Studios. Madison would like to thank ukulele. He also loves to draw during his free Jasen Smith and Sarah Lavender for welcoming time. Casey is excited and honored to work with her into the Weathervane family. She would also this talented director and cast! like to thank her parents Pamela and Robert Pelle as well as her Siblings Alex and Miranda SYDNEY BANKS (Ensemble) Pelle for supporting her and sticking with her no is currently in her third year at matter what. Kent State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Dance JASEN J. SMITH (Ensemble) See Creative Performance. She has traveled Team Bio to Thailand in collaboration with SSRU Theatre, Italy for Open FLR (an PATRICK RYEL (Ensemble) international choreographic intensive), and has worked both sides of the Canada for a dance intensive with Toronto Dance stage as performing artist and Theatre. Miss Banks has performed with the stage technician for over the past Tuscarawas Dance Arts Center in the Nutcracker fifteen years. Amongst the titles Ballet for 13 years with roles including Clara he is proud to place under his and the Sugar Plum Fairy. She has been in artistic belt are those of dancer, actor, singer, multiple productions at the Little Theatre of choreographer, teacher and director. On his Tuscarawas County including Bye Bye Birdie, technical side Patrick is an accomplished lighting and Anything Goes. This is her debut performance designer, stage manager, technical director, at Weathervane Playhouse, and she would like to and theatre manager. While studying theatre wish everyone in the cast good luck! at Palm Beach Community College in 1989, Patrick was introduced to a career in post- SARAH HASHI HILA Modern dance under the tutelage of mentor and LAVENDERNEES (Ensemble) colleague Demetrius A. Klein, touring extensively Transitioning from Costume throughout the United States, as well as abroad Intern for Weathervane’s Bye with the Demetrius Klein Dance Company Bye, Birdie, Sarah is happy to be until 1994. As a 1991 Princess Grace Emerging returning in The Hunchback of Artist Award recipient, Patrick has received rave Notre Dame. This will be her first time on stage reviews from such publications as The New York at Weathervane since the 2004 production Joseph Times, The Village Voice, The Miami Herald, and and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. When Dance Magazine. Patrick was fortunate to co- she is not at Weathervane, Sarah is working found and direct Florida Dance Conservatory, towards her undergraduate degree in Cultural a dance school, from 1994 to 1997, his own Anthropology at Kent State University. dance company CORPS Chameleon from 1996 to 1998, and Millennium Dance Syndicate from MADISON PELLE (Ensemble) 1999 to 2002. Patrick served as technical director is a recent graduate of Copley and theatre manager for the Art and Culture High School who aspires to Center of Hollywood before relocating to Ohio work in theatrical performances in 2005 and beginning his career in information as her lifetime career. She was technology. He is currently a Computer Science introduced to Weathervane major at The University of Akron and works at Playhouse by Jasen Smith, who offered her a First Energy.
weathervane playhouse 23 creative team biographies
MARISSA LEENAARTS ED RIDLEY (Musical Director) (Director/Choreographer) grew Ed’s recent productions include: up performing in the Akron- Passing Strange, Simply Simone: Cleveland area. She lived in The Music of Nina Simone, Ain’t Florida and performed as an Misbehavin’, Sister Act, Blues In Equity singer/dancer at Walt The Night, The Wiz, Five Guys Disney World for a number of years. At Disney, Named Moe, Leap of Faith, It Ain’t Nothin’ But she was contracted in several shows including The The Blues, The Color Purple, Caroline or Change, Hoop Dee Doo Revue , Disney’s Voyage of the Little Crowns, Cuttin’ Up, Mahalia, The Piano Lesson, Mermaid , and My Disney Girls Perfectly Princess and Love, Janis. Ed serves as music director Tea Party. Marissa directed and Choreographed for the Christian Fellowship Center Church Weathervane’s Hairspray in 2017, which won a and is also on the music faculty at Cuyahoga Chanticleer Award for best production. Marissa Community College. His versatility and talent most recently choreographed Weathervane’s as a performer have allowed him to accompany Bye Bye Birdie. Other Choreography credits such great artists as Aretha Franklin, Lauryn include Firestone High school’s productions of Hill, Walter Hawkins, Jon Hendricks, and The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins and Ghost Clark Terry. the Musical, Akron Civic Theatre/All City Musical’s Beauty and the Beast, Bye Bye Birdie, KELLIE ROSSINI (Stage and Shrek the Musical, Weathervane Playhouse’s Manager/Master Electrician) has Willy Wonka, A Christmas Carol, Joseph and the been with Weathervane since Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oklahoma!, October of 2016 as the Master as well as Ohio University’s Mary Poppins. She Electrician. She designed lights for lives happily in Akron with her husband Jason, The Santaland Diaries in 2016, A her baby Sebastian, and their rotten boxer dog, Kid Like Jake in 2017, Talking With… in 2017, Mr. Dempsey. Marissa is a member of Actors Les Liaisons Dangereuses in 2018 as well as the Equity Association. 