Alyssa Garcia Bauer (Mary Hatch) returns to Civic stage for the second time this season after appearing as Martha Jefferson in 1776. She also played the role of Maria in the Sound of Music (’07) with the Civic Theatre. This role earned her a Grand Award Nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Alyssa also played the title role in Snow White for Magic Circle Theatre. She attended Hope College as a theater major where she performed in Carousel, and in King Lear as Cordelia She worked with Telsey & Co. in New York City

as their musical theatre apprentice where she assisted in casting numerous Broadway shows.

Sarah Baumgras (Womens Ensemble) is excited to be in her first show at Civic. She was recently in The Drunkard with Heritage Theatre Group, as well as The Tempest. She has been dancing ever since she was little and currently dances with Balletmore Dance Ensemble. Sarah also was a member of the Grand Rapids Civic Theater School of Theater Arts, from which she took acting classes. She would like to thank her family, especially her mom, for their love and encouragement.

Hannah Bennett (Bank Teller/Ensemble) is once more upon the GRCT stage for the second time for A Wonderful Life. Hannah was last seen at the Civic onstage as Sister Jenna Marie in The Sound of Music. She is currently a junior at Forest Hills Central High School where she performed in High School Musical, The Sound of Music as Elsa Schraeder, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie and Beauty and the Beast. Hannah participates in FHC Visual United Choir and a jazz ensemble as well.

Laura Bennett (Mrs. Martini/Ensemble) is returning to the stage after appearing in Civic’s performance of The Sound of Music (’07). She has been seen at the LLC Theatre as Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center in Art Speaks! (’04) In high school and college, Laura had various roles in many shows such as Gypsy for which she portrayed Louise, Annie Get Your Gun, Bye Bye Birdie, and Carousel. When not doing theatre, Laura can be found participating in many various choral groups. “Many thanks to my children and to many amazing friends for all their love and support this year.”

Kyle Burton Black (Harry Bailey) is reappearing on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre stage after being in You Can’t Take it With You as Tony, Oklahoma! as Dream Curly and Grease as Vince Fontaine.  Kyle was in Sunday in the Park With George as Louis, Bingo: The Musical and The Apple Tree at Circle Theatre, among many others. Kyle is a dance teacher for Ada Dance Academy. He is also currently a filmmaker in West Michigan, and teaches film acting. “Thanks to family and friends for being so supportive and encouraging.”

Nicholas Bray (Sam Wainwright) is appearing for the first time with the Civic Theatre on stage, though he is a member of the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s School of Theatre Arts. Nicholas had been seen in Los Angeles Theatre of the Arts in Enter Laughing, where he played the role of David. He also was a part of different theatre collages that took place in Gerald Gorden’s Study. Nicholas and many other very talented actors put on various shows including Dark of the Moon, where he played the Witch Boy, Lovers and Other Strangers, as Tom, Boys’ Life as David, and Key Exchange as Tim.

Patty Dermody (Mrs. Hatch/Ensemble) has come to be with the Civic for the very first time! She has been in shows at Circle Theatre, Swingtime Canteen as Jo Sterling, and Pippin (’07) as Berthe. She was nominated for two Grand Awards. She appeared at Wealthy Street Theatre in Inside Out. Outside of the Grand Rapids theatre world, Patty has performed in a USO Tour of the Northeast Command. She also is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, where she was a theatre major, and attended the University of Miami, where she performed in many musicals and revues. “My love to Patrick, my children, and grandchildren.”

Blake Ferris (Men Ensemble) is reappearing at the Civic Theatre again after his last role in The Music Man (’06).  Blake is a senior this year at Forest Hills Central, whom with he has played in such shows as The Sound of Music, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph…Technicolor Dreamcoat, High School Musical, and How A Month Changes Everything. He also earned the Vocal Jazz Award through his school. Other show credits include Annie Get Your Gun, The Nuncrackers, and Oliver! at Ionia Community Theatre.

