ANGELS IN AMERICA, PART ONE: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc, NYC www.broadwayplaypublishing.com
Director
D. Terry Williams
Scenic Designer
Paige Billian
Costume Designer
Lindsay Fleck
Lighting Designer
Ella Ledbetter-Newton
Sound Designer
Alex Grindey
Technical Director
Phillip A. Miller
Properties Master
Christopher Lewis
Stage Manager
Micaila Tait
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
When dealing with a period piece, one of the dramaturg’s most important jobs is to ensure that the historic context of the piece is understood by the actors. What follows is a condensed version of some of the research, to serve as a reminder to some and as context for those too young to remember.
Roy M. Cohn
Born Feb. 20, 1927, Roy Marcus Cohn would initially rise to prominence as a member of the prosecution during the 1950 trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (see below), and later for working with Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Together McCarthy and Cohn would become among the best known faces of the second “Red Scare,” a moral panic regarding the belief that communist forces were working to infiltrate/disturb American society and government. Following the infamously disastrous Army-McCarthy hearings of 1954, Cohn would resign from McCarthy’s staff and become an attorney in New York. During his 30 year career that followed, he would become known as a prominent “fixer” in New York’s upper society. His clients included the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, mobsters, and businessmen like Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump.
The Rosenbergs
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were two native New Yorkers accused of atomic espionage in the early 1950s. In 1950, the arrest of a Manhattan Project scientist for supplying the Soviets with nuclear information set off a chain reaction of espionage confessions. This would culminate in the arrest of Ethel’s brother, David Greenglass, on charges of espionage. David and his wife Ruth’s testimony would in turn lead to the arrest of Julius Rosenberg on suspicion of espionage. Initially, David and Ruth’s testimony would not implicate Ethel, but both were persuaded to change their stories when interviewed a second time. The Rosenbergs would be convicted of suspicion of espionage and both would be sentenced to death. The Rosenbergs remain the only American civilians, and only married couple, executed for espionage during the Cold War. To this day, much information about the exact nature of the Rosenbergs and their involvement in Soviet espionage is disputed, but it is generally agreed that while Julius was engaged in industrial/military espionage during the 1940s, neither he nor Ethel were involved in nuclear espionage.
AIDS
The exact origin of HIV/AIDS is not known, apart from being believed to be derived from a strand of SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus) affecting primates in central-west Africa. Likewise, it is not known when exactly the virus spread to the United States. The official start of the AIDS epidemic is usually seen as June 5, 1981, when the CDC reported in their weekly report that five otherwise healthy gay men had unusually become stricken with Pneumocystis pneumonia. In June of 1982, researchers in Southern California would suggest that a sexually transmitted infection might be to blame. Initially, the syndrome was named Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID). By August 1982, the CDC was using a new name: AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome). Initially not much was known about how HIV spread, with initial beliefs that physical contact with an infected person alone could cause someone to contract the virus. This led to societal hysteria, where many supported discrimination against those who tested positive for HIV/AIDS, over fears that they would be otherwise exposed to the virus. In addition, since HIV/AIDS mostly affected members of marginalized communities, initial responses to the epidemic were lacking, to say the least. The then-president, Ronald Reagan, has often been criticized for inaction during early stages of the epidemic. Reagan would not acknowledge AIDS publicly until 1985, and only give an address on AIDS in 1987, with some policies implemented in 1988 at the end of his presidency. This was characterized as being “too little, too late” to prevent the deaths of over 350,000 victims by the mid 1990s, which would particularly devastate the gay populations of San Francisco, New York City, and elsewhere. - Jake Flaviani, dramaturg
CREW
Floor Managers ............................................. Brian Magnuson, Cody Watson
A1 Operator ....................................................................... Emma Pegouske
Floor/Fly Crew ................................ Reed Shilts, Lisa Brannan, Ean Johnson, ........ Hal Hobson-Morse, Larry Foster Goodrich, Aaron Thiel, Val Glasscock
Stitchers ..................................................... Isabella Balden, Addie Gorden, Elaine Kauffman, Peter MacKay
Projections
From the Director
Of all the big ideas in ANGELS IN AMERICA, the ones that hit home the hardest have to do with the moral responsibilities of people in politically repressive times and the personal duty to care for someone struggling with illness.
Although the play was written 36 years ago there are striking parallels to our present-day lives: the AIDS/COVID epidemics, political power struggles, religious strife and sexual identity. These universal topics are being presented in a highly theatrical and a no-holds-barred way.
Still, I believe that ANGELS takes us on a positive journey toward hope and enlightenment. In his “Gay Fantasia on National Themes,” Kushner introduces us to the good and bad angels without romanticizing real-life behavior and allows each of us to think and decide for ourselves what is important and noble in life and what requires change.
