Forgiven: A Fairy Tale-Cast and Staff

 Chelsea Miller (Elle) – Chelsea has been in many theatrical productions throughout her life. A few of her favorite shows she’s been involved with are “A Bad Year for Tomatoes,” “West Side Story,” and “Ransom of Red Chief.” Chelsea has had a wonderful time preparing for “Forgiven,” and hopes that you enjoy the show!!

Rachelle Snyder (Lizzie) – Rachelle Snyder is in 7th grade at West Muskingum Middle School. She has previously been seen on the ZCT stage as Minnie in Annie Get Your Gun, Cassie in 13 The Musical, and Adella in The Little Mermaid Jr. Her hobbies outside of theatre are volleyball and playing piano and saxophone. She is very excited to be playing a grumpy witch in her first non-musical and hopes that you enjoy the show!

Jonah Gahagan (Prince White) – Jonah is a 15 year old homeschool student who enjoys playing soccer and baseball. He also enjoys culinary arts, playing guitar, and computer gaming. He is part of the youth worship team at church. He has 6 siblings and recently became an uncle. This is his 3rd show at ZCT, having previously been in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Annie Get Your Gun”.

Cameron Scott (Teen Midas II) – Cameron is in the 8th grade at Tri-Valley. He enjoys theater, band and soccer. Cameron has performed in many plays including Peter Pan, Aladdin, 13 the Musical, many Angel tree benefits and many other plays.

Amber Allen (Teen Gizelle) – Amber Allen is a freshman at Zanesville High School. She enjoys video games and playing tenor saxophone. Forgiven has been a fun and great experience. She’s also been in Music Man, Peter Pan Jr., Alice in Wonderland Jr., The Little Mermaid Jr., Aladdin Jr., 13 the Musical, Aristocats Kids, three Angel Tree’s and shows at ZMS and ZHS. I hope you enjoy the show!

Jadyn Hendershott (Teen Goldilocks) – Jadyn is very excited to play Goldilocks in Forgiven! After her performances in Into the Woods, The Little Mermaid Jr.,13, Annie Get Your Gun, and many more Jadyn is thrilled to be back on stage. Her favorite role was Kendra in 13. Jadyn takes singing and piano lessons, loves to play her trumpet, and takes ballet. She is very excited to be in the show and hopes you enjoy it!

Trey Weekly (Teen Thomas Baker) – Trey Weekley is a 13 year old who attends Tri-Valley Middle School. He has been doing musical theater since age 6, with his first production at ZCT as Fluff in “Honk,” directed by Jillian Von Gunten. While living in Orlando, Florida, Trey was cast as a Villager in “Beauty and the Beast”; Prince Eric in “Little Mermaid Jr.; Jack in “Into the Woods Jr.; Ensemble in “Miracle on 34th St.; Mike TeeVee in “Willy Wonka”; Shrek in “Shrek the Musical” Broadway Version Performed by Kids. Most recently, he appeared as the Genie in The Renner’s “Aladdin Jr.”. Trey’s hobbies include comic books, parkour, free running and playing guitar. He thanks his family and friends, his past directors and everyone who has come to see this amazing production.

Ella Hartman (Teen Cinderella) – Ella Hartman is in 8th grade at Philo junior high. Her previous productions include Barnum (PHS), The Wizard of Oz (PHS), Cinderella (PHS), Sound of Music (PHS), Into the Woods (ZCT), The Little Mermaid, Jr. (ZCT), Oliver (PHS), and her favorite show, 13 a musical at ZCT. Ella also loves soccer and dance. And being with her friends and theatre family. She would like to thank you for coming tonight and hopes you enjoy the show!

Samuel Dailey (Teen Philip) – My name is Samuel. I am 12 years old and I am in the 7th grade. I have been in one play before, it was The Little Princess, I was one of the 2 chimney sweeps, but this will be my first time having a speaking part.

