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Michigan’s educational system has plummeted since COVID. We rank amongst the bottom ten in the nation disproportionately affecting black, brown, disabled and low-income students who are systemically underserved and left behind (EdTrust-Midwest, ‘25). Simultaneously, anxiety has increased by 134%, and depression has increased by 106% for youth nationally since 2010 (Haidt 2024). It’s no wonder our students are struggling. 

Meanwhile 73% of participants actively engaged in creative drama programs report increased reading levels, better comprehension of written test scenarios, and more active attendance and participation in school (DuPont). Our vision is to increase our education and mental health rankings by providing widespread access to the transformative powers of theater to as many students as possible.

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Andrew Brown

D / D's Brother

Andrew Brown is thrilled to be making his professional debut with Michigan Stage in this hilariously frightening production! He is a recent graduate of Michigan State University where he obtained his BFA in Acting for Stage, Screen, & New Media and is gearing up to move to New York City in the fall. Recent credits include Spring Awakening (Moritz), [title of show] (Hunter), In Emily’s Words (Edgar, World Premiere), and Rocky Horror Picture Show (Brad). He would like to thank the Peerless team, his family and friends, and Zach for their never-ending support! Instagram: @andrew_brown817

Auriel Blakey

Director's Assistant

Auriel Blakey is an artist from Detroit, MI. She is a rising junior at Ball State University where she is earning her double major in Acting and French. She is interested in directing and is thankful that she has had this opportunity to work as the director’s assistant for Peerless!

Andrew Morton

Director

Andrew Morton is an award-winning Detroit-based playwright and theatermaker. Selected directing credits include Sofa Stories (various locations), The RACE (Matrix theater Company), Willy Wonka (Flint Youth theater), and The Call (UM-Flint). An accomplished theater artist and educator, in 2020, Morton was recognized by Kresge Arts in Detroit as a Kresge Artist Fellow, and in 2021, he received a Kennedy Center Gold Medallion for services to theater education. Morton’s plays have been produced across the US and internationally in the UK, Canada, and Australia. His play Bloom, inspired by urban gardeners in Flint, Michigan, is available through Dramatic Publishing, Inc.

Josie Mi*

M

Josie is a NYC/Chicago-based actor who grew up predominantly in Ann Arbor, MI. She is so excited to be working at Michigan Stage and to be back in her home state! Her regional theater credits include: The Chinese Lady (Afong Moy) at Tipping Point theater, Romeo & Juliet (Juliet), All’s Well That Ends Well (Widow/Diana us) at Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, and The Great Khan (Gao Ming) at Redtwist theater. Josie received her BFA in Acting from The theater School at DePaul University and also trained internationally with Frantic Assembly (UK). IG: @itsjosiemi & josiemi.com

Ruri Kodama

L

Born and raised in Santa Clara, CA, and currently living in NYC, Ruri Kodama is a first-generation Japanese American artist. Recent credits include: A Chorus Line (SF Playhouse), A Fairly Odd Musical (See Humans), Spring Awakening (Molloy University/CAP21), and Christmas Celebration (Madison theater). She will receive her BFA from Molloy University/CAP21 Musical theater Conservatory in May 2025. rurikodama.com @ruri_kodama

Jo Jackson

BF

Jo is a recent grad of Wayne State University where they received their BFA in Acting. During their time at Wayne State, they performed in Burn This as Burton, She Kills Monsters as Miles, End of a Society as Sekhme, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show as a swing for Janet, Brad and Frank ‘n’ Furter. They have directed June, July, August by Sinead Daly, and been an assistant director for the production Chicken & Biscuits by Douglas Lyons. They were also a part of the Black and Brown theater where they got to perform in a production of The Snow Queen playing the loving sidekick Andy. Jo is really excited to be doing their first show with Michigan Stage!

