Adam Wager (Isakar) is appearing in his third Civic show, following performances in Grease and The Producers. He also performed at Allendale Civic Theater as Ram Das in The Little Princess and as Brom Bones in Sleepy Hollow. High school dramatics included turns as Jesus in Godspell, The Baker in Into the Woods, and Uncle Max in The Sound of Music as well as state competition for his school’s forensics team.

Adam Wright (Children’s Choir) is appearing in his first Civic show with his big sister Amanda, who plans to show him the ropes. Adam is a boy scout, and he loves swimming and soccer. "Thanks to Amanda for all of your encouragement."

Addison Reid Coe (Joseph) returns to Civic’s stage immediately after playing Prince Christopher in this season’s Cinderella. He is currently in his senior year at Calvin College with a Business/Communications Major. In his third Civic production, he has also appeared in Grease as Danny Zuco. He has also been in Tommy at Circle Theater and played Judas in Godspell at Calvin. He studies voice with Charles Hutchins and Keith Brautigam. As a member of Calvin’s Dance Guild, he has choreographed hip-hop dance for the group. “Thanks to my family and friends for their constant support.”

Aimee Hampton Workman (Mrs. Asher) first appeared on Civic’s stage in Ragtime and has also appeared in A Wonderful Life. Aimee has also been seen onstage at Circle (Smokey Joe’s Café, The Who’s Tommy), Heritage (White Lace and Promises: The Music of the Carpenters), and Actors’ (Side Show) Theatres. She has also appeared in East Kentwood Alumni Performers’ productions of Godspell and Clue: The Musical. Aimee thanks her family for their support and Todd for his love and encouragement.

Ali Bendert (Mrs. Isakar) is appearing in her first GRCT show!  A native of Midland, Michigan, Ali’s high school dramatics included Godspell, The Nerd, The Music Man, Two Plays for Coarse Actors, Anything Goes, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Medea, and Annie. Ali is currently the elementary music teacher for Kelloggsville Public Schools. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Michigan State University.

Amanda Wright (Children’s Choir) is a veteran of the Civic stage, appearing in several shows here, including Cinderella (’03), The Music Man, Oklahoma!, Bunnicula, Junie B. Jones as the title role, and Willy Wonka as Matilda. Other stage credits include Snow White and Oliver at Circle Theatre; the Grand Award winning ensemble of Metamorphoses at Heritage Theatre Group; Meet Me in St. Louis, Wait Until Dark (where she was part of another Grand Award winning ensemble), Jane Eyre: The Musical, The Traveling Lady, and Seussical at Cornerstone University: and Tosca at Opera Grand Rapids. “Break a leg, Adam, and thanks to Nicole for all of your support from the beginning.” 

Betsy Hoekstra (Children’s Choir) is excited to be appearing in her first main stage Civic production, though she has performed in several productions with the Peanut Butter Players for the School of Theatre Arts. Betsy has also appeared in Once Upon a Mattress as Queen Aggravain for Chandler Woods Charter Academy. Betsy is the first place winner for this year’s North Rockford Middle School Spelling Bee!  Betsy wants to thank her mom for enrolling her in all the classes and God for being awesome.

Brian Lauer (Judah) returns to the Civic theatre after opening the season as Comfort Counselor Mitch Mahoney in The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He has also been seen as Richard Henry Lee in Civic’s production of 1776 and has recently appeared in Circle Theater’s production of Guys and Dolls as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in addition to having appeared in The Apple Tree. Brian also performed as a member of the quartet in Forever Plaid (Smudge) with The Theater Project at the B.O.B. Brian gives a big thanks to his girls at home for letting him spend time away and for making sure he gets to auditions.

Casey Jones (Zebulon) is marking his third GRCT performance, after his turns as Will Parker in Oklahoma! and Harold in Bunnicula. Casey was recognized by Dos Equis as the World’s Most Interesting Man.

Chelsea Herrema (Joseph’s betrothed) eagerly returns to the Civic stage for her second show after appearing in Cinderella’s ensemble. In high school, Chelsea participated in many school productions including: Les Miserables (Cosette); Ruddigore (Mad Margaret); The Music Man (Eulalie M. Shinn); and The Laramie Project. In college, she participated in Opera Workshops including: Hansel And Gretal (Gretal) and The Magic Flute (Pamina). Chelsea would like to thank Rob, Mom and Dad, and her sibs for their unfailing support.

