Josian Brett (Veronica Sawyer) is excited to return to Civic, her last time portraying the role of Gabriella in High School Musical. Other favorite roles include Ellie in Freaky Friday (Hurricane Theatre), Bea Bottom in Something Rotten and Sandy Cheeks in SpongeBob The Musical (both with Aspire Community Theatre). She studied theatre at Utah Tech University where she was on the performing arts team Raging Red and received the “Performer of the Year” award in 2018. She also performed as a featured singer in the Alex Boye music video “A Million Dreams,” and was the winner of Dixie Idol and the runner up for Dixie Got Talent. “I would love to thank my family and friends for supporting me! And I can’t wait to continue this love of theater in New York this fall.”
Tori Diana (Ensemble) is excited to on the Civic stage! She is currently a student at Spokane Falls Community College perusing an AA in the arts. Her favorite roles include Apartment in Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake), Templeton in Charlotte’s Web (both with SFCC) and Ursula in The Little Mermaid (Ferris High School).
Jameson Elton (Jason “J.D.” Dean) is ecstatic for his next production at Spokane Civic Theatre. Other Civic roles include Skimbleshanks in CATS, Venticelli in Amadeus, Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys, Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, A-Rab in West Side Story, and George in Our Town (Civic Academy). His favorite memories are of when he is on the stage and he can’t wait to share this new production with you. He wants to thank his family for always supporting him and being his cheerleaders.
Noah Graybeal (Ensemble) is excited to be back on the Civic stage in Heathers! Noah has been on hiatus from performing while focusing on music, jazz choir, school and work. Noah was last seen on the Civic stage in 2015 as the General in Seussical The Musical. He has also been seen in a number of Civic shows including Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fiddler on The Roof, and Gypsy. He brought Pugsley Addams to life in Couer d’Alene Summer Theater’s PNW premier of The Addams Family. Noah is really excited for you all to see this show, and its talented cast and crew who have worked so hard to bring it to you. He thanks Troy and Heather for including him. Enjoy the show!
Josephine Kahler (Ensemble) is a recent graduate of the Community School. She is looking forward to performing again this summer at Civic as Sonny Malone in Xanadu Jr. Other recent roles include Schwartzy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Francine Valli in Jersey Boys (both with Civic) and Kalliope in She Kills Monsters (The Community School). In addition to performing onstage, Josephine also worked as an intern for Civic’s educational programs.
Karlin Marie Kahler (Heather Chandler) began her career as a director at the age of 14, and continues to this day. She will be directing Xanadu Jr here this summer! She has also taught theatre at The Community School and Spokane Civic Theatre. You may have seen her in Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens and as Jessica in Women Playing Hamlet at Lilac City Dinner Theatre. Johanna in Sweeney Todd and in The Rocky Horror Show at Stage Left; as Cinderella in Into the Woods at TAC at the Lake; or in CATS as Demeter, Funny Girl, Cabaret as Fraulein Kost, or My Fair Lady as Eliza Dolittle here at Civic. Karlin thanks you for joining us here at Westerberg High.
Tre Keough (Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principal Gowan)is ecstatic to be back in another Spokane Civic Theatre show! Recently he was seen in Gypsy with Aspire Community Theatre as well as Matilda with Lake City Playhouse. In his free time Tre works over at Kootenai Health as a procedure scheduler and loves to visit areas like Seattle and Oregon. Some of his favorite dance styles include tap, ballet and jazz. Much love to his friends and family for always being his number one fan. Make sure to follow him on Instagram @trekeough Support the arts!
Tori Liezen (Veronica’s Mom/Ms. Fleming)is thrilled to return for her second show at Civic after portraying Mrs. Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When Tori is not at the theater or absolutely crushing a crossword puzzle, she works for an innovative tech company dedicated to reducing gun violence between the police and the public (axon.com #ProtectLife). Tori found her voice and love for theater after being thrown onstage as a painfully shy 10-year-old, which ignited her passion for the beautiful inevitability of change and growth—so take that brave step, keep an open mind, and embrace new experiences! Thanks for flying out to see me as a middle-aged hippy, Mom, Dad, and Nono! I love you!
