Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August.
Originally produced on Broadway by Dan Jinks, Bruce Cohen and Stage Entertainment with Roy Furman, Broadway Across America/Rich Entertainment Group, John Domo, The Nederlander Organization and Edward Walson in association with CJ E&M, Dancing Elephant Productions, Parrothead Productions, Harvey Weinstein/Carole L. Haber, Peter May/Jim Fantaci, Ted Liebowitz/Joe Piacentile and Columbia Pictures.
Shannon Hill Director
David Kyhn
Scenic Designer
Lanny Potts
Lighting Designer
Lori Hatfield Music Director
Elaine Kauffman Costume Designer
Jacob Myny Sound Designer
Olivia Johnston Stage Manager
Kris Allemang-Stahl Choreographer
Phillip Miller Technical Director
Christopher Lewis Properties Master
“If I’m being honest, I didn’t like this show when I first was offered the opportunity to direct it. The idea of shaping a story about a man who lies to his son and isn’t a present spouse didn’t appeal to me. But, before turning the artistic director down, I took a moment to pause and reflect on the story’s purpose. I’m so very, very glad I did. What I learned is that Edward Bloom does not lie; he’s a man who desperately wants to leave his son some wisdom, but does not know how to teach it. Edward Bloom does not exaggerate; he’s a man who wants to inspire his son, but feels his own accomplishments are not enough. Edward Bloom does not traditionally express love; he’s a man who loves with all of his heart, but feels he must perform great acts to be worthy of the same love in return. Haven’t we all felt something similar?
Big Fish is also the creation of a contemporary myth. As we watch this story unfold, we travel decades, meet unbelievable characters, and see rousing musical numbers that are created from a simple snap of the fingers. There are werewolves, giants, witches, and even a western movie-like fever dream. It’s a celebration of the power of the imagination and storytelling
Many big, brave, brilliant hearts went into the creation of this night of theatre. Thank you for joining us.”
Shannon Hill Director of Big Fish
I
Lori Hatfield - Conductor/Keyboard I
Luke Conklin - Reeds I
Taylor Crow - Cello
Hal Hobson-Morse - Keyboard II
Brent Decker (sub - Keyboard II)
Jake Juhl - Reeds II
Andy Knibloe - Drums/Percussion
Tyler Martin - Guitar I
Tyler Oshnock - Trumpet
Andrew Moore (sub - Trumpet)
Brandon Pacheco - Violin, Viola
Mark Tomlonson - Bass
Walker Truckey - Guitar II
Edward Bloom .............................................................. Dustin Morton DC
Sandra Bloom ............................................................. Delaney McKenzie*
Will Bloom .......................................................................... Jordan Bruner
Josephine .............................................................................. Sarah Aiello
Young Will, Will’s Son, others ............................................ Spencer Duguay
Karl, others ............................................................ August Ryan Gallagher
Jenny Hill, others .................................................................... Kate Louise
The Witch, others ............................................................. Sydney Harrison
Amos Calloway, others ........................................................... Jacob Miller
Don Price, others ................................................................. Danny Maura
Zacky Price, others ............................................................... Peter Bryant
Dr. Bennett, Understudy-Sandra, others ............................ Wendy Wheeler
Fisherman, others ....................................................... Luis Raziel Barbosa
Teacher, others .................................................................. Erika Mehring*
Sharecropper, others ............................................................ Pedro Hogan
Little Girl with Cat, Understudy-Josephine, others ............ Allison Rousseau
Bearded Lady, Understudy-Jenny Hill, others ....................... Nadya Beyar
Barber, others .......................................................................... Zoe Gibbs*
Shepherd, others ...................................................................... Emily Awe
Mermaid, others ................................................................ Emma Michael
General Patterson, Understudy-Amos Calloway, others ............ Todd Spratt
Red Fang, Understudy-Edward, others .......................... Matthew Schuster
Ashton Mayor, others ....................................................... Katey Martinek*
Alabama Lamb, Giant’s Girlfriend, others .............................. Sufia Sharief
Alabama Lamb, Understudy-The Witch, others .................... Anna Cafagna
Zaximus the Zensational, Understudy-Will, others..................... Logan Awe * Civic Onstage debut
Today’s performance will include sudden loud noises, pyrotechnics, and water-based haze and fog.
The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.
Director ................................................................................ Shannon Hill
Music Director ....................................................................... Lori Hatfield
Choreographer ........................................................... Kris Allemang-Stahl
Scenic Designer ...................................................................... David Kyhn
Costume Designer ............................................................Elaine Kauffman
Lighting Designer .................................................................... Lanny Potts
Sound Designer ...................................................................... Jacob Myny
Technical Director .............................................................. Phillip A.Miller
Properties Master ......................................................... Christopher Lewis
Stage Manager.................................................................. Olivia Johnston
Assistant Stage Managers ............................... Elia Ingerham, Elvin E. East
Master Electrician ........................................................ Delaney McKenzie
Projection Designer ................................................................. David Kyhn
Dance Captain ................................................................... Emma Michael
Fight Captain ......................................................... August Ryan Gallagher
Scenic Carpenters.............................................. Ryan Burke, Jacob Miller
Charge Painter ........................................................................ David Kyhn
Scenic Artists ............................................... Angela Mammel, Justin Muse
Stitchers ............................................... Isabella Bolden, Camille Van Dien
Audio Engineer ......................................................................... CJ Mizikar
Properties Artisans .................... Ian Whistler, Stacy Bartell, Jamie Chapin
Production Stage Manager .................................................. Stacey Jaeger
Videographer ............................................................... Katherine Mumma
Photographer/Graphic Designer ..................................... Deborah Mitchell
Director of Volunteers ............................................................... Mike Artis
Artistic Director ......................................................... Anthony J. Hamilton
Executive Director ............................................................. Laura M. Zervic
Floor Managers ................................................ Elia Ingerham, Ryan Burke
Light board Operator ............................................................. Elvin E. East
A1 Operator ............................................................ McKenna Burlingham
A2 Operator ............................................................................ Drew Dixon
Floor/ fly crew .............................................Kevin Hopp, Nick Richardson, .......................................................... RJ Soule, Aaron Potter, Ryan Burke
Dressers ............................ Joni Edwards, Maggie Timmer, Melinda Hopp, Chelsea Winkler, Angela Mammel, Andi Potter
Follow Spot Operators ..................................... Dusti Morton, Katie Stowe, Brian Magnuson, Eli Kaeding
Playback Operator .................................................................. Isaac Byler
Props Crew ................................................. Brian R. Bay, Lexie Rodriguez
Lou Irwin, Jr. (costume assistance) Katey Martinek (makeup assistance)
Wenke Greenhouses (plants)
Adopt a Show Board MembersSidney Ellis, Peter Hobson-Morse, and Shaun Moskalik
We acknowledge that the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre occupies the ancestral lands of the Council of the Three Fires – the Ojibwe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi. We recognize and respect the Indigenous nations of the Great Lakes region, also known as the Anishinaabe (Ah-nish-nah-bay), as the stewards of this land and acknowledge the sacred lands of all Indigenous Peoples and their continued presence.
