Meet the Players: Beauty and the Beast!
Join us this October for the Pier One Theatre production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
Performances are
October 21 & 22 at 7:30 PM
October 23 at 3:00 PM (Featuring our wonderful understudies)
October 28 & 29 at 7:30 PM
October 30 at 3:00 PM
Disney's Beauty and the Beast is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Make your RESERVATIONS HERE!
The Writers
ALAN MENKEN (Composer) - Theater: God Bless You Mr Rosewater, Little Shop Of Horrors, Real Life Funnies, Atina: Evil Queen Of The Galaxy, Kicks, The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz, Beauty And The Beast, A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap Of Faith, Aladdin and Newsies. Film: Little Shop Of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Hercules, Life With Mikey, Lincoln, Home On The Range, Noel, Enchanted, Shaggy Dog, Tangled and Mirror Mirror. Songs: Rocky V, Home Alone 2 and Captain America. Awards: 8 Oscars (19 nominations), 11 Grammys (including Song of the Year), 7 Golden Globes, Tony® (plus 4 nominations), Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics, Olivier and London's Evening Standard Award, Drama League. Honors: Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Doctorates from New York University and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
HOWARD ASHMAN - Best known as a pivotal creative mind behind the renaissance of Disney animation and his work on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast (which is dedicated to, "Our friend, Howard Ashman, who gave a Mermaid her voice and a Beast his soul...") Ashman's first love was theater. Ashman was a founder of off off Broadway's renowned WPA Theater, where he conceived, wrote and directed God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, as well as the classic musical, Little Shop of Horrors (both music by Alan Menken). In 1986, he wrote and directed the Broadway musical Smile (music by Marvin Hamlisch). Lamented as a lost treasure of the 1980's theater scene, Smile remains popular on High School and College campuses throughout the country. Howard Ashman died in 1991 from complications of AIDS. For more information, please visit howardashman.com.
TIM RICE has worked in music, theater, and film since 1965, when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim's ambitions to write rock or pop songs, they turned their attention to Andrew's obsession - musical theater. Their first collaboration, The Likes Of Us (lyrics by Tim, music by Andrew), was an unsuccessful show based on the life of Dr. Barnardo, the Victorian philanthropist. Their next three works together were much more successful: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita. Tim has also worked with other distinguished popular composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), and Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess). From Here to Eternity, with music by newcomer Stuart Brayson, coproduced with Lee Menzies, directed by Tamara Harvey, and with book by Bill Oakes, premiered in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2013. He formed his own cricket team in 1973 and was president of the MCC in 2002. In 2013, he wrote and presented a 52-part series for BBC Radio 2, American Pie, a trawl through the music and musicians of every American State. He has won several awards, mainly for the wrong thing or for simply turning up.
LINDA WOOLVERTON's writing credits include the screenplay for the animated feature film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Golden Globe winner and Academy Award Best Picture nominee); the screenplay (shared) for HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY; screenplay (shared) for the animated feature film THE LION KING; the book for the Broadway musical BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical, winner 1998 Olivier Award Best New Musical); and book (shared) for Elton John and Tim Rice's Broadway musical AIDA. Also she has written two young-adult novels, STAR-WIND and RUNNING BEFORE THE WIND. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from California State University Long Beach and a Master's degree in Theatre from California State University Fullerton. Linda is currently involved in writing and producing film projects for Miramax and Revolution studios. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Lee Flicker and daughter Keaton.
The Production Team
JENNIFER NORTON (Stage Director) grew up at Pier One Theatre and tried her hand at almost all aspects of theatre before settling on directing as her favorite job. She counts herself extremely lucky to be able to work in this wonderful collaborative art form with so many wonderful humans. Some past projects include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Much Ado About Nothing, Chicago, Spamalot, and Pride and Prejudice. Returning to work on a musical at the Mariner Theatre has her thinking often of her predecessor and mentor Lance Petersen with a great deal of respect and gratitude.
ERIC SIMONDSEN (Musical Director) has taught band at Homer High School for the past 4 years and taught previously in Alaska and Colorado. This is his first time serving as musical director for Pier One Theatre and he is excited to share the hard work of the cast, crew, and orchestra with the community. Eric enjoys performing with the KP Brass band. When he needs some quiet time, he enjoys fly tying.