Jenny Fischer (Violet Bick) is a returning Veteran. Her first show was over ten years ago in Peter Pan as a Mermaid! Since then she studied Musical Theatre at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. After several National Tours and Regional Theater productions, including Beauty and the Beast and Seussical! The Musical, she then had a baby girl and moved to Denver to start a family. Just visiting for the Holidays, she’d like to thank the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre for giving her the chance to perform on this magical stage again! “Also a Big Thank You to my baby Ella, my boyfriend Brian, and of course Mom and Dad!”

John Patrick Foley (Uncle Billy) has been in countless shows with many organizations, including the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Heritage Theatre, LLC Classical Theatre, Robinson Players, Circle Theatre, Master Arts Theatre, Grand Rapids Opera, Actors’ Theatre and Cedar Springs Theatre. He was also co-founder and co-owner of Centre Stage. Some of his favorite shows include Da, The Seven-Year Itch, Mass Appeal, The Odd Couple, Glea Gary Glen Ross, Sea Marks, Daddy’s Dyin, Who’s Got the Will?, The Music Man, Leading Ladies, and Over the River, Through The Woods. He received a Grand Nomination for Alphonse in Escanaba in Love.

Aimee Hampton (Karen/Ensemble) returns to the Civic stage after her last appearance in Ragtime in 2004. Aimee is no stranger to Grand Rapids Theatre, as she’s had roles in many shows, including The Who’s Tommy at Circle Theatre; White Lace and Promises: The Music of the Carpenters at Heritage Theatre; Side Show at Actors’ Theatre; as well as Clue: The Musical and Godspell with the East Kentwood Alumni Performers. Outside of theatre, Aimee has filmed a drunk driving commercial for the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, is currently featured on the Brann’s Steakhouse menu, was pictured on the label for Old Orchard Healthy Balance Juice last year and will be getting married next May.

Grace Heemstra (Zuzu Bailey ) is ecstatic to be performing on the GRCT stage once more! She was last seen as Gretl in The Sound of Music (‘07). Grace is currently a first grader at South Elementary. She is also a member of the Civic Theatre’s School of Theatre Arts, through which she participated in the Kidsplay Kamp.

 

JoAnna Henry (Beth Bailey) is excited to return to the stage after appearing as a Blind Girl in The Miracle Worker with the Civic.  JoAnna is in the fourth grade at Cannonsburg Elementary and is currently a member of the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School of Theatre Arts. She has appeared in many other shows such as Cheaper By the Dozen at Kent Theatre and Wizard of Oz and Aesops Funny Fables at Childrens Creations. She would like to thank her parents for being supportive.

Chris Hubbard (Tommy Bailey) is welcomed to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre for his first show. He has performed in other theatres across Grand Rapids, his most recent show being The Who’s Tommy at Circle Theatre, for whom he portrayed the 4 year old Tommy. Chris has been seen in Aquinas College’s performance of Hecuba as well. At his elementary school, Lakeside Elementary, Chris has appeared in numerous shows including Willy Wonka as an Oompa Loompa, 101 Dalmatians as Patch, along with Alladin, and School House Rocks.

Robyn Hubbard (Lillian/Women Ensemble) is appearing for the first time at the Grand Rapids Civic Theater in this production of A Wonderful Life. After twenty years focusing on kids and career, Robyn is thrilled to be back on stage! Her son Christopher inspired her to audition after his recent performance in Tommy the Musical (Thanks Chris!) “Special thanks to my girls Hailey and Allison for their love and support!”

 

Travis C. Knoll (Bert/Men Ensemble) has returned to the Civic again after his run in 1776 as the Leather Apron. He has appeared in numerous performances elsewhere, including Neil Tilden in 1940’s Radio Hour, the title role in Joseph…Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Herald in Cinderella, Lun Tha in The King & I, Sasha in Fiddler on the Roof, and Simon in Cotton Patch Gospel. He also appeared as The Boss in Side Show and as Lefou in Beauty and the Beast.

