Kim D. Berg (Asparagus) is no stranger to the Civic Stage playing the roles of Branch Rickey in National Pastime, Herr Schultz in Cabaret, Hermit in Young Frankenstein and Lazar Wolfe in Fiddler on the Roof. Kim is an active Mason/Shriner where he supports Spokane’s Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. He has been happily married for 45 years and is the father to two great humans.
Sarah Braun (Tantomile) started her dance training at A Time to Dance under the direction of Kathy Peake, Samantha Christman, and Nicole Goodwin. She went on to minor in dance at Whitworth University where she was given the opportunity to teach, choreograph and dance for Jubilation Dance Ministry. “I’m dedicating this performance to my dog, Cleo, who recently passed away, although I’m not sure if she would approve.”
Jameson Elton (Skimbleshanks) is ecstatic for his next production at Spokane Civic Theatre. Other Civic shows include Venticelli in this season’s 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.
Maren Forsnes (Mistoffelees) has trained in gymnastics for over 10 years, earning several state and regional titles. Her recent roles include Flounder in The Little Mermaid (Joel E. Ferris Highschool) and Ancestor in The Addams Family (Civic).
Jean Hardie (Old Deuteronomy) is beyond excited to be back on stage, even as an Old Man Cat! Actively involved at Spokane Civic Theatre since moving here in 1981, Jean has acted in, directed and choreographed many, many shows over the years, but is probably best known as Mother Superior in Nunsense I and II and Nuncrackers. She was the director of the Box ‘n’ Hat Players for 20 years, directed the Civic Summer Program for 14 years, has had several plays accepted for Civic’s annual Playwrights Forum and is a Civic Theatre Lifetime Achievement recipient. Most recently she directed Merrily We Roll Along, co-directed Jersey Boys and even filled in as the Light Board Operator for The Wizard of Oz. Best of all, she got to perform a duet with her son David in Civic’s Musical Revue Beat by Beat. Life is good.
Drake Haren (Bustopher Jones) received a Masters of Science in Science Education from Montana State University and a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Biology Education from Eastern Washington University. When not on the stage or in the classroom, he enjoys painting impressionistic landscapes of the local landscape and has two yorkies (Huxley and Finnigan). His favorite roles include Pirelli in Sweeney Todd (Stage Left), The Monster in Young Frankenstein (Civic) and Earthworm in James and the Giant Peach (WWCA).
Emma Hedberg (Cassandra) is a Gonzaga University student studying biochemistry and dance, pursuing career in medicine. An avid dancer, Emma trained at June Taylor’s School of Dance for 13 years, was a member of pre-professional ballet company Northwest Dance Theatre and completed all grade and vocational exams in the Royal Academy of Dance where she received certificates and medals for grades 1-8. Her favorite dance credits include Caraboose in Sleeping Beauty, Spanish in The Nutcracker, Doc in Snow White (all with Northwest Dance Theatre) and Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland (June Taylor’s School of Dance).
Karlin Marie Kahler (Demeter) is thrilled to share her unashamed felitity with you! She has been performing from the age of five, and has been a fan of CATS even longer. She 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 Funny Girl, Cabaret as Fraulein Kost, or My Fair Lady as Eliza Dolittle here at Civic. Karlin thanks you for joining us in the junkyard and reminds you that above all else, and cat is not a dog!
Mairead Kahler (Electra) is excited to be back on Civic’s Main Stage after performing in last season’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Other recent roles include Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Cousin Mary in Tom Sawyer (both with Civic Academy) and Zuzu in It’s A Wonderful Life (Theatre Arts of Children). Mairead is an avid dancer, performing with Artistry in Motion for eight years.
Colleen Kirsten (Jennyanydots) is thrilled to be back on the Civic Main Stage after performing in the Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz, Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda and Ensemble in Young Frankenstein. Offstage, Colleen coaches at Inland Chess Academy and is co-owner of Spokane Stained Glass. Colleen is a proud parent to Olive and Gus and is married to partner Al.
Ruby Krajic (Rumpleteazer) is so excited to be back on stage at Civic in Cats. Ruby is currently a freshman at Cd’A High School. She was most recently seen as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family here at Civic. Favorite roles include Little Allison in Fun Home (Lake City Playhouse), Chip in Beauty and the Beast (Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre), and participating in Dream Roles and Miscasts (Aspire Community Theatre). Ruby hopes to study theater, voice and dance after graduation and thanks all her family, teachers, coaches and mentors who encourage her to pursue her love of the performing arts.