2017 and 2018 8x10 TheatreFest. She has been a member of I.A.T.S.E. Local #48 since 1999 JOSHUA LARKIN (Assistant and has worked for The Canton Palace Theatre, Director), in addition to his Verb Ballets, The Manchester Dance Ensemble, employment as the Business Martell School of Dance, Ohio Ballet, The Manager of Weathervane University of Akron Dance Department and The Playhouse, has been working as Dance Institute at the University of Akron. She a director and actor throughout received her first bachelor’s degree in technical Eastern Ohio for fifteen years. In addition to his theatre from Kent State University and her most recent appearance on this stage as Albert second in 2018 in Accounting. Kellie has a vast Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie, he was honored to have amount of stage management experience and is his Weathervane directorial debut, It Shoulda excited to be stage managing The Hunchback of Been You, recognized as the 2017-18 season’s Best Notre Dame. Musical. A native of Dover, OH, Joshua’s favorite on-stage credits include; Weathervane Playhouse: JOHN COYNE (Sound Designer) The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, You has been with Weathervane as a Can’t Take it With You (Chanticleer Award), Red Sound Designer for three years, (Chanticleer Award), Jesus Christ Superstar, Young putting his talents to work on Frankenstein. Western Reserve Playhouse: Love shows such as Hairspray (2016), Letters. The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County: Peter Pan (2013), A Christmas Little Shop of Horrors, The Drowsy Chaperone, Carol (2014), and Little Shop of Horrors (2016). and Bye Bye Birdie. Joshua is looking forward to John is currently attending Kent State University serving as director for Weathervane’s upcoming for Theatrical Design and Technology. holiday tradition, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
24 weathervane playhouse creative team biographies
AYRON LORD (Assistant RICHARD MORRIS, JR. Stage Manager/Properties Co- (Scenic/Lighting Designer/ Designer) is a proud to have Technical Director) most recently become a regular face among the directed Holes and A Christmas many wonderful and talented Carol: The Musical here at volunteers at Weathervane Weathervane Playhouse. Some of Playhouse. Previously Ayron has contributed to his other directorial credits include Leap of Faith, the Weathervane Playhouse by designing lighting Black Nativity, Christmas is Commin Uptown, The for Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Assistant Government Inspector, Raisin, Dracula, It’s a Bird… Stage Manager for Les Liaisons Dangereuses, co- It’s a Plane…It’s Superman, Purlie Victorious, The designer of properties for Into the Woods, and is Jungle Book, Seussical The Musical, Willie Wonka, a regular staple for many shows backstage and Birds of a Feather, 101 Dalmatians, Into the Woods, on lighting crew. Ayron is a graduate of Case The Aristocats Jr, Goldilocks on Trial, Beauty and Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio the Beast, Xanadu, The Trials and Tribulations of with a major in Computer Engineering and Stagerlee Booker T Brown, and The Submarine has put his skills and knowledge to use for Steetcar. For 10 years, he was Production Director the Greater Cleveland area. He looks forward for the Karamu Arts Summer Camp, where he to continually improving his skills here at introduced many teens and young adults to the Weathervane Playhouse and hopes that he will art of theatrical performance. For 19 years he also be able to continue supporting the magic of served as Technical Director/Resident Scenic and theater at this venue and the Akron area for quite Lighting Designer for Karamu Performing Arts some time. Theatre. He has designed over 149 Productions. In 2011 he was the recipient of the National KAYA SANDEL (Assistant Stage Award for Outstanding Achievements in Scenic Manager/Properties Co-Designer) Design (National Black Theatre Festival) and marks her second show at was keynote speaker at Alabama State University Weathervane Playhouse. After her on “African Americans In Scenic Design.” Mr. experience with Bye Bye Birdie, she Morris also received the 2001 Actors Guild could not wait to hop on another Award for his Scenic/Lighting design for Riff show. She is reprising her role as Assistant Stage Raff and Treemonisha. In 2008 he also won Scene Manager. At her high school, where she is a senior Magazine’s “Best Scenic Design” for Caroline, this year, Kaya has successfully stage managed 4 or Change. He has designed for many theaters major shows along with many other minor shows. in the Northeast Ohio area, Ensemble Theatre, Thanks to the inspiration and encouragement Dobama, Cleveland Public Theatre, Cuyahoga from her theatre teacher, Maggie Steffen, Kaya Community College, Oberlin College Theatre, hopes to continue stage managing as a career. Firestone Theatre and Jubar Productions, just Kaya would like to thank the cast and crew for to name a few. He is a graduate of Kent State their hard work and dedication to put together University. In December 2016, he joined such a wonderful show! Weathervane’s professional staff as Technical Director/Resident Scenic Designer. Richard is currently working on a new musical production, Two Boys from Glenville, the story of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the creators of Superman.
weathervane playhouse 25 creative team biographies
JASEN J. SMITH (Costume Aurora University. She began her theater career Designer) joined the Weathervane at Weathervane as a volunteer on many lighting, professional staff in August 2008. set construction, and props crews, joining the Since then, he’s designed costumes professional staff in 2002. She also served for for dozens of Weathervane seven years as master carpenter and master productions. As a co-designer, painter for the theater department at Firestone he and Hedy Jones took home Weathervane’s High School. Most recently, she was the scenic Chanticleer Award for best costume design designer for our productions of It’s Only a Play, for Man of La Mancha in 2009. He also won The Flick, and the co-designer of Vanya and a Marquee Award from the Youngstown Area Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Monty Python’s Community Theatre Alliance for his work on Spamalot. In 2017, she received the Producer’s Children of Eden. Elsewhere, his design work has Award, and in 2015, she was a recipient of The been seen on the stages of Porthouse Theatre, Trustees Award. She holds three Chanticleer Case Western Reserve University and Ohio awards for her properties designs for Enchanted Light Opera. April, The Sisters Rosensweig, and The Philadelphia Story. She lives with her husband Doug, in West KATHY KOHL (Assistant Akron where they raised three children. When Technical Director) holds a not at Weathervane, she very much enjoys being degree in elementary education “Ommie” to Parker, Fiona, Beckett, Maise, from Bowling Green State and Greyson. University and a master’s degree in business management from
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