Davin Lepisto (Ernie/Ensemble ) is thrilled to be performing again on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s stage. He was last seen in Grease as a member of the Ensemble. Since then, he has been hanging out at the local Karaoke bars, singing his favorites from Bon Jovi, Styx and Robbie Williams. He would like to dedicate this show to his Mom and Dad.

 

Patrick MacLangs (Matthew) is joining us for a second performance in this production of A Wonderful Life. He was last seen with the Civic Theatre as Samuel Chase in 1776. He has also appeared in Circle Theater’s production of The Full Monty as Tony. “Thanks and love to my wife, children, and grandchildren.

 

Jon March (Henry Potter) Jon March has been involved with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre for the last twenty years, as a student, board member and President, fundraiser and now and then, on stage. All of it has been a labor of love, working in this very special place with very special people. His greatest privilege was to be able to play Atticus Finch in the 2005 production of To Kill a Mockingbird; his greatest honor was to receive the James Mitchell Award. Jon thanks his biggest fan, best friend, and life companion, Mary Ann, for all her support. He dedicates his performance to the memory of Lee Mulnix, a good friend and a past President of GRCT.

Clara Tibbe Osbeck (Womens Ensemble) is premiering at the Civic Theatre with this production of A Wonderful Life, though has been seen around the building as a student of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. Clara has been in many shows about town, such as The Drunkard, in which she played the role of Julia; A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest at Heritage Theatre; Steamship Quanza at Jewish Theatre; Fiddler on the Roof with the cooperation of both Jewish and Heritage Theatres; as well as Honk! and Joseph…Technicolor Dreamcoat with Circle Theatre. “Thanks to Mom and Dad for all their love and support!”

Kallie Pershon (Ruth Reynolds/Womens Ensemble) is making A Wonderful Life her seventh show with us at the Civic Theatre, appearing first in Trixie True Teen Detective, and most recently in Oklahoma! (’07) as Gertie. She also appeared in Scrooge: The Musical, Cinderella, and Wizard of Oz (’00.) Her other stage credits include Joseph…Technicolor Dreamcoat as the Narrator with Central Park Players, Rocky Horror Picture Show as Janet with the Flat River Community Players, and The Who’s Tommy with Circle Theatre. Kallie has also appeared in the movie “Broken” which was produced by Landmark Productions.

Kylie Piette (Dorothy/Womens Ensemble) is appearing in her third show at Civic, fresh from stage managing this season's opener, 1776.  She has also been seen onstage at Civic in Oklahoma and The Wizard of Oz ('05) and in East Kentwood Alumni Performers' production of Clue: the Musical.  No stranger to Civic's backstage, Kylie stage managed last season's The Sound of Music and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest; assistant stage managed Dreamgirls, Peter Pan, A Chorus Line, The Music Man, and others; and worked on crew for several shows at Civic as well as Circle, Heritage, and Actors' Theaters. She also stage managed Crowns at Circle and directed Little Shop of Horrors and Fame for Rogers High School. Kylie would like to dedicate this one to her Wonderful parents.

Eric Richter (Clarence) was seen long ago in Civic productions of Cabaret and The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and at Circle where he appeared as Chico Marx in A Day in Hollywood /A Night in the Ukraine. He took a long sabbatical from musicals - and their boot-camp time commitment - to raise a family, keeping his vocal pipes warm with seasons in the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus and the Kalamazoo Singers. He then returned to the Civic Theatre stage last season as Captain Georg von Trapp in The Sound of Music (‘07) and to theatre in general with The Theater Project’s showing of Forever Plaid, in which Eric played Jinx. We’re very pleased to have him back on the stage with us, and hope to see him continue to return.