Jaidan Lester (Tumblebrutus) is honored to make her theatrical debut in CATS. She has competitively danced for the past four years at Dance Motionz in Spokane. Jaidan’s dance career began when she was 3 years old and she has loved it ever since! She presently competes in the styles of lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop as well as taking classes in tap, ballet and ballroom. Currently a freshman in high school, she also enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping, traveling and attending music concerts and theater shows. She plans to attend college and major in dance with the hopes to perform as a professional dancer.
Nicole Ostlie (Sillabub) is thrilled to be in another Civic production before heading to New York this fall to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre! Her recent Civic credits include Luciana in The Comedy of Errors, Lucy Westenra in Dracula, and Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. She would like to thank the artistic team for this opportunity and her family for being her biggest fans!
Carmyn A. Parks (Jellylorum) is a classical and jazz singer with a BM in Music Education and Vocal Performance. Her recent credits include Ensemble in She Loves Me, Ancestor in The Addams Family (both with Civic), Ensemble in Hänsel und Gretel (Berlin Opera Academy) and Soupy Sue in Urinetown (Eastern Washington University). In addition to singing, she enjoys playing video games and spending time with her three cats. This spring, Carmyn wraps up her first year as the Shadle Park High School Choir Director.
Nathan Pichette (Macavity/Pouncival) studied theatre at Eastern Washington University where he received two awards for excellence in performance. His favorite roles include Percy Jackson in The Lightning Thief (TAC at The Lake) and Jonathan Larson in Tick Tick…Boom (EWU Theatre). Offstage he enjoys playing basketball, spending time outside and being with family.
Julia Pyke (Grizabella) is thrilled to be making her acting debut. No stranger to music performance, Julia received a Bachelor’s of Music in flute performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music and Professional Studies Certificate from San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She also sang in choir elementary through high school and at Oberlin she participated in several acapella groups as a performer and director. Since fall 2022 she has been the Principal Flute of the Spokane Symphony in addition to her work as an adjunct professor of flute at Whitworth and Eastern Washington Universities, as well as maintaining a private flute studio. In her free time she loves to rock climb, hike, run, and write music (releasing her first single soon!). Instagram: @juliapyke TikTok: @juliapykemusic
Daniel Renz (Rum Tum Tugger) can be found performing all over the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area. He has been involved with theatre since the age of 6 and has performed in over 50 productions. Recent roles include The Hawker in Who’s Tommy (Aspire Community Theatre), Lyle in Footloose (Coeud d’Alene Summer Theatre), Doody in Grease (Spokane Valley Summer Theatre) and Frankei Valli in Jersey Boys (Civic).
Dana Sammod (Exotica) received a BA in Theater from Whitworth University with a Certificate from The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. She currently works at Civic as the education coordinator and a teaching artist, and is a cat mom to her own jellicle kitty, Henry. Her favorite roles include Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (Spokane Ensemble Theatre), Bridget Sullivan in Lizzie: The Musical (Bright Comet Theatre), Sandra in The Play That Goes Wrong and Fritzie in Cabaret (both with Civic).
Heather Stephens (Etcetera) received her BA in Theater from Eastern Washington University and was awarded the Rose of Sharon and Legacy Robe from CYT. Favorite credits include Gingy in Shrek The Musical (Christian Youth Theater), Marie [Fairy Godmother] in Cinderella, Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda The Musical (both with Spokane Children’s Theater) and Ophelia in Drowning Ophelia, (EWU Theater). Offstage she enjoys sewing, reading, photography, and spending time with her dog and three cats.
Jonah Taylor (Munkustrap) is excited to return to Civic’s Main stage as a performer after choreographing the season opener, The Addams Family. He has 20 years of experience in children’s, community, and professional theatre. Last seen in She Loves Me (Steven Kodaly) in the Studio Theatre, his favorite Spokane Civic credits include Alice By Heart (Alfred/White Rabbit), Jersey Boys (Bob Gaudio), and Spring Awakening (Moritz). He would like to dedicate his performance to his cats Winston, Dobby, and Princess. Love one another. @jonahrtaylor
Clio Tzetos (Victoria) has been training in classical ballet since the age of five, with the addition of contemporary, modern, and jazz training at age eleven. She won regional senior outstanding dancer at New York City Dance Alliance in 2022, where she also performed original poetry in a first place winning group dance. Her favorite dance credits at Classical Ballet Academy include The Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker, The Blue Fairy in Pinocchio, and Dulcinea in Don Quixote, and The Firebird in Firebird. In addition to dance, Clio attends Gonzaga University as a first year nursing student.
