ZCT - RENT - Cast and Crew Bios tickets on-line or Call 740.455-6487 for reservations

Cast & Crew About Us Director's Notes

February 11, 12, 18, 19, 2011 - 8pm
February 13, 20, 2011 - 2:30pm
Full: $15, Senior: $10, Student: $9
Rated R
Due to the nature of the material, this show is not recommended for children
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	Matt Swingle (Angel Dumott Schunard) - This is my first show with ZCT. Way back when, in High School, I did several productions and then performed in the Zaney Follies for several years. When the opportunity came up to audition for Rent I couldn’t pass it up. This show is all about creating a family and supporting each other regardless of the obstacles. While the music of this show may not be for everybody, the message of self-worth and acceptance is something that everybody can get behind. I live in Philo with my partner of 11 years, ZCT veteran Rob Cook, and our son Evan.
	John Warner (Benjamin Coffin III) - I'm nineteen years old and I grew up for the latter part of my life in Newcomerstown, Ohio. As of now, I am a music education student at Muskingum University. I have been in over fifteen musical theater productions such as Godspell (Jesus), Oliver (Artful Dodger), and You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown) to name just a few. Musical theater has been an amazing way for me to express myself, meet and get to know people, and to grow as a person. Originally, that's why I chose to audition for this production of RENT. Though, once I started rehearsal, it became something more. This story is about the struggle of overlooked sections of society, people living with a deadly disease, but, most importantly, it's about love. I feel privileged to be able to be apart of such a story as RENT. I would like to thank my extremely supportive family and friends. "Break a leg!" to the cast and thank you all for coming to see our version of RENT!
	Kyla Nethers (Joanne Jefferson) - This is my first show with ZCT but I'm now looking forward to many more. I've always been one to enjoy the spotlight, but up until recently, it has always been singing. Theater is a recent discovery of mine. I had played roles in church plays growing up, but it wasn't until high school that I got involved in theater. I was part of the company in Grease. I was also in the musical, Once Upon a Mattress (Queen Aggravain).
	T. Johnpaul Adams (Mark Cohen) - I'm ecstatic to be in my third production with ZCT in two years (Dennis in All Shook Up and Nickles/Satanmask in J.B. Being my other two roles). While I did do some small parts in high school (I'm originally from Wheelersburg, Ohio), I didn't really start taking acting seriously until began attending Cedarville University, where I got involved in a New Musical: The Lily of Persia and took supporting parts in the Theatre Department productions of The Imaginary Invalid (as Thomas Diaforious) and Alice in Wonderland (as the Gryphon). My favorite role from college was definitely playing both the Wolf and Woodsman in our opera ensemble's production of Little Red Riding Hood. In my non-theatre life (Ha. Haha.), I am an Elementary Music Teacher with Zanesville City Schools and in my spare time I enjoy writing, gaming, and spending time with friends all across Ohio. For me, RENT is about people celebrating the lives they are having and living life to the fullest. While everyone in the show experiences some challenge to their character, the biggest challenge each character experiences is their life when they stop living and striving for the best there is for them. I hope that people leave this show inspired to search out and live their lives to the fullest, taking chances and risks they might not otherwise have.
	Clara Pearch (Maureen Johnson) - I'm thrilled to be making my debut at ZCT in RENT! I am a 2010 graduate of Muskingum University with a degree in Music Education. Currently, I live in Uhrichsville, Ohio and work as a substitute teacher, teach voice lessons, and am co-director of the Claymont show choir. I love working with students and am looking for a full-time teaching position. I'm also hoping to pursue a Master's degree in Music Theatre. I've been involved with music theater almost my whole life; some of my favorite roles have been Tessie (Annie), Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors), Schwartzy (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Lucy (You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown) and Maria (West Side Story). I'm very excited to be involved in RENT! This show is so powerful and the story is beautiful. Not only is it a joy to be in the show, but also to be working with all of my friends. I feel privileged to be doing something I love with the people that I love. I'd like to dedicate this performance to my very supportive family and to John, who inspires me everyday to reach for "the moon."
