Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella
A Note From the Director
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Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella is a musical in two acts with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Douglas Carter Beane. The story is inspired by the well known fairy tale Cinderella. The stories share the basic plot of a young woman forced into a life of servitude by her cruel stepmother after her fathers death. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella is transformed and given the chance to have the life she imagines for herself. However, in this version of the story, there are a few differences that give the story more depth and weight. There are some new characters including: a sympathetic stepsister and a revolutionary. With the addition of these new characters, comes new songs as well. Cinderella herself is also given a new plot point. While attending the ball, she captures not only the Prince’s heart, but his mind as well. Cinderella opens the eyes of the Prince to the injustice occurring in his kingdom in hopes to improve the lives of those being treated unfairly. Cinderella has a purpose in the story bigger than just falling in love.
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To embrace the modern take on a classic story, we approached this show with nothing off the table. We decided to look at this adaptation through the lens of a pop-up book to tell the fairytale. Within doing so, we abandoned traditional gender expectations and roles for characters. Similarly, the costumes of the show are completely unique to this production, and are anything but the traditional ball gown. Thank you for your constant support, we hope you enjoy the show!
Stephen Svoboda & Riley Gibson
Cast List
Principle Characters
Cinderella, Lizzie Bowman
Prince Topher, Gavin Buurma
Marie/Fairy Godmother, Jasmine Ridler
Madame, Gretta Griesbach
Gabrielle, Audrey Warren
Charlotte, Natalie Joritz
Lord Pinkleton, Garrett Hummel
Sebastian, Jadon Muniz
Jean-Michel, Caira Goldstein
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Ensemble
Bailee Coss
Benjamin Neiberlein
Ben Pollizi
Bri Clark
Chantress Dewitt
Elayna Brock
Gage Hill
Hannah Schoen
Jack Mills
Jackson Helmholtz
Kathryn Stalnaker
Khadijah Kennedy
Lexy Saxon
Nick Talion
Rebecca Eppard
Riley Ameel
Taylor Richardson
Zach Abraham
Zaria Keys
Production/Creative Team
Director, Stephen Svoboda
Assistant Director, Riley Gibson
Music Director, David Cotter
Assistant Music Director, Zach Abraham
Stage Manager, Kamryn Mohney
Assistant Stage Managers, Allison Gonzales & Serria Allen
Choreographer, Pamela Shirtz
Dance Captains, Bri Clark, Chantress DeWitt, & Jackson Helmholtz
Technical Director, Ben Bodart
Lighting Designer/Master Electrician, Ben Pollizi
Light Board Operator, Kylee Kent
Sound Board Operator, Anna Gerber
Costume Designer, Max Levitt
Assistant Costume Designer, Hannah Schoen
Stitcher, Emily Sesha Marie
Hair & Makeup, Taylor Richardson
Scenic Designer, Ryan Douglass
Scenic Charge, Bri Clark
Spotlight Operator, Jordan Kline & Kenzie Brown
Deck Hand, Taylor Yunker
Props Master, Sarah Zapola
Meet the Cast
Zach Abraham is a sophomore at Heidelberg University this spring. He is currently pursuing a degree in both Musical Theatre as well as Accounting. Zach is beyond excited to play in the ensemble in this production. Zach is also the assistant Music Director. Zsch is also the Vice President of Make-a-Scene Improv group on campus. Zach would like to thank his family in Marion, as well as his musical theatre family here in Tiffin. Zach wishes everyone to break a leg with Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella!
Riley Ameel is a freshman this year and is loving it at Heidelberg. Not only can you find her on stage you can also find her on the volleyball court. This is Riley’s 4th show with Heidelberg. She loved learning how to walk on stilts and the fun dancing for this show! Some of Riley’s favorite parts she has played in the past include Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors, Margot from Legally Blonde and Logan from 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Riley would like to thank her parents, sister and past directors for always supporting her! She would like to give a special thanks to the seniors, the crew, and everyone who worked really hard on this show.
Lizzie Bowman is a fourth year student at Heidelberg University, majoring in Musical Theatre. In the past while attending Heidelberg Lizzie has appeared in Pride and Prejudice (Jane), Cabaret (Rosie), She Kills Monsters (Agnes) and Freaky Friday (Gretchen), Elf (Emily), and Dance Nation (Sofia). Previously she has been a production member in My First Time (Stage Manager), The Addams Family (Assistant Stage Manager), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Wardrobe) and The Penguin Tango (Assistant Props Master), as well as dance captain for Freaky Friday and 9 to 5. Lizzie is very excited to be performing as Cinderella in her final main stage production at Heidelberg. She would like to thank everyone who has supported her over the last four years.