MAURA JONES (Choreographer and Babette) has been obsessed with Beauty and the Beast since she first saw the Disney movie in theatres. As a young girl who wanted adventure in the great wide somewhere, and a giant library filled with books, it really spoke to her. Maura is content to be back in her happy place, onstage, surrounded by singing knickknacks and dancing wolves. She thanks the cast for being so supportive in her first attempt at choreography on a big scale, and to Jennifer and the production team for giving her the opportunity. There are few things in life that fuel her fire more than dozens of people in a big, showy, chaotic production number. With kick lines. She’d like to thank Lenore for being the best kid ever and giving her lots of choreography ideas.
MARK ROBINSON (Vocal Coach) I’m grateful to Jennifer and Eric for letting me hang around all these lovely people.
OLA MULLIKIN (Rehearsal Accompanist & Clarinet) “I have lived in Homer for roughly 25 years and have been involved in the music community for just about the same amount of time! I am active with our Kenai Peninsula Orchestra and I have played along with many a musical (starting with Fiddler on the Roof many, MANY years ago) done through Homer High School Choir and done through our fabulous Community Musicals. I love our musical community!!”
LAURA NORTON (Production Manager) “42 years ago, while trying to persuade us not to make the move, my father said that the only reason I wanted to go to Alaska was because I hated to miss out on something. There was some truth to this assessment. Certainly when Peter wanted to audition for Pier One's production of Scrooge in 1981 I wasn't going to stay at home so I joined the pit orchestra and our first child, Carolyn, was in her first show at one month old. Through the years (accompanied by our children) I have served as musician, book holder, props mistress, set builder, actor (once!), poster distributor, stage crew, sound & lighting technician, singer, producer, director, production manager, and bookkeeper. As an unintended consequence of doing theatre my children and I learned a number of very important life skills. I think the Alaskan adventure has turned out rather well.”
The Performers
WENDY BALES (Keyboard) has been involved with music all her life and enjoys creating music in a wide variety of arenas. She loves adventure, the outdoors, animals, and hanging with her family. She is a first responder and adores the beauty and glories of this amazing place we call home!
SCOTT BARTLETT (Percussion) - "I've been in Homer since 2012, often hiding behind an array of percussion instruments. If you look closely, I can be found in the back row of the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra and KP Brass Band, and have played in the pit for Pier One's Spamalot and Jesus Christ Superstar, Homer High School's West Side Story, and the Virtual Nutcracker (2020). I also created the sound design for The Importance of Being Earnest for Pier One and KBBI. I particularly enjoy the juggling, fancy footwork, and physical/mental gymnastics that are necessary for playing percussion in musical theater pits--it's a workout! During the daytime, I'm also behind the scenes as Executive Director of Homer Council on the Arts."
BEAU BERRYMAN (Trumpet) - "I Started my musical trumpet career under the tutelage of Howard Hedges, Bill Searle and Mark Robinson. I have regularly volunteered with the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra and local Musicals since high school. One of my recent favorites was being able to play onstage and see the production in Spamalot. I'm excited and grateful to be playing with a super brass section and orchestra in Beauty and the Beast, but nobody plays better than
G-A-S-T-O-N!"
AINSLEY BOSS- HARMON (Oboe) - "Hi! I’m Ainsley, and I am a sophomore at Homer High School. I play for the Homer High School band. I’ve been playing oboe since sixth grade, and I’m excited to be able to play music in this production of Beauty and the Beast."
LLIAM BOSS-HARMON (Horn) - "My name is Lliam Boss-Harmon. As a senior in high school, I have been playing French Horn for 6 years and am currently a member of the Homer High School concert band and jazz band. I am very excited about the opportunity to be part of Beauty and the Beast!"
SARAH L. BREWER (Madame De La Grande Bouche) - This is Sarah’s debut full length performance with Pier One Theatre. Words can’t describe how grateful she is to be a part of this community.
MARY BRODERICK (Cello) - "I’ve played with the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra, Redoubt Chamber Orchestra, the Pines Trio and other small ensembles and pit orchestras. Playing in the pit is a lot of fun - Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorites :)"
NANCY CHAMBERS (Violin) - "I’m a wife, mother, grandmother and violinist. After living in Madagascar for 14 years, my husband and I are now retired and living in Anchor Point. I’m so happy to be back in the pit!"
GEOFF COBLE (Horn)
"Played horn and Hot Wheels since 5th grade."
CAROL COMFORT (Keyboard) - "Surprisingly, I have never played in an orchestra before. I find it to be equal parts challenging and humbling. But mostly SUPER FUN."
