The Players Guild of Dearborn presents YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

2 02 3– 2 024 | VO L U M E 9 6 , N U M B E R 1

THE MEL BROOKS MUSICAL

book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan music & lyrics by Mel Brooks

original direction & choreography by

susan Stroman

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

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

September 15–17, 22–24, 29–October 1, 2023 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. | Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

PLATINU M SEASON SPONSOR

P R E S I D E N T ’ S

M E S S A G E

Greetings and welcome to the 96th season of The Players Guild of Dearborn!

We open our season with the hilarious musical, Young Frankenstein, written by Thomas Meehan and Mel Brooks, based on Brooks’ classic movie. Our cast has been hard at work during this busy summer at the Guild. With two successful Guildlings productions, Rock of Ages and The SpongeBob Musical, AND the return of our wonderful Starshine program for developmentally challenged young people, there was never a dull moment this summer (heckuva a time for the air conditioning to go out in our Clubroom … but more on that later). I share all of this to illustrate that the Players Guild remains, after 95 years, a vibrant, exciting part of our community. We have a great season ahead, full of the Magic of Live Theatre!

Tonight’s show is led by veteran director and Guild Board member, Marc Walentowicz.

The amazing choreography is by our most recent former president, Janeen Bodary. And returning to the Guild after more than a decade to direct the music is the remarkably gifted Kevin Dewey! Hard-working producers Renae Hayward and Diane Kaplan are leading the phenomenal production team and backstage crew. This team, combined with the ridiculously talented cast, is a recipe for an evening (or afternoon) of side-splitting laughter. (Be prepared with your best horse’s whinny whenever you hear “Frau Blücher.”)

The Players Guild is one of Michigan’s oldest and most successful community theaters.

As a non-profit organization that is run by an all-volunteer membership, we need to continually raise funds to support our mission and maintain and improve our theater. Your support of last season’s Raise the Roof campaign allowed us to reach our goal and make all the necessary repairs to our roof, so thank you! As I mentioned earlier, we need to replace the air conditioning in the clubroom, so this year’s campaign is Cool the Clubroom! Your continued support of these efforts allows us to keep our wonderful theater running. Please see details elsewhere in this program of how you can lend your support. Thank you in advance for your generous backing of these efforts. We would not exist without you!

I am excited and proud to return as President of this OUT-standing organization. I would like to thank my predecessor, Janeen Bodary, for her committed leadership last year, and to last year’s Board members for their commitment and sacrifice.

Thank you again for your continued engagement and support of the Players Guild of Dearborn. We look forward to another magical season! Enjoy the show!

— Mike Moseley, President

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THE PLAYERS GUILD OF DEARBORN PROUDLY PRESENTS

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C A S T

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein........................................................Alex Gojkov The Monster............................................................................... Jared Hoffert Igor...................................................................................................Dylan Hart Inga.......................................................................................... Madeleine Bien Elizabeth Benning......................................................... Lindsay Frischmuth Frau Blücher................................................................................Leslie Garber Inspector Hans Kemp.............................................................. Tony Primeau The Hermit/Ensemble...................................................................Keith Rikli Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein/Ensemble....................................Josh Beurer Ziggy/Ensemble..................................................................Elijah Buterbaugh Ensemble............................Tim Carney, Charlotte Clavet, Leah Frazier, Amy Jones, Sarah Kornacki, Odera Libby, Carissa Lokken, Holly Myers, Stephen Nazarek, Samantha Reams, Kristen Sonberger, Sam Volpe, and David Zolotarchuk T H E

O R C H E S T R A

G. Kevin Dewey, Musical Director & Keyboard Stacey Bowen, Violin Dinah Bianchi, Horn in F Jeffrey Beyer, Reeds 1 Luke Dickow, Horn in F (9/16) Carole Scott, Reeds 1 (9/29–10/1) Todd Galloway, Trombone Mike Kalasz, Reeds 2 Jacob Watson, Electric Bass Mark Phillips, Reeds 3 Bob Bush, Drums & Percussion Mike McGowan, Trumpet 1 Jim Mobley, Drums & Percussion (9/29) Bob Hawkins, Trumpet 2 3

P R O D U C T I O N Director............................. Marc Walentowicz Assistant Director................Nathan Vasquez Choreographer..........................Janeen Bodary Music Director...................... G. Kevin Dewey Producers................................Renae Hayward and Diane Kaplan Stage Combat.............................Jared Hoffert Dance Captain.......................Carissa Lokken Stage Manager..................... Molly Boudreau Set Design......................... Marc Walentowicz and Nathan Vasquez assisted by David Wood Set Construction & Painting............................