Sarah is happy to be a part of another Kalamazoo Civic show! Even though she’s been here since she was very young, it seems like each season tops the next! She enjoys teaching for the Kalamazoo Civic’s outreach program, and is grateful for the opportunity to teach kids the craft that has brought her so much joy. You may have seen her as a few roles in last year’s season, which includes her favorite, Esther in Meet Me in St. Louis! A special shoutout to her other half in the show, (and in real time), Jordan Bruner. She absolutely loves performing beside him and is incredibly proud of the many characters he brings to life on stage.
Emily is a Kalamazoo native and no stranger to the Civic stage. Audiences will remember her as Rose Smith in Meet Me in St. Louis, the Acrobat in Matilda, Alex in Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods, and a member of the ensemble in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Elf the Musical. By day, Emily works as an administrative assistant at WMU and is a forensics coach for Portage Central High School and Middle School. “Big Fish is one of my favorite musicals, and being a part of it has been a dream come true. Thank you to the entire cast and crew for making this show such a wonderful experience.”
Logan is a Kalamazoo native and no stranger to theatre. Audiences will remember him as John Truitt in Meet Me in St. Louis, Jack Kelly in Newsies (his favorite role so far!), Rudolpho in Matilda, and a member of the ensemble in Elf the Musical, War Paint, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Hello, Dolly! Logan is a licensed medical massage therapist by trade and works out of Health Choice Chiropractic Center LLC. Having met his wife Emily in the Civic’s 2018 production of Hello, Dolly! The Civic will always be a special place for him. Logan would like to thank the entire cast and crew for making this a memorable Civic experience.
Luis Raziel Barbosa (Fisherman, others)
Luis (He/They) is a local Kalamazoo Actor starring in his second Civic show this year. Luis studies Acting, Dance, Film, and Musical Theater at Western Michigan University. Outside of school and Theater, Luis performs stand-up comedy and improv. He enjoys sparking his creative mindset by drawing, writing, playing video games, and supporting the Chicano community.
Nadya Beyar (Bearded Lady, U/S-Jenny Hill, others)
Nadya Beyar is a Junior at Western Michigan University studying Acting and Dance. Big Fish will be her second musical here at the Civic, the first being First Date where she played Casey back in the spring of 2023. Other roles include A Skit Performer in The Thanksgiving Play at WMU, a Muse in Emilia at WMU and Beth in Little Women at the International Christian School of Budapest. Nadya moved from Europe to Michigan to study theatre and hopes to continue to do theatre full time. For fun, Nadya enjoys spending time with friends, and going on spontaneous adventures outside. She also loves to dance and work out. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support even from thousands of miles away.
Jordan Bruner (Will Bloom)
Jordan Bruner (He/Him) is a WMU student who has been performing on stage since middle school. Currently studying Music Composition at Western Michigan University, Jordan spends a lot of time with music, either performing it, listening to it, or writing it. Jordan has been in his fair share of Civic shows, with his first show in Tick, Tick…Boom! as Jon, and more recently in First Date as Aaron, and a Congregant in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Outside of theatre, Jordan enjoys Video games, biking/rollerblading, and spending time with his girlfriend, Sarah. He loves being a part of shows at the Civic, where he is able to have fun doing shows with the people he loves!
Peter Bryant (Zacky Price, others)
Peter is excited to be a part of Big Fish and has loved working with the talented cast and crew. Some of his previous experiences include Meet Me in St. Louis, Newsies and Elf at the Kalamazoo Civic, as well as Puffs and Shakespeare in Love at the GRCT. Peter enjoys soccer, volleyball, travel, and swimming. He wants to thank all the civic staff for their support.
Anna Cafagna (Alabama Lamb, U/S-The Witch,others)
Anna Cafagna recently graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in dance. This is Anna’s third show in a row with the Kalamazoo Civic Theater, and she could not be happier to be a part of this community. She has loved each part of this experiencegetting to work with such a fun group, and of course all the dance breaks this show has to offer! As a bibliophile, she adores this shows emphasis on the importance of storytelling. Anna would like to thank her lovely family for always supporting her, gives her appreciation to the amazing cast and crew, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Spencer Duguay (Young Will, Will’s Son)
Spencer is a 7th grade student at Milwood Magnet School. Previous Civic Theatre credits include Polkadots (Sky Square), Descendants (Doug). Other credits include Pippin at Western Michigan University (Theo) and the Crawlspace Comedy Youth Improv team, Thank You For Shopping at Meijer. Spencer also enjoys playing baseball at Milwood Little League, playing tennis, crocheting, and drawing. He would like to thank his family for traveling to support him in everything he does, and he hopes that you enjoy the show.
Zoe Gibbs* (Barber, others)
Zoe is ecstatic to be making her Civic debut in Big Fish! Zoe is currently studying elementary education and theatre at Kellogg Community College! Zoe’s favorite roles from college, high school and the Civic include Vera Claythorne in And Then There Were None, Penelope Ann in Bye Bye Birdie, and ensemble in Big Fish. Zoe would like to thank her director and entire production team for making this such an amazing experience! Zoe would also like to thank all of her friends and family that helped her achieve this goal!
August Ryan Gallagher (Karl, others)
August is thrilled to be back on the stage for his sixth Civic show. You may remember him as Sonny Malone in the disco inspired musical Xanadu, as Seitz in last season’s hit musical Disney’s Newsies, and as the antagonist Captain Phoebus in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. August grew up performing with the Paw Paw Village Players and attended Columbia College Chicago to study Theatre. August’s favorite part of theater is coming together to share stories with the community.
Sydney Harrison (The Witch, Others)
Sydney has been performing since she was 10 years old in shows such as Sunday in the Park with George with Harrison School for the Arts, Sweeney Todd with Lakeland Community Theatre, Newsies, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame here at the Civic. She is so excited to be working on yet another bucket list show with her friends, old and new!
Pedro is grateful to be taking part in Big Fish. A graduate of the WMU Acting Program, he was last seen on the Civic stage as Bobby Child in Crazy for You. His previous credits include Legally Blonde (GrandMaster Chad), Bat Boy (Pan), Grey Gardens (Joe Kennedy Jr.), Hair (Woof) and Dog Sees God (CB). This past summer he played the role of Morris Townsend in the classic drama The Heiress. His film credits include Shaken Daddy Syndrome and The Date (Best Drama Winner - Reel Michigan Film Festival and Best Actor Nominee - Blue Water Film Festival). Pedro is a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer. “For K & A”
Kate Louise (She/Her/Hers) has a long list of theatre credits including Oklahoma (Ado Annie), 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), Kiss Me, Kate (Lois Lane/Bianca, her favorite!), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Snoopy/ Sally), and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator). Other than theatre, Kate enjoys hobby farming and gaming. She would like to recognize her husband, Misael, for his unwavering support and love.
