ZCT - Fiddler on the Roof - Cast and Crew Bios

	Bruce Revennaugh (Tevye) is a school teacher hoping to live long enough to retire. I collect and watch movies. I am particularly fond of animated films. All this film stuff works well with the class I teach on Film Studies. I have played Henry Higgins (My Fair Lady), Fagin (Oliver), Senex (Funny/Forum) and now Tevye (Fiddler), all quirky old guys. Is there a pattern here?
	Darla Revennaugh (Golde) is a retired music teacher who has worked on and offstage with ZCT for many years. Most often found in the balcony as musical director/keyboardist or backstage as stage manager, she is enjoying the opportunity to play the role of Golde opposite her real-life husband Bruce. They last appeared onstage together as Domina and Senex in ZCT's second production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". For Darla, "Fiddler" is a timeless story that encompasses the tension between our human yearning for stability in the ways we know best and the inevitability of change. "Fiddler" also gives us the opportunity to think about the ways in which our preconceived notions and misunderstandings about other people can change as we allow ourselves to get to know one another as individuals -- each with hopes and dreams. Now, let the show carry you to a place far away, yet ever so near. May God bless you all.
	Ashley Eaves (Tzeitel) is a sophomore at Bethel College, Indiana, majoring in Theatre Arts. She has been involved at ZCT quite a bit over the past few years. She loves to be to be in the spotlight as well as backstage and has had the opportunity to work on many shows here, including: Charlotte’s Web, 84 Charing Cross Road, Working, Grace & Glorie, and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. At school she has jumped head first into the theatre program, assistant stage managing for the first show of the season (Charlie’s Aunt), and also assisting with sound for the spring musical Peter Pan. Aside from Fiddler On The Roof, Ashley is also spending her summer working part-time at Ditty’s Downtown Deli and volunteering with a children’s ministry called Superkids. After her first year at school, Ashley is glad to be back in Ohio, surrounded by the people she loves and performing part of an amazing story. At the same time she is looking forward to going back to school, and she doesn’t have too long to wait… classes start up again August 24th!
	Sarah Fries (Hodel) I am currently a student at Ohio University Zanesville with an undecided major. I enjoy singing, dancing, acting, writing, nature, psychology, anthropology, expanding my knowledge, and educating people to help them be more aware of what is and has been going on in the world. I absolutely love music, especially when it is unique and original. Fiddler is the fourth show in which I have been a part at ZCT, and I am extremely delighted at being given the opportunity to portray Hodel. Fiddler on the Roof is a beautiful show and much more than simply a musical.
	Andrea Schmitt (Chava) I'm a normal far too busy 16 year old who uses the theatre time time as my down time. When I first heard of "Fiddler on the Roof" I thought it would be an extremely boring show because of the title but then I watched it and loved it oh so much. The plot and the ideas in the story are wonderful and I am happy to now have a wonderful part in it......Chava. She is a rebellious teenager, and I would love to have that personality. But of course I'm not rebellious at all. I'm having a lot of fun in this show. It's my third real part and my first speaking part. I hope everyone else is enjoying it as much as I am.
	Nikki Herron (Shprintze) is 12 years old and I go to West Muskingum Middle School. This year I am in the 7th grade. Some of my hobbies are singing, acting and drawing. In my spare time I enjoy going shopping and hanging out with friends and family.
	Carys Underwood (Bielke) Fiddler on the Roof is my fifth play here at ZCT. I spend lots of time here with my Mom and Dad. I was an English ghost in both Blithe Spirit and Haunting of Hill House. I was a “no-neck monster” in Cat on a Hot Roof, and I was a “Who”and “One Fish” in Seussical the Musical. I love my “Anatevka family” and I hope you enjoy the show.
	Mollie Earich (Yente) believes that this is the fourth time since 1984, that I have played the part of Yente. The story of "Fiddler" is endearing and to portray Yente now, is enriching to me. I am glad my daughter, Olivia, is in this show...perhaps I’ll find her a husband, right? Of course right!
	Doug Shuey (Motel) is a second-year music education student at Muskingum College. He has been in ZCT's productions of Big River, Godspell, and The Lion in Winter. He has also been on the stage at West Muskingum High School and Muskingum College. He is thrilled to make his return to the ZCT stage in one of the greatest musicals ever written.
	JonMarc Grodi (Perchik) His fourth great love (after his family, friends, and Catholic faith) is theatre. He has played John Brook in "Little Women", Alfied Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" and recently Marcellus Washburn in "The Music Man" and many other roles. Jon Mark, 18, is entering Pontifical College Josephinum this fall and plans on studying philosophy.
