ZCT - Death of A Salesman - Cast and Crew Bios

	Rich Tolliver ( Willy Loman ) The character of Willy Loman has been on Rich's theatrical 'bucket list' for quite a long time. There is such a dynamic chemistry to the overall character of Willy that makes him both an honor and a challenge to portray. Set in the 1940's this show offers as much relevance in today's world as it did when it opened in 1949. It is very unusual to find such a striking work that has such staying power. When not on stage, Rich runs his own remodeling and renovations business R.L. Tolliver & Company. He has thoroughly enjoyed giving new life to all rooms in people's houses. "Love where you live" is one of his many mottos. In his free time, Rich enjoys directing, reading and being a tourist. He's looking forward to the challenge of designing the set for ZCT's upcoming NOISES OFF for Director Sheryl Wise as well as Co-Directing ALL SHOOK UP with Bruce Revennaugh in the Summer. "It's going to be a great time - come and be a part of it!"
	Laurel DuBeck ( Linda Loman ) has performed in many shows in both Zanesville and Cambridge over the years as well as choreographing many musicals. Laurel lives in Zanesville with her husband, Paul, and two furry babies, Thelma & Louise. This show has many strong characters and the interaction among them is intense. Keeping focused and in tune with everyone else on stage is going to be a challenge for all of us. Even though this show is set in the 1940's, the audience will see many topics that they can relate to in today's world. I'm so excited to be working with this cast and crew!
	Eric Blake ( Biff Loman ) Eric has been involved in theatre for many years He loves being involved either on stage or working behind the scenes. It was instilled in him 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. Eric has been involved with ZCT for several years where he is currently the President of the Board of Directors. He feels that it is so important to give back to our community, and being involved with ZCT affords him that opportunity by nurturing young talent and providing them a safe place to learn and have a good time. Eric considers being a part of this ensemble of seasoned theatre veterans a great honor and a privilege. Death of A Salesman is a tragic saga, allowing actors to explore the depths of emotion that comes with being a member of the Loman family. Portraying Biff has been a challenging and rewarding experience for Eric. He hopes that you embrace this ensemble performance and recognize the quality of theatre that is available in this community.
	Thaddeus Fields ( Happy ) – Thaddeus first took the stage at Zanesville Community Theatre as the Rabbi’s son in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. He now adds the complex role of Happy Loman to his acting resume. In real life, Thaddeus is a happily married man, father and teacher a far reach from the character he portrays on stage. He is proud to be a part of this production and thanks you for supporting the arts at Zanesville Community Theatre.
	Kevin Lucas ( Bernard ) My first role on stage was Mr. Mushnik in my High School production of "Little Shop of Horrors". A few years later, I auditioned for at ZCT "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?", "Lion in Winter", "Macbeth", "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)", and most recently "J.B.". After J.B. I was hesitant to accept a role in another serious drama, But I have really enjoyed working on this show. Seeing the pieces come together I am now very glad to be a part of this show and great cast. I believe everyone can relate to Willy in some way or another, in this economically challenging time more than ever. I hope you get sucked in and enjoy the show as much as we have enjoyed working on it!
	Sherrie Johnson ( The Other Woman ) Sherrie is married and has 3 sons - 25, 22 and 16. She is currently attending Zane State and is working on a dual major in SFM/Marketing. Her theatrical history includes several characters in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, Mrs. Webb in OUR TOWN, The Mother Swan in HONK as well as numerous appearances in the Zanesville Community Theatre's ANNUAL ANGEL TREE BENEFITS. I was very eager to participate in this American classic. Many brilliant actors have this production on their resume and I wanted to add it to mine. Arthur Miller is a hero to actors everywhere. The role of "the other woman" proves pivotal in the life and disillusionment of Willy and his elder son Biff. She and the memory of her are laced throughout DEATH OF A SALESMAN.The other woman, a fun-loving, good-natured woman, who may appear proper on the surface but she shows her tendency of a spirited will. It is a significant part of the story as it explains Biff’s crossness with his father.
	Steve Stewart ( Charley ) Once in a while a script speaks louder between the lines than any actor can scream. Death of a Salesman is just that kind of a play. There are moments which allow an actor to live the character. All of those little thoughts and memories that we experience in our day to day lives are projected from the stage like a thin blanket of both good and bad past experiences. It is the commonality of those experiences which make Willie and all of the other characters familiar and even a part of us. As Charlie, I hope that more will be felt than seen. True friendship is often unspoken but shines brighter than the noon day sun.
	Tom Porter ( Ben ) After losing my brother over 20 years ago, I feel I can relate to what Willy Loman goes through with his late brother Ben. While Ben is a small part of this play, I think it has a very large meaning in Willy's life. My hobbies include Theater, golf, volunteering at Genesis, hunting, fishing and "life in general".
