ZCT - Grace & Glorie

	Alice Mauk ( Grace ) Every once in a while, a play comes along that after you read it, the story tugs at your heart strings. That is what happened when I read Grace & Glorie. After losing two close family members to cancer, having two family members that fought the battle against cancer and won, a very close and dear friend who is presently fighting the battle and myself, cancer free for almost two years, I know this was a play I wanted area theater goers to see. I was flattered when Rich Tolliver offered me the role of Grace.
	Amy King ( Glorie ) I am honored to be a part of this show. From the moment I first read the script, I was hooked. The show contains all the key elements of a great drama: laughter, humility, life lessons, tears, and resolutions. The character of ‘Glorie’ came to life for me the moment I first read the script. In my twelve year hobby of theatre, I have never connected with a character as I have connected with Glorie. She has little pieces of me in her character: determination, a love for a fast paced life, and something to prove to the world. I’m thrilled to share with you the full range of her emotions as Grace guides her through the dark into a ray of hope. I thank all the cast and crew who have worked with me during the show. I have learned from all of you, theatre lessons and life lessons. It’s not often that you can audition among friends and still laugh after the audition. I can’t thank you enough for your friendship and support. It’s always a pleasure and a learning experience to work with ‘The Honorable’ Rich Tolliver. Rich, thank you for challenging me…always.
	Terri Kenney ( Understudy - Grace ) Hi - thank you for coming and I hope you enjoy watching the show as much as we have enjoyed getting it ready. I've been doing shows for three years now and have been blessed with a new group of friends and associates. It is fun to bring a character "to life" for you to meet. I also feel that being part of the theater has helped me become a more interesting and better person. Once again, thank you for coming and God Bless.
	Sarah Rice ( Understudy - Glorie ) I have been involved in theater for a few years now, here and there. I played the role of Mrs. Von Donne in "The Diary of Anne Frank", but I mostly take part in and play piano for the Angel Tree Productions where I met my husband! Taking part in Grace and Glorie has been wonderful! You learn so much about yourself when you take on a character of this depth. Glorie gave me the rare opportunity to question things and ideals in public, through theater, that I have not felt comfortable verbalizing myself. It is empowering to say and question things that you never have before even if they aren't necessarily issues you thought you needed to deal with. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity.
	Martha Staley ( Producer ) I've been doing theater for 31 years or so. I started very very very young. I've enjoyed many roles in the ZCT's Angel Tree Shows and several productions at Philo High School. My son and I enjoy doing theater together. My late husband also enjoyed the stage which brings me to this show and a new venue, "Producer". This show especially touches me because I lived this very thing 9 years ago when I helped my husband to pass from this world with the help of a wonderful organization "Hospice". So the lines ring true and the actresses add just that realism that our show hopes to convey. What a wonderful privilege to have this opportunity. With Love, Martha Staley
	Rich Tolliver ( Director ) Rich's experience ranges from Directing, writing, acting, set design and construction, stage managing, singer and song writer. 25 years, where did they go? His goal is simple: To tell a story he's passionate about and have the audience "get it". He leans toward the dramatic and enjoys the humor that gets caught up in the drama of our lives. "Grace and Glorie is appealing" he says "because no matter how different two people are, there are still many similarities and on a base emotional level - regardless of our upbringing and influences - we are only an outstretched hand apart from one another, and ironically enough - the hand reaching out to help is the one most in need." Rich is happily married to his wife Shelley and is still trying to decide what exactly he wants to be when he grows up.
	Shelley Tolliver ( Producer ) Shelley is Rich Tolliver's theatrical "left hand gal" and lifetime partner in crime. Her first appearance at ZCT was as the 3rd Witch in Macbeth in 1995. Now she can be seen wearing hats ranging from assistant director to a show's personal pep squad rally gal. "It's been an exciting experience" says Shelley "to listen to Rich's enthusiastic description of each night's rehearsal and the women who have made this show a 'directors dream' as far as talent, chemistry and dedication to the heart of the story." Why be involved in a show like Grace & Glorie? "It reinforces a simple reality that is missed in this day and age: sometimes people get the most help from unexpected places and in that moment we find miracles. It's that magic that happens between 'New Yorker Glorie' and the 'salt-of-the-earth Virginian, Grace' that gives this story is charm and sincerity. May that magic find you when you need it and may you become that miracle for someone else. Enjoy the show."
	Jillian B. Von Gunten ( Assistant Director ) Jillian has been involved in theatre her entire life with ZCT, Rosecrans High School Drama Department and Denision University Theater Department. She has participated both onstage and backstage as stage manager and as assistant director. Her recent onstage roles have included Margot Frank in The Diary of Ann Frank, Cookie Cusack in Rumors, Olive Madison in The Odd Couple (female version), Cecily Farr in 84 Charring Cross Road, Ruth Condomine in Blithe Spirit, and Babe Secoli in Working. Jillian has enjoyed this production immensely and treasures this learning experience. She is honored to work with such a seasoned cast and crew. Jillian says "I believe this show has the ability to affect everyone who comes to see it. Every knows a Grace or a Glorie. they are real to us and they make us think about our lives and those around us. It's a wonderful show about life, love and moving on. I hope you'll enjoy the show as much as I've enjoyed working on it."

Head shots of cast members ©2005 Dan Olson, Studio Z Photography, used with permission.
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Cast and Crew Bios - Grace and Glorie