Roald Dahl's WILLY WONKA

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From The Producing Artistic Director

Welcome to the Players Guild Theatre at Kent State University at Stark—and to our 93rd season!

Since 1932, the world has changed in ways we never could have imagined—but one thing has remained the same: our passion for live theatre and our commitment to this community. For over nine decades, we’ve brought powerful performances to Stark County, fueled by artists, actors, and audiences like you who believe in the magic of the stage.

But keeping this tradition alive—one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the nation—is getting harder. Rising costs, arts funding cuts, and the lingering effects of the pandemic have challenged us like never before. Theatre only survives when people show up. And tonight, your presence proves that you value what live theatre brings to our community.

So here’s what we need from you: Keep showing up. Keep supporting. Keep spreading the word. If each of you shares your love of live theatre with just a few more people, together, we can ensure that this art form continues to thrive right here in Stark County.

As I always say, theatre doesn’t exist without an audience. And we can’t exist without you.

Thank you for being here, for believing in live theatre, and for making a difference. Enjoy the show!

Josh

Song List

• Pure Imagination
• The Golden Age of Chocolate
• The Candyman
• I Eat More
• Think Positive!
• I See It All On TV
• Cheer Up Charlie
• Think Positive! - Reprise
• I've Got a Golden Ticket

Intermission

• I've Got a Golden Ticket - Reprise
• At the Gates
• In This Room
• Oompa-Loompa 1
• There's No Knowing
• Chew It
• Oompa-Loompa 2
• Flying
• Burping
• I Want It Now
• Oompa-Loompa 3
• Oompa-Loompa 4
• Finale

Cast

Creative Team

Production Team & Front of House

COSTUME TEAM

Kate Joseph

George McCarty II (Designer)

SET CONSTRUCTION

Ross Carmichael (Technical Director)

Megan Herbert

Michaela Muckelrath (Scenic Charge Artist)

"Invention Machine" Designed by Kristian Korsgaard

Grandparent Puppets Designed and sculpted by Joshua Erichsen

BACKSTAGE CREW

Bill Joseph (Spot/Fly Crew Chief)

Ellie Haverfield (Spot)

Susan Mulligan (Turntable Deck Lead)

Michael Clark 

Mark Conneely

Amanda Tatum

FRONT OF HOUSE

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

Tim Charlton

Willy Wonka, Candy Man, Grandpa Joe, Phineous Trout

is very excited to make his Players Guild debut as Willy Wonka with this amazing talented group of people. His previous shows include Kinickie (Grease), Scarecrow (Wizard of Oz), Padre(Man of La Mancha), Henry Higgins (My Fair Lady), Will Parker (Oklahoma), Father Dupin (Hunchback of Notre Dame), and General Waverly(White Christmas). He would like to thank his beautiful wife, children and all of his amazing family and friends for all of their love and support! He loves all of you very much! Now, he welcomes all of you to our world of pure imagination!

Peyton Chevraux

Charlie Bucket

Peyton is a 6th grade student at North Canton Middle School where he participates in the school choir and plays trombone. He has previously been seen at the Players guild as Young Ebenezer in The Christmas Carol, Michael Banks in Mary Poppins and Edmund in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. He has also been a Lost Boy in his school's production of Peter Pan Jr. and Squirt in the North Canton Playhouse performance of Finding Nemo Jr.. Peyton would like to thank the director, Bart, for giving him yet another opportunity at The Players Guild Theatre and the rest of the cast and crew for making this play an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Tyler Bailey

Augustus Gloop, Guy Poor, Mr. Bucket, Oompa Loompa

is back and freshly shaven to take the stage for his fifth show at the Players Guild. Previous shows include A Christmas Carol, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Beauty and the Beast, and Jekyll and Hyde. Tyler is excited to be working with some familiar faces and also some new ones. Buckle up for this wild adventure as we ride down the chocolate river to a world of Pure Imagination! Thoughts and prayers to his poor fiancée, Jess, who’s never seen him without his beard! And his cat Salem who doesn’t even recognize him anymore.

Heather Curtis

Mrs. Bucket, Mrs. Gloop, Wonka Assistant

is thrilled to be back on the Player’s Guild stage for this production! She appeared earlier this season as Miss Andrew/Ensemble in Mary Poppins, and as Mother in Ragtime. Some other favorite past roles include Jekyll and Hyde (Emma Carew), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Dorothy Brown), A Grand Night for Singing (Vicki), Into the Woods (Rapunzel), and Die Zauberflöte (Königin der Nacht). When not performing, Heather can be found at Dayspring Christian Fellowship, where she serves as the Worship Pastor, or enjoying time with her beloved husband David.

