Wizard of Oz

Cast Photos and Bios

		Baileigh Aldrich (Munchkin) is returning to the GRCT stage, after appearing in Gypsy last spring as a "Balloon Girl." She is a second grader at Valley View Elementary. "Thank you, Penny, for making it so much fun to be in a show!"
		Sydney Aldrich (Munchkin) is back on the Civic stage only two months since her appearance as "Scout" in this season's production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Her other GRCT credits include the title role in The Adventures of Madeline and "Fan" in Scrooge: the Musical! "Thanks to my family for their encouragement and support and to Sherry Lee Allen and especially Penny and Charles for giving me this opportunity."
		Joseph Becherer (Ozian) last appeared at GRCT in Gypsy. He also was seen in Fiddler on the Roof with Heritage and Jewish Theatre. Joseph is in the 7th grade at St. Thomas the Apostle where he choreographed A Patchwork Quilt and appeared in many shows there. "Thank you to Stacy Tompson for watching the movie over and over with me."
		Moira Berglund (Toto) Nine-year-old Champion Merry Moira O'Cairnybrae S.E. is again playing the role of Toto, having appeared in the 2000 production of The Wizard of Oz. She is an AKC Champion and a Senior Earth Dog. Moira is no stranger to audiences having been shown at many dog shows. Owner Merry Berglund is delighted that Moira is a part of the cast. Her affection for Cairn Terriers began with Toto. Moira's handler is Mary Beecher, who has shown the dog in competition and qualified her to champion status. Moira will be alternating performances with Brittany Vetter.
		Anna Bockheim (Munchkin) is in the 1st grade at St. Thomas the Apostle. She enjoys piano, dance, soccer and playing with her friends.
		Fred Bogaert (Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz) is excited to be appearing in The Wizard of Oz. Fred reprised his role as Grandpa last season when he appeared again in You Can't Take It With You. He has also been in Civic productions of Annie, Camelot, and Inherit the Wind. Fred has served on GRCT's Board of Directors and was also awarded the Mitchell Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to Civic Theatre. Fred has appeared onstage in Morning's At Seven, Prisoner of Second Avenue, and Over the River and Through the Woods at Circle Theatre.
		Ali Carter (Poppy/Jitterbug Dancer) is making her Civic Theatre debut in The Wizard of Oz. She has 13 years of dance training and is a member of the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble. She is a Junior at East Grand Rapids High School where she has appeared in 42nd Street and Hello Dolly.
		Lorna Colon (Pit Singer/Ozian) has appeared at GRCT in Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and Harriet the Spy. She won best supporting actress in a musical for Smile at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, where she directed Pillow Talk and Rebel Without a Cause. She is a technician at Family Fare Pharmacy. "Much love to my family and Rolo."
		Alli Curley (Poppy/Jitterbug Dancer) is a senior at Forest Hills Northern High School where she is student government president, on the school crew team and is a national merit semi-finalist. Although appearing onstage at GRCT for the first time, Alli has been a member of the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble since 1995 and has danced at The Moving Company since 1992.
		Tyler Davis (Ozian/Winkie) has appeared in Cinderella ('03) and Scrooge ('04) with GRCT, as well as Coppelia with Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble. A graduate of Rockford High School, Tyler is attending Grand Rapids Community College and is employed at Star Theatre as a Service Supervisor. He would like to thank his family and friends, especially Tim, Lynn, and Jenn, for all their support during the show.
		John Diehm (Ozian/Winkie) first appeared at GRCT in Winnie the Pooh, since then he has been seen in Velveteen Rabbit, Cinderella, and Scrooge. He is a voice student of Sherry Lee Allen and a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts.
		Michael Eardley (Ozian/Winkie) is in the 11th grade at Catholic Central where he has appeared in Grease, Les Miserables, and Arms and the Man. He was a member of the MSVMA Michigan All-State Honors Choir. Michael is a produce clerk at D&W, and is excited to be appearing in his first show at GRCT. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support.
		Emma Doreen Gabites (Munchkin) is a third grader at Sylvan Christian Elementary School. Emma is currently enrolled in voice and gymnastics.
		Carolyn Gallmeyer (Poppie/Ozian) is in the 11th grade at East Grand Rapids High School where she appeared in Hello Dolly. She has been a part of Creative Arts Repertory Ensemble for 9 years.
		Isabelle Golczynski (Munchkin) has danced for 6 years with Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble and for 9 years with the Moving Company, training in ballet, tap and jazz. She is in the 6th grade at East Grand Rapids Middle School.
