HELLO DOLLY!

Cast Bios

Elizabeth Barry (Chorus) is debuting on Civics stage in Hello Dolly! While attending Holt High School, Elizabeth appeared in Sugar as Sugar, Little Shop of Horrors and 42nd Street. While studying at GVSU, she appeared in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and 2009/2010 Opera Scenes. Elizabeth is the Vice President of membership of Sigma Alpha Iota (women’s music honor society) and is a choreographer of the GVSU’s dance troupe.

Joseph Becherer (Barnaby Tucker) is thrilled to be returning to the Civic stage in Hello Dolly! Previous credits with the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre include High School Musical 1 & 2, Oklahoma!, The Wizard of Oz, Gypsy, and Assistant Choreographer for this seasons Peter Pan. Other area favorites include Circle Theatre’s Summer Cabaret Series Stars of Tomorrow and Oliver!, Heritage Theatre’s Fiddler on the Roof, as well as film and commercial work around town. He has danced principle roles in the ballets Giselle and the Pied Piper, and preformed in the premiers of Unlimited Second Chances and Simple Pleasures as a member of the Creative Arts Repertory Ensemble (C.A.R.E.) He is a senior at Catholic Central High School where he is a member of the Capella Choir. Joseph is also interning at Civic working with the Associate Director.  He would like to say, “Thank you to the production team for this wonderful opportunity; Judy, Kathy, and Penny for continuously being outstanding educators; and my family for your continued love and support.”

Carlee Bleeker (Chorus) is glad to be back at Civic after last appearing in Sarah Plain and Tall, 2010. She has also appeared in Cinderella, The Miracle Worker and Willy Wonka with the Civic.  At Rogue River Theatre she played ‘Annie Moffat’ in Little Women. At Circle Theatre she was a gymnast for The Frog Prince and an Orphan in last summer’s Annie. Carlee’s other activities include: diving, gymnastics, volleyball and voice lessons with Charles Hutchins.

Ryan Cupp is thrilled to be returning to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre after playing Steve in this season’s production of Blues Clue’s Live! and last season he appeared in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Gad. Ryan was also featured in Circle Theatre’s Annie and played Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar: In Concert! Outside of the Grand Rapids area, Ryan has appeared in starring roles in The Last Five Years, RENT, George M!, The Fantasticks, Godspell, and Damn Yankees. Ryan has also been in a Pet Supplies Plus commercial. He would like to extend his thanks to Kristen and his family for all of their support!

Josh Danks (Chorus) is so excited about his Civic theatre debut! During high school, Josh appeared in shows like, Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Grease (Sonny) and The King & I (Interpreter) at Loy Norrix High School. Josh also performed at the Whole Art Theatre in Kalamazoo.

Matt Dixon (Chorus/Manny) is returning to the Civic stage after last appearing in Civic’s production of Our Town. Previously Matt was seen in Civic’s 2009 production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Matt has performed at several theatres and has also been involved behind the scenes, with Town Square Players and Woodstock Musical Theatre Company in Woodstock, Illinois. Matt is a part of the Good Tidings Caroling Company and was also a member of the University of Illinois Xtension Chords a cappella group.

Mike Dodge (Horace Vandergelder) is happy to be returning to the Civic stage after last appearing in the 2009 production of Cinderella. Mike has also performed with Civic in shows like 1776 (2008) and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (2006). Mike has also appeared at other community theatre productions including Heritage Theatre Taming of the Shrew and Two Gentlemen of Verona. He also appeared in The Gondoliers with West Michigan Sovoyards. Mike wants to thank Nancy, “my sweetheart, my mistress, and my wife.”

Azsure Dorton (Chorus) debuted at Civic Theatre with The Foreigner in 2009 and is now thrilled with the opportunity to perform on the Civic stage once again. Azsure studied theatre and dance at Millikin University in Decatur, IL. She believes we all have value. As such, she supports and encourages diversity and inclusion.

Garrett A. Hall (Chorus) is excited to be debuting at Civic in Hello, Dolly! While attending Belding High School, Garrett was a member of his school’s theatre program for four years and in 2008-2009, Garrett received the Best Actor Award. Garrett now attends Davenport University with a major in Health Services and Administration. He is pleased with your attendance and hopes you enjoy the show.

