HAIRSPRAY

Cast Bios

Sydney Aldrich (Tammy) made her Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debut in The Velveteen Rabbit and would go onto The Adventures of Madeline, Scrooge, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Wizard of Oz, and Miss Nelson Is Missing. Other area favorites include Oliver!, and Sunday in the Park with George (Circle Theatre), Honk (Cornerstone University), La Boheme (Opera Grand Rapids), and Les Miserables and Fiddler on the Roof with Rockford High School. “Thank you to my parents and Marisa’s parents for being my personal taxi and to my savior Jesus Christ.”

Todd Avery (Edna Turnblad) is thrilled to be back on the Civic Stage for Hairspray! He currently serves as the head of the theatre department at Jenison High School. His first show at GRCT was Spelling Bee (09). Todd has toured the United States with the Missoula Children’s Theatre and worked with several theatre companies around Michigan. Acting credits include Circle Theatre’s productions of The Laramie Project, Little Shop of Horrors (Grand Award Nomination for Mr. Mushnik) and Disney’s Beauty and Beast (Grand Award for “Lumiere”). Todd has served as the co-host of the Grand Awards, performed with the Grand Rapids Symphony Children’s Series, and with Grand Valley State University Opera. Directing credits include Circle Theatre’s Bingo the Musical and Oliver!, plus dozens and dozens of productions for the AWESOME Jenison High School thespians. Thanks to Penny, Ben, Zach for giving me a chance to do what I love. Thanks, too, to all thespians at Jenison HS for their laughter and energetic support.

Lisa Butler (Motormouth Maybelle) has worked in theatre for a number of years doing professional and community theatre. She has travelled across the country performing and singing professionally since 2005. She is the mother of 8 grown children with 1 son at home, Jojo, who accompanies her on her travels and in rehearsals. Lisa is the EOO of a Non-profit organization called resources for Growing the Kingdom which helps youth, at risk families and those released from prison providing trainings, a clothing closet, cooking classes, cultural arts classes and health and awareness classes. Lisa is currently working on her first solo CD and her ministry ordination. This will be her first performance at Civic Theatre and is happy to work with such a wonderful cast and crew.

Arielle Byl (Dynamite and Little Inez) comes to Baltimore having appeared in Captain Louie with GRCT. With Forest Hills Summer Stock, she has appeared in High School Musical, Footloose, and The Music Man. She plans to attend Bethel College as a Music (Voice) major.

Richard Carnegie (Seaweed) has been a professional entertainer for over 17 years, performing as an actor, dancer, singer, and model. He has worked in markets of Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles racking up over 50 film and TV credits. He is a member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and is on the National Dancer Committee. Richard was most recently seen performing for LaughFest in The Rocky Horror Show, as a phantom dancer. His favorite role to date was on the Circle Theater stage last summer playing the role of “Angel” in RENT, where he met the love of his life. He wants to thank his friends and family for their unwavering support, and his beautiful and talented fiancée Jordon Hudson who encouraged him to audition for Hairspray!

Ryan Cupp (Corny Collins) Is excited to be back on the Civic stage! He made his first appearance last season as Gad in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and has since been seen as Steve in Blue’s Clues Live! and most recently as Cornelius in Hello, Dolly! He has also been seen as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar: In Concert! at Circle Theatre. Other featuresd roles have been in Annie (Circle), RENT, The Last Five Years, George M!, The Fantasticks, and Godspell. Ryan was also featured in a Pet Supplies Plus Commercial. A Central Michigan grad, Ryan is a jazz trombone player, having shared the stage with artists such as John Fedchock, Peter Erskine, Bobby Watson, Terri Lynn Carrington, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and the indie rock band Anathallo. Many thanks to Kristen and my family, and to you for supporting the arts.

Emily Dingman (Shelley/Beatnik) previously attended Grand Rapids Community College and will be going to Grand Valley in the fall. She went to Caledonia and was involved in musicals in middle school, but was busy with competitive cheer in high school and was unable to do musicals. She would like to thank God, her family, boyfriend, and friends.

Erika Faasen (Lorraine) is appearing for the first time on the Civic Stage with Hairspray. In high school, she appeared in Cinderella; now studying at Calvin College where she performed in The Syring a Tree.

Jolene Frankey (Tracy Turnblad) is delighted to be back on the Civic Theatre stage after performing last season in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other local credits include Sweetest Swing in Baseball (Actors' Theatre), Steel Magnolias and Sweet Charity (Circle Theatre), and Razzle Dazzle (Creative Edge Productions). Regional credits include work with Gateway Playhouse (NY), Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (PA), Cherry County Playhouse (MI), CRW Productions (NY), Pittsburgh Playhouse (PA), and NBC Studios (NY). Jolene is the Associate Casting Director at Fahey Dreher Casting and teaches acting & musical theater here at Civic Theatre. For Mike, always.