Katey is no stranger to the stage. She got her start in her college’s productions of Barnum, Our Town, and Pippin. Since then, she’s taken on more of a backstage position with stagecraft, hair & makeup, props mistress, & choreography. Katey is excited to return to the stage as in one of her favorite roles, Ashton Mayor! Her favorite part of becoming active in theater again is the people she’s met, the relationships she’s have made, and the stories we get to tell. Katey would like to thank her family: Jon, Jake, Oakley, Susan, John, her Voice Coach extraordinaire: Wendy Wheeler, and her Friends: Betsie, Shaun, Dawn, Simone, & Mandy.
Danny Maura (Don Price, others)
Danny Maura, a student studying Choral Music Education at Western Michigan University, is so excited to be a part of his third show here at the Civic! Big Fish is Danny’s 11th overall production. Some of his previous roles include Reggie/Edgy British Artist in First Date and The Captain in Dames At Sea (both of which were at the Civic), as well as Baron Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, and Dr. Caius in Merry Wives of Windsor. When he’s not at the theater, Danny enjoys playing video games and running his Dungeons and Dragons campaign. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Delaney McKenzie* (Sandra Bloom)
Delaney grew up singing and dancing but found a passion for Lighting Design in high school. This is her first time back on stage since 2015 and is her Kalamazoo Civic Theatre stage debut. She is thankful to the directing team for their support and to Lanny Potts and the Civic Design/Production staff for allowing her to step out of her Resident Lighting Designer role and into the spotlight as Sandra. In her free time, Delaney likes to make beautiful things through paint, fiber, and music. More than anything, Delaney thanks God for his salvation, for what he has done in her life and will continue to do.
Erika Mehring* (Teacher, others)
Erika is so excited to be making her Civic debut!
Originally from Antioch, Illinois, Erika is a current junior studying Choral Music Education at Western Michigan University. Big Fish is her 29th production overall and marks her return to the stage after 2+ years. Her past credits include Beauty and the Beast (Enchantress, u/s Mrs. Potts), The Sound of Music (The Mother Abbess), and Sister Act (Mary Theresa, u/s Mother Superior), all performed in Northern Illinois. “Much love to my family, Hunter, Danny, Jordan, and Sarah!”
Emma has been volunteering at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre since she was 9 years old, and now teaches and choreographs for the Academy of Theatre Arts. Her favorite Civic productions include Hello, Dolly! and Billy Elliot. She is currently studying to become a Special Education teacher, and intends to continue working to create inclusive and accessible arts education programs once she graduates.
Though this is not Jacob’s first Civic production, this is the first time he’s acted on this stage. Jacob graduated in 2020 from Grand Valley State University with a BA in theatre and history. Jacob has toured throughout the lower peninsula and abroad through programs from GVSU. Since graduation he completed internships at Vicksburg High School and the Kalamazoo Civic, and is currently one of the scenic carpenters at the Civic. In his spare time he performs down in Three Rivers in their community theatre and an improv group based there.
Big Fish is Dustin’s 11th role at the Kalamazoo Civic and the one he is most proud to bring to the stage. “We have such a talented and energetic company that is so excited to tell this story. Having a dad who is a great story-teller gave me a great touch-stone to draw inspiration from and this tale really was fun for me to be able to bring to life.” He’d also like to thank his wife, Dusti for the never-ending support.
Allison Rousseau* (Little Girl with Cat, Understudy-Josephine, others)
Allison is a music education student at Western Michigan University and is so excited to be a part of her first show at the Civic Theater. She has taken a step back from performing for the past few years but some of her favorite theater memories are of playing the reed book in the pit orchestra and being Maria in The Sound of Music This show has been such a great jump back into the theater scene for her. She has loved working with such a talented cast and crew here and she hopes you enjoy the incredible story of Big Fish!
Sufia Sharief (Alabama Lamb, Giant’s Girlfriend, others)
Sufia graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Marketing and is now a Marketing Specialist for Suzanne Scott at Jaqua Realtors. She has been with the Kalamazoo Civic for 21 years and has received endless support from her husband, family, and friends. In her free time she enjoys archery, video games, and traveling.
Matthew Schuster (Red Fang, U/S-Edward, others)
Matthew has appeared on various stages in Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, and California. At the Civic, you may have seen Matt in Elf, Meet Me in St. Louis, Side by Side by Sondheim, and as Lucky in Dames at Sea. Matt is the Executive Director of Public Media Network where he works to help people tell their stories through media to activate social change. Dream big Trevor and be the hero of your story!
Todd is thrilled to have the opportunity to share his interpretation of various rolls in Big Fish. He is a part time pharmacist with Bronson Health Systems and enjoys his free time performing and acting at the Civic. A special acknowledgment to his beautiful wife who is incredibly supportive in allowing the time needed for his passion of theatre. Obviously, a special thanks to the Kalamazoo Civic for offering such wonderful resources and support of such an incredible staff.
#muchloveWendy Wheeler (Dr. Bennett, U/S-Sandra, others)
Wendy Wheeler has been teaching voice and piano for over 20 years Wendy’s resume included a variety of educational programs, theater work in many venues, and private vocal instruction for various music schools and colleges, as well as her own private studio. Wendy is a Professor of Voice and Musicianship with WMU’s Musical Theater program and serves as a teaching artist with the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre Academy of Theatre Arts. With this focus on theater education, she enjoys working with youth musical theater, and has served as music director for Kalamazoo Civic Youth Productions. She is an alumni member of the music fraternity Sigma Alpha lota, and the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo.
Shannon Hill - Director
Originally from Kalamazoo, Shannon is thrilled to return to the Civic as a director. Shannon graduated from WMU with a BA in Theatre Performance and from the University of Houston with her MFA in Theatre. She has worked as the Artistic Director of Festival 56 and the Associate Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival. Favorite directing credits include Hamlet (Palo Duro Shakespeare), Peter and the Starcatcher (FMCT), Eurydice (Allens Lane Theater), and Comedy of Errors (Festival 56). Her best creative project to date is her daughter, Rosalind. Special thanks to her loving parents and her incredible husband, Patrick.
Lori Hatfield - Music Director
A lifetime resident of Kalamazoo, Lori has provided musical direction for many local and regional theatres. Show highlights include First Date, Xanadu, Dames at Sea, Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, Avenue Q (Kalamazoo Civic Theatre), Peter and the Starcatcher, The Toxic Avenger (Farmer’s Alley Theatre), Rocky Horror Picture Show, Loserville, Xanadu (The Civic and Kellogg Community College), and Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Whole Art Theatre). Lori has toured with rock tribute bands throughout the Midwest. She has also taught for Education for the Arts in the Kalamazoo area.
Kris Allemang Stahl - Choreographer
Kris is excited to finally be back at the Civic after a three-year hiatus! She is a teaching artist for Education for the Arts and The Civic Academy of Arts as well as a choreographer for Portage Central High School, Loy Norrix High School, and Kindleberger Festival. Choreography credits include Anastasia and Big Fish-both which won Sutton Foster awards for best musical-SpongeBob the Musical, Legally Blonde, Grease, Urinetown, Mamma Mia, Once Upon a Mattress, Frozen Jr., Annie Get your Gun and The World Goes Round. Other acting credits include Bright Star, Inga in Young Frankenstein, Polly Baker in Crazy for You, Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street and her favorite: Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. “Thank you to my beautiful family Johnny, Elliott and Roman. Love you more than words.”