David Hatter (Chorus) is making his Civic Theatre debut in Hello Dolly! David has appeared in several other community theatre shows including Lionheart Productions of Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, and Barefoot in the Park in Grant, Michigan. He thanks God for the love and support of his wife, family and friends and the production staff of Hello, Dolly! for the opportunity to be in this show.

Micah Hazel (Chorus) is making his first Civic appearance 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.

Robyn Hubbard – is returning to the Civic stage after making her debut in 2008’s A Wonderful Life. Robyn has also performed with Jewish Theatre in their production of Esther. While in high school Robyn appeared in Brigadoon and Oklahoma. Robyn earned her degree in dance in college, and then went to medical school. When she’s not delivering babies as an Obstetrician, she studies dance with Balletmore and voice with Kathy Wagner. Robyn would like to extend a special thank you to her 3 children-Hailey, Allison, and Christopher, “for their support and encouragement, and to my mom for lots of help!”

Shane Hurst (Ambrose Kemper) is delighted to be performing with the Civic Theatre for his very first time. Shane has participated in numerous community theatre productions including The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (William Barfee) with the Solon Center for the Arts, Seussical the Musical (Horton) with Weathervane Community Playhouse, and Godspell (Judas) with the Calvary Theatre. Shane attends Cornerstone University where he has performed in shows like White Christmas, Into the Woods, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shane is currently serving as an officer on the Kappa Theta Gamma (Cornerstone’s student led theatre organization).

Chelsea Herrema (Chorus) debuted on the Civic stage in Cinderella (09) and has performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Our Town as Emily Webb. Chelsea was also a part of Annie at Circle Theatre (10). Other credits include Les Miserables, Ruddigore, The Music Man, Romeo & Juliet, and Be My Baby. Chelsea sends, “All my love to Rob, Mom & Dad, and the rest of my fan club for coming to see me!”

Donovan Jewell (Chorus) debuted at Civic in Willy Wonka (08) and since then has been seen in Captain Louie (09) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (10). Donovan has also performed in Rogue River Theatre’s Scrooge’s Awakening as Peter Barrett and Ignorance. Donovan received the 2009-2010 250+ Volunteer Hours Award from The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre . He also plays on a UII SCOR soccer team. Thanks to my family, Penny, Val, Charles, Mary, and the cast for this amazing theatre experience.

Kathie Johnson (Chorus) first appeared on the Civic stage in The Music Man and has since performed in such projects as Oklahoma!, Junie B. Jones, The Sound of Music, and The Producers. She has lent her costuming expertise to Civic in productions shuch as Blue’s Clues Live! and the SRT’s production The BFG, as well as the West Michigan Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker. In addition to the stage, Ms. Johnson has an ongoing weekly radio spot and Podcast. Kathie’s college dramatics include Amahl and the Night Visitors and Marriage of Figaro.

Chelsea Klein (Chorus) comes to Yonkers from Never land, having appeared in this season’s Peter Pan. She made her Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debut in High School Musical 2 (Gabriella) as well as performing in Cinderella, and later went on to Circle Theatre’s Annie. Other area favorites include Footloose, A Christmas Carol, Lady Windermere’s Fan, Arabian Nights, and Little Women. “I want to give a huge shout out to my always supportive family and friends for their continuous support.”

Travis C. Knoll (Chorus) is thrilled to be back at the Civic after being last seen in this season’s production of Peter Pan as Mr. Smee.   Travis was recently on stage in Circle Theatre‘s production of Annie where he played Mr. Bundles and Drake.  He has also performed in Civic’s Sarah Plain and Tall (Mr. Titus/ Levi), and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (William Barfee) Elsewhere Travis has performed in Guys and Dolls (Rusty Charlie), The King and I (Lun Tha), Sylvia (Tom/ Phyllis/Leslie), Cinderella (the Herald), Fiddler on the Roof (Sasha), 1940's Radio Hour (Neal Tilden), Beauty and the Beast (Lefou), Cotton Patch Gospel (Simon), Company (Paul), Two by Two (Japheth), Side Show (the Boss), Charlie in Marvin’s Room (Charlie), and Harry Cratchit in Mr. Scrooge (just to name a few) as well as the tenor soloist in Born a King: Christmas Cantata and the tenor soloist in Handel's Messiah.  Travis has also performed with Opera Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus and The Holland Chorale. 

