Senior Class Reader’s Theatre
Based on the Comic Strip “PEANUTS”
By Charles M. Schulz
Originally Produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson Originally Directed in New York by Joseph Hardy YOU’RE A
Senior Class Reader’s Theatre
Based on the Comic Strip “PEANUTS”
By Charles M. Schulz
Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner
Director
Ken Holda
Music Director
Sirasa Schonder
Scenic Designer
Paige Billian
Costume Designer
Lindsay Fleck
Lighting Designer
Ella Ledbetter-Newton
Sound Designer Alex Grinley
Technical Director
Phillip A. Miller
Properties Master
Christopher Lewis
Stage Manager
Ron Dundon
Originally Produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson
Originally Directed in New York by Joseph Hardy
YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com
There sit the Peanuts characters, perpetually suspended in time. Forever, they will remain children living in a simpler era free from technology and other modern “conveniences.” Yet, as they remain in their time capsule, time marches on, allowing us to experience these characters in different ways as we grow. First we may see them as peers observing life and experiencing friendships the same way as us. As we age, we may revisit the Peanuts and long for the days of youthful innocence or be reminded of the simplicity of childhood. Creating this show with this cast has been a special treat. Although this is a more mature cast than you would expect to see playing these roles, they come with a wealth of lived experiences. These actors grew up with these characters and some have had the chance to experience the joy of seeing the world through the eyes of a child again with their own children or even grandchildren. I’ve challenged these actors to tap into their inner children. Throughout the rehearsal process we have had discussions about favorite childhood activities and family traditions. It has been a joy to reminisce and share these stories as we have created this production. As we turn off our phones and travel back to a simpler time for a couple hours, I hope the sense of nostalgia and joy we felt during the process spreads to all of you.
Act I
“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” .................. Lucy, Patty, Linus,
...................................................................... Schroeder & Snoopy
“Schroeder” ........................................................................... Lucy
“Snoopy” .......................................................................... Snoopy
“My Blanket And Me” ............................................................ Linus
“The Kite” ................................................................ Charlie Brown
“The Doctor Is In” ......................................... Lucy & Charlie Brown
“The Book Report” ............ Lucy, Linus, Schroeder & Charlie Brown
There will be a 15-minute intermission. Act II
“The Baseball Game” ....................... Lucy, Patty, Linus, Schroeder, .................................................................Charlie Brown & Snoopy
“Glee Club Rehearsal” ......................
Lucy, Patty, Linus, Schroeder, .................................................................Charlie Brown & Snoopy
“Little Known Facts” ............................................................... Lucy
“Suppertime” ..................................................................... Snoopy
“Happiness” ....................................
Lucy, Patty, Linus, Schroeder, .................................................................Charlie Brown & Snoopy
This performance will include water-based haze.
Adopt a Show Board Member
Asa Davis
Production Community Partner SPCA Southwest Michigan
Cookies from Peter Hobson-Morse
The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of the production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)’s rights and actionable under United States copyright law.
For more information, please visit: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
No photography is permitted.
Charlie Brown ......................................
Schroeder .............................................
Snoopy...........................................
Lucy ...................................................
Linus ...............................................
Patty ....................................................
*Civic debut
Sirasa Schonder - Conductor and Keyboard 1
Andy Knibloe - Percussion
Chris Garrett - Keyboard 2
Patty Rolfe-Stoll - Flute and Piccolo
Gia Evans - sub for Flute and Piccolo (not pictured)
Director ....................................................................................... Ken Holda
Music Director ................................................................... Sirasa Schonder
Choreographer ............................................................................ Ken Holda
Scenic Designer ....................................................................... Paige Billian
Costume Designer .................................................................. Lindsay Fleck
Lighting Designer ...................................................... Ella Ledbetter-Newton
Sound Designer ....................................................................... Alex Grindey
Technical Director ................................................................ Phillip A. Miller
Properties Master ............................................................ Christopher Lewis
Stage Manager ......................................................................... Ron Dundon
Assistant Stage ............................ Managers Brandon Wolfgang, Jacki Stahr
Scenic Carpenters ........................ Ryan Burke, Nathan Behrend, Tully Davis
Charge Painter ......................................................................... Paige Billian
Scenic Artists .........................................................David Kyhn, Justin Muse
Stitchers ................................ Isabella Balden, Addie Gorden, Peter MacKay
Master Electrician .............................................................. Benjamin Arnett
Audio Engineer ........................................................................ Brian R. Bay
Properties Artisan .................................................................. Jamie Chapin
Photographer/Graphic ..................................... Designer Deborah Browning Katherine Mumma ........................................................ Kalie Hagen ..................................................................Mike Artis
Anthony J. Hamilton
Laura M. Zervic
Crew
Floor Managers ............................................. Jacki Stahr, Brandon Wolfgang
A1 Operator .............................................................................. Brian R. Bay
A2 Operator ............................................................................ Alan Moerdyk
Light Board Operator ....................................................................Elia Grace
Floor Crew .................................................................................... Susan Fry
Follow Spot Operators ............................ Lisa Brannan, RJ Soulé, Reed Shilts
Playback Operator ................................................................. Dixie Edwards
Josiah Bildner
Josiah is very excited to be back at the Civic! Josiah enjoys doing theater on stage at the Civic, most recently as Dante in Let It Be, and Center Stage Theater. Josiah is an accomplished voice actor as well and has narrated more audiobooks than can be counted. He is a speech language pathologist at Comstock Public School and loves spending time with his family and would like to send special love to his wife Karen, daughter Johannah, and handsome son Caleb.
