Cripple Creek Theater

THE 2005 CAST & CREW

"The Star Crossing"

CAST & CREW

Mickey Burdick

(Edgar Adkins, Sam Cooper) is pleased to be back in Cripple Creek for his third year as an actor with the Cripple Creek Players. He has appeared on the Butte stage as Ned Singleton in My Partner, and as Bert Cecil in Under Two Flags. In addition to acting, Mickey has also directed A Midsummer Nights Dream and Romeo and Juliet at the Butte, and was the production coordinator for Rocky Mountain Flyer. Other credits include As You Like It with Arizona Theatre Company, Romeo and Juliet with National Theatre, The Elephant Man with Arizona Repertory Theatre, Charlotte’s Web with Theatreworks USA, and Tamburlaine with Target Margin NYC. Mickey wishes to thank Mom-n-Dad, the Mackins, Stacy, Moser, Dick, Shakespeare, Braque, Ross, Bill, God, Roland, ESPN, Hazel-Rah, Henry IV, Taco Bell, and a buncha others. Special thanks to his wife, Marissa, for her incredible patience and love.

Mel Moser
(Joe Wylie) is delighted to be returning for his 6th consecutive season with the Cripple Creek Players, where last year he celebrated performing on The Butte Stage over 500 times! (I know you’re tired of seeing me every year, but no other theatre will have me!). Mel, once again spent the winter in Cripple Creek, where he played the role of Zachariah Gooch (Scrooge) in A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol for his third year, directed the community’s spring production of Plays In Ten, and helped Stacy Mackin, with her endless duties of producing this show, as co-produce of the melodrama. Mel would like to once again give a loving nod to Steve and Bonnie Mackin for their sustaining friendship, which has become so much more.

Clay Froning

(Albert Wardlaw) is elated to be joining the Cripple Creek Players for the second time, last year he played the heroic Mark Livingstone in The Thief of Frisco. This year he is pleased to have the challenge of playing a more “misunderstood” character. Clay is currently a senior in the acting program at the University of Arizona. Past U of A credits include Stephen Hastings in Midwives and Marcellus in Hamlet. He recently had the pleasure of performing in his second production of Macbeth at Arizona Theatre Company as ensemble. On the weekends Clay can be found barbequing in the rain and catching more fish than Mel.

Cara Manuele

(Nancy Ryder) is thrilled to return for her second season with The Cripple Creek Players. Last year, she appeared as Alida Bloodgood in The Thief of Frisco and Chiquita Banana in the Olio. Cara, now a senior at the University of Arizona, is pursuing her BFA in Acting. This year she appeared in The Rivals and Shakespeare’s Pericles as Marina, at the U of A. She also took part in numerous student films playing a 1920s flapper, a snooty news reporter and other various parts. Being proficient in unarmed, quarter staff, rapier and dagger stage combat Cara was just adjudicated as an Actor Combatant. Cara has known since she was a kid, directing and starring in her neighborhood productions, that this was her dream career. She would like to thank God, her family and friends for their undying support and the cast and crew for making this a great experience.

Marissa Garcia

(Helen Rollenston) is thrilled to be in beautiful Colorado for her fourth season with the Cripple Creek Players. Fans of the melodrama may remember her as Julia Latimer in Rocky Mountain Flyer, Helen Chester in The Spoilers, and Renee Baroni in Under Two Flags. Marissa received her BFA in Acting from the University of Arizona in Tucson, where she was born and raised. Since then, she has performed and directed with companies in Arizona, Colorado, and California. Most recently, Marissa was seen as Ana in Living Out with Borderlands Theater in Arizona. Other roles include: Thomasina in Arcadia, Ximene in Cid, and Graciela in Barrio Hollywood. Marissa would like to thank Steve, Bonnie, Stacy and Dick for everything; her friends for their faith; Kel for being crazy, Eva for her laugh, Shannon for her support, Chris for his strength; her family for their inspiration and love, and her husband for his dedication.

David Olsen

(Edward Rollenston) is overjoyed to be a part of the Cripple Creek Players and such a talented cast! He just graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Arizona. David was last seen as Frank’n’Furter in Arizona Repertory Theatre’s production of The Rocky Horror Show, for which he won Best Mainstage Actor of the season. Also with ART, he has played Polonius in Hamlet (Best Mainstage Supporting Actor), and various roles in Carousel, Guys & Dolls, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oklahoma!, Encore!, Harold Arlen. He has also been priveleged to be in Ruthless!: The Musical and Assassins with Arizona Onstage Productions. Other favorite performances include Much Ado About Nothing, My Fair Lady, Annie, The AIDS Monologues, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Jerry’s Girls. David would like to dedicate this show to his best friend, Maria, who always keeps him laughing and singing!

Trisha Hart Ditsworth

Trisha Hart Ditsworth (Sailor 2 and Miss Butte) is honored to be joining the Cripple Creek Players in this season’s melodrama. You may have seen her last year as the heroine Lucy or in The Spoilers as a dancing girl. For the past eight months Trisha has been performing as a part of the cast on the cruise ship MS Volendam. She is excited to be back on land and finds it ironic that this show involves a ship. As a graduate of the University of Arizona’s Musical Theatre program her favorite roles there include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, and Laurey in Oklahoma! She would like to thank everyone for welcoming her back. “All my love to Mom, Dad, Steven, and Russell!”

