Tuesday, September 7, 2010
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SHOWS: Promises, Promises Cast
 
BEN NORDSTROM (Chuck Baxter)
Ben is pleased to return to STAGES where he has been seen regularly since 2001. Representative STAGES credits include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Seymour), FOOTLOOSE (Ren), and SHE LOVES ME (Arpad). In and around St. Louis, Ben has been seen in Temp Theatre’s GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!, TITLE OF SHOW and URINETOWN at The Rep, MARY’S WEDDING and THE UGLY ONE at Echo, SAY YOU LOVE SATAN at HotCity, and INTO THE WOODS and THE PHILADELPHIA STORY at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre. Regional and Off-Broadway credits include AMADEUS at Great Lakes, EQUUS at the Alley, and CITY OF DREAMS at EST. Ben made his solo cabaret debut in March 2009 at the Kranzberg and will bring a new show to the Sheldon Concert Hall in October 2010. Much love to Kristen and Sam. [TOP]
 

TARI KELLY (Fran Kubelik)
Tari happily returns to STAGES after playing Janet Van De Graaff in last season’s hit THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Broadway credits include HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (Mama Who), THE BOY FROM OZ (Trio/u.s. Liza Minnelli), and Hal Prince’s SHOW BOAT (u.s. Ellie and Kim Ravenal). National Tour credits include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Audrey), SHOW BOAT (Ellie), and Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Silly Girl/u.s. Babette). Tari has also appeared Off-Broadway as Chrissie in STREAKIN’. Regional favorites include Sally Bowles in CABARET, Millie in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Jeff nomination), Reno Sweeney in ANYTHING GOES, Velma Kelly in CHICAGO, Winnifred in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Leonide in TRIUMPH OF LOVE, and Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA. Visit www.tarikelly.com for more information. [TOP]

 

MICHAEL HALLING (J. D. Sheldrake)
Michael is happy to be back at STAGES where he was last seen as Jerry Lukowski in THE FULL MONTY (Kevin Kline nomination). Broadway credits include A TALE OF TWO CITIES (Gaspard), THE PAJAMA GAME (Cyrus, u/s for Harry Connick, Jr.) at the Roundabout Theatre; THE BOY FROM OZ (Standby for Hugh Jackman), IN MY LIFE (Nick), and THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL. Michael has also appeared at New York City Opera in CANDIDE and in the National Tours of LES MISERABLES (Enjolras) and THE FULL MONTY (Teddy Slaughter). Off-Broadway credits include THE STREETS OF NEW YORK (Mark Livingstone) at The Irish Rep. Regionally, Michael has been seen in HEAVEN’S MY DESTINATION (George Brush) at Cleveland Playhouse and in principal roles at regional and stock theatres across the country. B.A.: University of Minnesota. [TOP]

 

RICHARD PRUITT (Dr. Dreyfuss)
Richard is delighted to make his debut with STAGES this season. Broadway credits include ON THE WATERFRONT (which closed after one week) and 42ND STREET (which kept him busy for over three years). Off-Broadway credits include BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL and WICKED PHILANTROPY. Richard performed in MACBETH and A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at Cincinnati Playhouse, THE BAKER’S WIFE and CARNIVAL at Paper Mill Playhouse, TARTUFFE and OF MICE AND MEN at Barter Theatre, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, H.M.S. PINAFORE, GREAT EXPECTATIONS, COMPULSION, and many others at various regional theatres. Proud member of Actors’ Equity for over 35 years. [TOP]

 

EDWARD JUVIER (Mr. Dobitch)
A Brooklyn resident, Edward is happy to be back in St. Louis and celebrating his 4th season with STAGES! Previous appearances at STAGES include Aldolpho in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Nicely-Nicely in GUYS AND DOLLS, Marcellus Washburn in THE MUSIC MAN, Sancho Panza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, and The Mad Hatter in Disney’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Edward has also appeared in the Broadway and National Tour productions of LES MISERABLES, FANNY (York Theatre), TRIUMPH OF LOVE (Lincoln Center), and SMOKING BLOOMBERG (NYMTF) – a production he also
produced and which won the “Best of Fest 2006” award. Some favorite regional and stock credits include THE PRODUCERS (Max), A FUNNY THING HAPPENED... (Pseudolus), BAT BOY (Rick/Lorraine), and OKLAHOMA! (Jud). Love and thanks to Mom, Cristi, and Jim. [TOP]

