Rob Cook (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein) – I moved here from Chicago 13 years ago with a little trepidation. It was quite a change and I wasn’t sure I was totally up for it. Once I walked into this theatre though, to audition for “Godspell,” I knew I was going to be alright. If you’ve ever thought about trying out for a show here – do it! The people here are terrific.
I was born and raised in Illinois, attending the University of Illinois for my BLA and Illinois State for my MFA in theatre. After school, I spent some time with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival before moving to Chicago and working at several theatres around the city. Some favorite roles include Ellard in “The Foreigner,” the Balladeer in “Assassins,” Jane/Edgar in “The Mystery of Irma Vep” and Father Flynn in “Doubt” here at ZCT.
My fears about moving were also allayed by the fact that I was coming here to be with my dear Matt (also in the show) whom I had met at a party in Chicago. 13 years later, here we are. With a great son, great friends, and a great life. Thank you Matt and thank you ZCT.
I hope you enjoy this show and appreciate all the effort that has gone into putting such a large show together.

Cindy Houpt (Frau Bleucher) – – Comedy?….Check!… Musical?…..Check!… Over the top, crazy, zany character?…..Check, check and double check!!! Young Frankenstein has it all and Cindy loves Frau Blucher!! “Vat a Voman!!!!” Oh, and the best part of all of this???? Cindy gets to spend time with some her very favortie people, the good folks at ZCT!!!
Cindy lives in Newark Ohio with her husband, Ron, and youngest daughter, Sarah. She is an echocardiographer/nurse by trade but currently enjoys being a stay at home mom. She is the proud Grandmother of two adorable grandsons, Preston and Luke.
David J Kerr (Inspector Hans Kemp) – I grew up in Zanesville but had never heard of ZCT. After returning home from spending 20 years in the Air Force and moving all over the world, one day a good friend asked if I’d like to see a show at the local community theater. I didn’t know what to expect and my expectations weren’t very high, but by the end of the show I was very impressed. That was a little over four years ago. Now I’m in my tenth show here and the only way they can keep me away is to lock me out. (Oh wait, I have a key.)
As for my real life when I’m not enjoying the fantasy of the theater, I work for the City of Zanesville in the Engineering Department as an engineering technician/construction inspector. I’ve been married to my wonderful wife, Rita, for 30 years and we have four children ranging in age from 26 to 16 and a 4 month old grandson.
Dan Von Gunten (The Hermit) – So? Short and Sweet or OMG did he have to list everything he’s ever done with ZCT for the last millennium? I will cut to the chase: I am Jillian’s (Inga) Dad and Melanie’s long suffering other half. And VERY, VERY GOOD FRIENDS with almost EVERYONE in the cast. And the Production Crew. And the Orchestra. And the Director. And the Producer. And the Make-up Team. And the Musical Director. And the Costume Staff! WHEW! Are you feeling the LOVE? I know I am!
The last show I was in was Oliver as the undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry. The young lady playing my wife, Mrs. Sowerberry was costumed in a very familiar Black Dress. And I said to her, Lovie (that is what I called her) you are wearing MY DRESS! You should have seen the look Bambi gave me so I explained that it was the very same dress that I had made my ZCT DEBUT in some 35 years ago in Charlie’s Aunt. Yeah, I’ve been around a LONG time. And ZCT recycles EVERYTHING!
Steven Hendershott (Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein, Bob, Ensemble) – It seems like just a short while ago that Steve found out about this wonderful theater, and in some ways that’s true. But now in his sixth musical here, it just feels like home! What a crazy experience this show is; too much fun. It’s not often one gets to play a ghost, an astrologist and coyly reprise (sort of) the spirit of a former role all in one show. Hold on to your seats and enjoy the ride because Young Frankenstein will blow you away!
None of this would be possible without the exceptional support of his AMAZING wife Jolene, and his loving daughters, Jadyn, Cadence and Alonna who play their roles as audience participants with aplomb. Steve and Jolene celebrated 11 years of wedded bliss this Spring, and he is so grateful that she’s the real reason for his success! When he isn’t on stage or in rehearsal, Steve works at the David Crist State Farm agency http://ycityinsurance.com and has enjoyed his “temporary” position there for the last 8 years. He is also an independent representative with Jusuru International. For healthy, active joints and younger-looking skin, give him a call 740-521-9075 or email Steven@myamazingdiscovery.com! The Hendershotts are also huge believers in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University program; so much that Steve facilitates classes several times a year here in Zanesville. Please check us out, we’d love to have you! SDG
William Harris (Ensemble) -William Harris, an Ohio native, received his B.A. in Liberal Arts from Wright St. University in Dayton, Ohio. From there, he obtained his Master of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, IN. Upon graduation, he and the family moved to Michigan where his wife embarked upon a teaching career, and he later enrolled at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI in pursuit of his Master of Theology degree. He subsequently enrolled into a summer unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE – chaplaincy ministries) at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Center, also in Grand Rapids and the following year, he completed a yearlong chaplaincy residency at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo Michigan.
At the completion of his residency, William enrolled in the Ecclesiastical Program for Ministerial Candidacy at Calvin with the intent of pursuing ordination within the Christian Reformed Church and at the conclusion of his program, had received a call to serve as pastor at New Hope Community Church in Kincheloe, MI, located in the Upper Peninsula, where he served just shy of three years. Currently, William is employed with Genesis Healthcare, serving as a Hospice Chaplain.

That being said, I would like to thank the cast, our directors and the crew for making this show such fun. There’s a lot of amazing talent here so I consider myself blessed every time I set foot on the stage with them. Here is hoping you enjoy watching them as much as I enjoy performing with them. So please sit back, relax and enjoy this manic journey through Transylvania.
Production Staff
Philip A. Palmer (Assistant Director and Producer) – Philip A. Palmer is excited to be working with the cast and crew of Young Frankenstein. Wearing many hats, he has enjoyed the challenge of being Assistant Director, Producer, Stage Manager, Set Designer and Builder. He has really appreciated all of the willing hands and talents of this wonderful group. Not only is he involved with the theater on stage, most recently as Uncle Charlie in August, Osage County as well as off stage as Vice-President of the Board of ZCT, he is also a Social Worker by day and sings in his church choir and on the praise team. He hopes you enjoy this show and come back to enjoy the rest of the 51st season!