Tia K. Spicer

Stage Manager

Tia is a rising senior at Michigan State University, studying for a BFA in Stage Management and a minor in Arts & Cultural Management. Their most recent credits include Bright Half Life (ASM, Williamston theater), Clue (ASM, MSU Department of theater), and Solace (Production Stage Manager, Second Stage Productions). They are also the Production Manager for Second Stage Productions, which is a student-run theater organization at MSU. They have production managed shows such as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Horse Girls, and Arsenic and Old Lace. Tia would like to thank their family for their never ending support.

Liam Quinn

Lighting Designer

Liam is a recent graduate of the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts and a newly awarded Eagle Scout. During his time in school, he found his passion for technical theater and lighting design. Liam is excited to peruse a degree in theater at the University of Detroit Mercy in the fall.

Sophia Psiakis

Dirty Girl / Preppy Girl

Sophia is so excited to be back in Michigan with Michigan Stage! She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a BFA in Acting and has spent the last 16 years finding new ways to love theater. Some recent credits include Jessica in The Merchant of Venice (North/South Dakota Shakespeare), Luanne in Be Here Now (Williamston theater), and two semesters of touring with The Rev on Tour. She also works as a voice actor and writes music! Sophia loves their cat Gooby, any form of animated content, fiber arts, and talking about all of those things. sophiapsiakis.com

Haley Sherman

Ensemble

Haley is so excited for her first production with Michigan Stage! When outside of the theater, Haley loves to sing, play piano, paint or draw. She wants to thank her directors, and cast for a great show, as well as her parents and family for supporting her dreams! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Mariah Colby

Ensemble | Ferguson | Adelaide u/s

Mariah Colby is a singer, actress and model based in Detroit. She obtained her BFA in Musical theater at Oakland University. Mariah was most recently seen in The Mamas and The Papas Concert at The Encore Musical theater, and as Anna in Spring Awakening at Flint Repertory theater. Other credits include: Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Cinderella in Into the Woods and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Thank you to friends and family for their constant love and support, enjoy the show! 

Tianxuan Chen

Scenic and Lighting Designer

Xuan is a Chicago-based scenic and lighting designer graduated from Northwestern University with an MFA in stage design. Recent credits include: 2 Pianos 4 Hands (Northlight); The Prom (Mcleod theater); Women Beware Women (Blue in the Right Way). Xuan is the winner of the 2024 USITT Scenic Design Award.

Khenadi Christmas

Alison | General Cartwright | Ensemble

Khenadi is so excited to be making their debut with Michigan Stage. Recent credits include: For Colored Girls… (Lady in Brown) and Head Over Heels (Pamela). New work credits include: All At Once by Jack McManus and Hot Spot by Amir Gad. More info at khenadichristmas.com. Endless thanks to UArts, the LINK Program, and their family & friends for making this possible. xo Now, let’s shoot some craps!

Jessica Boehmer

Mimi | Ensemble | Dance Captain

Jessica is thrilled to be making her Michigan Stage debut! She graduated with her BFA in Musical theater from Central Michigan University in 2022, and has performed on stages across Michigan and the United States. Favorite credits include Signe in Church Basement Ladies (Cornwell’s Dinner theater), Jerusha Abbott in Daddy Long Legs (Central Michigan University), Gwendolyn in The Odd Couple (Thumbcoast Live theaters), and Louisa Cody in Wild West Spectacular (Rocky Mountain Dance theater). Endless love to Joe, her family and her friends for their constant support, and special thanks to YOU for supporting live theater! @jessica.boehmer

Manda Borden

Ensemble

Manda is currently a local choir teacher, originally from Rochester, NY. Syracuse University – BFA. Thanks to my friends & family, y’all are okay I guess <3 @mandaborden

Kasee Arnett

Costume Designer

A Southeastern Kentucky native and Michigan State University Alumna, with her MFA in theater Design, Kasee is serving her first season as costume designer with Michigan Stage. When she’s not traveling and designing, she’s managing the Costume Shop at Centre College in Danville, KY.