Janeen & Josh Bodary, David James, Gordon Mosley, John Sczomak, Morganne Vasquez, and David Wood Lighting Design.....................Will Daguanno Light Board Operators.......................................

Bella Valentini and Alianha Porter Projections Operator............Nathan Vasquez Sound....Will Daguanno, Jeff Flannery, and the Lights and Sound Committee Spotlight.....Phil Waling and John Sczomak Costumes.Leah Cooley and Karen Drugacz assisted by Mary Calder, Betty Wilson, Karen Laughner, Diane Kaplan, Renae Hayward, Ellen Dunn, Nancy Shuster, Diane Manko-Cliff, Lisa Goddard, Jenn Deckert and the cast

Hair & Make-Up................. Frann Stempek, Julie Ballantyne Brown, and Jennifer Berringer Membership................................ Tom Varitek Properties....................................Anita Ganzak assisted by Leslie & Brad Garber, Leah Cooley, Diane Manko-Cliff, and Karen Drugacz Programs.............................. Brian Townsend and Carissa Lokken Publicity.....David Culliton, Kori Bielaniec, Jennifer Deckert, Violet DellaVecchia, Amy Moore, Justine Moore, Marybeth Oravec, John & Lois Sczomak, and Brian Townsend 50/50 & Intermission.................. Amy Jones, assisted by Members of the Ensemble Social Media............................. Kori Bielaniec Tickets......Megan Lizbinski, John Sczomak, Tom and Julie Sparrow, and Ellen Rindlisbacher Website.............Phil Booth and Brian Kemp Original Artwork................ Brian Townsend 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 Young Frankenstein a success.

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

THANK YOU! 4

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Jones Building Committee . . . . . . . . . . Phil Booth Finance Committee . . . . . . . Richard Moore Guildlings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Molly Boudreau and Jenn Deckert IT Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phil Booth Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David James

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S C E N E S

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ACT ONE Scene 1. The Village of Transylvania Heights Overture....................................................................................................................................Orchestra “The Happiest Town in Town”.......................................................................... Ziggy and Villagers Scene 2. A Lecture Hall at Johns, Miriam & Anthony Hopkins School of Medicine “The Brain”.......................................................................................Frederick and Medical Students Scene 3. The Hudson River Pier “Please Don’t Touch Me”...........................................................................Elizabeth and Passengers Scene 4. The Train Station in Transylvania Heights “Together Again”.................................................................................................... Frederick and Igor Scene 5. A Woodland Clearing Near the Train Station “Roll in the Hay”..........................................................................................Inga, Frederick, and Igor Scene 6. Outside the Castle Frankenstein Scene 7. The Grand Hall of Castle Frankenstein “Join the Family Business”....................................................................... Victor and Mad Scientists Scene 8. The Frankenstein Laboratory “He Vas My Boyfriend”................................................................................................... Frau Blucher Scene 9. The Transylvania Heights Town Hall “The Law”...............................................................................................................Kemp and Villagers Scene 10. The Frankenstein Laboratory “Life, Life”............................................................................Frederick, Igor, Inga, and Frau Blucher “He Vas My Boyfriend” (Reprise)................................................................................. Frau Blucher Scene 11. The Frankenstein Castle Courtyard “Welcome to Transylvania”.................................................................... Kemp and Village Quartet “Transylvania Mania”................................................................ Igor, Frederick, Inga, and Villagers There will be one intermission between acts.

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S C E N E S

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ACT TWO Scene 1. The Transylvania Forest Entr’acte....................................................................................................................................Orchestra “He’s Loose”...........................................................................................................Kemp and Villagers Scene 2. The Frankenstein Laboratory “Listen to Your Heart”.....................................................................................................................Inga “Surprise”...................................................................Elizabeth, Frau Blucher, Igor, and Entourage Scene 3. The Hermit Cottage “Please Send Me Someone”..............................................................................................The Hermit Scene 4. The Frankenstein Dungeon “Man About Town”.................................................................................................................Frederick Scene 5. The Transylvania Heights Theatre “Puttin’ On the Ritz” (music and lyrics by Irving Berlin).......... Frederick, The Monster, Inga, Igor, and Chorus of Monsters “He’s Loose” (Reprise).........................................................................................Kemp and Villagers Scene 6. The Mouth of an Open Cave “Deep Love”..............................................................................................................................Elizabeth Scene 7. The Frankenstein Laboratory Scene 8. The Village Square “Frederick’s Soliloquy”............................................................................................................Frederick “Deep Love” (Reprise)............................................................................ The Monster and Villagers “Finale Ultimo”...............................................................................................................The Company

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Contact our membership governor at membership@ playersguildofdearborn.org for more information.

