The Players Guild of Dearborn presents INTO THE WOODS

2 02 3–2 024 | VO L U M E 9 6 , N U M B E R 5

BOOK BY

JAMES LAPINE MUSIC & LYRICS BY

STEPHEN SONDHEIM May 3–5, 10–12, and 17–19, 2024

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. | Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

INTO THE WOODS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

PLATINU M SEASON SPONSOR

P R E S I D E N T ’ S

M E S S A G E

Dear Patrons, As we bid farewell to another OUT Standing season at The Players Guild of Dearborn, our hearts overflow with gratitude for your incredible support. From the monstrous laughs of Young Frankenstein to the heartwarming spirit of A Christmas Carol, your presence brought every production to life. You shivered with the ghosts of Blithe Spirit and marveled at the simple beauty of Our Town. Thanks to you, we created a season filled with laughter, tears, and cherished memories. Your support ensures that the Guild continues to flourish, offering a community platform for artistic expression and shared experiences.

Tonight, you are attending our final production of our 96th season. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods is a masterpiece that weaves a spellbinding tapestry.

In the hands of veteran director, Kim Donovan, and one of our newest members, music director Beth Wondolowski, it cleverly intertwines classic fairy tales, exploring the complexities of wishes, consequences, and the true meaning of “happily ever after.” With a witty script, unforgettable music, and an amazing cast and crew, this show is a timeless exploration of human nature that will enchant you.

Get Ready for Our 97th Season – Full of Heart, Humor, and History!

The upcoming 24–25 season promises something for everyone! We’re thrilled to unveil a diverse lineup that will have you laughing, singing along, and reflecting on the complexities of human experience.

OUR NEW HEARING ASSIST PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE! Please see one of the ushers before the show begins.

We kick things off with the timeless comedy, The Philadelphia Story. Prepare for witty banter and sizzling chemistry in this tale of socialite chaos and second chances.

Next, journey through the iconic music of Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Relive the soundtrack of a generation and witness the rise of a songwriting legend.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change takes a hilarious and honest look at modern relationships. From first dates to marital bliss, this musical revue will have you nodding along in recognition (and maybe blushing a little!).

Then, get ready for side-splitting absurdity with Unnecessary Farce. Buckle up for a whirlwind of mistaken identities, slamming doors, and outrageous physical comedy.

Our season concludes with the epic Ragtime. This Tony Award-winning musical explores the complexities of race, class, and the American Dream at the turn of the 20th century.

A powerful and moving experience awaits.

Don’t miss out on this diverse and exciting season! Be sure to check our website for show dates, ticket information, as well as information about our summer Guildlings season featuring The Wedding Singer and Finding Nemo KIDS. We can’t wait to share the Magic of Live Theatre with you!

— Mike Moseley, President 1

Proud to Support The Players Guild of Dearborn.

Need Audio, Video, Lights, Staging for Your Event?

be

get

Show Ready

SHOWREADY

ShowReadyTech.com Events@ShowReadyTech.com 2

THE PLAYERS GUILD OF DEARBORN PROUDLY PRESENTS

T H E

C A S T

in order of appearance Narrator/Mysterious Man....... Tom Varitek Cinderella............................. Molly Boudreau Jack............................................... Justin Bugeja Milky White..................................Josh Beurer Baker.........................................Kenyada Davis Baker’s Wife..........................Maura Donovan Cinderella’s Stepmother............. Mo Thomas Lucinda............................Lucia Wylie-Eggert Florinda......................................Casey Murray Jack’s Mother........................Nancy Valentini Little Red Ridinghood............... Olivia Sulisz Cluster Birds................................Kristi Ball & Francis St. Charles Witch.............................. Lindsay Frischmuth Cinderella’s Father......................Gage Soucie T H E

Cinderella’s Mother.................. Bree Rafferty Tree Movers.......................Sydney Assalley & Noah Bias Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf..........DJ Schneider Rapunzel.....................................Rachel Ogger Rapunzel’s Prince............. Jonathon Stecevic Granny........................................ Sherry Irving Steward....................................... Jacob Gilman Bird Boy.............................Francis St. Charles Giant..............Sherry Irving & Bree Rafferty Giant Shoes......Kristi Ball & Tyler Singelyn Snow White............................Sydney Assalley Sleeping Beauty............................ Lillith Tack Voice of the Baby............................. Noah Bias

