Cael Birch (Ensemble) has been studying music for about a decade and states “the performing arts is where it’s at.” His favorite credits include Orin Scrivello the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors (Rogers High School) and ensemble in Legally Blonde (Civic). When he’s not busy, he likes to fight crime when the city needs me (I’m Batman) but during the day he’s an aspiring waffle artist.
*Abigail Bohnas (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of Jagged Little Pill! Recent credits include Janet Mackenzie in Witness for the Prosecution at Cheney High School.
*Aspen Cullen (Jo) is returning to the stage after a two year hiatus. They are beyond excited to tell this critical story, especially in the current political and social climate. Aspen graduated from EWU with degrees in Theatre and Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies (GWSS). EWU is currently trying to eliminate the GWSS degree, despite its clear relevance today. Please consider supporting this important program of study after seeing this Amazing Story! Aspen would like to thank their family, their Fiance, their cat Flash, and the PHENOMENAL Creative Team. Lastly they would like all Trans People (especially kids) to know that they are seen, heard, and beyond important in this world.
*Charlie Duggan (Ensemble) Recent credits include Balaga in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Elwood P Dowd in Harvey (both with North Central High School), Squidward in Spongebob Squarepants and Brooke in Legally Blonde (both with Spokane Children’s Theatre). They’ve been a dancer for a year now and also enjoys writing musicals.
Chelsea DuVall (Mary Jane) is a Spokane-based teaching artist who recently returned from the national tour of Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol. Previous director credits at Civic include POTUS, Dracula, and Civic Education’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee. Chelsea holds an M.F.A. in Acting from the California Institute of the Arts and she has worked with Arizona Opera, Source Material Collective, Austin Shakespeare, Organic Theatre Company before making Spokane her home. Select PNW acting credits: Allison (Fun Home, Stage Left), Countess Lily (Anastasia, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater), and Dr. Rosalind Franklin (Photograph 51, Civic). She’s also a watercolor artist and active astrologer. Recently, she was hired as a Substitute Classical Music Host with Spokane Public Radio.
Jameson Elton (Nick) is a three times Youngarts winner and is a Marietta Coyle award recipient for Classical Voice. His favorite credits are Mole in The Wind in the Willows (Civic Education), Mark Cohen in RENT (Lake City Playhouse), Jason ‘J.D.’ Dean in Heathers: the Musical and Tommy Devito in Jersey Boys (both with Civic). He’s also an aspiring musician, writer, and film photographer. “I want to dedicate this to all of my Grandparents, for they have always supported me in my artistic endeavors.”
Reuben Erlinso (Ensemble) recently performed as Audrey 2 in Little Shop of Horrors (Rogers High School), Coach Comet in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, ensemble in Legally Blonde, and as the Magistrate in The Wind in the Willows (all with Civic). He is a multi sport athlete who is also ASB Secretary and a member of his school’s choir and wants to be in a tv, movie or any production! Please!
Lilah Gail (Bella) is thrilled to be in her next Civic production! Recently she performed in the ensemble of Legally Blonde, as Chief Weasel in The Wind in the Willows, Ensemble in Heathers: The Musical (all with Civic) and Milky White in Into The Woods (Aspire). She co-owns a Princess party company called Enchanted Entertainment PNW, and wants give a shout out to my amazing family, friends and incredible boyfriend for always believing in me.
Drake Haren (Ensemble) has been an actor ever since the second grade in, his first production A Christmas Story (“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid”) Since then, has done many other local/ regional production, and enjoys performing musicals the most. Additionally, he’s gone to school and has worked several years as a science educator. A jack of many trade, Drake is a local painter, actor, bee-keeper, scientist, singer, regional food critic host, and certified BBQ judge. What’s next?
TaeZhanae Hays-Cormier (Ensemble) is excited to be back at Civic! Last seen at Civic as an Ancestor in The Addams Family. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Isabella Jimenez (Frankie) Favorite credits include Persephone in Hadestown (Bright Comet Theatre), Martha in White Christmas and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast (both with Lewis and Clark High School). “I’d like to thank my mother and father for always supporting me in the performing arts!”
*John Ko (Phoenix) is a currently a senior at Lewis and Clark High School and is an active member of the ACDA Northwestern Conference TB Choir. He really enjoys to sing! And can speak Korean and Spanish fluently, and Japanese and French proficiently and sing often in these languages too.
*Trenten Kurle (Ensemble) has been running in cross country for 10 years now and has qualified for nationals. Recent roles include Martin in Little Shop of Horrors and Zazu in The Lion King (both with Rogers High School).