Thom Cooper
Thom is excited to make his debut on the Kalamazoo Civic stage. During the day, he is Academic Advisor for the Western Michigan University School of Theatre and Dance. He is also an instructor for L & L Driving School in the evenings and weekends.
Some of Thom’s past favorite roles are Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, Cheswick in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Mac in 42nd Street, and Ritchie in Bleacher Bums.
In his free time, Thom enjoys heading to amusement parks to ride roller coasters, and watching his sons in their various activities. He wants to thank Art, Tammy, Karsten and Duran for all their support.
Jill Ongley
Jill, a confessed musical theatre nerd, is very excited to be a member of the cast for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; her 14th show as well as her 5th participating in the Senior Readers Theatre at the Civic Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Veta Louise Simmons in Harvey, June in You Can’t Take it With You, Queen Agravain in Once Upon a Mattress, and the summer she worked as a costumer in the Civic Summer Theatre (KCYT).
Jill has a degree in theater design and has been involved in many productions in the Kalamazoo area as a costume designer, properties master, director, producer, marketing, board member as well as an actor. She enjoys participating in the theater community, meeting like-minded folk and developing lifelong friendships, as well as learning new skills.
In her free time, Jill enjoys being out in nature, hiking, and camping as well as crafting and taking art courses.
Jill would like to especially thank her besties - Nancy, Tamara and Jettie: friends for life and the best supporters a girl could ever ask for...
Lou has performed on most stages in the Greater Kalamazoo area as well as local commercial and film work, earned his theater degree from Western Michigan University, and taught and directed drama for over 40 years. He has been featured as Dr. Lyman Hall in 1776, Mr. Mushnik in Little shop of Horrorsand Salty Jim in Escanaba in Lovefor Farmers Alley. He also appeared in the Civic’s Lend Me a Tenor as Tito, and as Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof for which he was nominated for the Kalamazoo Civic’s Excellence in Performance award. Lou received the Civic’s Excellence in Performance Award for his portrayal of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. Most recently he played Kris Kringle in Wagon Wheel Theatre’s Miracle on 34th Street and Captain EJ Smith as a guest artist and in WMU’s Titanic the Musical. He is a recent recipient of the Larkin H Nonle Lifetime Achievement Award. When not on stage or in the classroom, you’ll find Lou on the beach and/or with his five grandchildren.
Kara is thrilled to be making her Civic debut. Favorite past roles include Mrs. Corney (Oliver!), Bird Girl (Seussical), and Peter Quince (Something Rotten). Theater is her creative outlet and source of connection, and she is grateful for the chance to bring Lucy to the stage. Offstage, Kara serves on the
boards of Public Media Network and Center Stage Theater Kalamazoo, where she champions community storytelling and theater for all. She sends love to her fellow castmates, past and present, who remind her that once you’ve shared a stage, you’re always on the same team.
Timothy J. Smith
Tim grew up in Kalamazoo and over the last 50 years has performed with multiple theater organizations in town and around the midwest. Tim has performed with the Kalamazoo Civic, The New Vic, Face-off Theater, Comstock Community Players, Washington Productions, Parchment’s Kindleberger Park Summer Theater series, and Harvard University. In the past, Tim performed the role of Charlie Brown with the Kalamazoo Civic Youth Theater and also at Kindleberger Park in Parchment. Tim also performed professionally with the Seem-to-be Players of Lawrence, Kansas, and the Emmy Gifford Children’s Theater of Omaha, Nebraska. Tim recently retired after 35 years as a public school educator and is a proud husband, father, and grandfather. Tim received a BA in Communications and Theater from Bowling Green State University and an MA in Speech and Theater from Kansas State University.
Ken Holda - Director
Ken is thrilled to be returning to the Civic to direct and choreograph after directing The World Goes ‘Round in 2019. Other directing credits include 15 musicals for the Kindleberger Summer Festival and The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Farmers Alley Theatre. Ken first appeared on the Civic stage in Damn Yankees in 2001. Favorite roles at the Civic include Bert in Mary Poppins; Cornelius in Hello, Dolly!; Leaf Coneybear in ...Spelling Bee; The Baker in Into the Woods; and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. You can find Ken enjoying theatre all over the country on TikTok and Instagram as KenFromKalamazoo.
Sirasa Schonder - Music Director
Sirasa is excited to be music directing You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown for the Civic Reader’s Theater. Other Civic productions she has worked on include Once on This Island, The World Goes Round, Side by Side by Sondheim, and Meet Me in St. Louis. She has also played keyboard in the orchestra pit for other Civic shows and worked on musicals for the Kindleberger Summer Festival. Her favorite part of working at the Civic is getting to meet new people. She would like to especially thank Marie Kerstetter for bringing her into the Civic family.
Lisa Brannan
Lisa joined the theatre scene as a way to share the experiences with her son, DJ, and now has identified a passion for backstage work and has found a theatre home at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Lisa is pleased to be recently retired after a 25+ year career as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. “I’d like to thank my son, DJ, for sharing your passion for the stage with me and inspiring me to get involved.”
