ZCT - Our Town - Cast and Crew Bios

	*Robert Leland-Taylor ( Stage Manager* )** - This is a wonderful play. I continue to be in awe at the way Mr. Wilder captures the magic of our brief existence here and the importance of being aware of every moment. Life happens so fast and there's no second opportunity to do it right. Take an extra moment to smell the roses, the coffee, the rain and the smoke from all the neighborhood chimneys. And don't forget your first love. And your first kiss. These are the things that really matter on our wonderful, awful planet, and it should never be more complicated than that. I'm thrilled and honored to be a part of this production, and proud to work with such a talented cast.
	*Tom Porter ( Dr. Gibbs* )** - While I have been a part of many different shows, this show reminds me of my life growing up in a small town. Back then, everyone in Gratiot was family. I feel proud to be a part of reliving the past through this show.
	*Zachary Gahagan ( Joe Crowell* )** is a 15 year old homeschool student who has been involved in theater since he auditioned at ZTP for Oliver! on his 12th birthday. He has also been in The King and I (as Louis), Pinnochio (as Pinnochio), The Music Man as well as numerous church and homeschool group productions. When he's not at the theater, he loves to play soccer or practice his guitar. He has 3 younger sisters and 2 younger brothers.
	*Max Winland ( Howie Newsome* )** - Being in Our Town is my fourth forae into community theater. I have loved every production and all those involved. It comes and goes so fast, however, the friendships gained are everlasting.
	*Terri Kenney ( Mrs. Gibbs* )** was drawn to this play because I grew up out side a town like Grover's Corners. Everyone knows each other and were a part of each other's day to day living. If only we could get back to the simplicity of it all. Thanks for coming, sit back, and enjoy the show.
	*Sherrie Johnson ( Mrs. Webb )* - 42 - wife to Skip and mother of 3 sons, Justin, 22, Nathan, 19 (serving with the Army in Iraq) and Adam, 13 who also plays my son in Our Town. I've always been a "dramatic" one, but never really took anything to the stage. I've been on-stage with ZCT in Seussical the Musical and an Angel Tree production and many, many years ago a couple of plays in high school. I wanted to do another ZCT production with Adam and here I am!!
	*Seth Cotterman ( George Gibbs* )** The great thing about Our Town is that everyone can take something away form it. "They" keep telling me that the message of this show hits people older than me more than it would myself, but I disagree completely. No matter, young or old, everyone can relate in some way or another. Everyone knows what life was like as a kid or the first time they fell in love. Everyone has felt grief from losing a loved one and wished they had appreciated the time with them more. It has been extremely rewarding working on Our Town and it will be a memory that will stay with me forever and when you see it maybe you will feel the same.
	*Julia Free ( Rebecca Gibbs* )** is a fourteen-year-old homeschool student. I have been involved in two other productions. I played the Star-to-Be and one of the Boelyn Sisters in Annie Jr., with the Coshocton Footlight Players. I had the role of Mr. Tumnus in Zanesville Community Theatre's recent performance of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Our Town is a magnificent play. It’s a wonderful work of art that can profoundly affect different people on different levels. Who you are will determine what you see in this performance, but one message can be heard by all of us: Enjoy the time you have; enjoy the life you live; enjoy the ride.
	Andrea Schmitt *( Emily Webb* )** is a sixteen year old Junior at Philo High School. This is one of the most important plays I've ever done because this play has such a great theme and moral. Also, this play gives me so much experience in all fields. The plays I have been in are the 15th & 16th Annual Angel tree Benefits, Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella, Seussical, the Musical and Chronicles of Narnia "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe". Once again, I will say what I always say, "I hope you enjoy this play as much as I do."
	*Tessa Bickford ( Young Emily* )** - I'm 12 years-old and a sixth grader at Meadowbrook Middle School. Acting is my absolute favorite thing to do. I have been in the Cambridge Performing Arts Centre productions of Annie and The Wizard of Oz. Our Town is my first show at Zanesville Community Theatre and I'm really looking forward to playing the part of young Emily. When I'm not acting I enjoy reading, writing short stories, and shopping!
