THE WIZARD OF OZ

Cast Bios

Elena Afendoulis (Munchkin Teacher) first appeared in Willy Wonka on the Civic Stage (09) as an Oompa Loompa, she has also attended summer camp with Civic for 3 years. Since then she was a part of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (10). She had a Northern Trails fifth grade solo and several Collin’s Elementary solos. Elena has also participated in sideline cheer for 3 years, and voice lessons for a year. “I would like to thank my family for their love and support and especially to my sister, Sophia. I love you.”

Baileigh Aldrich (Crow/Ozian) is thrilled to be back on the Civic Stage after being a munchkin in the 2005 production of The Wizard of Oz. She has also been a part of Miracle Worker, Miss Nelson is Missing, Cinderella and Gypsy. Other credits in the community include Frog Prince at Circle Theatre, Carmen and Tosca with Opera Grand Rapids, and Honk at Cornerstone University. Baileigh (age 13) is currently an 8th grader at North Rockford Middle School. She wants to thank God most of all and her family for their support. Love ya Syd!

Emily Bennett (Ozian) is no stranger to the Civic Theatre stage, having appeared in both Summer Reparatory productions of High School Musical (Kelsi), Pirates of Penzance as Mabel, and James and the Giant Peach as LadyBug . Emily has also worked behind the scene for Alice, Sleeping Beauty, Fame, and BFG. She was also seen as Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly at Union High School. Emily has also received a division 1 rating for solo and ensemble festival with Michigan Music Association teacher Martha Vandereyk. Emily would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support.

Carlee Bleeker (Nikko) debuted at Civic in Miracle Worker (09). Since then she has performed on this stage in Willy Wonka, Cinderella, Sarah, Plain and Tall, and Hello Dolly. Other community theatre credits include Honk!, Annie, Frog Prince all at Circle Theatre, “13” The Musical with Youth Theatre GR, Little Women with Rogue River Theatre. She has studied ballet with GRB and studies voice with Charles Hutchins. She recently received the 2011 Best Supporting Actress Award through National Youth Theatre Awards for her performance in “13” The Musical. “Much love and thanks to Penny, Charles and Kylie for inspiring me to make theatre my life!”

Sophie Bolen (Lollipop Guild) is no stranger to the Civic Theatre Stage, having first performed in Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing (06) and continuing on in Sound of Music, Willy Wonka, and Cinderella. She has also done numerous work at theatre’s like Circle Theatre,Youth Theatre Grand Rapids, Master Arts Theatre and Thebes Players. She was the lead child in the movie “The Christmas Bunny” and achieved a national award for her performance. She is 11 and is currently in 6th grade at John Ball Park Zoo School. “My first reaction when I got the call to say I was accepted to play a munchkin was, “Sweet! Now I get to have some of that famous Notter chili again! Thank you, Jim.”

Leanne Challa (Women’s Ensemble/Ozian) is returning to the Civic Stage after her last performance here in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (10). She was also in Cinderella (09), Willie Wonka (09), Cabaret (88) and Fiddler on the Roof (87). She is currently a professor at GRCC. “I’m excited to be in a show with my favorite munchkin, Nora Jane!”

Sarena Rae Chandler (Tree) Sarena is making her Civic Theatre mainstage debut in the The Wizard of Oz. Sarena has taken a class with the Civic, and participated in many productions with the Resurrection Life church in Grandville. She has also appreared in The Gang Room as the leader of the Gang, in The 99, and was Sally in Dr. Seuss. She was also the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at her school. Sarena also plays the piano and violin, and also leads worship for The Power House inner city ministry. Sarena has also been a sideline and competitive cheerleader at Grandville High School; Sarena dedicates this performance to her mother, and thanks her for her love and support.

Michaela Christie (Tree) is currently a sophomore at Northview High School. She debuted to the Civic stage in Fame this past summer. She was a part of Cinderella through her high school.

Emma Daling (Munchkin) is making her Civic Theatre Main stage debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz, after having attended summer camp with the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. Emma is a third grader at Allendale Evergreen Elementary. Emma’s favorite color is purple, and she loves plays. This is her first time in a big show. Emma’s favorite movie is “The Wizard of Oz.”