Monica Van Nort (Fairy Godmother) – I have been fortunate enough to participate in many fun and wonderful plays and musicals since joining the ZCT group. My first role and the one dearest to my heart was Truvy in Steel Magnolias. Most recently I played Ethel in Moon Over Buffalo. I love having the opportunity to be in the same play as my daughter and playing the nice character is refreshing for a change. However, the villains are by far the funnest to play! Break a leg Forgiven cast!

Kari Scott (Elizadora) – Kari is a band director in the Franklin Local Schools. She has two wonderful boys and an amazing husband. She has performed in many plays at ZCT including Annie, Oliver, 9-5 and many Angel Tree benefits.

Evie Swick (Rapunzel) – Evie is the daughter of Brun & Devan Swick. She has 3 brothers and is a 5th grader at New Lexington Elementary. She enjoys singing, acting and computer games. Her past theater credits include:Once Upon a Christmas II, Once Upon a Christmas III, Once Upon a Christmas IV, New Lexington High School: Wizard of Oz, New Lexington High School: Annie, Muskingum Youth Ballet: Mulan, Calvary Arts Center: School House Rocks, and New Lexington High School: Alice in Wonderland.

Val Gahagan (Stepmother White) – Val is a mom to seven and grandma to one. She enjoys reading and homeschooling. She has been involved in several shows at ZCT with her favorites being “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” (co-director) and “Ladies of Harmony” (Maud). She loves doing theater with her family, and is thrilled to be sharing the stage this time with 2 of her 3 youngest, while her middle daughter works backstage.

Allison Baughman (Snow White) – Allison Baughman is 14 years old and attends Crooksville Middle School, where she is a straight A student who regularly reads a minimum of 2-3 books each week, runs Track and plays Golf! Allison played the part of Molly in ZCT’s “13”, Grandmother Fa in MYPA’s Mulan, Jr., Tessie in ZCT’s Annie, appeared in ZCT’s M*A*S*H and HONK!, has appeared in several ZCT/Renner Angel Tree Benefits, and was a featured artist during The Renner’s production of On Golden Pond. Allison was previously an 8 year tumbler and competitive cheerleader for the ZGA Rockets, during which years her theatre time consisted primarily of assisting in important offstage roles such as makeup and ushering. She is thrilled to be back onstage again and thanks Sarah, Michelle and Jillian for casting her as Snow White in Forgiven!

 Coen Cox (Hansel) – Coen Cox is a 7th grader at Philo Junior High. Coen loves being a part of the theatre family and has performed in numerous shows here at ZCT, The Renner, and Philo High School. Most recently he performed as ‘Winthrop’ in The Music Man at The Weathervane Playhouse in Newark. In addition to acting, Coen plays percussion in the PJH Band, spends time singing, reading and drawing everyday and never passes up an opportunity to travel to new places. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Alonna Hendershott (Gretel) – Now feeling like a real stage veteran, after roles in Alice in Wonderland Jr., Little Mermaid Jr., Aladdin Jr., Aristocrats,and Annie Get Your Gun, Alonna has been looking forward to working on Forgiven 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, baking, and playing teacher.

Payton Van Nort (lady in Waiting) – I am freshman at Rosecrans High School. I have been involved in several plays at ZCT, The Renner, Powerhouse Inc. and my school. Most recently I was fortunate to play the Witch in my school’s production of Into the Woods Jr. I love musicals and singing! My dream is to be on Broadway. Thank you for coming to the show, hope you enjoy it!

Caleb Dreier (Midas III) – Caleb plays the role of Midas III and is excited to be in his first play. He is the youngest of three in his family and is homeschooled. He likes to be outdoors and enjoys canoeing, snorkeling, rappelling, and rock climbing. Caleb is looking forward to playing soccer next fall with the homeschool soccer team. 

Elijah Murphy (Prince Marcus) – I am 12 years old and attend 6th grade at Dresden Elementary. Forgiven is my second play to be a member. My first was Annie Get Your Gun. I enjoy a lot of things, always curious about everything. I am a boy scout and have been a scout since 1st grade. I have also recently earned my technician class amateur radio license. I look forward to playing in many other productions.