	*Adam Johnson ( Wally Webb* )** is a theater guy who has been in plays like Seussical the Musical, Fiddler on the Roof and many Angel Tree Benefits. He's also featured as the Sultan in the Powerhouse presentation of Aladdin. He hopes that you enjoy the show!
	*Miles Fries ( Constable Warren* )** is very pleased to be making my acting debut in Zanesville Community Theatre's production of OUR TOWN. This is an excellent work of art in which the author reminds us of the fragility and brevity of our lives. My thanks to the cast and crew for the opportunity to be involved with such talented and dedicated people. I hope that everyone enjoys the play and will reflect upon its powerful messages.
	*Eric Blake ( Mr. Webb* )** Our Town is a very in depth look at the simplistic, everyday life in just about any small town in America. The simple, uncomplicated set allows the audience and the actors to really see the pleasures and the heartaches of our own everyday lives through the words written by Mr. Wilder. I hope that you enjoy the show and that you take the time to stop and enjoy the small things in your own life. I have been involved in theatre for many years (since high school, so you do the math). I love being involved either on stage or working behind the scenes. It was instilled in me at an early age that it is just as important to know set construction and other technical aspects of theatre as well as developing acting skills. I have been involved with ZCT for several years where I am currently a member of the Board of Directors. I feel that it is so important to give back to our community, and being involved with ZCT affords me that opportunity whether by nurturing young talent and providing them a safe place to learn and have a good time or by fund raising to help provide a much needed boost to those in need at the Holiday Season.
	*Mollie Earich ( Mrs. Soames* )** - Welcome to "Our Town". I am glad to be a part of this production and hope that you will recognize yourself somewhere in Grover's Corners. Thank you for supporting your Zanesville Community Theatre.
	*Sean McClure ( Simon Stimson* )**
	*Dan Brown ( Professor Willard* )** - Working in sales by day, and acting by night, Dan Brown is ZCT's very own man of mystery. Over the past few years he has brought a wealth of talent to our stage, in shows such as: 84 Charing Cross Road , Working, The Mystery of Irma Vep, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Fiddler on the Roof, several Angel Tree Benefits, and most recently The Laramie Project . Dan tackled his first directing project last year with Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Outside of the theatre, Dan has been known to dabble in film acting. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and being outdoors.
	*Nicholas Clawson ( 2nd Paper Boy* )** is a first grader at Duncan Falls Elementary School. I have been in several shows at Z.C.T. including; Seussical the Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, and the The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I wanted to do Our Town because I love working with Rich and Shelley and the family atmosphere at Z.C.T.
	People of the town
	James Alcock - has done theater for about 5 years and had taken a couple of years off. My home town has a great story and is somewhat like the town I live in now - everybody looks out for everybody. I have black lab named Duke (after John Wayne - I'm a HUGE John Wayne fan).
	Brenda Allen - Our Town has been my favorite play since our drama teacher Bill Skelton (Red's nephew) introduced it to my high school class. I am Sam and Emmy Allen's mom and Bob and Bev Rakestraw's daughter. I am an occupational therapist at Starlight -- our town's school that helps disabled children master skills needed to overcome their challenges. Observing the details that occupy our lives is part of my being. Thornton Wilder inspires us to feel the tie of occupation that binds humanity.
	Amanda Dilley - As a recent Ohio University College graduate I am now looking for jobs that spark my interest as a Health Communications Major. I am also coming to the realization that I might have to move out of my hometown - Our Town of Zanesville, Ohio in order to begin my career. On my job hunting quest in towns and cities a little further away I have been noticing that the words and subtle but strong wisdom that are the definition of this play continue to be in my thoughts and remind me of why I love Our Town of Zanesville so much - whether it be family, friends, memories, the familiarity of where everything's at or that comforting, relaxed, deep breath sort of feeling that you get when you see the Welcome to Zanesville sign after taking a long trip. Whatever the reason, no matter if I move or not, Zanesville will always be a very special place to me.