Stacy Bartell (Properties Artisan)
Stacy joined the Civic staff in 2005 and was named Properties Master in 2008 (thru August 2023.) After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Theatre from Lehigh University, she served as the Technical Director for the Shadowland Theatre in Ellenville, New York as well as Scenic Carpenter for Production Resource Group in New Windsor, New York. Stacy has created stunning and imaginative props for many Civic productions. Some of her favorite builds include: Smaug the Dragon for The Hobbit, the school desks for The Hundred Dresses and Chip’s cart for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR.
Brian R. Bay (Props Crew)
Brian is a long-time resident of Kalamazoo and a veteran Civic volunteer, having participated in dozens of shows backstage, onstage and pre-production over the 39 years he’s been involved here. His favorite Civic roles to date are Dennis Dupree in our 2018 production of Rock Of Ages, as Ensemble/Soloist for 2018’s Sounds of the 60’s and Annas in our 1996 production of Jesus Christ Superstar. His past shows include Taming of the Shrew (Gremio) and Annie (Bert Healy/Harold Ickes) at the Civic, and Danny McGuire in Xanadu at Kellogg Community College. Most importantly, he met his wife of 29 years during the 1987 production of The Music Man and enjoys doing shows together with her.
Ryan Burke (Scenic Carpenter, Floor Manager, Floor/Fly Crew)
Ryan is a Michigan native from the Croswell Opera House in Adrian. After a summer at the Tibbits Opera House, he has spent the rest of his career in the Kalamazoo Civic scene shop. Whether it’s building scenery or singing and dancing backstage, Ryan isn’t alive until the house is open and the first cue is called. He is a kind soul and wonderful friend; 100% dedicated to the new vision and core values of the Civic Theatre. You’ll like this guy.
McKenna Burlingham (A1 Operator)
McKenna is working towards an illustration degree at KVCC and has lived in Kalamazoo her whole life. Her favorite role she has ever performed was Ida in Honk! at Homeschool Performing Arts. Interests other than theatre include painting, rock climbing, and traveling.
Jamie Chapin (Properties Artisan)
Jamie graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Entertainment Design & Technology. They have worked with Cedar Point: Live Entertainment (2022) and the Opera Theatre of St. Louis (2023) since graduation. Some of their favorite hobbies are crocheting, drawing, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Drew is excited to be a part of the Crew of a show for the very first time. Drew has performed in multiple Civic shows, most recently as Frederic in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Drew’s favorite roles include: Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Amos in Chicago, Frederic in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Drew says when not in rehearsal, “I like to spend time with family, friends, my dogs, and my girlfriend. Read, work out, watch sports/reality TV.” Drew would like to thank Kenna Burlingham.
Elvin has been involved in over seventy shows at the Civic over the past seventeen seasons and is a talented stage manager and light board operator. His favorites have been the Shakespeare productions, Senior Readers Theatre, and Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical. When he is not at the Civic he enjoys being a Canadian, reading mysteries, and raising donkeys. “Thanks to my wonderful wife, Pat Erwin, for her support and my freedom.”
Joni enjoys her time spent at her home away from home. She has been involved at the Civic ever since her involvement in War Paint (dresser). Her past Civic credits include World Goes Round (cast), Elf (dresser), Almost, Maine (lightboard operator), Dames at Sea (dresser), Murder on the Orient Express (dresser), Xanadu, Disney’s Newsies (dresser) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (dresser) amongst being an usher for many shows. She loves being involved with productions whether it be on the stage or working backstage. “I’d like to thank my
husband for encouraging me to come play at the Civic”.
Kevin Hopp (Floor/Fly Crew)
Kevin is happy to have honed his acting skills at the Civic. His most recent appearance for the Civic was in Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. He also liked being cast as Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde, and The Musical at the KMC Onstage Theatre in Germany. Kevin was also Assistant Stage Manager for the Senior Class Reader’s Theatre production of Leaving Iowa. Originally from Troy, MI, Kevin has called Kalamazoo his home for over 3 and a half years. Kevin and his wife, Melinda, have 2 children, JC and Jade. If not at the theatre, he enjoys watching movies, running, biking, home improvement, drinking good beer and hanging with his family and friends.
Melinda is making her Civic backstage debut in Big Fish. Her favorite part about theatre is the energy of the volunteers, the friends you make, and the support you get in being a part of the shows. Melinda’s favorite Civic shows are Elf, Murder on the Orient Express, and Meet Me in St. Louis – all shows that her husband was in. When not in rehearsal Melinda is a Supervisor for Centene/Wellcare. Her main joy in life has been supporting her husband in his talents with theatre and having his passion for the arts. Melinda would like to thank her husband, Kevin Hopp.
After taking a few acting classes in the area, Elia decided to serve as a mentor for the 2022 Penguin Project Production of School House Rock Live!
Jr. and fell in love with the process of mounting a show. Since then, she has worked on a variety of plays such as Meet Me in St Louis (2022) and Clybourne Park (2023). Big Fish marks her first role as a production team member; she is serving as Assistant Stage Manager. Elia would like to thank her family and the Civic staff. “Thank you for seeing me and giving me so many amazing opportunities.”
Elijah Kaeding (Follow Spot Operator)
Stacey Jaeger (Production
Stacey is excited to have been hired at the Civic after her year as an intern. Originally from Iowa, where she grew up doing all things theatre, Stacey finished school at Beloit College before joining the Civic staff in 2021. Some of her favorite stage management experiences are productions of Twelfth Night in her hometown, The Moors at Beloit, and Murder on the Orient Express at the Civic. She’d like to thank her family for helping her get settled in the Kalamazoo area and a few of her mentors: Marina Bergenstock, Grant Freeman, Lisa Brannan, and Alicia Bailey.
Olivia Johnston (Stage Manager)
Olivia Johnston (she/they) is thrilled to be continuing their Stage Manager journey here at the Civic. Olivia enjoys the behind-the-scenes aspects of theater and is ready to lend their talents as Stage Manager for Big Fish. They have enjoyed working with all the cast and crew and hope that you enjoy the magic they have created. This will be Olivia’s first production with the Kalamazoo Civic Theater and their ninth production as Stage Manager overall.
Elijah is thrilled to be back on crew for another Civic production! Civic credits include: Xanadu, Newsies, Meet Me in St. Louis, Clybourne Park, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and several youth shows. Having a family that is very involved in theatre provided a springboard into the world of theatre for Elijah and since Elijah didn’t want to act, doing backstage crews was the perfect way to get started in theatre. When not in rehearsal Elijah is a full time student and spends a lot of time on school.
Elaine Kauffman (Costume Designer)
Elaine first joined the Civic staff in 1998 as our Costume Designer. She left to create her own custom clothing design business, Elaine K Designs which she has run for the past 18 years. She returned to the Civic as Costume Designer in 2018. She graduated from WMU with a degree in Fashion Design and has over 25 years of professional costume design working at almost every theatre in the Kalamazoo area including the Barn Theatre, 3-D Touring Productions, WMU Dance Dept., WMU Opera, Kalamazoo College Theatre Dept., Farmers Alley Theatre and many other freelance costume design projects. One of her favorite costuming experiences was creating the “creature costume” for a horror movie filmed in Kalamazoo. Outside of the theatre, Elaine enjoys the art of cheese making!
