Quilters Cast and Staff

Teresa Bell (Jenny, Cynthia, Frankie, Miss Jessie, Mabel Louise, Cassie)– This is Teresa’s first theatrical performance with ZCT. She is a mother of four children who inspire her to sing and bring out the best (and worst) drama in her life. She also refines her miming skills as a Spanish instructor at Muskingum University.  This has been an incredibly unforgettable experience. She has enjoyed meeting everyone involved with the show and coming together to share this story with all of you.

Kristin Blodgett (Jody, Lilly, Molly, Cora, Sally, Becky, Emily, Patricia) – I am very excited and honored to be performing with this awesome cast for Quilters. I had never heard of Quilters before now and really didn’t know what to expect. Quilters is very unique and different and by far the most difficult musical I have ever been a part of. Even though this musical was very challenging I have enjoyed creating this awesome show and making all the memories! I have been doing theatre for many years and participated in various roles. Credits: 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 want to thank all the directors and cast member for this opportunity and my Husband and children for being so supporting!!

Jeanine Busey (Mama, Rose, Mrs. Prentiss, Mother, Lillian) – retired teacher and busy grandma, am excited to be a part of the Quilters family sharing a faith filled story.
My grandmother, Carrie Wiechert, quilted out of necessity then later used her skills to gift some quilts.  She taught me to crochet and appreciate handwork.  She gave me the pink Maple Leaf cover displayed in the lobby.
Sewing (formal clothing, costumes and lately quilting) is relaxing for me.  Theater provides an outlet for my creative energy.  Stage managing, locating props and costuming for Be My Baby, The Foreigner, Kitchen Witches, Wait Until Dark, Mr. Roberts, and Mystery of Edwin Drood, singing in Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, parts in several Angel Tree productions and To Kill a Mockingbird are the memorable opportunities.  All of these were with Zane Trace Players at the Renner Theater.
Quilters is my first ZCT production.  This has been a challenging trip through a variety of characters (9 roles).  Thanks to director Rebecca, her staff and crew, and especially my cast family for making this a rewarding experience.  Please enjoy how we have PIECED this together and receive God’s blessings for you on your life’s journey.

Katie Gahagan (Dana, Katie, Annie, Cyrus, Lavinia Hall, Clara) is the “middle child” of 7. She loves being at the theater, but no matter where you find her, she will have a pencil in her hand while drawing something. She is a junior, is homeschooled, plays violin, and enjoys playing soccer. She has also been in “The Ransom of Red Chief” and “The Little Princess”, among other shows, and is looking forward to being in “Annie Get Your Gun” this fall at ZCT.

Sally Goins (Christy, Florence, Aunt Mattie, nurse, Mrs. Seeley, Gladys) has been a quilter in real life for about 40 years, so being part of this show seemed inevitable.  Sally is a retired teacher who has been in various productions at ZCT and the Renner, including “Ladies of Harmony,” “The Music Man,” “A Little Night Music,” and “Murder on the Nile.”  Her favorite parts include ” Lady Lucy Angatell in “The Hollow”, the wicked stepmother in “Into the Woods,” and poor drunk Margaret in “9 to 5.”  “Quilters” has been a very challenging show to do, and she hopes that you enjoy the unusual themes and music that this small ensemble of women is portraying.  As her friend Susan says, “That’s how it was, movin’ West!”   She wishes to thank our wonderful orchestra, and to thank you for coming to see “Quilters.”

Linda Hatfield (Sarah) – I’ve played Cinderella’s mother in Into the Woods, Marian’s Mama Paroo in Music Man, and Gordo’s mother in my church’s Kidstuf productions, so I seem to forever be “the mother” character on stage. I am blessed to be playing Sarah in Quilters! It has been a great experience that has brought back so many memories for me. I can vividly remember sitting at my Grandma Starrett’s feet, cutting quilt squares for her, using a pattern made out of a Corn Flakes box. Both my grandmothers quilted and I have several quilts made by their hands to cherish. This show has also made me see how much life is like quilting. So many things happen to us in life that are out of our control. But, how we handle those things, THAT’S up to us. As Sarah says, “Piecin’ is orderly.” Thank you for coming to share the Quilters experience. Enjoy the show!