 

DAVID SCHMITTOU (Mr. Kirkeby)
A Kevin Kline Award winner for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, David is happy to be back in front of a STAGES audience. David recently played Cornelius in HELLO, DOLLY!, a role he had previously played at STAGES (Kevin Kline nomination). Other STAGES productions include THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Capt. von Trapp), BIG: THE MUSICAL (“Big” Josh), SHE LOVES ME (Georg), and SWEET CHARITY (Oscar). Regional credits include IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (George Bailey), ALL MY SONS (Chris), DOUBT (Father Flynn), THE MUSIC MAN (Harold Hill), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Lysander), and THE 1940’S RADIO HOUR (Johnny). David also toured Europe as Brad in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (cast recording). Love and thanks to my family for your continuous support and encouragement! [TOP]

 

DARREL BLACKBURN (Jesse Vanderhof)
Audiences may remember Darrel from the STAGES production of BIG: THE MUSICAL in 2003. Broadway tours include THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL and The Who’s TOMMY. Darrel has also toured Europe in THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. Regional tours include CINDERELLA with Phyllis Diller, DAMN YANKEES with Jamie Farr, and SOUTH PACIFIC with Cathy Rigby. Favorite roles include the Pirate King in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at American Stage (St. Pete), Smudge in FOREVER PLAID at Show Palace Dinner Theatre, and Zoser in AIDA at the Arvada Center (Denver). Regional theatre credits include Fulton Opera House, Casa Manana (Ft. Worth), Sacramento Music Circus, North Shore Music Theatre, and The Muny, among others. Most recently, Darrel was seen in the Broadway workshop of PURE COUNTRY directed by Peter Masterson. [TOP]

 

JOHN FLACK (Mr. Eichelberger)

John made his STAGES debut in 1990 playing the title role in SNOOPY!!! Since then, many of our patrons have come to think of him as the “Where’s Waldo?” of the STAGES acting company which, as a character actor, is a dream come true for John. (How many different roles can you spot him in this season?) When not at STAGES, John has performed at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, The Muny, The Black Rep, New Jewish Theatre, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Sheldon Concert Hall, and many other venues here in the mid-west and across the country. John would like to thank Michael, Jack, and the entire STAGES family (including you, dear reader) for twenty wonderful years! [TOP]

  KARI ELY (Peggy Olson)
Kari happily returns to her “second home” at STAGES. Earlier in the year, she played a mother grasping for the meaning of “normal” in Christopher Durang’s WHY TORTURE IS WRONG, AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM for HotCity Theatre. Previously at STAGES, Kari played the “deranged” Mrs. Meers in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and the “flighty” Mrs. Tottendale in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Hmm! In real life, she plays a full time Equity actress (since 1983), a wife celebrating one full year with actor Peter Mayer, and a daughter to loving parents who taught her to follow her dream. Kari thanks you for playing the audience and giving yourself the gift of live theatre.  [TOP]
 

BRANDI WOOTEN (Marge MacDougall)
Born and raised in Hannibal, Missouri, Brandi is thrilled to be performing at STAGES. Broadway and National Tour credits include 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, SPAMALOT, FOSSE, and OKLAHOMA!. Favorite regional credits include GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (Lorelei Lee) at Westchester Broadway Theatre, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Essie) at Two River Theater Company, and Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS (Rhoda) at The Denver Center. Other favorite credits include ANNIE (Lily) and CHICAGO (Hunyak) at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and A CHORUS LINE (Kristine) at Houston TUTS. Brandi has also appeared as Mabel in the Frank Wildhorn world premiere, WAITING FOR THE MOON. A graduate of OCU, Brandi sends love to The Mine, Jerry, and her family. [TOP]

 