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Last season, you helped us Raise the Roof.

This season, it’s time to

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!)

TO D O NATE TO TH E CAMPAI G N, VISIT

www.playersguildofdearborn.org 8

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Opening Night Afterglow Patrons joining us on opening night (Friday, September 15), are welcome to join the cast and crew after the show for an afterglow reception in our club room.

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.

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.

P A T R O N S 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.

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.

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.

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.

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A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR Welcome to The Players Guild of Dearborn’s production of the Mel Brooks musical, Young Frankenstein. In today’s world, we understand the demands for your entertainment dollar and we greatly appreciate you for choosing to spend it on us.

The “spoof” film is nothing new. The first film parody was The Little Train Robbery in 1905, spoofing The Great Train Robbery. As a child of the 80’s, I was a huge fan of spoofs, with Airplane, Hot Shots, and The Naked Gun being just a few of them. Making fun of films that have become cultural touchstones is a thing that can bring us all together because typically, it’s something that everyone is familiar with. Mel Brooks has elevated this genre to a true art form.

A bulk of Mr. Brooks’ output has been of the spoof variety. Iconic films such as Blazing Saddles, High Anxiety, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Spaceballs and, of course, Young Frankenstein have been interwoven into the fabric of our lives. The genius of the original film is how serious the material is taken. So much so, I believe that it has become the DEFINITIVE film on Frankenstein. In 2007, after the enormous success of his musical version of The Producers, Brooks teamed up with Thomas Meehan and set out to adapt his most beloved film into a big musical to rousing acclaim. Now songs such as “Roll in the Hay”, “Transylvania Mania” and a re-imagining of Irving Berlin’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz” have led to Young Frankenstein becoming a favorite of community theaters everywhere.

It has been a true joy helping bring this wonderful production to life. Working with our choreographer Janeen, music director Kevin and our second-to-none cast and crew has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I truly hope you have as much fun with the show as we had making it.

Thank you and enjoy the show!

Marc Walentowicz, Director

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Director...................... Marc Walentowicz Marc is thrilled to be returning to the director’s chair for the Players Guild of Dearborn having also helmed It Shoulda Been You, Rumors, and the Guildlings productions of Footloose, Once on This Island and Godspell. Next, Marc will be directing Freaky Friday for the Downriver Actors Guild performing January 26– February 4, 2024 (cheap plug). Marc would like to thank his extremely supportive family, Cindie and Madalyn, for allowing him to live out his dream.

Assistant Director........... Nathan Vasquez Nathan is thrilled to be a part of this hilarious musical! Nathan is no stranger to the Players Guild. He spent the past two summers directing their youth productions of The SpongeBob Musical and Madagascar Jr. He also appeared in productions of Arsenic and Old Lace and Seussical Jr. on this very stage. When not sharing his talents with the Guild, Nathan also enjoys directing shows for the Downriver Actors Guild (DAG) and the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center (DYPAC). He also works as the high school drama club director for the Melvindale School District.

Choreographer..................Janeen Bodary 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,

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community theaters, and performance groups throughout Michigan. In addition to choreographing, 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 be back in the role of Choreographer. Her previous Guild choreography credits include Anything Goes, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, It Shoulda Been You, and Sugar, among others.

Music Director................ G. Kevin Dewey Music Director G. Kevin Dewey recently retired after twenty-eight years as professor and conductor at Henry Ford College, where he also music directed Sweeney Todd, Pippin, Music Man, The Wiz, Oliver!, Tommy, Grease, and Hairspray. Kevin directs Vanguard Voices and Dearborn Summer Chorus for the City of Dearborn.

