Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing

Cast Photos and Bios

Sophie Bolen   Sophie Bolen (Jenny/Kate) is jumping from 2 years of GRCT Kidsplay Kamp to the Meijer Majestic stage! She played one of Aslan's followers in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with the Thebes Players in Lowell. Though she's currently a first grader at Ada Elementary, Sophie appeared with Forest Hills Central High School in the two musicals Footloose and Annie Get Your Gun.
Jay Brooks   Jay Brooks (George Vincent) is performing again on the GRCT stage, having last been seen in The Music Man. Jay has volunteered in many shows at the Civic Theatre, both onstage and off. He has enjoyed acting on stage and as a freelance talent since he was nine years old. Jay owns Affinity Marketing Services and is responsible for designing many of the promotional materials for the Civic Theatre.
Michael Dodge   Michael Dodge (Mr. Yarby/Sally's dad) has recently moved to the GR area from Dallas, TX. There he performed with the Fig Theatre Company in such shows as J.B., Dearly Departed, and Dirty Work at the Crossroads. Michael was also a member of Holiday Cheer, a Victorian caroling group. His other interests include radio theater and directing. This is his first show with GRCT, and since it's a children's show, he says it's OK to call him "Mike."
Joy Fledderjohann   Joy Fledderjohann (Dr. Brown/Murray's mom) has previously appeared on GRCT's stage in The Wizard of Oz and The Music Man. She was a theatre minor at Northern Stage University and worked with Theatre L'Homme Dieu in Minnesota. In Grand Rapids, Joy has also performed with Heritage Theatre in The Fantastics and Devour the Snow.
Sarah Homrich   Sarah Homrich (Nurse/Janet) is making her GRCT debut, though she's no stranger to Grand Rapids theatre. Sarah played the Strawberry seller in Circle's Oliver! this summer, and just finished her role as Joanie Lish in The Full Monty there. Previously, she appeared as Alice and Mrs. Winthrop in GVSU's opera theatre production of The Secret Garden.
Bryce Hutson   Bryce Hutson (Peter Warren Hatcher) is a 6th grader at East Rockford Middle School. He's had no formal acting training, but is a voracious reader – even bringing books to rehearsal! Bryce has also appeared in productions at his church since he was "really little." This, and having already been through the fourth grade have given him the life experience to understand and handle such a challenging first role at GRCT!
Cassidy Keenan   Cassidy Keenan (Sam/Sally) is in 2nd grade at Alward Elementary School. She's been dancing for over 5 years. Cassidy performed at DeVos Hall with Harbor Choral Festival earlier this year. This is her first show with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.
Michael Kohlenberger   Michael Kohlenberger (Mr. Berman/Ambulance Driver) debuted with GRCT in last Fall's To Kill A Mockingbird. He's been a member of GRCT's School of Theatre Arts since last Winter Term. Michael has also appeared in Lost in Yonkers with Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids. Back at GVSU, he was a in the Student Theatrical Arts Build for Entertainment.
Jillian Langford   Jillian Langford (Sheila Tubman) is a 5th grader at Wealthy Elementary and has been involved in the GRCT School of Theatre Arts since 2003. She's appeared in two productions with GRCT's Theatre Arts Day Camp: The Restless Quest in 2005, and The Moppet Show this past summer. Jillian was an emcee at Wealthy Elementary's 2006 Talent Show!
Joshua John Menhart   Joshua John Menhart (Fudge) is in Kindergarten at West Oakview Elementary School. Though he hasn't taken any acting classes, his grandma thought he should try out because he's always acting around the house. Josh doesn't have a turtle, but he does have two hermit crabs!
Michelle Mucha   Michelle Mucha (Anne Hatcher) first appeared with GRCT as Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet. Since then, she's performed in Richard II and The Crucible with Heritage Theatre, and The Adventure of Treasure Island at Circle Theatre. Michelle has also been in several short films and been a voice talent use in radio and audio tour recordings. Michelle says that she attended High School "back when we rode dinosaurs to school" and was in several productions even back then.
Edward Jay Nelson   Edward Jay Nelson (Warren Hatcher) has performed with most area theatres: Actors', Ladies Literary Club, Madame Babe's Dinner Theatre, and Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids. His first role at GRCT was in A Flea in her Ear back in 1992! Since then he's appeared onstage in Alice Through the Looking Glass, City of Angels, Winnie the Pooh, The Velveteen Rabbit, The Boxcar Children, Kiss Me Kate, and Cinderella. Ed has also been in three of GRCT's Traveling Troupe productions, and teaches musical theatre and acting at our School of Theatre Arts.
Karan Petkus   Karan Petkus (Mrs. Yarby/Katie's mom/Dr. Cone) goes way back in her love of theatre. While involved in High School Drama, she placed third in her state for a Dramatic Duet. In college at the University of Oklahoma, where she majored in Biology, Karan was part of the college radio station team. This is her first show with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.
Alejandro Lewin Potter   Alejandro Lewin Potter (Jimmy Fargo) is in 7th grade at City/Middle High School. This is his first role at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. His training in preparation for appearing on the GRCT stage has been with Master Arts Theatre's summer camps for the past several years.
Kevin Seville   Kevin Seville (Ralph/Murray) has taken classes at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre's School of Theatre Arts. He is currently in the 2nd grade at Millbrook Christian Elementary School. He really likes video games and his Game-boy – very appropriate for someone appearing in this show!