PETER PAN - 2010

Cast Bios

Nate Altena (John Darling) is returning to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre after opening our season with Blue’s Clues Live! Additionally he was seen as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka. With Missoula Children’s Theatre he has appeared in Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Frog Prince. At Jenison High School he has appeared in Cinderella as well as Beauty and the Beast, and is currently a 7th grader at the Jenison Junior High School.

Paul Arnold (Alf Mason) – first appeared with the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre in Annie Get Your Gun. He has acquired a vast list of credits with the Civic, favorites including 1776, Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot, and Singing in the Rain. He was seen in Jewish Theatre’s Dairy of Anne Frank, as well as Circle Theatre’s Into the Woods and Beauty and the Beast.

Elianna Bootzin (Evening Primrose/Mermaid) – Once upon a time, long ago, possibly in a galaxy far far away or even an alternate universe, a little girl loved to act out Peter Pan.  Somehow, between the dance lessons at the Grand Rapids Ballet and the acting classes at the Civic, she left the Neverland behind.  She ran away to Cleveland, and having found her way there, inevitably grew up.  College degree in hand, she returned home to rediscover the wonder of childhood by appearing in Civic's 2009 production of Cinderella.  Now she stands firmly between the two worlds, enjoying both quiet time at home with her husband, Jeff Thomas, and rollicking adventures in Civic's Neverland.

Nick Coulson (Twin 2)-made his Civic debut in Captain Louie in 2009 along with Joseph and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and SRT’s Pirates of Penzance. He has also recently been backstage crewing The BFG, and Blue’s Clues: Live! Nick also received the 500+ Volunteer Hours Award in 2010. He is currently a freshman at West Catholic High School. Nick would like to thank his family and friends for all their support.

Doug Everse (Cecco) – first appeared on the Civic stage in 1776, and later in Moon Over Buffalo. “I would like to thank my wife Georgia for letting me play, my boys Nick and Philip (and Johnny Depp) for keeping my inner Pirate alive, and my daughter Dasha for not allowing me to grow-up.”

Bob Gosnell (Skylights) – returns to Neverland after four years, and is excited to be back! He made his debut with The Music Man (2006), and also appearing as Ike Skidmore in Oklahoma!. The Gosnell Family received the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Volunteer Award for the 2005-2006 season. Bob would like to extend a special Thank You to Leslie and Hannah for their sacrifices that allowed him to take to the stage again!

Malia Huffman (Tiger Lily) - is delighted to be returning to Neverland after nearly 10 years. Having made her Civic debut in The Velveteen Rabbit in 1995, Other appearances on the Civic Stage include Annie, The Little Princess, The King and I, Peter Pan, and School House Rock! She is a graduate of Point Park University with a BA in Musical Theatre, where her favorite credits include On The Town, King of Hearts, and The Shallow End. Her professional credits include work with the Red Barn Playhouse, Opera Grand Rapids, Cherry County Playhouse, and River City Studios. Malia is a proud past recipient of the Grand Rapids Combined Scholarship, as well as the National Choral Association Director’s Award. In New York City she worked as the Assistant Set Designer for Tomando Café, Theatre for the New City, and as Assistant Stage Manager for the Ice Theatre of New York.  I am a proud member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and dedicate this performance to them and the Red Flags.New York.

Chelsea Klein (Twilight Mist/Liza) – made her Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debut in High School Musical 2 (Gabriella). Most recently she has appeared on the Civic stage in Cinderella, and later went on to Circle Theatre’s Annie. Other area favorites include Footloose, A Christmas Carol, Lady Windemere’s Fan, Arabian Nights, and Little Women. “I want to give a huge shout out to my always supportive family, close friends, and boyfriend for being my biggest fans. You’re the BEST!”

Travis C. Knoll (Smee) – Travis is excited be doing Peter Pan.  He was last seen on stage in Circle Theatre‘s production of Annie where he played Mr. Bundles and Drake.  He has also played Mr. Titus and Levi in Sarah Plain and Tall, Tom, Phyllis, and Leslie in Sylvia, William Barfee in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Rusty Charlie in Guys and Dolls, Lun Tha in The King and I, The Herald in Cinderella, Sasha in Fiddler on the Roof, Neal Tilden in 1940's Radio Hour, Lefou in Beauty and the Beast, Simon in Cotton Patch Gospel, Paul in Company, Japheth in Two by Two, The Boss in Side Show, Charlie in Marvin’s Room, 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.  “I would like to dedicate my performance to my late Grandma Frances Lubbers for sharing with me the magic of Peter Pan for the first time 20 years ago.”