Chris Nye (Reuben) excitedly returns to the GRCT stage, having first appeared at GRCT as a Winkie in the 2005 production of The Wizard of Oz. He then played the role of a pirate in Peter Pan and, in a natural progression, assumed the persona of Thomas Jefferson in 1776. "Thanks to Kelly, Maggie, Julia, and Natalie for your inspiration and patience. Love ya!"

Daniel Krause (Benjamin) is excited to be returning to the Civic stage after just appearing in this season’s Cinderella as a featured dancer. Daniel is no stranger to Civic, playing Troy Bolton in both High School Musical and High School Musical 2 with the Summer Repertory Theater as well as appearing in The Producers and in 1776 as the Courier. He was also ensemble for Guys and Dolls at Circle Theater. Daniel received the Kopka Award and the 500 hours Volunteering Award from GRCT. Daniel would like to thank his wonderful friends for all their support.

Danielle Henderson (Mrs. Benjamin) is appearing in her first main-stage GRCT show, though she previously appeared in the Summer Reparatory Theatre productions of High School Musical and High School Musical 2 as a cheerleader/rebel and Sharpay, respectively. She has appeared in feature films Meet Monica Velour and Genesis Code as well as the HBO production of Hung. She was also active in theater at East Kentwood High School.

Dasha Everse (Children’s Choir) is also debuting in her first main stage Civic show, though she has taken performance classes with the School of Theatre Arts since 2008. Dasha has also appeared in a film called Hopeful Notes. Dasha sings with her school choir and is a Level III Suzuki piano student under Sue Crosser. She often performs at the St. Cecilia Junior Music Club and was thrilled to earn a spot in the National Federation of Music Festivals Gold Cup Recital last April. Dasha thanks her Mom, Dad and Grandmother for encouraging her to become part of the Civic Theatre family and sends them and her big brothers all her love.

Delaney Piggins (Children’s Choir) returns to the Civic stage after her previous performance in Captain Louie. No stranger to stage performance, Delaney has appeared in the children’s chorus in Tosca for Opera Grand Rapids and in Wooing Wed Widing Hood and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for Holland Civic Theatre. She also performed as Brigitta in Avalon Theatre’s production of The Sound of Music.

Donovan Jewell (Children’s Choir) first appeared on the Civic stage in Willy Wonka and followed that performance with an appearance in this season’s Captain Louie. Donovan has also appeared in Scrooge’s Awakening with Rogue River Community Theatre and is fluent in Spanish.

Elena Afendoulis (Children’s Choir) is appearing in her second Civic show after her first appearance at Civic in last season’s Willy Wonka as an Oompa Loompa. She was thrilled to reprise her role in Willy Wonka for the 2009 Grand Awards ceremony. "Thanks and love to my family."

Emily Elderkin (Children’s Choir) returns to the Civic Theatre after her recent appearance in Captain Louie. She is 11 years old and attends Grandville Christian School. She has danced for Kathy’s Dance Company’s Competitive Dance Team for 5 years, including national dance competitions. She has been involved in productions at Resurrection Life Church and is a member of the Praise and Worship Team and choir. She is also in the choir at Calvin Christian. She is in the band at Grandville Christian School, playing the flute, and she also plays the piano. Emily thanks her family and friends for their continued support and is grateful for this opportunity.

Emma Gabites (Children’s Choir) is marking her third performance at GRCT, following roles in The Wizard of Oz (2005) and The Miracle Worker. She also appeared in Oliver! at Circle Theatre. Emma is a seventh grader at Grand Rapids Christian Middle School. Emma first tried out for Joseph…when she was 5 years old and was told she was too young. She is really excited to be in the show and happy to be back at Civic. “Thanks to my Mum, Jordan, Aunt Wendy, and Grammie, and Charles for all your support.”

Erin Kacos (Mrs. Potiphar/Dancer/Dance Captain) eagerly appears in her first Civic show and her second show in Grand Rapids, having first appeared as a Hot Box dancer in Circle’s production of Guys and Dolls. Erin has danced her whole life and is proficient in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop styles. She choreographs productions for local high schools, churches, and dance studios. She is also a published author and choreographer, and she has produced a book and DVD for using dance in church.

Grace Eisma (Children’s Choir) is appearing in her first Civic show, though she has attended many summer camps through GRCT. Grace sings with the Girls’ Choral Academy and has performed as Anastasia in Cinderella with that company. She has also taken acting classes with Master Arts Theatre and has sung with the children’s choir at Grace Bible Church. Grace plays the violin in the Grandville Christian orchestra and plays soccer with Vardar-West. Grace thanks her family and friends for their love and support.