SarahJean Deridder (Ozian/Pit Singer) is making her Civic debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. She graduated from Calvin College where she was seen as Ophelia in Hamlet, and Mrs. Baker in The Wednesday Wars. In High school she appeared as Nelly Forebush in South Pacific and Louisa in The Sound of Music. Backstage, she has been the Assistant Stage Manager for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The 39 Steps, and Chicago at Mason Street Warehouse. “To my support system, you know who you are, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Hallie Distel (Poppy/Jitterbug) is making her civic theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. Hallie is in 8th grade at East Grand Rapids Middle School. She has also been seen in 13 the Muscial with Youth Theatre Grand Rapids. Hallie also dances with the CARE ballet, where she is an ensemble member, having appeared in numerous productions. She would like to thank all her friends and family for their support and especially her dance teacher, Ms. Judy.

Grace Eisma (Tree) is returning to the Civic Stage after performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in ’10. She was Alice in Alice in Wonderland at Calvin Christian Middle School where she is currently in the 8th grade. She plays the violin in the orchestra and sings in the choir at Calvin.

Emily Elderkin (Flying Monkey) is returning to the Civic stage after performing in Stinky Cheese Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Captain Louie. Other community theatre credits include playing the title role in Annie at Circle Theatre. She recently was a part of Cornerstone University’s performance of White Christmas. She also played Grittlebones in Interlochen Fine Arts Academy’s production of Cats. She is a Merit Scholarship recipient, has attended Interlochen Fine Arts Academy Intermediate Theatre Program, won a Broadway Bound award through Cornerstone University and has received a National Award with Competition Dance Team.

Jeremiah Ernst (Winkie/Ozian) is making his Civic Theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. He is a sophomore at East Grand Rapids High School where he was seen in the ensemble of Phantom of the Opera. Jeremiah has played the piano for 10 years, and has won the State Superior Festival four times, as well as the highest score at the Michigan Music Teachers Association Testing in 2011.

Dasha Everse (Flying Monkey) couldn’t be happier to be back on the Civic stage, after last appearing in the Children’s Choir of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She has been a member of the GRCT School and Summer Camp Program since 2004. She sings with the Eastern Middle School Choir and is a Level 4 Suzuki piano student under Sue Crosser. She often performs at the St. Cecilia Junior Music Club and participates in the National Federation of Music Festivals. She wants to thank Penny and Charles for giving her this great experience and sends much love to her biggest fans; Mom, Dad, Yiayia, Nick and Philip.

Elizabeth Foster (Munchkin) is making her GRCT debut. She is a member of CARE and has been a part of CARE’s Steadfast Tin Soldier, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Carnival of the Animals, and Hansel & Gretel. She has taken ballet lessons with Judy Genson, voice lessons with Angie Peavey, and piano lessons with Dr. Helen Marlais. She is in the 3rd grade. Elizabeth would like to thank her family and teachers for supporting her.

Emily Foster (Lullaby League/Poppy) is thrilled to be debuting on the Civic stage in The Wizard of Oz. Emily is in the 6th grade and is a member of CARE. There she has been a part of CARE’s Steadfast Tin Soldier, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Carnival of the Animals, and Hansel & Gretel. She was a State Finalist for the Michigan Achievement Piano Testing. She has taken ballet lessons from Judy Gensen, voice lessons from Angie Peavey, and piano lessons from Dr. Helen Marlais. She would like to thank her family for all their love and support.

Benjamin Furness (Munchkin) is making his Civic Theatre debut in this production of the The Wizard of Oz. Benjamin has also appeared in Cornerstone University’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He has also appeared in various church musicals. Benjamin also participates in the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, and also enjoys playing the piano, soccer, and basketball.

Bethany Furness (Flying Monkey) is currently in the 5th grade. She has been a part of Cornerstone University’s A Midsummer Nights Dream and church musicals. She plays the violin at St. Cecilia Music Society Sinfonia, plays the piano, sings with Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus and dances at Michigan Ballet Academy. Bethany is thrilled to be in a show with her brother and sister!

Lindsey Furness (Tree) is debuting to the Civic stage in this production of The Wizard of Oz. She is currently a 7th grader. She has been in Annie as Molly at Circle Theatre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Cornerstone University and Children’s Creations. The plays the flute at St. Cecilia Music Society Concert Band, plays piano, is in the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, and dances at Michigan Ballet Academy.