Blaire Baker*

Miss Adelaide

Blaire is absolutely thrilled to be at Michigan Stage for their inaugural season. A native of New York City, Blaire has been working as a professional actor for over a decade. Favorite credits include the national tour of Bullets Over Broadway, Queenie in The Wild Party (Short North Stage), and Betty Haynes in White Christmas (Oregon Cabaret theater). She wants to thank Tim and Rachel for trusting her with this iconic role – and all of you for coming to support, which helps opportunities like this continue! Find more about BB at blairebaker.com and @thequeenbeebs.

Tim Paré

CEO and Founding Artistic Director

Named 2023 Humanities Champion of the Year for the entire state of Michign by Michigan Humanities, and a 2024 member of Oakland County Together 40 under 40, Tim previously served as Director of Education for the Tony Award-winning Barrington Stage Company in the Berkshires, managing the nationally acclaimed Playwright Mentoring Project, recipient of the Coming Up Taller award, the nation’s highest honor in after school arts programming. While working at Barrington Stage he helped develop the now acclaimed Music theater Conservatory, a 10 week program offering intensive training for students ages 18+ in the areas of Performing, Directing and Choreography. His other programs at BSC include an international internship program, providing opportunities to study and train in various theatrical fields, student matinees for local youth, an annual musical for young audiences, and youth performance programs Kids and TeensAct! — reaching 7500 community members annually.

Prior, Tim served as Director of Education at Lake Dillon theater Company (CO). Pioneering the position, he expanded existing program offerings such as the Youth theater Workshops to year round youth programming and launched an in-school professional development initiative for educators, incorporating theater arts into  the common core curriculum.

At the college level, Tim has taught workshops in auditioning, various styles of dance, and the business of theater for Pace University, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and Ithaca College, and taught adjunct for Colorado Mountain College. He was Senior Director of Programs for Play Rugby USA (NYC) and Broadway Bound Kids (NYC). As an educator, Cohoes Music Hall (NY), Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts (MI), Arts Academy in the Woods (MI), STREB Action Lab’s SLAM (NY), Stagedoor Manor (NY), Granbury Opera House (TX), Little theater on the Square (IL), and The Co-op School (NY).

Tim is a graduate of Michigan State University, former Chair of the Ferndale Arts and Cultural Commission, and a volunteer with the Downtown Ferndale Vision Committee.

Aaron Jackson

Ensemble

Aaron Jackson is an eighteen year old Singer/Actor who is currently based in the Michigan area, he’s done numerous productions at Community Centers & at his High School (North Farmington High School) which gave him the opportunity to perform at the Sutton Foster Awards here in Michigan. Aaron is excited to be here and hopes you enjoy the show!

Grace LaFave

Ensemble | Dance Captain

Grace has recently graduated from Churchill High School, where she participated in the CAPA program. She is excited to start her BFA in musical theater at Oakland University in the fall and sends love to her family for their consistent support <3.

Trudy Leigh Gechter

Martha | Ensemble

Trudy is so excited to be a part of Michigan Stage’s inaugural season. Trudy is 17 and a rising Senior at Bloomfield Hills High School. She would like to thank the production team for making this show possible along with all of the volunteers who contributed to the show. She would also like to thank her teachers, family, and friends for being so supportive of her on this Journey. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Nan Luchini

PSM

Recent: Lincoln Center Damrosch Park. Opera: San Diego, Annapolis, Tulsa, Pensacola, Naples, Palm Beach, New Orleans, Teattro Grattacielo, Carolina, Grand Rapids, Atlanta, Florentine.  Upcoming: Detroit Opera House La Traviata, University of Michigan Fall 2024 Guest Lecturer/Mentor of Stage Management.  Thank you D and Nevaeh for your continued love and support. 

Benjamin Lurye*

Nathan Detroit

Ben has been seen recently in The Last Five Years (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), as Fabrizio in The Light in the Piazza (Opera in the Heights), as Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd (TUTS), and as Max in A Comedy of Tenors (Bristol Riverside theater). He’s also been seen at the Tony Award-winning Signature Theater, Ford’s Theater, Olney Theater, Rep Stage, Virginia Rep, and many more. CONCERT: National Symphony Orchestra: Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Ben Folds and Mo Willems; Lawton Philharmonic: On The Town (Gabey). EDUCATION: BM in Voice Performance, University of Maryland. Online: benlurye.com; IG: @ben_lurye_sings_high.

