GUYS AND DOLLS

Kasee Arnett (Costume Designer) A Southeastern Kentucky native and Michigan State University Alumna, with her MFA in Theatre Design, Kasee is serving her first season as costume designer with Michigan Stage. When she’s not traveling and designing, she’s managing the Costume Shop at Centre College in Danville, KY.

Blaire Baker* (Miss Adelaide) Blaire is absolutely thrilled to be at Michigan Stage for their inaugural season. A native of New York City, Blaire has been working as a professional actor for over a decade. Favorite credits include the national tour of Bullets Over Broadway, Queenie in The Wild Party (Short North Stage), and Betty Haynes in White Christmas (Oregon Cabaret Theatre). She wants to thank Tim and Rachel for trusting her with this iconic role - and all of you for coming to support, which helps opportunities like this continue! Find more about BB at blairebaker.com and @thequeenbeebs.

Jessica Boehmer (Mimi/Dance Captain) Jessica is thrilled to be making her Michigan Stage debut! She graduated with her BFA in Musical Theatre from Central Michigan University in 2022, and has performed on stages across Michigan and the United States. Favorite credits include Signe in Church Basement Ladies (Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre), Jerusha Abbott in Daddy Long Legs (Central Michigan University), Gwendolyn in The Odd Couple (Thumbcoast Live Theatres), and Louisa Cody in Wild West Spectacular (Rocky Mountain Dance Theatre). Endless love to Joe, her family and her friends for their constant support, and special thanks to YOU for supporting live theatre! @jessica.boehmer

Manda Borden (Hot Box Girl/Ensemble) Manda Borden is currently a local choir teacher, originally from Rochester, NY. Syracuse University - BFA. Thanks to my friends & family, y’all are okay I guess <3 @mandaborden

Frank S. Bublitz (Lt. Brannigan) Frank S. Bublitz thanks Michigan Stage and God for being able to be in his and his Dad Frank’s favorite musical! As an improv coach and writer, Frank also performs at several Michigan theaters.

Tianxuan Chen (Scenic and LX Designer) Xuan is a Chicago-based scenic and lighting designer graduated from Northwestern University with an MFA in stage design. Recent credits include: 2 Pianos 4 Hands (Northlight); The Prom (Mcleod Theatre); Women Beware Women (Blue in the Right Way). Xuan is the winner of the 2024 USITT Scenic Design Award.

Khenadi Christmas (Alison/General Cartwright/Ensemble) is so excited to be making their debut with Michigan Stage. Recent credits include: For Colored Girls... (Lady in Brown) and Head Over Heels (Pamela). New work credits include: All At Once by Jack McManus and Hot Spot by Amir Gad. More info at khenadichristmas.com. Endless thanks to UArts, the LINK Program, and their family & friends for making this possible. xo Now, let's shoot some craps!

Mariah Colby (Ensemble/Ferguson, Adelaide u/s) is a singer, actress and model based in Detroit. She obtained her BFA in Musical Theatre at Oakland University. Mariah was most recently seen in The Mamas and The Papas Concert at The Encore Musical Theatre, and as Anna in Spring Awakening at Flint Repertory Theatre. Other credits include: Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Cinderella in Into the Woods and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Thank you to friends and family for their constant love and support, enjoy the show! 

Taylor Congdon (Sarah) Taylor Congdon is a proud NYC based actor. She is honored to be in Michigan Stage's Inaugural season, and is incredibly inspired by all the excitement surrounding this wonderful show. Regional credits: Tipping Point Theatre, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Arden Theatre Company, People’s Light & Theatre Co, Inis Nua Theatre Company, NYC Winterfest, Centenary Stage Company. She will next be seen in The Playboy of the Western World at Inis Nua Theatre Company in Philadelphia this fall. Film: Statistical Probabilities (2024), Nobody Wants to Shoot a Woman (2024). She’d like to thank her family and her partner David for supporting her. www.taylorcongdon.com

Zach Deande (Ensemble/Calvin) Zach Deande from Dallas Tx, just graduated from Michigan State with his BFA in Acting, minors in musical theatre and dance. He wants to thank his friends and family for their support! @zacharydeande 

