The Hollow Cast and Crew

Jan Smith (Inspector Colquhoun of Scotland Yard) – “Another opening, another show”! In The Hollow I play an Inspector: in real life I am an Investigator….what a stretch. It’s been a long time since I have done a large role. I have been mostly directing and doing some walk-on parts, and I must say, I am a little nervous about it. But what can one say. It’s a great script and an outstanding cast. And to have the chance to work with some of my favorite people on and off stage – I could not pass that up. And to you, who are reading this, three quarters of the way through the play, ask yourself  “Who done it?” Good luck!

Jared Gantzer (Detective Sergeant Penny) – I am really excited to be in my first production at ZCT. At The Renner I have enjoyed roles in The Crucible and last year’s Angel Tree Benefit. Most recently, I portrayed Sam Hendrix in the thriller Wait Until Dark, in September, at The Renner. I am also a member of the fire and light performance group Pyrotechnika. Offstage, I live in Zanesville with my wife Sarah and our three theater kids Julia, Madeline, and Grayson. I have really had fun with this show, and thanks for coming.

Steven Hendershott (Dr. John Christow) – This is Steve’s second non-musical show here at ZCT and he is delighted to be sharing the stage with this wonderful cast.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 12 years of wedded bliss this Spring, and he is so grateful that God blessed him with a such a stupendous family!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. The Hendershotts are also huge believers in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University program; so much that Steve facilitated classes several times here in Zanesville. Please check it out, it will change your life!

Sarah Gantzer (Gerda Christow) – I am beyond thrilled to be involved in this production! Who doesn’t enjoy a good mystery near Halloween?! I’ve so enjoyed working with this talented cast and crew! The Hollow is the second production I’ve been involved at ZCT, the first being 9 to 5 The Musical. Other favorite roles for me include Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible, and Marian the Librarian, both at The Renner in downtown Zanesville.

When not on stage, I love teaching my fabulous bunch of first graders at Zane Grey Elementary, leading my daughters’ Girl Scout troop, coaching R.O.S.A. soccer, or cheering on my favorite Lil’ Devil on the football field. My humblest appreciation for everyone involved in this show, and to Team Gantzer for your love and support at home. Also, thank you patrons and theater guests for your support of local theater! You are the reason we get to get on stage and make magic happen!

Eric Blake (Sir Henry Angkatell) – Eric is currently employed as the Director of Operations for Shrivers Oxygen and Home Medical. He has had a love of the theatre for many years and he enjoys directing as well as being on stage. It was instilled in him at an early age the importance of working behind the scenes as well as acting. Eric currently serves on the Board of Directors at Zanesville Community Theatre. Eric’s directing credits include: Spring Awakening, August, Osage County, Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, RENT, Doubt, J.B., Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and The Lion In Winter. On stage, Eric has recently appeared in The Crucible, Sweeney Todd, Death of A Salesman and Next Fall, and The Diary of Anne Frank; just to name a few.

Murder mysteries are so much fun and this amazing cast and crew has pushed the fun level up a few notches! Eric is honored to bring to life Sir Henry Angkatell is this production of The Hollow. The Hollow is not one of Agatha Christie’s better known works but the many plot twists and turns make this a delight to avid “whodunit” fans.

Eric hopes that you enjoy the show and thanks you for supporting Zanesville Community Theatre as they continue to strive for excellence against a backdrop of tradition.

Aaron Chase (Edward Angkatell) – is a graduate of Philo High School. During his high school career, he was a member of the school concert band, marching band, jazz band, and drama club. Aaron has also appeared in M*A*S*H, Young Frankenstein, and A Little Princess here at the Zanesville Community Theatre.

Sally Goins (Lady Lucy Angkatell) – Sally Goins is very excited to be returning to the ZCT stage as Lady Lucy Angkatell. Since returning in “Ladies of Harmony,” she has had the opportunity to portray Eulalie in “The Music Man,” Madame Armfeldt in “A Little Night Music,” and Margaret in “9 to 5.” She is very grateful that there is a need for “mature” women on stage. A retired teacher, Sally wants to thank her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends for their support. Thanks for coming — enjoy the show!

Cary Underwood (Midge Harvey) – Cary Underwood grew up with the theater. She got her first major role when she was seven and played Lucy in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Since then, Cary has performed in several other musicals including Annie, Oliver, Singing in the Rain, Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, A Little Princess and The Diary of Anne Frank. Cary is a senior at Bishop Rosecrans High School. There she is involved in choir and drama club. In addition to the performing arts, Cary is a black belt in Kenpo. We hope you enjoy the show!