Mary Lehmann (Wendy Darling) is thrilled to return to Civic to play the role of Wendy! She made her GRCT debut in Scrooge, and went onto 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.”

Christina Ludwig (Morning Song/Mermaid) – is excited to be back on the Civic stage, having made her debut in Jack and the Giant Beanstalk. Other Civic appearances include Stuart Little, Sleeping Beauty, and High School Musical 2. Around town she has worked with Master Arts Theatre in A Little Princess, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Meet Me in St. Louis; and has worked with The Haunt since 2008. She has also studied with Compass Film Academy. A graduate of Forest Hills Eastern High School, she was active performer in the drama department.

Sophia Luettke (Little Feather) – made her Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debut in Willy Wonka. Other area credits include Annie with Grand Rapids Circle Theatre, 13 and various other credits with Youth Theatre Grand Rapids, and The Nutcracker with the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. Her professional credits include Return to the Hiding Place with Spencer Productions. She is a Junior Trainee with the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and studies voice with Kathy Wagner.

Cash Maciel (Slightly) – made his Civic debut in Willy Wonka, and has also appeared in Captain Louie and Pirates of Penzance this past summer. His favorite performances around town include Oliver Twist with Rogue River Community Theatre, and Youth Theatre Grand Rapids in Annie Jr. and 13. He has previously won Grand Rapids Civic Theatre 250 Hour Volunteer Award and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

Maddy Mathias (Laughing Water/Nana) - is excited to be back for another show at The Civic Theatre, having made her debut in The Sound Of Music. She has also appeared in Bunnicula as ‘Bunnicula’, Willy Wonka where she was an ‘Oompa Loompa’, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the Children’s Chorus. Other shows include Annie with Circle Theatre, 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 and dances with balletmore & Angela Peavey. She would like to thank the Civic and everyone involved for making this a wonderful experience.

Scott Mellema (Mr. Darling/Captain Hook) has appeared as the title role in Willy Wonka, 1776 (John Dickinson), The Music Man (Harold Hill) and Crossing Delancy (Tyler Moss) with GRCT. Other performance credits: Actors’ Theatre: Tick, Tick… BOOM! (Michael); Circle Theatre: Baby (Nick), Evita (Che), Lucky Stiff (Harry Witherspoon), Forever Plaid (Sparky); Film: All You Can Dream (Dad) and Offspring. Scott’s directing credits: Director-Civic Theatre: Sleeping Beauty and Pirate of Penzance, Circle Theatre: Smokey Joe’s Café, The Nerd, and Camping with Henry and Tom; Asst. Director – GRCT: Grease. His production of Smokey Joe’s Café won a Grand Award for Best Musical, and was nominated for Best Director.“I would like to thank my wife Cinnamon and my children, Reilly and Johnnie, for keeping my life in perspective and never letting me grow up all the way.”

Justin Morley (Tootles) – is making his Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debut with Peter Pan. His various credits include work in the Canton, MI area with such shows as High School Musical, Footloose, Smokey Joe’s Café, and Sweet Charity. Additionally, Justin is a 3 star member of the International Thespian Society.

Maggie Nye (Peter Pan) is back on the Civic Stage for her 11th Community Theatre Production here in Grand Rapids, both at GRCT and Circle Theatre. She has also been in several shows at Byron Center High School where she is currently a Senior. She is also, one of Penny Notter’s two esteemed interns here at Civic. She plans to fly around the world (without the use of an airplane) and solemnly promises to never grow up. “I want to thank my sisters, Julia and Natalie, for the laughter and love that I get from them every day. My life would not be as wonderful as it is without their contribution to it and they have helped make me who I am. Thanks for all your constant belief in me and all I do. I love you!”