MIke Frankey (Link Larkin) is excited to be making his Civic Theater debut. Local credits: Distracted (Actors' Theatre) and Razzle Dazzle (Creative Edge Productions). National Tours: The Boy Friend, directed by Julie Andrews. Favorite regional credits include: Meet Me In St. Louis (Flat Rock Playhouse - NC), Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (Lyric Theatre - OK), The Boy Friend (Riverside Theatre - FL), My One and Only (Pittsburgh Playhouse - PA), and Oklahoma!, Guys & Dolls, 42nd Street (West Virginia Public Theatre - WV). Thank you to Mom & Dad, my supportive family, and especially Linda and my friends at Macatawa Bank. For my on and off-stage love, Jolene.

Micah Hazel (Gilbert) is returning to the Civic stage having just appeared in Hello, Dolly! Micah is a Theatre major at Grand Rapids Community College and performed with the GRCC Players in End Days. While in high school Micah performed in numerous shows including, Guys and Dolls, FAME!, Hamlet Abridged, and Lucky Stiff.

LaShann Herron (Dynamite) originally from Detroit, Michigan is a recent graduate in Business Communications from Calvin College. She loves music and Musical Theatre. This is her first appearance with Civic Theatre and she is excited about the opportunity. Thanks to Dr. Charsie Sawyer who made me audition.

Shane Hurst (I.Q.) comes right off playing Ambrose Kemper in Hello, Dolly! He just completed his sophomore year as a Musical Theatre Major at Cornerstone University where he has worked on such shows as Into the Woods (The Baker), His Girl Friday (Wilson), and White Christmas (Phil Davis).

Kyle Jurassic (Sketch) is very excited to make his Civic debut, especially as a part of this show! Kyle is a Substitute Teacher and a senior Music Ed. major at Cornerstone University where he's been a part of several shows including Proof (Hal), White Christmas (Bob Wallace), and Seussical (Cat in the Hat) for which he won a Grand Award. He just recently finished How to Succeed (Finch) at Circle Theatre where he has also been involved in Little Shop of Horrors (puppeteer), Annie, and Altar Boyz (Luke). He would like to thank God, his family, his Boyz, Shane for all of his help, the Production tems for this wonderful opportunity, and his wonderful girlfriend Ginny.

Noah King-Bates (Duane) returns to the Civic after appearing in last year’s Summer Repertory Theatre presentation of BFG, and Alice as Kooli-Kool Bob. He also appeared in Traveling Troupe’s production of Tales of Molly Malloy, and is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. At East Kentwood High School, Noah has been seen in Anne of A Thousand Days, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Willy Wonka, and Guys and Dolls. Outside of performances, he has earned numerous awards, including “Up and Coming Artist,” “Improve Award” and a Varsity Letter for Drama.

Davin Lepisto (Wilbur) is back on the Civic stage after being seen in Grease (08) and A Wonderful Life (08). Other community productions include Awesome 80’s Prom, The.Theatre.Project, Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert, Rent, and Queen in Concert. “I would like to dedicate this performance to Grandma Nickell and Grandma Lepisto.”

Te'Asia Martin (Dynamite and Cindy Hawkins) is a sophomore music and vocal emphasis major at Grand Valley State University who is making her debut on the Civic Stage. Previous credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Bye Bye Birdie, and Les Miserables.

Anthony Murphy (Brad) returns to the Civic Stage after last season’s holiday hit, Cinderella. Other GRCT credits include The Traveling Troupe, Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, and Summer Repertory Theatre. A junior at Northview High School, he has appeared in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Cinderella. At Northview he's in Varsity Voices, Wind Ensemble, and Student Council as Student Body President. He would like to thank everyone for their support.

Sadie Pappas (Amber) makes her Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debut with Hairspray. No stranger to the stage however, she is currently pursuing a BFA in Acting at Michigan State University where she has appeared in Reefer Madness, As You Like It, and The Wizard of Oz. Other credits include Anne of Green Gables, Our Town, How to Succeed, Sound of Music, and Once Upon a Mattress. “Thanks Mom and Dad for the automotive, financial, and emotional support, love you!”

Michael Peneycad (Fender) is thrilled to be making his Civic debut in Hairspray! He has previously been featured in numerous shows at Forest Hills Central High and through the FHPS Summerstock program. Favorites include Peter Pan (pirate), The Sound of Music (Friedrich), Joseph and the Amazing…(Butler), Annie (Drake), High School Musical (Zeke), Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), and most recently Ren McCormack in Footloose. Michael has been studying at Azusa Pacific University in California but will be continuing his education at the University of Michigan in the fall with interests in theatre and biology. Michael would like to thank God for His faithfulness, Penny, Wright, Kylie, William and the rest of the Civic staff for giving him this incredible opportunity, his wonderful parents for raising him to be one of the “nicest kids in town,” his friends for supporting him, and of course his trusty hairspray for always keeping his flip in perfect shape. Enjoy!

