A Year with
Frog and Toad

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Song List

Opening: A Year with Frog and Toad .......... Frog, Toad, Three Birds
Spring .......... Frog, Toad
Seeds .......... Toad
The Letter #1 .......... Snail
Getta Loada Toad .......... Toad, Turtle, Mouse, Lizard
Alone .......... Frog
Letter #2 .......... Snail
Cookies .......... Frog, Toad, Birds
Leaves: A Year with Frog and Toad .......... Birds
He'll Never Know .......... Toad, Frog
He'll Never Know [Reprise] .......... Frog, Toad
The Letter #3 .......... Snail
Down the Hill .......... Frog, Toad, Moles
The Letter #4 .......... Snail
I'm Coming Out of My Shell .......... Snail
Toad to the Rescue .......... Toad
Merry Almost Christmas .......... Toad, Frog, Birds
Finale: A Year with Frog and Toad .......... Birds, Frog, Toad

Cast

Creative Team

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

A Year with Frog & Toad is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Cell phones are to be put away during the performance.

* Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors
  and stage managers in the United States.

SPECIAL THANKS

Katie Gilchrist; Rusty Sneary; Nathan Wyman at Jewell Theatre Company

Kansas City Art Institute for original production designs by the Illustration Department’s student staffed agency, MICRO: A Year with Frog & Toad design by Cassidy Weaver.

The Coterie is proud to recognize funding from partners BOK Financial, Spencer Fane, and Variety KC for this production.

Additional financial assistance for The Coterie's season has been generously provided by National Endowment for the Arts, Missouri Arts Council, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, Hallmark Corporate Foundation, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, Richard J. Stern Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, American Royal, Mark Edelman Theater Fund, and Turner.

The Coterie is a 501(c)3 nonprofit professional theatre, and a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and Theatre for Young Audiences/USA: The US chapter of ASSITEJ, the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People. A Year with Frog and Toad is a professional production employing members of Actors’ Equity Association, founded in 1913, representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in the U.S. 

ABOUT THE COTERIE

The Coterie Theatre provides unique theatre experiences for families and young audiences. A not-for-profit professional theatre company, The Coterie is nationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind programming that features a year-round season of live plays and musicals on the company's mainstage. Since its founding in 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri, The Coterie has been at the forefront of commissioning new works or adaptations that contribute to the field of theatre for young audiences. More than 50 world or American premieres for all ages have been produced by The Coterie over the last 44 years, including hosting multiple major Broadway composers and lyricists to shape quality musicals for youth and families. The Coterie is interested in intergenerational conversation, and consistently includes teen programming in its season and outreach efforts.

The Coterie offers acting and theatre classes year-round for PreK-12th grades at multiple locations around Kansas City, including an extensive summer program of classes and performance camps. The Coterie’s community programming redefines traditional notions of work for young audiences with its unique dramatic youth writing programs (In-School Literacy Residencies and Young Playwrights Workshop), as well as two programs offered to students and schools free of charge, focusing on teen LGBTQ work (Project Pride) and preteen and teen mental health workshops (Project Daylight).

All these components serve an average over 75,000 young people and their families per year through over 350 performances. The Coterie's mission is to celebrate young people and engage diverse communities through professional theatre and education programs that foster creativity, confidence, and compassion. Donate at www.thecoterie.org.

2025 COTERIE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Bellinger • President
Amy Graham • Secretary
Kristina Thompson • Secretary
Theresa Stoker • Treasurer
Laura Antolak • Board Engagement Chair
Ali Saucier • Development Chair
Nicole Jacobs-Silvey • Community Engagement Chair

Sara Anthony
Angela Bedell
Richard Browne
Ava Delsemme
LaTanya Franklin
Carlos Gonzalez
Katie Hall
Jennifer Ingraham
Michael Judy
Gabriela Lucas
Greg Oborny
Ashlee Parker-Osborne
Natalie Simms-Patton
Ashley Strohm
Andrew Van Der Laan