Ron Dundon
Ron joined the Kalamazoo Junior Civic at age 11 in 1960 and enjoyed learning from Eleanor Baum through 1964. A lifetime later, following retirement, he returned to The Civic in 2011. Since then, he has appeared in more than a dozen productions including Arsenic and Old Lace (Dr. Einstein, 2014), Of Mice and Men (Candy, 2016), To Kill a Mockingbird (Bob Ewell, 2017), and The Good Doctor (Writer, 2018). He has also appeared at Farmers Alley Theatre, Arbez Drama Projects of Toronto, Skits and Giggles Productions, and in the films, An English Country Wedding, Chuck Bentley Productions and Muriel and Joyce Get a Boat, SheFilms Productions. The premier of his latest film, A Most Unusual Xmas Tale, also a SheFIlms production will be shown in December. Most recently, Ron appeared in A Raisin in the Sun, Morning’s at Seven, Is There Life After High School? and Whose Life Is It, Anyway?. Outside of the theatre, Ron lives with his adorable and talented wife, Dixie Edwards, and their equally adorable cats, Ernie and Fred. He also enjoys all things nature, travel, MSU basketball and National Championship WMU hockey. “The Civic is a great community of diverse and wonderful artists. Come and join us.” Life is sweet.
Susan Fry
This is Susan’s first production at the Civic. She is excited to be part of the crew for this production. Some of her favorite shows include Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and The Lion King. In her free time she likes to read, volunteer, and spend time with friends.
Elia Grace
Elia has a profound love for the art of theatre, which began at a very early age. She continues to hone her skills through study, participating in classes, serving as a company member for plays and musicals, and taking in every opportunity available. Some of her favorite recent credits include: Big Fish, Clyborne Park, The Sound of Music, Forever Plaid, and Barbecue. Elia is excited to continue taking on new challenges and collaborating with fellow artists to create unforgettable performances this season. She would like to thank her parents, her two cats, and everyone who really saw her, believed in her, and gave her a chance to contribute.
Alan Moerdyk
Alan has appeared in eighteen stage productions since 2001. His favorite role was as the titular “Stiff” in the 2003 production of Lucky Stiff at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona. His most recent Kalamazoo Civic appearance was in the 2024 production of Let It Be: A Musical Celebration of the Beatles.
Reed Shilts
Reed enjoys every aspect of being part of a stage crew, from flying people to making special effects that much more special. Returning to Kalamazoo after living in the Boston area for 30 years, Reed is a retired Principal Engineer and a lover of theatre, anime, movies, and science fiction. He has previously crewed on numerous shows, and his favorites include Barbecue, By the Way Meet Vera Stark, and Once On This Island.
R.J. Soulé has been a part of more Civic shows than he can count. He got his start in theatre as a personal dresser for Sandy Bremer in Sugar Babies. R.J. has had many roles throughout his lifetime but his favorites include Marvin in March of the “Falsettos”, Wilbur in “Hairspray” and Tennessee Williams in the one-man play “Confessions of a Nightingale”. When not at the theatre, R.J. can be found on the hiking trails, be it locally or in the mountains.
Jacki Stahr
Jacki is a multi-talented volunteer who has worked backstage, in the Civic office, and was seen in Oklahoma! as Aunt Eller (her favorite!). Jacki is the director of this season’s upcoming Penguin Project production of The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition and directed the Penguin Project production of School House Rock Live JR in 2022, as well as our CYT productions Stuart Little, Anne of Green Gables and Madagascar JR.
Brandon Wolfgang Brandon is thrilled to ASM for another show at the Civic! His previous credits include “Press Start”, “Schoolhouse Rock”, “Meet Me in St. Louis”, “Hunchback”, ASM for “Rainbow Fish” and “Let it Be”, and Crew for “Catch Me if you Can” and “Cats”. Brandon loves theatre because it’s fun! When not in rehearsals, Brandon likes to play sports, video games, walk, and read books. Brandon would like to thank his family for supporting him in his theater endeavors.
