Oklahoma!

Cast Photos and Bios

		Jeff Alexander (Curly) is making his Grand Rapids Civic Theatre debut! He has performed in many other shows including Grease, in which he played the role of Kenickie, Bye Bye Birdie as Conrad Birdie, and Here's Love as Billy, all with Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. He also appeared in Some Like It Hot, Oliver!, and Bye Bye Birdie in high school. Jeff is employed at W.S. Reed Company as an account manager and sings with his Church Choir at St. Mary's in Spring Lake.
		Joe Becherer (Sam) is appearing in his third show here at the Civic. He was also seen in Gypsy and The Wizard of Oz ('05). Other community theatre experiences include playing The Artful Dodger in Circle Theatre's Oliver! last May and appearing in Fiddler On the Roof with Grand Rapids Heritage/Jewish theatre groups. Joe is in the eighth grade at St. Thomas School where he has worked on many shows as well. "Thanks to my family and friends for all of your love and support."
		Kyle Burton Black (Jess/ Dream Curly) is appearing in his second show here at Civic. He also appeared in our 2005 production of You Can't Take It With You. Kyle has also appeared in Esther, the Musical and Fiddler On the Roof with the Jewish Theatre, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Kyle also appeared in Honk!, The Fantasticks, and Meet Me In St. Louis with Cornerstone University. Previously, Kyle worked with Fox Films in Los Angeles and has produced many independent films and music videos. Kyle is presently employed as a Producer at Landmark Productions and teaches at Ada Dance Academy.
		Jay Brooks (Cord Elam) is performing again on the Civic stage, having last been seen in our children's production Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Jay has volunteered in many shows at the Civic over the past seven years, both onstage and off, including The Music Man, Scrooge, Peter Pan, Dearly Departed, and others. Jay has enjoyed acting on stage and as a freelance talent since he was nine years old. In addition to acting, Jay has written and produced a few one-act plays and several training and promotional videos. Jay owns Affinity Marketing Services, which is responsible for designing many of the promotional materials for the Civic Theatre.
		Tyler Davis (Jeff) is appearing in his sixth show at Civic. He was last seen in this season's productions of Peter Pan and A Chorus Line, and has appeared in The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella and Scrooge, also with GRCT, as well as Coppelia with Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble, and Oliver! with Circle Theatre. At Rockford High School, he performed in Hello Dolly, Guys and Dolls and Bye Bye Birdie. Tyler is employed at Star Theatre where he works as a Film Crew Lead and Trainer. "I would like to thank my family and friends for all their support during the show."
		Alicia Gabrielle Gosnell (Vivian) was last seen in Civic's production of The Music Man in 2006 and The Wizard of Oz, in which she played the part of Dorothy. Alicia appeared in Cornerstone University's production of Jane Eyre as the title role. She has appeared in countless shows with the Homeschool of Performing Arts and was in The Pirates of Penzance with Master Arts Theatre. Alicia attended the American Singers Seminar in 2005, a musical theatre intensive in Colorado. Alicia is employed as a Barista for Starbucks. "I would like to thank my family and Christopher for all of their love and support as well as God who has blessed me in so many ways."
		Bob Gosnell (Ike Skidmore) is appearing in his third show at Civic, most recently in this season's Peter Pan and also in last season's The Music Man. When not on stage, Bob maintains a chiropractic practice in Belding along with a farm where he and his wife raise national show quality alpacas and dairy goats. "Great to share the stage with Alicia again, and a big thank-you and love to Leslie and Hannah for their sacrifice as I ‘play!'"
		Kaci Hinkle (Laurey) was last seen in A Chorus Line at Civic Theatre. Other credits include The Wizard of Oz here at Civic and The Fantasticks with Heritage Theatre Group, in which she played the role of Luisa. She has also appeared in Cinderella, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Harvey at Rogers High School, and Oklahoma! at Calvin Christian High School. Kaci is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. Next year she will major in Musical Theatre at Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music. "Thanks to my parents for giving me complete support in everything I do. I love you!"
		Will Hoyer (Chalmers) was last seen in GR Civic Theatre's production of Peter Pan as Tootles. Other Civic credits include The Wizard of Oz ('05) and Traveling Troupe's Somebody Catch My Homework, as well as the Summer Repertory Theatre shows Really Rosie and Aladdin Jr. Will was also seen in Circle Theatre's Oliver! last May. Will is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts and is in the 11th grade at City High.
		Paul Hufstader (Andrew Carnes) was last seen in The Music Man here at Civic and as the Cowardly Lion in our 2005 production of The Wizard of Oz. He appeared in Oliver! at Circle Theatre, 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.
