KATY BINGHAM (Florence Vassy)
Katy comes from the bustling city of La Crescenta in Southern California. She received her BA in Theatre from Principia College in 2002. Since living in Seattle, some of her favorite roles include Aunt Dan from Aunt Dan and Lemon, Puck in Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Trisha in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. Katy is thrilled to be making her Redwood Theatre debut in CHESS.
RYAN McCABE (Freddie Trumper)
Recently seen as Jimmy Harper in Reefer Madness with RK Productions. Other local credits include Promises, Promises and Barnum with Showtunes; Seussical, The Baker’s Wife, Children of Eden, and Big! with SMT/CLO; and Saucy Jack & the Space Vixens with BS Productions; concert appearances with The Count Basie Orchestra, Diane Schuur, New York Voices, Joe Williams, Darius DeHaas, Marty Thomas, and Ari Gold; as well as the first season of KIRO-TV’s Seattle Star Search. Love to the family, all my friends, and (most importantly) my Chandler.
MARK CHENOVICK (Anatoly Sergievski)
MARK CHENOVICK (Anatoly Sergievski) is elated to be making his Redwood Theatre debut. Locally, Mark has appeared at the 5th Avenue Theater, The Village Theater, Tacoma Actors Guild, Second Story Repertory, Seattle Civic Light Opera, and Bellevue Civic Theater. Currently, Mark serves as Creative Director for CJS design/IT LLC (website design and hosting) and as Director of Development for Showtunes! Theater Company, performing lost and forgotten musicals in concert at the Kirkland Performance Center. Special thanks go to his ever supportive wife Megan and the production team and cast for the opportunity to be involved in one of the most beautiful musicals ever written.
JEREMY FORCE (Ivan Molokov)
Jeremy is excited to be appearing in his first show at Redwood Theatre. Jeremy most recently performed at Tacoma Musical Playhouse in Urinetown, where he was also in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Thoroughly Modern Millie. At Civic Light Opera Jeremy has been seen in Seussical the Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Anything Goes and George M! Jeremy performed in Something’s Afoot, Camelot and Fools at Renton Civic Theater and in Singing in the Rain and Westside Story at Auburn Avenue Theater.
TAMBRE MASSMAN (Valerie Walters)
Tambre is a Rocky Mountain transplant thrilled to be involved with a musical about a board game. Some favorite roles include Suzette in Don’t Dress for Dinner, Chesty Prospects in Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. Much love to Lucas, Anaclara and Letisia as well as Leslie and Ryan (thanks for the crash pad). If you absolutely must see more of Tambre, head to Philipsburg, MT this summer.
ERIN GILBERT (Svetlana Sergievski)
Erin is thrilled to return to theatre in the Redwood Theatre’s performance of CHESS. While active in musical theatre during school, Erin took time off to sell mondo burritos as Taco Del Mar’s Director of Marketing. In her spare time Erin enjoys teaching aerobics, taking dance and voice lessons, and her greatest love – musical theatre – with frequent trips to New York. Erin would like to thank her mom (“mama”) and her brother Brett who both contend to be her biggest fan and have lent unending encouragement over the years.
RACHEL RENE (The Arbiter/Music Director)
Rachel is thrilled to be music directing again and especially excited about the challenge of working on this show. This marks her sixth music directing credit and her debut as an actor with Redwood Theatre (previous Redwood credits include music director of The Fantasticks and director of The Unexpected Guest). Other acting credits include: Romaine in Witness For The Prosecution, Phoebe Reece in The Farndale…Christmas Carol, Cookie Cusack in Rumors, and Clown in The Winter’s Tale. She would like to thank her family and “fans” for their encouragement and God for His unconditional love. Rock on!