Parianna Ghebleh (Ozian/Pit singer) is making her Civic Theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. She has also appeared in State Fair, Back to the 80s, High School Musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Footloose (Vi Moore), HSM2 (Kelsi), Zombie Prom (Coco), and The Music Man (Marian) with various school programs. Parianna won the Performance Theatre Award and was voted most musically talented senior at Forest Hills Northern.

India Gorman (Lullaby League/Poppy) is a 6th grader at East Grand Rapids Middle School. This is her first show with Civic Theatre and she could not be more excited. She has performed with Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble in many ballets, including: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Carnival of the Animals, ‘Twas a Night Before Christmas, and Giselle. India has been dancing since the age of 3.

Olivia Han (Munchkin) is debuting in this production of The Wizard of Oz. She is currently a 2nd grader at Ada Christian School. She was a part of The Grinch (09) and Snow White (10) for Moving Company Dance and has been in the Prelude Chorus for the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus for 2 years.

Zamora Harris-Tamminga (Munchkin) is making her Civic theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. Zamora has also appeard on the TV show “Noodle and Doodle” with PBS Sprout Network. Zamora has been taking jazz, tap, and ballet since the age of three at Rapid City Dance Factory. She enjoys reading and science.

Eric Hatch (Scarecrow) is making his Civic Theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. Eric was also seen in Love, Sex, and the IRS at Holland Civic Theatre. In High School Eric was seen as the Prince in Cinderella, and Beverly in The Man Who Came to Dinner. Eric received the Best Actor Award for his work in the 2009-2010 season at the Holland Civic Theatre.

Eric Haun (Munchkin) is returning to the Civic Stage, after having appeared as the lamb in Charlotte’s Web last season, and as Caleb Witting in Sarah Plain and Tall the year before. Eric has also been a member of GRCT School of Theatre Arts for four years. Eric has also been in Sleeping Beauty, and School House Rock Live with Traverse City Youth Theatre. At Breton Downs Elementary, where Eric is currently a 5th grader, Eric has appeared in Sleeping Beauty, The Swiss Family Robinson, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. He is very excited to be in yet another GRCT performance. He would like to thank Penny Notter for this wonderful opportunity.

Tia Hawkes (Munchkin Teacher) is making her return to Civic’s stage after having appeared in last season’s Grand Award winning production of Blues Clues Live! Tia has also performed in Honk! The Musical at Circle Theatre as a froglet, and as the Fairy “Forkmother” in Dear Edwina at Highlands Middle School. Tia studies voice, piano, and guitar, along with jazz dance classes. Tia is a 5th grader at highlands Middle School where she is on the volleyball team, and is invlolved in student council. She is also currently “Little Miss West Michigan,” where she participates in many appearances and parades.

Chelsea Herrema (Glinda the Good Witch/Auntie Em) is no stranger to the Civic stage, debuting in Cinderella in 2009 and going on to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (10), playing Emily Webb in Our Town (10), and Hello Dolly! (11) She was also in Annie (10) at Circle Theatre. “Thank you to Penny, Charles, Kylie and everyone at GR Civic for another magical opportunity to perform. Many thanks and all my love to Rob, Mom and Dad, and the rest of my fan club of family and friends for coming to see me show after show!”

Allison Hubbard (Poppy/Jitterbug) is making her Civic Theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. Allison is a 7th grader at East Grand Rapids Middle School. She has been seen in School House Rock Live, Beauty and the Beast, and The Wizard of Oz Jr. with Lakeside Elementary. She also dances with the CARE Ballet Company, where she has appeared in multiple productions. Allison would like to thank her friends and family for all their support, and her dance instructors for helping her achieve her goals.

Chris Hubbard (Flying Monkey) is back on to Civic after performing in It’s A Wonderful Life (08) and Captain Louie. He was a part of Circle Theatre’s Tommy, Aquinas’s Hecuba, Actor’s Distracted, Jewish theatre’s American Daughter and Youth Theatre’s SR in Aladdin. He has done numerous performances for Lakeside elementary, including The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, 101 Dalmatians, Aladdin, School House Rock, and Willy Wonka.

Robyn Hubbard (Ozian) is returning to the Civic stage after making her debut in 2008s A Wonderful Life. She has recently performed in Holly Dolly! as well. Robyn has also performed with Jewish Theatre in their production of Esther. Robyn played multiple roles in Circle theatre’s How to Succeed in Business Withough Really Trying this past summer and was the Dance Captain. 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!”

