ABOUT THE CAST

Dale Marach (John Hancock) – Dale returns to his role as John Hancock for a second year and is determined to get it right this time. Dale’s association with Celebration Players includes directing Lend Me a Tenor and Barefoot in the Park. Originally from Chicago, other acting credits include Play it Again Sam, Fiddler on the Roof, My Three Angels, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Good Doctor.

Bill Wilcox (Dr. Josiah Bartlett) – Coming back to theater after a brief 25 year absence, Bill was one of the first students involved in the development of Valencia Community College’s theater department. An active member of South Lake players he played Van Helsing in Dracula, Col. Pickering in My Fair Lady, was involved in set design, lighting and backstage production, and moved up to the directors chair for the production of Butterflies are Free.This is his appearance with the Players and  is looking forward to a more active role in future productions.

Daryll Pickett  (John Adams) – Darryl is a professional dilettante, actor, writer, musician, and storyteller. A Central Florida resident for 15 years, he has experienced many, if not most, aspects of the theme park work life. You can learn more about his many creative endeavors at, www.odsmil.com.

Mark Rhodes (Stephen Hopkins) – This is Mark’s debut with Celebration Players. Mark has appeared in several S.T.A.G.E productions including 1776, The Family Tradition, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Wizard of Oz and The Happy Hargroves Holiday Humbug.

Tim Swisher (Roger Sherman) – Originally from Indiana, Tim recently was seen in Celebration Players production of The Music Man. Tim ha salso performed in the M&M productions and Ross Theatre group productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Scrooge, The Sound of Music, Wizard f Oz, Music Man, Cotton PatchGospel, M*A*S*H, Fiddler on the Roof and Carousel. He would like to dedicate this performance to the memory of a great lady, Evelyn and to the Reinharts for their mentoring and encouragement.

James “Scotty” Schultz (Lewis Morris) – In his return to Celebration Players, Scotty has previously appeared in Arsenic and Old Lace. A regular with The Moonlight Players of Clermont he has also been seen in Rainmaker, Man of La Mancha, Cemetery Club, and Fools. Scotty thanks his wife who stays up late and helps him with his lines.

Spencer Jenkins (Robert Livingston)  Spencer, a Celebration resident. has been in performances of Fame, The Wizard of Oz, and Annie.  1776 is his debut for the Players, and he will next be seen as Linus in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." He is thankful for the opportunity to do a show so different from the others he has done.

Jim Cochems (Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon) – A Celebration resident, Jim is originally from that historic and patriotic area around Boston, home of the Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill, and most importantly Sam Adams Boston Ale. This is Jim’s second time around with the Players appearing most recently, a self proclaimed Tony worthy performance, in The Music Man. Jim has threatened to appear in future Celebration Players productions. 

Yogi Mueller (Ben Franklin) – Yogi’s is proud and humbled by the response to last year’s production and being asked to reprise his role of Dr Franklin. A special thanks to to his beautiful, patient, wife and his two daughters. As always a huge debt of gratitude goes out to our Armed Services for helping to preserve our freedom and liberty. God Bless America.

Don McDonald (John Dickinson) – Don is a  Celebration resident.

Greg Posso (James Wilson) – Happily married and proud father of three lovely daughters Greg works as a Merchandise Manager at EPCOT. He is pleased to be reprising his role as James Wilson having previously performed the role of George Read in a production of 1776 for S.T.A.G.E..

Orlando Vega  (Caesar Rodney) – Moving from the role of Josiah Barlett in last years production of 1776 Orlando is the current Vice President of S.T.A.G.E., and has appeared in their productions of Bring Back Birdie, Pirates of Penzance, and All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned  in Kindergarten. He thanks his family for their continued support of his hobby.

Bobby Amerena. (Col. Thomas McKean) – A former part-time model and T.V. commercial actor originally from Boston, directing credits include, Godspell, Run For Your Wife, and The Music Man. Acting credits include a previous portrayal of Col. McKean in 1776, Bobby Franklin in Run For Your Wife, Felix Unger in The Odd Couple, Pontious Pilot in The Crucifixtion of Christ. Bobby sends his love to his amazing wife and best friend Felicia, and the soldiers who defend our freedom. God Bless America.      

Joe Krstulich (George Read) – New to Celebration Players but not to the theatre, Joe’s credits include The Wizard in The Wizard of Oz, Teddy in Arsenic and Old Lace, Edward P. Dowd in Harvey, Otto Frank in Diary of Anne Frank, Herr Zeller in The Sound of Music, and Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof.

