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From The Producing Artistic Director

Welcome to the Players Guild Theatre at Kent State University at Stark!
We are thrilled to have you with us for the first show of the new year. To our youngest audience members—how exciting it is to have you here today! We hope you are not only entertained but that you also have fun, engage with the experience, and feel inspired to create your own worlds and stories.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone—both onstage and behind the scenes—who work tirelessly to bring each performance to life. We extend our deep appreciation to Dean Seachrist and the entire campus community for their unwavering support. And, of course, a special thanks to you, our audience, for your continued passion for live theatre and your recognition of its power to enrich our community.

Enjoy the show!

Josh

Cast

Creative Team

Production Team & Front of House

Special Thanks:

Ryan Zarecki 

COSTUME TEAM

Mulyssa Funk

Kate Joseph

George McCarty II 

SET CONSTRUCTION

Ross Carmichael (Technical Director)

Megan Herbert

Michaela Muckelrath (Scenic Charge Artist)

Natalie Steen

BACKSTAGE CREW

Bill Joseph (Fly Chief)

Miriam Joseph (Deck Chief)

Maxwell Lord-Fry (Stage Manager)

Michael Clark

Carson Peters

Michael Conneely

Amanda Tatum

Doreen Tatum

Elizabeth Domer

FRONT OF HOUSE

Fran Nichols (Event Staff Security)

The Amiot Family

Kayla Amstutz

Kelly Aneshanel

Barbara Berasi

Joe Bosh

Laura Cline

Diana Collum

Marilyn Davies

Michelle Davis

Pat Donald

Samuel Dorto

Jeanette Fatigati

Sandy Feielin

Krista Gibson

Ingrid Green

Karen Halter

Kathy Hinamon

Barb Hostetter

Steve Hostetter

Joan Hudson

Hannah Jolly

Linda Keith

Tim Keith

Geri Lewis

Tina Louise

Anne Martin

Kathleen McClure

Molly Moriarty

Susan Mullikin

Esther Oustampasidis

Mary Jane Philips

Chris Pisanellii

Andrea Raffle

Laura Rich

Hannah Roberts

Chris Roca

Kathy Rogers

Sandy Rosetta

Jo Roten

Jennifer and Tim Rowles

Joyce Ryan

Brian Salinas

Karen Schaaf

Nancy Shanklin

Barb Stephens

Tristan Stutter

Carol Warner

Mary Ann White

Judy Whitman

Jill Williams

Janet Wilcox

Karen Wilson

Cindy Wingerter

Laurie Zupp

HOUSE MANAGERS

Molly Moriarty

Missy Hays

Meet the Company

ROSS CARMICHAEL

Cat

earned a BA in Theatre from York College of Pennsylvania and is an alumnus of the Powerhouse Theater Apprentice Program. Regional credits: OSF: Twelfth Night (Sebastian), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Ferdinand), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; Gamut Theatre Group: Orlando, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Hamlet, The Outcast, Chekhov’s The Marriage Proposal and The Boor, Much Ado about Nothing (Claudio), All the King’s Men (Jack), Pericles: Prince of Tyre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helenus), Our Town, A Streetcar Named Desire (Mitch), Twelfth Night (Antonio); Hampstead Stage Company; FoodPlay Productions; Camden Shakespeare Festival: The Tempest (Ferdinand), Comedy of Errors (Antipholus of Syracuse).

TERRY BURGLER

Fish

is a professional director, actor, and educator with a notable record of achievement over the past fifty years. He has performed at the Globe Theatre in London and has acted and directed at numerous regional theatres across the country, including McCarter Theatre, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Stage/West and TheatreVirgina, where he served as AD for 13 seasons. For four years he was Artistic Director at Porthouse Theatre. He resigned his position there to pursue his passion for Shakespeare as one of the two founding Artistic Directors of the Ohio Shakespeare Festival in Akron, now in it’s 24th season.

FLYNN BRYSON

Boy

is so excited to perform again here in Stark County! He is a sixth grader at Jackson Memorial Middle School. His most recent role was in the teen ensemble at the North Canton Playhouse inThe Snow Must Go On. He has participated in theatre camps, such as two years at Barberton Magical Theater K.I.D Camp and Theatre 815 Youth Summer Theatrical Class. He plays percussion in the band, and joined the Jackson youth sports programs for wrestling and football. He would like to thank the director for giving him this this opportunity to shine on stage!

MIRANDA BRYAN

Sally

Miranda is an honor student in the Theatre Department at Akron School for the Arts at Firestone. She has most recently been seen as Moaning Myrtle in the Ohio premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Druscilla in Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, and Margie Belcher in The Fairest. In addition to theater, Miranda sings with Summit Choral Society’s Performance Choir, and is a member of Scout troop 74.