David has served on the Civic s staff since the summer of 2000. Over that time, it has been his pleasure to work with the Civic’s passionate volunteers and the skillful, dedicated staff. He has especially enjoyed mentoring and learning from so many bright interns at the beginning of their careers. The Civic has provided countless opportunities for him to grow as an artist, exploring new ideas, technologies, and aesthetics, and he looks forward to future wonder and discovery with the vibrant Civic community.
Christopher Lewis (Properties
Christopher is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a B.A. in Fine Arts. He joined the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre staff in 2008 as a scenic carpenter. In May of 2023, he became the Resident Properties Master. Some of his favorite Civic productions are Jekyll & Hyde, The Who’s Tommy, The Borrowers, Once on this Island, Xanadu, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Christopher’s hobbies include building prop replicas, designing and constructing puppets, blacksmithing, and playing tabletop games.
Brian is growing as a lover of performing arts. With each new K-Civic production he learns new appreciation for the theater both in front of an audience and behind the scenes. As an added bonus for his participation he forms new rewarding relationships with all the people he is honored to work with. This is his second season volunteering with the Civic, having
participated in auditions, classes, crewing for Clybourne Park and The Hunchback of Notre Dame and now, volunteering in the current season. Huzzah!
Angela Mammel (Scenic Artist/ Dresser)
Angela is thrilled to be working backstage at the Civic for this production! They hold a B.A. in Theatre from Kalamazoo College and currently work as a scenic design intern with the Civic, where they have designed shows such as last season’s Penguin Project production of Rainbow Fish. Many thanks, as always, to their wonderful and supportive family. They hope you enjoy the show!
Delaney McKenzie (Master Electrician) Delaney joined the Civic staff in 2018 as the Master Electrician and became the Resident Lighting and Sound Designer in 2020. She earned her BS in Theater: Design and Technology at Northwest Missouri State University and a MFA in Theater at Southern Illinois University where she specialized in Lighting Design. She has worked with the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Endstation Theater Company, McLeod Summer Playhouse, and as Lead Lighting Technician at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Delaney has a passion for Jesus, music, and the arts, spending much of her time outside of the Civic dedicated to worship and creating beautiful things. She is a painter and a prolific fiber artist, often seen with a set of needles or crochet hook between meetings or backstage during performances.
Jacob Miller (Scenic Carpenter)
Jacob graduated Grand Valley State University in 2020, earning his BA in Theatre and History and a minor in Music. He has worked at the Croswell Opera House, and the theatres at both Grandville and Vicksburg High School. In 2021, he made his Civic debut in The Tempest and worked as a Teaching Artist. In his free time Jacob still loves to act, traveling between Three Rivers and Grand Rapids for various projects.
Phillip A. Miller (Technical Director)
Phillip has worked on every production we have produced since he joined the Civic staff in 2000. Prior to his arrival at the Civic, Phillip served as the Assistant Technical Director at the Barn Theatre and as a draftsman for the Children’s Theatre Company and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Additionally, Phillip was the Technical Assistant at Western Michigan University, while earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technical Production.
CJ Mizikar (Audio Engineer)
CJ works as an Audio-Visual Engineer at Firekeepers Casino Hotel and is a graduate of Western Michigan University’s College of Engineering
and Applied Science. CJ has been involved with Portage Public Schools productions, helping in roles such as microphone technician, sound operator, and sound designer.
Dusti Morton (Follow Spot Operator) Dusti (she/her/hers) is a Pennsylvania native and has lived in Kalamazoo for 6 years. In the past, she has stage managed the Carver Center Studio productions of No Way Out and SideShow (her favorite), and assistant stage managed for the Main stage production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. She has also crewed for various productions including Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Annie Get Your Gun, and Much Ado About Nothing. Dusti has also worked backstage in Crazy for You, The Scottish Play, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Interests other than theatre are cross-stitching and working on haunted houses. “I am really 52 squirrels in a Dusti costume.”
Justin Muse (Scenic Artist)
Justin is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a BFA in Theater Design and Production. He is excited to be joining the Civic team as an intern
for the 2022-23 season. Past designs include Radium Girls, Bare: A pop Opera, and Don Pasquale.
Jacob Myny (Sound Designer)
Jacob is excited for his very first season with the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre! Jacob is the resident sound designer here and comes from South Haven, MI. Jacob earned his BFA degree from Western Michigan University Theatre Department. He has traveled around working in New Hampshire, Florida, and Michigan. Some of his favorite previous works include, The Cake (The Naples Players), The Fantastics (Jean s Playhouse), and Much A Do About Nothing (Hope Summer Repertory Theatre). For more information about Jacob and his works visit his website: mynyinc.com
Aaron Potter (Floor/fly crew)
My name is Aaron Potter (he/him) and I am very excited to be working as a floor crew member for Big Fish. I have previously appeared on stage at the Civic as Bunson in Newsies (2022) and Warren Sheffield in Meet Me in St. Louis (2022), and have had many other acting roles in other places over the years. This is my first time working on a backstage crew, though, and I am excited to be doing so alongside my lovely wife, Andi. When not at the Civic, I am a high school English teacher at Kalamazoo Christian High School where I am also the director of the theatre program. After all, you can never do too much theatre. Enjoy the show!
Andi Potter (Dresser)
Andi (she/her) is joining the company of Big Fish as a dresser for her first time as a crew member at the Civic. Her past performances at the Civic
have included acting in Newsies (Nun/ Bowery Beauty) and Meet Me in St. Louis (Nanny). She is thankful to be sharing this magical experience with Aaron, her partner in theatre and in life. Have a blast and enjoy the show!
Lanny Potts (Lighting Designer)
Lanny is thrilled to be working alongside the amazing creative team for Big Fish! Lanny’s work includes a national lighting award for Fun Home from the John F. Kennedy Center, 4 State-of-Michigan Wilde Awards (best in lighting design) for Farmers Alley Theatre productions of Gypsy, The Light in the Piazza, Bridges of Madison County, and Camelot, multiple regional design awards , including Chattanooga Opera, 14th Street Playhouse, Onstage Atlanta), two Governor’s commendations (Georgia and Michigan), and a national dance tour for Chengdu Dance Troupe. Recent work includes: Bright Star, Doubt, Gypsy, Dogfight, Cabaret, Next to Normal, Parade, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Little Shop of Horrors, and A Few Good Men. He is the resident design consultant for Farmers Alley Theatre and provides production work internationally (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, India), and has been a stage manager for the John F. Kennedy Center. Lanny would like to thank his family: Brittany, Evann, Whitney, and Elena, and fabulous wife Barbara, for allowing him to pursue his passions.
