BRENDAN RAGOTZY Producer
No stranger to Barn operations, Brendan literally grew up in the business, from his walk-on debut in 1966’s OLIVER! to his work as a stagehand, spot operator, stage manager, actor, director, assistant producer, and now Producer/Director. Combining his parents’ attributes with his own practical expertise, the Barn has an ideal leader for its second generation of Ragotzy ownership. Prior to his full-time Barn residency, Brendan was a production assistant for the American Film Market Association and production coordinator for ABC’s THE HOME SHOW. In 1989 he made his directorial debut with HAIR, followed by our soon-to-be all-time hit THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, BAY HOUSE, PHANTOM, A FEW GOOD MEN, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, TOMMY, BIG RIVER, FOOTLOOSE, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (also playing Pontius Pilate), and last season’s hits ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT and THE WIZARD OF OZ. He also staged his original musicals BILLY THE KID and OLD TIMER, the latter of which received a highly successful New York reading in 2003 featuring several Barnies and a title role performed by Tom Wopat. Brendan is married to actress Penelope Alex and is father to Luke (12), Calli (10), Jacob (7), and Melina (3).
DUSTY REEDS Associate Producer
As the Barn's longtime resident Scenic Designer, Dusty counts more than 250 productions touched by her artistry in addition to her work as an actor or director). Last season Dusty staged our season-opening GREATER TUNA. Her career as a designer includes stops at such famed theatres as the Cherry Lane in New York, the Provincetown Playhouse, the San Jose Opera, Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, and Colorado’s Diamond Circle Theatre. Dusty’s local work includes stints with the Battle Creek and Marshall Civic Theatres. As Associate Producer, she continues to assist Brendan Ragotzy with directorial and production concerns. Dusty's acting credits include personal favorites like Miss Tweed in SOMETHING’S AFOOT and Tom Wopat’s mother Big Mama in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. A Professor Emeritus of Theatre at San Jose State University, Dusty now lives in nearby Richland, where she devotes an enormous amount of time volunteering home and heart to the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, where she was recently elected to the Board of Directors. Dusty is also featured on K.A.R. advertising as the "face of senior cat adoption for seniors". Dusty urges everyone to have their pets spayed or neutered. Her Barnie sons, J. Michael Reeds and Robin Haynes, are both successful New York performers.
PENELOPE ALEX Publicist/EMC Coordinator
In her 21 seasons, Penelope has more than established herself on the Barn stage. Her resume here is highlighted by a series of compelling performances: Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Maria in LEND ME A TENOR, and Janet in our first two productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come to mind, as do her own favorites, such as the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, and opposite Tom Wopat as Nellie and Annie, respectively, in SOUTH PACIFIC and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Last season she was seen in OUT OF ORDER and starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in our sleeper hit THE WIZARD OF OZ. Her longest-running roles are her dearest- wife and mother to Barn Producer Brendan Ragotzy and their children Luke (12), Calli (10), Jacob (7), and Melina (3). Over the winter Penelope was seen in a guest artist capacity as Agnetha in the Whole Art Theatre’s FROZEN and appeared ‘round the region on radio and television commercials for Denooyer, Behavioral Health Resources, CTS, and was the pale restaurant customer in the spot for Midnight Tan and Cruise. In addition to her full slate onstage and at home Penelope serves the Barn as Publicist and coordinates the hiring and departmental placement of each season’s apprentice company. She’s a native of San Jose, CA, and like husband Brendan, is a proud alum of San Jose State University.
JOE AIELLO Director
This is Joe's 27th, yes 27th season as a member of the Barn's resident Equity company. Over the course of his Barn career Joe's talent and versatility won him acclaim for memorable portrayals of Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Daddy Warbucks in ANNIE, Lee in TRUE WEST, Albin/ZaZa in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Arthur in CAMELOT, Mozart in AMADEUS, Gallimard in M. BUTTERFLY, Nathan Detroit in GUYS AND DOLLS, Herbie in GYPSY, half the town in both GREATER TUNA and A TUNA CHRISTMAS, and he was the Barn's original Dr. Frank ‘N' Furter in its perennial hit THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. A gifted director as well, Joe has earned accolades for his Barn treatments of CABARET, SHE LOVES ME, CHESS, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, CRIMES OF THE HEART, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, LOST IN YONKERS, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, SWEENEY TODD, and BAT BOY (the last two co-directed with Scott Burkell). Joe lives in New York City where he is Director of Sales for Match-Tix Group Sales and Promotions and co-owner of Allied/Hit-Tix, Inc.