Elayna Brock is a Junior musical theatre major at Heidelberg University. She has appeared as Joan in Fun Home, Torrey in Freaky Friday, Ashlee in Dance Nation, Alice Beineke in The Addams Family, and most recently, Hippolyta/Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Elayna is excited to be back on the stage once again this year, but she couldn’t do it without the love and support of her friends and family. She also wants to thank the amazing cast and crew for their hard work and dedication!
Gavin Buurma is a Senior Musical Theatre major, with a minor in Business Administration from Willard, Ohio. He has performed in various productions at Heidelberg including The Addams Family, Elf, 9 to 5, Heathers, Fun Home, Puffs & Cabaret. Gavin just wrapped up directing his first full-length production, The Cake by Bekah Brunstetter, in our new Blackbox Space. He was also the assistant director of this semester’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He would like to thank his friends and family, especially his mom, for all of their support. The cast and crew have worked incredibly hard on this production and he is very excited for everyone to see this show!
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Bri Clark is a junior Musical Theater major and is on track to get her MBA. She has participated in theatrical shows pretty much her whole life. Bri has been over 14 in shows here at Heidelberg. She also participates as the Scenic Charge and Graphic Designer for the theater department. She is also the Puppet Master and one of the Dance captains for Cinderella. Bri is excited for her future here at Heidelberg as well as what will follow once she graduates.
Bailee Coss is a Junior double major in Political Science and Music where she studies voice. This is her first time acting on stage in a theater performance but has worked backstage before during Pride and Prejudice. She has been very thankful for her time spent with the theater department.
Chantress DeWitt is a sophomore musical theatre major. During her time here at Heidelberg, she has performed both backstage and onstage. Her most recent performances include Elf, Heathers, 9 to 5, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has been dance captain for The Addams Family, and now Cinderella. She would like to thank her fellow dance captains for their countless hours spent on the show and the actors and production team for their dedication to this show. They are so glad you could make it out to see the show and thank you for your support!
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Rebecca Eppard is a sophomore music major with a theater minor and a business minor. She is involved in Heidelberg’s Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Color Guard, HeiNotes Show Choir, and the honors program. This is her production here at Heidelberg, but she is no stranger to the stage having performed for over 14 years in dance and other shows. Rebecca wants to thank her mom and dad for always supporting her and pushing her to succeed in everything she does.
Caira Goldstein is in the MBA program at Heidelberg University. She has an undergraduate degree in Musical Theatre. She was previously in Heathers, Elf, Fun Home, Lysistrata, Oedipus Rex, Macbeth, Cabaret, acted/assistant directed/choreographed Dance Nation and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and was a part of many more shows here at Heidelberg. She performed in the masterclasses of Tom Cippulo and Jeff Blumenkrantz and directed a Drew Gasparini album review. She would also like to thank Stephen and David for giving her these wonderful opportunities. Caira thanks you for your endless support throughout her time at Heidelberg and hopes you enjoy the show!
Gretta Griesbach is a Junior Theatre Major here at Heidelberg University. She has been performing in productions all throughout middle school and high school. She has performed on the Heidelberg stage in 'She Kills Monsters', 'Freaky Friday', 'Elf', 'Dog Sees God’, ‘Heathers, '9 to 5,’ ‘Addam’s Family,’ ‘My First Time,’ ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Gretta is super excited to be back acting on the stage and would like to thank everyone for their support for this production! She wants to especially thank the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication towards this amazing show!
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Jackson Helmholtz is a freshman musical theatre major from Dexter, Michigan. He has acted in multiple productions at Heidelberg University including The Addams Family, My First Time, The Cake, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and now Cinderella! He has also been a light board operator for Eurydice, and he is so excited to be one of the dance captains as well as ensemble for Cinderella! He would like to thank his fellow dance captains along with his friends and family for all their support. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Gage Hill is a second-year musical theatre major from Clyde, Ohio. In the past he has performed in shows at Clyde High School, Bellevue Society for the Arts, and at Heidelberg University. He has been in Seussical the Musical, Guys and Dolls, Beauty and the Beast, and Freaky Friday (Twice), among others. I’m just doing my best, and having fun. Gage is maybe looking a little prettier than usual this show.