Helen LaGrand (Children’s Choir) is thrilled to return to the Civic stage after appearing in the ensemble for Captain Louie. She is currently a fourth grader at Oakdale Christian School and has been studying piano for four years. Her favorite subjects include art, music, and math. Helen thanks her family (especially her mom) for their support and Bruce Tinker for this opportunity.

James Duiven (Children’s Choir) comes to the Civic stage for the first time for this show. James has appeared at Children’s Opera Workshop in The Song of Hiawatha as Young Hiawatha, as well as in The Burning Fields and Rhodoris. James is currently a third grader at Ada Vista, a Spanish immersion school; takes piano lessons; and loves to read and to play sports.

Jillienne Evink (Children’s Choir) is making her GRCT debut in this production. She has performed for three years with the North American Choral Company and takes piano and voice lessons with Mrs. Sherry VanOveren. She sings in the children’s choir at her church and enjoys third grade at Rockford's Spanish Immersion School.

JoAnna Renee Henry (Children’s Choir) is thrilled to be back at Civic, after last appearing as Beth in A Wonderful Life. She was also a Blind Girl in The Miracle Worker. JoAnna has been a member of GRCT’s School of Theater Arts since the age of four. She has also appeared in Danny Trooper and Beanie and the Bamboozling Book Machine with the Thebes Players, and she has performed in several shows with Children’s Creations and Kent Theater. JoAnna is currently in the fifth grade at Rockford’s Cannonsburg Elementary School. JoAnna would like to thank her Godparents, Jimmy and Gail, and her loving parents for supporting her as well as Bruce and Charles for this opportunity.

Jordon Hudson (Levi) is excited to be on the Civic stage for the second time, having made his Civic debut in The Producers as Leo Bloom, for which he was nominated for a Grand Award. He is a regular at both Circle and Actors’ Theatre with some of his favorite roles including: Phil in The Wild Party and Czolgosz in Assassins at Actors; Uncle Ernie in Tommy and Malcolm in The Full Monty at Circle; and many more! Jordon directed Clue: The Musical for the East Kentwood Alumni Performers. He also co-choreographed for Rogers  High School and Heritage Theatre. “Thank you to my family and to my Jeremy for loving me!”

Kallie Victoria Pershon (Mrs. Naphtali) counts Joseph as her ninth Civic production. She debuted at Civic in Trixie True Teen Detective and most recently appeared in The Producers. She also appeared A Wonderful Life as Ruth Reynolds/Women’s Ensemble; in Scrooge: The Musical; Cinderella (03); Wizard of Oz (’00); and Oklahoma! (’07). Her other stage credits include Joseph…Technicolor Dreamcoat as the Narrator with Central Park Players, The Rocky Horror Picture Show as Janet with the Flat River Community Players, and The Who’s Tommy with Circle Theatre. "Thanks to friends and family (you too, Austin!)."

Keith Rikli (Naphtali) is no stranger to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, having just appeared in this season’s Cinderella as the Baker. He first started acting in The Sound of Music in 2007 and later appeared in A Wonderful Life and The Producers. He has also appeared as ‘Geoffrey’ in A Lion in Winter and ‘Sebastian’ in The Tempest at Heritage Theater. Keith won the Floodie Award in 2009 for all of his volunteer hours at GRCT.

Kelsey Kohlenberger (Mrs. Judah) is returning to the Civic stage for a season hat trick, having also appeared in the season opener, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, as ‘Olive Ostrovsky’ and in Cinderella as Stepsister Joy. Kelsey also appeared in The Sound Of Music with Civic. She was the musical director for Joseph…Dreamcoat and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown at Caledonia Community Players. At Grand Valley State University, she appeared as ‘Martha’ in The Secret Garden and ‘Ruth’ in Pirates of Penzance. Kelsey is a voice teacher at GRCT. Kelsey would like, as always, to thank her wonderful husband, Michael, for his encouragement and support.

Leanne Challa Rumery (Mrs. Simeon) is returning to Civic’s stage fresh from appearing in Cinderella. With Civic, she has also appeared in Willy Wonka as Mrs. Beauregard and has been in Cabaret and in Fiddler on the Roof. Other community shows include Oliver (Nancy) with Riverbend Players and Quilters with LLC. In high school, she appeared in Oklahoma (Ado Annie) and The Boyfriend (Polly). At the University of Michigan she participated in Chicago, Grease, Guys and Dolls, and West Side Story as ‘Anita’. Leanne is thrilled to be performing with her daughter Rose for the first time.