JESSICA LAUREN

Thing 1

Jessica is so excited to have this opportunity to play Thing 1 alongside her husband, David. She has always been a big Dr. Seuss fan, thanks to her grandma who was a children’s librarian and read to her everyday. This is Jessica’s first time performing with the Players Guild, but she is no stranger to the stage having been part of The Ohio Shakespeare Festival productions of Cinderella, Sleepy Hollow, and The Wizard of Oz. Jessica has a degree in violin performance, and enjoys teaching students of all ages the joys of music. In her free time, she is an avid runner and has completed 2 marathons and one ultra. She is so grateful to have found her Thing 2 for life, David Monter.

DAVID MONTER

Thing 2

Greetings, salutations, and how do you do? David is excited to play Thing 2! He has acted before and nothing is sweeter, but this is his debut with Players Guild Theater! He spent the summer entertaining folks as part of Ohio Shakespeare Festivals Greenshow! Other credits include Shakespeare In Hollywood (Darryl), The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow (Pip), & La Cage Aux Folles (Chantal). He is an avid runner, an accomplished fencer and a noted hamburger enthusiast. When not performing, he spends time with the love of his life, Jessica, without whose support, none of this would be possible.

JOSHUA ERICHSEN

Producing Artistic Director

Father to two incredible daughters: the eldest, an aspiring architect, and the youngest, a budding fashion designer. Husband to his dream girl and wife of 22 years, whom he met at the Players Guild Theatre (PGT). Grateful beyond measure to have an amazing job and the privilege of calling the Players Guild Theatre his home for 25 years. Before being appointed Producing Artistic Director for the PGT in 2007, Josh served as the Production Designer, where he has had the honor of producing, directing, and designing countless productions. Some of his favorite works at the Players Guild include Titanic, Next to Normal, Jesus Christ Superstar, Memphis, Ragtime, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Assassins, Cabaret, Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol (2004–present), The Full Monty, A Few Good Men, 1776, and Jekyll & Hyde. His credits with the Ohio Shakespeare Festival include Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest. Other highlights from his career include Romeo and Juliet with Magical Theatre Company, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (National Tour), and producing An Evening with George Takei, starring the legendary Mr. Takei. In addition to his theatre work, Josh is a magician and illusionist, a passionate Christopher Nolan film enthusiast, and a devoted fan of all things Charles Dickens. A graduate of Kent State University and recipient of the Spotlight Award for Outstanding Contributions to Theatre, Josh attributes his success to the unwavering love and support of his family—especially his beautiful wife and daughters.

BETH KNOX

Director of Education & Social Media

Beth is in her twelfth season at the Players Guild Theatre.  She earned her degree in Business Management and Marketing from the Ohio State University.  Beth spent the majority of her career in management in the cosmetic and fashion industry in the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and NYC markets for brands including Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Yves St. Laurent, Paloma Picasso, and Giorgio Armani.  Her background also includes grant writing, event planning, and fundraising. Beth is a co-founder, Executive Producer, and playwright for Red Fig Productions.

TYRA GRISAK

Guest Services Manager

Tyra will be celebrating her 10th anniversary with the Players Guild this season, during which she has developed numerous meaningful relationships with various patrons. Her greatest fulfillment from her role as guest services manager is seeing the joy that live theatre generates among our audience and everyone involved in the theatrical process. She takes great pride in leading the front of house volunteer team, which continues to grow and thrive. How grateful she is to be where she is in her personal life, and in her professional life with the PGT!

ROSS CARMICHAEL

Technical Director

graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Theatre. Since then, he has worked professionally as an actor, a director, and in technical theatre. Technical credits: Technical Director (Gamut Theatre Group) Scenic Designer (Gamut Theatre: Hamlet; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Every Christmas Story Ever Told; Pericles; A Streetcar Named Desire; TYA) Production Manager (Gamut Theatre, Powerhouse Apprentice Company); Carpenter (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre, York College of PA) Lighting Designer (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre) Directing credits: FoodPlay Productions.

STEVE PARSONS

Resident Musical Director

is the Resident Musical Director at the Players Guild of Canton, having served in the same capacity at Carousel Dinner Theatre from 2004-2009, where his work received the 2006 Cleveland area Times Newspapers “Outstanding Musical Direction” award. Other credits include The Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida, The Ohio Shakespeare Company, Carnation City Players, and the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Additionally, he provided new arrangements for Dean Pitchford’s official revised version of FOOTLOOSE, created new versions of the NUNSENSE scores for creator Dan Goggin, wrote original music and fight song arrangements for the hit video game COLLEGE SLAM, and performed in the “Tickestra” for the FOX animated television series THE TICK. Steve was also the arranger for the Grateful Dead musical CUMBERLAND BLUES, which was presented at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and orchestrated the regional musical IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. An active composer, Steve has a Master’s degree in composition and numerous published symphonic pieces and choral works. His original musical version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is published by Steele Spring Stage Rights, and has received an NYC Off-Off Broadway production, a fully staged production in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, numerous regional theatre performances across the United States, and is presented annually at The Players Guild. Steve arranged and orchestrated the hit LA musical LIFE COULD BE A DREAM and is a consultant and contributor to Defying Gravity, the biography of legendary songwriter Stephen Schwartz. He presently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Kent State University – Stark Campus in the areas of Musicology, Piano, Ensemble Direction and Conducting, and is a proud member of ASCAP and The Dramatists Guild of America.

