Annie Get Your Gun Cast and Crew Info

Kevin Rahrig (Frank Butler) – Kevin is thrilled to reprise the role of Frank Butler in his third musical as an actor and debut performance at ZCT. His theatre credits are playing Frank Butler for the first time in 2012 and his Renner debut in this summer’s production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood as Neville Landless. Rahrig is the preK-12 music teacher at Bishop Rosecrans and Bishop Fenwick schools and sings with the Greater Zanesville Singers. He wishes everyone in the cast, crew, and pit the best of luck and remember that there is no business like show business!

Kristen Blodgett (Annie Oakley) – Annie Get your Gun is one of my favorite musicals! This will be my second time performing as Annie Oakley and couldn’t be more excited! I have been doing theatre for many years and participated in various roles. Credits : Quilters (multiple roles), Chicago (cell block tango), Rent (ensemble), Beauty and the beast ( mrs.Potts), Annie get your gun (Annie Oakley), Big the musical (ensemble) and Grease (frenchy). I would like to thank all the directors for the opportunity to be in this show and my husband and children for being so supporting!

Phil Palmer (Charlie Davenport) – I am blessed once again to be part of a Zanesville Community Theatre show. I am pleased to be able to bring this character to life with the help of a great cast and crew. Some of my favorite roles have been: Bill in The Ransom of Red Chief, Dad in Cheaper by the Dozen, Uncle Charlie in August Osage County, and Colonel Henry Blake in M*A*S*H. I have been on the production side as well including: Co-directing A Bad Year for Tomatoes, Assistant Directing Young Frankenstein, Singing in the Rain and Tom Sawyer. In my other life I am a Program Supervisor at Mount Aloysius, Inc. in New Lexington, Ohio. I have been on the Board of Directors of ZCT for the last 5 years. I am married to my lovely Wife, Angel, who is the Director of this show. I want to thank you for supporting the arts by coming to see this production.

Sarah Gantzer (Dolly Tate) is thrilled to be a part of Annie Get Your Gun at one of her favorite places: Zanesville Community Theatre! Sarah is the Theater Advisor at Zanesville High School, and teaches Chorus and Choreography at Movement on Man in downtown Zanesville. She is an active board member at ZCT, and some of her favorite past roles include: Kay in Murder on the Nile, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, Gerda in The Hollow, and Cookie in Rumors. She has also enjoyed wonderful roles at The Renner, including: Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Nancy Lee in The Night of January 16th, Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible, and Marian the Librarian in The Music Man. She is in the director’s chair once again soon with Forgiven, a family fairy tale at ZCT this February. She wishes to thank everyone who supports the arts in our community!

Jan Smith (Buffalo Bill) – This is the fourth time I have preformed in Annie Get Your Gun. In the past as Frank Butler, and this time (do to age) I’m playing Buffalo Bill. This is a very special play for me. The gentleman, Doug Miller, who 36 years ago played Buffalo Bill, set me up with a young lady in the cast. That lovely lady who is now my wife, Pam. Doug passed away a few years ago and I’d like to dedicate my performance as Buffalo Bill in his memory. Please continue to support the arts.

Phil Sakal (Chief Sitting Bull) – Phil Sakal was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. What brought him to Zanesville you might ask?
Well you can see him each weekday morning on Sunrise or each weekday afternoon during Live at Noon on WHIZ-TV. He is honored to serve on the board of directors of the Southeast Ohio Symphony Orchestra and the Zanesville Memorial Concert Band.
Prior to being in Annie Get Your Gun, Phil has preformed on stage at Zanesville Community Theatre in Murder on the Nile, Chicago, more recently in Quilters; where he also played guitar and banjo. He was also in The Mystery of Edwin Drood at the Renner Theatre.
Phil is very excited to be playing the great Chief Sitting Bull in Annie Get Your Gun. He has enjoyed all of the rehearsals, the set building and of course all of the shenanigans with his fellow cast mates.
Thank you for supporting the local arts, as there is no business like show business and enjoy the show!

Lew Woodward (Pawnee Bill) – I think this is the first time in my adult stage career that I actually get to play an actual historical character. (OK maybe when I played Dracula in high school was the first time – ) Major Gordon William Lillie is Pawnee Bill. He was a Pawnee interpreter and was made an honorary White Pawnee Chief by the band. ( Not “The Band” which was Bob Dylan’s back up group for years – ah but I digress. ), and really joined his show with Buffalo Bill Cody’s for a short while. I am thrilled to be a part of the rootenist, tootenist, or the shoulder shootenist ever to be on the 8 O’Clock stage leaving town production of Annie Get Your Gun.