Joe Connelly (Samuel Chase) – In his debut with Celebration Players Joe has been seen in various roles in the S.T.A.G.E. production of Happy Hargroves Holiday Humbug. Joe dedicates this performance to the loving memory of his father. 

David Logan Brooks (Richard Henry Lee) – This is David’s first Celebration Players production. Previous theatre roles include the Courirer, 1776, and ensemble roles in The Sound of Music, and Grease. He has performed in the MTV show Making of the Band. David would liketo thank his fellow cast members and crew for their dedication to this production. He is honored to be a part of it……true LEE.

Michael Lolli (Thomas Jefferson) – Fresh off his outstanding performance as Harold Hill in the Players production of The Music Man, Mike would like to thank Aida and his family for all of their support. He dedicates his performance to the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox

Kirby Ryan III (Joseph Hewes) – A Celebration resident, Kirby has found that theater is an excellent way to meet people, full of surprises and most importantly; singing.  In addition to 1776, Kirby has played major roles in The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Sound of Music, Grease, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  Kirby is also currently in rehearsals for You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.

Jonathan Lang (Rutledge) – A native Bostonian Jonathan been in Florida for twelve years. Having been involved in all areas of theatre, this is his first on stage in many years. He is delighted to be part of this production.

David Hartman (Dr. Lyman Hall) – A Celebration resident, David is pleased to be returning in the role of Dr. Hall. He has enjoyed acting since high school. David would like to dedicate his performance to his family and thank you the audience for your support.

Sean Bliznik (Charles Thomson) – Sean is pleased to be appearing on stage after having just completed stage managing Celebration Players production The Music Man. His favorite credits include Sancho in Man of La Mancha, and Etches in Titanic, along with directing credits for Into the Woods, Grease, Steel Pier, West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie and Guys and Dolls. Sean sends his thanks to the cast and to Kelly for her continued support and devotion.

Shane Rhodes (McNair) – Usually found behind the scenes doing editing or videotaping for D7 Entertainment or his own award winning company Demented Penguin Shane has been seen in Dracula, Blood of Nosferatu, The Family Tradition,Morons and Time Travel Don’t Mix, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Wizard of Oz, The Happy Hargroves Holiday Humbug and at the Mark Two Dinner Theatre in Annie Get Your Ggun and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Annie Davis (Abigail Adams) – Thrilled to be performing in her first Celebration Players production, Annie’s theatre credits include Nancy in Oliver, Mary in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up, and ensemble roles in The Sound of Music, and Guys and Dolls. Annie serves as assistant Music Director at St Theresa’s Catholic Church. She would like to thank the cast and crew and her wonderful husband Justin for his love and understanding.

Leanne Klausegger (Martha Jefferson) – Leanne’s previous roles with the Players include 1776, and The Music Man. Other productions credits include Pippin, Fame, and The Sound of Music. She would like to thank the cast for another wonderful summer, and Mallory, watch out for the ugly bride.

Kane Prestenback  (Courier)  This is Kane’s first Celebration Players production and is grateful for the opportunity to perform this role. Originally from Louisiana, Kane has performed all over Florida including stints with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Shakespeare and Company and ABC Television. Kane was most recently seen as Snoopy in the S.T.A.G.E. production, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown

Mallory Harrell (Painter/Leather Apron) – Most recently seen in Celebration Players, The Music Man, Mallory has also been seen in Annie, Wizard of Oz, and Collage de Broadway. Mallory would like to thank her family and the “ugly bride” for their help.

 ABOUT THE DIRECTOR’S

T.J. Wollard (Director)  T.J. is no stranger to Celebration Players having performed on stage and in the Pit Orchestra. In addition to performing, T.J. is a playwright. Celebration Players recently performed one of his works, A Family Tradition, as part of their Play Reading Series.

Kris Schave (Music Director):  – A Celebration resident for almost 2 years Kris is excited about his first production with Celebration Players. Originally from Illinois, Kris was a three-year cast member of the OPERA, Illinois Opera Company, a full scholarship recipient from Illinois State University for a double major in Vocal and Piano Performance, and a winner of the National Association for Teachers of Singing Soloist Audition. His favorite roles include Prince Charming in Into the Woods, Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, and Music Director for Guys and Dolls and The Music Man.

Felicia Amerena (Choreographer):  Also President of Celebration Players, Felicia has a hand in everything from acquiring rehearsal space to selling program ads. Felicia has appeared in numerous productions including Godspell, The king and I and  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. While living in Boston, Felicia was member of the Dance Company and is happy to be putting her years of dance training and experience to work.