COTERIE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR • Jonathan Thomas
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR • Khalia Davis
MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR • David Golston
DIRECTOR OF THEATRE SCHOOL • Allison Nissley
COMMUNITY PROGRAM MANAGER • Xinyue Zhang
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR • Derek Trautwein
BOX OFFICE MANAGER • Jason Coats
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER • Carol Kobza
BOOKING COORDINATOR • Stephanie Laaker
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT/MARKETING SPECIALIST • Tressa Lee
HOUSE MANAGERS & BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS • Dorian Allen, Kali Coates, Ciera Loran, Ezra Martinez-Haskins, Kelsey McGee, Pam West

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

What got you into theatre? ... and other biographical notes from the cast, designers & production team

Marcel Daly*

Frog

Marcel Daly was inspired to start performing by watching Michael Jackson in THE WIZ! Marcel is thrilled to return to The Coterie after previously appearing as Mr. Beauregarde in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Marcel also appeared as Passion in THOUGHTS OF A COLORED MAN with The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, Nick in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? with KC Melting Pot Theatre, as well as DREAMGIRLS at New Theatre & Restaurant, ELLA ENCHANTED at Rose Theater, and LEGALLY BLONDE at Four Corners Musical Theatre Company. Marcel is a graduate of Univeristy of Nebraska at Omaha. When not performing, he loves to play video games, fashion, and writing music. Find out more about Marcel on Instagram: @mdaly_27.

Hew McKoy

Toad, Dance Captain

Hew McKoy got started in theatre in middle school as a way to spend more time with their best friend - little did they know theatre would soon become their passion! Hew returns to The Coterie after previously appearing in FINDING NEMO TYA, as Venti Mole Rat in NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, as Boss Elf in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023), and as The Pigeon in DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! Elsewhere, Hew appeared in [TITLE OF SHOW] with Summit Theatre Group, SEUSSICAL with The Theatre in the Park, and The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City’s production of MEMPHIS at White Theatre at The J. Hew is a graduate of Olathe South High School and Emporia State University, and is a member of the alumni associations of Alpha Kappa Lambda and Alpha Psi Omega.

Sergio Guerra

Bird, Snail, Lizard, Mole

Sergio Guerra used to come on field trips to The Coterie with their elementary school. They had a love for music and movies and seeing the musicals at The Coterie combine the two together, made them fall in love with theatre. Sergio is an actor/singer/musician based in Kansas City who is super excited to be back at The Coterie for A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD! You may have seen them previously as Wilbur in NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE and as a cover in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL. Other previous credits include, Alex in FRIDA LIBRE with Blue Curtain Project educational tour, Robert in PLAYING ON THE PERIPHERY with Whim Productions, and Billy Cane in BRIGHT STAR with Summit Theatre Group. Sergio is currently studying Musical Theatre and Playwriting at Marymount Manhattan College.

Lindsey Edwards

Bird, Mouse, Squirrel, Mole, Wardrobe Supervisor

Lindsey Edwards attended a production of HELLO, DOLLY! at her high school and as she was watching, she thought, “I can do that too!” After that, she auditioned, and she did, in fact, do it! Lindsey returns to The Coterie after last appearing as a swing in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and as a production assistant swing on FINDING NEMO TYA. She previously appeared as Rhonda in MAXINE'S CHRISTMAS CAROL with Padgett Productions, and served as an understudy and intimacy coordinator on ONCE UPON A TIME IN FRANCE with Terr. Production and Brother Abe Films and as assistant director and intimacy coordinator on DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS with Cyclopedic Ensemble. Lindsey holds a BS of Theater and BS of Psychology from Kansas State University. She would like to thank God, everyone who worked on the production, her friends, Oreo and Ted, and her family for their constant support. She feels extremely blessed to be given this opportunity and work with such amazing people!

Daphany Edwards*

Bird, Turtle, Squirrel, Mole

Daphany Edwards got into theatre because the first time she watched a show – an opera sung in Italian – she couldn’t take her eyes off of it! From then on, all she wanted to do was learn how to make people feel an overwhelming amount of emotion by inviting them into her world on stage. Daphany returns to The Coterie after making her debut as Ella in the world premiere of ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, then returning as Duckling and the Bus Engine in DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, Sally Jackson in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, as Grande Mole Rat in NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, and, most recently, FINDING NEMO TYA. Other recent credits include ANNIE at White Theatre at The J, HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL at Faust Theatre, and DREAMGIRLS in Concert at The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City. Originally a native of Lawrence, KS, Daphany now lives in Kansas City. She attended Shawnee Mission East High School and received her Associates degree from Johnson County Community College. When not on stage, Daphany loves sewing, making costumes, cosplaying, organizing photography shoots, and event planning with her new business, DEM Creations.

