Clothespin Productions
Tedious Brief Theatre Company Jesse P. Howard
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Cast

Colin Smith (Cervantes/Don Quixote). Colin was the new kid at summerstage this year, but he has fit in startlingly well. Why? Colin is a self-described "diehard optimist." "He is willing to go down any road if he trusts you." On the first day of summerstage, he was the first person called up for voice auditions. With a few jitters, he "put everything that is remotely ‘Colin’ out on the table" and, well, we adored him. "He has a special way of connecting with people that proves to be quite rare."

Ashley Hoover (Aldonza/Dulcinea). More than sweet, more than kind, Ashley is one self-assured mama. "She gives off a strong aura of self-confidence, groundedness, and sense of self." Ashley is always insightful about her companions and surroundings. Her confidence (on and offstage) and her human intuition are the basis of her performance skills. Ashley finds this year to be her most challenging summerstage experience, due to the magnitude and complexity of her role.

Molly Arkin (Sancho Panza). Regarding her performance ethic, Molly says: "I’ve obtained my goal of not staying comfortable. The only way to grow is to reach out and do things that are outside of your immediate comfort zone." Ironically, the honest, funny, and "so damn huggable" Molly inadvertently builds a comfort zone for her peers. One peer commented: "If you ever need someone to help cheer you up, go talk to her."

Alice Moore (Governor/Innkeeper). In high school and in life, Alice has applied a principle she learned from summerstage singing rehearsals: "If you’re going to be wrong, be loud and wrong" (i.o.w. if you’re not sure, don’t hang back, be brave enough to say ‘hold on, I don’t get it’). In addition to being a tough and versatile actor, Alice is reflective, well-spoken, and a knee-slapping wit. Much appreciated were Alice’s daily healthy cookies, a supplement delicious enough to put PCC out of business.

Keenan Sullivan (Duke/Dr. Carrasco). Exhibiting an endearing and "insatiable appetite for activity," Keenan once described himself as having the personality of a ringing cowbell. Over the years, his ability to focus and work has quadrupled, and consequently, a variety of new personalities have surfaced (among them a more versatile actor and a bit of a closet philosopher). Unequivocally effected, Keenan reflects that "summerstage will forever be in [his] heart."

Sarah Goldblatt (Padre). Sarah has become the summerstage "battery," due to how constantly she keeps herself and others around her positive and focused. "She has a good sense of professionalism in her acting but is able to bring her dry wit along for the ride." Sarah always does all she has agreed to do. She personally cherishes summerstage because this group of individuals makes Sarah feel like her most complete self.

Laurel Stewart (Antonia/Gypsy). "Scientists have pondered for many years over the paradox of Laurel Stewart. She is so small and yet so joyful that many believe her presence to be a mere optical illusion". Laurel pulls off BIG tasks. She is dependable and dedicated to her craft, yet she also has time to be "the epitome of the perfect friend." There should really be a warning label on Laurel Stewart regarding how addictive she is.

Leah Bromet (Housekeeper/Gypsy). Playful. Peaceful. Perfect pitch. These are just a few words to catch the mix of qualities in Leah. One minute, she’s got a 6-foot-tall guy in a headlock; the next, she’s some female Buddah-type, listening to you with quiet intensity. Described as "open and sensitive" and also noted to be "a healer" of sorts, Leah goes out of her way for the people she cares about, and it shows.

Ellen Miller (The Barber/Gypsy). Both in person and onstage, Ellen is "a bundle of kinetic energy." She’s got a knockout voice and mature acting skills. "She is willing to make strong character choices and willing to have them changed by a director." Always prepared for rehearsal, Ellen "doesn’t lower the bar of expectation for herself just because she’s the youngest cast member." Ellen says: "the more you give, the more you get."

Winslow Johnson (Pedro, Head Muleteer). Winslow is "the textbook definition of low-maintenance when it comes to theater." He accepts any role and any amount of stage time, be it big or small, and then follows through on his job thoroughly. We "love him whether he's wearing a fencing uniform, a dentist's jacket, three weeks' worth of stubble, or a dress." Also, despite the precision, coordination, and disturbingly believable grunts he emits during fight choreography, Winslow is known to sport pigtails now and then.