Ashley Isenhoff (Munchkin) is making her Civic Theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. She has attended summer camp here at Civic, where she appeared in No Damsel in Distress. She also appeared in Tarzan at Roge River community theatre.

Donovan Jewell (Mayor Of Munchkin City/Ozian Boy) is no stranger to the Civic stage, having most recently been seen in Hello Dolly! last season. Donovan has also appeared in Willy Wonka, Captain Louie, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Civic Theatre. His other local credits include, Scrooge’s Awakening at Rouge River Community Theatre, and Cinderella Jr. as Prince Charming with Rockford High School. Donovan also enjoys playing soccer and tennis, and is in the 6th grade at North Rockford Middle School. “Thanks to Penny for making shows so fun and thanks to Mom, Dad, Connor and Cullan for endless support! Also, thanks to Mr. Duiven for preparing me for my audition.”

Kathie Johnson (Woman’s ensemble, Ozian) Besides singing all those fabulous harmonies in the show, Kathie is thrilled once again to be creating outrageous art for Oz including the apple trees and Cowardly Lion costume. Some of her favorite creations were the fat suits for Hairspray!, body parts, even the edible kind, for Night of the Living Dead, and the enormous foam creations in Blues Clues Live! Kathie also has been seen in numerous productions at the Civic, most recently Hello Dolly!, and The Producers. “I get to be creative and a little outrageous every day…Thank you to the Civic for keeping me busy and a big shout out to my dad for giving me the gene!”

Bob Karel (Captain of the Winkies/Ozian) is making his Civic Theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. He attended Eastern Michigan University and majored in Drama and Theatre for Children, where he was seen in The Tolstoy Story Play, and Red as Blood, White as Snow. Bob has performed numerous times with Circle Theatre, Holland Civic Theatre, and Calvary Arts Company. He also has expertise in puppetry, having created the puppets for last Civic production of Cinderella.

Brian Lauer (Lion) is no stranger to Civic’s Stage, having appeared in 1776, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Judah). Brian has also appeared in Honk! (Drake), Annie (Warbucks, Grand Award Nomination) and Guys and Dolls (Nicley Nicley Johnson) with Circle Theatre, and Forever Plaid with The Theatre Project at the B.O.B. Special thanks to Katie and Julie. More than ever, I couldn’t be here without you.

Jon March (Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz) has appeared in many Civic Theatre productions, most recently as Juror No. 8 in Twelve Angry Men and the Stage Manager in last season’s Our Town. Jon first appeared as Marvel and Oz in our 2001 production of The Wizard Of Oz. Jon is a past winner of the Mitchell Award at Civic for his outstanding contribution as a volunteer. When he is not on stage, he is a trial lawyer at Miller Johnson. Jon dedicates his performance to four of his most favorite people in the whole wide world: Abby March, Isaac March, Henry March, and Nate March. Just remember, “there’s a blackbird flying around up there.” Love, Bapper

Charlotte Emily Mathias (Tree) is making her Civic theatre onstage debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. Charlotte has also appeared in A Midsummer Nights’ Dream, and Anne of Green Gables with Cornerstone University. She has also worked backstage on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Doubt, Blues Clues Live!, Peter Pan, and Traveling Troupe with Civic Theatre. Charlotte has also worked Honk! and Annie with Circle Theatre.

William Mathias (Lollypop Guild) is making his return to the Civic stage after having appeared in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. William has also appeared as a sprite in Cornerstone University’s production of A Midsummer Nights’ Dream. He also takes Irish dance and plays the piano.

Emily Milanowski (Crow, Poppy,Jitterbug) is debuting to the Civic Stage in The Wizard of Oz this season. She was Kendra in “13” the Musical for Youth Theatre Grand Rapids (‘11) and received a national award for best supporting actress for her performance. Emily is a member of CARE and has been a part of 13 ballets with them. She has also done several other performances with Youth Theatre Grand Rapids and Lakeside Drama. She is currently an 8th grader at EGR Middle School. She would like to dedicate her performance to her friends and family especially her Ga.

Justin Morley (Winkie/Ozian) is back to the Civic stage after debuting at Civic in Peter Pan (10) as Tootles. Other community credits include Camp Rock and High School Musical at Cherry Hill Village Theatre. He is currently studying advertizing and public relations at Grand Valley State University.