O R C H E S T R A

Conductor....................... Beth Wondolowski Keyboard............................... Shelby Dragone, Jon Carruthers Synthesizer..............................Daniel Bachelis Trumpet........................................Paul Abbott

Trombone..................................... Jessica Cates Horn.................................... Kaoru Matsushita Percussion.......................................Jim Mobley Reed........................................... Daniel Youngs Violin......................................... David Traines

OUR NEW HEARING ASSIST PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE! Please see one of the ushers before the show begins.

3

M U S I C A L

N U M B E R S

ACT I Prologue: “Into the Woods”................................................................................................Company “Cinderella at the Grave”............................................................. Cinderella, Cinderella’s Mother “Hello, Little Girl”..............................................................................Wolf, Little Red Ridinghood “I Guess This Is Goodbye”..............................................................................................................Jack “Maybe They’re Magic”...................................................................................................Baker’s Wife “I Know Things Now”.................................................................................. Little Red Ridinghood “A Very Nice Prince”..................................................................................Cinderella, Baker’s Wife “First Midnight”.....................................................................................................................Company “Giants in the Sky”............................................................................................................................Jack “Agony”................................................................................. Cinderella’s Prince, Rapunzel’s Prince “A Very Nice Prince” (reprise).................................................................Cinderella, Baker’s Wife “It Takes Two”......................................................................................................Baker, Baker’s Wife “Second Midnight”................................................................................................................Company “Stay with Me”.............................................................................................................................. Witch “On the Steps of the Palace”...............................................................................................Cinderella Finale: “Ever After”............................................................................................. Narrator, Company There will be one intermission between acts.

ACT II Prologue: “So Happy”............................................................................................................Company “Agony” (reprise)................................................................ Cinderella’s Prince, Rapunzel’s Prince “Witch’s Lament”......................................................................................................................... Witch “Any Moment”............................................................................. Cinderella’s Prince, Baker’s Wife “Moments in the Woods”...............................................................................................Baker’s Wife “Your Fault”........................................... Jack, Baker, Witch, Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood “Last Midnight”............................................................................................................................ Witch “No More”...................................................................................................... Baker, Mysterious Man “No One Is Alone”............................................. Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, Baker, Jack Finale: “Children Will Listen”..............................................................................Witch, Company

AT T E N T I O N T HE AT E R F RIE N DS! Are you planning your own production of Into the Woods in the future? We will have gently used props, specific to the production, for sale after our Guild run.

Please email our Properties Governor at properties@thepgd.org for more information.

4

P R O D U C T I O N Director..............................................................................................................................Kim Donovan Assistant Director..................................................................................................Caitlin Bringardner Producers......................................Tim Carney, Jennifer Deckert, and Kristen Campbell Lynch Set Design.......................................................................................................... Fred & Annette Ogger Set Construction & Painting...................... Fred & Annette Ogger, Josh Bodary, David James, Gordon Mosley, John Sczomak, and David Wood Stage Managers....................................................................... David Wood and Rachel Marengere Lighting Design/Tech Director.................................................................................. Will Daguanno Lighting Assistant/Board Operator.............................................................................Bella Valentini Lighting Assistant............................................................................................................ Steve Nazarek Sound Design.......................................................................................................................Jeff Flannery Orchestra Setup................................................Will Daguanno, Jeff Flannery, and Tyler Sechrist Costumes..................................................................... Leah Cooley, Karen Drugacz, Mary Calder, Diane Manko-Cliff, Renae Hayward, Betty Wilson, Karen Laughtner, Jennifer Deckert, Kim Donovan, and Eileen Lopez Hair & Makeup...............................................................Frann Stempek, Julie Ballantyne-Brown, Odera Office, and Rachel Ogger Properties............................................................................................................................Anita Ganzak assisted by Annette & Fred Ogger, Leslie Garber, and Diane Manko-Cliff Programs.................................................................................Brian Townsend and Carissa Lokken Publicity & Marketing....................................Sue Suchyta, Branden Omoregie, Kori Bielaniec, Caitlin Bringardner, Brian Townsend, Jenn Deckert, Mike Moseley, Karen Drugacz, Amy Moore, Justine Moore, Julie Ballantyne Brown, and John Sczomak Postcard Mailing....................................... Isla Dowhan, Randolph Dowhan, Phoenix Thomas, Victor Hydel, John Sczomak, Mary Beth Oravec, Dave Wood, and members of the cast 50/50 & Intermission............................................... Members of the Ways & Means committee Tickets................................................... Megan Lizbinski, Nathan Booth, Tom & Julie Sparrow, Ellen Rindlisbacher, John Sczomak, and Mike Moseley Afterglow & Cast Party................................... Renae Hayward, Jennifer Deckert, Mary Calder, Karen Drugacz, Diane Manko-Cliff, Xye Appleton, and Tim Carney If you helped with this production and your name was inadvertently left off our list, please accept our sincere apology and heartfelt thanks for your part in making Into the Woods a success.