Isaac Hulbert has always been fascinated with productions of all kinds on and off stage. Now that he is here at Heidelberg University, he is able to live out my dreams on the stage. I am honored for the opportunity to participate in this show.
Garrett Hummel plays Lord Pinkleton in Cinderella. Garrett is a junior theater major. Other Heidelberg performances include The Cake, The Addams Family, Heathers, Freaky Friday and Elf. He has also been involved in Black Swamp productions of Clue, The Musical and Psych. Garrett also had roles in the movies, The Legend of Holcomb Road and Amorette Hotel.
Khadijah Kennedy is a freshman musical theatre major. She is originally from Louisiana, but moved to Warren, Ohio four years ago. Khadikah would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Zaria Keys is a Freshman and is currently double majoring in Psychology and Theatre with a concentration in Acting. She is from Lima, Ohio, and is so excited to continue her plans at Heidelberg! She has been involved in productions such as The Addams Family, Pride and Prejudice, The Cake, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Saga. She is also involved in ensembles on campus like Heimonics and Hei-Notes. She wants to give the Seniors a HUGE thank you for everything they’ve done and also to the entire cast! She wants to lastly thank her family, and YOU, the audience for your support and hopes you enjoy the show!
Natalie Joritz is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production with such amazing people. Previously, she took the stage as Mustardseed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Kitty Bennet/Georgiana Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. Offstage, Natalie was an assistant stage manager for Midsummer, as well as the music director for The Saga. Outside of theatre, Natalie is involved in the Hei-Notes show choir, Heimonics acapella group, Make-A-Scene improv troupe, as well as a member of Zeta Theta Psi. Love goes out to her friends and family for all their support, the production team for making this show happen, and her fellow scene partners for taking her under their wing. Enjoy the show!
Jack Mills is a sophomore musical theatre major. He is a part of Heidelberg’s Heinotes, and Heidelberg’s improv group, Make-a-Scene. He has performed in Heidelberg’s production’s of Freaky Friday, Elf, Heathers The Musical, he was Luke in Dance Nation, Josh in 9 to 5. His most recent role being Lucas in The Addams Family. He is very excited to be a part of Heidelberg’s production of Cinderella. He wants to thank his friends and family for their continuous support. He would also like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work, dedication, and being such great role models, and great people to work with. Hope you enjoy the show!
Jadon Muniz is an Acting and Business major who will be doing the MBA program at Heidelberg University. Jadon is a second year student and debuted on the Gundlach Theater stage as Wells in Freaky Friday as a freshman. Other roles Jadon has enjoyed while being at Heidelberg, is Manager in Elf, and Father in Eurydice. Jadon would like to thank his family for the constant love and support they give!
Benjamin Neiberlein is a sophomore from Hudson, Ohio, majoring in Theatre at Heidelberg University. He has been in productions before at his local hometown theater, Young Actors Studio including productions of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Mamma Mia!, and Aladdin. This is his 6th production at Heidelberg. His favorite roles performed were Count Dracula and Sweeney Todd. When not on stage, he enjoys painting and playing piano. He has also done volunteer work for Weathervane Community Playhouse in Akron, Ohio, helping out with set construction of Kinky Boots. He is also associated with Sigma Tau Nu Fraternity and Hei Notes on campus. He has recently played Oberon and Theseus in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Gundlach Theater.
Ben Pollizi is a junior musical theatre major here at Heidelberg and is so glad to be back on-stage performing! This semester he is performing in Midsummer as Bottom, in the ensemble of Cinderella, and in the Saga, as well as designing the lights for The Cake and The Saga. He serves as the master electrician for the theater as well. Previously he has played Oliver in Puffs, Beethoven in Dog Sees God, Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice, along with many other roles over his time here. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Taylor Richardson is a senior English Writing and Theatre Acting major from Dayton, OH. Previously she has been seen as Bee in The Saga, Della in The Cake, Megan in Puffs, and Margaret in 9 to 5. In addition to designing hair and makeup for Cinderella, she has designed The Saga, The Cake, Puffs, andPride and Prejudice. She is also a member of the Improv Troupe Make-A-Scene, sorority Zeta Theta Psi, and theatre honorary Alpha Psi Omega. She is both overjoyed and saddened to finish her final Heidelberg show and would like to thank her peers, specifically class of 2022, for all of their dedication, love, and talents over the past 4 years.
