Cast Pictures and Bios
 

		D. ALEXANDER AGARD (Booker T. Washington): Originally from San Diego, CA, Alex is a CAS Theatre Major and a music minor at Calvin College. Locally, he was most recently seen in the Grand Award winning production of Bat Boy: The Musical at Actor's Theatre. Local credits also include The Piano Lesson and The Bourgeois Gentleman for Calvin Theatre Company. Alex is a first generation American, his parents immigrated from Guyana, South America to Rochester, NY in 1977.
		PAUL ARNOLD (Stanford White, Mr. Whitman): Has appeared in many Civic Theatre musicals including Annie Get Your Gun, The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Camelot, and Singin' in the Rain. He has also played Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank at Jewish Theater. His Steiner ancestors came from Germany before the Civil War. His other ancestors all came from Eastern Europe in the early 1900s. His father changed the family name from Aronovitz to Arnold in 1945 to avoid discrimination. Paul is the sole proprietor of Paul Arnold Design and Creative Services.
		MEREDITH BYTEWORK (New Rochelle, Juror): Is excited to be in another GRCT musical. She last performed in Sweeney Todd. Meredith is a junior Theater major at Calvin College, where she enjoys delving into the art of theater through as many aspects as she can. She was last seen as Jane Fairfax in Calvin's production of Emma. Meredith is fourth generation Dutch; both sets of grandparents came from the Netherlands and settled in West Michigan and Eastern Illinois.
		DEONNA M. CATTLEDGE (Sarah's Friend): Is making her GRCT debut with Ragtime. She has helped with many venues here in the community, including Bethany Christian Services and Catholic Social Services, and has been an advocate for foster children, and has sung at numerous functions for these agencies. Deonna also was Account Executive for Promoter Magazine and Youth Coordinator for 4 years for YMCA.
		MADELINE COMMAND (New Rochelle, Kathleen): was last seen gracing Civic Theater's stage in Summer Stock 2002. She is a graduate of Kenowa Hills High School where she performed in The Music Man, The Pirates of Penzance and many more. Madeline's maternal grandparents roots are Irish and German. Her Grandpa came to America via Ellis Island in 1927. Her father's side immigrated to Canada from Ireland in 1850 and later settled in Grand Rapids. Madeline would like people to realize the message in Ragtime, and understand how closely 1906 relates to 2004.
		CERA DRAKE (Evelyn Nesbitt): is excited to be returning to civic stage after a ten year absence. She has appeared at Circle Theater in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Chess (Svetlana), A Chorus Line (Sheila), Evita (Eva Peron) command performance, Merrily We Roll Along (Gussie)-Grand Award Nomination, Cabaret (Sally) Grand Award Winner, Godspell, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Chicago, and Follies (Young Phyllis). Special thanks to friends and family for all their continuing love and support.
		JOHN FREIBERGER (Willy Conklin): Has performed in over a dozen Civic Theatre productions, including Sweeney Todd (Jonas Fogg); Much Ado About Nothing (Friar Francis); Communicating Doors (Harold Palmer) and The Wizard of Oz (Uncle Henry/ Guard). John has also performed in shows for Actors, Heritage, Circle, Jewish Theater of GR, Holland Civic, Red Barn Playhouse, Legends Theater and Master Arts Theater. His commercial work includes many television commercials, training videos and print ads. John's Great Great Grandfather: John G. Freiberger came to America in c. 1848 from Bavaria, Germany and settled in Pittsburg, PA. John's father came to Michigan after WWII, met my mother, Lorraine Frances Conn. He passed away in 1980. My mother is still living in Flint. His Mother's history can be verified to his grandmother's great grandfather who was born in Illinois in 1843. John says, "Ragtime is my favorite musical and I dedicate my work in production to my family and my ancestors."
		JULIA FREYER (New Rochelle, Chorine): is appearing in her thirteenth production at GRCT since Schoolhouse Rock Live! in 1997. Since then she has appeared in Kiss Me Kate, Annie, Boxcar Children (Jessie), Peter Pan, The Children's Hour, and Anne of Green Gables (Josie Pye), etc. Other area performances include Follies, Joseph..., A Little Night Music, and Ramona Quimby (Ramona), etc. at Circle Theatre as well as Stagedoor Canteen with PEP productions in Petoskey. A student at City High School, Julia has won the 500+ volunteer hours award for two years and 700+ volunteer hours award last year at GRCT. Julia's maternal great-grandparents came through Ellis Island from Russia, the Ukraine and Poland, and her paternal great-great-grandparents came through Ellis Island from Norway and Germany.