Lisa Abbot
Debra Abel
Gabriel Adams
Yohaness Ademodi
Sarah Aiello
Isabella Albarran
Danielle Albrecht
Melody Albrecht
Betty Allemang
Kris Allemang Stahl
Maria Alvarez-Bravata
Richard Anderson
Kristin Anderson
Sharon AndersonWestern
Charlie Andrew
Benjamin Arnett
Mike Artis
Hazel Arugaslan
Lucie Audette
Grace Augustine
Katie Ault
Sierra Austin
Emily Awe
Logan Awe
Marissa Babineau
Felix Bahrou
Reuban Bahrou
Tammy Bailey
Teresa Bailey
Gabrielle Balanda
Terese Banner
Cynthia J. Barres
Nicholas Basak
Aubrey Bates
Halle Bates
Harper Bates
Kaiya Bates
Brian R. Bay
Martha Bay
Lori Beason
Nathan Behrand
Allison Benes
Spencer Bergh
Taylor Bernardi
Lilia BeVier
Naveen Bhatt
Niam Bhatt
Riya Bhatt
Caleb Bildner
Josiah Bildner
Paige Billian
Paige Billian
Maximum Bird
Christopher Blades
Gwendolyn Bogard
Brooke Bohms
Philip Borkholder
Anna Bothwell
Heron Bothwell
Lauren Braat
Lily Braat
Idris Bradley
Zharria Bradley
Penny Brant
Kylin Brode-Tayior
Emelia Brown
Nate Brown
Deborah Browning
Peter Bryant
Lisa Buesing
Jasmine Buhl
Ryan Burke
Anna Cafagna
Callum Cameron
Cecilia Cameron
Conner Cameron
Eloise Cameron
Jordyn Camille
Lucia Carew
Colleen Carpenter
Toni Caswell
Stacy Caudill
Kim Chandler
Jamie Chapin
Gina-Maria Chimner
Camille Chimner
Hamilton
Alex Wade Cole
Day’Shawna Cole
Morgan Cole
Peggy Combes
Leilani Conley-Jones
Cynthia Conner
Laurel Connolly
Sydney Connolly
Lynn Contos
Emily Cook
Grace Cook
Thom Cooper
Janine Cotugno
Natallie Coyle
Javae Cummings
Naomi Curran
Shari Curtiss
Steven Curtiss
Owen Daniels
Lily Danks
Ian Darling-Romain
Destie Davis
Tim Davis
Tully Davis
Asa Davis
Estelle Day
Stella DeBriere
Julieta Del Toro
Isaac Delgado
Isaac DeLuca
Laura DeMerell
Teresa DeMerell
Kristy DeMeritt
Denise DeVoll
Linda Dickey
Abigail Doonan
Annabella Doyle
Molly Duffy
Ron Dundon
Kelli Dykstra
Sofie Dykstra
Elvin E. East
Dixie Edwards
Joni Edwards
Merinda Edwards
Pat Erwin
Lana Escamilla
Lily Evans
Leyla Evor
Blake Farley
Cloe Fetterolf
Cynthia Fleck
Lindsay Fleck
Elizabeth Flora
Molly Flora
Diane Foghino
Wyatt Foley
Harper Forbes
Taryn Forkin
Riley Fouch
Psontia Fowler
Shannan Frank
Susan Fry
Lilah Furr
Sandra Gagie
August Gallagher
Keysha Gardner
Jessie Gates
Madison Gates
Chloe Gawthop
Serena Gay
Farah Ghazal
Wesley Gibbs
Arden Gifford
Katie Gilbert
Traci Glasscock
Val Glasscock
Adrienne Glisson
Andrew Glisson
Camille Glisson
Violet Glisson
Journey Godfrey
Brenda Gonyer
Addie Gordon
Evan Gorman
Elia Grace
Waverly Graham
Nancy Gregory
Alex Grindey
Isela Grubaugh
Thomasina Guidry
Adelaide Gustafson
Kalie Hagen
Abbie Halifax
Elsa Halifax
Eric Halifax
Delanti Hall
Zaidee Hall
Sue Hall
Anna Halsey
Anthony J Hamilton
Jane Hammond
Sidney Harris
Sydney Harrison
Gweneé Hart
John Hart
Nora Hauk
Jeffrey L. Havens
Linda Havens
Chris Havlock
Mackenzie Haworth
Nanette Heib
Samatha Herron
Joby Hertel
Jake Heystek
Annamarie Hickman
Nancy Hinton
Cara Hintz
Debbie Hnilo
Zaynee Hobdy
Hal Hobson-Morse
Peter Hobson-Morse
Alanda Hodges
Bella Hodges
Michael Holmes
Kevin Hopp
Melinda Hopp
Anastasia Hughson
Charlotte Humphreys
Chloe Ibbotson
Louis Irwin Jr.
Grifin Jacobs
Justin C. Jacobs
Stacey Jaeger
Hattie Jeffers
Ean Johnson
Kasinana Johnson
Ryan Jones
Kathryn Jones
Penny Jones Brant
Christina Jordan
Dave Jordan
Salina Kalnins
Lydia Kanous
Ella Kate
Elaine Kauffman
Tania Kazanjian
V Keithley
Emily Kerns
Deb Killarney
Havyn Kim
Lila Kissinger
Ish Klein
Andrew Klepser
Dawn Klingerman
Evie Knight
Noah Kropp
Peggy Sue Kurpinski
David Kyhn
Annabelle Lacy
Daniel Lafferty
Alyssa Laney
Ella Ledbetter-Newton
Sarah Legaeza
Jacy Lehman
Thaddeus Lendzion
Sydney Leskowski
Violet Levine
Milan Levy
Becky Lewis
Christopher Lewis
Sydney Lewis
Donna Lindsay
Jenn Lindsay
Bella Lockner
Lars J. Loofboro
Chase Lynn
Carrie Lyon
Peter Mackay
Avery MacMullen
Brian Magnuson
David Mahon
Sybil Mansberger
Elise Mansfield
James M. Marquardt
Emerson Marshall
Adela Marsh-Prelesnik
Davick Marsh-Prelesnik
Kelli Martin
Maggie Martin
Michael P Martin
Jake Martinek
Katey Martinek
Oakley Martinek