Kelsey Kohlenberger (Irene Malloy) is no amateur when it comes to Civic Theatre. After appearing in numerous Civic shows including The Sound of Music (2007), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2009), Cinderella, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Kelsey has taken up the role of Music Director. Kelsey has directed the music for Blue’s Clues Live! and for Pirates of Penzance Jr. with Summer Repertory Theatre. Her numerous area credits include serving as the Music Director for Caledonia Community Players You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Children of Eden; additionally she appeared onstage as Mary Wong in Get Smart. Kelsey holds a degree in Vocal Performance from Grand Valley State University where she was last seen in The Secret Garden, Pirates of Penzance, and Starting Here, Starting Now. She also was a 2010 Grand Award Nominee for her outstanding performance in Civic’s 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Michael Kohlenberger (Chorus) is eager to return to the Civic stage, after opening this season with Blue’s Clues Live! Michael made his Civic debut in 2005 with To Kill a Mockingbird, and has gone on to Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing, Cinderella, and Sarah, Plain and Tall. Among his other credits are Inherit the Wind and Lone Star with Heritage Theatre, as well as Children of Eden and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with the Caledonia Community Players. He also worked on STAGE with Grand Valley State University, and currently hosts his own radio show with WPRR called Spotlight on the Grand. “Thanks to Kelsey, you are my star!”

Mary Lehmann (Minnie Fay) is no stranger to the Civic stage having just finished playing the role of Wendy in Peter Pan. She made her GRCT debut in Scrooge, and went on to the Wizard of Oz, and last season’s Cinderella. Other area favorites include the title role in Annie (2004), The Secret Garden (Mary Lennox) with GVSU; Oliver and the Stars of Tomorrow Cabaret Series with Circle Theatre; and La Boheme with the Grand Rapids Opera Chorus. “Thank you to family and friends for being supportive, Penny for the opportunity, and God for the blessing of being able to do what I love.”

Kristen Pearson (Chorus) is one of the many talents making their Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debuts. Kristen most recently appeared with Circle Theatre in Alice in Wonderland (And Back Again) as the Nanny. Kristen has also performed with the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company as Luciana in The Comedy of Errors. A graduate of GVSU, she appeared in RENT, Vinegar Tom, Nickel and Dimed, The Rocky Horror Show, and Cymbeline. Kristen says, “Much love and thanks to my family, the cast, crew and wonderful production staff; Kelsey for getting my voice back into shape; Ryan for always being there; and my Grandma for teaching me to dance before I could walk.”`

Heather Shearer (Chorus) is thrilled to be appearing on the Civic stage for the very first time! In High School, Heather performed in Grease, Anything Goes, Mame, and South Pacific. While attending the University of Houston, Heather participated in various theatre related classes and workshops. In Houston at the Jewish Community Theatre, Heather performed in America. From 1992-1997 she sang with a variety of bands. In 2002-2006 Heather was the lead singer of a band in New Mexico. Heather would like to extend a special thanks to her family and kids, Shiloh and Eli. She is glad to bring her love of music back to musical theatre.

Susan Strohmer (Ernestina Money, Assistant Costume Designer) last appeared on GRCT’s stage in High School Musical, Harriet the Spy, and 12 Dancing Princesses. Her favorite local productions she appeared in include Circle Theatre’s Henry and Ramona, Babe the Sheep Pig, Bunnicula, and The Odyssey. For the past 14 years, Susan has been designing costumes for local theatres, including GRCT’s Jack and the Giant Beanstalk, Dracula’s Treasure, Trixie True Teen Detective, Free to be…You and Me, The Hardy Boys, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing, and Nate the Great. Susan is the Faculty Liaison and an instructor for GRCT’s School of Theatre Arts. She is also an adjunct theater instructor at Grand Rapids Community College. She wants to thank Patrick for his overwhelming support and Lumos and Nox for always being there.

Colin Tobin (Chorus) is thrilled to be appearing on the Civic Stage for his very first time Hello Dolly! Colin is no stranger to the stage though. In 2002 Colin appeared as Angie the Ox in Guys and Dolls at Circle Theatre (09). He was also in Seussical, Oklahoma, Once Upon a Mattress, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Kenawa Hills high school.