WE VALUE YOUR OPINION. If you did not receive a survey link with your ticket purchase, please use the link below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZTM7BCP or scan this QR code with your smartphone.

THANK YOU! 5

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.

2023–2024 OFFICERS, BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS 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 6

Advertise with Us!

Did you know hundreds of people read Players each season?

Don’t miss your opportunity to reach such a variety of potential customers.

Let us help you by placing an advertisement or a personal message with The Players Guild of Dearborn.

Contact Carissa Lokken at programs@playersguildofdearborn.org to reserve your space today!

Stay Connected! www.facebook.com/BroadwayinDbo

@BroadwayinDbo

instagram.com/theplayersguildofdearborn

PGofD (www.youtube.com/user/PGofD)

T O

O U R

P A T R O N S

Opening Night Afterglow Opening night patrons (Friday, May 3) are welcome to join the cast and crew after the show for an afterglow reception in our club room.

Refreshments 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.

Cell Phone Usage 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. If viewing our digital program, please dim your screen brightness accordingly.

50/50 Raffle for the Renovation Fund 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.

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.

Photography and Recording Prohibited Please refrain from taking photos of this performance. Any video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

A Non-Smoking Facility 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.

PLEASE SEE OUR DIGITAL DISPLAYS FOR OUR EVER-GROWING LIST OF DONORS, PATRONS, AND BENEFACTORS.

7

Thank You to

THE DEARBORN CABLE COMMUNICATIONS FUND for their generous grant which allowed us to perform needed improvements to our sound equipment.

YOUR AD COULD BE

RIGHT

HERE!

Or over there … or on the next page … somewhere in this program!

Thousands of people come to the Players Guild of Dearborn every season and read our program. Why not get your business in front of them by advertising with us?

Email programs@playersguildofdearborn.org to get our 2023–2024 ad rate package today!

8

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR Welcome to the “Woods”! Its place of possibility and uncertainty, overflowing with stories waiting to be told. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s beautifully written tale challenges the messages of the fairy tales that we all grew up with, making us question what exactly these tales have taught us.

The musical tells us that “every now and then” we have to go into the woods because “there’s more to learn of what you know” — and warns us that we better “be ready for the journey.” For me this journey has been another wonderful experience here at the Players Guild. “No one is alone” is a perfect phrase — it takes so many dedicated people, volunteering their personal time; actors, set designers, lights, costumers, props, makeup,musicians, and everyone behind the scenes; to stage such an amazing production.

Over the last few months, I have learned so much from everyone involved with this show, and I am truly honored to have been the director.

While there are so many people who have gone above and beyond for this production, I do have several people I would like to thank publicly. First, our amazing trio of Producers, Tim Carney, Jennifer Deckert and Kristen Campbell Lynch have made sure our path is clear along the way. They’ve put out small fires as well as any potential forest fires and have been delightful to work with the entire time. Second, Leah Cooley has done an amazing job — with the costume committee — she brought so much more to each character than I ever dreamed. Next, Annette and Fred Ogger have transformed our stage to an incredible “Woods”. Not only is our set absolutely beautiful, but they created an amazing “Milky White” and “Giant” shoes. Everything I “wished” for has been granted and I’m sure you’ll be as impressed as I am.