With the Zanesville Community Theater I have been Dr. Frederick Fronkensteen’s dead great, great, great, great grandfather ( a part for which the makeup department said I was good to go without their assistance ). I’ve played the very proper butler Gudgeon in The Hollow. I also played an Egyptian cruise ship steward, which was really Gudgeon with an accent and a Fez. And now, I get to play a loud mouthed, egotistical, one upping, fiscally irresponsible, alcohol swilling, show business typhoon ( there are those of you who may think meant “tycoon”, but no, I meant typhoon – all blow and no show ). Once again…. not much of a stretch for me, but it is in my comfort zone. So as they say ” Let’s go on with the show….” and I hope you enjoy it!

William Harris (Mac) – 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.

John Frank (Townsperson) – John is the father of 3 and grandfather to 12, 3 of whom he gets to share the stage with in his first show at ZCT. He is a small business owner and chairman of the local NFIB organization. He enjoys dabbling in family genealogy, history, and RV camping. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Cheryl Bragg (Mrs. Henderson) – Zanesville is my home town – 1965 ZHS Grad. Now reside in Morgan County where I have been in local theater productions since 1980’s – Acting, Directing & Set Design/Building – at the Opera House Theatre and am currently the secretary of the Board of Directors there. Husband Randy and I have 6 children and 11 grandchildren, scattered all across the USA. It has been a GREAT experience working with everyone here – you should try it!

Rachelle Snyder (Minnie Oakley) – Rachelle Snyder is in 7th grade at West Muskingum Middle School. She has previously been in Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid Jr, Aladdin Jr, and her favorite play, 13 the Musical. Her hobbies outside of theatre are volleyball and playing piano and saxophone. She welcomes everyone to the show and wishes they have a good time!

Jadyn Hendershott (Jessie Oakley) – Jadyn is very excited to play Jessie in Annie Get Your Gun! After her performances in Oliver!, Charlotte’s Web, The Angel Tree Benefit, A Little Princess, Alice in Wonderland Jr., Into the Woods, and The Little Mermaid Jr., 13, the Aristocats Kids, and Mulan Jr. Jadyn is thrilled to be back on stage. Jadyn’s favorite role was Kendra in 13. Jadyn takes singing and piano lessons, loves to play her trumpet, and takes ballet.

Maddie Gantzer (Nellie Oakley) has performed in several shows in Zanesville. This summer she was Lin in Mulan Jr, and Abigail in Aristocats Kids. Previously, she was The Doormouse in Alice in Wonderland Jr., Jetsom in The Little Mermaid Jr, and Vidia in Peter Pan Jr. She was also been a part of the ensemble in The Music Man at The Renner, and in Oklahoma at Zanesville High School. She loves doing theater with her whole family, and with her best friend Cady, so this has been a really fun experience!

Caleb Silvia (Little Jake Oakley) is a 12 year old seventh grader at West Muskingum Middle School. He has been involved in theater since the age of 5, when he made his acting debut as Toto in the Wizard of Oz. His favorite portrayals to date include Michael in “Peter Pan, Jr.” and Chip in “Beauty and the Beast.” In addition to acting, Caleb enjoys singing, playing piano, and photography, and is a member of Powerhouse’s improv group, SPARKS, Jr. and the Jersey Ridge Happy Hustlers 4-H Club. Caleb is also President of his own business, Caleb Cares 4 Kids, which provides gifts and financial support to pediatric hospital patients. Join Caleb on Facebook:  facebook.com/calebcares4kids

Jared Gantzer (Foster Wilson, Messenger, Juggler for Wild West Show) – Jared is excited to portray Mr. Wilson in his second musical here at ZCT. Some of his favorite characters at ZCT include Paul Singer in “Moon Over Buffalo”, Billy Flynn in “Chicago” and Detective Sergeant Penny in “The Hollow”. Jared has also been involved in several productions at the Renner which include Rev. Septimus Crisparkle in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”, Lawrence “Guts” Regan in “Night of January 16th”, Sam Hendrix in “Wait Until Dark” and Francis Nurse in “The Crucible”. When not on stage Jared performs as a fire juggler in the fire and light group, Pyrotechnika. Jared lives in Zanesville with his wife, Sarah and their three children, Julia, Madeline and Grayson; and he would like to thank you for supporting the arts in Zanesville!