		AIMEE HAMPTON (New Rochelle, Juror): is very excited to be making her GRCT debut in Ragtime. She is currently a Sophomore Film and Video student at GVSU, and has appeared onstage there in The Bartered Bride, Idiot's Delight, and The Merchant of Venice. Other musicals include The Music Man, The King and I, and 42nd Street, in which she played the role of Anytime Annie. Aimee sends love and thanks out to her parents, friends, and family for supporting and loving what she does.
		REGINALD HANEY (Harlem Ensemble): is thrilled to making his GRCT debut with Ragtime. Reginald currently attends Hope College, where he is pursuing a degree in Musical Theater and French Studies. Some of his past credits include The Birds, Guys and Dolls, and King Lear.
		KATIE HARNER (Immigrant, Chorine): is currently pursuing her masters at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and working at Calvary Church. Following graduation from Huntington College with a major in Theatre and Bible and religion, she traveled with a professional musical theatre group in California. Katie's most recent performance was in Side Show as Violet, one of the twins. This summer Katie and Josh Matter will be married. Katie's Great Great Grandmother Gilkinsin sailed with her husband from Germany to Canada and finally arrived to America.
		RICHARD HARPER (Tateh): Is new to Grand Rapids, having just moved here from New York City, and is making his debut with GRCT in Ragtime. A native of Iowa but a long-time New York resident, Richard has sung with regional opera companies across the country in standard and contemporary repertoire. His ethnic background is diverse, with kin arriving from England in the 1830s, Ireland during the Potato Famine of the 1840s, Germany, and France. He comes by singing honestly, having in his family tree such illustrious ancestors as John McCormack, Gladys Swarthout, and Kate Smith.
		AMBER HAYWOOD (Harlem Ensemble, Chorine): Is thrilled to be making her GRCT debut. As an award-winning dancer, she has danced and choreographed for an international music video. For 8 years she has performed with GR Ballet including Clara in The Nutcracker, and has participated in Summer studies around the US and Canada. Her theater credits include Luisa in The Fantasticks with FRCP, and Dance Captain for Beehive, Joseph...Dreamcoat with Circle Theater, Cinderella with Forest Hills Central, and Aida with Opera GR. She is currently a music major at GRCC, and is involved with the vocal jazz group Shades of Blue. Her heritage includes many ethnicities and because of that she feels like a true American.
		EDYE EVANS HYDE (Sarah): Edye Evans Hyde has been performing jazz, blues and pop music for over 20 years in West Michigan, Los Angeles and Asia. Edye has shared the stage with world renowned blues singer Linda Hopkins, pop singer Michael Bolton, actress Connie Stevens, as well as some of LA's finest musicians. She has just recently opened for the incredible Ray Charles and Arturol Sandoval Her theatrical performances have included principle roles in Dream Girls, Ain't Misbehavin, Smokey Joe's Café, Little Shop of Horrors, Blues For an Alabama Sky, Nunsense, Barnum (with) Peter Scolari, as well as an unforgettable portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. Edye has also appeared with The West Shore Symphony performing songs from her acclaimed CD "Girl Talk", as well as the Grand Rapids Symphony. She has just released her new CD "A Lady With A Song." Like most African Americans, my African ancestry is not really known. As far back as I can go is the 1800's when most of my family lived in the South. Primarily the Carolinas and Tennessee. Many of my relatives, including my parents, moved north to find better jobs and the promise of opportunity. Many of them settled mainly in the Midwest and found work in the automotive industry and education. During the 1960's when the southern schools systems were desegregating, many black teachers lost their jobs, at the same time northern schools were lacking in minority teachers. So, my parents moved to Grand Rapids to find work as teachers in the Grand Rapids School system. Some of my family members settled in Detroit and Flint. Others made their way to the coasts of sunny California and New York. Every 2 years my mother's family holds a reunion. This is a time to share our history with each other. I feel blessed to have this opportunity because I know that my history is apart of America's history.
		EMMI HILGER (Immigrant Ensemble, Chorine): Was most recently seen in Circle Theater's productions of Follies and Joseph...Dreamcoat, and last seen at GRCT in Romeo and Juliet, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Voices from the Shore, and Anne of Green Gables. A senior at East Grand Rapids High School, Emmi plans to pursue a career in theatre. Emmi's paternal great great grandparents came over from Finland and gave birth to their daughter, Ethel, here in 1914. Her paternal grandparents came to America from Germany in 1956.