Finally, I couldn’t have journeyed Into the Woods without my assistant director, my daughter, Caitlin Bringardner. She has been by my side from the very beginning, through every step, helping me along this path. I have truly valued her opinion and assistance throughout our process, from auditions to show time. Thank you everyone. I hope you enjoy every step of your journey Into the Woods.

— Kim Donovan, Director

FOR ALL YO U R PRINT IN G N E E D S

564 Oak Street • Wyandotte, MI 48192 • 313-561-1173 www.dearbornoffset.com 9

T H E

P L A Y E R S

Kim Donovan...........................Director Kim joined our Guild in 1981 where she met her husband Joe, had four children and is now proud grandma to Joey, Jamie, Jack, Patrick, Connor and Sutton. In our 1991 Into the Woods, Kim loved playing Cinderella, and is so excited to be directing this amazing show. Her daughter Caitlin is at her side, as AD this time, not helping her learn lines. She’s also ecstatic to watch her youngest daughter, Maura, play the role of the Baker’s Wife. The Guild is a very special place for the Donovan family and Kim is extremely proud to be an honorary member.

Caitlin Bringardner....Assistant Director Caitlin grew up at the Guild performing in many of our regular season productions. At four years old, she was an original Guildling in their first production, Once Upon a Time. Caitlin was last on the Guild stage as Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde. These days, working alongside her mom behind the scenes has been an absolute dream! Just like Kim, her favorite role is being mother to her three small children: Jack (4) and twins Connor and Sutton (2). She would especially like to thank her husband Adam for always honoring and supporting her favorite hobby.

Beth Wondolowski..........Music Director Beth served as Music Director for various productions, including Annie with Garden City Community Theater, Matilda with Crestwood Community Theater, and Disney’s The Descendants with In the Mitten Productions–Novi. She also assistant directed The Crucible and The Addams Family at Lincoln Park HS Theatre. Memorable stage roles include Carmen Bernstein in Curtains, Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins, and Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling 10

U M A S K E D

Bee. Beth eagerly returns to The Guild, having last played keyboard in the orchestra for It Shoulda Been You in 2019. In her spare time, Beth enjoys having family and friend game evenings and working with the LPHS Marching Rails!

Kristen Campbell Lynch..........Producer Kristen is excited to be producing Into the Woods with this amazing group. Earlier this season, Kristen directed Blithe Spirit.

Previously, she directed the teen Guildlings in Zombie Prom, assistant directed Laughing Stock, and produced the Guild’s Sister Act, Heathers, and Lend Me a Tenor.

Kristen was last seen on stage as Rheba in You Can’t Take It With You. Some of her previous credits include Ferguson, a Hot Box Dancer, in Guys and Dolls; Chelsea Thayer Wayne in On Golden Pond; Eliante in The Misanthrope; Kate Keller in The Miracle Worker; and Ophelia in Hamlet.

She has also served on the Board of Governors as our Publicity and Marketing governor. She is thrilled to work with this amazing cast and creative production team.

Jennifer Deckert.......................Producer Jennifer’s love for the theater began with her children. Now that they’ve directed their interest onto other things, like sports, she found herself wanting to give back to the place that provided such a great outlet for her children to learn and develop their self-confidence. She is currently the cochair for the Guildlings committee and serves on a few other committees as well.

She also has the honor and privilege of being the Guild’s “house photographer” for six seasons to date. “Being a part of the production team for this musical has been such a wonderful experience. The cast and crew really blossomed into a great ‘family’ and I am honored and blessed to be a part of it.”

Tim Carney..............................Producer Tim produced our previous show, Blithe Spirit, and last appeared onstage as Mr. Hilltop and in the ensemble of our production of Young Frankenstein. He’s also appeared in La Cage Aux Folles (Renaud), Anything Goes (Rev. Henry T. Dobson); Guys and Dolls (Angie the Ox); Promises, Promises (Mr. Kirkeby); Seussical (Mr. Mayor); Joseph... (Simeon), among many others; and in the ensembles of Young Frankenstein, Sister Act; Sweet Charity; Sugar; White Christmas; Spamalot; Kiss Me, Kate; Drood and more. By day, Tim takes on the role of elementary school teacher. He thanks his wife, Joyce, and his daughters, Megan and Meredith, for their love and support.