	Dr. Joe Porter (Lazar Wolf) He has performed in and directed over 90 dramas, comedies, and musicals both in central Ohio and South West Florida. His last role was the lead in "On Golden Pond" as Norman Thayer in Cape Coral, Florida..His other favorites are Arthur in "Camelot", the Cowardly Lion in "The Wizard of Oz" and the father in "Billy Would Have Been Thirty Today". Dr. Porter is a retired Orthopaedic and Hand surgeon, a published author, a playwright and a musician (trumpet) with the Rich Simcox Band and Memorial Band here and Southwest Florida Symphony and several dance bands in Florida. He splits his time between homes in Ohio and Fort Meyers, Florida.
	Chris Baughman (Mordcha) Chris comes to ZCT due to the pull of his daughter, Katelyn, who is love with theatre and singing, and plays a Villager in this production. This is his first stage appearance since high school, but since he entertains his students on a daily basis at Crooksville K-8, he's fallen in naturally. Chris is a 6th grade teacher of history and social studies and has taught for 17 years. As one who loves history and social studies, Chris has a real appreciation for the story and characters of Fiddler and is enjoying filling the role of the Innkeeper. To Life!
	Jerrold Zwelling (Rabbi) has a lifelong association with the Zanesville Community Theatre. His resume includes appearances in The Odd Couple, Hiram Heck, Plaza Suite, Busy Body, and Fiddler on the Roof in which he as graced the stage as the beloved Tevye 8 times. He is married 57 years to Ruth. He has 2 children and 2 step granddaughters.
	Thaddeus Fields (Mendel) Fiddler on the Roof is the first theater production that I have been in. The practices alone have already been an exciting learning experience. At the age of eleven I began playing the guitar. Eventually I garnered a lot of stage experience as a musician. As I grew older I picked up other hobbies, one of which was studying movies. While I studied actors and characters I became more and more interested in the art of acting. After attending The Man of La Mancha and Art at the Kent State-Stark Theater I was greatly intrigued with the art of theater. I took a couple of theater courses at Kent State to familiarize myself with theater practices. Just like I use my musical abilities to entertain and enlighten people, I now am endeavoring to do the same with what knowledge I have received in theater. My journey is just beginning, but I am already enjoying the ride.
	Kevin McCarthy (Avram) I am so excited to be in "Fiddler!" it is one of those classic shows that I have neither seen anywhere nor been in before, but I recognized a couple of the songs simply because of the popularity of the production! I am grateful ZCT to chose to do such a great show during the summer, when I am more available to be a part of it and experience the wonder of bringing it all together for you, the audience. Have a great time at our performance: L'chaim
	Max Winland (Nachum) - A master of one liner’s and supporting roles, Max is appearing in his third ZCT production this season and his first musical. Max’s daughters, Liza and Casie, have been instrumental in encouraging him to include theatre in his life and he is grateful to them for that. Max is the owner of Handy-Maxx, Inc., Professional Handyman Service.
	Terri Kenney (Grandma Tzeitel, Associate Producer) Mom of 5, Grandma of 3, I’ve been doing ZCT shows for about 4 years now. This show I am also an Associate Producer. You may remember me from my last role in Gershwin by George as a Feenamint Salesman. Each year gets better! Thanks for coming and enjoy the show!
	Stefani Weaver (Fruma-Sarah) has been involved in theatre most of my life, doing many different things, but I’ve never played a role quite like this before. It was a challenge and a lot of fun. This as a wonderful opportunity and something different to put on my resume. It is always very nice to work with all the others in the cast.
	David Rice (Constable) This is my fourth performance here at ZCT. I've played an angel, a homosexual, a slave, and now take on the role of the post powerful man in a small Russian town, The Constable. It's a resume that's rounding out nicely. In my spare time, I'm a science teacher who enjoys having a captive audience for six hours a day.
	Dan Brown (Fyedka) Fiddler on the Roof will mark Dan's third season here at ZCT. Dan's past show highlights include The Mystery of Irma Vep, 84 Charing Cross Road, Working, and A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum. Dan also directed last season's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Dan strongly believes in the stage, especially ZCT's unique stage set-up. I love how close we are. I know it scares other people, but not me. It brings the audience in and keeps them there - whether they want to or not.