Mackenzie Quinn (Martha Dunnstock) is excited for her first performance at Civic! She is a senior at Whitworth University working towards a degree in secondary education and theatre. Her favorite roles at Whitworth include Nostradamus in Something Rotten and stage manager for Rabbit Hole.
Lilah Roberts (Ensemble) is thrilled to be involved in her first show at Civic! She has been performing for seven years and her most recent work has been in Gypsy with Aspire, Luke in The Lightning Thief at TAC at the Lake, as well as Dreams Are Forever performing as different characters for birthday parties, events, and more!
Torey Routson (Heather Duke) is so ecstatic to be performing with Spokane Civic Theater again. Torey’s last appearance at Spokane Civic was Cabaret in 2020 (Kit Kat Girl). Torey’s most recent shows have been The Last Five Years (Cathy) and Vagina Monologues with Lake City Playhouse. Additional shows include, All Shook Up (Sylvia), Leap of Faith (Ornella), and Something Rotten at Aspire Theater. There are no adequate amount of words to express her appreciation for her Fiancé Robbie, for his unconditional love and unwavering support. Torey also thanks all her friends, family and her community greatly. Enjoy the show!
Jesus Ruiz Jr. (Ensemble) is excited for his first show on the Civic stage! Throughout high school he performed in choir and theatre where he played Eddie McCuen in Musical Comedy Murders Of 1940, the company receiving an “excellent performance” award at Thespys. Another favorite role is portraying King Sextimus the Silent in Once Upon a Mattress. Outside of theatre he also plays guitar in a band called “the light from downstairs.”
Victoria Scribner (Heather McNamara) is new to Spokane with Heathers being her first production in the area! Her favorite credits are Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Lulu/Dance captain in Cabaret, director for The Jungle Book and Mildred in Fahrenheit 451. Her previous work with Lemoore Theatre Company led her to receive awards for “Best Newcomer to Main Stage,” “Best Supporting Actress,” and “Hall of Fame.” Victoria is excited to explore her love of nature, theatre and film here in Washington. She enjoys performing for her friends and family, and for her senior dog (from her living room). “This has been a dream come true!”
Declan Sheehan (Kurt Kelly) is stoked to be doing this show! His first time on the Main Stage since 2019, Declan’s most recent Civic Theatre credit was as William Barfée in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, produced in the Studio Theater. If you’ve visited Lewis and Clark High School’s theater, you may have seen him as Juror #8 in 12 Angry Jurors or Edward Bloom in Big Fish. Declan recently graduated from LC, where he received the Outstanding Senior Thespian Award. In his free time, Declan plays guitar in his band, Emergency Water Shutoff, alongside his brother Colin and their friends. When he’s at home, you may find him playing video games and taking up space in the basement. He’d like to thank his mom and dad for their love and support. He’d also like to thank his amazing girlfriend, Ella. He thanks you for coming to the show!
Rhead Shirley (Ram Sweeney) is excited to be joining the cast of Heathers! Rhead has performed around the Spokane area with various theatre companies including his work as Stevie in Good People, Loner/Dylan Klebold in columbinus (both with Civic), Dead Body in Wild Dust, Derek in 7 Minutes in Heaven (both with Upstart Players) and Joshua in Corpus Christi (Stage Left).
Mihret Washington (Ensemble), a senior at Coeur d’Alene High School, is passionate about theater and has been performing since she was seven. Mihret‘s favorite roles include Rosie in Mamma Mia (Coeur d ‘Alene High School), Sandy Cheeks in SpongeBob The Musical (CYTNI), Ensemble in All Shook Up (Aspire), and Olaf in Frozen (CHS). Mihret would like to thank Troy Nickerson, Tanya Ballman, and Heather McHenry-Kroetch for all their work in this production of Heathers. Mihret appreciates those who believed in her and have taught her so much.
Jeremy Whittington (Ram’s Dad/Coach Ripper/Big Bud Dean) thinks it’s totally tubular to be in this production of Heathers! Jeremy is the Program Director at Spokane Arts. They have been Artistic Director at Stage Left Theater from 2020 through October of this year, as well as Resident Designer for many theaters in numerous states. Civic Theatre design credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dracula, and Amadeus. Though mostly known for their design work, Jeremy is always tickled when a role comes along that puts him back on the boards! Enjoy the show…it’s groovy to the max!