W. DOUGLAS BLICKLE Scenic Designer
Doug is extremely pleased to be back for a fourth season at the Barn. He’s a native of North East, PA, but has called Kalamazoo home for over 15 years. Doug was Scenic Designer for the Kalamazoo Civic Players for ten years before starting work with the Kalamazoo Public Schools, where he currently works. In addition to his local positions Doug’s design work has taken him across the country and across different media as well, including not only theatre but television, trade shows, museum exhibits, corporate events, corporate interiors, custom weddings, and much more. A few of his local clients include such companies as Stryker, Kellogg, and Battle Creek Health Systems. In addition, Doug also uses his design skills to create other artistic works such as watercolors, printworks, pen and inks, and other media. Doug holds a BA from SUNY Fredonia and an MFA from Syracuse University.
ROY BROWN Buildings and Grounds
Roy is pleased to mark his second season as an Equity resident. He's gained quite a following locally for a series of wonderful performances during his apprenticeship: Renfield in DRACULA, Stewpot in SOUTH PACIFIC, Reuben in our ’99 JOSEPH…, Lefou in BEAUTY IN THE BEAST, Harry the Horse in GUYS AND DOLLS, Mrs. Taylor in BAT BOY, Smudge in FOREVER PLAID, and most famously, da Jimmer in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT. Last summer Roy reprised his ESCANABA turn and also followed in the footsteps of Louis Girard and Barn founder Jack Ragotzy as the Bellhop in our third go-round of OUT OF ORDER. Roy's professional experience includes a Theatreworks USA national tour and the independent film SUMMER DAZE, which is currently in limited release. A native of Hastings and a veteran of major roles in all the prominent local civic theatres, Roy now calls New York City home. In addition to his acting load Roy is responsible for maintaining the beautiful grounds here at the Barn.
SCOTT BURKELL Director
Scott is celebrating his 25th Barn season after another eventful year in New York. Scott and Barnie Paul Loesel's new musical, ELLA MINNOW PEA, is now complete and had a major reading in May. Burkell/Loesel songs continue to be in-demand for cabaret and concert artists such as Susan Egan, Rebecca Luker and Kristin Chenowith. Barn favorite Marin Mazzie and her husband Jason Danieley recorded a couple of selections for their “Opposite You” CD. Scott also just finished a run as Cole Porter in RED, HOT, AND COLE for the Beaufort Performing Arts in Beaufort, SC. He also played various roles in the Broadway and First National Tour of the musical TITANIC. Here in Augusta his career has been unforgettable. Some faves include Molina in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Georg in SHE LOVES ME, Felix in THE ODD COUPLE, Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, the other half of Tuna, Texas in both GREATER TUNA and A TUNA CHRISTMAS, and perhaps his all-time gem, Riff-Raff in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Scott's credits last season include starring in 1776, ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, co-starring (opposite Joe Aiello) in both GREATER TUNA and OUT OF ORDER, and directing both OKLAHOMA! and GYPSY.
TIM CREWS Sound Designer
Tim is pleased to be working at the Barn Theatre for its 62nd season. He has been working in theatre productions for the last 8 years, 6 of them as a sound technician for theatre, bands, and various chorals groups. He has spent many summers working for a theme park in his home town of Ashland, VA. For the last 6 months, he was also working with a local improvisational comedy troupe known as Random Acts, supplying musical accompaniment and sound effects for various sketches (and of course, he was improving those right along with the action on stage.) He has also done set design for the first production of the musical annals of 1908 and lighting design for the Shenandoah University Dance Department's senior showcase "Premier". He dreams one day seeing his name not in lights (too ostentatious), but in small print next to the words "CD Produced By:".
JEANETTE FISCHER Costume Coordinator
Nettie (as she is known at the Barn) is an energetic, indispensable member of our team. As manager of our costume shop and storage, Nettie has kept that department running smoothly for over fifteen years. Her favorite show was CAUGHT IN THE NET, which she designed and built herself. Often at theatres like the Barn, costumes (like scenery and well, actors) are “pulled” from a stored stock. Nettie oversees that process, conducts fittings, builds costumes, and is always there to aid those little costume emergencies that befall actors during performances. She is the Barn’s angel. Nettie resides in Battle Creek with her husband Gary. She has two grown daughters and a granddaughter (Regan, 2 years old).