	Jan Kiikka (Shaindel, Associate Producer) has been very active in ZCT for a number of years, serving as costume chair, box office staff, board member and secretary, and occasionally on stage. Jan and her husband, Niel, live in the Terrace with three dogs, 1 cat and numerous fish. Jan is the district librarian for Franklin Local Schools, and serves on the Board of Muskingum Behavioral Health and is a volunteer with PAWS at the Animal Shelter Society. When not sewing for ZCT, she sews and knits for Touching Little Lives, providing clothes, etc. for newborns and preemies across Ohio.

	Chelsey Luallen (The Fiddler) I am a senior at Zanesville High School. My Hobbies include playing my violin, listening to music, and hanging out with my family and friends. I am a member of my high school's Chamber and Symphony Orchestras, a member of the Drama Club and am active in Girl Scouts where I have received my Silver Award. This is my first production at ZCT, but I have been in numerous productions around town such as The Music Man, and at school I have been in The Music Man Jr., The Wizard of Oz, Dracula, Anything Goes, and The Pajama Game. I also played in the pit orchestra for ZHS's production Bye Bye Birdie and ran the spot lights of Arsenic and Old Lace. I love being on stage and am grateful to ZCT for giving me this great opportunity.
	Townspeople of Anatevka
	Becca Abele - I have been a math teacher in Zanesville for 30 years. I started dabbling in theater about 10 years ago when I was a member of the chorus for the ZCT production of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". I always have loved musicals and love to sing, so being in musical theater was natural step for me. I couldn't resist the part of Bloody Mary in "South Pacific", which I did with ZTP. Other musicals I have been in are "Oliver", "Brigadoon", "Fiddler on the Roof", and "The Sound of Music", also with ZTP. I am thrilled to be doing Fiddler again, especially here at ZCT and with such a talented ensemble. It certainly is one of the best musicals, and has such a great story and fascinating characters. I am confident that this will be a memorable production for both the audience and the players.
	Katelyn Baughman is 5 years old and will start kindergarten at Crooksville Schools this Fall. She sang her first song at 20 months and has been singing ever since. Katelyn sings in the Junior Choir at Maple Avenue Christian Church in Crooksville, where she performed her first solo at age 2 1/2, and played a 'Star' in "Let's Dress Up For Christmas" last December. Katelyn studies voice and piano with Cassandra McDonald, with whom she has performed in two recitals. She has been to the theatre four times (Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and twice to Annie), and comes excitedly to Fiddler on the Roof because at every production she's seen, she says "I want to do that ... oh please ... I want to be on stage!"
	Nicholas Clawson - I am a first grader at Duncan Falls Elementary School. I love singing and working with the people here at ZCT. This is my second show. I was also a "Who" in Suessical the Musical. I enjoy playing guitar and dressing up in costumes pretending I'm in far away lands.
	Olivia Earich is 13 years old. I’ve been in a lot of theater. Most recently I was in "Gershwin, By George" as an Applause walker. I’ve been in many Angel Tree Benefits as well as other ZCT productions including portraying Wilbur in "Charlotte’s Web". I love everyone in the show. It’s so fun!
	Katie Hobart is 12 years old. I go to school at Roosevelt Middle School where I will be in the seventh grade. I am a YMCA Piranha Swimmer, play fast-pitch softball and love to draw and paint. I live in the McIntire Terrace and am proud that my first live performance is with the Zanesville Community Theater.
	Victoria Leigh Hobart is 8 years old. I am Katie’s little sister. I go to school at McIntire-Munson Elementary where I will be in the fourth grade. My hobbies are playing board games and riding my bike with my Best Friend Lauren, swimming for the Piranha’s and playing softball. This is my first play and it sure has been lots of fun!
	Adam Johnson has been in some plays. My most recent play was Seussical the Musical as the Mayor. I like to sing, play football, and play baseball. I am currently 12 years old and I will be turning thirteen in February.
	Melissa Luckhaupt I am a graduate of Muskingum College by way of Philo High School. I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and also in Child and Family Studies. I am currently on the lookout for a teaching position but for now I work with Starlight MRDD Programs as an aid. I grew up in the theater both backstage and onstage in such plays as "The Nitwits", "Grease", and "Much Ado about Nothing". I was the student director of Philo's production of "Romeo and Juliet" in high school and though I took a break during college I am glad to be back and working with a great crew on this wonderful show.
	Lucille Morosco is a new comer to Zanesville Community Theatre. I am a member of the Greater Zanesville Singers, Church Choirs and Silver Threads. I have been in shows like "Barnum", "The Sound of Music" etc. I want to experience making new friends. The truth is I am a ‘Ham’.