Casper Dickey (Big Jule) Casper Dickey is thrilled to be part of Michigan Stage’s debut summer season. From Metro Detroit, he is a rising senior at Kent State University pursuing a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. Past credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, The Prom, and A Funny Thing… Forum at Porthouse Theatre; Head Over Heels and Dance ‘23 – One World at Kent State; and Broadway’s Arts for Autism Benefit Concert at The Gershwin Theatre. Casper thanks his family for their love and support, as well as the Michigan Stage company for a wonderful summer experience! @casperdickey

Jai Downing (Asst. Stage Manager) Jai Downing is a 2024 graduate of Wylie E. Groves High School, and will be attending Northern Michigan University to major in Theater Design and Technology. After eight high school productions with Groves Performing Arts Company, they are excited to be working professionally on all three Michigan Stage productions this summer as a scenic designer, assistant stage manager, and build crew member.  

Alison English (Properties Designer) moved to Detroit in 2022 to pursue a rich, dynamic, and diverse theatre community. She has worked as a director, designer, and artist for over 10 years since graduating with a BA from Clarke University. Favorite director/designer credits: MSND, That Mighty Day!, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!.

Hailey Eriksen (Ensemble/Vernon) Hailey Eriksen is a Michigan based performer and teaching artist. She studied theatre and music at Michigan State University and is now going confidently in the direction of her dreams and living the life she's imagined! Her recent performance credits include The Play That Goes Wrong (Sandra), Pippin (Leading Player), and Godspell (Disciple). Hailey also spent the spring teaching Playlabs at Michigan Stage. She is thrilled to be to be a part of Guys and Dolls. Enjoy the show!

Lillian Fellows (Asst. Stage Manager) Lillian Fellows, a recent high school graduate, will be attending Wayne State University to pursue a major in music education. While Lillian has extensive experience performing on stage in over ten musicals and operas, she is new and determined to expand her horizons to working behind the scenes. Her backstage experience includes roles as an assistant director and assistant vocal director. She is excited embark on this journey as assistant stage manager.

Rachel Gary (Director/Choreographer) Rachel Gary is a New York City based director/choreographer and performer. Rachel received the Traube Fellowship from the SDC Foundation where she worked with director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell on Pretty Woman: The Musical. She has presented work in New York Theatre Barn’s Choreography Lab and Dance Lab NY’s Broadway Choreography Intensive. Rachel earned a BFA in Dance with a concentration in ballet from Webster University. Some favorite choreography credits include Rachael Lily Rosenbloom… (54 Below), Idle Hands and Racing Hearts (world premiere,) HONK!, and The Pajama Game (Webster Conservatory), Jesus Christ Superstar (Young Artists Ensemble). Asst. Choreographer: Pirates of Penzance, Broadway Bounty Hunter (Barrington Stage Company), Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan (Variety Theatre). www.rachel-gary.com @rachiedancer5678

Abigail Gearhart (Sound Designer) Abigail has worked for Interlochen Arts Academy, Detroit Country Day Schools, and more. Her most notable works include her work as a sound designer for Oakland University's production of Bluestockings, which she received the KCACTF Design, Technology and Management Legacy Award for Sound Design.

Collin Gregory (Ensemble) Collin is a high school student who is excited to be apart of Guys and Dolls as ensemble this summer, with just only being in 5 school-produced shows throughout his life. He loves stepping out of the box and trying new things, and that's what eventually led to him landing here at Michigan Stage's summer season of 2024. He's always busy testing out new waters in the theater world with new environments, shows, jobs, and loves meeting new people. Although just an underclassmen, he is striving to pursue his passions with a career in film when he gets older.

Mark Hammell (Arvide) MBT (Christmas Carol, Tintypes), PNT (Baker’s Wife, Drowsy Chaperone), WLO (Most Happy Fella, Sweeney Todd, Titanic), Planet Ant (Buried Child).  Love to the Beaz. 