		MELITA TRAVIS JOHNSON (Harlem Ensemble): Is an Employee Assistance Consultant / Therapist. While this marks Melita's Civic debut, she appeared in A Lesson Before Dying (Emma Glenn) and Flyin' West (Miss Leah) for Actors' Theatre; A Raisin in the Sun (Lena Younger) for Master Arts Theatre and several roles with Robeson Players. Her ancestral history dates to August 1619 when 20 blacks landed at Jamestown, Virginia. Surviving evidence suggests that they were accorded the status of indentured servants.
		PATRICK JOHNSON (Choreographer): Patrick Johnson has had a successful and rewarding dance career. As a result of his international exposure as a performer and a teacher, he has reached thousands of people of all ages, from inner-city youth to world-renowned political leaders. His dance studies include work with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, New York Conservatory and the Dance Theater of Harlem where he trained under some of the best Classical Ballet masters in the world. In 1988, Mr. Johnson joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem's professional company, quickly becoming one of their leading dancers. He has also worked with internationally renowned choreographers such as Agnes de Mille, Glen Tetley, Michael Smuin, Billy Wilson, Louis Johnson, Garth Fagan and Alonzo King, and performed works by George Balanchine, Alvin Ailey, Valerie Bettis, John McFall and Robert North. Mr. Johnson has given command performances for Nelson Mandela, Vice President Al Gore, Jr., Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II, and the late Princess Diana. He has also appeared as a guest artist with numerous companies, including The Grand Rapids Ballet. His television credits include Dance Theatre of Harlem's Creole Giselle, Basketball/Dance for Sports Illustrated, the internationally acclaimed PBS-Children's Television Workshop's Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and Sesame Street, as well as several television commercials. Mr. Johnson's Broadway credits include: The Metropolitan Opera production of Porgy and Bess and the Joseph Papp/Shubert Organization's A Celebration of Paul Robeson. By special invitation, he has been a guest lecturer at both Columbia University in New York and Grand Valley State University in Michigan. In addition to having the position of President and CEO of PT Arts Consulting, Mr. Johnson serves as a faculty member at Grand Rapids Community College, Theatre Department. He also works whenever possible with other theatre groups in the Grand Rapids area, making it possible to further his mission of bringing the arts to as many people in the West Michigan community as possible.
		MAUREEN KIRKWOOD (Mother): makes her Civic premiere in Ragtime, however she is a veteran many productions including Full Circle, Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, The Secret Garden with Circle Theatre; with Actors' Theatre, The Christmas Schooner, Six Women with Brain Death, and From Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill; The Magic Flute, HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance with Opera Grand Rapids. Maureen is self employed as the owner of a public health consulting business; mother to Jack (aka Action Jackson) and a member of the Original Dickens Carolers. Maureen's maternal great great grandparents emigrated from Denmark and Germany in the mid 1800s; her paternal great great grandparents came from Ireland and Scotland in the early and mid- 1800s. "Thanks to my incredible parents and my wonderful friends and siblings for giving me the ability to do this show, and to Marcus, for his love and support."
		SARAH LAJOYE (Immigrant Ensemble, Chorine): Has a Bachelor's degree in Theater from Michigan State University, where she performed in many shows, including Evita, Betty's Summer Vacation, and A Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Her ancestors emigrated from Quebec in the late 1800s, and from Great Britain around the time of the "Mayflower."
		SARAH LINEBERRY (Immigrant, Juror): Ragtime marks Sarah's first appearance on any stage. A graduate of Michigan State University with a BS in biochemistry, she currently works at the Van Andel Research Institute. Her father came to this country at the age of 16 as a foreign exchange student from Baghdad, Iraq. Sarah's mother's ancestors are from Scotland, France, Germany and Scandinavia. She would like to thank my voice teacher, Margi D. Peterson, and my family and friends for all of their support and encouraging words.
		BRIAN MARTIN (Little Boy): Brian was last seen as The Velveteen Rabbit. Other Civic productions include Scrooge (Tiny Tim), Stuart Little (Stuart), Peter Pan (John) and Free to be You and Me. He has also worked with Cherry County Playhouse, Riverbend Playhouse, Childrens' Creations, Cornerstone University, and at the Van Singl Arts Center, as well as in Carmen with Opera Grand Rapids. Brian's grandparents came to America from Ireland in the late 1800s, settling in Northern Michigan. Brian was blessed with smilingly Irish eyes and a sweet Irish voice.