	Brittany Mackie (Mimi Marquez) - I am a Junior Music Major studying Commercial Voice at Muskingum University. I am the Music Director of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, an International Women’s Music Fraternity. I currently serve as a Contemporary Worship Leader, and also as a member of a Praise Team, “Praylude”. For several years, I have been a keyboardist and vocalist for The Buckeye Travelers Band, which carries 7 Country and Gospel albums. My drama experience includes participation in It Was a Dark and Stormy Night (Belle Malibu), and Homer’s The Odyssey (Circe), as well as several One Act Plays. My music theatre experience includes Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl and Napkin), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide), and most recently, Pirates of Penzance (Kate). I plan to continue my education to receive a Master’s in Music Theatre. I am excited to be doing RENT because it conveys so many messages. For me, it speaks to the importance of family and community, and also acceptance – which I believe are very important.
	Matthew Harper (Roger Davis) - I am thrilled to be making my Zanesville Community Theatre debut. I am no stranger to the stage with RENT marking my 40th show. I currently live in Utica Ohio where I attended Utica High School. I have been in many theatres around the area from Weathervane Playhouse, to Licking County Players. Some of my favorite roles are, Jean Valjean (Les Miserable), Danny (Grease), Billy (Anything Goes), Cliff (Cabaret), Chino (West Side Story). I remember watching RENT on Broadway never thinking that someday I could be in the show, let alone Roger. This has been a dream role of mine and has been a surreal experience for me. Every time i look down at my script i thank Jonathan Larson for this powerful piece of work. I feel like everyone can relate to this story in some way or another. We should learn from Jonathan and live everyday like there is no day but today, and that through everything love will conquer all. I have had such a great time with this amazingly talented cast, I have met some new friends and have enjoyed every second with each and everyone of them. I would like to thank all of my friends and family for their on going support and would like to dedicate this performance to all of you. thank you.
	John Pollock (Tom Collins) - This is my first production with ZCT and I'm very excited to be making that premier in the production of RENT. I haven't been in full musical production since I graduated high school and I have been itching to return to the stage. In the past I have had roles in many plays and musicals that my high school and community performed. These include: Oklahoma! (Cord Elam), Where's Charley? (Wilkinson), Stone Soup (Rocky), The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf (Town Crier), The Velveteen Rabbit (Uncle George, Tin Soldier), You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Schroeder), Les Précieuses ridicules (La Grange) and The Music Man (Mayor Shinn). As a musical theater fanatic I am usually drawn to shows that invoke thoughts on a deeper level that really question the way that I view things in life. RENT certainly does that for me, and I hope that through this experience that it does the same for our audience. Originally from West Lafayette, I now live in Zanesville and work as a substitute teacher.
	The Company
	David Kerr (Mr. Jefferson, Dr. Paul, drug dealer, Company)- After traveling the world over for 20 years and retiring from the U.S. Air Force, I said to myself, “there’s no place like home” and returned to Zanesville. I have been active with the Zanesville Community Theater for about one and a half years and when I heard we were performing Rent, I couldn’t resist. I have participated in numerous shows in the past, here at ZCT and other locations, to include A Murder is Announced, JB, The Sound of Music, Pirates of Penzance, and Guys & Dolls. For the past several years, I have also been a cast member of the Living Word Outdoor Drama. My wife, Rita, and I have been married for 27 years and we have four children; Amanda, who attends Muskingum University, Aaron, who attends The Ohio State University, and the remaining two, Cassandra and Nathaniel, are in the ninth and seventh grade in the East Muskingum School District.