Madeline Mathias (Children’s Choir) is excited to be back for another show at The Civic Theatre. Her first show with us was Sound Of Music (as Marta). She has also appeared in Bunnicula as ‘Bunnicula,' Willy Wonka as an ‘Oompa Loompa,’and in this season’s Cinderella. Other shows include Seussical with Cornerstone University; Tosca with Opera Grand Rapids and The Sound Of Music with Forest Hills Central. Madeline also enjoys taking voice lessons with Charles Hutchins, playing volleyball, and is in the seventh grade at Forest Hills Northern.

Mari Afendoulis (Children’s Choir) appears in her first GRCT main stage production, though she has spent time in the GRCT Theater Arts Camp during summer 2008 and 2009. Mari frequently sings solos at school and also participates in the Northern Trails Choir. She plays piano and takes voice with fellow cast-mate Kelsey Kohlenberger. "Thanks to Mom, Dad, and love to my sisters."

Martha Tinker (Children’s Choir) is a fifth grader at Wealthy Elementary. She made her Civic Theatre debut as a Balloon Girl in Gypsy. Martha enjoys singing in the Wealthy Elementary choir and taking classes at GRCT’s School of Theatre Arts.

Mary Rose Benson (Children’s Choir) excitedly comes to the Civic stage for the first time, though she has taken several classes and participated in summer camps through the School of Theatre Arts. She has also appeared in Mulan Jr. with Youth Theatre Grand Rapids as an ancestor. She is in the eighth grade at All Saints Academy. "Special thanks to my voice coach, Kelly Carey."

Matt Dixon (Dan) is making his GRCT debut with this production, though he has performed in multiple shows, onstage and behind the scenes, with Town Square Players and Woodstock Musical Theater Company in Woodstock, Illinois. Matt was also a member of the University of Illinois Xtension Chords a cappella group.

Maureen Wood (Mrs. Reuben) is excited to be onstage at Civic for the first time. She was also in Artspeaks! as Laura, an original stage play performed for the opening of the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. High school dramatics included Guys and Dolls and The Mikado. Maureen has been seen as a soloist and cantor for St. Robert of Newminster Parish and has sung the national anthem for Forest Hills Public Schools.

Merrill Weber (Mrs. Zebulon) is in her second show in a row with Civic Theatre, having appeared as the Baker's Wife in this season's Cinderella. Merrill’s high school and college dramatics include: Seussical; Midsummer Night Dream; Footloose; Bye Bye Birdie; Kenowa Hills Dance Team, and GRCC Dance Team. Merrill was also able to sing the National Anthem for the Harlem Globe Trotters at the Van Andel Arena. Merrill would like to thank her mom and her sister Gwinan for all their support and love!

Natiyah McConnohie (Children’s Choir) makes her Civic debut with this cast. She is in the third grade at Sibley Elementary and attends the loop program and Stiel Center regularly. Natiyah has always loved to sing and auditioned for her role in Joseph with no previous auditioning experience. She is having a wonderful time and is enjoying the opportunity. She looks forward to auditioning again in the future. Natiyah is interested in music and art and aspires to be a veterinarian.

Nick Coulson (Children’s Choir) first performed on the Civic stage in this season’s production of Captain Louie. He has a strong interest in theatre and music and is excited about this opportunity. Nick is an eighth grader at Holy Spirit School. He has been taking piano lessons for almost six years under the instruction of Dr. Helen Marlais. He would like to thank all his family and friends for their encouragement and support.

Nick Huffman (Asher/Baker/Dance Captain) is performing for the first time at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Nick is a 2006 graduate of the American Musical Dramatic Academy in New York City and has spent the last five years performing throughout NYC, including appearing as Andrew in The Breakfast Club at the Hudson Wearhouse Theater of New York. Upon returning to Grand Rapids, he recently played Benny in the GVSU/Heritage Theatre joint production of Rent. He has performed as Danny Zuco in Grease, Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, and Action in West Side Story at Catholic Central. An aspiring musician, Nick just released his debut album “22 and Counting.” "Much love to the red flags."

Patrick MacLangs (Jacob) is joining us for a fourth performance in this production. He was last seen with the Civic Theatre as Froggy in Foreigner and has also appeared as Matthew in A Wonderful Life and as Samuel Chase in 1776. He has also appeared in Circle Theater’s production of The Full Monty as Tony and elsewhere as Mr. Squeeks in Full Mouse Empty Mouse: The Musical. "Thanks to Jaime, Katie, and Patrick, my rocks, and please welcome Hannah, Mandalyn, and Patrick, my grandchildren.”