		HARRY MCCLELLON (Harlem Ensemble/Coalhouse's gang): This is Harry's first production ever. He moved to Grand Rapids from Chicago three years ago and discovered the School of Theatre Arts. He has taken several acting and voice classes at GRCT and is excited to be performing in his first show. Harry's great, great grandfather, who was white, came over from Ireland in the mid-1800s. His family settled in Florida.
		KRISTEN MICHELLE MOSS (Harlem Ensemble): Kristen makes her Civic Theatre debut with this production. She performed in Once On This Island with Circle Theatre. She majored in Vocal Performance at GRCC, and was an active member of Shades of Blue. Kristen is currently pursuing a BA in Business at Davenport University, while working as an insurance agent and a part-time manager at a local grocery store. Her heritage is African-American, Native American and Irish.
		LINDSEY NORTON (Harlem Ensemble, Chorine): Ragtime is Lindsey's first production with Civic Theatre following her stage debut in Circle's Beehive this past summer. She is a member of the "Go-Go Girls" performing throughout the Midwest. Lindsey's great grandma Prudhummeaux emigrated from France through Ellis Island in the early 1900's. Grandpa immigrated from Norway and was a butcher and farmer.
		FRANK PIECHOSKI (Father): Frank has previously performed at Civic in Kiss Me Kate and Sweeney Todd. He has also appeared at Actors Theatre in Pacific Overtures and at Heritage Theatre in Twelfth Night and The Crucible. He holds a Bachelors degree in theatre as an acting specialist from the University of Wisconsin and maintains a private practice as a professional astrologer. Frank's grandparents emigrated from Villarosa, Sicily shortly after World War I.
		STEVE PLACE (J.P. Morgan): Steve is in his 4th Civic production, having previously appeared in Peter Pan, Annie, and Cinderella. The Place name is probably Welsh, with ancestors definitely arriving prior to the Revolutionary War. A German, English, and Scottish grandparent make up the rest of his immediate heritage.
		JENNA POPE (Little Girl): Jenna is performing in her fourth show at Civic, most recently appearing in our holiday production of Cinderella. Jenna has also worked with the Flat River Community Players, Opera Grand Rapids, and Ionia Community Theatre. Jenna is an 11th generation descendant of Mary Chilton Winslow, from Sandwich, Kent County, England, born in 1607. Winslow was, reportedly, the first female to step foot on Plymouth Rock .
		DON POTTER (New Rochelle, Conductor): Don is happy to make his Civic Theatre debut in Ragtime-ending a 27-year hiatus from theater! In the Chicago area, he took principal roles in Brigadoon, Most Happy Fella, 1776, Take Me Along, and Oliver, among others. Don's father, Harry Potter, entered America through Ellis Island from England in 1911 and settled in Western Illinois. His mother's grandparents emigrated from Ireland in the mid 1800s and settled in South Boston. Don's son Jonathan came to the US from Korea in 1988.
		JOHN ROBINSON (Harlem Ensemble, Matthew Henson): John last appeared in Civic Theatre's Sweeney Todd and Death of a Salesman. His other roles include Jonesy in Side Man (Actors' Theatre), Mr. Franklin in Children of a Lesser God (Circle Theatre), Lucien in Boys Next Door (Master Arts Theatre) and Malcolm X in The Meeting (self-produced). John's African ancestors came to America sometime between 1619 when the slave trade began in America and 1808 when it ended. His earliest known African ancestor is Rosetta Jeter who was born in 1824. His Norwegian ancestor, Albert Andriesse Bradt, came in 1637 (on the ship Rensselaerwyzk) and helped found Albany, NY with his sons. His English ancestor John Beach came around 1643. His ancestor, George Konkle, came from Germany around 1812. Wendel & Magdelena Siebeneicher came from Bohemia around 1855. The Van Pattens were most likely Dutch and came to Schenectady, NY around 1690. The Johson's came from Canada around 1850. Lastly, Abbey Ryan came from Ireland around 1857. There is evidence (still being confirmed) suggesting a Native American connection. John thanks his Mom & sister Christa for all their family tree research. He also thanks his parents for a lifetime of unflagging support, and coming from Lansing to see each show at least once. To Jamie, "I love you. Thanks for being so supportive." For more information about John and his family history, go to j-rob.com.
		G.M. ROSS (Henry Ford, Ensemble): G.M. last appeared with GRCT in Annie (2002), and was most recently seen in Heritage Theater's production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Three quarters of G.M.'s grandparents arrived in New York dirt poor from the farthest corners of Europe right around the time Harry Thaw shot Stanford White (1906).