	Philip Palmer (homeless man, pastor, Company) - This is my 5th year working with ZCT. I have also worked with the Zane Trace Players now The Renner Theatre. I knew that this production was going to be fun and challenging. I hope that all of our stereotypes and biases are stripped away when this show is complete. In my non-theatre life, I am a Case Manager at a shelter ( VOA Men's Services ) in Columbus for homeless veterans. I am married to RENT's Assistant Director for 17 years and have 3 children. Phoenix, a senior home-schooled student who just got accepted to University of Akron. Tony, a junior home-schooled student who is very involved in the theatre and also is a part of the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir. Paul, a freshman is attending West Muskingum High School.
	Britany Tobias (Alexi Darling, Police, Company)- This is my first show with ZCT and my first performance in quite some time. After attending a couple of shows at ZCT I was waiting for an opportunity to join the crew. When I saw that there were auditions for RENT I knew I had to participate in any way I could. I'm excited and proud to be part of a show that means more to me than words can convey. I hope the audience is as moved by this show as I have been and enjoys our production! I am from Zanesville and will be graduating this year from Ohio University- Zanesville with a bachelor’s in English and Sociology and hope to teach one day.
	Chelsey Luallen (Mrs. Cohen, Company) - This is my second production with ZCT, but my first since Fiddler on the Roof during ZCT’s 44th Season where I played the Fiddler. I am currently a senior at Muskingum University where I will graduate in the fall of 2011 with a Political Science major with minors in History and Music. I am also on staff as a general hand in the Theatre Department at Muskingum, where I am in the middle of my fourth year of employment. I continue to be a member of the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra, where I play violin. During summer breaks from Muskingum University, I have been and continue to be a counselor at CASS Camp , a K-12 Performing Arts camp in Zanesville, where I was a student for four years before proudly taking on counselor duties. During high school, I was extremely active in theatrical productions including roles in Dracula (Vixen), Anything Goes (Company), The Pajama Game (Company), and A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cractchit), as well as playing in the pit orchestra for Bye Bye Birdie, running spot lights for Arsenic and Old Lace, and being Student Director for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. I was also active in Girl Scouts, where I earned my Silver Award, as well as being a four year member of Zanesville High School’s Chamber and Symphony Orchestras. The first time I saw RENT, it immediately struck me as a story that could impact and change lives, and I told myself that if I ever got the opportunity to participate in a production of RENT, I had to take it. I am extremely thankful and excited to return to ZCT to be a part of a show that has impacted so many people around the world.
	Kristin Blodgett (coat vendor, blanket lady, Rogers Mom, Company) - This is my first show at ZCT but not my first rodeo in musical theatre. I haven't done any theatre since high school and although i have a busy schedule, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to audition for RENT! In high school I held many roles in various plays a few of which are Frenchy (Grease), Annie Oakley (Annie Get you Gun), and Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Breast). I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all the cast members, director, and other staff. Thank you for the opportunity and I hope to be doing more theatre here at ZCT.
	Tyson Kumorowski (Gordon, Steve, a Junkie, a Homeless Person, Company) - This is my first production with ZCT and I really have enjoyed working with the cast and crew of “Rent.” Originally from Kansas, I moved to Zanesville in 2007 after completing my BA in Political Science from Hiram College. Since then, I have pursued my passions in teaching, business, and the performing arts. I have been fortunate to have had a wide variety of experiences in performing. In my youth, I sang with the Kansas Boys Choir in Carnegie Hall, Twins’ Stadium, and across Western Europe. In high school, I was selected for top choir (1st in State), the Kansas District 6 Choir, and the Hutchinson Youth Symphony. I have enjoyed writing my own music and participating in music ministry. In 2008 I tried out for “Wicked,” and I continue to pursue a professional career in the performing arts. I play the flute and dabble in other instruments. I have had extensive experience in color guard (flag, rifle, sabre, ribbon), technical theatre, dance, and most recently fire dancing & shape manipulation. I am a member of a local fire troop known as “Pirotechnika,” and I am directing/choreographing next December’s blacklight production, entitled “Cirque Fantazia, Luminaria”. In the past, I have had lead roles in the Zaney Follies 2007, “All I Really Need To Know, I Learned In Kindergarten” and “Mid-Summer Nights Dream.”