He has Music Directed four shows for the Guild, including The 1940’s Radio Hour, Chicago, Shenandoah, and Man of La Mancha, at which he met his wife of fifteen years, Anna Hnatiuk. Together with their children, Aleksander Kenton, Elijah Chicago, and Leah Julianna, they enjoyed assisting with Starshine Theatre Workshop’s production of Let’s Eat! continued on page 12

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Producer.............................Diane Kaplan Diane is teaming up with her “partner in crime” Renae to produce another great Guild show! Diane has been working and volunteering in theatre for more than 45 years. She has choreographed, costumed, produced, and even acted in numerous shows. She can’t wait to say Young Frankenstein is the best one yet! Best wishes to Marc, cast, and crew who are simply fabulous!

Producer..........................Renae Hayward Renae is thrilled to be wearing her producer hat again, having just been part of the production team for La Cage Aux Folles.

She joined the Players Guild of Dearborn in 2011 and has produced several shows including Anything Goes, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Grease. She also has helped with costumes and props for several shows.

She sends thanks to her husband for putting up with her crazy creative side!

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein.... Alex Gojkov Alex is an actor in this play. He has been in other plays too. Honest. Some of those plays include Murder Comes to Uptight Abbey, Is This Seat Taken?, Laughing Stock, Come Blow Your Horn, Boeing Boeing, The 39 Steps, The Rainmaker, The Producers, See How They Run, Inspecting Carol, and Is He Dead? When not appearing on stage, Alex appears elsewhere. Sometimes with the lovely Inga. Other times, just unexpectedly.

The Monster.......................... Jared Hoffert Jared is happy to be making his debut with the Guild. Credits include: Chris (The Play That Goes Wrong); Sweeney (Sweeney Todd); Nostradamus (Something Rotten); Trunchbull (Matilda); Tateh (Ragtime); Pseudolus (Forum); The Chairman (Drood); Molokov (Chess), Voice of Audrey II (Little 12

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Shop of Horrors); Trekkie (Avenue Q); with theatres such as The Croswell Opera House, The Dio, Ann Arbor Civic, Toledo Rep, and others. Prior to this, Jared had been living and performing in NYC for nearly 20 years.

He currently resides in Ann Arbor with his amazing wife, daughter, and their wonderful menagerie of animals. Allons-y!

Igor..........................................Dylan Hart Dylan is thrilled to be taking on his dream role of Igor on the Guild stage. This will be his second show with the Guild having previously appeared as a sailor for Anything Goes. His other credits include Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show, Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods, Franz in Rock of Ages, and Rudolpho in Matilda, just to name a few.

In his spare time he enjoys hockey, going to Red Wings games frequently, and is a big horror movie fan with hopes of making his own one day. He would like to thank his family for their continued support and hopes everyone enjoys the show.

Inga.................................. Madeleine Bien Madeleine is excited to play Inga in this fun, fast-paced production! She most recently played Sibella in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder this past spring. Former Guild shows you might have seen her in include Erma in Anything Goes (2022), Mrs. Yews in Murder Comes to Uptight Abbey (2021), Woman #2 in Is This Seat Taken?

(2021), and Phoebe in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (2019). In her free time, you might catch her playing improv games, drinking tea, or playing Wordle. Madeleine gives much love to Friedrich Fronkensteen, their four cats, and her family.

Elizabeth Benning..... Lindsay Frischmuth Lindsay, a Finance Specialist by day, takes on the role of Elizabeth Benning with the

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enthusiasm of someone who’s found the perfect GIF for the group text. A lover of singing, writing, and not dancing too much, her portrayal promises to be as memorable as a well-timed sarcastic comment. When not on stage, she can be found annoying her family, accidentally bumping into things, and referring to herself as an “elder millennial.” Her performance as Elizabeth may or may not change your life, but it’s worth the risk … or is it?

Frau Blücher.........................Leslie Garber Playing Frau Blücher (neigh!) with this incredibly talented, funny und fantsastiche cast and crew has been a dream come true for Leslie. This is her fourth production at the Players Guild of Dearborn. She also was blessed to be Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act, Evangeline Harcourt in Anything Goes, and Mrs. Patticake in Murder Comes to Uptight Abbey. Especially, she is grateful for the encouragement and strong support from her husband Brad, and daughters Emma and Katie. With the maiden name of German, natürlich she’s fluent in German despite her very English heritage.