Nick Richardson (Floor/fly crew)
Nick is returning for his second show with the Civic, this time behind the scenes. When not working shows all around Kalamazoo, Nick is an educator and curriculum designer in Grand Rapids. In his free time, he loves
reading, music, and Kalamazoo pub crawls.
Lexie Rodriguez (Props Crew)
Big Fish marks Lexie’s Civic backstage debut, but Lexie is no stranger to the stage. Lexie did a middle school theatre camp and continued doing plays all through middle school and high school. Additionally, in high school Lexie was Props Chief for The Wizard of OZ, Stage Manager for 12th Night and the Inspector in Inspecting Carol. Lexie’s favorite part about theatre is the teamwork that goes into making a production come to life. Lexie would like to say, “Thank you to my parents and grandparents.”
RJ Soule (Floor/Fly Crew)
RJ has lived in Kalamazoo since 1987, though he had a 2-year hiatus in Houston. He has been involved in several shows at the Civic, both onstage and off, but his favorite show he’s ever down on the Civic stage was once of his own pieces, The Episodic Life, performed at the Parish Theatre last year. When not at the theatre, RJ enjoys mountain hiking.
Katie Stowe (Follow Spot Operator)
More than anything else, Katie’s passion is to help people and give them that spark of inspiration that will bring them to their own beautiful art. As a child Katie grew up encouraged to explore her skills and talents, including sketching, painting, digital art, knitting, music, filmmaking, public speaking and theater.
Maggie Timmer (Dresser) (She/Her)
Maggie is excited to be trying a new position backstage to kick off the Civic’s 95th season after closing last season onstage in The Hunchback of Notre Dame! Other Civic credits include: Evita, Hairspray, Young Frankenstein, and Once On This Island. Maggie works as a private music teacher offering voice, piano, and guitar at Broughton Music Center in Kalamazoo. You’ll see her students perform at the Civic, and in other local theatre companies, music groups, and school productions. When not making music, she can be found spending time with her lovely Emma and their two cats.
Camille Van Dien (Stitcher)
My name is Camille Van Dien, I am the current Costume Design Intern at the Kalamazoo Civic. Before coming to the Civic, I went to college at Grand Valley State University where I studied theatre and got my bachelor’s degree in 2021. When I am not working with costumes I enjoy being an actor at local theaters in the area and getting together to play board games with friends.
Chelsea Winkler (Dresser)
A lover of theater and the arts Chelsea is happy to be a volunteer for this fun and exciting show! Civic credits include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat - Women’s Chorus, Les Miserables - Assistant Stage Manager Stage Left, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Dresser. Some of Chelsea’s favorite shows include Sweeny Todd, Little Shop of Horrors, and Les Miserables. Chelsea’s favorite part about theatre is teamwork: no part is a small part. Thank you to my husband Ler.
Classes and Camps for All Ages
Performing arts classes for youth and adults. Build acting, singing, and dancing skills in an environment dedicated to life-long learning.
John August
John received a 2004 BAFTA nomination for his screenplay for Big Fish. His other credits include Go, Titan A.E., Charlie’s Angels, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Corpse Bride, The Nines, Frankenweenie and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, for which he received a 2006 Grammy nomination for lyrics. The first book in his middle-grade fantasy adventure series Arlo Finch was published by Macmillan in February 2018 and has been translated into 11 languages. Born in Colorado, he is a graduate of Drake University and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. On Twitter and Instagram @ johnaugust.
Andrew Lippa
Explore all things Andrew Lippa at andrewlippa.com! Andrew Lippa’s new epic choral work “Unbreakable” had its world premiere with The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus on June 22nd and 23rd, 2018 in San Francisco with 300 artists onstage including Mr. Lippa. Ten more choruses across the country will present this new work in the next year and the original cast recording, produced by legendary producer Leslie Ann Jones, will be released by Ghostlight Records in November, 2018. He conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a new production of his “A Little Princess” in concert in London at the Royal Festival Hall in May, 2018 to a sold-out crowd of nearly 3,000 people.
His hit song “Evil Like Me” appears in Disney’s “Descendants”. Written for Kristin Chenoweth that soundtrack hit #1 on the “Billboard 200” album chart, #1 on the iTunes and Billboard soundtrack charts, has been viewed over 70 million times on YouTube and “Evil Like Me” was certified gold in 2017. On Feb. 1st, 2017, Lippa opened the new season of The American Songbook Series at Lincoln Center with his sold out concert of “Andrew Lippa and Friends.” In 2016, he composed and conducted a world premiere piece for the international piano virtuoso Lang Lang and the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra in Guangzhou, China. This new work, a 32-minute, 5-movement piece called “Rising Tide”, was reprised later in 2016 and recorded in China. Lippa’s epic Concept Opera “I am Anne Hutchinson/I Am Harvey Milk” had its world premiere at The Music Center at Strathmore in April of 2016 starring Kristin Chenoweth as Anne Hutchinson and Mr. Lippa as Harvey Milk. Summer 2016 saw the US premiere of “Life of the Party” – a musical compendium of Mr. Lippa’s career – produced by Theatreworks in Mountain View, CA and starring Mr. Lippa. Summer of 2017, Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, NY, presented the world premiere of The Man in the Ceiling. Based on Jules Feiffer’s award-winning novel, this musical features a book by Mr. Feiffer and music and lyrics by Mr. Lippa. Directed by Jeffrey Seller (Tony-winning producer of “Hamilton”) Mr. Lippa played the role of Uncle Lester in this production.
Broadway credits include: Music and lyrics for Big Fish directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman; the Tony-nominated music and lyrics for the Broadway musical The Addams Family (directed by Jerry Zaks) as well as the music for Aaron Sorkin’s Broadway play The Farnsworth Invention (directed by Des McAnuff). Other musicals include the Drama Desk award winning musical The Wild Party (book/music/lyrics); A Little Princess (music); john & jen (music/book); Asphalt Beach (music and lyrics); and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (additional music/lyrics and arrangements). His epic oratorio for men’s chorus, orchestra and soloists, I Am Harvey Milk has seen over 30 productions including Disney Hall and Lincoln Center. Awards: Tony and Grammy nominations; shared Emmy for Nickelodeon’s “The Wonder Pets”; SFGMC Vanguard Award; The Gilman/Gonzalez-Falla Theater Foundation Award; ASCAP’s Richard Rodgers/New Horizons Award; The Drama Desk Award; The Outer Critics Circle Award. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Mr. Lippa serves as president of the board of The Dramatists Guild Foundation (dgf.org). He was born in Leeds, England, grew up in suburban Detroit and is an ordained Interfaith minister. andrewlippa.com
Theatrical Rights Worldwide is a full service theatre licensing company.
Working on behalf of authors, TRW exclusively grants live stage production rights to the plays and musicals in our catalogue. Representing Broadway (Tony Award ® winners), West End (Olivier Award winners) and a wide variety of Off-Broadway, regional and Theatre for Young Audiences plays and musicals, we provide the authorized performance script and music materials required to rehearse and present our shows, in addition to innovative products aimed at helping the artistic and commercial value of theatrical presentations.