Beth Hurst (Margaret, June, Elly, Harriet, Betty) – Beth has been active in community theatre in Zanesville and Newark for many years and was last seen in ZCT’s Into the Woods playing Jack’s Mother. Other favorite roles include Sister Robert Anne in Nunsense and Kate/Bianca in Kiss Me Kate. Beth is excited to be working with old and new friends in this production of Quilters. Spending the last few months immersing herself in the lives and experiences of these pioneer women has made Beth feel closer to her late grandmother Ruth, who was an enthusiastic quilter. When not traveling or hiking with her husband Alan, playing with her grandchildren or tramping through a cemetery on a genealogical quest, Beth can be seen as a living history actor at the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site in New Concord portraying John Glenn’s Mother Clara.

Jessica Medaugh (Lisa, Janie, Lizzie, Cousin Felicity, Maureen) – Jessica has acted in several plays in Zanesville area theaters. She started out with a part in “A Christmas Carol” for Zane Trace Players. She has been involved with Zanesville Community Theatre in two Angel Tree productions, as well as Winnie the Pooh (children’s play) and played a ‘Devilette’ in All Shook Up. She has also been involved in many church productions.
Thanks to Mom, Dad, and my sister, Joni for getting me to practices. Thanks also to Starlight for their part in getting me the many roles I play in Quilters.

Becca Wilson (Jane, Polly, Joy, Pru, Lou Ann) was born in Tampa, FL and moved to Ohio in 2012.  She loves being on the stage and Quilters is her second performance.   Quilting has been prominent in her family as she had great grandmothers on both sides who quilted, her paternal grandmother quilts, and her mother also quilts.  When she is not at the theater, you will find her with her friends or singing.

 

Production Staff

Rebecca Wagstaff  (Co-Director) – Rebecca resides in Zanesville and is a professional graphic designer and consultant for nonprofit arts groups and orchestras across the U.S.
This is her fourth season at ZCT. Two seasons ago she played Willa May Wilcox in ZCT’s “A Bad Year for Tomatoes”. Other parts include the ‘Voice’ in Agatha Christy’s ‘The
Hollow,’ ‘Addie’ in ‘Harmony Romances’ and was part of the very wild ensemble of ZCT’s production of ‘Young Frankenstein.’ She also has designed several posters and
sets. “Quilters” is her directorial debut.
Rebecca lives with her two terrier dogs, Sprocket and Digby Jones and an ornery cat named Benny.

Val Gahagan (Co-Director) is the mom of 7 kids, with whom she has had the privilege of sharing the stage at one time or another over the last 12 years. She has directed a few shows, her favorites being “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Cheaper by the Dozen”, but also loves getting on stage, her favorite part being as Maud in “Ladies of Harmony” and “Harmony Romances”. She is currently the producer for “Annie Get Your Gun”.

Chad Stemm (Music Director) studied music at The Ohio State University where he was a member of the famed marching band TBDBITL; GO BUCKS!  It’s football season!!!  Also, while at OSU, Chad was in the Men’s Glee Club which took Choir of the World title.  Chad also was chosen to study Choral Conducting under Robert Shaw, Maestro of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at that time.  Locally he participates with some professional Jazz groups and is quite often found at one of the theaters in town.  He loves musicals and the arts in general.  He has been on the Zanesville Memorial Concert Band Board for three seasons now and has been president starting his second season.  He works with the Philo Marching Band in his spare time aiding the directing staff with low brass and marching fundamentals.  Between his seven children and wife, he keeps very busy running all over the area trying to keep appointments.  He is in the medical field full time.  He sincerely hopes that everyone takes something from tonight’s show and is not only entertained, but blessed.