	Paige Natalie is a 14-year-old, artistic and energetic girl. She is going to start attending Rosecrans High School in the fall and was part of the last graduating class of St. Thomas School. This is her 3rd play here at ZCT. She was in the Angel Tree Benefit last year, and was recently in Suessical The Musical as multiple (5) characters. Paige has played piano at several recitals and has been in countless school Christmas plays. She loves to sing, draw, read, and swim. She believes that Fiddler is a wonderful show and she hopes that you will think so too!
	Laura Rosario Hi Everybody! This is my first time doing theatre. I decided to try this production because there is a lot of singing and I absolutely love to sing. I am currently a full time student who is getting ready to change her major. I am having a lot of fun with this musical. I also love to read and play the trumpet. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I have enjoyed being in it.
	Aaron Staley ( Russian, Associate Producer) is 17 and a Senior at Philo High School. I've done 'Big River' where I played Tom Sawyer, 'Beauty and the Beast' where I played Maurice, and numerous Angel Tree Benefits. I'm really excited about doing Fiddler because it was the first show I saw on Broadway!
	Peter Daniel Grodi (Russian) I am 15. A freshman, I enjoy playing the guitar and piano, singing, acting and arguing theologically occasionally. I have been in over 15 plays including Snow White, Oliver, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, The King and I and Fiddler on the Roof once before. This is my first play at Zanesville Community Theatre. I find theater invigorating and fulfilling.
	Ted Gavarkavich (Russian) - Ted is a senior at Maysville High School. Previous shows include 'Grease', 'Annie Get Your Gun', and 'Bang, Bang, You're Dead' - all done at Maysville. His future plans are to attend college and get a BFA in Acting.
	John Ross (Russian) My name is John Ross. I am 23 years old, a 2001 graduate of Maysville High School and currently a sophomore at OUZ. as I write this, I have only two hours of theater experience. I got here thought the reference of Dan Brown, so I thank him for asking me to join; and rich for the opportunity to do so. The part I receive may be small, but being as green as I am, it makes sense. What the role calls for, I'll be sure to deliver the goods.
	Martha Staley ( Member of Anatevka, Associate Producer ) is an Associate Producer and I’m looking forward to doing Fiddler because I did Fiddler as a high school alumni and also got to see it on Broadway. I’ve done and enjoyed theater, local and otherwise for many years. My son, Aaron is also in this show and it's nice working on a show together.
	Samantha Stepp I'm 14 years old and go to Maysville High School. I've done many shows at ZCT, but most of them were Angel Tree Benefits around the Christmas season. Here at ZCT I've also done Winnie The Pooh, Charlotte's Web, Seussical The Musical, and Little Shop Of Horrors. I wanted to do this show because it has a great story behind it and I hope you all understand and enjoy it as well!

	Production Staff
	Rich Tolliver ( Director ) says "I remember seeing "Fiddler" done professionally when I was 13 or 14 years old. I found it compelling even then. Since then, I've directed "Fiddler", designed the set for "Fiddler" twice, played Nachum the beggar, the Rabbi, and Lazar the butcher. I have even had the privilege of talking to lyricist Sheldon Harnick. It's thr first show I was involved with at community theater in 1894. "Fiddler on the Roof" introduced me to one of the greatest passions of my life Director's Notes: Fiddler was not my first play but it was my first community theater experience. Since then I've done literally hundreds of shows, but in my heart, there is a special place for Fiddler. It is a great story blending music, lyrics, dialogue and dance - taking you on an emotional journey that will always stay with you. It was the first professional production I had seen. Since then, I've designed the set, twice directed it, played three different characters, choreographed numbers and watched with pride as the audiences "got it". I was fortunate enough to meet the lyricist Shelden Harnick. I listened to him talk about and participate in a Q&A session and also talk to him one on one. As with all great artists, the attention detail and the amount of his personal life that went into his part of the story was obvious. He spoke with love and fervor and I've never forgotten his passion - a key ingredient in good story telling.
	Susan Davis ( Musical Director ) has been singing and playing since the age of 6, quite a long time! Being involved with musical theater for the past 20 years has been a joy. Some of her favorite shows she has been the Musical Director of included The Music Man, Hello Dolly, Oklahoma, Two by Two, The King and I, Babes in Toyland, Once Upon a Mattress, Do Patent Leather Shoes really Reflect Up? and also tried the stage as the Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music.