		Ice (the horse) is making his theatrical debut. He is a nine-year-old Appaloosa and has competed in both dressage and hunt-seat. Ice is very excited about his new career in acting and would like to thank the equine community, but especially his trail-mates Gully, Scout, and Seneca for the many miles, and loving bites and kicks they have shared.
		Kathie Johnson (Kate) first appeared on stage at Civic in The Music Man last year, but has worked as a costumer for the past two years for our Summer Repertory Theatre. Other community theatre credits include Esther the Musical with Jewish Theatre, Artspeaks with Forest Hills, and several shows with theatres in Chicago. She has worked as a professional costumer for local film companies, public museums, and Grand Rapids and Ada dance studios. Kathie is self-employed as a costumer. "I would like to thank Ada Dance, Marlene & Ken, Kathy Wagner, my mom and all of her theatre inspiration and my family, Brandon, Alex, and York."
		Casey Jones (Will Parker) is appearing in his first show at Civic! At West Catholic High School he appeared in Guys & Dolls as Benny Southstreet, Once Upon a Mattress as Prince Dauntless, and Oklahoma! as Curly. Casey is a freshman at Grand Valley State University and works with a great group at Mill Creek Tavern on West River Drive. "I want to thank my siblings, especially my sister, Jessica, and above all, I want to thank my parents for their love and support."
		Rebecca Link (Lizzie) is making her Civic debut. She is a teacher at the School of the Grand Rapids Ballet and danced professionally with the company for 4 years. She also danced with Ballet Theatre of Boston, American Repertory Ballet Company and Granite State Ballet Company. She also danced the part of Dream Laurey in Oklahoma! with Reagle Players in Waltham, MA. Rebecca trained with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. "I would like to thank Melanie and my students for their understanding."
		Mary Lohman (Dream Laurey/Aggie) was most recently seen in A Chorus Line this past fall where she played the role of Cassie. Mary first performed at GRCT in Carousel ('82). Since then she has appeared in many other shows, including Annie, Oliver!, The King and I, Guys and Dolls, and The Red Shoes, all at Civic, Fame at Circle Theatre, and West Side Story and Aida with Opera Grand Rapids. Mary received dance training in New York, Boston and St. Louis and danced with the Hartford Ballet and Kintz Ensemble. She is also a former member of The Grand Rapids Ballet Company where she danced principal roles in ballets such as Dracula and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
		Brian Martin (Fred) is no stranger to GRCT having last appeared in A Chorus Line. Other Civic credits include The Music Man, Ragtime, Velveteen Rabbit, Peter Pan, Stuart Little, Free To Be You and Me and Scrooge ('99). This past summer Brian played the role of Pip in Moby Dick! The Musical at Circle Theatre. Brian attends Rogers High School where he has appeared in Cinderella and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and is currently working on Little Shop of Horrors. Brian is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts.
		Andrea Mathews (Ado Annie Carnes) is appearing in her first GRCT show but is no stranger to the stage. She appeared in Annie Get Your Gun as Annie and in Gypsy as Gypsy/Louise at Muskegon Civic Theatre. She has also been seen in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as The Narrator with Dogwood Theatre and played Percy in The Spitfire Grill with Central Park Players. Andrea works at Family Financial Credit Union. "I love you to my daughter, Madalynn Star, Steve, Karen, and opening night family trio!"
		Justin Nardecchia (Ali Hakim) was last seen playing the role of Paul in A Chorus Line here at Civic. He also appeared in Always… Patsy Cline and Kiss Me Kate at GRCT. He has also been featured in My Fair Lady and Beauty and The Beast at Circle Theatre. Justin has performed with local theatre in Detroit, his hometown. He has also done various commercials in Grand Rapids and the Metro Detroit area. Justin is majoring in Communication and music at Aquinas College.
		Brian Panse (Slim) is appearing in his first Civic Theatre show. He has been seen in numerous shows at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, including Anything Goes as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, Little Shop of Horrors, Cats, The Music Man, and 42nd Street. Brian was also seen in Aquinas College's productions of Marvin's Room and Godspell. He was involved in High School Forensics, in which his multiple was the state champ. Brian is a Senior at Western Michigan University.
		Kallie Pershon (Gertie) was first seen in Trixie True, Teen Detective here at Civic and since then has been seen in The Wizard of Oz ('00), Scrooge, Peter Pan and Cinderella. Other credits include Robin Hood with Circle Theatre and LuAnn Hampton Laverty Oberlander with Grand Rapids Community College. Kallie is in her second year at Grand Rapids Community College where she is majoring in Psychology.