BREANNA ANTONIADES

Production Manager

is excited to be back for her seventh season at the Players Guild Theatre! Prior to her work here, Breanna earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies with a concentration of Theatre Production and a minor in Theatre Performance from Kent State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She has been given many titles throughout her fourteen plus years working in theatre, but her favorite title continues to be Production Stage Manager. She could not be happier that she gets to work in a career she is so passionate about! In her free time, she loves playing board games, throwing themed parties, and cuddling with her three adorable cats. She would like to thank her husband Anthony, her family, and her friends for all of their support over the years. Enjoy the show!

FRANKIE CASTROVILLARI

Lighting Designer

joined the Players Guild family in the summer of 2019 with Rock of Ages and has been around ever since. In addition to his role as lighting designer here at Players Guild Frankie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Brecksville Theatre. Frankie’s work can also be seen at Cassidy Theatre and Magical Theatre Company, to name a few.

BOBBY SEVERNS

Sound Designer/Sound Board Engineer

With a passion for enhancing the theatrical experience through sound, Bobby brings a wealth of expertise this production of Jekyll and Hyde. In now his third season as resident sound designer, Bobby has been instrumental in crafting immersive audio environments through sound effects, atmospheric beds, and original musical compositions that elevate storytelling and engage Players Guild audiences. Memorable projects include A 360-degree soundscape incorporated into the 2023 production of Stephen King’s Misery, and several original compositions for the environments and battle scenes of 2024’s The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Bobby has an extensive background in music and live sound, having worked on a diverse range of projects including running his own DJ and Live Sound Reinforcement company (Pro Party DJ) for 25 years, performing hundreds of shows as a solo musician, and developing his own sound effects applications for the Apple iOS platform. Throughout his career, Bobby has collaborated with numerous community and professional theater groups both onstage as an actor/performer and in artistic, technical, and video production capacities. In addition to his work in theater, Bobby is actively involved mentoring through the Scouting America program, teaching K-5th Sunday school, and playing on the church worship team at Passion Hartville. By day, you will find him as a Senior Corporate Trainer for DRB Tunnel Solutions, a company that provides point-of-sale and tunnel control to the car wash industry. Outside work, Bobby is a proud father of three children and devoted husband of more than 25 years to his lovely wife Emily. Bobby is dedicated to using sound and music as powerful tools to bring stories to life and create memorable experiences for audiences. He hopes you find tonight’s performance a testament to that fact. Enjoy the show!

GEORGE McCARTY II

Resident Costume Designer

after a brief hiatus, begins another season as the costume designer for the Players Guild. George previously designed for the Guild for several seasons beginning in 2013. In addition, he has designed for Magical Theatre Company, Seat of the Pants Productions, as well as Carnation City Players, among others.

KATE JOSEPH

Costumer

is pleased as punch to be back for her third season working in the costume shop at the Players Guild! Kate is a graduate of the 2022 class at the College of Wooster where she got her Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre. Kate has worked on every show the last two seasons here at the PGT, but her favorite show recently she has designed was *The Toxic Avenger*. Kate enjoys puppetry, making food for everyone during tech, and being the quick change champion she is. She dares you to do a quick change faster than her, and hopes you enjoy the show!

KRISTIAN KORSGAARD

Props Master

received his training at Marymount Manhattan College where he earned a BFA in Dance, Magna cum Laude. Kristian spent the next 12 years teaching dance in both Brooklyn and Queens while performing extensively in regional theater. Some favorite shows include A Chorus Line, Nunsense…Amen, Carousel, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweet Charity, The Will Rogers Follies, 42nd Street, Crazy for You and Annie as well as traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and through the Panama Canal performing for Holland America Cruise Lines. He also had one glorious year working as a dresser for Beauty & the Beast on Broadway. Having retired his dancing shoes, Kristian stayed in NYC for another 6 years working for a hedge fund group before moving closer to home in 2010 to open a gift shop in Hudson with his husband, Eric. Happy to be back for another show at the Guild!

TESS BURGLER

Director

Tess works full time up in Akron as the Associate Artistic Director at Ohio Shakespeare Festival. There, she has directed many shows, including most recently: The Wizard of Oz, The Woman in Black, and many more. She loved directing Sweeney Todd here at PGT last year. She’s also an actor, performing for the last 30 years. Some favorite roles include Hamlet, d’Artagnan (The Three Musketeers), Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), Rosalind (As You Like It). Her favorite job is taking care of little her family. She dedicates her work in this show to her two little girls: Zelda and Persephone.

MAXWELL LORD-FRY

Stage Manager

Max is an emerging stage manager with a passion for theatre. Recent credits include Annie Jr. at Culver Academies and of course The Cat in the Hat here at Players Guild. Trained at Perry High School, Max brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit to every production. They are eager to grow in the field, ensuring smooth operations and supporting the creative process behind the scenes. Max is dedicated to learning from experienced professionals and contributing to the success of every show. In the outside world, he loves to travel and to swim recreationally and competitively.