Ella Wissing (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the Civic stage since her last appearance in Civic’s Matilda. Since then, she has been seen as Cady Heron in Mean Girls (Lewis and Clark High School), Snail in A Year With Frog and Toad (Spokane Children’s Theatre), and has served this last year as a State Thespian Officer. She thanks her family for their unwavering support in her theatre journey.
Zachary Zwanzig (Ensemble) is back on the Civic stage after performing in last season’s opener The Addams Family. He is currently studying engineering at Eastern Washington University while enjoying theater classes at Whitworth University. Recent credits include Pozzo in Waiting for Godot (Hitchhikers Theater), Barry Glickman in The Prom (EWU Theater) and Aaron in First Date: The Musical (Whitworth University).
Heather McHenry-Kroetch (Director) is thrilled to be co-directing again with Troy Nickerson! She and Troy have co-directed Little Shop of Horrors (Ignite), Fiddler on the Roof, and Evil Dead The Musical (both for Spokane Civic Theater) as well as The Rocky Horror Show (Stage Left) Solo directing favorites for Civic Theatre include The 39 Steps, Cabaret, Murder on the Orient Express, Dial “M” for Murder, House of Blue Leaves and Cemetery Club. She wishes to dedicate this production to everyone who attended high school in the eighties.
Troy Nickerson (Director, Costume and Hair Design) has directed countless productions at nearly every local theatre. Recent Spokane Civic Theatre credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Plaza Suite, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Mary Poppins (winner of the Inlander “Best Of the Northwest Award”); Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf; Evil Dead, The Musical; Fiddler on the Roof; and The Full Monty. Other local favorites include Sweeney Todd, Rocky Horror Show, Corpus Christi, Bare, The Trip to Bountiful, and Equus at Stage Left; Jesus Christ Superstar, Avenue Q, Wit, Into The Woods, and RENT at The Modern Theater Coeur d’Alene; Man of La Mancha and Wild Party for The Modern Theater Spokane; The Boys Next Door at Interplayers; and the annual Travolta Christmas show at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. An accomplished director, choreographer, and actor, Troy has garnered numerous local, regional, and national awards. He has directed three national AACTFest productions, and his portrayal of Jody in Lonely Planet at AACTFest 1999 earned him the “Best Actor in the Nation” award. Local honors include “Best Actor” as Lenny in Of Mice and Men and the Arts Community Leadership award from the Spokane Arts Commission for his many contributions to local charities.
Tonya Ballman (Music Director) is a musician and performer born and raised in the Spokane area. She holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Piano Performance from Eastern Washington University. Recent projects include performing as Mrs. Gloop in Civic’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, music-directing Alice by Heart and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Civic, Sweeney Todd at Stage Left and playing keys in the pit for many Civic productions. Tonya would like to thank her family for supporting all her whirlwind creative endeavors.
Delaney Kahler (Choreographer) is a Washington based performing artist, choreographer, and writer. She graduated from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle with her degree in Musical Theatre with an Original Works emphasis. Delaney has worked on many productions in her seven years as a choreographer including The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee here at Civic, Once: The Musical at Cornish, and she was worked on a workshop production with Broadway producer Kenny Alhadeff. Although Delaney has choreographed several productions at Civic through their academy programs, this is her first main stage production. Delaney would like to thank Trevor Caragan for his invaluable contributions to this show.
Lauretta Heaney (Stage Manager) is excited to be doing her favorite theatre job. She just finished stage managing Amadeus for Spokane Civic Theatre and The Little Mermaid Jr for Mountain Harmony Show Choir. When she is not wrangling actors, she can be found painting faces at area events. She has been most impressed with the talent and dedication of the cast and their commitment to the challenging material. Lauretta would like to thank Troy and Heather for this opportunity and she hopes the audience enjoys the show.