ADAM BURDICK (Ensemble)
Adam is pleased to return to the stage in Seattle after a ten-year hiatus. During the intervening years he has directed choirs, taught voice, and performed as a tenor soloist and professional chorister, and most recently earned a doctorate in choral conducting at the University of Washington. Adam’s favorite past roles include Jesus in Godspell, Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance, and Nanki-Pooh and Koko in The Mikado – in separate productions, of course! He is now director of the Music School at Dusty Strings Acoustic Music Shop in Seattle.
DANIEL CORDS (Ensemble)
A native of Seattle, Daniel is passionate about two things, coffee and live theater! Daniel has recently been seen on stage with the Seattle Men’s Chorus, and is excited to be joining the men and Leslie Jordan on stage in June for their hilarious production of A Comedy Tonight! Daniel’s favorite credits include Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Caliban in The Tempest, Mallvolio in Twelfth Night, Creon in Antigone, and Sir Harry in Once Upon A Mattress. Daniel is very excited to be making his first appearance with Redwood Theatre, and is extremely thankful for the continued support of his friends and family.
ADRIENNE EASTON (Ensemble)
Adrienne is very excited to be joining Redwood Theatre for this production of CHESS. She has recently been seen around the Puget Sound area as Dr. Penfield in Damn Victims, The Actor in The Fantasticks, Mary in Dust of Providence, Lily Belle in A Curious Savage, Rose in Enchanted April, Marcy in Ravenscroft, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Petra in A Little Night Music. When not acting she enjoys hiking, yoga, making balloon animals, listening to her husband play unusual saxophones, administering IQ tests, and practicing Ayurveda.
AARON FORD (Ensemble)
Aaron is excited to be participating in his first production with Redwood. Recent roles include Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls and Orin the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, both with the Northwest Savoyards. Aaron has performed with a variety of theatrical and choral ensembles in Seattle, New York and Washington D.C. Thanks go out to family and friends for their support. This performance is dedicated to my father, who taught me how to play chess (badly).
HAILEY HAYS (Ensemble/Featured Dancer)
Hailey is very excited to be performing in Chess! She is a graduate of Boise State University with degrees in Theatre Performance and Dance. Most recently you might have seen her in the sensational Seattle premiere of Reefer Madness: The Musical, which she also choreographed, A Chorus Line as Judy at Second Story Rep., or maybe even at the Everett Event Center in Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding playing Vicki Black, the Caterer’s Favorite Daughter. This past summer she traveled around the Pacific NW as Wild Jill Hiccup in Let’s Pretend Entertainment’s Wild West Show! She would like to thank her King and her family for all their support!!
ADRIENNE MAYS (Ensemble)
Adrienne Mays loves dancing, singing and acting, but isn’t so good at chess. She plays many other games somewhat obsessively though, and is entertained when her gaming and her theater coincide. She does not have wood for your sheep.
LISA SPOELSTRA (Ensemble)
Lisa is very excited to have CHESS as her first performance with Redwood Theatre. Lisa has been involved with productions at the Northwest Savoyards, recently performing in The Wizard of Oz, Guys and Dolls, H.M.S. Pinafore, and Trial By Jury. Lisa has also been featured in other productions like A Christmas Carol, Lil’ Abner, Midsummer Nights Dream, Peace Doesn’t Come Swiftly, and Black Comedy. Lisa is in her last semester at Northwest University with a Drama Degree and she is also very involved working in Film and TV. Lisa is thankful for all her blessings including her very supportive and encouraging family and friends. Psalms 46:5 “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
ERIC VILLIERS (Ensemble)
This is Eric’s first production with Redwood Theatre and he is very excited to be involved with the show. Eric is a graduate of Central Washington University, with a BA in Theatre Arts Performance. He recently performed the lead role in a short independent film and has acted in a variety of shows including Fool of the World, Working, Steamboatin’ Days, and The Dinner Party where he originated the role of Percival. Eric has also sung the role of Marco in Puccini’s Giannni Schicchi and performed in the opera Don Giovanni.