Jacob Olson (Twin 1) – is excited to return to the Civic stage after Pirates of Penzance with SRT this past summer. He has also appeared in Captain Louie as well as Youth Theatre Grand Rapids’ Annie Jr. “Thank you to Mrs. Kash, my parents, my sister, and God.”

David Skidmore (Robert Mullins) – makes his Civic Theatre debut with Peter Pan! His previous theatrical training comes from Holiday skits at his law firm, though he is a former GRCT Board of Directors member. “Thanks to Ruth, David, and Anna for their love and support.”

Kieran Smith (Jukes) – this seasoned crew member finally comes out to the front of the stage in Peter Pan! His first show with GRCT was crewing for To Kill a Mocking Bird, and has worked on Peter Pan, Sweeny Todd, Annie, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Cinderella(all backstage). He has also crewed for various local theatres, highlights including Actors Theatre and Circle Theatre. Kieran was the first annual recipient of Circle Theatre’s Best Technical Volunteer Award. “Much love and thanks to my wife, Jen.”

Wayne Swezey (Starkey) – returns to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre after his debut in 1776 as well as last season’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He appeared as Tulsa in Gypsy with Chelsea Area Players, and well as Odd Couple (Felix) and MASH (Trapper John) while in school. Wayne would like to thank his family for the opportunity to do another show with the Civic!

Leo William Vicari (Nibs) – his excited to return to the Civic stage after performing in last season’s Captain Louie. Additional Civic appearances include Really Rosie, Sound of Music, Nate the Great, Miss Nelson is Missing, and Willy Wonka. 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.”

Carson Wanty (Noodler) – comes right from Civic Theatre debut in Blue’s Clues Live! (Mailbox). Having studied with the GRCT Acting School, Carson has appeared with Grand Rapids Circle Theatre (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Stagedoor Manor (Working, A Little Night Music), and Once on this Island as well as Songs for a New World.

Jenna Walker Weisman (Mrs. Darling) – is excited to return to the Civic stage after making her debut in Willy Wonka as Mrs. Bucket. She is an avid actress with her favorite roles/shows being: Community Theatre: First Wife in The King and I, The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, (Orem, Utah) Anne in A Little Night Music (Kalamazoo Civic Theatre); High school: Sharon in Finian’s Rainbow, Charity Barnum in Barnum, and Phila in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Jenna also was the lead actor for an hour long video presentation for a leading manufacturer.

Kohl Weisman (Curley) – comes to Neverland after portraying the Pirate King this summer in Pirates of Penzance with SRT. Kohl’s Civic debut was Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka in 2009. His various credits with Cherry Hill Theatre include Annie Jr. (Rooster), Oklahoma Jr. (Curly), and Guys and Dolls Jr. (Sky Masterson). Additionally he has done radio work for MVP Sports Club, and is a guitarist as well as a multi-instrumentalist.

Adam Wright (Michael Darling) is a 4th grader at St. John Vianney, and comes right from the season opener Blue’s Clues Live!(Bunny Slipper). A member of the School of Theatre Arts, Adam also appeared in last season’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as a member of the children’s chorus. When not appearing onstage, Adam likes to play soccer, swim, ripstick, and sing in his Church choir. “I would like to thank my family for all their support.”

Amanda Wright (Singing Spirit) – comes to Neverland having just closed the season opener Blue’s Clues Live! Her various credits with the Civic include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cinderella, The Music Man, Oklahoma!, Junie B Jones, Bunnicula, and Willy Wonka. Amanda also has performed with numerous area theatres, highlights including the Grand Award winning ensembles for Cornerstone University’s Wait Until Dark, and Heritage Theatre’s Metamorphosis. She has also preformed with Circle Theatre, and is a freelance voice talent within the West Michigan Area! “Thanks William for pushing me, Maggie for being such an inspiring mentor this past year, Noddea and my family for your continuous support, and my incredible brother(s), you amaze me.”

Jeffery Wyckoff (Cookson) – has studied with the GRCT School of Theatre Arts and is a graduate of GVSU with a BA in Music. While at Grace College, Winona Lake, IN. he appeared in Chatauqua Revived and Scrooge. His other community theatre credits include The Ugly Duckling (Danish Festival Players), and The Real Inspector Hound (Flat River Community Players).