The play acknowledges that we are all human and that we err. Accepting, forgiving and honoring one another fairly and equally with opportunities for success and happiness regardless of race, creed color, sexual orientation, disability or any difference will free us from the insidious grasp of fear, shame, corruption and judgment. - D Terry Williams
Roy M. Cohn / Prior 2 .................................................................... R.J Soulé
Joe Pitt / Eskimo .......................................................................... Ken Holda
Harper Pitt ................................................................................... Kim Krane
Hannah Pitt / Ethel Rosenberg................................................... Sandy Davis
Prior Walter / Man in the Park ................................................... Caleb Alman*
Louis Ironson .......................................................... August-Aurelius Palmer*
Belize / Mr. Lies ...................................................................... Kayden Moore
Homeless Woman / Sister Ella ............................................... Tammy Cooper
Emily / The Angel .............................................................. Lisa Marie Parker
Henry / Rabbi........................................................................ Tom Blandford*
Martin Heller / Prior 1...................................................... Lucas A. Campbell *Civic Debut
Act I Oct - Nov 1985, Act II Dec - Jan 1985, Act III Jan 1986 There will be a 10-minute intermission between acts.
Please no photo taking. Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Mature themes, nudity, sexual content, simulated sexual situations, strong language, physical violence, high-brightness light effects, water-based fog and haze.
R.J Soulé
Roy M. Cohn / Prior 2
Caleb Alman
Prior Walter / Man in the Park
Tom Blandford Henry / Rabbi
Lucas A. Campbell
Martin Heller / Prior 1
Tammy Cooper
Homeless Woman / Sister Ella
Sandy Davis Hannah Pitt / Ethel Rosenberg
Ken Holda Joe Pitt / Eskimo
Kim Krane Harper Pitt
Kayden Moore Belize / Mr. Lies
August-Aurelius Palmer
Louis Ironson
Lisa Marie Parker
Emily / The Angel
Meet the Cast
Caleb Alman
(Prior Walter / Man in the Park)
Caleb is humbled to portray Prior Walter in his first production at the Civic. He received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Oakland University. Selected credits include Alex More (Buyer & Cellar); Darryl Ames (Bright Star); and Hortensio (Taming of the Shrew). Angels reminds us of a time when the US government ignored the suffering of its people, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life. We currently live in a time when the government is actively perpetuating the suffering of its people. This play also reminds us how to fight, how to be brave and how to choose hope. Choose hope, dear audience.
Tom Blandford (Henry / Rabbi)
Tom is honored to be performing in his first production at the Civic. He spent most of his career in Chicago performing improv and sketch comedy, where he developed his voice as an actor and writer. He currently performs with the remarkable artistic community at Crawlspace Theater. Endless thanks and love to his family. Special thanks to D. Terry Williams for this opportunity to work with such an inspired group of artists. All his love and gratitude to his beloved fiancée, Lori, for co-creating the greatest script and life imaginable. With love and gratitude, he dedicates this show to the memory of Lesley and his cherished Jewish family in Chicago.
Lucas Campbell (Martin Heller / Prior 1)
Lucas is a 30+ year veteran of the stage, and was most recently seen as the fathers of the brides/Grandpa/ Bum/Reagan impersonator in the Civic production of The Wedding Singer. “I would like to thank my parents, my brother and sister, and Lisa, for always being there. It is an honor to be involved in a show directed by someone I have the utmost respect for, and to be surrounded by such immense talent. Thank you!”
Tammy Cooper (Homeless Woman / Sister Ella)
Tammy is stoked to be back at the Civic after making her debut in Pride and Prejudice. A state employee for over 25 years, she is also WMU theater grad. Her previous favorite roles have been Susy in Wait Until Dark and Eleanor in The Haunting of Hill House. She also performed an original story in the Farmers Alley production of Does Anybody Have a Map? In her free time, she loves to swim, fence and hang out with her two boys, Karsten and Duran.
Sandy Davis (Hannah Pitt / Ethel Rosenberg)
Sandy is thrilled to be a part of this production. She has been seen in over 10 shows at The Civic. She also enjoys performing for Face Off Theatre and recently was on stage for Queer Theatre in Crafty. She enjoys teaching theatre at The Civic and for EFA. “It’s an honor to perform Kushner’s words and bring this beautiful play to life.”
Ken Holda (Joe Pitt / Eskimo)
Ken is thrilled to be returning to the Civic stage after directing and choreographing You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown this past fall. Other directing credits include 15 musicals for the Kindleberger Summer Festival and The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Farmers Alley Theatre. Ken first appeared on the Civic stage in Damn Yankees in 2001. Favorite roles at the Civic include Bert in Mary Poppins; Cornelius in Hello, Dolly!; Leaf Coneybear in ...Spelling Bee; The Baker in Into the Woods; and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. You can find Ken enjoying theatre all over the country on TikTok and Instagram as KenFromKalamazoo.