	Laura Marshall (Mrs Jefferson, Company) I am overjoyed to be making my premiere at ZCT in this production of RENT. RENT is one of my all-time favorite musicals, and I jumped at the chance to be a part of the show. So many powerful messages are portrayed in RENT; the importance of friends, accepting the realities of life, learning to live for today, and love. These hit home for everyone, only one of the reasons that makes this show so amazing. I graduated in 2010 from Muskingum University, with degrees in both Music and Business. I have been involved in Music Theater all my life. Some of my favorite roles have included Mimi (Puccini’s Opera La Boheme), Mother Abbess (The Sound of Music), Lily (The Secret Garden), Clara (The Light in the Piazza), and Olive’s mother (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). I live in Zanesville, where I work at Starbucks. I also work for ABLE at Mid-East Career and Technology, and I am the pianist/organist at Dresden Madison Presbyterian Church. I plan on attending grad school in the fall to pursue a Master’s degree in Music Education. I hope to one day teach High School Choir. I am thrilled to be performing RENT with some of my best friends. We’ve been through a lot, and this may be the last time we get to perform together. I love you all with all my heart.
	Albert Brown (Squeegieman, Restaurant Man, Company) -This will be my third production with the Zanesville Community Theater group. The 20th Angel Tree Benefit and "All Shook Up" are my most recent appearances on the ZCT stage. My thespian career began 6 years ago with the Zane Trace Players, since then I have gradually expanded my involvement in local theater. I have also been a contributor to the re-formed Zane Trace Players theater: "The Renner" I currently work at S.L. Stewart Computers in South Zanesville. I spend most of my time in an expressionless stupor whilst troubleshooting computers (on and off the job), so theater has naturally become an outlet for my pent-up energy. I hope you enjoy the show at least as much as we enjoy performing it.
	Rachel Demp (Homeless person, Company) - This is my first time doing theatre since high school in 2003. I played many roles in musicals but my favorite would have to be as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. This is my first production with Zanesville Community Theatre but i hope its not the last. I am very honored to be a cast member in RENT. This play has a powerful message and even though i have a busy schedule with raising my 4 yr old son and being pregnant I have enjoyed every minute of it.
	Tom Devol (Guitar 2, Mr. Grey) - I am a self-taught guitar player and did most of my early playing in clubs and county fairs from Columbus to Parkersburg. In the early 90’s I was part of the opening act for Nashville performers Eddie Raven and Larry Gatlin when they appeared at Secrest Auditorium. My theater credits include the Zaney Follies from 1997 to the present, Arsenic And Old Lace (Dr. Einstein), My Fair Lady, The Music Man (tenor in the Barbershop Quartet), Oliver (Knife Grinder, Bartender), Here Lies Jeremy Troy (Charlie Bickle), and Dracula (Dr. van Helsing). RENT is my second appearance at ZCT, after the 2010 Angel Tree Benefit. RENT touches me on so many levels that it’s hard to nail down any one particular reason I like the show so much. It’s about love and loss, but it’s also a celebration of the fact that we are alive. I promised myself that if RENT were ever done locally, I would be a part of it, no matter what that part was. My thanks to the production team for allowing me to keep that promise.
	Rachel Riggle (Police, Company) - I am making my first theatrical appearance at ZCT and am very excited. I have never had the chance to be a part of anything like this amazing show and while I knew that I enjoyed singing and acting, this show is allowing me to enjoy this passion. I have always been on the other side of the music, having played percussion from 2005-2009 with 2 Nationally Competitive Percussion groups and am very grateful for the opportunity to show the other side of my talents. This is a great cast and a fantastic production crew and I just know that you will all enjoy not only the music, but also the message of this show.