Linda Rabin Hammell (Pickpocket, Havana Bartender, Hot Box M.C.) Linda has appeared on stages from hometown Philly to Cambridge MA to Brooklyn NY, and in Michigan at such venues as Open Book, Obsidian Theatre Festival, Detroit Rep, The Ringwald, Matrix, Performance Network, Jewish Ensemble, The New Theatre Project, Blackbird, Penny Seats, Abreact, Puzzle Piece, The Dio, and Shakespeare Royal Oak. More recently, she’s branched into podcasts and indie films (including two festival-fave shorts with your irrepressible Nicely Nicely, Sam Meier). Linda welcomes everyone to Mich Stage’s inaugural season and hopes it becomes your family’s new tradition. Much love to the Dood (a/k/a Arvide).

Christian Harward* (Sky) A native of Virginia Beach, VA, Christian found his way to New York City in February 2017 after receiving his Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from Old Dominion University. Since his arrival, he has traversed around the country and has performed at The Kennedy Center, the Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, aboard the Carnival Triumph, and many more stages. Currently finishing his last semester at NYU Steinhardt.

John Alexander Hatcher (Benny) is very excited to make his debut in Michigan Stage's inaugural professional season. John earned his B.A. in Theatre Performance at Fordham University. Most recently seen in RENT as Benny with the Downriver Actors Guild, his other credits include The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Daniel), Magnolia (Samuel), and El Desvarío (Andrés). When he’s not acting you’ll find him teaching K-5 or making candles. Thank you friends and family for being such a stellar support system!

Alissa Hetzner (Music Director) Alissa Hetzner is an adjunct faculty member for the musical theatre department at Oakland University. In addition to her musical direction of many shows, vocal coaching and accompanist duties at Oakland, Alissa has worked as a musical director/accompanist/vocalist for numerous professional/regional, college and community productions in the mid-Michigan area. Recent productions include A Little Night Music and Jesus Christ Superstar. She is also Director of music ministries at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Frankenmuth.  

Aaron Jackson (Ensemble) Aaron Jackson is an eighteen year old Singer/Actor who is currently based in the Michigan area, he’s done numerous productions at Community Centers & at his High School (North Farmington High School) which gave him the opportunity to perform at the Sutton Foster Awards here in Michigan. Aaron is excited to be here and hopes you enjoy the show!

Grace LaFave (Ensemble/Dance Captain) Grace has recently graduated from Churchill High School, where she participated in the CAPA program. She is excited to start her BFA in musical theatre at Oakland University in the fall and sends love to her family for their consistent support <3.

Trudy Leigh Gechter (Martha) Trudy is so excited to be apart of Michigan Stage’s inaugural season. Trudy is 17 and a rising Senior at Bloomfield Hills High School. She would like to thank the production team for making this show possible along with all of the volunteers who contributed to the show. She would also like to thank her teachers, family, and friends for being so supportive of her on this Journey. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Nan Luchini (Production Stage Manager) Recent: Lincoln Center Damrosch Park. Opera: San Diego, Annapolis, Tulsa, Pensacola, Naples, Palm Beach, New Orleans, Teattro Grattacielo, Carolina, Grand Rapids, Atlanta, Florentine.  Upcoming: Detroit Opera House La Traviata, University of Michigan Fall 2024 Guest Lecturer/Mentor of Stage Management.  Thank you D and Nevaeh for your continued love and support. 

Benjamin Lurye* (Nathan) has been seen recently in The Last Five Years (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), as Fabrizio in The Light in the Piazza (Opera in the Heights), as Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd (TUTS), and as Max in A Comedy of Tenors (Bristol Riverside Theatre). He’s also been seen at the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Olney Theatre, Rep Stage, Virginia Rep, and many more. CONCERT: National Symphony Orchestra: Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Ben Folds and Mo Willems; Lawton Philharmonic: On The Town (Gabey). EDUCATION: BM in Voice Performance, University of Maryland. Online: benlurye.com; IG: @ben_lurye_sings_high.

Lauren Mattison (Ensemble) Lauren is a locally-based student, with credits including Chicago, Newsies, Matilda, H.M.S. Pinafore, Hansel and Gretel, and Annie. Lauren is thrilled to be working with Michigan Stage, and she would like to thank all of the production staff, crew, and fellow cast members for making this possible!