Jasmine Ridler is a senior Theatre and History double major with a business minor. She is honored and elated to be playing Marie in Cinderella as her final undergraduate theatrical performance. Throughout her 4 years at Heidelberg, she has done numerous productions with a variety of acting and production jobs. Recently, she has Assistant Directed and designed Hair/ Makeup for Heidelberg’s production of Sara Ruhl’s Eurydice. Throughout all her acting roles her favorites have been Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, Roz in 9 to 5, and Fraulein Schnider in Cabaret. Outside of theatre, Jasmine is the President of the Berg LGBTQ+ Alliance, the Founder of the Berg Body Positivity Club, Game Master of Make-A-Scene Improv Comedy Troupe, a Euglossian Society Corollary member, Sigma Tau Nu Corollary member, member of the theatre honorary Alpha Psi Omega, and a proud Parliamentarian of her sorority Kappa Psi Omega. She would like to thank her professors Stephen Svoboda and David Cotter, as well as thank her youth voice teacher Miss Helen Todd for their belief in her and passion for helping her grow. She would also like to thank her graduating class of senior theatre majors for four wonderful years in the making. And finally, she would like to thank her family and her partner, Leo Swain, for his love and support.
Lexy Saxon is a first year acting major. She has been involved in shows such as The Addams Family, My First Time, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. She was also the assistant lighting designer for The Saga: A Parody Musical. She would like to thank her friends and family for always being so supportive. She hopes you enjoy the show and come to more!
Hannah Schoen is a Senior musical theatre major at Heidelberg. Since coming to Heidelberg she has done The Music Man, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, The Penguin Tango, Lysistrata and Oedipus, She Kills Monsters, Elf, Puffs, Heathers, 9 to 5, The Addams Family, Rocky Horror, Pride and Prejudice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and finally Cinderella. She has also been involved in Hei-notes, has worked wardrobe and designing in previous shows, and is a member Alpha Psi Omega. She hopes to continue her career in grad school next Fall. She has made so many great memories and is thankful to have worked with so many amazing people. Thank you and enjoy the show!
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Kathryn Stalnaker is a Junior here at Heidelberg University. She is an Early Childhood Education and Intervention Special Major. She is a part of the ensemble for this production of Cinderella. This is Kathryn’s third show here at Heidelberg, but 6th show overall. She would like to thank all of those that have always supported her and continue to support her.
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Nick Talion is a junior at Heidelberg and is so excited to return to Gundach for yet another production! He has been in previous productions here at Gundlach such as Cabaret (Ernst), She Kills Monsters (Miles), Dog Sees God (CB), and most recently My First Time. He would like to thank his friends and family for all the support and for helping him make it this far, as well as the entire cast and the directors for making this show a memorable one!
Audrey Warren is a freshman Musical Theatre major and Visual Art minor. She is thrilled to be a part of such a groundbreaking and historic musical. Some of their previous roles here at Heidelberg include Philostrate/Elvis Fairy (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Prairie Woman Ancestor (The Addams Family), and one of the people in (My First Time). Audrey is honored to share this experience with such an amazing cast. She’d like to thank Stephen Svoboda and David Cotter for trusting her, and a special thanks to “the lovers, the dreamers, and you.”
Meet the Production/Creative Team
Serria Allen is a freshman English and Integrated Media major with a minor in Theatre. She has performed in The Addams Family and was the Assistant Stage Manager for All Together Now. She is ecstatic to be back for Cinderella. Serria has also been the show photographer for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Eurydice, and My First Time. She would like to thank the friends she has made in theatre for making her feel welcome her first year here.
David Cotter previously served as the Managing Artistic Director of Town Hall Theatre, the only theatre in Dayton, Ohio, exclusively presenting work for young audiences. While at Town Hall Theatre, David oversaw the redevelopment of the education programs, developed programming for adults with special needs, and created and implemented a facilities upgrade plan for the theatre which included new lighting, sound and audience seating upgrades. David was the Director of Education at The Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, N.Y. where he oversaw a $3.2 million education collaboration program that focused arts integration and collaboration with students in the Syracuse City School District. In addition, he oversaw programming that included the Rock Camp experience, programming for adults with special needs and communications training for graduate and doctoral students in the medical fields. David is a certified music educator in Ohio and New York and spent time in the middle school classroom. David is a frequent presenter at conferences, which include the Southeastern Theatre Conference, American Alliance for Theatre Education, Florida Theatre Conference and Tedx. He is an avid musical theatre performer, director, and music director.