PATRICK MARTIN

(Bartender Eddie/Knicks Fan/Karl Kubelik)
Patrick is very excited to return to STAGES this summer, having last been seen in the Ensemble and as the Superintendent in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Patrick comes from Chicago where he spent the last year working with The House Theatre of Chicago developing and performing in the new musicals ALL THE FAME OF LOFTY DEEDS and GIRLS VS. BOYS. A 2009 graduate of CCM’s Musical Theatre program, some of Patrick’s favorite roles include Officer Lockstock in URINETOWN, Robert Baker in WONDERFUL TOWN, and Jewell Estes in FLOYD COLLINS. [TOP]

 

APRIL STRELINGER

(Sylvia Gilhooley/Lum Ding Hostess)
April is delighted to be making her debut with STAGES in PROMISES, PROMISES. Originally from St. Louis, she studied theatre at Marymount Manhattan College in NYC. Credits include Cathy in THE LAST 5 YEARS, Dot in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, Shelly in BAT BOY, Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, and Janet in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Off-Broadway credits include Ethel in BEST FOOT FORWARD and Jessica in the staged reading of FAST BREAKS – THE COMINGS AND GOINGS AT SWEET VALLEY HIGH.
[TOP]

  ELLEN ISOM (Ginger)
Ellen is excited to return to STAGES for an 18th consecutive season where a few of her favorite credits include BRIGADOON, 42nd STREET, CRAZY FOR YOU, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, and GUYS AND DOLLS. Ellen currently teaches dance at Webster University, Visitation Academy, On Your Toes Dance School, and STAGES Performing Arts Academy. Her most recent choreography work was seen in SLU’s ANYTHING GOES, the Temporary Theatre’s GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!, and Shooting Star Productions’ JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Ellen sends love to her parents, Steve, and Abigail. A proud Equity member since 1994, she thanks you for supporting professional theatre in St. Louis. [TOP]
 

LISA M. RAMEY (Vivien Della Hoya)
Lisa is PUMPED to celebrate her 6th consecutive season with STAGES where, most recently, she had the privilege of being nominated for a Kevin Kline Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Ronnette in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Other theatrical credits include the 1st National Tour of Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS, the Radio in CAROLINE OR CHANGE (The Black Rep), Lorraine in ALL SHOOK UP (Flat Rock Playhouse), and 10 consecutive seasons with The Muny, where last year she was seen as one of the Dynamites in HAIRSPRAY. Lisa has also appeared in the St. Louis Hoofers club tour with Savion Glover and made special appearances at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Special thanks to Jack and Mike for giving her a chance to shine! Thanks to her family, friends, and to audiences all over who continue to support theater! God Bless and go green! [TOP]

  ABBEY ELLIOTT (Miss Kreplinski/Miss Polansky)
Abbey is proud to be making her STAGES debut in PROMISES, PROMISES. Holding a BFA from Millikin University, Abbey was last seen performing on the high seas with Holland America Cruise Line. Favorite regional credits include A CHORUS LINE (Cassie), CATS (Victoria), CRAZY FOR YOU (Patsy), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Anne), and HAIRSPRAY. Abbey wants to thank her Heavenly Father and her awesome family for all their love and support. [TOP]
  MARIA THOLL (Company Nurse/Helen Sheldrake)
Maria is thrilled to be back home from New York and back at STAGES this summer where she was last seen in JOSEPH … DREAMCOAT (Isaachar’s Wife) and Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK (Kaa 2/Monkey). Other favorite roles include Lorraine Sheldon in THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, Rosie in BYE BYE BIRDIE, Lucille in NO, NO, NANETTE, Hannah Jelkes in THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, and Laertes/Lady M in DOGG’S HAMLET, CAHOOT’S MACBETH. Maria text coached several shows and, since moving to New York City, has enjoyed being involved in several independent and NYU films. Maria would like to thank Brian for being her better half and dedicate this season to the memory of her parents. [TOP]
 