Mary Ormsby (Ensemble) is back on the Main Stage after recently being in Emma earlier this season. Her other Civic credits include #7 in The Wolves and Ilona Ritter in She Loves Me. Growing up at Civic, Mary was part of the Box ‘N’ Hat Players under the direction of Jean Hardie with dance workshops from Kathie Doyle-Lipe. “Thank you mom, dad, and Katie for always supporting me. I couldn’t do this without you!”
*Terez Pattillo (Ensemble) is excited to make their Civic debut! He has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Puget Sound and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Eastern Washington University. Favorite credits include Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Firehouse Arts), Puck i A Midsummer Night’s Dream (University of Puget Sound), and ensemble in Leo’s Lost Notebook (Imago Theatre Company). They’ve also directed a production of Little Women in Suzhou, China and played the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz on a National Tour out of New York.
Billy Pipinich (Steve) is back at Civic having been in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer earlier this season as Sam the Snowman. He has extensive vocal training and has been trained in multiple forms of physical comedy. His favorite credits include Captain Hook in Peter Pan and Marvin in Guys on Ice (both with Fort Peck Summer Theater), Eddie in The Rocky Horror Show (Montana Actors Theater), and Joe in 9 to 5 (Missoula Community Theater). Offstage he’s a project manager at Spokane Restaurant Equipment, loves to build Legos, and always take any opportunities he finds to sing. You’ll also find him around town sampling local food and refreshments.
Wren Rhodes (Ensemble) is a self-taught singer with dance training, focusing on tap. Their recent credits are Parsons in 1984 (Hitchhiker’s Theatre), Mrs. Otter in The Wind in the Willows, Arminy in Carousel (both with Civic). Wren was 1st place in voice at Spotlight Competition, and they also own Enchanted Entertainment, a princess character company: @enchanted_pnw
Bonni Dichone (Director) is an actor and multi-hyphenate artist whose work spans dance, theater, film, and education. With a foundation in dance, music, and performance – including classical ballet, musical theatre, and piano – she brings a movement-driven, story-centered approach to her work. She is deeply committed to creating work that is thoughtful, rigorous, and human-centered, and to expanding visibility, access, and belonging in the arts. Bonni has performed on professional musical theatre stages and as a principal dancer with a contemporary ballet company, and is an award-winning choreographer whose credits include CATS, The Wind in the Willows, and Legally Blonde at Spokane Civic Theatre. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Washington State University and recently retired as a tenured Full Professor at Gonzaga University. She is based in Spokane, where she continues her work as an artist and educator while raising her two children with her husband, Paulo.
*Christian Skok (Music Director) received his Bachelor’s in Piano Performance and in Musical Theatre from EWU in 2022. Recent credits include Music Director for Ordinary Days and Tick, Tick… Boom! at EWU, Spring Awakening and Urinetown at Gonzaga, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at SVST, and Asst. Music Director for Twelfth Night the Musical at EWU. He currently accompanies around the Spokane area for choirs, soloists, and instrumentalists and continues to share his passion as music department accompanist for Gonzaga University. He has over 100 houseplants and two cats at home that make the long days worthwhile.
*Lexi Dysart (Choreographer) is a dancer, choreographer, and educator whose work bridges performance, training, and community-centered artistic development. Educated at Chapman University and Broadway Dance Center, she spent four years performing as a company member with Lobos Art Collective. Her choreographic work has been presented by Vytal Movement, Club Jete, Sirens After Dark, DM Art Festival, and Young Choreographer’s Festival. As an educator, Lexi has taught and mentored dancers through programs at Gonzaga University, Cornish College Summer Intensive, Broadway Dance Center’s Children and Teen Program, Peridance Capezio Center, Boogiezone Utopia, Spotlight Dance Cup, and Starquest International. Through performance, choreography, and education, Lexi is passionate about cultivating artistry, individuality, and meaningful movement experiences for all people.
*Nike Imoru (Intimacy Director) is an actor, director, Master Teacher, and casting director working across theatre, film, and actor training. Known for her work in physical and classical theatre, she has taught and directed internationally while remaining deeply connected to the Pacific Northwest arts community. Over two decades, she cast numerous film and television projects in the region, including Z Nation and Train Dreams, the Spokane-shot feature nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. She is the founder of The Actor’s Way, a studio dedicated to somatic embodiment and actor training for the camera. A former Artistic Director of Spokane Interplayers, she recently directed Macbeth with her ensemble, The Shakespearoes. Nike is also a union-accredited Intimacy Professional. She is the recipient of Casting Society of America ARTIOS Award for casting Train Dreams and was named by the Lunt-Fontanne Foundation as one of the foremost regional actors in the country. And is a multi-award-winning classical actress, recognized particularly for her Shakespearean performances.