Lucas Lowry

Male Swing

Lucas Lowry got started performing by watching shows on Disney Channel as a kid and wanting to be just like one of the students out of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. He grew up singing all the songs, putting on performances for his family, and playing basketball too - just like Troy Bolton! Eventually, Lucas' parents saw his passion for performing and his aspiration to pursue it, so they enrolled him in acting/dance classes. Lucas sang in choir all throughout elementary, middle, and high school, but it was when he finally got his own voice teacher that his life felt like his own version of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and he's been involved in theatre ever since! Lucas returns to The Coterie stage where he has previously appeared as Crush, Tad & Nigel in FINDING NEMO TYA, Rudolph in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023, 2024), Charlie Brown in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2022), Jimmy Biddle in PETE THE CAT, and the Teenager in DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! Other recent credits include DREAMGIRLS and FREAKY FRIDAY at New Theatre & Restaurant, NEWSIES and MEMPHIS at White Theatre at The J, THE WIZ at Roxy's Downtown, and GREASE at Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park. Lucas would like to thank his family, friends, mentors, students, coaches, and most of all God for the endless amounts of love, support, and guidance throughout his performing career; Treat people with kindness!

Lauren Taylor

Female Swing

Lauren Taylor fell in love with theatre at five years old because of her love of music and writing. She took summer theatre camps with companies all around Kanas City -- including The Coterie! -- and she never looked back. Lauren is excited to return to The Coterie, where she sparked her love for Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) by making her professional theatre debut as Nermal in GARFIELD: A MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE and later appearing as Violet in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2022). Other recent credits include understudying Sister Mary Leo in NUNSENSE, serving as swing for Katherine/Hannah in NEWSIES, and as a teen and in the dance ensemble of FREAKY FRIDAY at New Theatre & Restaurant; as Jovie in ELF THE MUSICAL with Padgett Productions; as Sonia in GODSPELL with Theatre Atchison; and as Junie B. Jones in JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL, as Chicken Little in and musical director of CHICKEN LITTLE , and as Goldilocks in and musical director of GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS with Theatre for Young America. Lauren earned her degree at Kansas State University in Music with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. She will be returning to Theatre Atchison later this Summer to play Rizzo in GREASE.

Khalia Davis Philp

Director, Coterie Producing Artistic Director

Khalia Davis was eleven years old when she was cast in her first role in an original play at a theatre summer camp. At the top of the show, when she said her first line, the audience actually laughed and she knew she was hooked! For Khalia, that is the magic and beauty of live theatre: that special exchange you share with the audience, knowing that your art is the reason they are transported for a short time to new worlds, learning, and experiencing new stories. Khalia co-leads The Coterie with the managing director to bring the organization’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. She previously directed The Coterie's production of FINDING NEMO TYA. Khalia is a multidisciplinary artist and arts leader who most recently served as the Assistant Director for the Broadway-bound world premiere, THE HIPPEST TRIP: THE SOUL TRAIN MUSICAL. As the former Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theatre (BACT), she led the world premieres of A KIDS PLAY ABOUT RACISM, which brought together over 40 theater producing partners, including The Coterie, and was viewed on Broadway on Demand nearly 80,000 times during its limited run then became a free resource for educators and their students; and THE IMAGINARIES: AN IMMERSIVE MUSICAL, an original new work that transformed their theater into an accessible playground created by the newly-formed BACT Writer’s Room, which was created as a direct response to the lack of opportunities for BIPOC playwrights and composers specializing in TYA projects. During the COVID pandemic when theaters were closed in the Bay Area, Khalia worked in partnership with former Executive Director of BACT, Nina Meehan, to conceive and produce various forms of theatrical digital and audio content for young audiences that activated their creativity and imaginative play, showcasing the potential for future digital and theatrical collaborations in TYA programming. Khalia directed and devised other new works like the award-nominated world premiere, SHE PERSISTED THE MUSICAL, based on the popular children’s book by Chelsea Clinton; the off-Broadway world premiere of an original adaptation of Maya Angelou’s I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS with New York City Children’s Theatre; and the world premiere ARTHUR AND FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL! based on “Arthur,” the longest-running animated series on PBS with First Stage. Other prominent theaters include: A.C.T., Atlantic Theater Company’s Atlantic for Kids, New York City Children’s Theater, Disney Theatrical Group, Spellbound Theatre and more. As a producer, Khalia has helped organizations reach hundreds of thousands of young people through interactive “edu-tainment” with the nationally known STORY PIRATES, generated new digital pre-school content with Spellbound at Home, and produced children’s media with her personal company, Kids at Heart Productions. Before assuming her role as Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theater in 2020, Khalia served as the Director of Inclusion and Education with Brooklyn Children’s Theatre restructuring their children’s musical theatre programming through an anti-racism lens. Khalia is a proud board member for TYA/USA, Spellbound Theatre, and The Story Pirates. Awards include: 2019 Emerging Leader Fellowship-TYA/USA, 2019 NYCCT Leader Fellowship, and 2021 Corey Medallion Award-Children’s Theatre Foundation of America. Khalia has a BA in Theater Arts from the University of Southern California. To find out more, visit www.khaliadavis.com.