WESLEY WALTON (Ensemble)
Wes is excited to be taking part in his premiere theatrical performance in Washington. Wes studied music education at the University of Oklahoma before moving to Seattle. He is currently a singing member of the Seattle Men’s Chorus and can be seen performing with them throughout the year. Some of his favorite past productions include You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Godspell, and Grease. Wes is currently working in the banking industry while also attending school part time to finish his degree. Wes would like to thank his family and Rob for their constant support.
CELE WOLMAN (Ensemble)
Chess is one of Cele’s very favorite musicals, as evidenced by the fact that this is her third appearance in a Chess production. Cele (a self-proclaimed ABBA fanatic) is a company member at Second Story Repertory and the Microsoft Theatre Troupe. Recent productions have included Anything Goes, No Hole Holiday and Schoolhouse Rock. God bless Benny and Bjorn.
KRISTA GIBBON (Featured Dancer)
Krista is thrilled to be a part of the cast of CHESS. She is currently in her second year of studying theatre at the University of Washington. Her favorite roles include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Player in Pippin, Irene in Footloose (Kentridge Players), and most recently, Ensemble in Mame (5th Avenue Theatre). She would especially like to thank her fantastic family and friends and Roy and Hillary for putting so much work into this production!
JOHN HUDDLESTUN (Featured Dancer)
A native of Atlanta, GA, John R. Huddlestun moved to the Northwest last June to perform summer stock theatre in Morton, WA. He immediately fell in love with the Evergreen state and moved to Seattle in the fall. Since in Seattle, he has performed as Don in A Chorus Line, Sebastian in The Tempest, Bobby the Stockfish in Urinetown, and several supporting roles around the Seattle area. During the week, John works with Open Door Theatre, a theatre that goes into schools and frees children from abuse and violence by teaching safety skills through dramatic live performances. Check their website out at www.opendoortheatre.org. John is thrilled to be making his Redwood Theatre debut and is excited to work with Roy, Hilary, and this fun cast!
JAMES OESTREICH (Featured Dancer)
James Oestreich is glad to be making his debut performance with Redwood Theatre. A Seattle Pacific University graduate (’04), James has a double BA in Christian Theology and Theatre. He was last seen playing Jimmy Jack Bodeen in a Cornish production of Money and Run. James’ favorite roles include: Bobby in A Chorus Line (Second Story Rep), Christopher Wren in A Mousetrap (The Attic), and Wormwood in The Screwtape Letters (The Attic). Special thanks to his Dad who taught him how to play chess as a kid.
JOEL KURZYNSKI (Orchestra/Rehearsal accompanist)
Joel has been involved in numerous theatre productions both on-stage and as a musician. He has musically directed productions of Li’l Abner, How to Succeed… and has been an assistant musical director for productions of Dames at Sea, Into the Woods, and Chess (all in the Cincinnati area). Joel is also a composer and arranger and has premiered numerous arrangements nationally including by The Cincinnati Men’s Chorus and Seattle’s own Rainbow City Band. Joel holds a BA in mathematics and computer science from Skidmore College. This is Joel’s Seattle community theatre debut.
JOEL GUIDRY (Orchestra)
Joel has been involved in many theater productions, on the stage as an actor and in the pit as a musician. For the past 5 years he has served as principal oboist for Rainbow City Band, and has played with Rain City Symphony (oboe, flute and clarinet) and Lake Union Civic Orchestra (flute/piccolo.) When he is not playing, Joel works as a freelance sign language interpreter. He is thrilled to be back in the pit, and would like to thank Joel K. and Rachel Rene for this wonderful opportunity!
