ABOUT THE CAST

Michael Hammond (Stage Manager) - Making his debut appearance with the Celebration Players, Michael’s other local credits include the stage version of It’s a Wonderful Life as Clarence with the Green Room Company at the 2005 Orlando International Fringe Festival. He has also appeared in college productions as Ross in Macbeth, Mr. Stanley in The Man Who Came to Dinner, and Henry Percy Richard II. Michael is very thankful to the Celebration Players for this opportunity to pursue his passion for acting with such a dedicated and joyful group of artists. Michael lives in Winter Garden with his beautiful wife Chris and his three amazing and wonderful children: James, Jessica, and Julia. 

Trevor Farrell (Dr. Gibbs) -This is Trevor’s first appearance with Celebration Players. Most of his stage work was in Illinois. His credits include Creon in Antigone, Al in Side Man the Irish Bartender in Ah! Wilderness on the Bradley University stage, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Billy in Anything Goes, and Elmer in Our Girls (no relation to Our Town). A junior and senior English Teacher at Celebration High School, Trevor thanks his family and friends their encouragement and willingness to acknowledge his presence. He also thanks Celebration Players for such a great experience. 

Scott Kratka (Joe Crowell/Si Crowell) - Although Scott has always shown a love of acting and of the theater, this is Scott’s first time on stage. Scott’s grandparents have been very active in Community Theater for many years and Scott attended many rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances as a child.  It seems Scott will continue with the family tradition. Scott has a special love for comedy, which at times might not be fully appreciated by his teachers, and looks forward to performing in a comedy in the near future. 

Rich Somsky (Howie Newsome) -This is Rich's second appearance with the Celebration Players. In his first role, Elwood P Dowd in 2005’s production of Harvey, his best friend was a six-foot tall invisible rabbit. In Our Town, he shares the stage with an invisible horse. Originally from Iowa, Rich appeared in more than a dozen shows, including, The Boys Next Door, Wait Until Dark, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, and Little Shop of Horrors. Rich works in Quality Management and does consulting for small businesses and non-profit organizations. Rich lives with his wife Terri and their two dogs: Bruno and Bela (both of whom are, thankfully, visible). 

Christine Keppler (Mrs. Gibbs) - Christine is very excited to be with Celebration Players again. In 2005 she stage managed 1776, and is thrilled to be back, this time on stage!  A native of Pennsylvania she has a B.A. in Theatre and received her Masters in Voice Performance from Carnegie Mellon last spring. Her favorite roles include Katisha in The Mikado, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, and Little Red in Into the Woods. Currently working at Disney at Kilimanjaro Safari's she has recently started teaching Shakespeare Acting for Children. She would love to thank the cast for being so wonderful.  It's been so much fun! Christine would like to thank Brandon for the countless hours helping her learn her lines! 

Linda Shepherd (Mrs. Webb) - With 30 years in theater,  Linda has appeared in over 40 productions and directed 15 shows in Michigan before moving to Florida in 1997. She appeared in one of Celebration Players’ first productions Comedy Tonight. Other stage credits include, Ten Little Indians, The Odd  Couple, …..Forum, How to Succeed…, Lend Me A Tenor, Harvey and Barefoot in the Park. Directing credits include, Steel Magnolias, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Squabbles. Linda is thrilled to be working with Dale in this poignant, heartwarming production. Linda has two sons and is looking forward to her first grandchild in March. Linda sends love to her family, especially her sister-in-law, Jamie. 

Spencer Jenkins (George Webb) - Spencer’s previous roles include Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Linus Van Pelt in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. He recently completed his first directorial effort with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, and is a proud member of Off Book Productions at Celebration High School. He would like to thank his family and friends for all their support and the Celebration Players for this wonderful opportunity. 

Alyssa Kelly (Rebecca Gibbs) - Making her Celebration Players debut playing the role of
Rebecca Gibbs. Alyssa is a graduate of the Lisa Maile acting studio and currently a member of the Master Class Academy in Winter Park. She has been featured in commercial video and also appeared at the Loundes Shakspeare Festival in Orlando. 