Jamie L. Suter (Stage Manager / Wardrobe Stylist) 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. Notable 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 joined the Civic staff in 2018, her first design on stage being Present Laughter in the Studio Theatre. She 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.
Mackenzie Willett (Stage Manager / Properties / Wardrobe Stylist) loves working behind the scenes at Civic as well as working as part of the Front of House Staff. Outside of theatre, Mackenzie spends all her time watching and playing soccer, spending time at church, and reading.
Joseph Anderson (Sound Engineer / Sound Board Operator) is thrilled to be back working at Civic having worked on Voices, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and The Wind in the Willows earlier this season.
Peter Rossing (Scenic Design) has designed sets for theater, opera, and dance in Portland and Austin and staging for corporate events in Europe and Asia. Recent designs for Civic have included Cats, Carousel, A Christmas Carol, and The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Favorite past projects include 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.
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.”
Jameson Elton (Dance Captain) is a three times Youngarts winner and is a Marietta Coyle award recipient for Classical Voice. His favorite credits are Mole in The Wind in the Willows (Civic Education), Mark Cohen in RENT (Lake City Playhouse), Jason ‘J.D.’ Dean in Heathers: the Musical and Tommy Devito in Jersey Boys (both with Civic). He’s also an aspiring musician, writer, and film photographer. “I want to dedicate this to all of my Grandparents, for they have always supported me in my artistic endeavors.”
Daniel Barton (Technical Director) originally from LA, he received an AA in theatre from Mt. San Antonio College and is currently pursuing a BA in theatre from Eastern Washington University. Recently he worked as backstage crew for Waiting for Lefty (EWU Theatre), The Diviners and Second Story Man (Mt. San Antonio College). Daniel also works in the scene shop here at Civic.
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 CATS, 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.”
Michael King (Backstage Crew) recently returned to Spokane after 45 years away. He was a Dolly Grip for Movies and Television and also a Technical Coordinator/Associate Director in Sitcoms and recently retired from the Directors Guild Of America and I.A.T.S.E. Motion Picture Studio Grips. Favorite credits include Maximilian in Cancade, Pirate/Constable in The Pirates of Penzance, Chorus in The Music Man, and working on the technical crew for Fiddler on the Roof (all with Civic). Volunteering at the Spokane Civic Theater has been a retirement dream of his for many years and is thrilled that dream has become a reality!
Emily Sperry (Backstage Crew) loves being a part of productions from start to finish and watching the show come to life. Recent credits include being the Stage Manager for Emma and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (both with Civic), Stage Manager for The Lion King Jr. (My Turn Theater) and Stage Manager for Lend Me A Soprano (Civic). She is thankful for the support of her family. Enjoy the show!
Thank you for being here.
Jagged Little Pill was a very intentional choice for Spokane Civic Theatre – a pivot, in many ways, toward stories that ask us to sit in discomfort, complexity, honesty, and humanity. As we approached this production, we worked thoughtfully to build a company that reflects both this story and the community around us.
If you’re unfamiliar with the musical, Jagged Little Pill tackles issues that were deeply relevant in 2019 and remain just as relevant today, in the same ways and in new ones. The show explores identity, race, addiction, sexual assault, family dynamics, mental health, and the ways we hurt each other while trying desperately to be seen and loved. Some moments may feel painful or challenging. My hope, though, is that somewhere in this story, every person in this audience recognizes a piece of themselves. I certainly do.
For some, this show begins with the raw, angry, unforgettable music of Alanis Morissette’s 1995 album “Jagged Little Pill,” an album tied to core memories, growing pains, heartbreak, rebellion, and survival. For others, this story arrives through author Diablo Cody’s theatrical adaptation and the deeply human characters at its center. Together, they create something messy, emotional, funny, painful, imperfect, and real.
This cast and creative team have approached this work with enormous care, courage, vulnerability, and an unbelievable amount of hustle. We mounted this massive show in nearly half the time a musical of this size would normally receive, and I could not be more proud of the artistry, commitment, flexibility, and heart that every person involved has brought into the room. They have given everything they have to tell this story honestly.
I also need to acknowledge the extraordinary production team that assembled almost overnight to help bring this show to life: Christian Skok, Lexi Dysart, Dr. Nike Imoru, Jamie Suter, Mackenzie Willett, and Peter Rossing. Quite simply, this production would not exist without their talent, trust, collaboration, and willingness to leap into the unknown with me.
So today, rage with us. Laugh with us. Sit in the discomfort with us. Heal with us. And above all, thank you for allowing live theatre to continue being a place where difficult conversations and human connection can exist side by side.
Bonni Dichone (Director)
* Spokane Civic Theatre Debut