Ryan Douglass is a scenic designer and educator based in Binghamton NY. He received his MFA in scenic design from The Pennsylvania State University, and his BA in Music & Theatre from Florida State University. He currently serves as an adjunct professor in theatre and design at The Pennsylvania State University and Binghamton University. He has worked as an assistant and associate designer in the NYC and D.C. market, as well as spending this upcoming and last summer working at The MUNY in St. Louis. Ryan strives to find ways to introduce new and burgeoning technologies into his designs and the theatreworld at large.
Anna Gerber is a senior theatre major at Heidelberg University. She is so excited to be working sound for Cinderella (her favorite princess when she was younger!!). Last summer, Anna worked at Porthouse Theatre as a microphone and sound technician. At Heidelberg, she has been stage manager for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pride and Prejudice, Elf, and Fun Home. She has worked sound on Addam’s Family, 9 to 5, and Heathers. Anna was also assistant director for 9 to 5 and was props master for Puffs. She would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support.
Allison Gonzales is a senior studying theatre with a concentration in production. She is one of the assistant stage managers for Cinderella. While being at Heidelberg, she has stage managed 9-5, Heathers, Puffs, Addams Family, Dog Sees God, and Oedipus, and set designed A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She also helped with the set building and painting during this show. This is Allison’s final show at Gundlach Theater and she would like to thank her amazing director, cast and crew for working so hard on this production and also her family for always supporting her. Thank you for the past 3 years at Gundlach and my chosen family within the theater department.
Riley Gibson is a senior musical theatre major. This is her 5th show at Heidelberg that she has assistant directed, the others include: Lysistrata, Oedipus, Elf, and The Addams Family. This year she directed her first show, My First Time, which was performed in the blackbox theatre. She has also worked on the shows, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Penguin Tango, and Dog Sees God. She has been on stage just as much having performed in, The Music Man, Macbeth, Mamma Mia, Cabaret, She Kills Monsters, Freaky Friday, Elf, Dance Nation, Heathers, 9 to 5, Pride and Prejudice and Eurydice. In addition, she performed 4.48 Psychosis, a one person show, by Sarah Kane. Riley would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work, and the community for their continued support. Thank you all for an amazing 4 years at Heidelberg.
Kylee Kent is a freshman Musical Theatre and Education major who comes from Lucas, Ohio. On campus she is a part of HeiNotes and has been in The Addams Family and The Saga: A Twilight Parody on campus. Off campus she has been involved in a number of shows in the Mansfield area including her favorite, Kiss Me, Kate where she took on the role of Lilly Vanessi. She would like to thank everyone involved in Cinderella for all of their hard work! Enjoy the show!!
Kamryn Mohney is a musical theatre major and a business minor hoping to achieve her MBA at Heidelberg University. Kamryn is a third year student and debuted on the Gundlach Theater stage as Fraulein Kost in Cabaret as a freshman. A few other roles Kamryn has enjoyed while being at Heidelberg, is Medium Allison in Fun Home, Ellie Blake in Freaky Friday, and Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, and Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her favorite role was Heather McNamara in Heathers. She also assistant stage managed Pride & Prejudice. Kamryn is extremely excited to stage manage her first show at Heidelberg. She is apart of Hei Notes here on campus. Kamryn would love to thank her friends and family for all of their support. She has been involved with theatre since the seventh grade and is delighted to continue her journey at Heidelberg.
Pamela Shirtz has spent her life following her passion for performance and education, becoming a strong advocate for the arts both in the classroom and the community. Pamela began her passion for the stage while dancing with D & D Dance in Toledo, which led to opportunities to perform at Disney World and eventually becoming a noted choreographer in her own right. She choreographs for professional venues, community theaters, colleges, and high schools throughout northern Ohio. Her choreography is a unique combination of traditional dance steps with contemporary moves, showcasing the work of renowned entertainers, such as Fred Astaire or Michael Jackson, and develops them into a dance with the same energy and glamour of a Broadway chorus line; receiving overwhelming response from the performers she has worked with and the audiences she has entertained. Pamela is the proud recipient of the 2015 & 2016 Choreographer of the Year award from BroadwayWorld.com for her her choreography in Footloose and Into the Woods.