Linda Rabin Hammell

Pickpocket | Havana Bartender | Hot Box M.C.

Linda has appeared on stages from hometown Philly to Cambridge MA to Brooklyn NY, and in Michigan at such venues as Open Book, Obsidian theater Festival, Detroit Rep, The Ringwald, Matrix, Performance Network, Jewish Ensemble, The New theater Project, Blackbird, Penny Seats, Abreact, Puzzle Piece, The Dio, and Shakespeare Royal Oak. More recently, she’s branched into podcasts and indie films (including two festival-fave shorts with your irrepressible Nicely Nicely, Sam Meier). Linda welcomes everyone to Mich Stage’s inaugural season and hopes it becomes your family’s new tradition. Much love to the Dood (a/k/a Arvide).

Christian Harward*

Sky Masterson

A native of Virginia Beach, VA, Christian found his way to New York City in February 2017 after receiving his Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from Old Dominion University. Since his arrival, he has traversed around the country and has performed at The Kennedy Center, the Utah Festival Opera and Musical theater, aboard the Carnival Triumph, and many more stages.

John Alexander Hatcher

Benny Southstreet

John is very excited to make his debut in Michigan Stage’s inaugural professional season. John earned his B.A. in theater Performance at Fordham University. Most recently seen in RENT as Benny with the Downriver Actors Guild, his other credits include The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Daniel), Magnolia (Samuel), and El Desvarío (Andrés). When he’s not acting you’ll find him teaching K-5 or making candles. Thank you friends and family for being such a stellar support system!

Alissa Hetzner

Music Director

Alissa Hetzner is an adjunct faculty member for the musical theater department at Oakland University. In addition to her musical direction of many shows, vocal coaching and accompanist duties at Oakland, Alissa has worked as a musical director/accompanist/vocalist for numerous professional/regional, college and community productions in the mid-Michigan area. Recent productions include A Little Night Music and Jesus Christ Superstar. She is also Director of music ministries at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Frankenmuth.  

Jai Downing

ASM (Lost in Yonkers, Guys & Dolls)
Scenic Designer (Peerless)

Jai Downing is a 2024 graduate of Wylie E. Groves High School, and will be attending Northern Michigan University to major in Theater Design and Technology. After eight high school productions with Groves Performing Arts Company, they are excited to be working professionally on all three Michigan Stage productions this summer as a scenic designer, assistant stage manager, and build crew member. 

Alison English

Properties Designer

Alison English moved to Detroit in 2022 to pursue a rich, dynamic, and diverse theater community. She has worked as a director, designer, and artist for over 10 years since graduating with a BA from Clarke University. Favorite director/designer credits: MSND, That Mighty Day!, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!.

Hailey Eriksen

Vernon | Ensemble

Hailey Eriksen is a Michigan based performer and teaching artist. She studied theater and music at Michigan State University and is now going confidently in the direction of her dreams and living the life she’s imagined! Her recent performance credits include The Play That Goes Wrong (Sandra), Pippin (Leading Player), and Godspell (Disciple). Hailey also spent the spring teaching Playlabs at Michigan Stage. She is thrilled to be to be a part of Guys and Dolls. Enjoy the show!

Lillian Fellows

ASM

Lillian Fellows, a recent high school graduate, will be attending Wayne State University to pursue a major in music education. While Lillian has extensive experience performing on stage in over ten musicals and operas, she is new and determined to expand her horizons to working behind the scenes. Her backstage experience includes roles as an assistant director and assistant vocal director. She is excited embark on this journey as assistant stage manager.