Carly Uthoff (Chorus) is making her Civic Theatre stage 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 and the Amazing Technicolor 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.

Matthew N. VandeStreek (Chorus) is making his Civic Theatre main stage debut with Hello, Dolly! A senior at Unity Christian, he has appeared is Carousel (Chorus), Guys and Dolls (Benny), Beauty and the Beast (Beast), Into the Woods Jr. (Cinderella’s Prince), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Simeon). Matt studies voice with Dr. Charles Norris. “Many thanks to those who have supported me, especially my family.”

Mia VanErp (Chorus) made her Civic Theatre debut with Willy Wonka, and has also appeared in Civics production of Captain Louie. This past year has been very busy for Mia; she has performed in many shows including Hansel and Gretel, Twas, and Carnival of Animals. She is a member of the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble (C.A.R.E) as well as the Northern Hills Middle School Choir. She studies voice with Kathy Wagner. “Love and thanks to my family and friends for their constant support.”

Leo William Vicari (Chorus) is returning to the Civic stage after appearing this seasons production of Peter Pan as Nibs. Additional Civic appearances include Really Rosie, Sound of Music, Nate the Great, Miss Nelson is Missing, Willy Wonka, and Captain Louie. Other area highlights include Annie, Snow White, and the Stars of Tomorrow Cabaret Series with Grand Rapids Circle Theatre, La Boheme with Opera Grand Rapids, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat National Tour (children’s chorus). “Thanks to Penny for this amazing opportunity, Kathy and Charles for their vocal coaching, my family for their love and support, and love to the cast.”

Nancy Wagner (Dolly Levi) is honored to be returning to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre stage in Hello Dolly! GRCT audiences may remember her most recently as the Fairy Godmother in last season’s Cinderella and then earlier as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma!, for which she received a Grand Award. She has also appeared locally at Actors’ Theatre of Grand Rapids in Rabbit Hole and The Clean House and in Circle Theatre’s Sunday in the Park with George. Before coming to Grand Rapids, Nancy performed in 1918 and Becoming Memories at Actors’ Coop Theatre in Los Angeles and in original productions of Puss in Boots and Little Women at the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre Company and School, and then later reprised her role of Meg in CTC’s national tour of Little Women. Her television credits include Home Improvement with Tim Allen and Carol & Company with Carol Burnett. Nancy holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Iowa and a BFA in Theatre from the University of Evansville and teaches Acting and Voice & Movement at Grand Rapids Community College, as well as at GRCT. She has been accredited as a Practitioner by the Arthur Lessac Training and Research Institute for Voice, Movement and Acting, is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and voice speech trainers association.

Merrill Weber (Ermengarde) is thrilled to be back to Civic after her last performance in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Cinderella (09). Merrill’s other community theatre credits include RENT at Circle Theatre. She was also a part of Kenowa Hills High School’s Theatre program, performing in Bye Bye Birdie, Footloose, Seussical, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She was also on the Varsity Dance team at GRCC. Merrill was also given the honor of singing for the Harlem Globe Trotters at Van Andel Museum. She would like to thank her mother, sisters, brother, and friends for their love and support.

Stacey Wykoski (Mrs. Rose/Chorus) first appeared as a munchkin with GRCT in the 1973 company of The Wizard of Oz, and has since appeared in The Miracle Worker, Fiddler on the Roof, Annie, and The Music Man. Stacey’s other area favorites Man of No Importance, Spitfire Grill, and Violet (Actors Theatre); as well as Sweet Charity and Jesus Christ Superstar with Circle Theatre. “My love to my husband Rick, son Sean, and mother, Camille. Your support, love, and patience allow me to quench my theatre thirst. For that, I am forever grateful.”

Julia Yob (Chorus) is appearing for the first time in the Civic stage production of Hello Dolly! Other community credits include co-directing and choreographing Acting Up! Drama Camp. During college Julia appeared in numerous shows including: Sunday in the Park with George (Old woman), Once on this Island Jr. (Asaka), and The Music Man (Alma Hix). Julia was a Semi-Finalist in the NATS Senior Women’s’ Musical Theatre (09) and is a two time Irene Ryan Acting Competition Nominee.