DAN NIVEN (Orchestra)
Spending the last three years as an actor in a variety of roles, Dan is delighted to return to his theatre pit orchestra roots in this grand “Chess mix.” While at the U of W Dan played in Husky Marching Band, then went on to graduate from the Armed Forces School of Music and serve as a trombonist in the First Marine Division Band. This summer, Dan returns to the stage as Nick Bottom in the Mountaineer Players’ production of Arne Zaslove’s 1950’s Rock & Roll A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
BRADY REED (Orchestra)
Brady has played reeds and guitar in numerous pit orchestras around the Puget Sound area, serving Driftwood Theatre, Northwest Savoyards, Attic Theatre, Pine Nut Players, and the Woodinville High School Theatre Arts department. Productions have included Sound of Music, Gypsy, Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, Music Man, Footloose, Anything Goes, Mame, Honk!, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Mikado. He has also served as producer, having helped organize and launch two Woodinville High School field trips to Edinburgh to perform Oklahoma! and Crazy for You. Other theatre credits include founding board president and production manager of Woodinville Repertory Theatre, as well as technical stints in sound and lighting design.
GARY STUECKLE (Orchestra)
Gary is having fun playing in the pit for Redwood Theatre’s production of CHESS. He has been playing bass for decades but only working in musicals for a few years, recently in Honk and The Rocky Horror Show.
MATTHEW TEVENAN (Orchestra)
Matthew took up the cello 19 years ago, and has been part of numerous ensembles in both San Francisco, where he was born and raised, and Seattle. He has also provided music for two plays produced by Macha Monkey Productions, on whose board of directors he now serves as vice president.
HILLARY MENCKE (Choreographer)
Hillary is pleased to be making her debut with the Redwood Theatre. She recently graduated from Skidmore College with a BS in theatre and dance where she choreographed for her tap group “Stompin’ Soles”. Other choreography credits include Experiments In Eden a Katrina Benefit Concert and assisting for The Wiz, Oklahoma and West Side Story. Love and thanks to family and friends.
TERESA WIDNER (Producer)
Teresa received her Bachelor of Arts degree from of Western State College of Colorado. She started theater in kindergarten and hasn’t stopped since! She came to the Northwest in 1994 and got the lead role of Babe in Crimes of the Heart. She’s stage managed, produced, directed and acted all over since then, making wonderful friends along the way. Coming full circle (this is a plug for next season!) she will be directing Crimes of the Heart for Redwood Theatre in February 2009. She has been seen on stage with Valley Community Players in Renton, Renton Civic, Greenstage, Driftwood Players, Theatre Schmeater, Breeder’s Theatre in Burien, Stone Soup Theatre and last but not least Redwood Theatre.
ROY ARAUZ (Director)
This is Roy’s third production at Redwood, having previously choreographed The Fantasticks and stage managed Love, Sex, and the IRS. He has been in love with Chess since the first time he heard the cast recording, way back in 1988, and is thrilled to make this his directorial debut. In addition to Redwood, he has choreographed for Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theatre, SecondStory Repertory, Studio East, and Microsoft Theatre Troupe; and stage managed for ArtsWest, Balagan Theatre, and Downstage Left Productions. Rarely seen on stage, he is grateful to have performed his two dream roles: Paul in A Chorus Line and Chino is West Side Story at the Little Theatre of Alexandria in Alexandria, VA. He was nominated for a 1993 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Choreography for Female Hitchhikers for Consenting Adults Theatre Company in Washington, DC. This summer he will choreograph South Pacific at Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theatre. My love to jS for putting up with my crazy rehearsal schedule and always being there. MEAT!
THOMAS GLASS (Stage Manager)
Thomas is very happy to be making his Redwood Theatre debut with such a talented cast and crew. Originally from the midwest, Thomas is proud to call the Pacific Northwest home. Thomas has stage managed for such notable theatres as Book-It (Owen Meany’s Christmas Pageant, Double Indemnity), Northwest Actor’s Studio (Blue Moon Chronicles), Valley Community Players (Steel Magnolias, See How They Run) and Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theatre (Meet Me In St. Louis). Thomas has also appeared in many shows including How The Other Half Loves (Bob), Oklahoma (Will Parker/Dream Curly), Miss Evers’ Boys (Dr. John Douglas) and the Audrey 2 puppeteer in Little Shop of Horrors. Thomas would like to give a big thank you to Paul and Louise for their love and constant support.
