Dear Friends,
Tonight, we embark on a magical journey to Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, hand in hand with Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. While written in 1938, this deceptively simple slice-of-life play transcends time and speaks directly to our present, finding a particularly resonant home on the Players Guild stage.
Most of the time, I have the privilege of writing these letters as the proud President of the Guild. I’m always honored to be able to reflect on the talents of my fellow members as I watch our productions come together as the works of love and joy that they are. With this show, I have the unique added perspective of being a member of the cast. Under the generous and thought-provoking direction of the remarkably talented Brian Townsend, this cast and crew has worked to bring this American classic to life and to give voice and action to its timeless themes.
Since 1927, the Players Guild of Dearborn has proudly served as a community cornerstone, just like Grover’s Corners itself. Just as Wilder masterfully paints a portrait of everyday life, generation after generation, our Guild has brought countless stories to life on this very stage, connecting audiences with timeless emotions and experiences. Our Town feels at home here, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling and the role theater plays in fostering community and shared understanding.
The passage of time is a central theme in Our Town, and here at the Players Guild, we understand the value of preserving traditions and sharing stories across generations. Each production, including Our Town, becomes a cherished memory, a fleeting yet precious moment in the Guild’s rich history. As you witness the lives of Grover’s Corners unfold, allow the play to inspire you to savor the everyday wonders that make up your own life, both on and off the stage.
The Guild works at being a gathering place for diverse voices and stories. Just like Grover’s Corners comes together in times of joy and sorrow, our stage unites audiences and actors from all walks of life. As you witness the triumphs and tragedies of the play’s characters, remember that the Guild stage serves as a similar platform for shared humanity and understanding. Let Our Town inspire you to connect with your fellow audience members, fostering empathy and compassion within our own community.
Tonight, as we journey through Grover’s Corners, remember that Our Town is not just a play about the past. It is a mirror reflecting our own lives, our communities, and the universal human experiences that connect us all. Let the Guild stage serve as a reminder of the power of theatre to illuminate, inspire, and unite us all.
Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy the show.
— Mike Moseley, President
Stage Manager ..................
Mike Moseley
Emily Webb ............................. Meg Pace
George Gibbs .................... Casey Coulter
Mrs. Gibbs.......... Julie Ballantyne Brown
Dr. Gibbs ........................... Jeff Flannery
Mrs. Webb.......................... Leslie Garber
Mr. Webb ........... William E. McCloskey
Rebecca Gibbs ............... Kelley Donnelly
Wally Webb ............... Chisomo Willson
Mrs. Soames ......... Maureen Malinowski
Howie Newsome ................... John Lamb
Simon Stimson .................Degrim Gretz
Professor Willard ... Kiersten Gutherman
Constable Warren ............... Eddie Saenz
Sam Craig ........................... Dylan Hart
Joe Crowell, Jr. / Si Crowell ................................... Matthias Hermen
Joe Stoddard ............ Christopher Rivard
Townsperson ................ Samantha Odom
Townsperson ........................... Joe Jabara
Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire
ACT ONE A day in early May
ACT TWO
Three years later
ACT THREE
Nine years later
There will be one 15-minute intermission.
Director ................................................................................................ Brian Townsend
Assistant Director ...................................................................................... Janeen Bodary
Producers ...................................................................... John Sczomak and David Wood
Set Design ............................................................................................. Brian Townsend
Set Construction and Painting .................... Dave Wood, Gordon Mosely, David James, Janeen & Josh Bodary, John Sczomak, and the cast of Our Town
Stage Manager ............................................................................................ David Wood
Lighting Design ....................................................................................... Will Daguanno
Sound Design ................................. Will Daguanno, Brian Townsend, and Jeff Flannery
Assistant Lighting / Sound ........................................................................ Bella Valentini
Lighting / Sound Board Operators Judi Ammar, Melanie Duff, and the Lights and Sound Committee
Costumes .............................................. Mary Calder, Betty Wilson, Diane Manko-Cliff, Karen Drugacz, Renae Hayward, and the cast of Our Town
Props ................................................................................................. Diane Manko-Cliff assisted by Leslie Garber
Programs ................................................................ Nancy Valentini and Carissa Lokken
Publicity & Marketing ................................................ Sue Suchyta, Branden Omoregie, Kori Bielaniec, Brian Townsend, Jenn Deckert, Mike Moseley, Karen Drugacz, Amy Moore, Justine Moore, Julie Ballantyne Brown, and John Sczomak
Postcard Mailing ....................................... Julie Ballantyne Brown, Violet DellaVecchia, Scott Ryan, and David Culliton
50/50 ........................................................... Members of the Ways & Means committee
Tickets .......................................................................... Megan Lizbinski, Nathan Booth, Tom & Julie Sparrow, Ellen Rindlisbacher, John Sczomak, Steve Nazarek, and Mike Moseley
Membership ................................................................................................ Tom Varitek
Hair & Makeup Julie Ballantyne Brown and Frann Stempek
Afterglow ......................... Tim Carney, Jenn Deckert, Karen Drugacz, and Mary Calder
It shall be the purpose of the Guild to promote and foster community interest in good drama and all its forms; through group endeavors in the training of persons interested in theatrical arts—acting, directing, play production, scenery and costume design, and playwriting in apprentice workshops, youth productions, and actual presentation of plays by novices and experienced persons.