Kim Krane (Harper Pitt)
Kim is thrilled to return to the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. She holds an MFA in Acting from Case Western Reserve University/ Cleveland Play House and a BA in Theatre Performance from WMU. Kim spent twelve years in NYC working as an actor/director and producer and recently appeared as Ghost of Christmas Past and others in A Christmas Carol at Farmer’s Alley Theatre. NYC credits include: Simone in Elemeno Pea (Mastodon), Emily Weldon in BUTCHER (Stella Adler Theatre), and Hero/Verges in Much Ado About Nothing (New York Shakespeare Exchange). She is thrilled to work again with director D. Terry, and grateful to be back in this wonderful community working on this important play.
Kayden Moore (Belize / Mr. Lies) Kayden (they/he) was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. They are a recent graduate of Western Michigan University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Film/Video/Media Studies and Arts Administration. Kayden’s most recent acting credits are from FOTC’s 2024 production of Bambiland, QTK’s 2025 production of Taproot, and The Civic’s 2025 production of The Colored Museum. Kayde is extremely honored to bring to life such a culturally significant show. “I make art for the same reason I breathe air. Because I would cease to exist without it.”
August-Aurelius Palmer (Louis Ironson)
August-Aurelius is ecstatic to be making their Civic debut! Some of their favorite credits include The Great Gatsby (Matthew Carmichael, Emcee Under Study, Dance Capt.), Bronco Way (Quinn West), and now Louis! August-Aurelius has been in love with theatre since 6th grade, and is working their hardest to reach the stars one day. When not in rehearsal, you can find them sketching, reading, or in class at WMU School of Theatre and Dance. So much thanks to Veronica, William, and Bryce Palmer who could not support them more on their journey to stardom and all the faculty at WMU for shaping them into the performer they are today.
Lisa Marie Parker
(Emily / The Angel)
Lisa Marie is a 50+ year veteran of stage, screen and film. She is honored to work with D. Terry Williams again, having last done so in the title role of MADEA in 2005. Other favorite roles include Eleanor in the Lion in Winter, Elizabeth the First in Elizabeth Rex, Barbara Fordham in August: Osage County, and Annie Wilkes in Misery. Thanks to D. Terry for another chance to “spread my wings”, and Staci and Luca for their love & support.
R.J.
Soulé
(Roy M. Cohn / Prior 2)
R.J. has been a part of more Civic shows than he can count. He got his start in theatre as a personal dresser for Sandy Bremer in Sugar Babies. R.J. has had many roles throughout his lifetime but his favorites include Marvin in March of the “Falsettos”, Wilbur in “Hairspray” and Tennessee Williams in the one-man play “Confessions of a Nightingale”. When not at the theatre, R.J. can be found on the hiking trails, be it locally or in the mountains.
Meet the Production Team
D. Terry Williams (Director)
D. Terry Williams is Professor Emeritus of the School of Theatre and Dance at Western Michigan University where he served as chair of the department for 23 years. Prior to coming to Western Terry was Director of Theatre at the University of Northern Iowa.
He holds a Ph.D. in Theatre History and Dramatic Literature from Indiana University, where he met Sharon, his wife of 56 years, who is a retired actress.
He has taught courses in Theatre History, Directing, Acting, Script Analysis, Arts Management and Censorship in the Arts. He has directed over 125 productions for university, community and professional theatres, including operas at I.U. and for Western’s Irving S. Gilmore School of Music as well as collaborations with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Fontana Chamber Arts and the Gilmore Piano Festival.
Jake Flaviani (Dramaturg)
Originally from Clarkston, Michigan, Jake is currently in his third year at Western Michigan University, double majoring in both History and Acting. Angels will be the second production he has served as a dramaturg, following WMU Theatre’s The Great Gatsby last Spring. Jake is excited to be involved with his first production at The Civic, and hopes to be involved in many more productions moving forward!
Connar Klock (Intimacy Choreographer)
Connar (they/them) is a queer, Michigan rooted theatremaker, facilitator, and advocate whose work puts new plays, humanist values, and intersectional voices at the center. In sixteen years of theatre involvement, Connar has worked on over 75 shows, directed for 11 companies and 12 new play festivals. Recent credits include Let’s Have a Satanic Orgy (QTK, Creator/ Director), She Kills Monsters (Three Rivers, Director), and Red Days (SW Michigan College, Intimacy Coordinator.) They currently serve as the Artistic Director of Queer Theatre Kalamazoo and as the Services Manager at Kalamazoo’s LGBTQIA+ resource center OutFront Kalamazoo. They hold a BFA in Acting from Western Michigan University, where they currently serve as a Cultural Competency Consultant in the School of Theatre and Dance.