Sam Meier (Nicely) Michigan Stage teaching artist Sam Meier is a writer, award-winning indie film producer, and comedian. Rolling Stone-reviewed as “outrageously irritating”. Follow Sam on Instagram @sammeiercomedy.

Tim Paré (Director/Choreographer) Named ‘23 Humanities Champion of the Year for the entire state of Michigan and a ‘24 member of Oakland County Together 40 under 40, Tim previously served as Director of Education for the Tony Award winning Barrington Stage Company in the Berkshires, managing the nationally acclaimed Playwright Mentoring Project, recipient of the Coming Up Taller award. A graduate of Michigan State University. 

Hayley Pulizzi (Hair and Makeup Designer) is a Detroit-based theater artist, drag queen, makeup artist, and marketing manager. Regional Theatre Credits include: Evil Dead: The Musical (Linda), Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth Benning), Off Broadway: Stained Glass, an original drag musical premier. @hayleypulizzi/@missroseritz

Michael Richards (Harry, u/s Sky) Michael is so excited to work with Michigan Stage for their inaugural season! Born and raised in Jackson, Michigan, he is now a New York based actor and recently received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Central Michigan University. Select credits include: Off-Broadway: Wizard of Oz, The Magical Journey of Arlekina - Regional: Anything Goes, Escape to Margaritaville, Groundhog Day, Eurydice, and Rock of Ages. He gives the biggest thank you to his family, friends, teachers, and collaborators, who have given him endless support. All glory to God! Enjoy the show! Keep up with Michael on Instagram at @michael.richards_

Haley Sherman (Ensemble) Haley is so excited for her first production with Michigan Stage! When outside of the theater, Haley loves to sing, play piano, paint or draw. She wants to thank her directors, and cast for a great show, as well as her parents and family for supporting her dreams! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Cathy Skutch McDonald (Rusty) is delighted to make her Michigan Stage debut in the inaugural summer season. Her favorite past roles include Little Becky in *Urinetown*, Ado Annie in *Oklahoma*, Christmas Present in *A Christmas Carol*, Charity in *Barnum*, Marta in *Company*, Connie in *A Chorus Line*, Lexie in *Rent*, Hunyak in *Chicago*, Minnie Fay in *Hello Dolly*, and Nellie in *Jekyll & Hyde*. By day, Cathy serves as an Associate Principal at Bloomfield Hills High School. She extends heartfelt thanks to Tim and Rachel for this extraordinary opportunity and sends much love to her partner, Jordan, and her beloved boys, Thatcher and Ewan.

Joe Smentowski (Angie) Joe is currently receiving his BFA in Acting from Wayne State University. Select credits include The Rocky Horror Show (Frank-N-Furter), Amelie (Joseph), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Barfee), Fly By Night (Joey Storms) and Spring Awakening (Ernst).

Diana Penaloza-Vargas (Ensemble) Diana Penaloza-Vargas is a Mexican actress born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where growing up she was captivated by the telenovelas that she would watch with her grandmother. She attended Lincoln Park High School where she performed as the lead actress in the musical Do You Wanna Dance, sparking her love of theater and performing. Since beginning her acting career, Diana has been involved in several ongoing movie, TV, and short film productions based in the city of Detroit. She hopes to continue to help cultivate the growing performing arts culture in Southeast Michigan.

Gabi Wild (Ensemble) This is Gabi's first time performing with Michigan Stage and she is thrilled to be here. A rising junior at Stevenson High School, she had been performing since she was 2 years old. She started with dance and moved to theater in 2019. She's always loved performing and is so excited to share the magic of live theater with you all! Apart from theater, Gabi is an honor roll student and is actively involved with her school's HOSA competition group.

Deirdre Wolf (Agatha, u/s Sarah) Deirdre Wolf is thrilled to be part of Michigan Stage's inaugural season. Recent credits: Spring Awakening (Watering Hole Collective in TX), Dogfight and Funny Girl (University of Michigan). Love and eternal thanks to Dad, Noah, the McMorgans, and viewers like you. Thank you! @_deirdrewolf