	Production Staff
	Eric Blake (Director) - Eric has been involved with ZCT for several years where he is currently the President of the Board of Directors. Eric enjoys directing as well as being on stage. In addition to directing this show, Eric has recently directed J.B., Steel Magnolias, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and The Lion In Winter at Zanesville Community Theatre. On stage, Eric recently portrayed Biff Loman in ZCT’s production of Death of A Salesman. This show evokes so many opportunities for soul searching and reflection on our individual values and our tolerance for difference as a society. A quote by Dr. Adela A. Allen seems appropriate as we reflect on this show and its message. “We should acknowledge differences, we should greet differences, until difference makes no difference anymore” Eric hopes that you enjoy this show and this terrific ensemble cast as much as he has enjoyed directing them and watching them bring life to Jonathan Larson’s colorful characters! RENT Directors Note I am so excited that you have chosen to join us for Zanesville Community Theatre’s production of RENT! This show has been on my “bucket list” of shows that I have wanted to bring to ZCT for several years. This 1996 rock opera is about eight friends struggling to get by in New York ’s Lower East Side neighborhood, the central message is to revel in the joy of life in the present, because no one knows what the future holds. For many of Rent’s characters, the future looks challenging: AIDS, homelessness, poverty and gender issues are all major themes in this groundbreaking musical. Flash forward, 2011, times haven’t changed that much. We, as a society, still face diseases, including AIDS, and the issues of poverty, and homelessness are no stranger to these present times. I owe a huge “Thank You” to the cast, crew, and musicians of this show! It is with a sincere heart that I say this. Not often do you find a group of talented individuals both on the stage and behind the scenes that share one common passion for becoming a true ensemble to tell a story as passionately as this one. Many of us were around when the AIDS epidemic was at its peak in the mid 1980’s. This disease took the lives of so many of our friends and loved ones. We, as a cast and crew pay homage to our loved ones that were taken by AIDS by mentioning their names in the show as members of the Support Group. I ask that you watch this show with an open mind. We do not intend to offend but to accurately portray a community of persons that have embraced differences and learned to revel in the joy of life. My wish for you as you leave this show is that you also learn to live a life full of tolerance, love, and joy and to find the beauty that lies in every day and within each of us. “...there’s no day but today!” Eric Blake, Director
	Bruce Revennaugh (Musical Director, Keyboard) - I was raised a poor white child in the hills of Southeastern Ohio. I walked to school up hill both ways. But seriously folks, I have done theater at any place that will have me for many years. More years than most of the cast has been alive. But the last couple of shows, All Shook Up and this one (Rent, in case you forgot), have been great fun because I get to sit back and play while younger folks sing, dance and show off their wonderful talents.
	Jillian B. Von Gunten (Choreographer) - Jillian shouldn't really be here. She's currently a 2nd year law school student at Capital Law School in Columbus. As a result, she's been forced into an unwilling hiatus from ZCT. A slightly odd series of events led to her choreographing parts of this show. Unfortunately, the original choreographer was unable to finish the show. Jillian was asked to help at exactly the right moment - after finals and before the beginning of the next semester. At any other time, she could not have been a part of it. So, the theatre gods arranged a choreographer for RENT and a creative outlet for Jillian! Jillian grew up doing theater and has served in numerous capacities such as director, actor, and stage manager. It has been great to be back at ZCT and to work with some of her favorite people. She hopes you enjoy RENT and that it touches your heart.
	Janice Blake (Producer) - As many of you know, Janice is the very verbal and outspoken wife of Eric. She has been involved with the theatre in many ways behind the scenes for several years. Janice most recently appeared on stage in last season’s production of J.B. She has also enjoyed being on stage in several Angel Tree Benefit shows at ZCT. Her biggest, and probably most difficult task is keeping her husband on track and out of the theatre for at least a couple of weeks each year! As Producer, Janice has enjoyed working with this cast and crew tremendously! She wishes to thank everyone who has made this show a success. She also hopes that you enjoy this show and take away from the show the true message of tolerance and love for one another.