Rachel Gary

Co-Director & Choreographer

Rachel Gary is a New York City based director/choreographer and performer. Rachel received the Traube Fellowship from the SDC Foundation where she worked with director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell on Pretty Woman: The Musical. She has presented work in New York theater Barn’s Choreography Lab and Dance Lab NY’s Broadway Choreography Intensive. Rachel earned a BFA in Dance with a concentration in ballet from Webster University. Some favorite choreography credits include Rachael Lily Rosenbloom… (54 Below), Idle Hands and Racing Hearts (world premiere,) HONK!, and The Pajama Game (Webster Conservatory), Jesus Christ Superstar (Young Artists Ensemble). Asst. Choreographer: Pirates of Penzance, Broadway Bounty Hunter (Barrington Stage Company), Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan (Variety theater). www.rachel-gary.com @rachiedancer5678

Abigail Gearhart

Sound Designer

Abigail has worked for Interlochen Arts Academy, Detroit Country Day Schools, and more. Her most notable works include her work as a sound designer for Oakland University’s production of Bluestockings, which she received the KCACTF Design, Technology and Management Legacy Award for Sound Design.

Collin Gregory

Ensemble

Collin is a high school student who is excited to be a part of Guys and Dolls as ensemble this summer, with just only being in 5 school-produced shows throughout his life. He loves stepping out of the box and trying new things, and that’s what eventually led to him landing here at Michigan Stage’s summer season of 2024. He’s always busy testing out new waters in the theater world with new environments, shows, jobs, and loves meeting new people. Although just an underclassmen, he is striving to pursue his passions with a career in film when he gets older.

Mark Hammell

Arvide Abernathy

Mark Hammell (Arvide) MBT (Christmas Carol, Tintypes), PNT (Baker’s Wife, Drowsy Chaperone), WLO (Most Happy Fella, Sweeney Todd, Titanic), Planet Ant (Buried Child).  Love to the Beaz. 

Taylor Congdon

Sarah Brown

Taylor Congdon is a proud NYC based actor. She is honored to be in Michigan Stage’s Inaugural season, and is incredibly inspired by all the excitement surrounding this wonderful show. Regional credits: Tipping Point theater, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Arden theater Company, People’s Light & theater Co, Inis Nua theater Company, NYC Winterfest, Centenary Stage Company. She will next be seen in The Playboy of the Western World at Inis Nua theater Company in Philadelphia this fall. Film: Statistical Probabilities (2024), Nobody Wants to Shoot a Woman (2024). She’d like to thank her family and her partner David for supporting her. www.taylorcongdon.com

Zach Deande

Calvin | Ensemble

Zach Deande, from Dallas TX, just graduated from Michigan State with his BFA in Acting, minors in musical theater and dance. He wants to thank his friends and family for their support! @zacharydeande 

Casper Dickey

Big Jule

Casper Dickey is thrilled to be part of Michigan Stage’s debut summer season. From Metro Detroit, he is a rising senior at Kent State University pursuing a B.F.A. in Musical theater. Past credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, The Prom, and A Funny Thing… Forum at Porthouse theater; Head Over Heels and Dance ‘23 – One World at Kent State; and Broadway’s Arts for Autism Benefit Concert at The Gershwin theater. Casper thanks his family for their love and support, as well as the Michigan Stage company for a wonderful summer experience! @casperdickey

Lauren Spiegal

Lighting Designer

Lauren is a senior at Michigan State University currently pursuing a BFA of Lighting Design and a BFA of Graphic Design. Her recent designs at MSU include Much Ado About Nothing, Charlotte’s Web, and The Roller Derby (assistant). Additionally, she co-designed the projection/media design for Stevie and the Real World. Lauren is ecstatic at the opportunity to be designing with Michigan Stage and hopes you enjoy the show!

Drew Parker

Louie

Drew was most recently seen in Shakespeare In Detroit’s production of As You Like It. Favorite regional credits include Death of a Salesman at The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Secret Mask at Next Act theater in Milwaukee, and K2 at Virginia Stage Co. Other Michigan credits include Jake in 2AZ at the Purple Rose, and the title role in Hamlet with Shakespeare Royal Oak. He’ll be returning to SRO this summer in the role of Feste, acting beside his wife Meredith Parker (Viola) in Twelfth Night. Thanks to the entire creative team for sharing your dreams and visions. It’s been an honor to play a part in fostering in this wonderful new theater. Mere, my heart, you are my Chemical X. Love you forever, Parker.