Marisa Purcey (Lou Ann) is a proud student of GRCT. A junior at Rockford High School, she has appeared in Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, and Fiddler on the Roof. With Flat River she has appeared in Sweeny Todd as Joanna and she has danced competitively, including an appearance on the Today Show. “I want to thank my mom, dad, and Sydney’s parents for playing Chauffer, and God, who has blessed me with such talent.”

Eva Switek (Prudy Pingleton, Gym Teacher & Matron) is very excited to return to Civic Theatre’s stage this season as the adult female authority in Hairspray! She was last seen in Diary of Anne Frank as Mrs. Van Daan. Eva has been involved in theatre for over 30 years and has loved every minute. Some of her favorite shows at Civic include: A Chorus Line (Diana), Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitle), Annie (Miss Hannigan), Cinderella (Stepmother), and Wizard of Oz (Wicked Witch). Other area theatre favorites include: Tony and Tina’s Wedding (Madeline Monroe), Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), Chicago (Liz), Steel Magnolias (Annelle & M’Lynn), Tropical Pickle (Peggy) and Six Women with Brain Death (Brain Dead Lady). Eva would like to thank Penny Notter for giving her this wonderful opportunity. She would also like to thank her husband, Daniel, for his constant love and support.

RJ Tillman (Thad) is currently a college student and is very interested in the world of entertainment. Hairspray is his Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debut. RJ is happy to star as one of the Seaweed Pals. He is very thankful for this opportunity and hopes that the audience enjoys this fantastic show!

Carly Uthoff (Penny) is making her return to the Civic Theatre stage after her debut in Hello Dolly! However, she is no stranger to the theatre having performed in numerous Rockford High School productions including: Our Town, MacBeth, Madam’s Been Murdered Tea Will Be Late, Joseph … Dreamcoat, Cinderella, and Once on This Island. She also received a vocal scholarship to Alma College. She has performed as a principle singer in Hark Up and has taken voice lessons for 7 years. She also sang in Alma’s College Choir, in which she toured in the U. S and Europe. “Thanks to my family and friends, especially my parents Dan and Sandy, for always pushing me to be my best!”

Brendan Van Stee (Mr. Pinky, Principal, Mr. Spritzer, Guard) is excited to be back on the Civic stage in Hairspray. Previous Civic credits include Carmen Ghia in The Producers (Grand Award Nomination), Ragtime and Annie Get Your Gun (1990). Other favorite credits include And The World Goes Round for the Bijou Orchestra, Frankie in Forever Plaid with The.Theatre.Project (founding member), A New Brain, The Wild Party, Side Show, Urinetown, Batboy, Pacific Overtures, Assassins (The first time) Jeffrey and Berlin to Broadway at Actors Theatre and Rent, Tommy, Follies, Baby, Big River, Passion, Merrily We Roll Along, Gypsy, West Side, and Secret Garden at Circle. He has also performed with Opera Grand Rapids, Cherry County Playhouse and Robeson Players. Brendan is an Interior Designer with Studio Duo and a Stage Manager for The Palm Beach Opera and Opera Grand Rapids. xo G.

Aubry Talbott VanAntwerp (Velma) is happy to be returning to the Civic stage having been last seen as the Baroness in The Sound of Music. Other theatre credits include: Ragtime, Gypsy, A Chorus Line with Civic Theatre; Bat Boy: the musical, Urinetown: the Musical, Kate in The Wild Party with Actors' Theatre; Chiffon Little Shop of Horrors, Rent, Bingo: the Musical, Apple Tree, Baby, Nine with Circle Theatre; also including The Women of Broadway with Circle on the Side; Cabaret, Evita, The Full Monty with Mason Street Warehouse; I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Nunsense, and Awesome 80's Prom with The.Theatre.Project; The Rocky Horror Show with The.Theatre.Project and Gilda's Club for LaughFest Grand Rapids. Aubry is also a founding member of The. Theatre.Project with her closest friends. A BIG thanks Penny, William and Wright for giving her this opportunity and her family for being so supportive and caring. Thank you to Patrick who constantly supports me and encourages me to do what I love, you are the best!!!

Katie Wilson (Brenda) is excited to be back on the Civic Stage having most recently appeared in Cinderella (09). Previous credits include A Wonderful Life, The Producers, Oklahoma!, Grease, and Wizard of Oz. A graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School, she also was an ensemble member of the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble where she danced the principal role of Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. Currently she studies at the University of Michigan.