Susan Barzda (Choreographer) – You will usually find me playing clarinet in the pit orchestra but many years ago spent a lot of time twirling baton in high school and college.  I created baton, kickline & drill team routines for schools and a baton corps “the Y-ettes”, which I directed for several years. I serve on the State of Ohio Community Theatre Association board.  Quilters was a show I wanted to do back in 2003 when I first saw it at a theatre competition so I am thrilled to assist in bringing this show about strong pioneer women to ZCT’s stage.  I don’t quilt, but love how the story uses quilting to represent different experiences of life.  I am retired and live in Cambridge with my clarinet, alto and tenor saxes (I am allergic to cats & dogs, & other pets).  Please enjoy the show!

Jan Kiikka (Producer) has been involved in theatre in many aspects since first grade and here at ZCT since 1988.  Usually you can find her with sewing shears or a needle and thread doing costumes, or on the phone or at the computer doing box office reservations.  This production has included coordinating the Legacy Quilt and piecing some of the squares.  Jan is on the Board of Directors at ZCT, the Board of Directors of Muskingum Behavioral Health, and the Board of Trustees of Touching Little Lives, where she sews baby quilts, bibs, toys, and knits afghans for newborns in Ohio.  Jan also produces the drama productions at Philo High School.  Jan and her husband Niel live in the McIntire Terrace with their 4 dogs, 1 cat, 1 fish and 3 turtles.  She hopes you enjoy this production as much as we have all enjoyed stitching it together for you.

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.This will be Phil’s first time playing in the pit. He has performed on stage at Zanesville Community Theatre in Murder on the Nile and Chicago. He was also, more recently in The Mystery of Edwin Drood at the Renner Theatre. He will be in Annie Get Your Gun this November at ZCT.
His love for theatre began while he was in High School. While in high school he performed in Les Miserables, Ragtime, Miracle on 34th Street, and played guitar in Godspell. Phil was also involved back stage and helped build sets for It’s a Wonderful Life, M*A*S*H, and Little Shop of Horrors. He was the Audio Manager for M*A*S*H.
Phil is very excited to be playing the guitar and banjo in Quilters. He has enjoyed all of the rehearsals, and of course all of the shenanigans with his fellow musicians, as well as the cast.
Thank you for supporting the local arts and enjoy the show!

Hello, my name is Sharon Evans and I am very excited to be playing cello with ZCT. In high school, college, and afterwards until 1999 when I moved to California, I was very involved in the musical theater along with playing in the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra. Besides playing my cello, I enjoy playing games, coloring, and cooking. I hope to be able to continue playing with ZCT for many more years.

Carol Cowden – I am a retired nurse who started playing piano for church services when in grade school in McDonald, Pennsylvania.
I have served as church organist at Meadow Farm Church for the past 28 years and as choir director for the past 8 years.  I took pipe organ lessons from Mr. James McLaughlin and piano from Bernice Gillespie. I play dulcimer with a group called Muskingum Valley Music Makers.

Julia Curtis – Julia is a classically trained musician who has played violin since age 8. She recently traveled to Japan with a small string ensemble, playing over thirty concerts and for thousands of people. As well as playing for a variety of different gigs, she offers violin lessons and just generally loves to share her music. However, this is her first theatre experience. “I have really enjoyed this wonderful opportunity to work with these fabulous musicians and actresses, and I definitely hope to be more involved with the theatre in the future.”

Bruce Revennaugh – I started working in amateur theater 52 years ago when I was in high school. I have worked every facet of theatrical production since then. Most of the time I work in the theater on the other side of the freeway, but I spent a great number of years here at ZCT so “Quilters” is like coming home. I hope you enjoy this unique and lovely show.

Darla Revennaugh (Keyboard/ Rehearsal Pianist) is excited to be a part of ZCT’s production of Quilters. Her most recent theatric endeavors include serving as musical director for Aladdin, Jr. and The Addams Family at the Renner Theater. She has enjoyed working with the cast and crew of Quilters while watching the blocks come together. She hopes you will enjoy the show, and may you be reminded of the strong women who have played a role in the many pieces of your lives.