Leah Hoover (Cinderella) – I am an English teacher for Tri-Valley High School, a mother of two beautiful girls, and wife to a loving and caring man. I was in dinner theater productions in high school and was in two separate plays in college, so long ago I forget the names. I have directed Harvey and The Seussified Christmas Carol at Tri-Valley High School. This is my first production with the Zanesville Community Theater. Acting and the theater has always been my passion and love and I am looking forward to creating family memories through Forgiven!

Kevin Hoover (Midas II)) – I was in a few productions in high school as Buffalo Bill in Annie Get Your Gun and a singer in Bye Bye Birdie. I focused mostly on music in college playing the trumpet in the wind ensemble and singing in the choir. My days most recently are taken up with being a stay-at-home dad to my 5 year-old and 8 year old daughters.  I am also the head coach of the Tri-Valley Middle School Wrestling team. I enjoy spending time with my family and this play has allowed us to make lasting family memories.

Philip Sakal (Philip) – 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 Forgiven: A Fairytale, Phil has performed on stage at Zanesville Community Theatre in Murder on the Nile, Chicago, Quilters; where he also played guitar and banjo, and more recently in Annie Get Your Gun. He was also in The Mystery of Edwin Drood at the Renner Theatre. He was also very active in his High School Drama Club, where his love of theatre began. Phil is very excited to be playing Philip (Seriously, my character is Philip) in Forgiven: A Fairytale. 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, and enjoy the show!

Blake Nesselroad (Thomas Baker) – Blake is a recent graduate from Muskingum University and a local from Zanesville. Although he has been in numerous shows in the area, such as Into the Woods, Spring Awakening, A Bad Year for Tomatoes, and The Diary of Anne Frank, at ZCT, as well as the Angel Tree Benefit, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Renner. He has truly enjoyed being able to work with not just great actors and directors, but phenomenal people as well.

Sue Barzda (Goldilocks) – I’m happy to be in this show playing the part of Goldilocks, as it is a chance to be back onstage. I’m a native of Alliance, Ohio, but now live in Cambridge. I play clarinet and sax in several bands, and have been in over a hundred shows in Cambridge and Zanesville acting, directing, or playing in the pit – too many to name. I have 15 nieces and nephews and 17 great-nieces and nephews. I’m on the State Board of OCTA and am retired after working as a music teacher, band director, and an intellectual disabilities professional

Becca Wilson (Gizelle) – Forgiven is Becca Wilson’s fourth theater production and the third as part of Zanesville Community Theater. She was previously in Aladdin Jr., Quilters, and Annie Get Your Gun. She loves being on the stage, and when she is not at the theater, you will find her with her friends or singing. She is a 16 year old homeschooled student and hopes everyone enjoys the show.

Jay Shaffstall (King White) – I’ve been in two other Zanesville Community Theater plays: as Captain Crewe in A Little Princess, and various roles in Annie Get Your Gun. I call that my surprise musical, since I had no idea I’d need to sing and dance when I auditioned! When I’m not on stage I’m teaching Computer Science at Muskingum University, along with advising the student board gaming and roleplaying clubs. My favorite hobby is LARPing, which is a bit like improvisational theater with a little more structure, or like being in a play with a lot less structure. I’m looking forward to being King White in Forgiven.

The Elves

Sam Rupe (Wumple) – Sam Rupe is 9 years old and is currently in third grade at Junction City Elementary School. Sam loves music and theater. He has previously performed in two Angel Tree productions, Aladdin Jr., and Aristocats where he enjoyed playing the devious butler. Sam also enjoys singing in the children’s ministry at Rolling Plains United Methodist Church as well as his role as water boy on the New Lexington varsity football team.

Drew Hartley (Crumple) – – I am Drew Hartley. I attend Crooksville Schools and I am in the Fifth Grade. The productions I have been in are Peter Pan, Jr.; Alice in Wonderland, Jr.; Little Mermaid, Jr.; Aladdin Jr.; The Addams Family, and 13, the Musical. I enjoy singing and performing. I hope you enjoy the show!