Patrick Nowak (Tin Man) first appeared on the Civic stage in 2005 as a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz. He has been in several other shows at GRCT: Junie B. Jones, Nate the Great, Miss Nelson is Missing, Willy Wonka, Cinderella, Blues Clues Live!, and last year’s SRT show, Pirates of Penzance Jr. Other community theatre shows include Pippin, Tommy, and Snow White with Circle Theatre; Opera Grand Rapids’ show Carmen in 2007; Honk! at Cornerstone and GR Public Museum’s planetarium show Crickets and Constellations. He is currently a sophomore at East Grand Rapids High School, where he has performed in Phantom of the Opera.

Alex Petkus (Poppy, Jitterbug) is no stranger to the Civic Stage, having most recently been seen as Carmen in Summer Repertory’s Production of FAME, and in the chorus of High School Musical 2. Alex has also worked backstage for many shows, including The Producers, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Blues clues Live! Alex also worked backstage for Guys and Dolls with circle Theatre. At East Grand Rapids high School, where she is currently a senior, Alex appeared in Small Actors as the lead, Emily, and Phantom of the Opera. She also sang with the Grand Rapids Symphony in "Star Wars in Concert." Alex has received MIFA excellence and superior awards in acting.

Steve Place (Uncle Henry/Gatekeeper) is back on the Civic stage in his 10th production, after appearing in such shows as Peter Pan, Annie, Cinderella, Scrooge, 1776. Steve is currently serving as pastor at Mosaic Church in Kentwood and dedicates his performance to Joe LaChappelle who played the same roles in Civic's 2005 poduction.

Megan Plantamura (Munchkin) is thrilled to be in The Wizard of Oz. She has been a part of Pocahontas (08), Aesop’s Funny Fables (09), and A Christmas Carol (10). She is in the 4th grade at Meadowbrook Elementary. She has taken Voice lessons with Megan Vos and she has studied tap, jazz, and ballet.

Nora Rumery (Munchkin) is a 1st grader at St. Thomas the Apostle. This is her first show at GRCT but has participated in Kidsplay Kamps, Song and Dance, and Kidsplay. Nora loves performing, playing the piano, and singing in choir at St. Thomas. She loves her cat Thea. She enjoys spending time with her cousins and hopes they love seeing “Oz”!

Sherie Shepard-Armstrong ( Women’s ensemble, Ozian) first appeared on the Civic Theatre stage in Fiddler On The Roof (87). In 1996, she started working on her most important four-act play – raising four boys. The stage was calling her back and in the 2010-2011 season she found herself striking sets, building sets and creating costumes. She was honored to be part of the Hairspray! production as wig mistress. While Oz could be considered a come-back show, the theatre has never left her heart. The five men in her life are her biggest fans. She would like to thank them for all their love and support.

Morgan Sprick (Munchkin) is making her Civic Theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. Morgan has attended Kidsplay Theatre Camp, and drama classes with the Civic. Morgan has also appeared in Jenison High School- Missoula Children’s Theatre’s Pinocchio, she played a magical toy, and a baby doll.

Austin Stankowski (Lollipop Guild) is making his Civic Theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. Austin has participated in Civic summer camp, where his first show was The Smelly Skunks.

Eva Switek (Miss Gulch and Wicked Witch of the West) is making a return to Oz with greater vengeance. She has more flying monkeys now and she’s not afraid to use them! “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too.” Eva has been involved in theatre for over 30 years and has enjoyed every minute. Some of her favorite shows at Civic include: A Chorus Line (Diana), Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitle), Annie (Miss Hannigan), Cinderella (Stepmother), The Producers (Hold Me Touch Me), Hairspray (Adult Female Authority), and The Diary of Anne Frank (Mrs. Van Daan) for which she won the 2011 Grand Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play. Eva would like to thank Penny Notter for giving her the opportunity to play wicked on stage. She would also like to thank her husband, Daniel, for his constant love and support. Eva dedicates her performance to the memory of her mom, whose favorite show was The Wizard of Oz. “To the Emerald City as fast as lightning!”