President ............. Mike Moseley
Vice President ........... Tom Varitek
Secretary ................ Patti Jones
Treasurer ............ John Sczomak
Casting ............ Maura Donovan
Costumes ............. Karen Drugacz
House & Hospitality . . . .Renae Hayward
Lights & Sound ........ Will Daguanno
Make-up & Hair Frann Stempek
Membership ............ Tom Varitek
Production ............. Tim Carney
Programs & Advertising ............ Carissa Lokken
Properties .............. Leslie Garber
PR/Marketing ......... David Culliton
Script ............ Marc Walentowicz
Stage .................. Dave Wood
Tickets ............. Megan Lizbinski
Ways & Means ....................
Building Committee ....... Phil Booth
Finance Committee Richard Moore
Guildlings ........... Molly Boudreau and Jenn Deckert
IT Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . Phil Booth
Historian............... David James
Our club room serves many purposes — from auditions to intermissions, from Board meetings to costume fittings, from opening night afterglows to closing night parties. We want to ensure the comfort of our members and patrons by installing a new air conditioning system in the club room.
Your donation, no matter the size, will help us to reach our goal.
(Seriously, whatever you can give will be totally cool!)
Patrons joining us on opening night (Friday, March 8), are welcome to join the cast and crew after the show for an afterglow reception in our club room.
Please refrain from texting or other phone usage during the performance. If you need help silencing your cellular device, please ask one of our ushers.
Restrooms
For the convenience of our patrons, restrooms are located on the main floor outside our club room. Go through the front, right double-doors, then down the hallway to the left.
Refreshments will be offered in our club room during intermission. To enter the club room from the theater, use the right double doors as you face the stage.
Don’t forget to buy your ticket (or tickets!) for our famous 50/50 raffle. One lucky winner will take home half the pot! Tickets will be sold in the lobby prior to the performance and in the club room during intermission. Buy one for $1, six for $5, or 25 for $10. The winning ticket will be drawn at the end of intermission.
Please refrain from taking photos of this performance. Any video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
The Guild is a non-smoking facility.
Thank you for your continued generosity!
As a non-profit organization that is run by an all-volunteer membership, the Players Guild of Dearborn continually needs to raise funds to support our mission and maintain and improve our theater. Your donations make a great difference in our ability to continue to bring you the Magic of Live Theatre.
I first encountered Our Town in college, when I had to opportunity to play the Stage Manager in a student-directed scene. Even in that brief amount of time, my scene-mates and I connected with the people of Grover’s Corners. Their life experiences, dreams, and desires were not so different from our own — home life, future plans, self-discovery, grief for people and things lost, and more. The show’s themes are timeless.
And I was hooked. Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play never ceases to amaze. While some focus on what may be considered the play’s somber tone, I find it to be full of life. There’s vibrant heart, humor, and humanity in this story. It is life itself — a complex combination of the everyday, joyful celebrations, difficult decisions, laughter and love, and pain and loss that we all go through during our time on this earth. As we started work on this production, this idea of life was our shared focus. Once again, we connected with the people of Grover’s Corners and found ourselves delighted and moved by their stories.
Speaking of people, my heartfelt thanks to this lovely, talented cast for their dedication, intuition, and willingness to explore in order to create real people on stage. To Janeen Bodary, for being a wonderful partner in creativity and analysis, and an unparalleled sounding board. To John Sczomak and Dave Wood who, without batting an eye, kept things on track and connected the production dots (I actually believe they live at the Guild). And to the many Players Guild hands from costumes to properties to lights and sound who help bring Our Town to life every night.
And to you, the audience: we wouldn’t be here without you. I hope you enjoy tonight’s performance. Thank you for joining us at the Players Guild of Dearborn.