		CLAIRE GARRITY SINN (Emma Goldman): Claire last appeared as the Beggar Woman in Civic Theatre's Sweeney Todd. Her other local credits include Peter Pan and Anne of Green Gables (Civic Theatre); The Importance of Being Earnest and Touch the Names (Heritage); Honk (Circle); The Vagina Monologues (GVSU) and Freezer Jesus (2002 GVSU Summer Film Project). Claire also sings in the choir and as a soloist with Fountain Street Church. Claire's paternal relatives emigrated from Ireland to escape British persecution - my Powers ancestors, Clonmel, County Tipperary, were burned out of their home. The Garrity relatives went first to Newfoundland before settling in Worcester, Massachusetts while the Powers family entered the United States through Boston. Her maternal grandfather's ancestors emigrated from Amsterdam to East Hampton, New York in the mid-1600's before drifting to the Northwest Territories by 1799. Her maternal great-grandfather, Johan Alanko, emigrated from Seinajoki, Finland. He worked 9 years for a logging company in the U.P. to earn the money to bring his family to America. Claire's grandmother was born in Cooks Mills, Michigan in 1901.
		CALIN SKIDMORE (Immigrant, Policeman): Calin appeared last year in Actors' Theater's production of Corpus Christi, and in Circle Theater's production of Joseph...Dreamcoat. He also appeared last fall in Loot with the Actors' and Playwrights' Initiative Theater in Kalamazoo. Calin has ancestors from England and Holland who emigrated in the mid-nineteenth century. He is thrilled to be making his GRCT debut in Ragtime, and wishes to thank everyone in the audience who is wearing orange.
		MONICA SPEARMAN (Harlem Ensemble): Monica is a Senior at EGR High School. This is her second production with GRCT, having been seen as Linda Rogers in the Magic Mrs Piggle Wiggle. Monica is a dancer at T-3's Dance Elite, and was Choreographer for EGR's 2003 One Act, and is a member of the International Thespian Society.
		ROY M. STALLWORTH (Harlem Ensemble): Roy is thrilled to make his Civic Theatre debut and return to the stage in Ragtime. He was last seen as Leroy in Fame for Jackson Civic Theatre. Before college, Roy performed in several shows including South Pacific, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Joseph...Dreamcoat, Camelot and Class Act for Jackson Civic and the Clark Lake Players. Roy's ancestors were brought to America in the early 1600s from West Africa. In Africa they were Mandinga warriors and leaders. Early in the 1900s, the Black Cherokee were added to the Stallworth lineage through marriage. Roy teaches Math and Social Studies in the Rockford Public Schools.
		AUBRY TALBOTT (Immigrant Ensemble, Baron's Assistant): Aubry makes her Civic Theatre debut in Ragtime. In the past year, she has appeared in Bat Boy: the Musical for Actors' and The Crucible for Heritage. She currently works in the Spectrum Theatre box office, has been involved in many shows at GRCC and run lights and sound for several Actors' productions. Her maternal great-grandmother emigrated from the Netherlands in 1913 and her paternal great-grandparents arrived in the early 1900's from Belgium. Aubry would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support and to Bryan for being so patient. "I love you all!"
		G.M. (BUD) THOMPSON (Grandfather): Bud has been performing with GRCT for 14 years, most recently in last year's production of Rumors. He is a three-time Grand Award nominee, twice for GRCT's productions of Peter Pan (Captain Hook) and Return to the Forbidden Planet (Prospero). He has also performed with Actors' Theater, Circle, Heritage Theater, and GVSU. Bud is a graphic designer, published playwright, award-winning composer/performer, and very grateful for his family - especially the Thompsons, who immigrated from Scotland in 1823.
		CHRISTOPHER G. THORN (Harry K. Thaw, Fireman): Christopher is proud to be appearing in his first GRCT production. He has been onstage recently in Grant, MI, in productions of The King and I, The Odd Couple, and Fiddler on the Roof. Christopher is an adopted child, and to this day his true ancestry remains a mystery...
		JASON TOWNES (Younger Brother): Started his theater career as a GRCT stagehand for Sweeney Todd. He won a Grand Award for his portrayal of Bat Boy at Actors' Theater. Other productions include Kiss Me Kate at GRCT and Follies at Circle. Jason sends all of his love to Sara and special thanks to Mom for flying in from California to see him perform for the first time.