Keith Rikli (Mr. Martini/Bob Hapner/Male Ensemble) is welcomed back to the Civic stage for this production of A Wonderful Life. Keith has also appeared onstage as Herr Zeller in The Sound of Music (‘07) and backstage as the Stage Manger for the Summer Repertory Theatre’s Alice.  He is no stranger in the Grand Rapids area, as he’s appeared in The Tempest (Sebastian) and Lion in Winter (Geoffrey) at Heritage Theatre; Steamship Quanza (Tom McPherson) with Jewish Theatre; and Sleeper (Ensemble) with the GRCC Players. Keith was a member of the Student Theatre Arts Guild for Entertainers (S.T.A.G.E.) at Grand Valley State University and has studied acting at The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School of Theatre Arts.

Greg Rogers (Tom Bailey) was last seen on Civic’s stage as Charles Atkins Cheswick III in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He also appeared as Oscar in The Odd Couple, The King in Cinderella, The Dog Owner in Silvia and various other shows with the Civic Theatre. Greg counts over 60 productions to him name, and has been nominated for seven Grand Awards, taking home the prize twice for his work in The Cripple of Inishmaan at Actors’ Theatre and in Circle Theatre’s The Vast Difference. He was most recently seen at Actors’, for the world premiere of the ground-breaking show Seven Passages: The Stories of Gay Christians. Greg has served on the board of Actors’ Theatre for 16 years and recently was asked to dust off his calculator and has accepted another term as treasurer. He is also very proud to be a member of the "greek chorus" on the Emmy Award winning hit children’s TV show, Come on Over, airing on WOTV-41 on Saturday mornings.

Matt Tepper (George Bailey) has been seen at Civic Theatre as Anthony in the Grand Award winning Sweeney Todd, Hap Loman in Death of a Salesman and Inspecting Carol, which was his first show with us. Matt is also a regular at Circle Theatre, performing in his Grand Award Nominated title role in Tommy last season. He has delighted Circle audiences with his work in Gypsy, JC Superstar, Passion, Steel Pier, Into The Woods, Follies, Baby, The Full Monty, Sunday In The Park With George, the title role in PIPPIN and Oliver! in which he played Bill Sykes. Matt also loved playing Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show at Actors’ Theatre, which he earned a Grand Award Nomination for, as well as for his role Joe Sutter in the Grand Award winning The Spitfire Grill. Matt Tepper’s other credits at Actors’ include Giuseppe Zangara in Assassins, as Robbie in A Man of No Importance and the Grand Award winning shows Bat Boy, the Musical and Corpus Christi.

James Wallington (Carter/ Mens Ensemble) James was last seen on the GRCT stage as a Jock (Big Ted) in the Summer Repertory Theater’s production of High School Musical, and is thrilled to be back. He also is a member of the Civic Theatre’s School of Theatre Arts, in which he takes acting classes. He is a 2007 graduate from Forest Hills Central where he performed in over a dozen shows which include: Peter Pan, Sound of Music and School House Rock. James is currently a second year at GRCC and is majoring in communications with a theater emphasis. In his spare time he also works as an extra in films. His credits include “Miss January” and an Untitled HBO pilot. He’d like to thank Penny, his family and friends for their support.

Katie Wilson (Womens Ensemble) is welcomed back on stage after last appearing in Grease with us last season. Her first show with the Civic was the Wizard of Oz (’05) and she also appeared in Oklahoma! with us. Katie has been cast in lead roles for Sleeping Beauty as well as Carnival of the Animals with Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble. During her high school years, she frequented the stage as well, performing in 42nd Street, Beauty and the Beast, and The King and I.

Colleen Weibel (Milly Bailey/Ensemble) is returning to the Civic Theatre stage after appearing in last season’s The Sound of Music and Oklahoma! She also appeared in Circle Theatre’s production of Bingo: The Musical as Bernice. Colleen was very involved in drama in high school, where she was seen in Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, and Guys and Dolls as Adelaide. Colleen is employed by Dermatology Associates of West Michigan and sings in the Praise Band at St. John Vianney Church.  “Special Thanks to Lori Vanderstel for all her help and encouragement!”