	Shelley Tolliver ( Executive Producer, Assistant Director ) Fiddler on the Roof is a show with everything in it and with this Zanesville Community Theatre production it has everything and more! A director with a burning passion for the show and the integrity of its characters, a crew with a dedication to quality and a talented cast who have come together ready to work and have a good time while doing so. Shelley feels it's an honor to and a lucky privilege to get to work with her husband, Rich and fellow thespians to bring his vision to life. "Each show has a life and a personality - "Fiddler" is already finding itself among her favorites." says Shelley "These people have truly come together in an enthusiastic quest to tell a story and I've enjoyed this experience immensely!" Shelley works with ZCT in many capacities from cleanup gal to co-director and everything in-between. She now sports the title as Vice President of ZCT and looks forward to welcoming new faces to the theater - onstage, behind the scenes or as an audience member - Findley Avenue's little theater is the best kept secret in Zanesville and it's time to let more people in on it. Welcome to Fiddler on the Roof and thank you for supporting the arts and Zanesville Community Theatre!
	Jillian B. Von Gunten ( Choreographer ) is currently a Political Science/Theatre major, History minor at Muskingum College (if you know her it makes perfect sense, if you don’t, it probably sounds a little odd), with plans to attend law school which she regards as the one way to act for the rest of her life and still feed herself. Jillian has been involved with theatre in general, and ZCT, where she currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors, in particular for her entire life. She has been a part of numerous shows with roles both backstage and in the “limelight”, her favorites being her performances as Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Babe Secoli in Working, and Margot Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank. She would like to thank you for coming to this performance of Fiddler and notes, When you watch this show, I hope you get caught up in the humanness of it all. With great humor, sometimes heart wrenching sadness, and always wonderful music, the audience is shown that despite differences in time, geography, and perhaps choice of religion we are really the same. Teenage girls still have the same hopes and dreams for married life, daughters still stand up to their parents as tradition meets with the new order of things, intolerance and injustice still exist in the world, and ultimately, hope of a better future still can prevail. Perhaps I’m an optimist with rose colored glasses, but I think the world would be a much better place if people took to heart the messages in stories such as Fiddler; they are stories about ourselves. Again, thank you for coming and supporting the arts in southeastern Ohio.
	Adam Cook ( Keyboard ) Adam is a student at West Muskingum Middle School. He has played the piano for 6 years and is a student of Susan Davis. He also likes to go mountain biking, golfing, racing remote control cars and is on the WMCA Swim Team.
	Laura Gibson ( Associate Producer )
	Carleton B. Underwood ( Lighting Designer ) has been involved with ZCT since the early 1970's in mostly technical capacities. Only once has he been found on-stage in front of an audience. To earn a living, he has been a gas station attendant, factory worker, student worker (Ohio University-Zanesville Library and OUZ R/TV Pgm), contract lighting, sound, and video (OUZ), AV/Media Tech (MATC/Zane State), AV Specialist, Systems Analyst, Network Administrator. The last 3, with the Dept. of MR/DD, State of Ohio. Through out it all – He's been involved with Theatre, Lighting, and Sound. Starting out in the 1960’s with reel-to-reel tape, razor blades and grease pencils and variable transformer dimming systems all the way to the 21st century with computer assisted sound and lighting where “cut-and-paste” is non-destructive…usually.. He has lighted Alex Haley, Dr. Ralph Abernathy, former Ohio Governor Richard Celeste, Terry Waldo, and others plus beauty pageants, musicals, plays, original works in the US and Canada (Book of Dreams by Barbara Lewis). He's had some of the best teachers in the business; some of them didn’t know they were teachers. The “jobs” he's had, to earn a living, have only fueled his love of theatre and the special joy you get from being a part of the greater team. There is nothing like the feeling you have when you look at a show and say, I helped make the audience understand, enjoy, and see the show which many people have contributed to. It isn’t me alone, nor is it others alone – it’s all of us working together. As a team. For something greater than the individuals involved. Since 1997, he has managed ZCT's web site. In the last few years, he has been instrumental in setting up ZCT's on-line and off-line box office systems with an on-line ticket vendor. Fiddler on the Roof is one of those rare musicals that integrates the music, lyrics, and words into a single strong and cohesive message for the audience. If we have done our job, you will walk out of the theatre with an appreciation of the whole experience, not just the lighting, music, sets, costumes, certain characters, etc. but the WHOLE experience and WE will be happy - for we have done our job well!

Head shots of cast members ©2005-2006 Dan Olson, Studio Z Photography, used with permission.
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Head shots of JonMarc Grodi, Katie Hobart, Victoria Leigh Hobart, Peter Daniel Grodi, and John Ross by Shelley Tolliver ©2006 - Zanesville Community Theatre

Cast & Crew Bios - Fiddler on the Roof Show Pictures Director's Notes Program