ERIC GILLETTE Technical Assistant
A Galesburg Augusta High School Sophomore, Eric joins the Barn company officially this summer! Son of long-time staff member Fred Gillette, Eric has spent many summer hours here at the Barn since the age of 4. Eric has lent his hand in the shop for many shows including last season’s GREATER TUNA and OKLAHOMA! and was spotlight operator for THE WIZARD OF OZ. Active in local theatre as well, this spring Eric stage managed Galesburg Augusta High School’s production of DISORDER IN THE COURT. He was also a carpenter for their productions of LADY IN WHITE and THE MIRACLE WORKER.
FRED GILLETTE Technical Director
Fred has been Technical Director here since 1995. In addition to the Barn, Fred has served in this capacity for several area theatres including the respective Civics of Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Marshall as well as Kellogg Community College and for the past three years, Galesburg-Augusta High School. As a performer, Fred has a couple Barn cameos under his belt to go with several major roles in local civic productions. Fred retired in 1994 after 30 years work with the Federal Government which included eight years active duty with the United States Air Force and a tour in Vietnam. He lives in Augusta with his wife Sarah and son Eric (16 and now a Barnie too). Fred is also father to three grown children: Fred III, Deborah, and Christopher. He also has seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
MYCHELLE HOPKINS Box Office Assistant
Last season's audiences will remember Mychelle's no-nonsense portrayals of Aunt Eller in OKLAHOMA! and the stripper Electra in GYPSY. Her previous Barn credits include Jeanette Burmeister in THE FULL MONTY and Mrs. Eynsford-Hill in MY FAIR LADY. Along with her many stage appearances in the area, Mychelle has directed numerous productions throughout the United States and England, where she received her M.A. from the Shakespeare Institute. Her acting credentials are extensive too, with productions performed in the U.S., England, Monaco, and Greece. Mychelle is an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, an adjunct faculty member at Western Michigan University, and is Director of Education and Studio Theatre at Kalamazoo's Whole Art Theatre. She is also the proud mother of Macready, who's almost three years old.
BRADLEY JAMES/JIM KNOX Properties Master/Resident Manager
(That's his Equity name, he's really Jim Knox, a.k.a. Jimmy, Jim-Props, James B. etc.) Brad/Jim is slashing through his 40th season as the Barn's longtime Property Master. He continues to manage the bar, sort out the mailing list, find housing for the company, and is, of course, "chief cook and bottle washer". He served as the Barn's shepherd, caring for the lambs in last season's GYPSY. He found homes for all three lambs over the past winter. In his other life he is on the Boards of the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center and CARES (Community AIDS Resource & Education Services). Yes, his photo is an antique, too.
JERRY McALLISTER Stage Manager
Jerry joins the Barn company for his third season directly following his seventh season as a touring stage manager for TheatreworksUSA. He is also an actor, director, playwright, and designer. Some recent credits include Cesar Rodney in last season's 1776 here in Augusta and the title role in JULIUS CAESAR for Shakespeare in the Park(ing Lot) in New York City. Jerry's directing resume includes MISHKIN'S PARADISE Off-Broadway and LAST CALL (Theatre for the New City with the Hope Theatre) at the NY Fringe Festival. He designed lights for the National Shakespeare Company's repertory tour of RICHARD III and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Many of Jerry's original scripts have been produced at expanded arts (Off-Off-Broadway), including MAYBE ON MONDAY and his adaptations of DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, and PETER PAN. Along with his brother and sister (incorporated as the Hope Theatre Company), Jerry produced the American professional premiere of Shakespeare's “lost” play, EDWARD III, Off-Broadway at the Bank St. Theatre.
GARRYLEE McCORMICK Hair/Wig Master
Garrylee has been the Barn's hair and wig designer since 1961. He is the owner of Garry's Magic Comb Hair Salon in Kalamazoo and is the hair and wig designer for the WMU Theatre Department. Garrylee also functions as a freelance local wigmaster for national tours playing at Miller Auditorium and DeVos Hall in Grand Rapids. In addition, he is a printmaker, photographer, and paints religious icons.