		MICHAEL TRAVIS (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.): This is Michael's second production with GRCT. His first experience probably could not be considered an "appearance" due to being backstage as the voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors. His most recent performances were in Once On This Island with Circle Theater; The Piano Lesson at Calvin College; North Star, Blues For an Alabama Sky and A Lesson Before Dying with Actors' Theater; and A Raisin in the Sun with Master Arts. He traces his ancestry back to 1620 in this country, but his direct lineage was lost prior to his great grandparents appearance in Natchez, Mississippi in the late 1800s.
		DANNY TRIANT (Harry Houdini): This is Danny's first show in 10 years since performing as The Prince in Grand Rapids Civic Theater's production of The Little Mermaid. He is of Greek decent, 100%. His father's grandfather came over from a village near the ancient site of the Oracle of Delphi at the age of 14 and worked in his father's restaurant. His grandmother's family came from the same area and settled in Ohio, where she was born. His mother's grandfather came over from Thessalonica, Greece when he was 19 to study aeronautical engineering. Danny's great-grandparents fled from persecution by the Turks in the early 1900's from the Turkish village of Ordou to Canton, Ohio, where his grandmother was born. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Grand Rapids.
		MEGHAN UFKES (New Rochelle, Chorine): This is Meghan 's first production with GRCT. She was seen in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Les Miserables with East Grand Rapids High School. Her family is of Dutch and German descent. Her great grandmother had arrived in America by boat along with her ten brothers and sisters several years ago.
		BRENDAN J. VAN STEE (New Rochelle, Reporter): Brendan has performed in over 50 productions. A couple of his favorite are Bat Boy, Pacific Overtures, Berlin to Broadway, Jeffrey and Assassins with Actors Theatre; and Follies, Gypsy, Passion, Merrily We Roll Along, Whorehouse, Secret Garden, A Chorus Line and Big River at Circle. Brendan has also performed with Cherry County Playhouse, Opera Grand Rapids and Robeson Theatre. His last show with Civic Theatre was in the 1990 production of Annie Get Your Gun. Brendan works as a Fabric and Wallcovering Manager for J.T. French Company and as an Interior Designer with Duo Design. Brendan's family came from Amsterdam around 1870. Love you G.
		DAVID VAN ZYL (New Rochelle, Admiral Peary): David was last seen in Civic Theatre's Kiss Me Kate; among his other Civic Theatre credits are: Guys and Dolls, Schoolhouse Rock, Trixie True Teen Detective, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Scrooge, and Sweeney Todd. Other area credits include: Sweet Charity, Chicago, and Honk for Circle Theatre; Christmas Schooner, Floyd Collins, Pacific Overtures for Actor's Theatre; and appearances with Opera Grand Rapids, Diversity Theatre and Commercial Film work. David's mother's grandparents came to America in the late 1800's from Germany. Her paternal grandparents came from England in the late 1800's and settled in Port Sanilac, Michigan. My father's paternal grandparents came to America around the same time from the Netherlands.
		LAURIE RENAE VELDHEER (New Rochelle, Chorine): Laurie appears in her 11th show with GRCT. She first appeared in The King and I in 1996. Laurie has also been in The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Peter Pan (Wendy), and received a Grand Award nomination for The Children's Hour. Laurie has also been involved with Hope Summer Repertory, Jewish Theater, Circle Theater, and Actors' Theater, with whom she received a Grand Award for her portrayal of Shelly in Bat Boy. Laurie is a freelance audio and video talent. Her family emigrated to America from the Netherlands in 1848.
		SHAWN RANDALL WATKINS (New Rochelle, Policeman): Shawn made his theatrical debut in high school. Shawn has been seen in GVSU productions of Amahl and the Night Visitors, Into the Woods, and Saturn Returns, as well as in various opera scene workshops. This is Shawn's first GRCT production. Shawn is mostly Native American with a sprinkling of Scottish and German.
		JEANNIE WIARDA (Immigrant, Brigit): Jeannie is currently studying for a Masters of Social Work at Grand Valley University. She was mostly recently seen as the Doctor in The Velveteen Rabbit at GRCT. Prior to that she played Mrs. Greer in Civic's production of Annie. Jeannie has also performed with Creston High and Madison Square Church. Jeannie wishes to "thank Bill for being my best friend and my great support." Jeannie's paternal grandfather's ancestors emigrated from Germany and England, and settled in West Virginia as coal miners. Her paternal grandmother's ancestors are German and Sioux indian, also having settled in West Virginia. Her mother's family came from Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania and Michigan as farmers.