Christopher Marzonie
Lily Marzonie
Jessie Mastin
Allison Mayo
Colleen McGilton
Delaney McKenzie
Cael McKinney
Heather McKinney
Ian McKinney
Alex McMullen
Avery McMullen
Christopher Measzros
Stephanie Measzros
Evie Meskin
Haley Messamore
Lilya Michalak
Mikayla Michalak
Rebekah Michalak
Bernice Mike
Madeline Miller
Nancy Miller
Phillip A. Miller
Adaline Mills
Barbara Minar
Ramona Miner
Desmond Mitchell
Alan Moerdyk
Lu Moon
Riley Moon
Kayden Moore
Yuri Moore
Rev. Karen Moorman
Dusti Morton
Dustin Morton
Lori Mosier
Shaun Moskalik
Eloise Mott
Jennifer Moubray
Eleanor Mueth
Justin Muse
Micha E. Myers
Kris Naftel
Barbara Nance
Nora Napolitan
Sara Nasher
Julie Nemitz
Julian S. Newman
Lisa Newman
Laurie L. Nic
Charlotte Nickell
Kathy Niemann
Mandana Nordbrock
Autumn Norris
Derrick Norris
Heather Norris
Via Novarro
Evalina Nowaczynski
Charlize Nulty
Elliot Odette
Jay Kurtis Oetman
Mayim Olbrot
Jill R. Ongley
Allie Orzel
Tallulah Paavola
Dante Pankey
Zoe Pankey
Nola Paré
Lisa Marie Parker
Eva Parsons
Laura Parsons
Para Peabody
Shari Pearce
Emma Pegouske
Megan Perra
Alexia Perry
Catherine W. Perry
Harper Petersen
Dywanna L. Pettway
Robert James Piellusch
Jared G. Pittman
Bradford Poer
Brogan Poer
Etta Poer
Nicole Poer
Lauren Poet
Zyra Pogue
Aaron Potter
Andi Potter
Taylor Pozzi
Dayanna Price
Lou Price
Anna Pugh
Heather Purcell
Alyssandra Radford
Delma Radford
Maya Ray
Mahalia Reign
Molly Reilly
Laura Rench
Ethel Resh
Bobalee Rethard
Axel Rhodinger
Eric Rice
Lucy Riley-Spreitzer
Oliver Riley-Spreitzer
Krista Roberson
Liz Roberson
Andrew Roberts
Carl Roberts
Thomas Roberts
Kit Robertson
Anelise RoemerMartinez
Elliott Rooy
Miles Rooy
Sawyer Rooy
Dan Rozmys
Marin Rozmys
Viktor Rozmys
Lillian Ruffer
Elspeth Ryan
Brylee Sabo
Ella R. Sabuda
Ezra Sabuda
Denise Sanchez
Aaliyah Sanders
Chris Sargeant
Gwen Saulino
Claire Scheenstra
Joann Schma
Ella R. Schoder
Luna Schumaker
Nova Schumaker
Matthew Schuster
Trevor Schuster
Jane Schuster
Grace Scorzo
Dr. Michael Scorzo
Gordon Scott
Elayne Seaman
Leiah Seawood
Kim Seeley
Molly Senne
Rhyan Shankool
Sara Sherman
Lynn Shiflea
Dawn Shilts
Reed Shilts
Shealin Shobowale-
Benson
Erika Shoemaker
Kylie Shoemaker
Amelia Shultz
Maggie Siskaninetz
Katherine Skelton
Cindy Slate
Sappho Slate
Kim Slater
Sloan
Aaron Smirth
Audrey Smith
Avor Smith
Gibby Smith
Julie Smith
Kara Smith
Timothy J. Smith
Travis Smith
Nancy Snell
William Snell
Susan Sonday
R.J. Soule’
Natalie Spaans
Elizabeth Sparks
Quinn Spitz
Todd Spratt
Chris Springsteen
Fiona Springsteen
Jacki Stahr
Khalil Steele
Ivy Stewart
Zoë Stewart
Eilee Stob
Carlee Stoker
Alexis Stubelt
Paige Stubelt
Gail Stults
Nolan Surach
Aliya Sutherland
Mia Swira
Cindy Synder
Noah Szarejko
Micaila Tait
Emily Fackler Tallott
Jonathan Talmadge
Amanda Taylor
Kevin Taylor
Sarah Taylor
David Termuhlen
Ace Terrentine
Melita Terrentine
Maggie Timmer
Lucy Tramel
Brandt Trotter
Jenny Trout
Kristin Tyrrell
Orion Vandenberg
Orion Vandenberg
LouAnn Vandenbos
Bailey Vanderberg
Benjamin Vandrevoort
Laura VanOrman
Diane Vasold-Trupiano
Katy Velten
Robert Vergeson
Andora Volz
Jared Volz
Veda Volz
Jared Volz
Gari Voss
Journi Wallin
Arabesque Walsh
Meadow Walsh
Rhapsody Walsh
Cambrie Walters
Leah Walters
Mathilda Ware
Carrie Warren
Daniel Warren
Faye Warren
Kris Warren
Cody A Watson
Jan Watson
Haleigh Weatherwax
Margot Weiner
Kathleen B. Weissert
Maria Welser
Fred Western
Margot Wewer
Judy Wilcox
Louis Williams
Donna Willoughby
Gary Willoughby
Amy Wills
Tanya Wolfe
Brandon T. Wolfgang
Meggen Wollberg
Marvinetta WoodleyPenn
Addie Yates
Haley Yi
Sedona Yoder
Alex Zahrai
Maggie Zahrai
Izzy Zegerious
Laura Zervic
Ben Zylman
As a not for profit organization, we are indebted to the generosity of our supporting foundations, businesses, organizations, families and friends. We wish to recognize those who have made contributions to the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre received from June 1, 2025 to September 15, 2025, including those who wish to remain anonymous. We thank you for your continued support.