KATE IRVINE MILLS Costume Designer
Kate resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she has designed for the Magic Theatre, Berkeley Shakespeare Festival, Marin Theatre Company, San Jose Repertory, among others; her designs in opera includes Tales of Hoffman, Genevieve , the New Woman, and Merry Wives of Widsor for San Francisco’s Pocket Opera, Orfeo et Eurydice and Cosi Fan Tutti for the Bay Area Summer Opera Theatre Institute, and Macbeth and Magic Flute for West Bay Opera, Palo Alto, Calfornia. Early credits include work in the Los Angeles area and London, including two plays entered in the Edinburgh Festival. Mills was the season designer for Cliff Keutter’s New Dance Company, San Jose, CA, and designer for the San Jose State University Dance Department for three seasons. Mills has been designing for Notre Dame de Namur University Theatre Department, Belmont, CA, for the past twelve years, where she also teaches Theatre history and dramatic literature. Her designs for academic theatre include: Oklahoma!, Rags, Fiddler on the Roof, Kiss Me, Kate and Lil’ Abner and as well as plays from classic Greece to Shakespeare to contemporary works. In addition to design work, Mills has performed, directed and served as script advisor and collaborator for new works. Mills holds a Master of Arts in Theatre and a Master of Fine Arts in Scenography from San Jose State University.
LISA MARIE MORABITO Asst. to the Producer / Bar Show Choreographer
Lisa Marie is excited to return to the Barn this summer for her first season as an Equity resident. As an apprentice, her credits include Columbia in our ’02 and ’03 productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and Catherine in THE FOREIGNER as well as Jenny Anydots in CATS. As well as being a member of the Equity company, Lisa also assists Producer Brendan Ragotzy and in Bar Show Choreography. New York credits include SHINBONE ALLEY with Musicals Tonight!, CONSUMER BEHAVIOR with Emerging Artists, INTERREGNUM at The Studio Theatre at Theatre Row, Huck Finn with TheatreworksUSA and NOTHING LIKE A DAME Broadway Cares Benefit at The Imperial Theatre. Her Regional credits include Conchita in COPACABANA (National Tour), Rosalia in WEST SIDE STORY (Human Race Theatre), and Lucy in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (Hot Summer Nights). She’s also excited about her engagement to fellow actor and Barnie Eric Petersen, whom she met the summer of 2003. Their wedding is set for October 20. She thanks God, Eric, her whole family, and the Ragotzys.You can find Lisa online at www.lisamariemorabito.com.
LARRY NYE Choreographer/Director
Larry is currently a Professor of Theatre and Dance at Southern Connecticut State University. For the past ten summers he has worked at Stagedoor Manor as the Director of Dance and directed and choreographed the world premiere of Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. He has directed and choreographed many shows including CABARET, CHICAGO, EVITA, and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, which he received a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Meritorious Achievement Award for Dance Choreography. Here at the Barn, where Larry apprenticed, he has performed in A CHORUS LINE, EVITA, ANNIE, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, and was last seen as Banjo Man in our 1986 SUGAR BABIES. Thanks to family and friends for their support.
ERIC PARKER Bar Show Director/Plant Supervisor
Eric is celebrating 15 Augusta summers this season. His growing list of Barn credits include several favorites: Rutledge in 1776 and again as Remnar in our third go-‘round of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT last summer, Jerry in THE FULL MONTY, Rocky and Eddie in several occurrences of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Freddie in CHESS, Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, Pharaoh in JOSEPH…, Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the title role in PIPPIN, Cousin Kevin on TOMMY, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook. His career has continued there, with roles in both their TYA and dinner theatre productions, most recently Jacey Squires in THE MUSIC MAN, Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and Fezziwig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Regional: Sebastian in THE THING ABOUT MEN, Henrik in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Miles in A FUNNY THING…FORUM, Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour). An Adrian native, Eric was honored to reprise his Barn turn in THE FULL MONTY in a hit production at the Croswell Opera House last fall. He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood and Siena Heights University in his hometown. He currently resides in Chicago with his cat and his cd collection. On our offstage staff Eric helps oversee the maintenance of the Barn's physical plant and directs our popular Bar Shows.