	Thomas Tompkins (Assistant Musical Director, Keyboard) - Just like many of our young, talented cast members, I'm making my debut with ZCT in this production. And, woweee! These young men and women really are a talented bunch! It's been an absolute joy to be a part of this production!!! I'm a lawyer who "moonlights" as the organist at St. James Episcopal Church. (Hey -- if you like to sing, come join our choir! --- www.stjameszanesville.org) RENT has a very special meaning for me because the AIDS epidemic was near its deadliest peak in Columbus, Ohio, while I lived there in the late 80s and early 90s. I lost friends and family to this disease. This show is not about AIDS --- it's about love --- but it does call us to remember all those we lost to this plague. And to remember how our love keeps each of them alive in our hearts. There really is no day like today!
	Angel Palmer (Assistant Director, Stage Manager, Mimi's Mother) - There are some shows that just "need" to be performed, and for me, this is one of them. When Jonathan Larson wrote this play, I don't know if he was aware of the impact he was going to have, but these are topics and situations that truly impact and change people and families. There are some beautiful, some painful, some funny, and some poignant scenes in this show and it humbles me that I am allowed the opportunity to be a part of it. I am so honored to be able to work with such talented musicians and actors who have taken these characters and made them their own and have stepped out of their own comfort zones to truly bring this show to life. To the guys who bring the music to this show...you are amazing! Thank you for sharing your talents and your time. To the audience- I pray that as you watch this show you see how much love people can have for one another, even in the darkest of times, and see how important true friends are! Viva la vie boheme!
	Steven Hixson (Guitar 1) - I am a junior at John Glenn High School and a lover of the arts. Guitar is only one of my fortes (no pun intended); I also am an active bassist, saxophonist, keyboardist, singer- an active musician, really. I am a three-year veteran of John Glenn’s “JG Company”; a selective, auditioning singing group. I am perhaps an even more active composer- I've written for everything from woodwind quartets and concert bands to hard rock, and even country, which I despise. If you went to John Glenn High School's "Musical Smorgasbord" concert in October, then you heard a bit of my writing at the end of the choir's version of West Side Story's "Tonight", as I arranged an alternate ending for the song. I am no stranger to the stage myself, having been in multiple plays and variety shows; most recently John Glenn High's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Asher), as well as JGHS's upcoming production of West Side Story (Riff), which will be performed at Cambridge’s Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center on April 15th and 16th (7 PM), as well as the 17th (3 PM). When I heard that ZCT was going to do Rent, I knew I was most likely too young to get a role, but I still wanted to be a part of it, even though I’d had no previous experience with ZCT. Rent is one of my favorite, if not my favorite, musical of all time; Jonathan Larson threw his heart and soul into this rock opera; I (and my fellow staff and cast members, I know) can’t wait to do it justice. The opposite of war isn’t peace; it’s creation! We hope you absorb this show’s message as we create a meaningful work of art for you to enjoy and learn from.
	PVT. Robert W. James [ AKA Bob] (Percussion) I have been a percussionist for about 6 years, I love to play. I go to school at John Glenn high school. I’m in two other bands with two of my friends, the band names are [TurtleTown] and A Fresh New Something. I’m in the United States Army Reserves. I hope to become an Aviation Pilot and still have a hobby in drumming it's who I am; it’s the “Beat” to my soul. I'm going to drum till I can’t drum any more.
	Patrick Murphy (Percussion)
	Carleton Underwood (Lighting and Sound Designer)
	Dan Brown (Lighting Assistant) You've probably seen Dan here at ZCT in the past performing in various roles. From Fidder on the Roof to The Laramie Project to Macbeth, Dan has played the acting spectrum. Tonight you will not see him at all. Dan decided to round out his theater experience by doing something he's never done before; put the spotlight on someone else
	Amy Underwood (Lighting Assistant)
	Steve Hammer (Assistant Sound Designer) - I almost enjoy helping with the technical side of a show as much as being on stage….almost. I am glad ZCT has pushed the envelope with Rent and is giving the community a variety of shows this year. My goal for this show is that you do not even realize I exist. A soundman only gets recognized when things do not go so well. I hope I’m not recognized. Enjoy the show!