Ruby (up to $2499)
PayPal Giving Fund
Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
The Burdick-Thorne Foundation
Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation
Irving S. Gilmore Foundation
Suzanne U.D. Parish Foundation
Mia Swira
Karen Trout
Toni Tyler
The Bryant Family Charitable Fund
Producer ($5,000 - $7,499)
Art Nemitz
Eugene Wu
Assistant Director
($1,000 - $2,499)
Philip Borkholder & Salina Kalnins
Norman Cooper
Supporting Player
($250 - $499)
Anonymous
The Brandenburg Charitable Trust
Jerry and Cathy Ditto
Susan S and Dennis R Hollar
Jake Lohse
The Muny
Howard C Potrude
William G Schma
Chorus Member
($100 - $249)
Jerry Amrhein
Mary Artis
James and Marilyn Barney
Richard Beam
Rena Hirsten Brooks
David Burkey
Frank J Cody
Deb Cronkite
Judy D’Arcangelis
Elaine Fluck
Kay Diana Hanson
Ed and Ginnie Hessler
Jacque Jennings-Carter
Mary E Klenow
Peter Kobrak
Bridget Lemberg
Michael Martin
John L Mason
Elizabeth McKenna
Joyce McNally
Frank and Lois Plaver
Eric Rice
Jeanette Sage
Pam Shebest
Patricia J Shiley
Erika Shoemaker
Tom and Ruth Small
Dan Coyne and Linda Stieve
Emily and Devi Talcott
Linda Teare
Leah Walters
Ken and Jill Weyenberg
Louis Williams
Amy Wills
Patron ($1-99)
Juliane Bauer
Sally Bingham
Mary H Boling
Amy Bonnema
Felix Brooks
Will Brown
Joyce Burke
Delynn Campbell
Colleen Carpenter
Lainey Carpenter
Mary Connors
Jennifer Coyle
Connor Coyne
Robert F Creagan
Carrie Dall
Amber DeBolt
Carol Jean Zomer DeRuiter
In Memory of Miervalds & Mara Malcenieks
Tia Lutz
In Memory of Patricia Pettinga
Maria Maki
In Memory of Sally Jo Pickens
JoBu Team
In Memory of Mike Klepper
The Muny
In Memory of Cathie Weir
Richard Weir
In Memory of Deb Killarney
In Honor of Kathleen Weissert on the occasion of her birthday
Bob and Linda Van Dis
Lily DeYoung-Foster
Miriam Downey
Greg Edwards
Nathan Ekola
Nikki Elrod
Doug Eplee
Renae Feldpausch
Gretchen Flatto
Wesley Friel
Robin Frohlich
Esther Gray
Carla Hammel
Douglas Harrison
Ronald Haywood
Erin Henn
Linda Hickman
Sharon Higbee
Debbie Hindman
Mary Holtapp
Holly Honeck
Joanne Huffman
Alita Irwin
Alexander Ja-Yu Lim
Nancy Johnson
Mary Keane
Deb Killarney
Charity Kirksey
Alicia Kornowa
Amanda Kutzler
Pamela Landis
Nancy Lane Johnson
Kristen Larson
Evelyn Lim
Jesse Lipson
Judith Loudin
Tia Lutz
Maria Maki
Barbara Marquette
Jaime Marsman
Gary Mazur
Sybil Mazur
Barbara Menlen
Katerina Mikhailova
Daniel Miller
Alex Montgomery-Buchino
Rev. Mary Elizabeth Moran Cross
Kelly Newell
Sarah Nyenhuis
David and Carol Overton
Erin Parker
Mary and Tom Platte
Michele Prouty
Kelly Ray
Robert Rebar
Jill Reid
Molly Reilly
Martha Reynolds
Joan Romyak
Susan Rosas
Maura Salemka
William and Jennifer Sanderson
Noah Sauger
Donna and Paul Schonveld
Lulu Shearer
Sharlene Smith
Ross and Norma Stancati
Patricia Stromsta
Melissa Tache
Logan Thomas
Shelley Tober
Paul Trap
Meredith Ulmer
Bob and Linda Van Dis
Jerome and Mary Van Tassel
Kryssy Vinson
Kay Wallace
Richard Weir
Mary P White
Caroline Wiley
Lori Wilfenhof
Candace Williams
Jade Wolfe
We offer these services so everyone can enjoy the theatre experience.
Accessible Seating with companion seating is available in all our spaces
American Sign Language interpreters ASL translation is offered the first Saturday of every Civic production.
Audio Description is provided the first Saturday of every Civic production.
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Ask for programs at the Box Office
Sensory Assistance, Stim tools, noise reduction headphones, and weighted blankets are available in our box office upon request
Sensory Friendly Performances, with relaxed spaces, and environmental modifications are available for some youth friendly productions. Check calendar or contact the box office for performance dates.
Hearing Loop, also known as T-Coil system available in all our theatres.
Service Animals receive complimentary seating
Prior to his appointment as Artistic Director, Hamilton served as Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at Kalamazoo College (‘22-’23) and Guest Professor of Theatre at Western Michigan University (‘21-’22). Most recently, he appeared as Sly in Detroit ‘67 at Hope Repertory Theatre in Holland, MI. Previous directing and choreography credits at the Civic include: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Once on this Island, 1940s Radio Hour, The Piano Lesson, Disney’s Newsies, A Raisin in the Sun, Barbecue, The Lion in Winter, Disney’s The Lion King Jr., and Catch Me if You Can. Other directing credits include: Intimate Apparel (WMU), Into the Woods (WMU), Dutchman (K College) and Next to Normal (K College). Hamilton received a B.A. from Western Michigan University and an M.F.A. from Florida State University/ Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.