Isabella Smith (Trumple) – My name is Isabella Smith. I am 10 years old and I am in the 5th grade at Duncan Falls Elementary School. I have participated in several plays including: Rodgers and Hammerstein Cinderella and The Sound of Music, The Little Mermaid, Oliver, Aristocats and The Angel Tree. When I’m not in theater, my hobbies include: playing guitar, singing, and any type of crafts.

Savannah Schneider (Bumple) – Savannah Schneider is 9 years old and in fourth grade. She has enjoyed performing in Aladdin Jr., Aristocats Jr., Mulan Jr., and Angel Alert. She loves cats, reading, crafts, and her family and friends

Parker Lanning (Rumple) – Parker Julia Lanning, age 6, is the daughter of Jason and Danielle Lanning of Zanesville. She attends West Muskingum Elementary School and is in the first grade. This is her fourth play, having previously appeared in Alice in Wonderland, Jr., The Little Mermaid, Jr. and The Aristocats, Jr. Parker loves the friends she makes and the fun she has performing in the plays. She also enjoys gymnastics and playing with her dog, Chewie.

Madeline Gantzer (Wimbly) ) is 10 years old. She is in the 5th grade at John Mcintire Elementary School. She plays percussion for her school band. Her favorite previous roles were Jetsom in “The Little Mermaid Jr.”, The Dormouse in “Alice in Wonderland Jr”, and Nellie in Annie Get Your Gun. She also enjoyed being in Oklahoma at ZHS last May. She is very excited to, once again, share the stage with her ¨Sparkle Sister¨ Cady.

Cady Hendershott (Gimbly) – Cadence/Cady 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. She loves Christmas and cookies so she is very excited to be an cookie elf.

Phoebe Ruby (Dimbly) – Phoebe is in the 3rd grade and is in advanced math and science programs with her heart set on fairy tale books. Phoebe has performed in “The Aristocats” (2016) and also had a strong stage presence for Mulan (2016). She also has danced ballet with Movement on Main for their production of Alice in Wonderland (2015), Phoebe set the performance as the opening act in Movement on Main’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (2016) and starred in the 2016 production of The Nutcracker. This upcoming year, she has set her heart to ballet for Movement on Main’s 2017 performance and is in Maysville Elementary Honor’s Choir. Her soul belongs to the stage.

Rosie Hoover (Kimbly) – I am five years old and attend preschool at the Meadowview Church of Christ Preschool. I love to sing, dance, and make people laugh. I was in the church production The Light Before Christmas, but this is my first play with the Zanesville Community Theater. I am looking forward to many more productions in my future.

Amelia Shaffstall (Nimbly) – I love to role play and make believe.  At home, I like to spend time with my family, and with our pets. This is my third play and I really love everything about the theater.  In the past, I was in A Little Princess and Annie Get Your Gun.  This time I am a Cookie Elf.  My favorite new word now is “Boomsickle”!  Listen for it.  It will become your favorite word too.  Enjoy the show!

The Dwarves

Gracie Hoover (Munchkin) – I just turned eight years old on opening night of Forgiven and I am a second grader at Dresden Elementary School. My life is one of action and drama. I love to climb trees, play piano, and sing. I was in the church production The Light Before Christmas, but this is my first play with the Zanesville Community Theater.

Nathan Scott (Riff Raff) – Nathan is playing RiffRaff (the stinky one) and is a 3rd grade student at Dresden Elementary. He enjoys theater, video games and playing soccer. Nathan has performed in many plays including Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, Mulan and many Angel Tree benefits.

Brielle Snider (Tum Tum) – Brielle Snider is eight years old and in third grade at John Glenn. She enjoys being on stage as an actress and a dancer. She began dance class at the age of two and, through the years, she’s been in tap, ballet and hip hop classes. Brielle has performed in the Muskingum Youth Performing Arts (MYPA) Nutcracker holding the roles of Little Mouse, Snowflake, Gingerbread, Butterfly, Fairy and Angel. She was also part of the choral ensemble in Aladdin Jr. as a flower peddler. When she’s not on stage, Brielle loves to read, shop, and spend time with her four brothers. She hopes you’ll love the show and her first speaking role as much as she has loved preparing for it!