Donald Panella

(Arthur Wardlaw, Tom Welch) is excited to make his debut with the Cripple Creek Players. His favorite roles include: Duncan in Macbeth (Circle in the Square PW), Principle Performer in Circa 69’ (Promenade Theatre, NY), Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Robsham Theatre), Marc in Art (Bonn Studio Theatre), Samuel in Pirates of Penzance and Windy / Rubberface in Showboat (Mac-Haydn Theatre). He spent the last three summers at the Mac-Haydn Theatre in upstate New York where he was featured in the Mainstage shows and directed and stage managed several children’s theater productions. He has a BA in Theatre Arts from Boston College and Musical Theatre and a Performance degree from Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York.

Kevin J. Pierce

(Robert Penfold) is currently based out of the Chicagoland area and is thrilled to be spending his summer in Cripple Creek. He is originally from Wichita, KS and holds a BFA in Music Theatre from Wichita State University. Favorite regional roles include Jinx in Forever Plaid, Pinball Lad in Tommy, and most recently Younger Brother in Ragtime. Kevin thanks his parents, Greg and Jeannine, for still putting up with him and Kim, Mark, and Cecilia for the support. Waaaah!!

Devin Wiley

(Musical Director) is in his third year at the University of Arizona pursuing a degree in Chemical and Environmental Engineering with two minors in French and Piano Performance. Devin has been playing piano since the age of five and currently is studying under the direction of Prof. Tannis Gibson. He has performed in many concerts and festivals across the United States and Europe and in 2002 he took first prize in the President’s Competition at the University of Arizona. Currently he is working on a musical theatre composition which he recently completed and looks forward to producing at the University of Arizona Theatre Department in Spring 2007. Ultimately Devin would like to obtain a PhD/MD in hopes to do research in the field of cardiovascular surgery, and is constantly busy with the medical admissions process.

Molly Wissinger

(Laura Penfold Wardlaw, Sailor #1) is excited to join the Cripple Creek Players in beautiful Colorado. Some favorite roles and theatres include: The Secret Garden (Lily), Byzantium (created the role of Sophie), Bye Bye Birdie (Rose), Oklahoma! (Ado Annie cover), Spotlight! On Broadway at such theatres as Zilker Theatre, Austin Musical Theatre/Broadway Texas, Rice University, and the University of Texas. Choreography and directing credits for the performing arts school at Zachary Scott Theatre and public schools include Oklahoma!, Once Upon A Mattress, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, etc. Molly received her BA in Vocal Performance with a minor in American Studies cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin. Thanks to her amazing family and friends.

Lisa Otey – Alternate Pianist (August 24 – September 4)
Lisa is thrilled to be back in Cripple Creek. She was musical director at the Gaslight Theatre in Tucson for many years. She tours the world with her music and has released many recordings on her own label, Owl’s Nest Productions.

CREW

Stacy Mackin - Producer/Butte Opera House Manager
Stacy is very proud to be the producer of the melodrama and is the third generation to produce the Cripple Creek Melodrama. When she graduated from Colorado State University with a BA in Liberal Arts she never imagined working in theatre, but it has become her passion and truly a dream come true. Stacy has been the Butte Opera House Manager for just over three years working for the City of Cripple Creek. In those three years Stacy started the Butte Players, which has grown into a wonderfully talented group of community theatre actors, and has directed shows for them and also for the CC-V High School Drama Class. She enjoys her time at the theatre, especially watching the magic of theatre come alive to the audience, so thanks go to all the audience members for your support. And a special thanks goes to her inspiration, her Gramz!

Rebecca J. Smith – Assistant Scenic Artist
Rebecca has been an artist for most of her life, but this is her first theatrical production. A native of Colorado, and a Cripple Creek-Victor high school graduate, she studied art at the University of Northern Colorado. Her highly detailed watercolor paintings reflect the rural settings of Colorado. Rebecca, wife and mother of three, has been painting full time since 1992. Rebecca’s original watercolor paintings and prints are held in private collections throughout the country. Her work can be found at the Cherokee’s of Manitou Gallery in Manitou Springs Colorado, and Treasure Ally in Alamosa Colorado. She is currently working as a decorative painter on the Parade of Homes project at the new Pradera Estates in Parker.

Richard T. Hanson – Director, Choreographer, and Script Adaptation
Richard T. Hanson is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona and is the head of the Acting/Musical Theatre Division. He is a member of Actor’s Equity Association and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. At the School of Theatre Arts he has directed: The Rocky Horror Show, Chicago, Follies, Grease, South Pacific, Very Good Eddie, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Over Here, Quilters, The Boy Friend, Cabaret Nine, Starting Here Starting Now and Little Show of Horrors. Other UA directorial credits: Othello, Caligula, Anatol, and Present Laughter. Regionally: Merrily We Roll Along, Peter Pan, Annie, Black Comedy, City of Angels, The Sound of Music, The Odd Couple, The Nerd, Gypsy and Baby. In Tucson, he has directed over twenty productions at The Gaslight Theatre: The Phantom of the Opera, Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers, and A Christmas Carol. For Music Theatre Arizona: Side By Side by Sondheim, Jerry’s Girls, and Dames At Sea. For The Cripple Creek Players: My Partner, Under Two Flags, The Spoilers, Rocky Mountain Flyer and The Thief of Frisco. The Star Crossing is his sixteenth Cripple Creek Mackin production!