Robin Stewart (Anselmo). Robin has fun working hard; he appreciates that in each progressive year of summerstage, a new "ridiculously hard" challenge is added. Says Robin: "It is not enough for us to do something we already know is possible." Not only a risk-taker, Robin is also a "man of peace;" he’s famous for teaching us a favorite muscle-relaxation exercise called "Linklater." P.S. Robin can also concoct "a mean website!"

Conor Byrne (Jose). Conor "marches to the beat of a different drum." Attending rehearsal with bedhead and a grin, Conor was frequently found inhabiting "The Box," a fort-like creation he built from stage-combat mats. Summerstagers frequented "The Box" for many a joke, song, or conversation, appreciating that Conor "doesn’t need to impress or have attention of others to be happy… he’ll do the right thing even if he doesn’t think anyone’s watching."

Morgan Harris (Juan/Gypsy). Though a bit of a jokester, Morgan has a professional acting attitude that is vital for his role in the production. He handles prisoner ad-libbing with humble grace and treats uncomfortable fight scenes with great maturity. In addition to this, Morgan’s voice is often described as "yummy." Despite his firm loyalty to bass notes, Morgan’s got some "truly terrific tenor tones." Also, Morgan "is always able to make people feel good about themselves, their work, and the people around them."

Alexis Lainoff (Paco). Alexis is a powerhouse vocally, physically, spiritually and creatively. She listens and then asks questions that challenge you to investigate your own thoughts more deeply. "Alexis believes summerstage is what has guided her to think outside of the box." She notices the little things and looks deeper, always searching for the good or unique. "Alexis is 100% genuine (like the Florida orange juice, only not in a box)."

Sam Russell (Tenorio/Guitarist). You wouldn't know it from his demented Dentist character in "Little Shop", but Sam is a pensive powerhouse. Through summerstage, he has learned to accept his "failures" as much as his accomplishments. He is comfortable in who he is, and he exudes "calming, yet invigorating energy" to those around him. Summerstagers enjoy Sam's mellow guitar-playing, a quality that sneaked into his onstage character this year.

Paige Pauli (Fermina). One has heard of multiple-personality disorder, but multiple-talent disorder? Paige is not only a dancing sensation or an artistic fiend (co-creator of Don Quixote's horse-head props, designer of multiple summerstage posters); she has recently put a motherload of work into her singing. She puts the same amount of work into people. Paige is "caring beyond belief. She goes out of her way to make sure people are alright."

Kelly McDonald (Onstage Director). Kelly is observed to "embrace the concept of ‘play’" as much as she embraces the time and effort it takes to shape a character. "She always seems eager to try new things, which pushes other people to do the same, which in turn, makes an overall better show." Kelly seems to have a remarkable bond with every summerstager (she should really be put on the market as an adhesive product). Somehow, her heart made it a step higher on the evolutionary scale.

Meagan Mays (Prisoner, Gypsy Girl). Entropy: noun. gr. "a measure of the degree of random movement within a system." Meagan’s refreshingly unselfconscious soul displays one of the world’s highest degrees of entropy. She reminds us that the sincerest thing is a random act of kindness. One of Meagan’s favorite summerstage experiences was working behind the scenes with costumes.

Jill Muscatel (Prisoner, Horse, Gypsy). Jill’s goal this year was "to have fun playing a small part well" and she launched head first into her role. Jill is one of those rare actors comfortable with ad-libbing and improvised movement. She is also an enthusiastic fight choreography participant. Despite that Jill is kind, caring, and jovial, Time magazine may give her Most Vicious Prisoner of the Year.

Brittany Stallings (Prisoner, Horse, Gypsy). Everyone comments on Brittany’s great smile, likely because it reflects her positive attitude about life. "She is fun-loving, has a great sense of humor, and at the same time, can be focused and take serious things seriously." Though sometimes a bit mischievous, "Brittany treats art as if she is simply taking a deep, satisfying breath."

 

 
Jesse directs actors sitting on the twelve-side-agon as Grace follows along in her script.

[Plain cast list]