Pippa Baker (Emily Webb) - A 17 year old originally from the United Kingdom, Pippa is a senior at Celebration High School and honored to be one of "The Founding Fathers (or mothers)" of Off Book Productions. Credits include, Conchita in Man of La Mancha, Empie, in A Simple Task, and several roles in the State qualifying show The Yellow Boat, Ronnette in Celebration High School's performance of Little Shop of Horrors, The Sour Kangaroo, in Nothin' Production's performance of Seussical The Musical, and most recently Nothin' Production's Songs For A New World. She would like to thank those who guide her, and those who are able to shine light on her darker perspectives. 

Kevin Syracuse (Wally Webb) – Kevin is 14 and a ninth grader at Celebration High School. He is making his Celebration Players debut but stage credits include Little Josh in Big, Fagin, in Oliver and was seen in Collage de Broadway. Kevin says he is enjoying his debut with the Players a lot.   

Jody Dean Edwards (Professor Willard) - This is Jody's first performance with The Celebration Players. Originally from Colorado, he has performed in  numerous theatrical productions including, Harry Kagan, Up the Down  Staircase, The Coroner in The Wizard of Oz, Simon, Portraits of Christ, The Governor Best Little  Whorehouse in Texas. Jody is also a professional musician, dancer and choreographer and has performed for Pepsi Co., Las Vegas Hilton, Royal Gorge, Studebaker's and Colorado Country USA. 

Bobby Amerena (Mr.Webb) - Players Production Manager for 4 seasons, Bobby is a former part-time model and T.V. commercial actor originally from Boston. Stage credits include Col. Thomas McKean and John Dickinson in 1776, Bobby Franklin in Run for Your Wife, Felix Unger in The Odd Couple, Pontius Pilot in The Crucifixion of Christ. His Directing credits include, Godspell, Run For Your Wife, The Music Man, Man of La Mancha and he has also stage managed several productions. Bobby thanks the wonderful cast, sends his love to his wife Felicia, and for all of you gossips, "I love you Barbara"." Dale you are amazing!" 

Tom Malonson (Simon Stimson) - A 4 year resident of Celebration and a Disney cast member, this is Tom’s third appearance on stage with Celebration Players having appeared in Man of La Mancha and 1776. Tom is thrilled to have been asked to be on the staff of Celebration Players as the managing set dresser, and would like to thank Felicia and Bobby Amerena and Barbra Bowers for this great opportunity. "THANK YOU" 

Susie R. Goldberg (Mrs. Soames) - After moving here from S. Florida last year, Susie was Penny in You Can’t Take It With You, at the Osceola Center for the Arts. Other credits include Mrs. Haber in Asterisk, Quiser Boudreaux in Steel Magnolias, Khana in In Spite of Everything, Trudy in Social Security, and Old Sally in Oliver. Some independent film credits include: My Struggle, Arts Point of View, Cruel & Usual, In Plain Sight, Passing Fancy and recently Beat the Boss, a television pilot. Susie is delighted to be a part of the Celebration Players production of Our Town, and hopes this will be the beginning of many projects with them. A big thank you to Dale, all fellow cast & crew members and her family for all their support.

Scotty Schultz (Constable Warren) – Scotty returns to the Players after stints as Stephen Hopkins in the 2005 production of 1776, and Lewis Morris, delegate from New York in the 2004 production. Scotty was the Stage Manager for Man of La Mancha. and also appeared in Arsenic and Old Lace in the old Black Box. He is a permanent member of the Moonlight Players of Clermont. “I’m starting to think of the Celebration Players as a second home theater”. Scotty would like to thank his lovely wife for her support. 

Tony Diaz (Sam Craig) - Tony was previously seen in the Players 2005 production of 1776. Other credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Figments, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged.

Duane Fioravanti (Joe Stoddard) - Our Town is Duane's second appearance with the Players. He last took to the stage with us as Georgia delegate Dr. Lyman Hall in the 2005 production 1776.  Duane first joined the Celebration Players team earlier in 2005 as a member of the stage crew for Man of La Mancha. A Disney cast member working in Celebration, Duane is proud to again be performing amongst such a talented cast.  He dedicates his performance to his dear friends here in "O-Town" and particularly to his loving family back in his "hometown" of Wilmington, Delaware. 