Jillian Von Gunten (Henrietta Angkatell) – Jillian has participated in local theater all of her life and currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Zanesville Community Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include: Maggie in “A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” Alais in “The Lion in Winter,” Nancy in “OLIVER!” and Barbara Fordham in “August: Osage County,” all at Zanesville Community Theatre, and Stella Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and Suzy Hendrix in “Wait Until Dark” at The Renner. Some of her favorite shows to direct were: “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” “HONK,” “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” and “9 to 5: The Musical.” Jillian currently serves as the Coach for Powerhouse’s SPARKS!! Improv Troupe and works in Zanesville as an attorney at Allen & Baughman, Attorneys at Law. Jillian has always loved Agatha Christie and is thrilled to finally be in one of her plays after having assisted and directed several of them in the past. She’s especially pleased to work with her mother and dear friends on this show, all of whom have made the entire experience a joy. Thank you all with a truly grateful heart.

Laurel DuBeck (Veronica Cray) – I’ve lived in Zanesville for the past 20 years with my husband, Paul, and our two 70 lbs. babies, Thelma & Louise. Over the past 35+ years, I’ve done shows in both Cambridge and Zanesville and happily call ZCT my theatrical home and I’m looking forward to many more years of stage experiences. Playing Veronica in this show has been such fun! She is self-centered, manipulative, egotistic and just the kind of woman people love to hate! This entire cast’s professionalism has shown through every rehearsal and it makes learning lines and reacting to each other so much easier! Even with all the laughs!!! A huge thank you to Melanie, Sheryl and Nancy for putting together such a great ensemble!

Lew Woodward (Gudgeon) – I am an Enigma.  I come from a long and honorable line of Enigmas.  But enough about me ….  How about these Zanesville Community Theatre folks?  What a marvelous group of very talented and dedicated Thespians.  This is my second opportunity to work with these wonderful people.  The first was in “Young Frankenstein (the Musical)”, and what a great time that was!  I am astounded by the amount of talent that graces the ZCT stage.  I’ve sat and watched rehearsals for “The Hollow” and I have nearly been brought to tears.  At first I thought it was the uncomfortable seats, but as it turned out; it was the moving performances of the members of the cast.  I hope you enjoy “The Hollow”.  I know I have.

Katelyn Baughman (Doris) – Katelyn Baughman is 13 years old and attends Crooksville High School.  She fell in love with theatre at age 5, when she 1st appeared at ZCT as a member of the chorus in Fiddler on the Roof.  Other productions she has participated in since then include the title roles in Annie (ZCT) and Charlotte’s Web (Renner), Wait Until Dark (Renner), 9 to 5 The Musical (ZCT), A Little Princess (ZCT), A Little Night Music (Renner), HONK (ZCT), M*A*S*H (ZCT), eight Angel Tree Benefits (ZCT/Renner), Back to the Garden (Shadowbox Live) and more.  Katelyn is extremely grateful to all those who have helped her learn and grow in theatre and performance and sends special thanks to Melanie Von Gunten and Sheryl Wise for providing her the opportunity to play the role of Doris in The Hollow!

Rebecca Wagstaff (The Voice) – I moved to the Zanesville area nearly three years ago and was immediately drawn to the creative community here. This was natural attraction as I work as solopreneur marketing consultant and designer for more than fifteen symphonies, philharmonics and performing arts organizations nationwide. I am also a painter and have had a life-long love affair with all of the arts. I have found few places with as much enthusiasm and talent as I have experienced in this community. I am proud to be part of it.
This is the third season for me at Zanesville Community Theatre. Last year I played the part of ‘Addie’ in the ZCT presentation of ‘Harmony Romances’ and was part of the very wild ensemble of ZCT’s production of ‘Young Frankenstein.’
Indeed, I am grateful to again be returning to the ‘scene of the crime,’ and working with the fantastic cast and crew of ‘The Hollow.’ Enjoy the performance!

Melanie Von Gunten (Director) – I am delighted to be in the Director’s Chair once again after a hiatus of many years. Previously, I have directed “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?”, “The Mousetrap”, “Ten Little Indians”, “A Murder is Announced”, “Ladies of the Sacred South” and “Steel Magnolias”.
In real life, I have been married to my long-suffering husband Dan for 34 years, and am the mother of a president, as Jillian is the President of ZCT. I am the Director of Religious Education at St. Thomas Aquinas, which brings great joy to my life.
It has been my incredible joy and privilege to work with this extremely talented and committed cast and crew to bring Dame Agatha Christie’s “The Hollow” to life on Zanesville Community Theatre’s stage for your enjoyment.

Sheryl Wise (Asst. Director) –

Nancy Hynds (Producer) – Nancy has been involved in theater for over 30 years and has filled many positions; actor, director, back stage assistant, stage manager, and like for this show, producer. She enjoys her time with her theater family and will be participating as assistant director for “Into the Woods” later this season. Nancy loves a mystery and “The Hollow” is certainly that. With all of Agatha’s ‘red herrings’ she hopes you enjoy the show and try to guess ‘who done it’. Good luck!