—Brian Townsend Director
Brian Townsend ........................ Director
Brian is a familiar face at the Players Guild and a local playwright. He has appeared in the Guild’s productions of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (The D’Ysquith Family), Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely Johnson), The Producers (Max Bialystock), The Drowsy Chaperone (Man in Chair), Man of La Mancha (Sancho), Is He Dead? (Millet/The Widow Tillou), Spamalot (Patsy), and Bye Bye Birdie (Albert Peterson), just to name a few. His directing credits include Anything Goes, South Pacific, Epic Proportions, Mame, Boeing Boeing, Inspecting Carol, and Peter and the Starcatcher. As a playwright, his works include Therapy, Pass the Ducks, Is This Seat Taken?, Murder Comes to Uptight Abbey, and Gianni Schicchi.
Janeen Bodary ............. Assistant Director
Janeen has been dancing her entire life and choreographing for more than 25 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in dance from Wayne State University. During her career, Janeen has choreographed musical theatre productions for many schools, community theaters, and performance groups throughout Michigan. In addition, she has served as Assistant Director, Producer, and Stage Manager for various theatre productions. She also works professionally, stage managing in dance and theatre and has many years of experience teaching dance of various genres. Last season, she served as President of the Players Guild of Dearborn, and is excited to bring Our Town to life for the Guild. Her Guild choreography credits include Young Frankenstein, Anything Goes, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, It Shoulda Been You, and Sugar, among others.
John Sczomak ........................... Producer
John is very happy to be co-producing this wonderful show with David Wood. John joined the Guild in 2007, and since that time has been a three-time president, vicepresident, stage governor, building chair, and is currently treasurer. He is especially proud of the success of the grant writing committee. He has assistant directed four shows and served as producer for three. He greatly enjoys the time he spends with the incredibly talented and hard working membership of the Guild.
David Wood ............................. Producer David has been an active member since 2010, and most recently appeared on the Guild stage as Inspector Goring in Games Afoot. He has also appeared as Warnock Waldgrave in The Nerd. Mr. De Pinna in You Can’t Take It With You, Lt. Brannigan in Guys and Dolls, and General Waverly in White Christmas. David is happy to have had the chance to work with an awesome cast and crew. He currently serves as the Guild’s Stage Governor. “I hope everyone enjoys the show.”
Julie Ballantyne Brown ..........
Julia Gibbs
Julie is so excited to be part of this timeless play with this amazing cast and crew. She was last seen at the Guild as Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol and in Becky’s New Car as Becky. She has performed in many other Guild productions over the years, most recently in Encore, Is This Seat Taken?, The Glass Menagerie as Amanda Wingfield, Laughing Stock, and You Can’t Take It With You. Much love to her husband, Marty, and to the kiddos: Zach, Anthony, Bubby, and Nat. She is an aspiring writer who will live in London someday.
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Casey Coulter.................... George Gibbs
Casey is thrilled to return to the Guild stage as George Gibbs! He most recently performed at Spotlight Players as Squidward in The SpongeBob Musical, and you may have seen him in a few previous Guild shows such as La Cage Aux Folles and Becky’s New Car. He’d like to thank his family, friends, cats, and boyfriend for all of their love and support!
Kelley Donnelly ...............
Rebecca Gibbs
Kelley is so happy to return to the Guild stage after a brief (erm…eight years or so) hiatus. A lot has changed but nothing beats coming home. Previously seen on this stage in Cheaper by the Dozen (Ernestine), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy) and The Miracle on 34th Street (Susan), Kelley is so excited to be a part of this moving production of Our Town and wants thank her amazing parents and her husband for supporting her in everything she does.
Jeff Flannery ..................
Dr. Frank Gibbs
Jeff is a Dearborn resident and has done most of his work here at the Players Guild. His last performance was as Justin Fogg in Go Back for Murder in 2018. Prior to that, he appeared as Mr Gilbreth in Cheaper by the Dozen. He appeared as Howie in the award-winning show Rabbit Hole. Some of his other shows include The Fantasticks, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Drowsy Chaperone, Chicago, Man of LaMancha, Music Man, and West Side Story. One of his most memorable experiences was Jesus Christ Superstar in the Summer of 1986— his very first show here at the Players Guild.
Leslie German Garber .........