Taylor Wenglikowski (Bombalurina) is delighted to be back with Civic for this beloved story. Last seen in the Studio Theatre’s She Loves Me as Amalia Balash, she can’t wait to make her return to the Main Stage. Some of her favorite recent credits include Alice Spencer in Alice By Heart (Civic), Janet in The Rocky Horror Show (Stage Left), and Natalie in All Shook Up (Aspire). A big thanks to the Civic cast and crew and her family for the constant love and financial support. Enjoy the show! @taylor.wenglikowski
Josh White (Mungojerrie) is excited to be back on his home stage at Civic. Currently a freshman in high school, he hopes to pursue theatre after graduation. For two years Josh has performed in countless Civic productions while also taking voice lessons from Steve Mortier. His favorite roles at Civic include Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Dromio of Syracuse in The Comedy of Errors (both with Civic Academy), Joe Pesci in Jersey Boys and Young Ebenezer in A Christmas Carol.
Sydney Zinnecker (Coricopat) trained in ballet for 17 years, as well as jazz and contemporary dance. a recent graduate from Gonzaga University with a BA in Dance Performance and Physics, Sydney is a new member of Vytal Movement Dance Company here in Spokane, and is beginning a job working with the Gonzaga Dance Program in costuming. Her favorite credits include performer in Rising Tide (Vytal Movement) and Gonzaga Repertory Dance Companies, director/choreographer for Screendance Film Festival and choreographer/dancer/lighting designer for the Student Choreography Concert (both with Gonzaga). Sydney spends her time offstage working with arts and crafts such as crocheting, drawing, fashion, and calligraphy.
Jake Schaefer (Director) is a musician, theater-maker and, proudly, Civic’s Executive Director. His passion for collaborative creative work caught fire at a young age while studying music and performing at Civic. Jake moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to pursue a college education and career in show business. In 2010, he founded a music co-op called EMPHATIC which has since evolved into a recording and live production company. Jake and other EMPHATIC artists have contributed to recordings and live endeavors for artists including Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, LA Phil, Madonna, Ricky Martin, Rufus Wainwright, and Quincy Jones; commercial clients include Cirque du Soleil, Marc Jacobs, and Nike; favorite regional theater credits include Evita (director), It Must Be Him (original/LA workshop music director), and The Night of the Black Cat (original production workshop music director); consulting clients include Live Nation, The Nederlander Organization, and Universal Music Group. In October 2021, Jake worked on the grand opening of Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, supporting Coldplay concert opening act We Are KING. In addition to directing Alice by Heart, Follies in Concert, Jersey Boys, Young Frankenstein, and more, Jake has led Civic collaborations with Spokane Symphony (West Side Story) and Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (Dressing The Abbey: The Costumes of Downton Abbey).
Bonni Dichone (Choreographer) is ecstatic to be a part of this artistic team. She is a multi-hyphenate creative based in the Pacific Northwest, with a primary focus on acting for film and television. Her artistic foundation includes an extensive background in dance, musical theatre, classical ballet, and classical piano. She was a principal dancer for a small contemporary ballet company, as well as performed on professional musical theater stages. She is also an award-winning choreographer and faculty member at Artistry in Motion Dance and Performing Arts studio in Spokane. Bonni has a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Washington State University and recently retired from being a tenured Professor of Mathematics (at Gonzaga University). She calls Spokane home and lives a full, rich, life with her husband, Paulo, and their beautiful children, Georgina and Rafael.
Henry McNulty (Music Director, Conductor) is a pianist, conductor, music director, and composer based in Spokane, Washington. He serves as on-staff Music Director of Spokane Civic Theatre (2017-present), playing and/or conducting such works as Follies, West Side Story, and Songs for a New World, alongside music directing for other regional venues such as Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre. As a performer, his onstage credits include Jerry Lee Lewis (Million Dollar Quartet), Smudge (Forever Plaid), and Robert (Boeing Boeing) among others. Henry holds a BM and MFA in Music Composition.