We would not exist without the generous gift of time and talent provided by our Volunteers. The following Volunteers stuck with us during one of our most challenging times and we are forever grateful. Please join us in thanking these Volunteers who shared their time and talent.
Lisa Abbott
Debra Abel
Max Achenback
Anastsia Agapidis
Nicky Aiello
Sarah Aiello
Melody Albrecht
Betty Allemang
Anna Arredondo
Mike Artis
Susan Artis
Katie Ault
Emily Awe
Logan Awe
Tammy Bailey
Kenneth Baker
Susan Baker
Ardith Ballard
Leslie Ballard-Baux
Luis Raziel Barbosa
Stacy Bartell
Kate Bates
Kaiya Bates
Martha Bay
Brian R Bay
Ashley Beach
Ashley Beach
Lori Beason
Emily Berezowsky
Max Berezowsky
Nadya Beyar
Stefani Bishop
Glenn Black
Christopher Blades
Philip Borkholder
Louise Bower
Ronald Bower
E’Dric Boyd
Steven Boysen
Lisa Brannan
Kathy Breyfogle
Rachel Bridgmon
Savannah Brosnan
Phoebe Brosnan
Nate Brown
Jordan Bruner
Peter Bryant
Ryan Burke
McKenna Burlingham
Robyn Burlingham
Jake Burrell
Guiliana Bush
Isaac Byler
Isaac Byler
Anna Cafagna
Lucas Campbell
Gwen Cartright
Jackson Cavalli
Joshua Cavalli
Kristina Cavalli
Kim Chandler
Patti Chen
Tom Chen
Rhonda Coleman Collins
Laurel Elisabeth Connolly
Lynn Contos
Grace Cook
Tammy Cooper
Ariel Corniel
Gwen Cortright
Janine Cotugno
Anna Cox
Dan Coyne
Elizabeth Crouse
Emma Curley
Melissa Dancy
Asa Davis
Chloe Davis
Julie Davis
Julie Davis
Sandra Davis
Isaac Deluca
Laura DeMerell
Denise DeVoll
Linda Dickey
Andrew Dixon
Molly Duffy
Riley Moon Duffy
Kate Duffy
Brian Duguay
Emily Duguay
Spencer Duguay
Ron Dundon
Jessie Duniphin
Liz Dykhouse
Elvin E. East
Joni R. Edwards
Merinda Edwards
Dixie Edwards
Kim Elliott
Sidney Ellis
Molly Endres
Patricia Erwin
Renae C. Feldpausch
Leandro Filiputti
Diane Foghino
Sheena Foster
Kendra Fritz
Elsie Gale
August Gallagher
Courtney Gardner
Jessi Gates
Madison Gates
Scott Gates
Vincent Giannecchini
Zoe Gibbs
Joshua Gonyer
Brenda Gonyer
Brett Gowen
Lisa Grace
Katherine Gray
Nicholas Gray
Jessica Gray
Lauren Hageman
Rachel Hageman
Anthony J. Hamilton
Ashley Hansen
Aubrey Hansen
Libby Hardesty
Sydney Harrison
Gwene’e Hart
Katherine Harte-DeCoux
Lori Hatfield
Ashley Hathaway
Nora Hauk
Jeff Havens
Linda Havens
Glenn Hedin
Charles Henderson
Kyle Hibbard
Jakob Hill
Shannon Hill
Hal Hobson-Morse
Peter Hobson-Morse
Pedro Hogan
Ken Holda
Marshall Holmer
Jane Howela
Bryan Huey
Theodore Huff
Daniel “Satch” Huizinga
Anastsia Hushson
Elia Ingerham
Stacey Jaeger
Barbara Johnson
Barbara Johnson
Olivia Johnston
Kathryn M. Jones
Caroline Jordan
Haley Jordan
Tina Jordan
Kaia Jordan
Kelsey Jordan
Robin Joseph
Elaine Kauffman
Je’yvona Kelley
Ish Klein
Ish Klein
Atis Kleinbergers
Rosemarie Klien
Dara Konewko
Vicki Konzen
Peggi Kurpinski
David Kyhn
Alyssa Laney
Charlotte Larson
Amy Leskowski
Trevor Leskowski
Jack Leskowski
Sydney Leskowski
Milan Levy
Christopher Lewis
Sydney Lewis
Alicia Lindsay
Jenn Lindsay
Phoenix Lofton
Lars J Loofboro
Kate Louise
Daren Lovett
Brian Magnuson
David Mahon
Montana Major
Angela Mammel
Alexander James Martin
Michael P. Martin
Katey Martinek
Oakley Martinek
Danny Maura
Matthew Morris McCormick
Colleen McGilton
Delaney McKenzie
Erika Mehring
Barbara Meskin
Ross Meskin
Evie Meskin
Emma Michael
Michelle Mickelson
Tesla Sapphire Mikarek
Katerina Mikhailova
Jacob Miller
Zaynee Miller
Nancy S. Miller
AnnMarie Miller
Philip A. Miller
Jacob Miller
Zaynee Miller
Barbara Minar
Desmond Mitchell
Deborah Mitchell
Alan Moerdyk
Rick Moll
Carolyn Moore
Yuri Moore
Raven Moore
Dusti Morton
Dustin Morton D.C.
Justin Muse
Micha Myers
Jaycee Myner
Lucia Myner
Jacob Myny
Amy Naugle
Kara Nic
Laurie Nic
Kathy Niemann
Mandana Nordbrock
Autumn Norris
Heather Norris
Autumn Norris
Derrick Norris
Susan Ossewaarde
Russ Panico
Shari Pearce
Brea Persing
Emma Peterman
Robert Piellusch
Josette Pierre-Antoine
Etta Poer
Nicki Poer
Aaron Potter
Andi Potter
Jaya Pratt
Heather Purcell
Delma Radford
Katherine Reas
Mary Redmon
Molly Reilly
Ethel Resh
Bobalee Rethard
Reynalodo Reyes
Bev Riley
Elisa Rios
Carl Roberts
Mike Robinson
Maria Rodriguez
Jen Roelof
Kate Roelof
Holly Rogers-Rios
Ophelia Rose
Allison Rousseau
Victor Rozmys
Marin Rozmys
King Ryan
Ashley Saddler
Gwen Saulino
Kristine Schomisch
Dale Schram
Matthew Schuster
Trevor Schuster
Jane Schuster
Serenity Scott
Kim Seeley
Molly Seene
Ali Sharief
Sofia Sharief
Sabrina Shelley
Rhasheda Shepherd
Ann Shepich
Robyn Shepich
Sara Sherman
Lynn Shiflea
Reed Shilts
Reed Shilts
Dawn Shilts
Aster Smith
Julie Smith
Kathy Smyser
RJ Soule
MaryAnn Spalsbury
Todd Spratt
Erwin St. Rose
Kris Allemang Stahl
Jacki Stahr
Sherri Stevens
Ivy Stewart
Zoe Stewart
Courtney Stewart
Gail Stults
Cindy Synder
Gail Synder
Miriam Thomas
George Townsend
Jenny Trout
Diane Vasold Trupiano
Mary Tuetsch
Kristin Tyrrell
Camille Van Dien
Pamela S VandenBosch
Bryan VandenBosch
Camille VanDien
Laura VanOrman
Diane Vasold-Trupiano
Gari Voss
Rhapsody Walsh
Meadow Walsh
Ron Ware
Kristin Warren
Jan Watson
Sharon Weissman
Jasmine Wesley
Chrissy Westbury
Fred Western
Wendy Wheeler
Jerome Whitley III
Judy Wilcox
Kai “Ryan” Williams
Candace Williams
Jennifer Williams
Donna Willoughby
Gary Willoughby
Paul Wills
Patricia Wills
Amy Wills
Brandon Wolfgang
Ben Wright
Jihan Ain Young
Maggie Zahrai
Ivy Zaroff
Kenny Zelnis
Laura M. Zervic
Angelica Zoch
Ben Zylman
As a not for profit organization, we are indebted to the generosity of our supporting foundations, businesses, organizations, families and friends. We wish to recognize those who have made contributions to the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre between June 1, 2023 and September 15, 2023, including those who wish to remain anonymous. We thank you for your continued support.