Our Volunteers
Lisa Abbot
Debra Abel
Gabriel Adams
Yohannes Ademodi
Sarah Aiello
Isabella Albarran
Danielle Albrecht
Melody Albrecht
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Sarah Allison
Caleb Alman
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Charlie Andrew
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Bhatt
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Maximum Bird
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Matthew Cameron
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Kira Chandler
Kim Chandler
Jamie Chapin
Jamie Chapin
Donald Cheeseman
Timothy Cheeseman
Gina-Maria Chimner
Our Volunteers
Camille Chimner
Hamilton
AJ Christian
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Day’Shawna Cole
Morgan Cole
Dane Colnicean
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Laurel Connolly
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Lynn Contos
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Tammy Cooper
Thom Cooper
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Steven Curtiss
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Judith D’Arcangelis
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Tim Davis
Tully Davis
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Scott Gates
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Addie Gordon
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Our Volunteers
Alex Grindey
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Thomasina Guidrey
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Jane Hammond
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Our Volunteers
Jenn Lindsay
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Martinez
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Sloan
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Avor Smith
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Mary Smith
Morgan Smith
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Travis Smith
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Nancy Snell
Our Volunteers
Viance Snell
William Snell
Cindy Snyder
Jonathan Solonika
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R.J. Soule’
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Dr. Miriam Thomas
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Bhatt
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LouAnn Van Den Bos
Camille Van Dien
Orion Vandenberg
Joslin Vandenboegh
Bailey Vanderberg
Brooklyn Vanderbilt
Melinda Vanderbilt
Ben Vandrevoort
Laura VanOrman
Diane Vasold-Trupiano
Jasper F. Vaughn
Katy Velten
Robert Vergeson
Wanda L.E. Viento
Peter Vogel
Andora Volz
Devon Volz
Jared Volz
Veda Volz
Gari Voss
Mitch Voss
Marlita Walker
Journi Wallin
Arabesque Walsh
Meadow Walsh
Rhapsody Walsh
Cambrie Walters
Leah Walters
Mathilda Ware
Dara Lyon Warner
Carrie Warren
Daniel Warren
Kris Warren
Alicia Wasmiller
Cody A Watson
Jan Watson
June Watson
Lisa Watson
Haleigh Weatherwax
Margot Weiner
Kathleen B. Weissert
Maria Welser
Fred Western
Hana Westrick
Margot Wewer
Wendy Wheeler
Daniel Whitcomb
Kathy Wiedmayer
Judy Wilcox
D. Terry Williams
Louis Williams
Donna Willoughby
Gary Willoughby
Patti Wills
Paul Wills
Amy Wills
Tanya Wolfe
Brandon T. Wolfgang
Don Wolfgang
Meggen Wollberg
Marvinetta WoodleyPenn
Aleis Work
Ryan Yacullo
Addie Yates
Haley Yi
Sedona Yoder
Maggie Zahrai
Alex Zahrai
Izzy Zegerious
Laura Zervic
Ben Zylman
6 In Honor 6
In Honor of Mike Artis
Tom and Donna Lambert
In Honor of Mike Artis on the occasion of his 20 year Anniversary with the Civic Laura M. Zervic
In Honor of Kimberly Chandler Williams on the occasion of her 20 year Anniversary with the Civic Laura M. Zervic
In Honor of Daniel Coyne, a great actor and Big Brother
Vicki and Mike Merlo
In Honor of Wesley Gibbs
Sally and Larry Bingham
In Honor of Emma Michael Virginia Michael
In Honor of Shaun Moskalik
Terri Dall
In Honor of Art Nemitz Ben Zylman
In Honor of Ryleigh Simpson and the Penguin Project
Ruth Ann Uggen
In Honor of Kathleen Weissert on the occasion of her birthday
Bob and Linda Van Dis
In Honor of Scott Tompkins
Bob and Linda Van Dis
6 In Memory 6
In Memory of Tom and Monique Coyne
Dan Coyne and Linda Stieve
In Memory of Dorothy Upjohn Dalton
Tom and Ruth Small
In Memory of Gary L. Elfring
Greg Elfring
In Memory of Tim Kilmartin
Norman Cooper
Jack Lohse
Leah Walters
In Memory of Mike Klepper
The Muny
In Memory of Tim Light
Terry and Sharon Williams
In Memory of Miervalds & Mara Malcenieks
Tia Lutz
In Memory of Patricia Pettinga
Maria Maki
In Memory of Sally Jo Pickens
JoBu Team
In Memory of Frances K. Riggs
Gwendolyn Saulino
In Memory of Deb Killarney
In Memory of Cathie Weir
Richard Weir
Thank You to Our Benefactors
As a not for profit organization, we are indebted to the generosity of our supporting foundations, businesses, organizations, families and friends. We wish to recognize those who have made contributions to the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre received from June 1, 2025 to October 21, 2025, including those who wish to remain anonymous. We thank you for your continued support.