Kelli Cunningham (Stage Manager) holds a BA in Finance and Business Management from Eastern Washington University where she also found a love for the performing arts through the theater program. She joined the Spokane Civic Theatre staff in 2014 as Assistant Box Office Manager and is currently enjoying her role as Operations Manager. She started working on the production side at Civic as assistant stage manager for Catch Me If You Can in 2015 and has continued on as stage manager for Young Frankenstein, Jersey Boys, The Addams Family and more. Kelli has also been fortunate to have a part in various community collaborations with Spokane Symphony and Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and hopes to be part of many more in the future.
Adam Snow (Stage Manager) loves making the magic happen from the wings! Recent credits include Stage Manager for A Sherlock Carol and Alice by Heart, Deck Chief for Jersey Boys (all with Civic) and Crew for Red (Stage Left). When not at Civic, Adam can be found collaborating in the Wealth Management industry, playing DnD, petting their “real” cats, and adventuring with their partner Alexei.
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.”
Peter Rossing (Scenic Design) is excited to return to scenic design with his first project in Spokane. He designed and painted scenery for theater, opera, dance, and corporate events for many years in Portland and Austin. Favorite projects included A View from the Bridge for Portland Repertory Theatre, The Importance of Being Earnest for New Rose Theatre (Portland), On the Verge for Different Stages Co. in Austin, and A Comedy of Errors on Austin’s Zilker Park Stage. In recent years, Peter has focused on graphic design, marketing, and entrepreneurial projects including founding and operating an art supply store in Portland. He is currently Director of Marketing for the STCU Best of Broadway series.
Jamie L. Suter (Costume Design) 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.
Bryan D. Durbin (Lighting Design and Programmer, Master Electrician) 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.”
Denny Pham (Tech Director) 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
Jeremy Wissing (Sound Engineer and Board Operator) is excited to be back at the Civic sound board, this time for a musical! Previous Civic sound credits include Amadeus on the Main Stage and Exile in the Studio Theatre.
Alexei Snow (Light Board Operator) is excited to support Civic and local theatres. Recently he worked in backstage as Fly Coordinator for The Addams Family, Light Board Operator for A Sherlock Carol and Alice by Heart, Deck Chief for Jersey Boys (all with Civic) and Crew for Red (Stage Left). “I would like to thank my life partner Adam Snow and dear friend Sarah Dahmen for showing me the delight of collaboration and teamwork that is theatre.”
Clara Buck (Staging Supervisor) received a BA in Communication Studies, Psychology, and Dance (concentration in performance) from Gonzaga University where she is currently the Marketing and PR Assistant for the Theatre and Dance Department and also pursuing her MA in Communication and Leadership. While an undergraduate student she received a Meritorious Achievement for Choreography Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for her work on Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa. Her dance experience includes Irish, ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre. Recent credits include dance supervisor for The Addams Family, assistant choreographer for Jersey Boys (Spokane Civic Theatre) and choreographer for Beauty and the Beast Jr. (My Turn Theater) along with favorite dance performance credits of Siamsa: A Celtic Christmas (Shamrock Productions) and A New Season (Florence & Castiglione delle Stiviere, Italy Tour Ensemble with Gonzaga University). Clara is thrilled to be back with Civic for another production and hopes you enjoy the jellicle show!
Joshua Baig (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).
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969) to Cinderella (2021), his work has been consistently seen on world stages. Before the COVID pandemic hit, Lloyd Webber had shows continually running in the West End for 48 years and on Broadway for 41. When Sunset Boulevard joined School Of Rock, CATS and The Phantom Of the Opera, he equalled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards.
Lloyd Webber owns seven London theatres, including the iconic London Palladium and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Over the past three years the latter has been completely restored and renovated at a cost of over £60 million. It is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a private theatre owner in recent times. His mantra that every penny of profit made from his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings has meant that considerable work has been undertaken across his theatre portfolio during the pandemic, including the complete remodelling and reseating of the Gillian Lynne.
Lloyd Webber is passionate about the importance of musical education and diversity in the arts. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation provides 30 performing arts scholarships every year for talented students with financial need and supports a range of projects such as the Music In Secondary School Trust and commissioning research into diversity in theatre.
Andrew Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992 and created an honorary life peer in 1997. To mark his 70th birthday, his bestselling autobiography Unmasked was published by Harper Collins in March 2018.