Delano Mendoza

Music Director

Delano Mendoza found his love for the performing arts in high school under the direction of his theatre teacher, Amanda Ballard, who has since become his lifelong friend and mentor. After participating in almost every senior high production possible, he knew that his passions were rooted on or around the stage. Delano is a Kansas City based theatre professional, working as an actor, singer, director, music director, and vocal coach. As a music director, Delano has led and conducted a wide array of full length musicals, including the world premiere of ALICE'S WONDERLAND at The Coterie. Others include the Kansas City premiere of NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 with Fishtank Theatre, TITANIC with The Barn Players, and CINDERELLA with Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park. He has performed internationally as a cast vocalist with Princess Cruise Lines and P&O Australia, and locally with Fishtank Theatre, The Coterie, Starlight, and more! Some of his regional on stage credits include Sky in MAMMA MIA! with Padgett Productions, Actor III in BOMB-ITTY OF ERRORS with Fishtank Theatre, and being cast as Prince Eric in The Coterie's production of THE LITTLE MERMAID that became a victim of the COVID pandemic. Delano has served as a workshop and master class teacher in the Kansas City area, specializing in acting the song and auditioning. He also works in the commercial field, having recently done projects for Wendy’s, Chinet, Hallmark, and TMobile. Outside of theatre, Delano runs DM Studios, his professional training studio for local singers and actors, striving to create a safe space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists to grow in their craft. To find out more, visit www.dmstudioskc.com.

Marc Wayne

Choreographer

Marc Wayne started dancing at 15 years old when his high school theatre department needed dancers for the winter musical, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Now a 40-year professional, Marc’s work has been featured on The Coterie’s stage in numerous productions (sometimes as choreographer, sometimes at fight & movement choreographer, and others as technical director), including THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, the world premiere of ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2017, 2019 and 2022), TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, SHREK THE MUSICAL, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2014, 2016 and 2018). Marc's other recent productions include directing and choreographing STEVIE: SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED as well as choreographing CHICAGO, HAIRSPRAY, BIG FISH, and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: THE MUSICAL. He has also appeared in NINA: FOUR WOMEN, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and THE RIPPLE. THE WAVE THAT CARRIED ME HOME! with Kansas City Repertory Theatre; AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, RAGTIME, OKLAHOMA!, HAIR, and CAROUSEL with Music Theater Heritage; UNDERGROUND with Störling Dance Theater; and ON CYPRUS AVENUE with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company.