	Phil Palmer ( Howard ) I got involved in theater less than 5 years ago and find I really enjoy the opportunity to step out of my world and into someone else's. As Willy's boss, I get to represent the generation who focuses on the bottom line rather than the relationships. This show may have been set in the late 40's -early 50's but it is very relevant to what is happening in today's economy. As you watch the show, you are going to think, "I know someone JUST like him/her!" and you are going to realize we haven't changed as much as we think.
	Angel Palmer ( Jenny ) - What I like most about this show is how each person reveals something different about Willy's character- from the way he interacts with his wife, to how he handles his friends. As the layers are peeled back, we find a man who just wants to matter to someone and what he goes through to try and make that happen. This show definitely makes you think about what really matters!
	Tony Palmer ( Stanley ) I am 15 years old and am a homeschooled sophomore. I have been doing theater since I was 6 and have loved every minute of it. I am playing Stanley, a waiter who has known Happy for a while. I think this show is sad, because Willy doesn't know how much his boys love him, and his boys don't know how much Willy loves them. They are all too busy trying to prove stuff to each other. I think maybe people do that even today. Maybe after seeing this show, people will realize what they are doing, and not end up like Willy.
	Monica Van Nort ( Miss Forsythe ) Death of a Salesman is Monica’s 3rd performance with ZCT. She debuted as Truvy in Steele Magnolias then joined her daughter in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, playing the role of Grace. By day, Monica works as a mental health counselor with Six Counties, Inc. In her spare time (when she has it), she enjoys spending time with her husband and 8 year old daughter playing games, watching American Idol or Modern Family, going to the movies or playing outside.
	Susan Barzda ( Letta ) has done numerous shows in Cambridge and more at Zanesville community Theater. She portrayed Bunny in “A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED” last fall and was a survivor in JB in January. She enjoys playing character roles and is having fun with the 40’s style clothing and make-up for Letta. She serves on the State Board for O.C.T.A. (Ohio Community Theater Association), works at the Cambridge Developmental Center as a manager and plays clarinet in several bands and in the “Second Winds” woodwind quintet.
	David Kerr ( waiter ) David joins the cast as both a supporting character and as a member of the stage crew. His varied interests and enthusiasm makes him a wonderful conversationalist who isn’t afraid of venturing into the detail of history and interpretations. He is very excited to be a part of this production and looks forward to gracing the stage in the future. He thanks you for supporting the arts.
	Production Staff
	Bruce Revennaugh (Director) I have always found director’s notes to be a bit pretentious and self-serving. They laud the wonderful levels of discovery that have been achieved, the depths of meaning that have been explored and the layers of interaction and inter-relationship of the characters that have been peeled away. Of course I should say that that is what we have done with the play, “The Death of a Salesman,” but I will resist the temptation, no matter how true. I will however give in to the need to say how much personal fulfillment I have gained by directing it. Once upon a time I had the opportunity to portray Biff Loman on ZCT’s stage to Jerry Zwelling’s Willy Loman. It provided a chance to explore who I was and might become. By directing this production, I have been given a chance to participate in the building and finishing of a new incarnation of Biff, if there can ever be a finished character. Directing all of the other intricate denizens of Willy’s world let me examine the relationship of all of them to each other and to the current world culture. I hope that you will feel the currency of the struggles of the Loman family as they come to terms with their failures and futures. To quote Bette Davis, “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.” As far as director’s notes go, I am rather partial to E flat. - Bruce Revennaugh
	Shelley Tolliver ( Assistant Director, Producer ) DEATH OF A SALESMAN is quite a challenging production. The stage is very intimate for all that must happen as well as the serious nature of the characters. I'd much rather participate in comedies - but I couldn't resist the opportunity to learn more. Bruce Revennaugh, directing, has had a burning passion to bring this show back to the ZCT stage and I'm glad the time is now. Our cast is top notch and their enthusiasm is outstanding. What each member has brought to the stage has been phenomenal. It is a show where an 'ensemble cast' is the vitality of the production's success. It is proving to be a show not to miss. Rich and Bruce have many theatrical tricks up their sleeves as well. The have brilliant ideas for sneaky use of space with seemingly magical hidden rooms appearing as Willy's mind meanders through his memories. If you've seen our stage... you know what I mean. They are integrating the lighting in ways that are truly innovative. The plan for the sound design is equally complex and integrated. It is a great delight to be involved with a cast and crew who are as eagerly passionate for a quality production as the director is. Thank you for your support of our show and for the Arts in Zanesville. Without you, our efforts wouldn't be possible.

Head shots of cast members ©2005-2010 Dan Olson, used with permission.
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Head shot of Kevin Lucas by David Dittmar, used with permission
Head shot of cast members Laurel DuBeck, David Kerr, & Monica Van Nort ©2010, Shelley Tolliver, used with permission