BOBBY COPELAND-MCKINNEY (Villager & Dish) - "I just wanted to sing, now I am dancing again, twirling again, waltzing around with such ease!! What a great place to hang around with so many wonderful, beautiful people."
VIRGINIA CUFFE (Flute) - Originally from Seward, Virginia has lived for many years in Ninilchik. She has played flute for many Pier One musicals and is so happy to be playing again for Beauty and the Beast. She loves any outdoor activity, but also can appreciate the quiet pleasures of a book and a good cup of coffee.
TOM CUSTER (Villager & Dish) - Tom "Applecart"Custer comes from the relatively humble beginnings of Anchor Point; where he more or less humbly remains. This summer was a high-water mark for him theatrically. He performed in three plays, directed one, and involved himself in some capacity or another in all things Pier One. Figuring he hadn’t suffered enough, he humbly volunteered for Beauty & the Beast in a cunning scheme to learn to sing and dance. He is delighted to be playing with so many of the community’s most beautiful and talented folk.
CHRISTINA DE LA TORRE (Sausage Curl Girl & Napkin) - Christina De La Torre decided this was the year to try new things. Training for multiple races and theatre were her picks. Christina has her doctorate in physical therapy and is co-owner/CFO of Summit Physical Therapy. Both her parents worked for Walt Disney World and she worked for Disney in high school. Needless to say, she felt a calling when she found out about Beauty and the Beast.
BRIAN DUFFY (Villager, Wolf, & Flatware) - Brian has sung, danced, and acted in several musicals in Homer, including West Side Story, Carousel, Chicago, Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Spamalot. He's also performed in the original musical variety shows the 60's Show, the Wizard of Odds, Circus Auditions, Star Truck, and Nice Moves. He has written, produced, directed, and performed in many of his own projects and has danced as Drosselmeyer in the ballet the Nutcracker. He is thrilled to be back in the Mariner Theatre again with the stellar production team, orchestra, and fellow cast members! "Home(er!) is where the heart is!"
LEAH DUNN (Horn) - "Hi my name is Leah Dunn. I am a senior at Homer High school, playing the French horn and Tuba in the Symphonic and Jazz bands there. I do XC Skiing, XC running, and am super excited to be in the pit orchestra for Beauty and the Beast!"
ROSEMARY FITZPATRICK (Violin)
"Participating in the pit orchestra is high on my list of favorite activities."
GREG FRIES (Villager & Dish) - "Though aspiring always to become a person 'of consequence,' I have after over seven decades learned to settle with 'ordinary,' now daring only to act in front of crowds, playing even as mundane a part as 'simple folk' or a mere plate, at least depicting components of 'civilization.' Hurrah for that!"
DAYUS GEYSBEEK (Young Prince, Villager, & Flatware) - Dayus is a high school student and has been performing on local stages since kindergarten. He has a special relationship with bad puns that causes listeners to groan but he makes up for it with his praiseworthy drawing, dancing, acting, and singing skills. Dayus once swashbuckled his way to the edge of a tall cliff over the ocean and jumped in. He’s also the rare kid who’d rather eat pizza than chocolate cake.
CURTIS JACKSON (Lefou & Flatware) - Curtis first stepped onto a Pier One Stage in 2010 to ask Peter and Laura Nortons opinion about him marrying their daughter Jennifer. Now twelve years later he thinks it’s finally time to be in a show she’s directing. He’s been the delightfully creepy innkeeper Thenardier in Les Misérables and the know it all tragic hero Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Two years ago he lost all hearing in one ear and is now six months into a new life as a cybernetic human with a cochlear implant. It’s been a weird journey and he couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Jennifer and their delightful hero child Oberon. "Thank you for supporting me and my Pier One family. As a side note I really love the woods."
REGI JOHANOS (Belle & Ensemble Understudy) - Regi is delighted to make her Pier One Theatre debut with Beauty & the Beast. She has loved this story since she was a wee little blonde child running around Colorado in a Belle dress - just ask her family! As an avid reader and current librarian at Homer Public Library, Regi is often found “with her nose stuck in a book.” When not reading, she enjoys hiking, swimming, and dancing around her kitchen. To her parents and sister, Julia - je vous aime! To all - merci beaucoup et appréciez le spectacle!