		Kylie Piette (Sylvie) Is appearing in her second show onstage at Civic. She has also been seen in last season's The Wizard of Oz and as Mrs. White in East Kentwood Alumni Performers production of Clue: the Musical. She is also very active backstage, most recently assistant stage managing Civic's productions of Peter Pan, A Chorus Line, The Music Man, and The Odd Couple. She has also worked on crew for many shows here at Civic and at Circle Theatre. Later this season, she will be stage managing One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at Civic. Kylie will also be directing Little Shop of Horrors at Rogers High School with her good friend Amie.
		Katie Rancourt (Charlotte) first appeared on the Civic Stage in Madeline in 2003 and has since appeared in Gypsy as Baby June and The Music Man, and Circle Theatre's 2006 production of Oliver!. She recently appeared in the 2006 Ravinia Festival's production of Gypsy starring Patti LuPone, in which she played the part of Baby Louise. Katie has appeared in 2 High School Summerstock productions including Peter Pan and Pinocchio. Katie is a 7th grader at Pinewood Middle School.
		Kelly Ryder (Prudence/ Ballet Dancer) is appearing in her first show here at Civic! She is originally from Ludington, where she was in The Christmas Schooner, The Music Man, To Kill a Mockingbird (as Scout), and A Winnie the Pooh Christmas (as Piglet). She has also performed in the ballets’ The Nutcracker and Cinderella. At Ludington High School, Kelly was in The Diary of Anne Frank, and Guys and Dolls. Kelly has been dancing with Letha Fulton’s School of Dance for 16 years and appeared at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom with the "Sound Explosion" showchoir. She’s a Sophomore at GVSU where she is a Communications major and a dance minor.
		Jamie Staley (Isaiah) recently appeared in Peter Pan as Michael Darling here at Civic. He also just started rehearsals for the Traveling Troupe and was seen in last Season's The Music Man as Winthrop. Jamie plays soccer, takes voice lessons with Aaron Bouwman, and plays the saxophone. Jamie is a 6th Grader at North Rockford Middle School and is a member of the GRCT School of Theatre Arts. "I want to thank my family for their support, Aaron Bouwman for my voice lessons, and my best friend Maggie for the dance moves you taught me, and to God, who makes everything possible!"
		Chelsea Swanderski (Ellen/Ballet Dancer) is returning to the Civic stage after being seen as Maggie in A Chorus Line. She has been involved in numerous off-Broadway shows and musical theatre classes in New York City. Other credits include Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie and Rosemary in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Chelsea holds the title of Miss Spirit of The State Teen 2005 and was first runner up to Miss Michigan Teen in 2003. Her dance training came from Flex Point Performing Arts Center. She is a special education major at GVSU.
		Steven Taber (Jud Fry) first appeared on the Civic stage in Journey's End and since then has been seen in shows such as Gypsy, A Year With Frog and Toad, and Annie Get Your Gun among many others. At Actors' Theatre he performed in A Man of No Importance, Pacific Overtures, and Assassins, which earned him a Grand Award nomination, and many others. Steve is a project manager for Postworks, where he is the editor of Come On Over, a children's TV Show that airs Saturday mornings on WOTV4. He has also served as a past president of the Actors Theatre's Board of Directors.
		Nancy Wagner (Aunt Eller) is making her Civic debut, but is no stranger to the stage! She has performed in numerous productions around the country, including Minneapolis Children's Theatre Company's national tour of Little Women as Meg, Grease (Paul Bunyon Players), The Philadelphia Story (Punchinello Players), 1918 (Actors Co-op) and Ten Little Indians (Burnsville Theatre). Nancy is a SAG member and her television credits include Carol and Company, Home Improvement, Midas Valley and Puss in Boots, and she was seen in the film Pastime. Nancy received her BFA in theatre from the University of Evansville and her MFA in Acting from the University of Iowa and she performed in many shows during her time at both schools.
		Colleen Weibel (Virginia) is appearing for the first time on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre stage! She 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.
		Katie Wilson (Prissy/Ballet Dancer) is returning to the Civic stage after appearing in last season's The Wizard of Oz. She is a member of the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble where she appeared in Cinderella as the Fairy Godmother and A Midsummer Night's Dream as Titania's Retinue. Katie is a Junior at Grand Rapids Christian High School where she has appeared in 42nd Street and Beauty and the Beast.
		Amanda Wright (Nellie) was first seen at Civic in Cinderella in 2003. Since then she has appeared in The Music Man, Oliver! at Circle Theatre, and Metamorphosis with Heritage Theatre. She has appeared in numerous productions with Cornerstone University as well as at St. John Vianney School where she is in 5th grade. She is a freelance voice talent, and she has been recording songs for School Zone for the past 18 months and is currently working on Touched By An Angel. "Thanks to Melanie and Mary Ann for all their great support."