		Alicia Gosnell (Dorothy Gale) is appearing in her first production at GRCT. She is a sophomore at Cornerstone University where she played Jane in Jane Eyre. Previously, she has appeared in several productions with Home School Performing Arts. This past summer Alicia attended the American Singers Seminar, Musical Theatre Intensive with Douglas Webster. She would like to thank her family for their amazing support and dedicates her performance, as always, to God who has blessed her with such talents.
		Hannah Gosnell (Munchkin) is a home-schooled 6th grader. Hannah has appeared in The Music Man, Titanic, Annie and as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker (Home School Performing Arts), Gretel in The Sound of Music (Belding High School), and young Jane in Jane Eyre (Cornerstone University). "I thank my mom, dad, and siblings for support and Penny for casting me."
		Kate Gosnell (Pit Singer/Ozian) is appearing onstage at GRCT for the first time, although she is a member of GRCT's School of Theatre Arts. She has appeared in Jane Eyre: the Musical (Cornerstone University), Annie, The Miracle Worker, Titanic: The Musical, The Music Man, The Sound of Music and The Hiding Place (Home School Performing Arts). A senior, Kate attended MPulse 2005 Musical Theatre Workshop at the University of Michigan and plans to major in musical theatre in college. "Thanks to God, Mom, Dad and family and friends for all your love and support!"
		Austin Gridley (Munchkin) is in the 4th grade at Valley View Elementary School. He has appeared onstage with FRCP in The Nerd. Austin takes voice and piano lessons.
		Karenna Gridley (Munchkin) is appearing onstage for the first time, ever! She is in the 1st grade at Valley View Elementary School. Karenna gets to carry the ruby slippers!
		Julie Gritter (Poppy/Jitterbug Dancer/Dance Captain) is delighted to be returning to GRCT after appearing as a "munchkin" in the 2000 production of The Wizard of Oz. She has been a member of the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble (C.A.R.E) for nine years. She is also a member of the Moving Company's competition dance team. Julie, a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts, is a sophomore at Grand Rapids Christian High School.
		Stephen Grzybowski (Hunk/Scarecrow) just finished playing the lovable Snail (among other roles) in A Year with Frog & Toad. Also at GRCT, he has appeared in The Wizard of Oz ('00) and Cinderella ('03). Stephen has been seen in Beauty and the Beast, Androcles and the Lion, Treasure Island, Robin Hood and Princess and the Pea (Circle Theatre); Rocky Horror Show (Actor's Theatre); You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Thebes Players); and Pirates of Penzance and Romeo and Juliet (Master Arts Theatre). Stephen is a freelance artist. "Thanks to my friends, family, and to Penny for making a dream of mine come true."
		Kaci Hinkle (Tree) is appearing onstage at GRCT for the first time. An 11th grader at Rogers High School, she appeared in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and Harvey as well as Oklahoma and Fiddler on the Roof with Calvin Christian. Kaci takes voice lessons, dance lessons and has sung with the North American Choral Company.
		Stephen Hohendorf (Crow/Nikko) is appearing in his 10th show at GRCT. Others include: Free to be You and Me, Scrooge, The Yellow Boat, and The Wizard of Oz (Ô00) as the Munchkin Mayor. Stephen played Nathan in the national tour of The Full Monty. At Catholic Central, where Stephen is a 10th grader, he played Gavroche in Les Miserables. Stephen dances at the GR Ballet and The Moving Company. He is a winner of GRCT Kopka Seats Award and has won 2 gold medals at the Junior US Championship of Performing Arts.
		Will Hoyer (Ozian/Winkie) is in the 10th grade at City High. He most recently appeared in SRT's Aladdin as Iago and the Traveling Troupe production of Somebody Catch my Homework. He has also been seen in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown (West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics) and Our Town (Coopersville Community Theatre).
		Paul Hufstader (Zeke/Cowardly Lion) is appearing in his first production at GRCT. He has worked with the Chicago Opera Theatre and the Grant Park Symphony Chorus in Chicago. He attended DePaul University School of Music and the Goodman School of Drama. Paul is currently employed at Fox 17 WXMI. "Thanks to all my friends and family for the not-so-gentle nudge back to the stage."
		Connor K. Jewell (Munchkin-Coroner) is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. In the 6th grade at East Rockford Middle School, Connor appeared in The Music Man at Rockford High School as Barney, the tuba playing townskid.