Teresa M. Leggard

Assistant Director

Teresa Monique Leggard comes to theatre through poetry. Growing up, she wrote and performed original poems as well as the occasional church play, but it was a playwriting class with Frank Higgins at University of Missouri-Kansas City that helped her realize she loved collaborating to create something for others to see and hear. Teresa returns to The Coterie after previously directing the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, and appearing in and co-directing the world premiere of ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR. Teresa has worked as director of INTIMATE APPAREL with Frantze Family Blackbox Theatre at Avila University, SINGLE BLACK FEMALE and THE GREEN BOOK WINE CLUB TRAIN TRIP with KC MeltingPot Theatre, PASS OVER with Olathe Civic Theatre Association, ONTARIO WAS HERE at Lied Center of Kansas, PIPELINE at Unicorn Theatre, PASS OVER with Olathe Civic Theatre, EVERY 48 HOURS at Fishtank Theatre, the independent production of GUMBO HOUSE at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, and as associate director of NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN for Kansas City Repertory Theatre and Milwaukee Repertory Theater's co-production in February and April 2024. She has also appeared as a guest artist at William Inge Festival, New South Young Playwrights Festival, and Midwest Dramatists Center Theatre Conference. Teresa received her BA from Spelman College and her MFA from University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Mackenzie Goodwin*

Production Stage Manager

Mackenzie Goodwin met the theatre through her parents, and she doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t constantly participating in or going to theatrical productions– including at The Coterie! Her mom is a theatre actor, director, and educator. Her dad was an acrobat and a lighting and sound technician. Mackenzie returns to The Coterie after having worked on numerous productions, including serving as production stage manager for CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE, the world premiere of JUST ASK!, FINDING NEMO TYA, the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, ELECTRIC POE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and as a production assistant and an actor in DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT. Other recent credits include associate director on A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Kansas City Repertory Theatre (2022, 2023, 2024); director of THE BUTCHER’S SON (Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, Winner: Most Promising New Musical), swing stage manager on NEWSIES, ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS, DREAMGIRLS, and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for New Theatre & Restaurant; stage manager for workshops of NINA SIMONE: 4 WOMEN and 4 DIRECTIONS at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; production stage manager on THE PRICE and DOT for Kansas City Actors Theatre; SHOWS FOR DAYS for Fishtank Theatre; production assistant for MY NAME IS ASHER LEV, BLACKTOP SKY and DISTRACTED at Unicorn Theatre; and TITUS ANDRONICUS and MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE for The Living Room Theatre; lead ASM and youth coordinator at Kansas City Ballet; and safety coordinator at KC Rep. Mackenzie is the co-producing artistic director for Brother Octopus Productions at The Black Box (formerly Stuffed Buffalo Productions), former producing artistic director of Westport Center for the Arts, an intimacy director, a voice over actor, and a member of Actors' Equity Association and Stage Managers’ Association. She won a fellowship at the O’Neill Center through the Eugene O’Neill Critics’ Competition (KCACTF) and was a founding member of Omaha’s Ætherplough company as well as a member of Lincoln Center Theatre Directors Lab (2015/16) & Chicago Directors Lab (2018/19). She studied theatre, dance, & Latin American literature at Kansas State University. “Theatre for young audiences is the last true bastion of the avant garde.” For more about Mackenzie visit www.goodwincalling.com.

Theresa Comstock

Scenic Designer

Theresa Comstock got into theatre when she was cast as Alice in ALICE IN WONDERLAND in her seventh grade musical. Theresa returns to The Coterie after previously serving as set designer for the world premiere of HORSE POWER" TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY. She is a lighting and scenic designer who worked in both Chicago and Kansas City prior to joining the faculty at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the St. Louis Metro Area. Some of her favorite productions to have worked on were GREEN BOOK WINE CLUB TRAIN TRIP at the KC Melting Pot Theatre, UBU ROI with the Organic Theater Company in Chicago, and OF MICE AND MEN with Monomoy Theatre in Cape Cod. Theresa earned her MFA in Theater Design and Technology from Northern Illinois University. To find out more, visit www.theresa-design.com.

Sydney Martin

Costume Designer

Zoe M. Spangler

Lighting Designer

Zoe M. Spangler's introduction to theatre was during first year orientation of high school from her mom, who urged her to try something new. Zoe and her best friend (whose mom also made her start a new activity) started out afraid of performing. However, over time, they supported each other and came out of their shells. Now, 14 years later, they still work in theatre and are still best friends. These days, Zoe is a lighting designer based in Kansas City, MO. She returns to The Coterie after previously serving as lighting designer on the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY. Her previous design work has been seen all over the KC metro area, including Unicorn Theatre, Music Theater Heritage, Whim Productions, Kansas City Burlesque Festival, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Charlotte Street Foundation, Kansas City Aerial Arts, Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College, Jewell Theatre Company, and UMKC Conservatory. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Lighting Design and Technology at University of Missouri-Kansas City in May 2022 and is now adjunct faculty at Johnson County Community College and William Jewell College. Zoe's full lighting design portfolio can be found at zmspangler.com. Enjoy the show!