Benjamin is a lighting designer, programmer, and head electrician based out of Portage, MI. With a deep passion and love for music, Benjamin’s works in lighting are driven by the emotions and feelings created by talented artists on stage. He has designed for productions such as The Lightning Thief (WMU 2022) and The SpongeBob Musical (WMU 2024). His skills as a theatrical technician have led to lightboard programming and head electrician opportunities at Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Petoskey, Weston Theatre Company in Vermont, The Argyle Theatre in New York, and many others. In Benjamin’s free time, he enjoys going to concerts, working on projects in the garage, usually involving wood or metal work, and finding some twisty scenic roads on his motorcycle.
Paige (They/She) is excited to be joining the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre! Paige graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Design & Production and Animation, and has previously volunteered with the Fort Wayne Youtheatre as a high school intern. When not working on shows, they love to knit, build miniatures and play board games with friends.
Ryan is a Michigan native from the Croswell Opera House in Adrian. After a summer at the Tibbits Opera House, he has spent the rest of his career in the Kalamazoo Civic scene shop. Whether it’s building scenery or singing and dancing backstage, Ryan isn’t alive until the house is open and the first cue is called. He is a kind soul and wonderful friend; 100% dedicated to the new vision and core values of the Civic Theatre. You’ll like this guy.
Jamie graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Entertainment Design & Technology. They have worked with Cedar Point: Live Entertainment (2022) and the Opera Theatre of St. Louis (2023) since graduation. Some of their favorite hobbies are crocheting, drawing, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Tully is eager to be working on The Civic’s 97th season. Having originally pursued a career in architecture they pivoted into the vast world of theatre. In college they worked on set design and construction for shows produced by 33rd St Productions. A native to the area they are ready to be able to contribute to one of the many things that make Kalamazoo so great!
Lindsay is honored to be joining the Kalamazoo Civic team for their 97th season! As a 2024 BFA Acting/ Directing and History alum from Central Michigan University with a side job in the university costume shop, she is excited to take this step further into her building passion for this form of art. Hailing from nearby Vicksburg, she is no stranger to Kalamazoo and the Civic Theatre, however, her first involvement was just last season playing Julia Sullivan in the season closer, The Wedding Singer-- and oh boy has that excited her for being a part of the official team! When not sewing, designing, or acting, she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Addie Gorden graduated from Indiana University in 2023 with a BA in Theatre and a minor in Fashion Design. As a teenager she volunteered at the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, doing everything from acting to stage management. In college she began to explore costume design, with a particular interest in historical costuming. She is looking forward to continuing to grow as a designer with The Civic!
Kalie Hagen comes to us from Phoenix, Arizona where she received her Associates Degree from Mesa Community College. She went on to Stage Manage a variety of different shows around the Phoenix Area. She has credits from The Phoenix Theatre Company, Childsplay Theatre Company, Order Chaos Theatre, Combs Performing Arts Center and Mesa Community College. She was also the Associate Production Manager with Childsplay Theatre Company and a Production Assistant at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Phoenix. She is thrilled to be with us and looks forward to all our upcoming productions and being able to get back into theatre!
Imari graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Technology. She found her passion for sound and music when she played in the pit orchestra in high school. In college, she was an FOH engineer for many live shows and events. Now, she is excited to explore sound design at The Civic. During her spare time, Imari enjoys composing music, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Elaine first joined the Civic staff in 1998 as our Costume Designer. She left to create her own custom clothing design business, Elaine K Designs which she has run for the past 18 years. She returned to the Civic as “Costume Designer in 2018. She graduated from WMU with a degree in Fashion Design and has over 25 years of professional costume design working at almost every theatre in the Kalamazoo area including the Barn Theatre, 3-D Touring Productions, WMU Dance Dept., WMU Opera, Kalamazoo College Theatre Dept., Farmers Alley Theatre and many other freelance costume design projects. One of her favorite costuming experiences was creating the “creature costume” for a horror movie filmed in Kalamazoo. Outside of the theatre, Elaine enjoys the art of cheese making!”
David has served on the Civic s staff since the summer of 2000. Over that time, it has been his pleasure to work with the Civic’s passionate volunteers and the skillful, dedicated staff. He has especially enjoyed mentoring and learning from so many bright interns at the beginning of their careers. The Civic has provided countless opportunities for him to grow as an artist, exploring new ideas, technologies, and aesthetics, and he looks forward to future wonder and discovery with the vibrant Civic community.
Christopher is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a B.A. in Fine Arts. He joined the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre staff in 2008 as a scenic carpenter. In May of 2023, he became the Resident Properties Master. Some of his favorite Civic productions are Jekyll & Hyde, The Who’s Tommy, The Borrowers, Once on this Island, Xanadu, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Christopher’s hobbies include building prop replicas, designing and constructing puppets, blacksmithing, and playing tabletop games.
Ella is very excited to be on the Civic stage again after making her Civic debut in “California Suite” this winter. She is a Kalamazoo native with degrees in Musical Theatre and Dance will be the Lighting Design Intern at the Civic next season. She would like to thank the company for making this experience so fun and her friends, family, and girlfriend Willow for their endless love and support.