Sydney Assalley....Snow White/Ensemble Sydney is excited to join the Guild for her first show back on stage in six years. By day, she is a speech-language pathologist. In her free time, she loves spending time with her partner Dillon and their dog Winnie.

She would like to thank the directors and entire production team for the opportunity to get back on stage and join an extremely talented cast of performers. Sydney would like to dedicate her performance to her brother, Michael. “Sometimes people leave you halfway through the wood. Do not let it grieve you, no one leaves for good.”

Kristi Ball................................Ensemble Kristi is an actor and filmmaker out of Wyandotte. Her previous stage credits include Elvira in Blithe Spirit, Hope in Almost, Maine, and Meg in Crimes of the Heart, all with Southgate Community Players. This is her first foray into musical theatre, and she is delighted to be making her debut at the Players Guild of Dearborn!

Josh Beurer......... Milky White/Ensemble FIRST he was a gangster (Moonface/ Anything Goes; TJ/Sister Act)! NEXT he

was a fierce Teutonic drag queen (Hanna/ La Cage Aux Folles)! THEN he was a deranged Transylvanian ghost (Dr. Vic/ Young Frankenstein)! Add these roles together and what d’ya get? The BELOVED BOVINE BEAUTY you see before you — Milky White! Every single second working on this production has been an absolute gift, and having the privilege to now share this gift with you all is enough to make even the driest of udders overflow with joy and happiness! Enjoy the show and remember to drink your milk! P.S In order to avoid causing Kristen severe psychological and emotional damage, Josh would also like to remind everyone that he very happily served as the assistant director for Blithe Spirit (the show with all that “chemistry”) earlier this season.

Noah Bias.................................Ensemble Noah is excited to make his debut with the Players Guild in this production of Into the Woods! Most recently, you may have seen him as Mr. Krabs in Spotlight’s production of SpongeBob the Musical, or as Dennis/ Perkins in The Play That Goes Wrong. As someone that loves to paint happy little trees, à la Bob Ross, Noah is excited to bring Tree #1 to life! Thanks for coming, and enjoy the show!

Molly Boudreau..................... Cinderella Molly is so excited to be back on the Guild stage and honored to be given the opportunity to play Cinderella. She has been a member of the Guild since 2010 and pretty much grew up here. She has been in many previous shows, including Mary Robert in Sister Act last season and Veronica Sawyer in Heathers. When not onstage, Molly enjoys working behind the scenes. She serves on the board as a co-chair of the Guildlings committee and will be producing their show, The Wedding Singer, this summer. She has had the best time continued on page 12 11

T H E

P L A Y E R S

working with this incredible cast and crew and she “wishes” that you enjoy the show!

Justin Bugeja....................................Jack Justin is a BFA Acting graduate from Wayne State University. His most notable acting credits include Emcee in Cabaret, Chip in The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, and Slender in The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Justin is also a director for the Belleville High School “Tiger Drama” department.

Besides acting and directing, Justin runs his own acting and vocal coaching, and is the current marketing executive for Thistle Rose Academy of Arts. Justin is thrilled to be a new member of the Players Guild!

IG: justinbugejaactor Kenyada Davis.........................The Baker Kenyada is so excited to be a part of this company, to be working again with Kim (the last time being our Guys and Dolls), and to play alongside his longtime scene partner and close friend Maura as his wife.

He’s also saddened that this may be his last show at the Guild as he’s moving to Chicago with his boyfriend soon to pursue things a bit more professionally. He dedicates and is utilizing this performance as a love letter to his Guild family and audiences who have supported him since his first appearance in the 2008’s production of Grease. This has been his home away from home and family away from family for many years and will miss everyone dearly.

Maura Donovan............The Baker’s Wife Maura is thrilled to be performing on the Guild stage yet again. She was last seen as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, one of her favorite roles. Maura has been a part of many Guild shows including Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Jenny Anderson in Shenandoah, Millie Dillmount in 12

U M A S K E D

Thoroughly Modern Millie, Chava in Fiddler on the Roof, Baby June in Gypsy and Molly in Annie. One of her proudest stage credits is playing the title role in Stagecrafters’ production of Annie in Royal Oak at only nine years old. Maura is thankful to work with her mom, sister and aunt on this amazing production, and all the love and support they endlessly provide her. She is thrilled to be sharing the Guild stage again with her dear friend and confidant, The Baker.