ERIC PETERSEN Buildings and Grounds Assistant
Eric comes back to Augusta for his first full season as an Equity resident straight from the First National Tour of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, in which he starred as William Barfee. He’ll rejoin that production immediately following the Barn season (with a brief hiatus to marry fellow Barnie Lisa Marie Morabito in October). Favorite Barn roles include Berger in HAIR, Matt in THE FANTASTICKS, Rick/Lorraine in BAT BOY, and the (Chinese) Waiter in TWO INTO ONE. Other credits include Bill Sykes in OLIVER! (Charleston Stage, SC), Paul Revere in SPREAD THE WORD (TheatreworksUSA), and Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, of which Eric is a proud graduate. He sends love and thanks to Lisa, his parents, Kyle, Chuck, and the Ragotzys. Visit www.EricPetersenOnline.com.
GREGG REHRIG Box Office Manager
Gregg has worked at the Barn in several capacities: Apprentice, Stage Manager, Box Office Manager, and Actor. Last season he was seen in several memorable performances: Stephen Hopkins in 1776, Mr. Goldstone in GYPSY, and the Mayor of Munchkinland in THE WIZARD OF OZ. Other credits include Dr. Finsdale in LI'L ABNER and Dr. Scott in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. After the season Gregg flew to Kona, HI for a second straight fall to assist in their hit remount of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Gregg worked for several seasons as Stage Manager for American Musical Theatre of San Jose, American Conservatory Theatre, the San Francisco Symphony, and the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. Gregg is a graduate of San Jose State University and a proud member of Actor's Equity.
MIKE SABOURIN Assistant Technical Director
Mike is excited to return for a second season as Assistant Technical Director. He has just completed a season at the Florida Repertory Theatre as the shop carpenter. He's built sets for RABBIT HOLE, ENCHANTED APRIL, and THE RAINMAKER recently, and also designed scenery for HAIR and THE BFG at nearby Kalamazoo College. You may remember him as the flying monkey ballast from last seasons's THE WIZARD OF OZ. Thanks for supporting the Barn Theatre!
EMILY MAY SMITH Publicity Assistant
Emily is happy to return to the Barn for her fourth season and her first as an Equity resident. Barn audiences will remember her portrayals as Luisa in THE FANTASTICKS, Jemima in CATS, Jessie in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and as a Boylan sister in ANNIE. Other favorite roles include Winnifred in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and Puck in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. An Ohio native, Emily now resides in New York City. Her recent work includes parts in independent films AL QAREM and SCALPED: THE MOVIE. She also performed in the children's theatre national tours of LEWIS AND CLARK and A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Theatre IV in Cincinnati. Emily holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Capital University. This season Emily is excited to add to her responsibilities in the Barn Publicity department and looks forward to another great summer!
FRANK J. VELA Lighting Designer
Frank comes back for a third summer as our resident Lighting Designer. He received a degree in design from the University of Texas-Pan American. He's currently a graduate student in lighting design at the Universitiy of Texas at Austin. As one may imagine, Frank is a proud native Texan./font>
MICAH YOUNG Musical Director
This is Micah’s first season as the Barn’s Music Director. Previously Micah served as Music Director for the Riverside Theatre production of Michael John LaChiusa’s THE WILD PARTY in New York. Micah also was the Musical Director for THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, THE WIZARD OF OZ and was the pianist for SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM at the Center for the Arts in Midland, MI. Working directly with composer, Seymour Barab, Micah was musical director for FORTUNE’S FAVORITE as well as director, a presentation of American Music Productions, MSM. Other New York experience includes Assistant Musical Direction of the Summer Play Festival production, SONIA FLEW, on Theatre Row in New York. Micah has also worked in New York as the Accompanist for the KEEN COMPANY BENEFIT CONCERT, CAROLINE’S COMEDY CLUB and accompanied and arranged music for AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH BRIAN D’ARCY JAMES. Micah’s training includes an Apprenticeship to the Professional Musical Theatre Workshop, led by Paul Gemignani, as well as the Interlochen Arts Academy, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival and Manhattan School of Music, where he produced and directed a production of THE LAST FIVE YEARS. A student of Constance Keene, Micah is currently studying with Maria Asteriadou. He send his love to Adam, Molly, Mom and Dad.
