OUR TOWN

Cast Bios

Mary Rose Benson (Anne Frank)- Mary Rose first appeared on the Grand Rapids Civic stage last year in our 2010 production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the Children’s choir.  She has also appeared with Circle Theatre as Violet (Alice in Wonderland) and with Youth Theatre Grand Rapids in Mulan.  Thanks to my family, friends and Bruce Tinker for this incredible opportunity!

Geoffrey L. Bryan (Hermann van Daan) – performed his first show with Grand Rapids in the 1987 production Mister Roberts.  Since then he has racked up a long line of credits including roles in Circle Theatre’s productions of The Vast Difference, Into the Woods, The Boys Next Door.  Geoffrey has also appeared in Magic Circle, Actor’s Theatre, Kalamazoo Civic and Western Michigan University.  Geoffrey has also been a Stage Manager and Assistant Director for many shows with Circle and Actor’s Theatre.  He is excited for this opportunity from Bruce Tinker and to return to this beautiful theatre.

Amy Groen (Margot Frank) – this is Amy’s first role at Grand Rapids Civic but she is no stranger to the stage.   This summer Amy was in Circle Theatre’s production of Annie and also with Circle appeared in The Frog Prince.  With Cornerstone University her favorite roles include the Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Hope Langdon (Something’s Afoot), and Susy Hendrix (Wait Until Dark).  Amy is also the 2008 Grand Award winner for Outstanding Lead College Actress for her role in Wait Until Dark.

Mary Ann Heinen (Edith Frank) – as a newcomer to the Civic Stage, Mary Ann has appeared with Masters Arts Theatre (Things We Couldn’t Say, Anne of Green Gables), Grand Rapids Jewish Theatre (Womens Minyan) and Caledonia Players (Cinderella).  During the daytime, Mary Ann works for Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Center.

Shelley Irwin (Miep Gies) – appearing for her first time on Civic stage, many of you may know Shelley from her day job with WGVU as producer and radio host of the morning show.  Shelley has been honored with five consecutive AWRT Gracie Allen Awards for Outstanding Individual Achievement as a Program Host.  Shelley is no stranger to the stage as she has appeared with Raleigh Little Theatre and with Grand Valley State University.

Tyler Mesman (Peter van Daan) – is excited to be performing his first show here at Grand Rapids Civic.  Tyler has a long list of performances with Forest Hills High School to include:  State Fair, Back the 80s, An Evening of Culture, High School Musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, High School Musical 2 and The Complete Works of Wm. Shakespeare Abridged.  Tyler is attending Grand Rapids Community College.

Eva Switek (Petronella van Daan) – is honored to bring to the stage this incomprehensible and heart wrenching story.  Eva has been involved in theatre for over 30 years and has cherished every minute.  Some of her favorite shows at Civic include, Fiddler on the Roof, A Chorus Line, Annie, Cinderella and  Wizard of Oz.  Eva has also appear with Circle Theatre, Actors Theatre, Jewish and private venues.  Favorites from those productions are:  Tony and Tina’s Wedding, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Steel Magnolias, Tropical Pickle and Six Women with Brain Death.  Eva would like to thank Bruce Tinke for giving her this opportunity.  She would also like to thank her husband, Daniel, for his constant love and support.

Rob Thomasma (Otto Frank)– is a self-employed cosmetologist and make-up artist.  Forty-nine years ago, Rob made his stage debut at Civic Theatre in The Wizard of Oz as a munchkin and Norma Brink as Glenda.  Since then he has appeared on or behind the scenes of every venue in West Michigan.  His credits for Actors, Jewish Theatre, Heritage Theatre, Circle Theatre, Opera Grand Rapids and GVSU include:  Pippin, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Todd, Hello Dolly!, The Philadelphia Story, Jeffrey, Wit, Noah’s Flood, Man of La Mancha, Carousel and Assassins.  In 1988, Rob was honored with Circle Theatre’s Norma Brink Award for Community Service, and after 40 years – life came full circle when he appeared on the Civic Stage with Norma again in Arnesic and Old Lace.  His last appearance here was in Willy Wonka.  Rob says in another 40 years, I might get it right.

Ted Wohlford (Mr. Kraler) – is making his debut on the Civic stage playing Mr. Kraler.  Other credits include performances with Jenison High School (West Side Story, My Fair Lady, South Pacific, Music Man  and Oklahoma). 

Joe Worth (Alfred Dussel) – Joe appeared in Anything Goes and  A Few Good Men with Civic Theatre in 1993.  Since then, he as appeared at Circle Theatre (Best Little Wholehouse in Texas, Chess and Magic Circle and with Actors Theatre (Kiss of the Spiderwomen), and Ladies Literary Club (Dracula).  During the day Joe is a third grade teacher and he also teaches for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School of Theatre Arts.