		Silas Kachman (Munchkin-Mayor) is no stranger to GRCT, having appeared in Gypsy, Harriet the Spy and The Velveteen Rabbit. A 7th grader at City Middle School, Silas has appeared in several short films, as well as in the Bravo Awards for the GR Symphony. Silas would like to dedicate his performance to the memory of his grandmothers, Elsie Kachman and Janice Libman.
		Samantha Kemperman (Tree) first appeared on the GRCT stage at age 5 as a Baby Angel in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Since then, she has appeared in The Wizard of Oz ('00) as a munchkin, The Velveteen Rabbit (GRCT); Honk (Circle); The Music Man (Cherry County Playhouse). Samantha is in the 8th grade at City Middle School, where she has appeared in school plays.
		Shanna King (Poppie/Ozian) is in the 11th grade at Catholic Central where she has appeared in Grease and Les Miserables. She is a member of the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble, and has attended the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. "Thanks to my family and my eights for always being there."
		Teri Kuhlman (Pit Singer/Ozian) is happy to be performing for the first time in Grand Rapids after a 10 year break from theatre! At Circle Theatre, Teri worked crew for Beauty and the Beast and onstage in California in shows such as Once Upon a Mattress, Lil' Abner, Showboat, Music Man and Carousel. She is the Vice President of Business Administration at Infrastructure Alternatives. Teri is married to Bob and would like to say, "Thank you, honey, for encouraging me to Ôplay.'"
		Joe LaChappelle (Uncle Henry/Gatekeeper) feels blessed to have yet another opportunity to build a character in one of Ms. Notter's delightful family shows. Many thanks to Penny for a decade of mentoring and some sweet roles. Thanks to Andy, Stellard, Fry, and Madam for letting me hang around.
		Joy-Elizabeth Lawrence (Pit Singer/ Ozian) is appearing on the GRCT stage for the first time. A graduate of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota and Regent College in Vancouver, B.C., Joy has performed in A Wrinkle in Time, The Nerd, Rumors, and Blood Brothers to name a few. Joy works downtown at Spout LLC and is a freelance writer. She wishes to thank her husband, Justin, for encouraging her to audition and cleaning the bathroom during rehearsal.
		Mary Lehmann (Monkey) last appeared in Scrooge at GRCT. She has also been seen as the title role in Annie with the Flat River Community Players, in La Boheme with Opera Grand Rapids and is currently cast as Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden at GVSU. She is in the 7th grade at Mill Creek Middle School and takes voice and piano with Sherry Lee Allen.
		Noddea Moore (Auntie Em/Glinda) last lit up the Civic stage as Electra in Gypsy, her first show, ever! This past summer, she appeared as "Lina Darling" in Nine at Circle Theatre. The Campus Life Program Coordinator at Aquinas College, Noddea is also the Executive Director for the Miss Spirit of the State Scholarship Program. "Thanks to everyone who jumped up and down with me when I landed this role, and to the theatre community for welcoming me with open arms. This performance is for my Grandmas, and 12/17 is for you, Sara."
		Patrick Nowak (Munchkin) has participated in many GRCT summer theatre arts programs, but this marks his main stage debut. Patrick is in the 4th grade at Wealthy Elementary School and enjoys reading, writing and piano lessons.
		Chris Nye (Ozian/Winkie General) is appearing on stage for the first time, ever! He works for Wolverine Building Group selling and managing construction projects, and is the father of three daughters, Maggie, Julia and Natalie. "Thanks, girls, for your persuasive (and relentless) efforts to nudge me out of the audience and onto the stage. You said we would have tons of fun, and you were right!"
		Julia Nye (Munchkin) last appeared in Harriet the Spy at GRCT. A 4th grader at St. John Vianney, Julia is a member of the GRCT School of Arts, having taken TADC and dance with Melanie Brossiet and Mary Lohman.
		Maggie Nye (Flying Monkey) is happy to be back at the GRCT after her most recent appearance as "Harriet" in Harriet the Spy. She was also in Madeline. Maggie was seen recently in Circle Theatre's Nine as "Young Guido." She studies theatre at the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. Maggie has a black belt in Tae Kwan Do, takes vocal lessons with Sherry Lee Allen, takes ballet at Balletmore with Melanie Brossiet and likes playing the piano, knitting and crocheting. She is in 7th grade at St. John Vianney School. Maggie would like to thank her family for their support and Penny and Rodney for having such faith in her.