Dennis Jackson

Sound Designer

Dennis Jackson is a vocalist at heart and his love of music inspired him to explore sound design for theatre productions. He finds theatre magical and the hunt to capture just the right music and sound effects to craft a supportive soundscape simply intriguing. Dennis, a Kansas City native, is celebrating his first collaboration with The Coterie. He previously designed sound for Jackie Sibblies Drury’s FAIRWAY, James Baldwin’s AMEN CORNER, and Brysen Boyd’s FAMILY SIDESHOW at KC Melting Pot Theatre; Dominique Morriseau’s SKELETON CREW at Kansas City Actors Theatre, Terrace Wyatt, Jr.’s BLACK MAN, MO at Terrace Studios; and Kenneth Jones’ ALABAMA STORY at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. Dennis has appeared on stage in August Wilson’s KING HEDLY II, TWO TRAINS RUNNING, PIANO LESSON, SEVEN GUITARS, and FENCES; Robert O’Hara’s BARBECUE; and Lewis Morrow’s SIX O'CLOCK, to name a few, all with KC Melting Pot Theatre, while also crafting the soundscapes for these productions. He has also appeared in Lorraine Hansberry’s A RAISIN IN THE SUN and Keenan Scott ll’s THOUGHTS OF A COLORED MAN with The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City. When not designing, acting, or completing a voiceover project, Dennis can be found somewhere singing! Dennis wishes to thank Khalia Davis Philp and The Coterie, for this opportunity to work with such an amazing cast and crew.

Lacey Pacheco

Properties Designer

Lacey Pacheco's love of trivia lead her to the world of theatre. One of her first middle school classes ended each day with a team trivia game about theater history. Lacey is incredibly competitive so she learned all she could to win and, in the meantime, fell in love with the stories of theatre's origins dating back to early Greek theatre. She loved the drama of the old plays and was quickly inspired by new works. Shortly after that, RENT hit Broadway and it made her want to be a part of that artistic community forever! Lacey is a Kansas City native and jill-of-all-trades who returns to The Coterie after previously serving as props designer on HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY. She graduated from Missouri State University with a BFA in Technical Theatre and worked as a production stage manager in the Kansas City area but shifted gears to props design post-pandemic. She has since designed props for SMART PEOPLE and SKELETON CREW with Kansas City Actors Theatre; the indoor productions of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and SHOUT as well as the outdoor production of BYE BYE BIRDIE with Theatre in the Park; THE LITTLE MERMAID and MUSIC MAN with White Theatre at The J, REEFER MADNESS and EXIT 16 at The Arts Asylum, and DOUBT: A PARABLE with Kansas City Actors Theatre at Kansas City United Church of Christ. Lacey was also the production manager for the KC Fringe Festival.

Derek Trautwein

Technical Director

Derek Trautwein is a Kansas City theatre artist with a wide berth of professional and educational experience. After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance, Derek received his Master of Arts Degree in Theatre History in 2012 from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). During his time at UCM, Derek began his journey as a carpenter and Technical Director to accompany his endeavors in acting, directing, and playwriting. From 2013 to 2023, Derek served as faculty amongst the Department of Theatre and Dance at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Initially hired as the Technical Director, as he oversaw all sound, light, and scenic elements, Derek was promoted to Assistant Professor and Department Chair in 2021. Derek’s final directing spotlight at Benedictine, THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie, received a Meritorious Achievement Award for Play Direction from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2023. Around Kansas City, Derek has worked with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Public Theatre, KC MeltingPot Theatre, Relevance Productions, Card Table Theatre, and Stuffed Buffalo Productions. Since 2012, Derek has been an active participant in the Kansas City Fringe Festival, producing over a dozen pieces of original works written by other artists as well as his own, including DECEIT, which earned Derek the inaugural Mark Edelman Best New Play Award in 2019. Derek’s original plays have also been featured multiple times each for Kansas City Public Theatre, Olathe Civic Theatre, and the Kansas City Horror Play Festival. Lately, Derek has been bouncing around multiple spaces in the Kansas City theatre community including performing on stage in THIS RANDOM WORLD: THE MYTH OF SERENDIPITY at the Just Off Broadway Theatre and ELF THE MUSICAL with Padgett Productions as well as serving as technical director of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at The Black Box, THE SHOOTER produced by Trish Mitchell at the Just Off Broadway Theatre, and FINDING NEMO TYA, ELECTRIC POE (2024), the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023) at The Coterie. Moving forward, Derek seeks to create on his own terms while aiding artists of all kind to find their voices and venues.