Rick Wood – Master Carpenter
Rick moved to Cripple Creek in 1995 to build and operate the largest traditional Bed & Breakfast in Teller County, The Last Dollar Inn with his wife Janice. Although his High School Shop teacher, Mr. Stout, showed him the tricks of the trade he attributes most of his ability to his Father. Having built several homes and countless furniture he can now add set building to his resume. This is Rick’s second melodrama he has worked on, and enjoys it most of the time. Rick, having performed in several shows with the community theatre including A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol, still likes being behind the scenes the best. Out side of the theatre you can find him on his Ghost Walk Tours or sitting on the board for The Butte Opera House Foundation. He would like to thank the Mackins for continuing the melodrama tradition in Cripple Creek and Mel for teaching him all about theatre.

Tom Benson – Scenic Designer and Artist
Tom is the resident Scenic Designer and Artist for the Gaslight Theatre in Tucson and has taught theatre design at the University of Arizona and Penn State. He has also worked as set designer for the films Tombstone, Posse, and Tank Girl. Recent designs include; Elton John’s Aida for the Willows Theatre, California; Meshuggan Nuns for The Invisible Theatre, Tucson; The Rocky Horror Show and Little Shop of Horrors for the University of Arizona Repertory Theatre. Tom designed thirteen productions for The Imperial Players and the first five summer melodramas for The Cripple Creek Players, including the spectacular fire effects for The Thief of Frisco in 2004. Tom last appeared onstage with The Imperial Players as Green Jones in The Ticket of Leave Man.

Rick Koehn – Lighting Technician
This is Rick’s sixth season with the Cripple Creek Players! He is a certified concert lighting director with over twenty years in the business and also has an Associate’s Degree in electronics. Rick works for the City of Cripple Creek as the Butte Opera House Technician throughout the year where he runs lights, sound and the movie projector. This year he designed the lights for the community theatre production of A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol for a second year. Rick has lived in Cripple Creek for 12 years with his wife Michelle and two children.

Renee Cloutier – Costume Designer
This is Renee’s fourth year designing the summer shows here in Cripple Creek. As always she is really excited to return to Colorado, one of her favorite places in the world. She is excited to be working once again with such a creative cast and crew, and returning to the gracious hospitality of the Mackin family and the people of Cripple Creek. Renee is a full time Costume Designer at the famous Gaslight Theatre in Tucson Arizona, and has been costuming there for the past 22 years. She really loves the entire costuming process from the historical research, to the creation and finally watching them come alive on stage. Renee has costumed a variety of films and Television Commercials, and has worked with some very famous people along the way. When she is not designing a show Renee enjoys spending her time with her three beautiful daughters, Pj, Tamra, and Parisa. They keep her pretty busy and always inspired. Enjoy the show, and the costumes, and your stay here in Cripple Creek!

Seth Walter – Lighting and Production Assistant
Seth recently graduated from Cripple Creek–Victor High school and will be attending Colorado State University in the fall pursuing a degree in political science. This is his third summer with the Cripple Creek Players, he really enjoys working in the theatre and will push for the arts when he becomes President someday. Seth has directed the Jr. Butte Players the last two years along with being the stage manager for A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol the past three years. In his spare time he is working for his mom at Cripple Creek Coffee, earning money for college. Seth thanks his family for their support and love, Mel and Stacy for teaching him all about theatre and to the Cripple Creek Donkey’s for always being there.

Erik Michael - Lighting Designer
Erik recently graduated from the University of Arizona with his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Production and Lighting Design. Recent design credits include: Carousel and Starting Here, Starting Now with U of A, Assassins and Ruthless! with Arizona Onstage Productions in Tucson, The Son of The Sheik with The Gaslight Theatre in Tucson, Songs for a New World with Theater Works in Phoenix, and The Normal Heart with Straycat Theatre in Phoenix. He also designed the lighting for Rocky Mountain Flyer and The Thief of Frisco with the Cripple Creek Players. Erik is thrilled to be working in Cripple Creek once again.

Ruth Zalewski - Marketing Director
Ruth has been a Colorado resident since 1986 when she moved here to work as a journalist; working as the editor of 2 local newspapers for nine years she attended and reviewed the Imperial Players productions. She lives in Victor, where she operates a marketing/internet web design business. She is also a co-owner of a broadband internet service, and volunteers with the Victor Musem and the Southern Teller County Focus Group. Ruth and husband Jon enjoy hiking, traveling and restoring their 1899 Victor newspaper building. Ruth is proud to be a part of the Cripple Creek Players’ sixth season.