Robin Hill (Assistant Stage Manager) is a recent Drama graduate from SFCC. Some favourite prior credits include Fern/Goose & Gander/Stage Manager 3 in Charlotte’s Web and Aunt Barbara in Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake) both at Spartan Theatre/SFCC, Ophelia in Hamlet with Spokane Shakespeare Society, and Matthews/Ensemble in Elf the Musical at Spokane Civic Theatre. They are delighted to be returning to Spokane Civic Theatre in a new capacity and honored to have been given the trust of serving as the ASM for Heathers! Robin sends their love and thanks to their directors, SM, crew, designers, cast, family, professors, and all the wonderful humans who have taught them techie things and shared their knowledge. They hope you have Big Fun and remember we can change the world and make it Beautiful!
Janice Abramson (Producer) has been involved with the Spokane Civic Theatre family since the summer of 1975. Since then she has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at Civic and the Individual Arts Contribution Award from the Spokane Arts Commission. Janice also works full-time for Spokane Public Schools and part-time for Spokane Chiefs Hockey Club. She is very excited to be back at the theatre. “I want to thank my family and friends for being there for me.”
Michelle Holland (Production Assistant) has been volunteering at Civic for over 25 years, having produced numerous shows at various local theatres in that time. Recent Civic favorites include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Plaza Suite, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mary Poppins, and Orphans. She has been involved with eight AACTFest shows and was Festival Stage Manager for the inaugural Idaho State Festival in 2015. Michelle was honored to receive the 2016 Dorothy Darby Smith Backstage/Onstage Volunteerism Award here at Civic. In addition to producing, she has filled nearly every backstage role (with the exception of lights) and many front of house positions, including box officer.
Denny Pham (Scenic Design) is a local actor and the Technical Director for Spokane Civic Theatre. He holds a BA in Theatre from Eastern Washington University in Acting (Stanislavsky, Michael Chekhov and Shakespeare), and Technical Theatre with focus in Scenic Design and Lighting. He was awarded a Merit of Acting from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for his role as Doctor Nemur in Flowers for Algernon. He is a technical theatre veteran with 10 years of experience working professionally and locally in over 115 productions both on and off stage. Favorite credits Acting: Dennis Ziegler in This Is Our Youth, Caliban in The Tempest, Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q; Scenic Design: Cabaret, The Play That Goes Wrong, Murder on the Orient Express; Lighting Design: Chicago. He is thrilled and proud to be part of a company of artists that pushes for all degrees of creativity. @Dennydpham
Logan McHenry-Kroetch (Projection Design) has been involved in community theatre her entire life. Growing up, she loved watching her parents’ rehearsals and hanging out at the theatre. She appeared in several Civic productions as a young child including her favorite, as Alice in the Studio Theatre’s production of Hollywood Arms. She continued doing theatre in high school at North Central primarily as a costumer and actress. For the last two years she’s been teaching English in Lyon, France and plans to return there next year. She’s excited to be part of another Spokane Civic Theatre production while she’s home!
Bryan D. Durbin (Lighting Design) has a BA in theatre and is very excited to be back as Civic’s master electrician and lighting designer following the long hiatus. “I want to thank my family Heather, Evie, and Abby for all of their support.”
Charles Blankenship (Sound Engineer and Board Operator) is currently studying Music Technology and Theater at Eastern Washington University in addition to working in the EWU Theater scene shop. Charles started his theater education at North Central High School in 2015, joining the Civic family in 2018, “I feel the people at this theater have only ever helped to further my abilities and understanding in theater and life.” His recent credits include audio engineer for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The 39 Steps, A Christmas Carol (all with Civic), RENT, She Kills Monsters (both with EWU Theater) and Twelfth Night (Spokane Ensemble Theater).
Jaden Durbin (Light Board Operator) is excited to be back behind the light board after working on Merrily We Roll Along at Civic earlier this year. Other favorite credits include assistant stage manager and rigging operator for Anything Goes, flying operator for Mary Poppins (both with CVHS Theater) and stage tech for Silverwood Theme Park’s “Scarywood” show “Dillusion,” Jaden has also completed CTE Technical Theater levels 1-4.