Katie Della Mora

Gert

Katie is thrilled to be making her Michigan Stage debut. She spent a decade in NYC, writing and performing sketch comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade and the Peoples Improv Theater. Off-Off-Broadway and select favorites: Arts or Crafts, See What I Wanna See (Actress), Recent Tragic Events (Waverly), Savage in Limbo (Denise Savage), As Bees in Honey Drown, The Life, She Loves Me. Her original humor writing has appeared in ClickHole, Reductress, WhoHaha, and more. BFA, MSU. Lots of gratitude and love to Mom, Pete, the family, Ted, Tim, and Rob.

Rob Roznowski

Director

Rob is a Professor at Michigan State University and thanks you for supporting professional theater! He is thrilled to be part of this new and exciting company’s inaugural production.

Thalia Lara

Scenic & Costume Designer

Thalia has earned an MFA in Design for theater from Michigan State University (MSU). She has designed and created scenery, costumes, and properties for education, community, and regional theaters in Washington, California, and Michigan. Her recent design credits include Scenic Design for Williamston Theare’s production of Predictor (2024) directed by Billicia Hines, Scenic & Projections for MSU Opera theater’s production of Don Giovanni (2024) directed by Melanie Helton, and Scenic Designer for the MSU Department of theater production of Clue* (2023) directed by Ryan Welsh.

*earned the Gretel Geist Award for Excellence in Design & 2 Lansing State Journal Thespie awards

Diana Vargas

Ensemble

Diana Penaloza-Vargas is a Mexican actress born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where growing up she was captivated by the telenovelas that she would watch with her grandmother. She attended Lincoln Park High School where she performed as the lead actress in the musical Do You Wanna Dance, sparking her love of theater and performing. Since beginning her acting career, Diana has been involved in several ongoing movie, TV, and short film productions based in the city of Detroit. She hopes to continue to help cultivate the growing performing arts culture in Southeast Michigan.

Gabi Wild

Ensemble

This is Gabi’s first time performing with Michigan Stage and she is thrilled to be here. A rising junior at Stevenson High School, she had been performing since she was 2 years old. She started with dance and moved to theater in 2019. She’s always loved performing and is so excited to share the magic of live theater with you all! Apart from theater, Gabi is an honor roll student and is actively involved with her school’s HOSA competition group.

Deirdre Wolf

Ensemble | U/S Sarah Brown

Deirdre Wolf is thrilled to be part of Michigan Stage’s inaugural season. Recent credits: Spring Awakening (Watering Hole Collective in TX), Dogfight and Funny Girl (University of Michigan). Love and eternal thanks to Dad, Noah, the McMorgans, and viewers like you. Thank you! @_deirdrewolf

Joshua Gabriel Kroll

Jay

Josh is thrilled to be playing Jay in Lost in Yonkers this summer. Most recently he was Jack Kelly in Newsies and Leo in The Book Women through Groves Performing Arts Company (GPAC). He will attend University of Michigan in the fall with a major in Philosophy. He would like to thank his family, the cast and crew of Lost in Yonkers, and Michigan Stage for this incredible opportunity to be in such a powerful show.

Kristofferson Morrison

Arty

Kristofferson is ecstatic to be apart of his first Professional Acting gig. He has been acting since he was 6 and has played such roles as Jafar in Aladdin Jr., Oscar Delancey in Newsies Jr., Mr. Bucket in Willy Wonka Jr., and many more. He enjoys reading plays with his favorite playwrights being Christopher Durang, Neil Simon, and Neil LaBute. Kristoff wants to be a professional actor when he’s older and he’d like to thank all his friends and family for their continued support of his passion.