Myrtle Webb
What an honor to be part of this exceptional cast and crew to bring this
beautiful classic to the Guild’s stage! Leslie is over the moon to be Myrtle Webb, in this her fifth production at the Guild. Recently she played Frau Blücher in Young Frankenstein. Her other roles have been Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act, Evangeline Harcourt in Anything Goes, and Mrs. Patticake in Murder Comes to Uptight Abbey. She is especially grateful for the encouragement and strong support from her husband Brad, and daughters Emma and Katie. As Myrtle might say, make sure to eat a good breakfast!
Degrim Gretz .................. Simon Stimson
This is Deg’s second show at the Guild, he is very proud and happy to play in Brian Townsend’s Our Town. Deg has been running into shows left and right since he first started as Angel in Rent, from Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and now Simon in Our Town. No break for the wicked he always says! Here’s to more shows with the beautiful Players Guild of Dearborn.
Kiersten Gutherman..... Professor Willard
While Our Town may be Kiersten’s first Guild production, she has appeared on stages around the area and beyond. Some of her performances include Belles (Paige), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena), and Dracula (Mina). With the E-52 Student Theatre at the University of Delaware, Kiersten appeared in End Days (Rachel Stein), The Recruiting Officer (Melinda), Dracula (Renfield), Much Ado About Nothing (Dogberry), and Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe (Narrator, The Raven).
Dylan Hart............................. Sam Craig
Dylan is excited to return to the Guild stage for the third time this season. You may remember him for his performance as Fred in A Christmas Carol and as the
outlandishly lovable, physical and crazy Igor in Young Frankenstein. He would like to express a huge thank you to the whole production team, the cast, and the Guild for an amazing show and season.
Matthias Hermen ...........
Joe Crowell, Jr./ Si Crowell
Matthias has kind of “grown up” on the Guild stage, having appeared in our Guildlings productions of Peter Pan Jr. (Michael), The Lion King Jr. (Young Simba), and Rock of Ages (Franz). He also appeared as Jackie, one of the twelve Gilbreth children, in our Cheaper by the Dozen and as Young Will in Big Fish at the Village Players of Birmingham. A student at Edsel Ford High School, Matthias has appeared in Mary Poppins (Michael) and Sweeney Todd (Tobias).
Joe Jabara ............................ Townsperson
Joe is a 26-year-old actor from Michigan, this is his first show at the Guild. He has done theatre since high school, and recently graduated from Henry Ford College and received an associates degree in theatre. He also loves music and has a very versatile taste in music, his favorite musical artists include Nirvana, Slipknot, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, and Deftones. He also collects vinyl records.
John Lamb ....................
Howie Newsome
John is thrilled to return to the Players Guild of Dearborn stage for their captivating production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. This is John’s third Guild production. His previous credits include Evelyn Oakleigh (Anything Goes), Beadle Bamford (Sweeney Todd), and Zach (A Chorus Line). John is so excited to share this amazing American classic with you and hopes you enjoy the show!
Maureen G. Malinowski ...............................
Mrs. Louella Soames
Maureen has loved the theater since… always! She joyfully returns to the Guild stage after a long 33 year absence during which she raised three children, worked many jobs and led scout troops on adventures—mostly with horses. Some of her favorite credits include; Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Carrie Snow in Carousel, Mae Pollitt in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Since rejoining the Guild she worked makeup for several shows. She wishes to thank her husband, Michael of 44 years, and their three children for their love and support. Maureen is thrilled and grateful to be back on the boards with this exceptionally fine cast and wonderfully talented crew.
William E. McCloskey ........ Editor Webb Bill is excited to be back on the Guild stage. Most recently he was seen as Eli Whitney in Anything Goes and as Monsignor O’Hara in Sister Act. Also, Bill played Falstaff in Livonia Shakespeare in the Park’s production of Henry V Our Town is one of Bill’s favorite plays; in fact, this is the third production of Thornton Wilder’s classic he has worked on. In addition, he thanks Brian, Janeen, and the Casting Committee for giving him the chance to work with this marvelous cast. These actors are truly inspiring. Please enjoy the show!
Mike Moseley ...................Stage Manager
Mike has been active in theatre for 50 years, the past 19 here at the Guild. In that time, he has met some of his best friends and made enough memories for a lifetime! The Guild has provided some “bucket-list” stage opportunities, of which the Stage Manager is one, as well as the ability to be a part of a thriving theatre
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community. Mike has served on the Board in a variety of roles and is currently serving his third term as President. A few of his favorite roles are Cervantes/Don Quixote in Man of LaMancha, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Charlie Anderson in Shenandoah, El Gallo in The Fantasticks, and Noah in Two By Two. Off stage Mike has directed Encore!, Return Engagements, To Kill a Mockingbird and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Mike is blessed to be celebrating 40 years of marriage this year to his best friend Sue! He would like to thank his fellow members of the Guild, especially his “theatre brother and faithful companion” of the last 19 years, Mr. Townsend, who have worked to make the Guild an OUT Standing, creative and loving community…it is truly “Our Town”!