Amelia Olinger Shaffstall (Little Girl) – I love to role play and make believe. I like to spend time with my family, and with all our pets. This is my second play. I was Lottie in A Little Princess. I love all things about Annie Oakley, and enjoy dressing up as TV’s Annie Oakley (Gail Davis) for several annual Ohio western festivals. I can’t wait to be in this production of Annie Get Your Gun.

Alonna Hendershott (Shy Girl) – Now feeling like a real stage veteran, after roles in Alice in Wonderland Jr.,Little Mermaid Jr., Aladdin Jr. and Aristocrats, Alonna has been looking forward to working on Annie Get Your Gun. with this wonderful cast. Sharing the stage again with her big sisters, Jadyn and Cadence, and her new theater friends is wonderful. When she’s not on stage, Alonna takes ballet classes and adores reading, cooking and baking, and playing teacher.

Grayson Gantzer (Young Cowboy) is excited to be in his first show at ZCT. He has enjoyed being in several Angel Tree Productions, Mulan Jr, Alice in Wonderland Jr., and most recently Oklahoma at ZHS. He likes doing a show like this, with his whole family!

Levi Gahagan (Little Indian, Townsperson) – Levi is a 7yo homeschooled student. This is the second production he remembers being in at ZCT, but he’s heard he was in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at the age of 4 months. He likes playing baseball and soccer and is looking forward to becoming an uncle in a few weeks.

Jonah Gahagan (Irontail, Footman, Townsperson) – Jonah is a 14yo homeschooled student who enjoys soccer, baseball, computers, and cooking. He also loves playing guitar. This is his second show at ZCT, the first being “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”.

Elijah Murphy (Yellowfoot, Townsperson) – I am 11 and attend Tri-Valley Middle School. I am active in Boy Scouts and am a ham radio operator like my dad and my grandfather. This is my first show and I have been having fun being able to do this with my dad and brother.

Cady Hendershott (Bad Bad Man Dancer, Townsperson) – Cadence/Cady is 11 years old and is in 6th grade at Dresden Elementary. She has been in many different plays including: Oliver!, Angel Tree, The Little Princess, Flotsam in The Little Mermaid Jr.,Narrator in Aladdin jr., and one of the geese in Aristocats Kids. Cady is thrilled to be part of this cast. Like her sisters, Jadyn and Alonna, she feels being in a show with her sisters and her theater friends is really cool. She’s especially excited to be on stage again with her Sparkle sister, Maddie. Cady is an avid reader and loves shopping, singing, and dancing. She is currently taking piano lessons, and takes dance lessons with her BFF Maddie.

Constance Gahagan (Mrs. Little Horse, Townsperson) – In high school, I was very active in my drama team. I was in The Christmas Carol, and many other musicals. In my senior year, I co-wrote two plays and acted in one as a lead. I moved to Zanesville after marrying my favorite guy, Caleb, and Ransom of Red Chief is my first play here at ZCT. I plan on being in as many shows as my work schedule with allow. Besides my husband and theater, my other passions are God, photography and penguins. I hope you enjoy the show.

Katie Gahagan (Mrs. Blacktooth, Bad Bad Man Dancer, Townsperson) – Katie is a 17yo homeschooled student. She has been in several productions at ZCT. Most recently she was part of the ensemble for “Quilters”. In addition to theater, she plays violin, loves art and is often found with a pencil and sketchbook in her hand.

Becca Wilson (Mrs.Yellowfoot, Bad Bad Man Dancer, Townsperson) – I am so excited to be a part of Annie Get Your Gun and thankful to be a part of Zanesville Community Theater. My previous roles were in Aladdin Jr. and Quilters. I love being on the stage and when I am not at the theater, you will find me with my friends or singing. I’m a 16 yo homeschooled student and hope everyone enjoys the show. There truly is no business like show business!

Misha Metcalf (Townsperson, Bad, Bad Man Dancer, Indian, Mrs. Percy Ferguson) – is delighted to be making her debut with the Zanesville Community Theatre. She has been out of the theatre for several years, but was last in the Ensemble for The Last Christmas on Radio, 23rd Angel Tree Performance. While in college, she was part of the Lees McRae College Show Choir and Musical Theatre Program. She has a Master’s Degree in Accounting. She is an Auditor with the Department of the Treasury ~ Bureau of Fiscal Service. She enjoys reading, the outdoors, and spending time with her fiancé and six fur babies.