		Kylie Piette (Pit Singer/Ozian) is appearing onstage at GRCT for the first time, although she has worked crew on shows including Annie, Kiss Me Kate, Gypsy and Scrooge to name a few. She has also worked for Heritage and Circle Theatre. Kylie is a graduate of University of Michigan and is a Rights Representative for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. She is a past recipient of the GRCT 700+ Volunteer Hour Award. "I would like to dedicate this performance to my sister, the biggest Oz fan, and my mother."
		Mariel R. Pindar (Tree) has appeared at GRCT in The Velveteen Rabbit, Madeline, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and Harriet the Spy. Mariel also was seen in GVSU's Street Scene. She is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts and takes voice with Diane Penning. Mariel is in the 7th grade at Grandville Middle School. "Special thanks to Penny for believing in me and Sherry Lee for helping me. Thank you to my cousins; Jill, Alyssa & Kelly, all my friends at St. Anthony's & Team 74 at GMS. To Sydney, Josiah, Jenna and Morgan for ALWAYS supporting me."
		Jenna Pope (Crow) is no stranger to Civic, where she has appeared in many productions, including playing a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz (Ô00). Jenna has also worked with the Flat River Community Players, Ionia Community Theatre and Opera Grand Rapids. An 8th grader at Forest Hills Central Middle School, Jenna is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts and recently received the 700+ Hour Volunteer Award at GRCT. "Thank you to the sleepover buddies for your continuous support! Also, thanks to my parents for all their love, support, and for driving me everywhere!"
		Nicole Potter (Tree) is a senior at Forest Hills Central where she has appeared in Cinderella, Footloose, Bye Bye Birdie, Annie Get Your Gun and Fame. She has also performed with the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center Summerstock, Riverbend Players and Children's Creations. Nicole is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts.
		Kelli Ann Raymond (Monkey) is thrilled to be performing at Civic once again, having just appeared as Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. She has appeared in Velveteen Rabbit and The Women at GRCT. Kelli has also performed with Rogue River Theatre, Children's Creations and Rockford High School. A 5th grader at Crestwood Elementary School, Kelli has also done radio voiceovers. "I would like to thank my mom and dad for encouraging me in acting. I would also like to thank Penny Notter for helping me be my very best."
		Lucas Rollins-Page (Ozian/Winkie) was in the 2000 production of The Wizard of Oz as a munchkin. He has also appeared at GRCT in Cinderella ('03). Lucas has been performing with the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble since 1998, and is in the 11th grade at East Grand Rapids High School where he appeared in 42nd Street and Hello Dolly. He is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts.
		Brennan Smith (Poppie/Ozian) is a sophomore at East Grand Rapids High School where she appeared in Hello Dolly. Brennan has been a member of the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble for eleven years and performed in World Party 2000 at Van Andel Arena.
		Allie Soave (Flying Monkey) is in the 8th grade at Forest Hills Eastern. A member of GRCT School of Theatre Arts, Allie last appeared in Harriet the Spy at GRCT. She has also been seen in the GVSU short film, The Gospel According to Roy, and a school play called Safety Kids. She studies voice with Sherry Lee Allen, acting with Rick Hardenberg, and dance with Roxanna's Dance Academy. "I would like to thank all of my friends and family for supporting me. I would also like to thank Sherry Lee Allen for my audition and Penny for casting me again."
		David Solon (Munchkin/ Barrister) is appearing in his first production at GRCT. Davis is a member of the Civic's School of Theatre Arts. A 6th grader at Goodwillie Environmental School, David has also appeared at the Ladies Literary Club in the musical A Christmas Carol. Other interests include reading, skiing, and playing lacrosse. "I would like to thank my family for all their support, and especially Penny for helping to make one of my biggest dreams come true".
		Natalie Steers (Munchkin) is appearing in her first show at GRCT. A 4th grader at Kenowa Hills Alpine Elementary, Natalie takes ballet at GR Ballet and Suzuki piano lessons with Sue Crosser.
		Johnny Stellard (Hickory/Tinman) was first seen at GRCT in Scrooge ('99). Since then, he has appeared in The Wizard of Oz ('00) as a flying monkey, Cinderella ('03), Peter Pan, Scrooge ('04), and Gypsy to name a few. At Circle Theatre, he was featured in Beauty and the Beast. Johnny is a member of the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble. He attended MPulse 2005 Musical Theatre Workshop at the Univ. of Michigan and plans to major in musical theatre in college. "I'd like to thank Julia and Rob."