Samantha Odom ................. Townsperson
This is Samantha’s second show at the Players Guild of Dearborn; her first was A Chrismas Carol. Some of her favorite shows she has been in were Gianni Schicchi, a play by our lovely director Brian Townsend, and Moon Over Buffalo. She is in a band called Ship to Nowhere, where she sings and plays bass and ukulele. She likes to play video games, read, and eat glue. Major shout out to her amazing husband, Tyler!
Meg Pace ..............................
Emily Webb
Meg is delighted to be back on the Guild stage for such a special show. Some favorite past credits include Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes, Molly Aster in Peter and the Starcatcher, and Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical, among many Guild shows. Big thanks to Mike and Kibby for their love and support. For Gammy—enjoy the seat from Heaven.
Christopher Rivard.............. Joe Stoddard
It’s been many years since Chris has been on stage, but he’s happy to revisit Our Town, having portrayed Joe and Si Crowell before. He’s also played Juror #5 in Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre’s Twelve Angry Men. His other stage credits include Mr. Snow in Carousel, Dr. Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace, and Murray the Cop in The Odd Couple. By day, Chris teaches at Cabrini High School and Cabrini Academy.
Eddie Saenz .......... Constable Bill Warren
Eddie grew very near the Players Guild and is thrilled to be in his first performance here. His mother was a season-ticket holder when he was growing up. Eddie previously performed supporting roles in The Odd Couple with the Park Players Detroit (2017); Arsenic and Old Lace with the Birmingham Village Players (2022); and A Few Good Men at Avon Players Theater in Rochester (2022). Eddie would like to thank his Our Town castmates for this wonderful experience, and his wife, Linda, for supporting this opportunity.
Chisomo Willson .................
Wally Webb
Our Town marks Chisomo’s Players Guild debut, but he’s no stranger to the stage. With the Dearborn Youth Theater, he has appeared in Seussical Kids (Horton), Annie Kids (Oliver Warbucks), Beauty and the Beast (Chip), Moana Jr. (Chief Tui), and The Lion King (Banzai). He also appeared in Peter and Wendy, Tortoise and Hare, The Jungle Book, and Aladdin with the Missoula Children’s Theatre in Washington.
FUND for their generous grant which allowed us to perform needed improvements to our sound equipment.
We are grateful for the federal COVID Relief grant administered through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Nonprofit Association.
The Players Guild of Dearborn is proud to support our fellow actors, musicians, dancers, directors, and technicians as they present their 202 3–2024 seasons.
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL YOUTH THEATRE
JULY 14 — JULY 23, 2023
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT MAIN STAGE MUSICAL
SEPTEMBER 8 — OCTOBER 1, 2023
THE SPITFIRE GRILL 2ND STAGE MUSICAL
OCTOBER 13 — OCTOBER 22, 2023
THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL MAIN STAGE MUSICAL
NOVEMBER 3 — NOVEMBER 19, 2023
DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL YOUTH THEATRE
DECEMBER 14 — DECEMBER 17, 2023
GIRLS’ WEEKEND
2ND STAGE COMEDY
JANUARY 12 — JANUARY 21, 2024
ROMEO & JULIET MAIN STAGE DRAMA
FEBRUARY 9 — FEBRUARY 25, 2024
CHILDREN OF EDEN MAIN STAGE MUSICAL
MARCH 29 — APRIL 21, 2024
SILENT SKY
2ND STAGE DRAMA
MAY 3 — MAY 12, 2024
SUNSET BOULEVARD MAIN STAGE MUSICAL
MAY 31 — JUNE 23, 2024
AUDITIONS:
March 11 and 12, 2024
ON STAGE:
May 3–5, 10–12, and 17–19, 2024
DIRECTED BY:
Kim Donovan
MUSICAL DIRECTION BY:
Beth Wondowlowski
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack (of beanstalk fame), who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse — and along the way encounter a Mysterious Man, nasty step-sisters, a hungry girl in a red cape, a hungry wolf, charming princes, and more. As the tales twist and turn, everyone’s wish is granted and, before long, these fairy tale characters must face the consequences of their actions.
ON STAGE July 29–August 2
AUDITIONS
May 6 & 7
ON STAGE July 18–21