Businesses and Organizations
Ruby (up to $2499)
PayPal Giving Fund
Diamond ($5,000 to $9,999)
The Peregrine-Huff Foundation
Emerald ($2,500 to $4,999)
Miller-Davis Foundation
Foundations
Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
The Burdick-Thorne Foundation
Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation
Irving S. Gilmore Foundation
The Marvin and Rosalie Okun Foundation
Suzanne U.D. Parish Foundation
Richard Percy Memorial Fund
The Gary Sisters Foundation
Naomi Stucki Civic Theatre Fund
The Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation
In Kind Donations
Sandra Bates
Regina Mahannah
Mia Swira
Karen Trout
Toni Tyler
Jared Volz
Thank You to Our Benefactors
Angel ($10,000+)
The Bryant Family Charitable Fund
Producer ($5,000 - $7,499)
Art Nemitz
Eugene Wu
Assistant Director
($1,000 - $2,499)
Philip Borkholder and Salina Kalnins
Norman Cooper
Alfred Garcia
Caroline E. Robbins
The Fabulous Dawn and Reed Shilts
Erika Shoemaker
Albert and Geraldine Statler Fund
Star ($500 to $999)
Douglas and Sheila Baiers
Dr and Mrs Geoffrey Grambau
The Hammond Foundation
Corinna Parish
Elizabeth S Upjohn Mason
Laura M Zervic
Supporting Player
($250 - $499)
Anonymous
Donna J Bishop
Robert B Borsos
The Brandenburg Charitable Gift Fund
Judy D’Arcangelis
Jerry and Cathy Ditto
Greg Elfring
Amy Forester
Susan S and Dennis R Hollar
Klepper-Sledge Fund
Andy Knibloe
Michael Krischer and Janet Heller
Gail Ledbetter
Jake Lohse
Michael P. Martin
The Muny
Lisa Newman
Howard C Potrude
Joann Schma
William G Schma
Tom and Ruth Small
Bob and Pat Terwilliger
Gari Voss
Marvinetta Woodley-Penn
Jerry and Mary Zwart
Chorus Member
($100 - $249)
Jerry Amrhein
Mary Artis
Matt and Jane Banner
James and Marilyn Barney
Richard Beam
Sally and Larry Bingham
Rena Hirsten Brooks
Andrea Burke
David Burkey
Frank J Cody
Deb Cronkite
Terri Dall
Asa Davis
Nathan Ekola
Elaine Fluck
Coral J Fry
Linda Grdina
Kay Diana Hanson
Ed and Ginnie Hessler
Jacque Jennings-Carter
Judy Jolliffe
Thomas and Celine Keizer
Mary E Klenow
Peter Kobrak
Chorus Member
($100 - $249)
Kristen Larson
Bridget Lemberg
Jaime Marsman
John L Mason
Prudence McCabe
Elizabeth McKenna
Deborah McMann
Joyce McNally
Linda and Joseph Mills
Sarah Nyenhuis
Pat and John O’Toole
Gail Pearson
Mary and Tom Platte
Frank and Lois Plaver
BA Page and Roger
Prior
Eric Rice
Art and Janet Riley
Jeanette Sage
Ron and Linda Santoro
Pam Shebest
Patricia J Shiley
Erika Shoemaker
Tom and Ruth Small
Dan Coyne and Linda
Stieve
Emily and Devin Talcott
Linda Teare
Kristin Tyrrell
Ruth Ann Uggen
Leah Walters
Ken and Jill Weyenberg
Louis Williams
Terry and Sharon
Williams
Dr John Wiler
Amy Wills
Ben Zylman
Patron ($1-99)
Margot Amrine
Ayslinn Ashbury
Robert Barber
Alejandra Barrera
Cindy Barres
Juliane Bauer
Jason Belen
Jonathan Benson
Emily Blunt
Stephanie Bodnar
Mary H Boling
Amy Bonnema
Kelly Boyle
William and Ruth
Breyfogle
Chloe Briggs
Donald Brooks
Felix Brooks
Jessica Brooks
Charlene Brown
Will Brown
Joyce Burke
Ryan Burke
Delynn Campbell
Colleen Carpenter
Lainey Carpenter
Benjamin Chalut
Mary Connors
Ruth Councell
Sally Courtney
Jennifer Coyle
Connor Coyne
Robert F Creagan
Carrie Dall
Rita Danks
Amber DeBolt
Shelley Denny
Lana DeNooyer
Elaine Denton
Carol Jean Zomer
DeRuiter
Lily DeYoung-Foster
Linda Diller
Miriam Downey
Dana Eager
Greg Edwards
Nikki Elrod
Doug Eplee
Mary Evans
Renae Feldpausch
Jessica Fiedorowicz
Matthew Fischer
Gretchen Flatto
Cynthia Fleck
Nina Fontana
Wesley Friel
Maggie Frizzo
Robin Frohlich
Noreen Garrido
Steven Gersch
Megan Gest
Esther Gray
Marion Gray
Elizabeth Grow
Joey Hamilton
Carla Hammel
Douglas Harrison
Ronald Haywood
Patty Heintzelman
Eileen Hellwege
Anne Henn
Erin Henn
Linda Hickman
Sharon Higbee
Therese Hildebrand
Debbie Hindman
Kim Hoffmaster
Mary Holtapp
Holly Honeck
Phil Horwich
Kristen Hossink
Joanne Huffman
Rachel Hufnagel
Nathan Hunt
Alita Irwin
Alexander Ja-Yu Lim
Nancy Johnson