Julia Gantzer (Buffalo Bill Ballerina) is excited to do another great show at ZCT. She previously played Sebastian in The Little Mermaid Jr., and one of the geeks in 13. At The Renner, she played The White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland Jr., a Narrator in Aladdin Jr., Iridessa in Peter Pan Jr., and Gracie Shinn in The Music Man. This summer she had the opportunity to play Mushu in Mulan Jr. at Secrest Auditorium. Julia also plays the flute in the Zanesville Middle School Band, and is part of the Technical Ballet and Ensemble Team at Movement on Main.

Mary Harris (Mrs. Keefer, Townsperson, Indian) – A math teacher with Zanesville City Schools, Mary is pleased to be back at ZCT performing in another show with her husband William. She enjoys the friendships she has developed through the theater and hopes you enjoy the show.

Tom Tewksbary (Dr. Ferguson, Townsperson) – Several year ago my wife Katie and I got involved with the theatre working backstage,along with working concessions. I stayed with concessions since they tell me I make a mean batch of popcorn. Somehow between my wife and Angel I have ended up in the ensemble of Annie get your gun, which is my very first production to be in. All I get from them are giggles and smiles. At age 69 this is a new adventure for me. However this is a excellent show with a great cast. Sit back and enjoy.

Jay Shaffstall (Mr. Schulyer Adams, Cowboy, townsperson) – One of my favorite things is dressing up and being someone else for a little while.  I love to role play, every chance I get.  I’m a role playing gamer who is fairly new to theatre. This is my second time working with ZCT. I was Captain Crewe in A Little Princess. I’m having a really good time, and looking forward to being in this play!

Lisa Olinger (Mrs. Schuyler Adams, townsperson) – I love Ohio history and am super excited about this production of Annie Get Your Gun. This is my first time on stage with ZCT. I’m new to theatre. Most recently, I performed on stage in a reader’s theatre production of deaf living history from The Library of Congress registries. The production was in American Sign Language, not voice. This is my second time with ZCT. Previously, I was as a back stage Mom for A Little Princess, which was loads of fun! I’m really looking forward to being a part of ZCT again in Annie Get Your Gun.

Production Staff

Angel Palmer (Director) – This theater is my second home and I love that it allows families the chance to share the stage and grow and create art together. I have been able to be on-stage, back stage, and in the director’s seat in many different shows. I truly love all of the different aspects of this craft. In my daily life, I have the amazing opportunity to work with some of the best students in the world at West Muskingum High School where I teach Spanish. I also love to sing with the Praise Team at North Terrace Church of Christ, with the Coshocton Community Choir and the Muskingum University Choral Society.

Director’s Notes:
I don’t know how to express how much my grandmother meant to me, or how much Annie Oakley’s influence has helped shape me, or how proud I am of a cast that has worked through incredible odds to bring this story to life in only a few paragraphs, but here goes.
I was introduced to Annie Oakley in April, 1991. My grandmother took me and my sister to see the show in Columbus, and I was immediately fascinated by a young girl who was able to shoot a gun while wearing a dress. When I found out she and I shared a birthday and that she was from Ohio…well, that did it! I was hooked and started looking into who she was and how she lived.
Her story goes well beyond what we will portray on stage. Born Phoebe Moses, she grew up poor in Darke County, Ohio. After her father passed, her mother couldn’t care for all of the children and she spent 2 years living as a servant to a family who took her in as a foster child. Once she escaped her foster home, she made her way back and took care of her family by shooting small game and selling it. As she grew in fame and fortune, she never forgot those who helped get her there. She was a champion for women’s rights, giving women the skills to defend themselves. When she was older, she melted her medals down and sold them to give the money to children’s hospitals. She was a woman who knew what she believed and knew how to achieve her dreams. Her grit and determination have always been an inspiration to me!
As Annie Oakley said, “Aim at a high mark and you will hit it. No, not the first time nor the second time. Maybe not on the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect.”
Her story is timeless and our cast is amazing! It has been an honor to work with them in the telling of this part of her life. I pray you enjoy our show.

Eric Blake (Co-Director, Conductor) – 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 as Vice President of the Board of Directors at Zanesville Community Theatre. Eric’s directing credits include: Chicago, Proof, 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 Murder On The Nile, Into the Woods, The Hollow, The Diary of Anne Frank, Sweeney Todd, Death of A Salesman and The Crucible; just to name a few. Eric is excited and honored that you have decided to join this amazing cast, crew and orchestra for Zanesville Community Theatre’s production of Annie Get Your Gun!