Lindsay Frischmuth....................... Witch Lindsay, who transforms lead into gold by day, has seized the Witch’s staff with the glee of a gnome in a glitter storm. She was recently deceased as Elvira in Blithe Spirit, and before that, she was a monster’s madcap fiancée as Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein.

Offstage, she’s often found vexing her family, forgetting her left from her right until she makes an L with one hand and remembers, and trumpeting her elder millennial status more than anyone cares to hear. She may or may not have gone full method and become an actual witch for this role. Why not steal a bean and see what happens? (Please do not steal a bean.)

Jacob Gilman.............................Steward Jacob is ecstatic to make his Players Guild of Dearborn debut in Into the Woods!

Having not acted since high school, Jacob is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join such a talented and kind group of actors. An alumni of Edsel Ford High School, Jacob recalls his favorite roles: Frederick in The Pirates of Penzance, Tommy in Brigadoon, and Prince Dauntless in Once Upon a Mattress were among his most memorable performances. Jacob would like to thank his grandma for continuing to nag him about auditioning for a show.

Sherry Irving.................... Granny/Giant Sherry is thrilled to be performing in her first show with the Guild. Most recently she played Mrs. Paroo in DAG’s production of The Music Man. Other past favorite roles include Mrs. Fezziwig in the musical A Christmas Carol and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast. While Sherry is retired from a 30+ year career in education, she enjoys continuing to help students while working for MDE. In her spare time she loves being “Nana” to Riley, Kinsley and Cooper. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her and being her biggest fans.

Casey Murray............................Florinda Casey is elated to make her Guild debut in Into the Woods. By day, Casey works as a healthcare recruiter and enjoys helping people find fulfilling careers. Though she has taken a six-year break from the theatre, her favorite past credits include Clopin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Off the Lake Productions) and Magee in McGoldrick’s Thread (The Cell Theatre NYC). Big love to her fiancé, Jeff, for pushing her to get back on stage to do what she loves!

Rachel Ogger...........................Rapunzel Rachel is very excited to be back at the Guild for her second show; her shoe being The Addams Family in which she played Alice. She is beyond honored to be playing Rapunzel (her favorite princess) and to be working with such a talented cast. Some of Rachel’s favorite previous roles include Bea in Something Rotten with Center Stage Jackson, Buffy in Once More With Feeling with STSA, and Pat in Kinky Boots at the Croswell Opera House. Outside of theater she is in an accapella group called Voices On Tap, and owns her own small business.

She would like to thank her parents and boyfriend for being so supportive. Follow her @Rachel_Roselynn.

Bree Amber Rafferty..............................

Cinderella’s Mother/Giant Bree started singing before she could talk, and hasn’t stopped since. Bree is a music teacher here in Dearborn, where she was born and raised. She is thrilled to be a part of this amazing show again, having played the part of Rapunzel at Wayne State University when she was young enough to play a princess rather than a princess’s mother. Bree is delighted to be back on the Guild stage after many years and after directing the Guildings last summer. “Best to take a moment present as a present for the moment.” Enjoy the show!

DJ Schneider..... Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf DJ has been in love with theater since 2004 when he played Rolf in the Port Austin Community Players production of The Sound of Music. Since joining the Guild in 2019, he’s enjoyed playing Tony in You Can’t Take It With You, Tom in The Glass Menagerie, and Charles Condomine in Blithe Spirit. He would like to thank his mother and sisters for their love and support; and his uncle John for getting him into this mess. His free time is usually spent tinkering with computers, re-watching The Lord of the Rings, and other nerdy activities.

Tyler Singelyn..........................Ensemble Tyler is excited to join the Players Guild of Dearborn for his first musical in six years.

Off stage, Tyler is a Pre-K teacher and enjoys spending his time spoiling his cat, Amy, and performing drag (@transagenda on Instagram). He hopes this is just the start of a lifelong membership at the Guild!