Peggy Keuning (Narrator) is a returning veteran after a (far too long) hiatus from theater. She first appeared in Civic’s 1997 production of The Sound of Music and followed that performance with roles in Cinderella (1998 and 2003), Return to the Forbidden Planet, Fiddler on the Roof, Cotton Patch Gospel, Kiss Me Kate, and The Wizard of Oz (2000). Peggy is actually reprising her role as the Narrator, having also appeared in Circle’s prior production of Joseph.  At Circle, she also appeared in Evita and Full Circle. Peggy is a past Kopka Award winner.

Rose Rumery (Children’s Choir) is excited to be appearing in her first Civic show alongside her mom, Leanne. In the School of Theatre Arts, Rose has completed the acting theater wheel, Class Voice, and the Kids’ Combo. She has also appeared in A Christmas Carol as the narrator and in the ensemble at Goodwillie Environmental School, where she is a sixth grader. Rose also sung with the Forest Hills Public Schools children's choir and has been taking piano lessons for six years.

Ryan Cupp (Gad/Butler) is making his Civic debut with this show, though past theatrics include playing the roles of Jamie in The Last Five Years, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Steve in Rent, the title role in Joseph…Dreamcoat, and El Gallo in The Fantasticks. Ryan hails from Ludington and attended Central Michigan University for music education. "Thanks to my family for finally pushing me in the right direction!"

Sarah LaJoye (Mrs. Levi) is returning for her sixth show at Civic. She previously appeared in The Producers, Grease (as Rizzo), Junie B. Jones (as Mrs.), The Music Man, and Ragtime on this stage. No stranger to the Grand Rapids theater community, she has appeared in shows for Circle, Actors’ Theatre (including The Wild Party and A Man of No Importance) and Heritage Theatre, including in the Grand Award winning ensemble of Metamorphoses. She has also been seen on the stage of Holland Civic Theatre. “Thanks to Bruce, Charles, Lisa, Dirk, Kylie, and my fiancé, Nick!”

Stephanie Pyka (Mrs. Gad) is returning to Civic’s stage after a long absence. She first appeared as the title role in Civic’s 2001 production of Peter Pan and continued to appear in such shows as Annie, Kiss Me Kate, and The Women. She has also been seen onstage at other local theaters, including in The Rocky Horror Show at Actors’ Theatre and in Circle’s productions of Beehive and Nine as Carla, for which she received a Grand Award in 2007. Stephanie would like to thank her family for their support and Jon for traveling so far!

Steve Place (Potiphar) is no stranger to the Civic stage. Performing in his eighth Civic production, he began his illustrious career here in Peter Pan 2001 and continued to perform in roles such as Daddy Warbucks in Annie (02), The King in Cinderella (03), J.P. Morgan in Ragtime, the title role in Scrooge (04), Charlie Cowell in The Music Man, and Lewis Morris from New York in 1776.

Tom Bush (Pharaoh) returns to the Civic stage after a long hiatus. He is also reprising the role of Pharaoh after a long hiatus, having performed it in Circle Theater’s previous production of Joseph. In fact, this is his third time in this role, as Pharaoh was the first character he ever played onstage, when he was a junior in high school. For Civic, Tom first appeared in Sweeney Todd and followed this role with an appearance in Kiss Me Kate (Lucentio). Tom has also appeared in Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince) at Circle and in Spitfire Grille (Tobias) and Pump Boys & Dinettes (Jim) for Heritage Theater, where he met his lovely wife. Tom spends much of his time playing bass in the orchestra pits of many Grand Rapids shows.

Wayne Swezey (Simeon) is making his second Civic appearance, having first appeared as Mr. Livingston in 1776. Elsewhere, Wayne has played Judas in Godspell and Curly and Jud in two productions of Oklahoma! In high school, Wayne played Felix Ungar in The Odd Couple, Trapper in MASH, Stephen/Jesus in Godspell, and the title role in Pippin.

William Mathias (Children’s Choir) excitedly appears on the Civic stage for the first time, following in the footsteps of his big sister, Madeline. William has taken the Children’s Opera Workshop for two years and has appeared in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Cornerstone University. William enjoys Irish dancing and cub scouts and is in the second grade at Ada Vista.

Zalika Raziya Arnett (Children’s Choir) is appearing onstage at Civic for the first time. She attends Stiels for Grand Rapids Youth Center. Zalika has won awards for perfect attendance and ribbons for her favorite pastime, Double Dutch.