BORRIS YORK (Company Doctor)
Borris is thrilled to be making his STAGES debut this season! Regional appearances include Legacy Theatre, Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL at The Muny, and DAMN YANKEES at Casa Manana. Borris has also been seen in MISS SAIGON, KISS ME KATE, THE PRODUCERS, and CAMELOT at Music Theater of Wichita. A Musical Theatre major at Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts, he has appeared there as George in THE WEDDING SINGER, Harry in COMPANY, Victor in CABARET, and Farmer McCarthy in OUR TOWN. Borris gives all praise and glory to God for his wonderful blessings: Psalms 62:6. Love to my amazingly supportive family and friends! [TOP]

 

NIC THOMPSON (Waiter)
Nic is so happy to be back at STAGES where previous appearances include JOSEPH ... DREAMCOAT, THE MUSIC MAN, and CRAZY FOR YOU. Tour credits include THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR and The Who’s TOMMY in Europe and Tokyo. Regional favorites include CAMELOT (Mordred), A CHORUS LINE (Bobby), THE PRODUCERS (Springtime Tenor), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Chantal), and CATS (Munkustrap). TV/Film credits include “Law and Order: SVU,” and “Fixing Truth.” Nic has also appeared in various concerts starring Gladys Knight, Deborah Gibson, Billy Porter, and Mickey Mouse. A proud member of Actors’ Equity, Nic sends thanks to all the wonderful people at STAGES! Love to Mom and Dad! [TOP]

  MARK ROLAND (Knicks Fan/Bartender Eugene)
Mark is thrilled to be making his STAGES debut this season. He was last seen at Maltz Jupiter Theatre dancing around in heels in their production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, where he played the role of Hanna. Other regional credits include LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Riverside Theatre), DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (Cape Playhouse), ALL SHOOK UP (Merry-Go-Round
Playhouse), Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS (Denver Center Theatre), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (North Carolina Theatre), and LI’L ABNER (Goodspeed Opera House). Mark wants to thank all his friends and family (especially his Momma) for their love and support. [TOP]
  SARAH STAKER (Ms. Ross)
Sarah is thrilled to be making her debut with STAGES in PROMISES, PROMISES. Other theatrical credits include WEST SIDE STORY, AIDA, and GREASE at the Arts Center Of Coastal Carolina. Sarah has performed around the world with Holland America Cruise Line and danced with Cedar Point Amusement Park. She has also appeared with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and for Verizon Wireless. Sarah holds a BFA in Dance from Wright State University and trained with the Giordano Dance Center. Much love and thanks to Mom, Dad, and Richard for always supporting me! [TOP]
 

ANDREW LAUDEL (New Young Executive)
Andrew makes his return to STAGES for a 5th season where he was last seen in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. A recent graduate of the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre department, Andrew is delighted to be reunited with the STAGES family. Other STAGES credits include CABARET, GREASE, FOOTLOOSE, and CAROUSEL. Elsewhere, Andrew has been seen as Charlie in BRIGADOON (Wagon Wheel), Brad in HAIRSPRAY (Weston Playhouse), Andy Lee in 42nd STREET (U of M), and was most recently seen singing “Springtime for Hitler” in THE PRODUCERS (Lyceum Theatre). A graduate of Kirkwood High, Andrew studied voice with Sheila Dugan.   [TOP]

 

KATY TIBBETS (Fran Standby)
Katy is thrilled to return for her 3rd season with STAGES! Originally from St. Louis, she enjoyed gallivanting around the UK and Ireland playing Chuckie in the First International Tour of Nickelodeon’s RUGRATS. Regionally, Katy has appeared in CHILDREN OF EDEN (Pennsylvania Centre Stage), BYE BYE BIRDIE (Great Plains Theatre), and YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN (Landers Theatre). Other favorite roles include Lizzie in BABY, Maggie in LEND ME A TENOR, and Babe in THE PAJAMA GAME. Locally, Katy has worked with The Orange Girls, Avalon Theatre Company, and most recently originated the role of Annie in Echo Theatre Company’s production of FUGITIVE SONGS. Katy would like to thank Michael, Jack, and Lisa for the opportunity. She sends all her love to Matt for his constant patience and especially for always keeping a smile on her face!  [TOP]

   
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