Patron ($1-99)
Mary Keane
Meg Kennedy
Martha Kerns
Deb and Mike Killarney
Charity Kirksey
Julia Kirkwood
Nicole Kling
Greg Koeninger
Christy Konenkamp
Alicia Kornowa
Amanda Kutzler
Tom and Donna
Lambert
Pamela Landis
Alyssa Lawson
Nancy Lane Johnson
Jacob Lee
Mayron Lichterman
Evelyn Lim
Jesse Lipson
Katherine Little
Stephanie Losey
Judith Loudin
Helen Lutz
Tia Lutz
Maria Maki
Lillian Manning
Lucas Mansberger
Margot Marion-Amrine
Barbara Marquette
Gary Mazur
Sybil Mazur
Jacquelyn McShulskis
Barbara Menlen
Eric McConnell
Donald McQuitty
Julie Mencl
Vicki and Mike Merlo
Virginia Michael
Jack Milito
Katerina Mikhailova
Daniel Miller
Alex Montgomery-
Buchino
Josh Moon
Shannon Moore
Rev. Mary Elizabeth
Moran Cross
Karen Morse
Micha Myers
Michael Nevarez
Kelly Newell
Zachary Norstrom
Jacob Oaster
Mary O’Connor
Judy Oliphant
Samantha Orabi
David and Carol Overton
Robert Page
Erin Parker
Millicent Perkins
Brian Pittelko
Mary and Tom Platte
Amie Powers
Dyer Price-Stassek
Michele Prouty
Kelly Ray
Robert Rebar
Jill Reid
Molly Reilly
Martha Reynolds
Joan Romyak
Susan Rosas
Jill Rowe
Maura Salemka
William and Jennifer
Sanderson
Noah Sauger
Gwendolyn Saulino
Sherry Schricker
Donna and Paul
Schonveld
Melissa Shanks
Katrina Shaughnessy
Lulu Shearer
Laura Simon
Kathryn Simpson
Sharlene Smith
Carrie Soule
Ross and Norma
Stancati
Tara Stout
Patricia Stromsta
Melissa Tache
Marcene Telfer
David Termuhlen
Logan Thomas
Shelley Tober
Paul Trap
Bill Truesdell
Alaina Tuohy
Meredith Ulmer
Curtis Vandenberg
Bob and Linda Van Dis
Jan Van Schaik
Jerome and Mary Van
Tassel
Rupert Vessey
Kryssy Vinson
Peggy Vliek
Gari Voss
Brynn Wade
Kay Wallace
Shad Waterman
Barry Watson
Richard Weir
Kathryn West-Brandt
Mary P White
Caroline Wiley
Lori Wilfenhof
Candace Williams
Juliene Winborne
Evelyn WinfieldThomas
Jade Wolfe
Justin Zimmerman
The Civic Production Team
Laura M. Zervic - Executive Director
Laura joined the Civic as Executive Director in July, 2021, after a lengthy career as an Advertising, Promotions and Trademark Attorney. No stranger to the Civic, Laura debuted on the Civic stage in 2009 in The Affections of May. Laura’s theater experience spans over 35 years, and includes acting, directing, producing and stagemanaging in a variety of productions in Cincinnati, Chicago and Kalamazoo. Favorite performances include Only Rose, Noises Off, Lend Me a Tenor, Company and the Civic s production of The World Goes Round. Laura made her Civic directorial debut in 2023 with First Date and directed last season’s Senior Class Reader’s Theatre production of Is There Life After High School? Laura devotes much of her time to her community and to the Gull Lake Community Schools, where she is a champion of the arts, creating fine arts opportunities for students. Laura serves as the President of the GLCS Fine Arts Foundation and has served on the GLCS Board of Education since 2018. Laura also recently joined the Board of the Community Theatre Association of Michigan.
Anthony J. Hamilton - Artistic Director
Prior to his appointment as Artistic Director, Hamilton served as Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at Kalamazoo College (‘22-’23) and Guest Professor of Theatre at Western Michigan University (‘21-’22). Most recently, he appeared as Sly in Detroit ‘67 at Hope Repertory Theatre in Holland, MI. Previous directing and choreography credits at the Civic include: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Once on this Island, 1940s Radio Hour, The Piano Lesson, Disney’s Newsies, A Raisin in the Sun, Barbecue, The Lion in Winter, Disney’s The Lion King Jr., and Catch Me if You Can. Other directing credits include: Intimate Apparel (WMU), Into the Woods (WMU), Dutchman (K College) and Next to Normal (K College). Hamilton received a B.A. from Western Michigan University and an M.F.A. from Florida State University/ Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.