The Burdick - Thorne Foundation
Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation
Irving S. Gilmore Foundation
Michigan Arts & Cultural Council
National Endowment for the Arts
Suzanne Upjohn Delano Parish Foundation
Tyler Little Family Foundation
Assistant Director
($2,499 - $5,000)
Burdick-Thorne Foundation
Tyler Little Family Foundation
Laura Zervic
Producer ($5,000 +)
Eugene Wu Director ($2,500 - $4,999)
Reed Shilts
Arthur Nemitz
Assistant Director ($1,000 - $2,499)
Alfred Garcia
Star ($500 - $999)
Robyn Burlingham
Charles Knappen III
James Marquardt
Laura Zervic
Supporting Player ($250 - $499)
Theresa Crowell
Joe Dill
Dennis Hollar
Howard Potrude
Chorus Member ($100 - $249)
Elizabeth Akehurst
Mary Artis
Deb Cronkite
Betsie Crotty
George Dunn
Kay Hanson
Virginia Hessler
D. James Heaton
Peter Kobrak
Joyce McNally
Barbara Menlen
AnnMarie Miller
David Overton
Russ Panico
Lois Plaver
Patricia Shiley
Sandra Sims
Thomas Small
Linda Teare
Ken Weyenberg
Elaine Williams Patron ($1-99)
Anna Arredondo
Richard Baker
David Barry
Joyce Brown
Sherry Buiskool
Jenifer Czach
Ruth Dare
Janet DeBoer
Richard Deisler
Matthew Dunn
Sidney Ellis
Lois Ellis
Nikki Elrod
Renae Feldpausch
Elaine Fluck
Cynthia Foster
Kay Haas
Sierra Hamilton
Harding’s Markets West
Susan Hill
Waneta Hodges
Tina Kruger
Kristen Larson
Bonnie Lewis
Rev Mary Moran Cross
Wesley Mauwa
Juliet Merillat
Amy Morris
Micha Myers
Sarah Nyenhuis
Jill Ongley
Jodie Ostrowski
Tom Platte
Mark Reid
Joan Romyak
Sara Sherman
Edward Smith
Janet Snyder
Norma Stancati
Courtney Stewart
Marcene Telfer
Marissa Toweson
Lucille Tramel
Mary Van Tassel
Steven Ware
Kimberly Whittaker
Patrick Wisniewski
Amy Wills
Nancy Zausner
Ben Zylman ............................................................................................. President
Sidney Ellis ....................................................................................... Vice President
Peter Hobson-Morse ................................................................................ Secretary
Kathy Breyfogle Treasurer
Asa Davis ................................................................................................... Member
Michael P. Martin ....................................................................................... Member
Russ Pianco ............................................................................................... Member
Bev Riley Member
Rhaseda Shepherd .................................................................................... Member
Jihan Ain Young ......................................................................................... Member
Timothy Kilmartin .............................Chair
Leah Walters Vice Chiar
Catherine W. Perry ..................... Secretary
Stacy Caudill .............................. Treasurer
Kathy Breyfogle ........................... Member
Sidney Ellis Member
Sandra Gagie ............................... Member
James M. Marquardt .................... Member
Shaun Moskalik ........................... Member
Maggie Zahrai Member
Board Member Emeriti
Deborah Johnston
Howard Kalleward
Katie Miller
Art Nemitz
Karen Tudor
Sally Williams
Laura M. Zervic ........................................................................... Executive Director
Anthony J. Hamilton ........................................................................ Artistic Director
Mike Artis .............................................................................. Director of Volunteers
Stefani Bishop ......................................................................... Box Office Associate
Christopher Blades .................................................................. Box Office Associate
Steven Boysen ......................................................................................... Custodian
Ryan C. Burke ............................................................................... Scenic Carpenter
Kim Chandler .......................................................................... Box Office Associate
Jamie Chapin .............................................................................. Properties Artisan
Stacey Jaeger Production Stage Manager
Kathryn M. Jones ....................................... Administrative Assistant - Carver Center
Elaine Kauffman ........................................................... Resident Costume Designer
David Kyhn ...................................................................... Resident Scenic Designer
Christopher Lewis Resident Properties Manager
Sydney Lewis ............................... Box Office Associate/Tessitura Systems Specialist
Montana Major ....................................................... Business and Finance Manager
Delaney McKenzie ......................................................... Resident Lighting Designer
AnnMarie Miller Director of Education and Outreach
Jacob Miller .................................................................................. Scenic Carpenter
Phillip A. Miller ............................................................................ Technical Director
Deborah Mitchell ................................................. Graphic Designer/Photographer
Jacob Myny Resident Sound Designer
Carl Roberts............................................................................. Custodial Supervisor
Jane Schuster .............................................................................Marketing Director
Sarah Sherman .................................................................. Resident Teaching Artist
Melita Terrentine-Wiener .................. Front of House and Special Events Coordinator
Olivia Johnston ................................................................Stage Management Intern
Angela Mammel ....................................................................... Scenic Design Intern
Raven Moore ........................................................................... Sound Design Intern
Justin Muse ............................................................................. Scenic Design Intern
George Townsend .................................................................. Lighting Design Intern
Camille Van Dien .................................................................. Costume Design Intern
KALAMAZOO CIVIC THEATRE
C elebrating our 95 th S ea S on
BIG FISH
Sept. 15-Oct.1, 2023
ALL OF US: A CELEBRATION OF BIPOC VOICES
Oct. 6-15, 2023
WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY?
Oct. 27-Nov. 5, 2023
BARBECUE
Nov. 10-19, 2023
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Nov. 24 - Dec. 17, 2023
THE LION IN WINTER
Jan. 12-21, 2024
CATS: YOUNG ACTORS EDITION
Jan. 26-Feb. 4, 2024
IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
Feb. 16-25, 2024
THE 39 STEPS
March 8-17, 2024
FOREVER PLAID
April 5-14, 2024
DISNEY’S THE LION KING JR.
April 19-28, 2024
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
May 3-19, 2024