Madison Kearney

Mike Mike Teavee, Mrs. Beauregarde, Mr. Salt, James, Oompa Loompa

is so excited to be a part of this production! Most recently, she has performed in Mary Poppins (ensemble), A Christmas Carol (Past/Mrs Cratchit), Junie B. Jones the musical (Junie B), and Winnie the Pooh (Piglet/Christopher Robin). She’d like to thank everyone who made this show possible and her family and friends for their support. Enjoy the show!!

Tess Marie

Violet Beauregarde, Grandpa George, Grandma Georgina, Oompa Loompa

is overjoyed to be bringing these characters to life! Some of her previous favorite roles with The Guild include A Christmas Carol (Belle/Emma), Beauty and The Beast (Babette) and Junie B. Jones The Musical! (Lucille/José/Bobbi Jean Piper). Tess would like to thank the incredibly talented cast, crew and production team for putting together such a magical show. She would also like to give a special thank you to her mama and friends for their endless encouragement!

McKenna Stouffer

Veruca Salt, Matilda, Grandma Josephine, Oompa Loompa

is so excited to return to the Players Guild Theatre in Willy Wonka! Some of her previous Players Guild roles include: Emma Carew (Jekyll and Hyde), Martha Cratchit/Mrs. Dilber (A Christmas Carol), and Fannie (Mary Poppins). McKenna is thankful to the cast and crew for such an incredible experience, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

JOSHUA ERICHSEN

Producing Artistic Director

Father of two amazing daughters, the oldest studying architecture, the youngest studying fashion design. Husband to his dream girl wife of twenty-two years - they met at the PGT! Blessed beyond measure to have this amazing job and to be able to call the Players Guild Theatre his home for twenty-five years! During that time he has had the privilege of producing, directing and designing countless productions.  Favorite credits include, Players Guild: Titanic, Next To Normal, Jesus Christ Superstar, Memphis, Ragtime, Hunchback…, Assassins, Cabaret, Les Miserables, A Christmas Carol (’04-present), The Full Monty, A Few Good Men, 1776 and Jekyll & Hyde.  Ohio Shakespeare Festival: Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest.  Other credits include: Romeo and Juliet (Magical Theatre Co), Joseph… Dreamcoat (Natl. Tour), and served as producer for An Evening with George Takei, starring Mr. Takei.  Additionally, Josh is a magician/illusionist, a Christopher Nolan film-fanatic, and has a true passion for all-things-Charles Dickens. Josh is a graduate of Kent State University, and is a recipient of the Spotlight Award for Outstanding Contributions to Theatre. Love to my family and my beautiful wife and daughters for their unconditional love and never-ending support!

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!

STEVE PARSONS

Resident Musical Director/Conductor

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.

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.

BREANNA ANTONIADES

Production Stage 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/Projection & Sound Board Op

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!

BART HERMAN

Director/Additional Choreography

Bart is thrilled to be back at the Guild. At the Guild Bart has directed and choreographed Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol, Junie B. Jones and Winnie the Pooh. Some other favorite shows he has directed include, Disaster, Dear Ruth, Anything Goes, Legally Blonde, Gypsy, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Bart has worked professionally as an actor, singer, and dancer all over the US and Europe. He would like to thank The Players Guild Theatre staff and crew for all of the support.

GEORGE McCARTY II

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!

DON IRVEN

Stage Manager

is thrilled to be making theatre happen at the Guild! He has been directing and managing shows for over 30 years in Ohio including Canton, Dayton and Cleveland. He was first seen at the Guild directing the world premiere of Rumpelstiltskin, and most recently as stage manager for A Christmas Carol. Don worked 13 years as a professional stage technician at the KSU Performing Arts Center in New Philadelphia, and loves all aspects of technical theatre and design. He is the managing director and founder of Black Box Ensemble Theatre, and during summer months enjoys creating outdoor theatre at Trumpet in the Land. This spring he is directing The Sweet Delilah Swim Club at the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County. He would like to thank the Players Guild Theatre staff and crew for their incredible support, and especially his great friend Bart for the chance to be a part of this magical show!

Annabeth Stennett

Stage Manager

is thrilled to be working on Willy Wonka with The Players Guild Theatre. She is originally from Southern West Virginia where she studied at Marshall University and completed her Bachelors in Theatre Design and Technology. Some of her previous work includes Trumpet in the Land, Dracula, Peter and the Starcatcher, Fiddler on the Roof, and many others. She would like to thank Players Guild Theatre for welcoming her back to their amazing theatre.