Benjamin Arnett- Master Electrician
Benjamin is a lighting designer, programmer, and head electrician based out of Portage, MI. With a deep passion and love for music, Benjamin’s works in lighting are driven by the emotions and feelings created by talented artists on stage. He has designed for productions such as The Lightning Thief (WMU 2022) and The SpongeBob Musical (WMU 2024). His skills as a theatrical technician have led to lightboard programming and head electrician opportunities at Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Petoskey, Weston Theatre Company in Vermont, The Argyle Theatre in New York, and many others. In Benjamin’s free time, he enjoys going to concerts, working on projects in the garage, usually involving wood or metal work, and finding some twisty scenic roads on his motorcycle.
Paige Billian - Scenic Design Intern
Paige (They/She) is excited to be joining the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre! Paige graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Design & Production and Animation, and has previously volunteered with the Fort Wayne Youtheatre as a high school intern. When not working on shows, they love to knit, build miniatures and play board games with friends.
Ryan Burke - Scenic Carpenter
Ryan is a Michigan native from the Croswell Opera House in Adrian. After a summer at the Tibbits Opera House, he has spent the rest of his career in the Kalamazoo Civic scene shop. Whether it’s building scenery or singing and dancing backstage, Ryan isn’t alive until the house is open and the first cue is called. He is a kind soul and wonderful friend; 100% dedicated to the new vision and core values of the Civic Theatre. You’ll like this guy.
Jamie Chapin - Properties Artisan
Jamie graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Entertainment Design & Technology. They have worked with Cedar Point: Live Entertainment (2022) and the Opera Theatre of St. Louis (2023) since graduation. Some of their favorite hobbies are crocheting, drawing, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Tully Davis - Technical Direction Intern
Tully is eager to be working on The Civic’s 97th season. Having originally pursued a career in architecture they pivoted into the vast world of theatre. In college they worked on set design and construction for shows produced by 33rd St Productions. A native to the area they are ready to be able to contribute to one of the many things that make Kalamazoo so great!
Lindsay Fleck - Costume Design Intern
Lindsay is honored to be joining the Kalamazoo Civic team for their 97th season! As a 2024 BFA Acting/ Directing and History alum from Central Michigan University with a side job in the university costume shop, she is excited to take this step further into her building passion for this form of art. Hailing from nearby Vicksburg, she is no stranger to Kalamazoo and the Civic Theatre, however, her first involvement was just last season playing Julia Sullivan in the season closer, The Wedding Singer-- and oh boy has that excited her for being a part of the official team! When not sewing, designing, or acting, she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Addie Gorden - Costume Design Intern
Addie Gorden graduated from Indiana University in 2023 with a BA in Theatre and a minor in Fashion Design. As a teenager she volunteered at the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, doing everything from acting to stage management. In college she began to explore costume design, with a particular interest in historical costuming. She is looking forward to continuing to grow as a designer with The Civic!
Alex Grindey - Resident Sound Designer
Alex(They/Them) earned their BA from Eastern Michigan University’s Entertainment Design and Technology program with focuses in Sound Design and Stage Management and a Minor in Music. Upon their graduation they proceeded into the world of freelance theatre where they had many positions from Sound Board Operator to Assistant Stage Manager to Sound Designer to Production Manager. Some of their favorite shows include, with the Flint Repertory Theatre: Audio Engineer for The Magnificent Seven(2023), Ragtime(2023) and Godspell(In a Pool!)(2024), Sound Designer for Rain on Fire(2023), Assistant Stage Manager for Little Shop of Horrors(2023), with Eastern Michigan University: Guest Sound Designer for Digging Up Dessa(2023), and with Three River’s Community Players: Stage Manager for Much Ado About Nothing(2025).
Kalie Hagen - Production Stage Manager
Kalie Hagen comes to us from Phoenix, Arizona where she received her Associates Degree from Mesa Community College. She went on to Stage Manage a variety of different shows around the Phoenix Area. She has credits from The Phoenix Theatre Company, Childsplay Theatre Company, Order Chaos Theatre, Combs Performing Arts Center and Mesa Community College. She was also the Associate Production Manager with Childsplay Theatre Company and a Production Assistant at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Phoenix. She is thrilled to be with us and looks forward to all our upcoming productions and being able to get back into theatre!
Nora Hauk - Costume Shop Manager
Nora Hauk is the Costume Shop Manager at Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. She holds a BA in theatre arts from Kalamazoo College and an MA in sociocultural anthropology from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. She lived in South Korea for several years.
Nora is an improviser at Crawlspace Comedy Theatre and performs regularly with the teams What Sharp Teeth and Joyce II Men, and in the Superstar Supershows.
Nora is the treasurer of the Northglade Montessori Magnet School PTO and is active in the West Main Hill Neighborhood Association. If you see her around town, she is probably traveling by bike. Most importantly, she is the parent of two children.