		Eva Switek (Almira Gultch/Wicked Witch of the West) is a veteran performer. She has performed at Civic Theatre in, Annie, Cinderella (Ô03), The Wind in the Willows, The Velveteen Rabbit, and many more. She has also performed at Circle Theatre, Actor's Theatre, LLC Classical Theatre, with New City Players, at the BOB in Tony & Tina's Wedding, Opera Grand Rapids, Red Barn Playhouse and Muskegon's Cherry County Playhouse. She was nominated for a Grand Award for her performances in Cinderella and Annie. She thanks her husband, Daniel, for his constant love and support in all that she does.
		Krissy Tobey (Pit Singer/Ozian) has appeared at GRCT in Cinderella ('03) and Lily's Purple Plastic Purse. At Circle Theatre she has performed in Baby and My Fair Lady. "Thanks and kisses to my hubby, without whom I'd never be able to be on stage."
		Emily Vandenberg (Poppy/ Ozian) is a junior at City High School, where she is a member of the forensics team and choreographed , Rough Crossings. She is also a member of Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble, which she has been performing with for 8 years. She would like to thank her family and friends (especially the eights!) for their continuing love and support.
		Brittany Vetter (Toto) is reprising her role as Toto, having appeared in the 2000 production of The Wizard of Oz. Brittany, who is now twelve, comes from a family of two retired Greyhounds. She was trained by Mary Hoving for obedience and Ellen Hiser for agility. Her owners, Christine and John Vetter, are delighted that their dog is Toto, again. After seeing a high school performance where Toto was performed by a child in a dog suit, Christine thought to her self, "My dog can do that!" Brittany and Moira Berglund are alternating performances.
		Hannah Wagner (Tree) has appeared previously at GRCT in Stuart Little, The Children's Hour, The Velveteen Rabbit, Cinderella and Aladdin (SRT). She is also a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. At Circle, Hannah appeared in Honk. Hannah is in the 10th grade at East Grand Rapids High School where she appeared in Hello Dolly.
		Jessica Warren (Tree) last appeared at GRCT in Velveteen Rabbit. Last summer she attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp where she played the lead role of "Elle" in Leader of the Pack. Other production credits include Hansel and Gretel (Rogue River Theatre), Bye Bye Birdie (Cherry Country Playhouse), Once on This Island (Rockford High School) and Street Scene (GVSU Opera Theatre). She is in the 9th grade at Rockford High School.
		Lauren Wilberding (Monkey) is in the 6th grade at Forest Hills Public Goodwillie Environmental School. She has appeared at GRCT in Velveteen Rabbit and Cinderella. Lauren takes piano, private voice, dance and is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. She also enjoys ski racing!
		Katie Wilson (Poppy/Jitterbug Dancer) is making her Civic Theatre debut in The Wizard of Oz. She has danced with the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble for 9 years. Katie is a sophomore at Grand Rapids Christian High School where she has appeared in 42nd Street.
		Elise Witt (Pit Singer/ Ozian) is making her third appearance on the Civic stage. She was seen in last season's productions of Scrooge and Gypsy. She has also been seen in Community Circle Theatre's 2003 production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Elise is a senior at Rockford High School and is employed as a stable hand at Charles Closser Paints & Quarter Horses.
		Cory Wolf (Ozian/Winkie) appeared in 14 shows at Jenison High School including Joseph and theÉ (Benjamin), Seussical the Musical (Cat in the Hat) and Little Shop of Horrors (Orin the Dentist). He is employed in replenishment at Kohls.
		Darla Wortley (Pit Singer/Ozian) most recently appeared as The Wardrobe in Beauty and the Beast at Circle Theatre. She has also been seen in La Boheme and Die Fledermaus for Opera Grand Rapids in 2005.
		Austin D. Zheutlin (Munchkin/Barrister) made a commercial in NYC for The Weakest Link game show, although this is his first time appearing onstage at GRCT. He is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. Austin has also appeared in a GVSU independent movie entitled The Gospel According to Roy. Austin is a fifth grader at Goodwillie Environmental School. He dedicates his performance to his teachers Mr. G and Ms. E, and the Meyer-Martin teaching team.
		Kokie Zimmermann (Munchkin) is in the 5th grade at Lakeside Elementary School where she has appeared in Schoolhouse Rock and Annie Jr. Kokie has danced with the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble. She has trained with the Moving Company in ballet, tap and jazz for the past 7 years.