Eric wishes to take this opportunity to thank his wife Janice for her 34 years of love and support and for helping him to make the time to be involved with theatre and the many other community activities they are involved with.

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

Val Gahagan (Producer) – Val has been doing shows at ZCT, being both on stage and behind-the-scenes, for several years. This, however, is her first stint as producer. She is married to Jerry and the mother of 7 children, 4 of whom she still homeschools. “Annie Get Your Gun” is one of her favorite musicals and she has enjoyed being a part of this wonderful cast and crew. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does.

Thomas Tompkins (Music Director) – is an attorney and has served as a magistrate on the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas for thirty-one years. He is a native of Zanesville and proud graduate of Zanesville High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at Ohio Northern University and a juris doctorate from The Ohio State University. While the law is Tom’s profession, music is his avocation. When he was five years old he began taking piano lessons from the late Vera Spangler at her home studio on Sixth Street. (Tom has really come to appreciate all those times that his mom made him practice his piano lessons when he really didn’t want to!) While in junior high, Tom became an accompanist for Cassandra McDonald. And in 1976, he became an accompanist for the late Glenville Thomas at Zanesville HS. Following his high school graduation in 1978, he served as an accompanist for Mr. Thomas’ All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir through 1986. Tom was the organist at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church from 1993 – 1999, and the organist at St. James Episcopal Church from 2005 until May of this year, when he decided to slow down just a bit. Tom continues to serve as an accompanist for Zanesville City Schools and Maysville Local Schools. He has previously directed music for three shows at ZCT (Spring Awakening, Sweeney Todd, and Chicago) and loves nothing more than playing a keyboard in the pit orchestra when someone else is doing the directing. Tom wishes to thank ZCT and the directors of AGYG, Angel Palmer and Eric Blake, for giving him the opportunity to work with this wonderful cast and crew. He hopes all of you enjoy listening to the witty lyrics and beautiful music of the great Irving Berlin in this production of Annie Get Your Gun.

Tiffany Miller (Assistant Music Director) – After most recently appearing at ZCT in Into the Woods and Chicago, Tiffany is stepping backstage and into the pit to play keyboards and be a “mini-Tom”. An elementary music teacher in Roseville, Tiffany is also a part of the worship band at Rolling Plains UMC and is active in the Zanesville Civic Chorus and their upcoming performance of Handel’s Messiah.

Pam Smith (Costumer, Mrs. Sylvia Potter-Porter) – Annie get your gun holds a special place in my heart. At the urging of a friend, (Barb Williams Fisher), it was the show that sparked my interest in theatre outside of high school and I met my future husband, Jan. The second time, I found out I was pregnant with our first daughter. This is number three and this time I get to costume all these wonderful people. Enjoy the show and I hope you love it as much as I do.

Sally Goins (Assistant Stage Manager, Townsperson) – Sally is a veteran of the ZCT stage, most recently acting and singing in “Quilters.” She previously did stage crew for “Chicago” and she hopes never to have to move those big black boxes again! Thank you for supporting ZCT and the arts in our community!!

Katie Tewksbary (Stage Manager, Townsperson) – This is my second show that I have a small bit on stage. I’m actually one of the back stage crew for this show. I actually was able to get my husband Tom to be in this one. I love helping get things together for Annie Get your Gun. Sit back and enjoy the fun.

Matthew Murphy (Stage Crew) – This is my first experience working back stage during a show. I have enjoyed the challenges of being a member of stage crew and of being able to do this with my older sons. My wife Ellen and I have three boys; Michael, Elijah and Malachi. When I am not working backstage, I am active in the Boy Scouts of America and the Order of the Arrow.

Michael Murphy (Stage Crew, Indian, Porter, Waiter) – is 14 years old, 9th grade in Tri Valley high school..I like anime, drawing, minecraft..I am the oldest of 3..I’m in boy scouts, OA(order of the arrow) and a life scout..this is my second play I’m in and that is all

Katie Boyd (Stage Crew, Townsperson, Waiter) – I’m a Senior at West Muskingum High School, and have been a part of theater since I was very young. I recently ventured into working backstage instead of being on-stage, and LOVE it! This is by second time working backstage with ZCT, and I have been the stage manager for my school’s productions for the past three years. When I am not backstage, I can be found anywhere my camera takes me. Photography and film are passions of mine, and I hope to one day make a career out of them.