Inspector Hans Kemp...........Tony Primeau Tony is excited to be in his third production with the Guild and to join this amazingly talented cast and crew! At the Guild, he previously portrayed Edouard Dindon in La Cage Aux Folles and Joey in Sister Act. Some of his favorite roles include Dan Goodman in Next to Normal, The Monster in Young Frankenstein (DAG), Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Baker in Into the Woods. Tony also obtained a BFA in Theatre from Wayne State University and graduated from AMDA NYC. He would like to thank his family and friends for being so supportive. Enjoy the show!

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The Hermit/Ensemble............. Keith Rikli Keith is excited to be performing his first show with The Guild! A few of his latest shows in SE Michigan include Singing in the Rain (Rod/Ensemble) with Stagecrafters, Sweeney Todd ( Judge Turpin) with Horizon Performing Arts, Something Rotten (Minstrel/Ensemble) with St. Dunstan’s, and Anything Goes (Reporter/Featured Tapper) with Nicely Theatre Group. During the day, Keith is a mapping and geospatial nerd for a civil engineering firm and is glad to stretch his more creative side at night! Thanks to Crystal and the pups, who allow him to play and dance.

Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein/Ensemble ................................Josh Beurer Josh is very excited to be back at the Players Guild working with this “AbbyNormal(ly)” talented company to bring Young Frankenstein “To Life”! Recent roles at the Guild include Hanna (La Cage Aux Folles), TJ (Sister Act), Moonface Martin (Anything Goes), Ensemble (Encore!), and Donald (You Can’t Take It With You).

Ziggy/Ensemble............Elijah Buterbaugh (He / Him) Elijah is very new to the Guild with his first performance here as the Village Idiot! After his appearances in Clue, Sister Act, A Christmas Carol, and Oklahoma with his high school career, he’s ready to expand his talents to new heights with the wonderful cast and producers of Young Frankenstein!

Ensemble................................Tim Carney Tim last appeared as Renaud in our spring production of La Cage Aux Folles. He’s also continued on page 14 13

appeared in 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 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.

Ensemble........................ Charlotte Clavet Charlotte is thrilled to be performing in her first show with the Players Guild of Dearborn! She is 17 and currently attending Carlson High School. She has been doing musicals for six years now.

Ensemble............................... Leah Frazier This is Leah’s first show with the Guild and she is so excited! She’s very happy to get to grace the stage again after stagemanaging Working: A Musical. Her favorite shows that she’s been in are Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Tosca, and La Bohème. Leah would like to thank her parents for introducing her to great movies at a young age, and for believing in her talent. But most of all she would like to thank her wonderful husband Jacob for his love, support, and willingness to cook dinner every night while she ices her sore feet.

Ensemble.................................. Amy Jones Amy first appeared on our stage in Sweet Charity, and has been active on stage and behind the scenes ever since. She has appeared in the Guild’s Guys and Dolls, Go Back for Murder, Peter and the Starcatcher, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and The Players Guild: Encore! In addition to her stage work, Amy is our intrepid Ways & Means Governor, and a familiar face to anyone who’s ever purchased a 50/50 ticket.

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Ensemble.......................... Sarah Kornacki Sarah is thrilled to be returning to the stage for the first time in nine years. Sarah debuted in her first musical in third grade at Divine Child Elementary. Alongside her two sisters, she was a part of the school musical every year from then through high school. She acted competitively on Central Michigan University’s Forensics team, placing first at States in Dramatic Interpretation in 2013. Sarah appeared on the Players Guild stage in the ensembles of Thoroughly Modern Millie (2010) and Shenandoah (2011), and played Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2014).

Ensemble...............................Odera Libby This is their third time on the Guild stage and they couldn’t be more thrilled! Odera earned a Bachelor’s in Musical Theatre from Rochester University and has been seen across Metro Detroit in roles such as Angelique in La Cage Aux Folles (Players Guild), Nun in Sister Act (Players Guild), and Gonzalo in The Tempest (Shakespeare in Detroit). Whether it’s on stage or behind the curtain, Odera enjoys being part of the theatre atmosphere. “Thank you to my friends and family for all their support in my stage endeavors. Enjoy the show!”

Ensemble.......................... Carissa Lokken Fresh off the boat after playing Reno Sweeney in the Guild’s 2022 production of Anything Goes, Carissa is excited to be gracing the boards again in another musical she adores. Carissa wishes to thank the hard-working production staff as well as her castmates for the best of times and the most hilarious one-liners! Love to her endlessly supportive husband, Jeff, and her parents who are always her cheerleader.