Jeremy Nelson (Townsperson) - This is Jeremy’s Second performance with the Players after debuting in 1776 this summer. He started singing at a young age with the Chicago Children’s theater group, and has preformed at Six Flags Great America in musical reviews of Chicago, 1920 and Love at First Fright and roles at Chicago Auditorium Theater in Phantom of the Oprah and Les Miserables. In 1994 he landed the role of Prince Eric in the Little Mermaid at Disney/MGM studios. Jeremy would like to thank Bob & Felicia, Dale, the cast, crew and friends for putting up with his antics, U More!!

Tiara Bergy (Townsperson) - Tiara is a ten year old 5^th grader at Celebration School. Previously seen in School House Rocks Live Jr. and Dear Edwina, this is her third Players production. Tiara is honored to be asked back because she really enjoys it, and being part of Celebration Players. Tiara loves God! 

 Dona Harrell (Townsperson) - Dona had a blast on stage in high school and college a loooong time ago (she thinks there was electricity then). She has enjoyed playing the supporting role of the proud 'Drama Momma' to Mallory and Colleen offering a helping hands wherever needed. Thanks to both of them for giving her the courage to audition.   

Mallory Harrell (Townsperson) - No stranger to the Players, Mallory is a founding member of Celebration High School’s Off Book Productions and has previously been seen as Lucy in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Mayzie la Bird in Suessical the Musical, Mrs. Luce in Little Shop of Horrors, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, and roles in 1776, The Music Man, The Yellow Boat and many backstage credits. She would like to thank her mother and sister for their unwavering support. 

Nikki Beaudry (Townsperson) - Nikki a 15 year old sophomore at CHS is no stranger to Celebration Players. Credits include Man of La Mancha, School House Rocks, Live!, and Dear Edwina Jr.. Nikki says thanks to her friends who have helped her along the way, sister Natasha and family, and special thanks to Dale, Felicia, Bobby and Ms. Bowers. 

Amanda Nelson (Townsperson) - Amanda is a senior at the Osceola County School for the Arts. Most recent productions include Story Theatre, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and As You Like It: Miami!. She would like to thank her mother for constant encouragement and the Players for continuous opportunities to be involved in the theatre. 

THE PRODUCTION TEAM 

Dale Marach (Director) - For Celebration Players Dale has directed Lend Me A Tenor, Barefoot in the Park and Harvey. He has portrayed ‘John Hancock’ in 1776 for the past two years. Originally from Chicago, his other directing credits include The 1940’s Radio Hour and Larry Shue’s The Nerd.  Performing credits include Play It Again, Sam, Fiddler On The Roof, My Three Angels, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Good Doctor. He has stage managed such shows as the 3 Neil Simon ‘B.B.’ plays (Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, and Broadway Bound), Pippin, Charley’s Aunt, and Murder On The Nile. 

Frank Mathews (Musical Director) - Frank attended the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY, is a 3 year resident of Celebration and has been involved with the Celebration Players for about a year. Credits with the Players include Jacey Squires in Music Man, orchestra for 1776 and Chorus Line, and Music Director for Man of La Mancha. Frank would like to that Bobby and Felicia Amerena and Barbara Bowers for the opportunity of working with Celebration Players. 

Colleen Harrell (Stage Manager) - This is Colleen’s first time stage managing but she is no stranger to the stage. Credits include Ms. Hannigan in Annie, Wicked Witch of the West in Wizard of Oz, and College de Broadway, Mamma Rose Gypsy, Man of La Mancha, and, School House Rock, Live!. Colleen and is currently in rehearsals for Vi Moore in Footloose. She would like to thank her mom, Dona, her sister, Mallory, and all her friends for their continuous support. 

Chris Camp ( Technical Director) -  

Milton G. Mersinger (Sound Designer) - His first show with Celebration Players, Milton has thrived on designing and running shows since his first experience in a 200-seat barn theatre over a quarter century ago. Theatre degree from Penn State, he’s worked from regional theatre to international tours. Currently in his 17^th year with Walt Disney Entertainment, he presently spends his days in the oxymoronic position of a “Millionaire Technician.”