Her interests in acting and theatre have led her to play character roles from the community theatre stage to professional repertory work; starring in such diverse roles as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Judy Haynes in White Christmas, Roxie in Chicago, Maria in The Sound of Music, Natalie in Next to Normal, and many more. Pamela originated the role of Sadie in the new musical Sophie's Light in 2018. As a singer, Pamela has enjoyed frequent invitations to sing for various engagements; her most honored performance was singing for the NYPD Port Authority following September 11th. Pamela is a proud board member for Lorain Community Music Theater and the Lange Trust.
A passionate educator when not on the stage, Pamela is a first grade teacher. In 2005, Pamela served as an education specialist with the Amy Biehl Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa, working in developing educational programs and opportunities for both the students and teachers in several township schools. Pamela holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education & Reading and a Masters of Educational Administration from Bowling Green State University. She has been a guest speaker for both school and thespian conferences throughout the State of Ohio regarding family engagement and dance. Pamela was the recipient of the 2016 ACE Educator of the Year award for Erie County and was recently presented with the Terrific Teacher Award for the Radio Station 102.7 in 2018. In 2020, Shirtz achieved National Board Certification, the highest honor in education. Pamela also serves on the boards of The Lange Trust and The Sandusky Library.
Stephen Svoboda is currently an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Heidelberg University, where he teaches coursework in acting, script analysis, musical theatre direction, play direction, theatre history and criticism. He is responsible for curriculum and course development in The School of Music & Theatre as well as being responsible for the artistic and programmatic development of Gundlach Theatre. He served as the Executive Artistic Director of the Redhouse Arts Center from 2011-2016. Previously, he served as the Executive Artistic Director of the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y. While at the Redhouse Arts Center, Stephen developed unique partnerships with a variety of organizations throughout the state, including a multi-million-dollar contract with the Syracuse City Schools that made The Redhouse the regional leader in arts education and integration. In addition, while at the Redhouse he created a repertory company of artists, designers and community members that enabled him to produce, in a typical year, over 16 productions, 300 classes and cultivate relationships with communities typically underserved by arts including urban youth and families and adults with disabilities. Prior to working in regional arts centers, Stephen taught at the University of Miami, where his students and colleagues ranked him as one of the best teachers in the College of Arts and Sciences. He created a BFA in Playwriting and Directing track that focused on developing young dramatists through devising, growing, and staging new works, while celebrating the great diversity of student voices.
His play, Odysseus Died from AIDS, was developed in Miami and received its world premiere at the New York International Fringe Festival, where the production was awarded “Best Ensemble.“ Odysseus Died from AIDS was published in the anthology Plays and Playwrights 2005, by the New York Theatre Experience, and received its international premiere in 2007 in Athens, Greece with a subsequent production in Seoul, South Korea in 2008. In March 2011, the Red House production of Odysseus DOA had a limited engagement run at Theatre Row Studios in NYC. Odysseus DOA had its regional premiere in 2012 at Connecticut Repertory Theatre, where the production was awarded “Best Play in Connecticut” by Broadway World. The Penguin Tango, premiered at the 2006 New York International Fringe Festival in The Actor’s Playhouse. The production was awarded “Best of the Festival” and extended as part of the Fringe Encore Series in the Lion Theater at Theatre Row. It was recently revived and revised on the Redhouse stage as part of the 2014-2015 season. Reconstructing Mama, a new musical written with N. David Williams, premiered Off Broadway at The Theatre Row Studios in August 2006. Stephen works internationally with The Harambe Project to help do HIV/AIDS education and prevention and orphan care throughout Africa.
Taylor Yunker is a second semester freshman. Taylor is a musical theatre major as well as a member of Heimonics. She has previously been an ensemble member in The Addams Family, an actor in My First Time, and Peter Quince in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She loves every opportunity she gets here and would like to thank all of her friends and family for constantly supporting her.
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Sarah Zapola is a senior from Huron, Ohio and a History and English Writing double major who is graduating in May of this year. She has performed in several Heidelberg Theater productions during her four years on campus, first in Mamma Mia! as a Yia-Yia, Oedipus Rex as a Chorus Member, Lysistrata as Ismenia, and Dog Sees God as CB’s Sister, and recently as Snug the Joiner in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She’s thrilled to have joined the Cinderella cast as Properties Master and work with the amazing cast and crew. She is so thankful for the theatre department here and sends them so much love. She hopes you all enjoy the show!