Gage Soucie...............Cinderella’s Father Gage has been proudly involved in community theater for the better part of a decade, and is thrilled to be working amongst the apparent talent of the Players Guild of Dearborn. A Downriver native, continued on page 14 13

T H E

P L A Y E R S

this is Gage’s second traipse through Sondheim’s woods; he most recently portrayed the Mysterious Man at The Birmingham Village Players in 2023.

Other favorite parts of his have included Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors and Carmen Ghia in The Producers.

Francis St. Charles.....................Bird Boy This is Francis’s first production with the Players Guild of Dearborn. They have previous theatre experience playing Lucius in Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus at Concordia University Chicago. These aren’t their only moments on stage — they also perform stand-up comedy in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor.

Jonathon Stecevic........ Rapunzel’s Prince Jonathon is honored to be making his performance debut with the Players Guild as Rapunzel’s Prince! Jonathon graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre at Oakland University in 2021 where he was best known for playing Cinderella’s Prince and the Wolf in the 2018 fall production of Into the Woods. He was also seen as Monty Navarro in last year’s spring production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love Murder with The Farmington Players Barn Theater.

Jonathon would like to thank the cast, crew, board members of the Guild, family and friends for all their support!

Olivia Sulisz......... Little Red Ridinghood Olivia is thrilled to be a part of her first production with the Players Guild of Dearborn! She has been seen on stages throughout the southeast Michigan area.

Her favorite roles include: Mother (Trail to Oregon, Basement Arts), Hermia (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, SITA), Bad Idea Bear/Others (Avenue Q, HPA), and Meatloaf (We Will Rock You, A2CT).

14

U M A S K E D

By day she works as a special education paraprofessional for Ann Arbor Public Schools, and in her free time she enjoys knitting, playing Stardew Valley, watching bad movies and spending time with her roommates. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Lillith Tack.................... Sleeping Beauty Lily is so excited that Into the Woods is her third show with the Guild. Being in this show is a dream and she’s super pumped to be able to work with Kim and Caitlin, as well as most of the cast and crew, again after being in the Guild’s 2018 production of Guys and Dolls and the 2019 Guildings’ Heathers. After being away from theatre since 2019, she can’t wait for everyone to enjoy a fabulous show with an extremely talented group of people.

Mo Thomas........ Cinderella’s Stepmother Mo is excited to be part of this phenomenal ensemble cast! She has been acting throughout Metro Detroit for many years; most recently as Narrator in Livonia Community Theatre’s Little Love Stories.

Prior to this production Mo graced the Guild stage as Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol, Babette in La Cage Aux Folles and Sister Mary Stephens in Sister Act. The role of Stepmother is one she looks forward to sharing with you in villainous glee. But darlings, do mind your heels and toes.

Lucia Wylie-Eggert................... Lucinda Lucia is honored to take the stage for her first Guild show. Most recently she played a Knitting Lady in American Ballet Theatre’s The Sleeping Beauty and most distantly she played Betsy the Cow in Paperbag Productions’ Jack and the Beanstalk. She thanks Mercy High School for her best acting training and for re-sparking her theater passion as an adult where she now

directs the Mercy Mimes. She dedicates this show to Ira and Mabel who mostly listen and who always see the glow.

Nancy Valentini.................. Jack’s Mother Nancy appeared as Little Red Ridinghood in our 1991 production of Into the Woods.

She is thrilled to be back on our stage in this musical, with this cast! She has performed numerous roles at the Guild including both Arvide Abernathy and Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (more than 25 years apart), Paulette in Legally Blonde, and Miss Hannigan in Annie. Nancy directed last season’s Sister Act. She also directed many musicals at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, including Singin’ in the Rain, Joseph, Shrek, Les Miserables, Big Fish, The Music Man and Children of Eden. Nancy met her husband, Lonnie, at the Guild and they are the proud parents of Dominic, Tessa and Bella.

Tom Varitek....Narrator/Mysterious Man Tom is thrilled to be able to count the number of shows he’s done on two hands!

Previously, he appeared as Man #1 in Is This Seat Taken?; Ham in Two by Two; Captain Keller in The Miracle Worker; Gangster in Kiss Me, Kate; Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird; Count Dracula in Dracula; Lendall in Almost, Maine; The Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz; and Bertram Cates in Inherit the Wind. Tom is thankful for the support of his four lovely children— Anna, Kate, Leo, and Maggie. He would like to thank his beautiful wife, Tracie, for her grace and patience with being thrust into single parenthood on rehearsal nights!