Joseph Sfair

Eddie (Lost in Yonkers)
Lieutenant Branigan (Guys & Dolls)

Joseph is a Michigan native from Eastpointe and holds a BA from Wayne State University. He has had the privilege of appearing on several stages across the state over the last decade, most recently including The Extra Mile Playwrights, Open Book theater, Shakespeare in Detroit, theater Nova, University of Detroit Mercy, Riverbank theater, and The Inspired Acting Company, where he recently accepted a position as an Associate Artist. Joe feels immensely honored to have been asked to participate in Michigan Stage’s first season of professional theater, (performing Neil Simon, no less!). He’d like to send his thanks to Jessica, (both for telling him about the audition and generally tolerating him while he was learning his lines,) Michael, (for telling Jessica about the audition,) his friends & family for their support, and of course YOU in the audience for coming out to support live theater! Enjoy the show!

Elise Castle*

Bella

Elise is thrilled to be joining Michigan Stage for their inaugural season! A Michigan native, Elise graduated from Oakland University, and has been in NYC ever since! Elise has done lots of plays, lots of sketch comedy, written lots of stuff, and has recorded lots of episodes of her podcast “We Couldn’t Help But Wonder”. Elise is grateful to Michigan Stage for bringing her “home” for the summer. @evcastle www.elisevcastle.com

Karen Sheridan*

Grandma Kurnitz

Karen is excited to be a part of Michigan Stage’s inaugural production. Her credits include ‘Rain on Fire and Ragtime (Flint Rep); The Hat Box, Chapatti and Silent Sky (Williamston); The Beauty Queen of Leenane (Detroit Public); Boeing Boeing, Dancing at Lughnasa and Angels in America (Meadow Brook), Much Ado About Nothing (Wishing Well), Love Letters with husband Sam Pollak (Two Muses), Other Desert Cities [if you were there the day the standby went on] (Jewish Ensemble) and numerous roles at Peninsula Players. Karen also directs professionally—ask her what’s coming up. Here’s to family…and what it teaches.

Sam Meier

Nicely-Nicely Johnson

Michigan Stage teaching artist Sam Meier is a writer, award-winning indie film producer, and comedian. Rolling Stone-reviewed as “outrageously irritating”. Follow Sam on Instagram @sammeiercomedy.

Michael Richards

Harry the Horse | U/S Sky Masterson

Michael is so excited to work with Michigan Stage for their inaugural season! Born and raised in Jackson, Michigan, he is now a New York based actor and recently received his BFA in Musical theater from Central Michigan University. Select credits include: Off-Broadway: Wizard of Oz, The Magical Journey of Arlekina – Regional: Anything Goes, Escape to Margaritaville, Groundhog Day, Eurydice, and Rock of Ages. He gives the biggest thank you to his family, friends, teachers, and collaborators, who have given him endless support. All glory to God! Enjoy the show! Keep up with Michael on Instagram at @michael.richards_

Cathy Skutch

Rusty

Cathy is delighted to make her Michigan Stage debut in the inaugural summer season. Her favorite past roles include Little Becky in Urinetown, Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol, Charity in Barnum, Marta in Company, Connie in A Chorus Line, Lexie in Rent, Hunyak in Chicago, Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly, and Nellie in Jekyll & Hyde. By day, Cathy serves as an Associate Principal at Bloomfield Hills High School. She extends heartfelt thanks to Tim and Rachel for this extraordinary opportunity and sends much love to her partner, Jordan, and her beloved boys, Thatcher and Ewan.

Joe Smentowski

Angie the Ox

Joe is currently receiving his BFA in Acting from Wayne State University. Select credits include The Rocky Horror Show (Frank-N-Furter), Amelie (Joseph), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Barfee), Fly By Night (Joey Storms) and Spring Awakening (Ernst).

Lauren Mattison

Ensemble

Lauren is a locally-based student, with credits including Chicago, Newsies, Matilda, H.M.S. Pinafore, Hansel and Gretel, and Annie. Lauren is thrilled to be working with Michigan Stage, and she would like to thank all of the production staff, crew, and fellow cast members for making this possible!