Delaney joined the Civic staff in 2018 as the Master Electrician and became the Resident Lighting and Sound Designer in 2020. She earned her BS in Theater: Design and Technology at Northwest Missouri State University and a MFA in Theater at Southern Illinois University where she specialized in Lighting Design. She has worked with the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Endstation Theater Company, McLeod Summer Playhouse, and as Lead Lighting Technician at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Delaney has a passion for Jesus, music, and the arts, spending much of her time outside of the Civic dedicated to worship and creating beautiful things. She is a painter and a prolific fiber artist, often seen with a set of needles or crochet hook between meetings or backstage during performances.
Phillip has worked on every production we have produced since he joined the Civic staff in 2000. Prior to his arrival at the Civic, Phillip served as the Assistant Technical Director at the Barn Theatre and as a draftsman for the Children’s Theatre Company and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Additionally, Phillip was the Technical Assistant at Western Michigan University, while earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technical Production.
Justin is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.F.A. in Design and Production. He designed for various theaters in Ann Arbor before coming to Kalamazoo as an intern for the Civic’s 2022-23 season. In June of 2024 he became the Scenic Design Associate. Past Civic credits include: Clybourne Park, Polkadots, Catch me if You Can, and Radium Girls. In his spare time, he enjoys painting, drawing, and crossword puzzles.
Sara has worked as a teaching artist and choreographer for several years throughout the greater Kalamazoo and Chicago metropolitan areas. A former preschool teacher, she is particularly passionate about early childhood exposure to the arts and enjoys having the opportunity to teach some of our youngest students in the Academy. Sara is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTA) program and currently serves as Early Childhood Director at Excel Dance Centre, where she received much of her dance training growing up. Sara has enjoyed volunteering at the Civic for years, appearing in productions like Smokey Joe’s Café and The 1940s Radio Hour. Civic Choreography credits include: Disney’s Newsies, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Sound of Music, Catch Me if You Can, SIX: The Musical- Teen Edition, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
Micaila Tait is beyond excited to be joining the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre for the 97th season. And is also excited because it is her first time coming out to the Midwest. She is from Bristow, Virginia and graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Education. In college she worked in multiple different areas of theatre ranging from just about everything before eventually landing on Stage Management, which she quickly gained a passion for. In her free time, she loves to read, spend time with her family, and travel when she can!
Michael P. Martin ............................................. President
Marvinetta Woodley-Penn ......................... Vice President
Peter Hobson-Morse ........................................ Secretary
Asa Davis ......................................................... Treasurer
Lana Escamilla ................................................... Member
Emily Fackler Talcott ......................................... Member
Thomasina Guidry .............................................. Member
Michael Holmes ................................................. Member
Jennifer Moubray ............................................... Member
Julie Nemitz ....................................................... Member
Joann Schma ..................................................... Member
Jared Volz .......................................................... Member
Louis Williams .................................................... Member
Leah Walters ........................................................... Chair
Maggie Zahrai ................................................. Vice Chair
Catherine W. Perry ........................................... Secretary
Stacy Caudill .................................................... Treasurer
Asa Davis ................................................... Board Liaison
Sandra Gagie ..................................................... Member
James M. Marquardt .......................................... Member
Shaun Moskalik ................................................. Member
Deborah Johnston
Howard Kalleward
Art Nemitz
Karen Tudor
Sally Williams
Ben Zylman
Laura M. Zervic .................................................. Executive Director
Anthony J. Hamilton ...............................................Artistic Director
Mike Artis .................................................... Director of Volunteers
Benjamin Arnett ................................................. Master Electrician
Christopher Blades ........................ Audience Engagement Manager
Deborah Browning ........................ Graphic Designer/Photographer
Ryan C. Burke ..................................................... Scenic Carpenter
Kim Chandler Box ................................................. Office Associate
Jamie Chapin ..................................................... Properties Artisan
Journey Godfrey ............................................................. Bartender
Alex Grindey ........................................... Resident Sound Designer
Nora Hauk ................................................ Costume Shop Manager
Kalie Hagen .......................................... Production Stage Manager
Kathryn M. Jones .............. Administrative Assistant - Carver Center
Elaine Kauffman .................................. Resident Costume Designer
Ish Klein ......................................................................... Bartender
David Kyhn Resident ............................................. Scenic Designer
Christopher Lewis ............................. Resident Properties Manager
Sydney Lewis ................................................... Box Office Manager
Delaney McKenzie ................................ Resident Lighting Designer
Phillip A. Miller ................................................... Technical Director
Justin Muse ............................................. Scenic Design Associate
Megan Perra .................................................................. Bartender
Andrew Roberts ...................................................... Custodial Staff
Carl Roberts ................................................... Custodial Supervisor
Jane Schuster ................................... Marketing and Sales Director
Dr. Mike Scorzo ........................Director of Education and Outreach
Sara Sherman ............ Resident Choreographer and Teaching Artist
Melita Terrentine .................................. Front of House Coordinator
Orion Vandenberg .......................................... Box Office Associate
Paige Billian ................................................... Scenic Design Intern
Tully Davis ........................................................ Technical Direction
Lindsay Fleck .............................................. Costume Design Intern
Addie Gorden .............................................. Costume Design Intern
Imari Hill Sound ........................................................ Design Intern
Ella Ledbetter-Newton ................................. Lighting Design Intern
Micaila Tait ............................................ Stage Management Intern