	Allison Fanska is a newcomer to Zanesville, Ohio. I moved from my small hometown of Stoutsville, Ohio in January. I have been involved in community theatre throughout my whole life. My love for theater started at the age of 5, where I was a flying monkey and munchkin in the Wizard of Oz. From there I continued to act all through school until college. I never realized how much my hometown, Stoutsville, was like Grover's Corners until I moved away from it. I have come o have a great appreciation for everything that I used to dislike-- such as going to the grocery store and seeing 15 people I know, or having my school bus driver live next door with my church right axross the street. I never really thought I would miss it...but I do. Don't get me wrong, I am excited to start a new life in Zanesville and I love it here but I sometimes miss the little things that I grew to expect in Stoutsville. Our Town has taught me the importance of the little everyday things that we all take for granted sometimes.
	Grace Johnson is in Kindergarten at Bishop Fenwick School. I love to sing and dance and to read. I am very excited to be in Our Town because it is my first play. I hope to be in many more!
	Maury Kenily ( Joe Stoddard ) - is a proud husband, father and grandfather. When not relishing the gifts of family, Maury graces the stage of Zanesville Community Theatre. He's participated in plays from Agatha Christie Mysteries to Angel Tree Benefits, Big River to ZCT's most recent show The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe where he portrayed kindly Father Christmas. His hope that you enjoy the show and to take a special note of the quiet moments in life.
	Stephanie Kenney - My name is Steph Keney and I am 15. I joined OUR TOWN because it is a new experience. I am growing up in a small town much different than this one and I thought a a new cultural experience would be educational. Thanks for coming!
	Taumi Miller - Our Town was the first play that I saw when I was young. Knowing what I know now, it didn’t mean as much back then. I feel that this is such an important production because it really makes you contemplate life. Everyone in the play knows what it is like to be a part of a small town; the audience will also relate. This is my second play with Zanesville Community Theatre and the cast and crew is wonderfully talented, passionate and dedicated. I am grateful to be a part of telling such a significant story.
	Angel Palmer - I watched Our Town as a freshman in high school and always thought that it would be a play I would love to be involved in. It is one of those plays that is timeless and each time you see it or read it, you are able to learn something new. My hope is that, through us, the audience is able to get the message that the little things in life are precious and are meant to be enjoyed.
	Phoenix Palmer is a 14 year old high school freshman, and is reading Our Town in her literature class. I think being a part of this show has helped me understand this play alot better. It is much more fun to be able to act it out and see it acted out than to just sit and read it!
	Matt Schmitt - has just completed the part of Aslan in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I think Our Town is special for everyone, for different reasons, because everyone makes what is special about their town.
	Production Staff
	Rich Tolliver ( Director ) .Why Our Town? Why today? It's sentimental, simplistic, a period piece - how can it be relevant in today's world? To quote Thornton Wilder "The play is an attempt to find a value above all price for the smallest events in our daily life." It is interesting to me that time went by quickly in Our Town, that is was hard to appreciate what was going on around you fully because you're too busy living life. I find it's ironic in today's society, with all our advances in technology and our need for instant gratification, convenience at our fingertips - we still don't have time - we still "don't stop and smell the roses", if that's not too cliché. I think it's important to do shows like Our Town because the lessons are still there and we still need to learn. Our Town was revolutionary in it's approach and vision with different styles of writing and approach for each act. The lack of set and scenery in a world where Vaudeville and melodrama were king - its held up to this day. I believe, like so many others, that Our Town is an acquired taste, that you can appreciate its content the older you get but maybe, if we can grasp a part of it when we're young, we'll know how to grow older with grace, awareness, dignity while still maintaining a sense of awe.
	Martha Staley ( Producer )
	Shelley Tolliver ( Assistant Director ) I'm amazed at the simplicity and honesty of Our Town. I am. I think of when this story was penned in 1938. A year in this era brings to mind pictures of a simple life and simple people. How interesting it is to me that Thornton Wilder so completely grasped the fleeting reality of time. 1938. People were busy with their lives just as we are busy with ours today. I am a person who tries to appreciate the 'today's, because I know how easy it is not to have a tomorrow. I guess that I wanted to believe that only people in today's modern world neglected the little things in life. Our Town is an unexpected 'reality check' to the fleetingness of life and the wonders it brings. My hope is that through this production, more people might take a moment and look around, maybe use all our 'modern conveniences' to eek out time to appreciate our surroundings and our loved ones. Our Town is a story of life, of love and loss. It is also a story that leaves hope up to those who see it.