Jerah Gahagan (Punkin) – Jerah is a 10 year old homeschool student who enjoys playing softball and is hoping to learn to play the ukulele. She has 6 siblings and recently became an aunt. She has been in several shows at The Renner and ZCT, most recently “The Ransom of Red Chief”, which was also one of her favorites.

Olivia Frampton (Topsy) – Olivia Frampton is a 4th grader at Nashport Elementary. She loves performing and was previously in Aristocats, Mulan Jr., and has been in The Nutcracker for the last three years. She began dancing at 2 years old and currently dances at Movement on Main. Olivia enjoys playing softball and is a Jr. Girl Scout.

Alaina Roberts (Turvy) – Alaina is a 3rd grade student at Dresden Elementary. Alaina is an avid reader. She has one brother named Holden. She also participates in Girl Scouts. Alaina has participated in the following plays: Mulan Jr., Blackbeard the Pirate, The Nutcracker, and various church plays.

Caleigh Williams (Sal) – Caleigh has been singing and dancing ever since she could walk and talk. Way back when she was a little girl, she would wow friends and family with her ability to sing, whether she was doing a duet with Lady Gaga from the back seat on a road trip or by the way she could sing along with every musical number of The Pirate Movie. She is quickly becoming a seasoned thespian having performed in The Nutcracker for four years running, as a little mouse, snowflake, butterfly, and an angel. Forgiven, is her first speaking performance as Sal, leader of the Dwarves. She has taken ballet, hip hop, and choreography at Movement on Main.

Production Staff

Sarah Gantzer (Director) –Director’s Notes:
Let no man pull you low enough to hate him.¨ Martin Luther King Jr.Now, I know that forgiveness is often something easier said than done, but its a part of life. People wrong us. And that hurts. But trying to understand others, and being kind to those who need it most, are so very important. Life is hard, and its easy to let the hard times cloud the good things in our lives. This play is my simple way of putting a little more love and joy into the universe.The cast and crew has done a wonderful job of telling this story, and hopefully encouraging others to stop and think before they react. If you know me, you know my fondness for goodness, and light, and sparkle. When times are tough escaping into the world of theater helps me, and my wish for you is that you are able to do this as you watch our show.Thank you Jillian, Michelle, Angel, Carl, Pam, Jared, Amy, Steve, and everyone who played a part in bringing our fairy tale to the stage. Thank you to the families of our performers, and to our amazing audiences for supporting us in our art.

Very Sparkly Yours,
Sarah Gantzer

Michelle Robison (Asst. Director) – Michelle Robison was thrilled to join The production team for Forgiven. You may have seen her onstage in Chicago as Mary Sunshine or Addams Family the Musical as Alice Bieneke but helping to make a Director’s vision come to life is what it’s all about. Break a leg cast and crew.

Jillian B. Von Gunten (Producer) – Jillian has participated in local theater all her life and currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Zanesville Community Theatre. Jillian also serves as the Coach for Powerhouse’s SPARKS!! Improv Troupe and sits on the Board of Directors for the McIntire Terrace Association, the Southeast Ohio Symphony Orchestra, and the Zanesville Memorial Concert Band, in addition to ZCT. A graduate of Rosecrans High School, Muskingum University, and Capital University Law School, she works in Zanesville as an attorney at Allen & Baughman, Attorneys at Law.

Angel Palmer (Stage Manager)  – 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.

Katie Gahagan  (Stage Crew)– Katie is 17 years old and the middle child of 7. She enjoys theater and has recently had parts in Quilters and Annie Get Your Gun. She also enjoys playing violin and soccer and indulging in her many fandoms, but her biggest passion is her art. She is looking forward to being backstage for Forgiven and hopes you enjoy the show.