Dorian Allen

Associate Technical Director

Dorian Allen got started in live music before eventually migrating to working in the theatre. Dorian has served on The Coterie's technical team for a year now after time spent in stage management and performance work across town. Recent credits include playing guitar in FUN HOME, witch OCTA, and in BEAUTIFUL with The Barn; assistant stage manager for NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET with Fishtank Theatre, and stage manager for The Living Room Theatre's No Sleep November festival. When not on a ladder or covered in paint you can find Dorian serving drinks at The Black Box or seeing shows at local dives. He would like to thank his family, his dog, and Heidi Van for their continued support. Welcome to our garden!

Bethany

Assistant Stage Manager, Deck Manager

Bee Gradwohl is a technical theatre artist who grew up in the industry as a dancer. A native of eastern Pennsylvania, Bee and their siblings performed in many shows while their mom volunteered backstage to support them. In 2020, Bee graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a degree in Dance Performance and Choreography but decided to change careers and work in technical theatre. They have been working professionally in the Kansas City area as a stage manager, electrician, PA, spotlight operator, and other titles for many years. They also have experience working in theme parks and for live production events companies. Bee returns to The Coterie after previously serving as assistant stage manager and deck manager on CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE, as stage manager and lighting designer on The Coterie's performance at the National WWI Museum and Memorial for Winnie the Pooh Day 2025, as stage manager on ELECTRIC POE (2024), and as assistant stage manager on CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Other recent credits include NEWSIES and ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS at New Theatre & Restaurant, A CHRISTMAS CAROL and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, LITTLE WOMEN at Music Theater Heritage, and PETER PAN and THE NUTCRACKER at Kansas City Ballet. Bee is excited to return for another production at The Coterie to bring the magic of live theatre to young audiences! They would also like to thank their family for the endless support in helping them get to where they are today.

Jonathan Thomas

Coterie Managing Director

Jonathan Thomas serves as Managing Director of The Coterie Theatre, having stepped into his role managing operations after the tragic loss of Executive Director Joette Pelster. He co-leads the organization with the Producing Artistic Director Khalia Davis, working to bring The Coterie’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. Jonathan began his path as a professional opera and musical theatre performer out of college, working locally with many area performing arts organizations including the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Chorale, Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and New Theatre & Restaurant. After seven years building a successful insurance and financial advising agency, he moved to San Francisco to follow his passion in arts administration. Before returning to Kansas City in 2018, he served as the development manager for The Walden School for three years, where he oversaw organizational fundraising strategies and expanded alumni relations. At ArtsKC, he served as Senior Development Manager, which greatly expanded his knowledge of the Kansas City arts sector. Prior to joining The Coterie, Jonathan served as the Senior Manager for Individual Giving and Partnerships at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, combining his love for the performing arts with his passion for leadership and fund development. Jonathan received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Kansas. He continues his commitment to educating and advocating for the arts by serving on the Kansas City Chorale Board, the Johnson County Park and Recreation Artist Selection Committee, and by chairing the Theatre in the Park Advisory Council. He is a frequent guest speaker about the economic impact of the arts in Kansas City, appearing at the NAAAP Leadership Conference, Arts Day for Centurions, and at the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Jonathan is married to Gail Nakano and is a father to Sofia, a junior at Cornell University, Tristan, a junior in high school, and Cassia and Koda, two littles who haven’t decided on college plans to date.

Donors

The Coterie wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the many corporations, foundations, agencies, and individuals that so generously support The Coterie.

The following list celebrates gifts received April 1, 2024, and June 11, 2025.

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