Lew Woodward – I have the pleasure of being part of a very talented and unique pit orchestra. It has been a wonderful learning experience for me. I’m grateful to Chad Stem and all my fellow musicians for the opportunity. It is an honor as well to be a part of this production with such an exceptionally talented cast. I’m sure you will appreciate this wonderful presentation of “Quilters “

Ann Hartshorn – Ann has been involved with theater for many many years playing in the band or being musical director. She is thrilled to be back in the theatre after dealing with cancer. She lives in Zanesville with her wonderful husband Stephen.

Sheryl Wise (guitar and percussion) –  Sheryl is a semi-retired educator who is trying to slow down but in retirement is as busy as ever. She has enjoyed the opportunity to play a variety of instruments for the various shows of this past season. She is very happy to have her sister Ann join her in the “pit” once again after Ann’s battle with cancer. Thanks to family and friends for love and support

Director’s Notes:
I came across a video production of Quilters almost two years ago and knew that someday I would love to find a way to bring the play to the Zanesville area. Thanks
to many people at ZCT, I have had the opportunity to do that.
For me, a person who loves art, history, and music, Quilters was a natural choice. The stories are life affirming, spiritual, and rich. I had an idea that many others in
our community would feel the same affection for the stories of these women that I have.
What I didn’t realize at the time was the amount of work, time, and talent it would take to bring it to life. I was most fortunate to be able to assemble a ‘dream team’ of
production, cast, and musicians. These folks spent countless hours and added truckloads of talent to make my vision better than I could have imagined, and I am
most grateful for your assistance (and your sense of humor.)
This production is dedicated to our foremothers… to their hardships, sacrifices, tears and joys, and to the quilt-makers for sharing with us ‘pieces of lives.’
Rebecca Wagstaff

Like so many of us, I grew up with a mother, grandmother and great grandmother who quilted. Some are artworks that were designed and specific fabrics chosen for the pattern. But the ones most precious are those with a story—the ones with the scraps of fabrics from childhoods and sown together by hands who also nurtured their families. One of my favorites is the one that hangs in my parents’ home that was made by the ladies of the Saltillo Methodist Church in 1913—each lady (many ancestors) creating her own “crazy quilt” block, embroidering her name and adding the year. Watching the progression of this show, as we watched it go from “scraps” to a finished piece ready for display, has been a great experience to walk through with the ladies in this cast. I am proud of the hard work and many hours they have put in to a very unique show. And I’m thankful for all the quilters in my life who have stitched their legacy for generations to appreciate, most especially my mother.
Val Gahagan

First off, I could not have been the musical director without Darla Revennaugh helping me along the way.  Darla was our rehearsal keyboardist as I am a trombonist by nature.  She jumped right in and taught the music as she loves to do.  She made my job really easy as I just had to put a band together and mold the music between the cast and band.  I cannot thank her enough.  Please thank her after the show with me as well, as I know you will hear and feel the fruit of her labors.  In Quilters terms; Darla did the piecin’ and I did the quiltin’.  Thank you Darla!  Thanks to Angel Palmer for talking me into doing this show even though I am not a string player.  Rebecca, Val and Jan, thanks for allowing me to work with you all.  It has been rewarding.

This show has been one great learning experience.  Having performed in musical theater off and on for over 30 years, school, community and Off Broadway, I have found nothing that I can match up to this show from a personal perspective.  This show is music heavy as it tells the story of the life and struggles of what it was probably like for women living on the prairies in the 1800’s.  It is filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, laughter and crying, happiness and tears.  The music is essential to taking you, the viewer, on a musical rollercoaster ride.  I am certain that you will not leave here tonight without your heart being touched.  There are elements that will take your memories back to a much simpler time with your grandparents and remind you of stories that your families have passed down from generation to generation, much like that old quilt in that old cedar chest, probably collecting dust in your attic.  Block by block you will watch as a Legacy Quilt is made, sewn through the Pieces of Lives as these women tell their stories.  As they Thread the Needle in each and every scene, you will witness life on the prairie.

So, all that is left to do is to call Hands, All Hands Around to pull up a chair and sit a spell, relax and sing along if your heart is so desired as you begin your journey Quiltin’ and Dreamin’.
Chad Stemm