Imari Hill - Sound Design Intern
Imari graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Technology. She found her passion for sound and music when she played in the pit orchestra in high school. In college, she was an FOH engineer for many live shows and events. Now, she is excited to explore sound design at The Civic. During her spare time, Imari enjoys composing music, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Elaine Kauffman - Resident Costume Designer
Elaine first joined the Civic staff in 1998 as our Costume Designer. She left to create her own custom clothing design business, Elaine K Designs which she has run for the past 18 years. She returned to the Civic as “Costume Designer in 2018. She graduated from WMU with a degree in Fashion Design and has over 25 years of professional costume design working at almost every theatre in the Kalamazoo area including the Barn Theatre, 3-D Touring Productions, WMU Dance Dept., WMU Opera, Kalamazoo College Theatre Dept., Farmers Alley Theatre and many other freelance costume design projects. One of her favorite costuming experiences was creating the “creature costume” for a horror movie filmed in Kalamazoo. Outside of the theatre, Elaine enjoys the art of cheese making!”
David Kyhn - Resident Scenic Artist
David has served on the Civic s staff since the summer of 2000. Over that time, it has been his pleasure to work with the Civic’s passionate volunteers and the skillful, dedicated staff. He has especially enjoyed mentoring and learning from so many bright interns at the beginning of their careers. The Civic has provided countless opportunities for him to grow as an artist, exploring new ideas, technologies, and aesthetics, and he looks forward to future wonder and discovery with the vibrant Civic community.
Christopher Lewis - Resident Properties Master
Christopher is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a B.A. in Fine Arts. He joined the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre staff in 2008 as a scenic carpenter. In May of 2023, he became the Resident Properties Master. Some of his favorite Civic productions are Jekyll & Hyde, The Who’s Tommy, The Borrowers, Once on this Island, Xanadu, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Christopher’s hobbies include building prop replicas, designing and constructing puppets, blacksmithing, and playing tabletop games.
Ella Ledbetter-Newton - Lighting Design Intern
Ella is very excited to be joining the Civic as an intern this year after performing in “California Suite” and “The Wedding Singer” in the Civic’s 96th season. She is a Kalamazoo native with a BA in Musical Theatre and an AA in Dance. Ella is a frequent performer in Kalamazoo and has performed in surrounding areas including Adrian and Ann Arbor. Along with being a performer, Ella has technical theatre experience including lighting design, scenic carpentry, and stage management. Ella is eager to expand her knowledge and skills with this internship and is very happy to be a part of the Civic community. She would like to thank her family, friends, and her lighting team, Delaney and Ben, for all their love and support in this new step in life.
Delaney McKenzie - Resident Lighting Designer
Delaney joined the Civic staff in 2018 as the Master Electrician and became the Resident Lighting and Sound Designer in 2020. She earned her BS in Theater: Design and Technology at Northwest Missouri State University and a MFA in Theater at Southern Illinois University where she specialized in Lighting Design. She has worked with the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Endstation Theater Company, McLeod Summer Playhouse, and as Lead Lighting Technician at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Delaney has a passion for Jesus, music, and the arts, spending much of her time outside of the Civic dedicated to worship and creating beautiful things. She is a painter and a prolific fiber artist, often seen with a set of needles or crochet hook between meetings or backstage during performances.
Phillip A. Miller - Technical Director
Phillip has worked on every production we have produced since he joined the Civic staff in 2000. Prior to his arrival at the Civic, Phillip served as the Assistant Technical Director at the Barn Theatre and as a draftsman for the Children’s Theatre Company and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Additionally, Phillip was the Technical Assistant at Western Michigan University, while earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technical Production.
Justin Muse - Scenic Design Associate
Justin is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.F.A. in Design and Production. He designed for various theaters in Ann Arbor before coming to Kalamazoo as an intern for the Civic’s 2022-23 season. In June of 2024 he became the Scenic Design Associate. Past Civic credits include: Clybourne Park, Polkadots, Catch me if You Can, and Radium Girls. In his spare time, he enjoys painting, drawing, and crossword puzzles.
Sara Sherman - Resident Choreographer and Teaching Artist
Sara has worked as a teaching artist and choreographer for several years throughout the greater Kalamazoo and Chicago metropolitan areas. A former preschool teacher, she is particularly passionate about early childhood exposure to the arts and enjoys having the opportunity to teach some of our youngest students in the Academy. Sara is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTA) program and currently serves as Early Childhood Director at Excel Dance Centre, where she received much of her dance training growing up. Sara has enjoyed volunteering at the Civic for years, appearing in productions like Smokey Joe’s Café and The 1940s Radio Hour. Civic Choreography credits include: Disney’s Newsies, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Sound of Music, Catch Me if You Can, SIX: The Musical- Teen Edition, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
Micaila Tait - Stage Management Intern Micaila Tait is beyond excited to be joining the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre for the 97th season. And is also excited because it is her first time coming out to the Midwest. She is from Bristow, Virginia and graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Education. In college she worked in multiple different areas of theatre ranging from just about everything before eventually landing on Stage Management, which she quickly gained a passion for. In her free time, she loves to read, spend time with her family, and travel when she can!
Kalamazoo Civic Theatre Board of Directors
Michael P. Martin ............................................. President