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.

Join Our Email List to Stay Up to Date!

Simply text to to get all the latest and greatest!

PGD 22828 15

NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO TAKE YOUR SEAT...

As you may know, the Players Guild of Dearborn’s auditorium and clubroom were substantially renovated in 2013. Our auditorium received a new floor and comfortable new seats, and the clubroom floor was leveled and tiled.

The improved seating, re-plastering, and re-hanging of lighting bars as well as the leveling and re-flooring of our clubroom were desperately needed, and have been a resounding success. But the cost of doing all this renovation was substantial.

The Players Guild is an all-volunteer community theater and we need the help of our community to keep it strong and providing high-quality arts entertainment. One way you can help is to sponsor a seat in our auditorium.

SPONSOR A SEAT: You can sponsor a seat for $300.

In doing so, we will imprint your name (or whatever name you want) for posterity on a plaque that will be placed on an available seat. Anyone purchasing a seat in this season will get a seat plaque and a listing in our program/ digital displays.

SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN: We also welcome any donations! Any contribution you’d like to make, from $10 up, will help our organization and you will be listed in the program throughout the season.

To sponsor a seat or to support the campaign, please contact waysandmeans@playersguildofdearborn.org.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

WWW.PLAYERSGUILDOFDEARBORN.ORG 16

book by Chad Beguelin & Tim Herlihy music by Matthew Sklar lyrics by Chad Beguelin based on the New Line Cinema film written by Tim Herlihy PRESENTED THROUGH SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL

AUDITIONS: May 6 and 7, 2024

Auditions begin at 7:00 p.m. Registration will close at 7:30 p.m.

ON STAGE: July 18, 19, 20 and 21, 2024 It’s 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and, unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

FOR M OR E AU D IT IO N INF O R M AT IO N A ND FO R M S , VIS IT

www.playersguildofdearborn.org

17

Players Guild of Dearborn is proud to support SUPPORT YOUR The our fellow actors, musicians, dancers, directors, and LOCAL THEATRES! technicians as they present their 2023–2024 seasons.

WELCOME TO SEASON 68 THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL YOUTH THEATRE JULY 14 — JULY 23, 2023

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL MAIN STAGE MUSICAL NOVEMBER 3 — NOVEMBER 19, 2023

ROMEO & JULIET MAIN STAGE DRAMA FEBRUARY 9 — FEBRUARY 25, 2024

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT MAIN STAGE MUSICAL SEPTEMBER 8 — OCTOBER 1, 2023

DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL YOUTH THEATRE DECEMBER 14 — DECEMBER 17, 2023

CHILDREN OF EDEN MAIN STAGE MUSICAL MARCH 29 — APRIL 21, 2024

THE SPITFIRE GRILL 2ND STAGE MUSICAL OCTOBER 13 — OCTOBER 22, 2023

GIRLS’ WEEKEND 2ND STAGE COMEDY JANUARY 12 — JANUARY 21, 2024

SILENT SKY 2ND STAGE DRAMA MAY 3 — MAY 12, 2024

FO R T IC K E T S & MORE , VISIT STAG ECRA FT E RS .ORG 18

SUNSET BOULEVARD MAIN STAGE MUSICAL MAY 31 — JUNE 23, 2024

19

20

Proud to support The Players Guild of Dearborn

Funeral Home & Cremation Services Celebrating 150 years of excellent service

Burial, Cremation, Memorial and Reception Services

Dearborn Location 313-561-1500

Taylor Location 313-291-0900

www.howepeterson.com

Join us for a season full of incredible stories, soul-stirring songs, side-splitting laughter, and so much more!

TE E N GUI L D I N G S

YO U T H GU IL D INGS

JULY 2024

JULY/AUGUST 2024

NOVEMBER 2024 SEPTEMBER 2024

JANUARY 2025

MARCH 2025

MAY 2025 FOR T I C K ETS A ND MO R E I NF O R MAT ION :

313.561.TKTS | WWW.PLAYERSGUILDOFDEARBORN.ORG