Katie Szostak (Tree/Ozian ) is thrilled to be returning to the GRCT stage after last appearing this summer as Serena in FAME. She has also appeared as Amy in Captain Louie and Laura in The Miracle Worker. Katie is a junior at Hudsonville High School where she is in the Chamber Choir, on the varsity tennis team and had the title role in their musical “Annie” last year. Katie has also appeared on stage in productions at Circle Theatre, Cornerstone University and Holland Civic Theatre. Katie would like to thank Penny, Charles, and Kylie for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of this amazing holiday show and also to her family and friends who have always supported her.

Martha Tinker (Flying Monkey) is no stranger to the Civic, having debuted in Gypsy in 2006. Since then, Martha has been a part of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat here at Civic, and has been in Robin Hood and the Heroes of Sherwood Forest at Circle Theatre. She also plays the viola in the East Grand Rapids Middle School Orchestra. Martha is in the 7th grade.

Mitchell Todd (Winkie) is 13 and is an eighth grader at East Rockford Middle School. He is excited to play a winkie/ozian in The Wizard of Oz. This is his second time on the Civic stage. He had a blast playing a zombie in Night of the Living Dead. He has been in several local stage productions. He played Evan, the lead role in the YTGR production of 13. He was Mogli in Jungle Book and Hansel in Beanie and the Bambozling Book Machine with the Lowell Thebes Players. Mitch has taken several classes through the Civic Theater and hopes to have a successful acting career as an adult.

Daniel VandenBunte (Winkie/Ozian) is making his Civic Theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. He is a freshman at Calvin college, having graduated from Byron Center High School, she he was seen in Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Seussical the Musical, and Little Shop of Horrors as Seymour. Daniel would like to thank his family and friends for their support, and above all God for directing his life and blessing him in so many ways!

Mia Van Erp (Lullaby League, Poppy) is no stranger to the Civic Stage having most recently been seen in Last Season’s Production of Hello Dolly. Mia also appeared in Captain Louie and Willy Wonka with the Civic. Mia dances with the CARE ballet company, where she is an ensemble member, and has appeared in many productions. Mia attends Northern Hills Middle School, where she is a member of the “Northern Singers”. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support.

Grace Vicari (Munchkin) is making her Civic Theatre debut in this production of The Wizard of Oz. Grace has participated in Kidsplay Kamp with the Civic for the last three summers. Grace would like to thank her Mom, Dad, and big brother Will for their constant love and support. She also thanks Penny for this amazing opportunity!

Carson Wanty (Winkie/Ozian) is making his return to the Civic Stage having been seen as a pirate in last season’s production of Peter Pan and as Mailbox in Blue’s Clues Live! Carson’s other local and professional credits include, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Circle Theatre (2000), and A Little Night Music and Working with Stagedoor Manor. Carson graduated from East Grand Rapids High School where he was seen in The Phantom of the Opera as Piangi. He also appeared in other High School productions of Songs for a New World (Director/Man 2), Once on this Island, Guys and Dolls, and 1776 as Ben Franklin.

Harrison Witt (Winkie/Ozian) is no stranger to the Civic Stage, having appeared in the Traveling Troupe production of The Stinky Cheese Man, the Summer Repertory Production of James and The Giant Peach, and the mainstage production of Cinderella. Harrison has also been seen in Oliver (Bullseye), Scrooge (Peter Cratchit), and Tom Sawyer (Tom) with Rogue River Community Theatre. Also, A Christmas Story (Ralphie) and Sweeney Todd (Toby) with FRCP. He would like to thank Penny for being such a hard working and patient director.

Amanda Wright (Dorothy Gale) Is happy to be making a return to the Civic stage after having appeared most recently in Fame as Mabel, and also receiving the 500+ Hour Volunteer award. Other Civic roles include, Cinderella (03’), The Music Man, Oklahoma, Junie B. Jones (as Junie), Willy Wonka, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Peter Pan, and Blues Clues Live. Amanda’s other local credits include, Circle Theatre: Annie (Pepper), Snow White, Oliver!; Heritage Theatre: Metamorphoses; Cornerstone University: Seussical, Wait Until Dark, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Traveling Lady, and Jane Eyre. Amanda has also worked with the Grand Rapids Opera in Tosca, and as an extra in “Backstage Drama” the web series. She was part of Grand Award winning ensembles for both Metamorphisis and Wait until Dark. Amanda has also appeared in Fiddler on the Roof with Calendonia High School Theatre, where she is a sophomore. “Thanks to my wonderful family, also Penny, Noddea, Josh and the rest of the foursome for your constant love and support.”