Jobie Lynch (Projections Operator) is recent high school graduate, graduating with honors and with an AA degree through the Running Start program. She started her theatre journey onstage before falling in love with technical theatre. After having the responsibility of stage manager with the Central Valley High School Theatre Department for the last few years, she is excited to get her foot in the door of community theatre here in Spokane. Her favorite credits include stage manager for Nunsense, Anything Goes, Mary Poppins (all with CVHS Theater) and Magician Assistant for the popular Silverwood Theme Park show “Phantasm.”
Dawn Taylor-Reinhardt (Intimacy Coordinator) returned to the stage for the first time in 9 years as Renfield in last season’s Dracula. An accomplished talent agent, acting coach, director and stage manager, Dawn is happy to bring the important work of intimacy coordinating to the Spokane theater community.
Kelsie Mauer (Deck Chief) spends her days working at Washington Trust Bank. Her favorite Civic backstage credits include crew for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Beauty and the Beast, Evil Dead the Musical and stage manager for Cactus Flower.
Nicole Deitrick (Backstage Crew) has dabbled in many things throughout the course of her life, some more seriously than others: figure skating, Taekwondo, acting, bouldering, and cybersecurity, to name a few. Civic has had a special place in her heart for many years and was the first place she ever stood onstage nearly 20 years ago when she was cast to play a flower girl in the production of My Fair Lady, directed by, funnily enough, the phenomenal director of this very production, Troy Nickerson. Thank you all for coming, and enjoy the show!
Marty Kittleson (Properties) has been involved with theatre in every capacity including over 30 years with Woodland Theatre in Kettle Falls, 1983-2013. Her props and scenic painting work can be found in many Civic shows over the last few seasons. In addition to all things theatre, she loves playing the ukulele with several groups of wonderful musicians.
Mackenzie Willet (Properties) studied theatre and criminal justice at Eastern Washington University. Her favorite credits are assistant stage manager for Ordinary Days, wardrobe supervisor for Twelfth Night The Musical (both with EWU), and stage manager and Marcellus understudy in Music Man (Spokane Children’s Theatre). She is excited to finally work behind the scenes at Civic after working as part of the Front of House Staff. Outside of theatre, Mackenzie enjoys watching and playing soccer, and reading.
Jamie L. Suter (Stitcher, Costume Shop Manager) holds a BA in Theater Design and Technical Production with concentrations in Costume Design and Directing from Marymount Manhattan College in NYC, studying under Broadway professionals Gail Brassard, Liz Covey, and Bob Anton. Her favorite credits include Costume Design for The Wonder!: A Woman Keeps a Secret (T. Schreiber Studio), Assistant to the Costume Designer for Sweeney Todd (Avery Fisher Hall), Assistant Costume Designer for The Lucky Chance (Theresa Lang Theater), Director/Costume Designer for Seven Femmes (Rathskeller Studios), and Costume Designer for The Lost Cabaret (NYC Fringe Festival). Jamie loves being part of the fun and frivolity of live theater, and is incredibly happy to do that at her home away from home, Spokane Civic Theatre. Next season, Jamie is excited to direct The Beauty Queen of Leenane in the Studio Theatre.
Joshua Baig (Master Carpenter) is a graduate of the Eastern Washington University Theatre department and Spokane Falls Community College Theatre. Recent favorite credits include Paul Roms in Important Hats of the Twentieth Century (Upstart Players) and Sebastian in The Tempest (EWU Theatre). Last season Josh made his Civic directorial debut with Civic Academy’s The Comedy of Errors. He is excited to follow that up with directing Romeo and Juliet on the Main Stage in 2025.
Parental Guidance Suggested: This show is based on a 1988 American teen black comedy film. Material includes reference and depiction of adult language, alcohol and drug use/abuse (including date rape), bullying, eating disorders, fatphobia, gun violence, homophobia, murder, sexual assault, and suicide.
Resources:
Child Protective Services (CPS) — 509-363-3333
National Domestic Violence Hotline — 800-799-7233
Spokane Crime Check — 509-456-2233 or 9-1-1
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hotline — call or text 988
The Trevor Project LifeLine — 866-488-7386 or text 678678