Ensemble................................Holly Myers Holly is thrilled to make her debut with the Players Guild of Dearborn. She most

recently performed at Ridgedale Players as Rose Arnott in Enchanted April and as Mrs. White in Clue at Warren Civic Theatre.

Her favorite musical roles were Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors and Gladys Hodgekiss in The Pajama Game. She hopes you enjoy this show and is grateful for the opportunity of working with this amazing cast and crew!

14 years, where she not only performed on stage, but was a director and teacher of Theatre. Some of her favorite roles were Miss Dinsmore (Singin’ in the Rain) and Sister Mary Martin of Tours (Sister Act).

She is excited to continue her theatre journey in the ensemble of this incredible show! She would like to thank her husband for supporting her every step of the way.

Ensemble........................ Stephen Nazarek Returning to the Guild for the fourth time, Steve dusted his taps off and grabbed all his knee braces in excitement for Young Frankenstein. You may have seen him last season in Anything Goes as the Captain. He hopes to bring the same energy this season “Together Again” with this amazing cast!

Ensemble.................................. Sam Volpe Sam is incredibly grateful to be returning to the Guild stage in Young Frankenstein!

She was last seen here in the 2022 season’s Anything Goes and has also been seen around metro Detroit in shows like Oklahoma, Crazy for You, Cabaret, and more. A huge, huge thank you to the creative team for making this wacky show possible!

Ensemble........................Samantha Reams Samantha is so excited to be in her first production with the Players Guild of Dearborn! She is a middle school teacher who usually gets her students to write her theater bios for her, but unfortunately this was due before school started. If they could write this bio though, it would probably say something like, “Ms. Reams is the best teacher ever and we love her so much.”

Because middle school students are so sweet and kind and never have anything mean to say.

Ensemble......................Kristen Sonberger Although Kristen has been involved in the theatre world for quite awhile, this will be her first show in Michigan since moving home in 2021. She lived in Orlando for

Ensemble.................... David Zolotarchuk This is David’s fifth appearance with the Players Guild, having last appeared as Tyler Taylor in 2020’s production of Laughing Stock. His prior credits at other local theatres include playing Colonel Mustard in Clue; Ernie Cusack in Rumors; a leading role in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; and various roles in The 39 Steps.

David is enjoying his return to performing, after having directed a local production of Boeing Boeing earlier this year. Originally hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, where he acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, he spends his days working as an Engineer in the automotive industry.

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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 Amy Jones at waysandmeans@playersguildofdearborn.org.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

WWW.PLAYERSGUILDOFDEARBORN.ORG 16

JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT PRODUCTION

by Charles Dickens adapted to the stage by Romulus Linney PRESENTED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH BROADWAY LICENSING, LLC, SERVICING THE DRAMATISTS PLAY SERVICE COLLECTION

DIRECTED BY: Paul Bruce AUDITIONS: September 18 and 19, 2023 ON STAGE: November 10–12, 17–19, and 24–26, 2023

An adaptation of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from an embittered, ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means.

This richly textured play brings the full spirit of the book, as well as those of Christmases Past, Present and Yet To Come, to life on the stage.

FO R M O R E AUD I TI O N I NF O R MAT I O N A ND FORM S , VISIT

www.playersguildofdearborn.org

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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

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!

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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

Next On Stage

by Charles Dickens | adapted to the stage by Romulus Linney Presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service Collection

DIRECTED BY:

Paul Bruce AUDITIONS:

September 18 and 19, 2023 ON STAGE:

November 10–12, 17–19, and 24–26, 2023

An adaptation of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from an embittered, ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means. This richly textured play brings the full spirit of the book, as well as those of Christmases Past, Present and Yet To Come, to life on the stage.

AUDITIONS:

November 13 and 14, 2023 ON STAGE:

January 12–14, 19–21, and 26–28, 2024 presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

AUDITIONS:

January 15 and 16, 2024 ON STAGE:

March 8–10, 15–17, and 22–24, 2024 presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

AUDITIONS:

March 11 and 12, 2024 ON STAGE:

May 3–5, 10–12, and 17–19, 2024 presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)

313.561.TKTS | www.playersguildofdearborn.org 21 73 0 MAD I SO N | D E A R B O R N, M I 4 8124