AUGUST KILCHER (Lumiere) - Born and raised in Homer, August has been in four Homer High productions: Johnny Casino in Grease, a featured lead in Sound of Plaid, Frederick in Pirates of Penzance, and Joe in Working; and the Pier One production of Les Misérables where he played Enjolras. After a brief hiatus for college in Oregon, he realize Home(r) was too cool for school and came back. He is currently existing, and, quite frankly, doing his best.
JOSH KROHN (Bass) - "I'm excited to be playing bass in the orchestra for Beauty & the Beast, my first foray playing bass with a bow! I love being involved in Pier One productions in any way I can. I've participated in many presentations, onstage, backstage, tech, front of house, and in the orchestra, starting as 'Workhouse Brat' in Oliver, 1986."
EMILY LAMB (Horn) - Emily has played the French Horn for two decades, beginning in middle school. She also enjoys singing, playing the guitar, the piano, and more recently, the ukulele. Emily moved to Homer from Georgia in August. She loves the area and the close-knit community and finds the people engaging, caring, and extremely friendly! She is a Speech-Language Pathologist at West Homer Elementary School. With her love of all things outdoors, especially running and hiking, she is constantly in awe of the beauty of Alaska and the wide variety of activities.
KEN LANDFIELD (Monsieur D'Arque & Dish) - "I’ve had the privilege of wandering around the Pier One stage for awhile, including in such musicals as Les Misérables and Frankenstein: the Musical, as well as most recently Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: the Adventures of Robin Hood. Thank you for coming out and sharing this adventure with us! But please, let’s have no raving about a beast in the castle, shall we?"
CARA LONG (Flower Seller & Dish) - Cara loves community theatre and getting to share her artistic side in the area where she lives. It is an absolute joy to be part of this amazing Beauty and the Beast production. Ultimate fun was participating with her children. "Thanks, Jen, Laura, Eric and Mark for producing this show."
TREVOR LONG (Drums) - Trevor got his community theatre chops early as a prop mover, and stage manager assistant, all dressed in black. Marching band cemented his love of musical productions. It's been a pleasure to be part of the orchestra for Beauty and the Beast.
ROBIN MCALLISTAR (Villager & Dish) - "I’m Robin McAllistar, counselor, gardener, painter, singer, dancer, mom, Gma. I love the arts, the wild places , the ocean, world travel and finding what is magnificent about each person I meet."
MICHAEL MCKINNEY (Maurice & Flatware) - Michael has been involved in the Homer theater scene for some time now. He has painted sets, built props, and been back stage, side stage, above stage, below stage, and every once in a while, on stage. He is always excited and amazed when offered a role, and this is no exception. He also prefers to believe that his being selected to play Crazy Old Maurice is not an example of type-casting
JENNI MEDLEY (Villager & Dish) - Jenni and her daughter Isabella Medley-Ferrete are excited to be part of Jenni's third Pier One musical production. She also appeared in Les Misérables and Jesus Christ Superstar. She is convinced that getting to sing and dance on stage with a live orchestra is really the cat’s meow. This is Izzy’s first production and she looks forward to being underfoot for many more to come!
CLARK MILSTEAD (Candlemaker, Crony 2, Flatware, & Gaston Understudy) - "Born in Portland, Oregon, I was introduced to theatre there, taking classes and performing with a variety of groups starting in elementary school. My first experience with musical theatre was 6 years ago, when I performed in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with the Young People’s Theatre Project, an organization my dad had participated in during high school. I still perform with that organization every summer, including this year when by chance they also put on a performance of Beauty and the Beast. Having moved to Homer last fall, was able to make my Alaska debut in the Homer High School production of Schoolhouse Rock, Live, last spring. This is my first experience with the Pier One Theatre, but I couldn’t ask for anything better. The directors here have helped me grow throughout this show in ways I never could have expected. Outside of theatre, I also perform trombone with the Homer High School Jazz Band and start on the Varsity Football team as a Defensive Tackle."
SHANNON MOORE (Violin) - Shannon has been a hobby violinist since the third grade. Since then she has enjoyed sampling everything from college and community orchestras to fiddling classes. This is her first performance with Pier One since moving up to Homer from Alabama four years ago, and she's excited to be jumping in with such a fun and beloved musical. During the day you might see Shannon leading school programs in the woods and tide-pools around Homer or across the bay at the Peterson Bay Field Station, with a special enthusiasm for squishy things like flatworms and slime molds.
ZACHARY NELSON (Beast)
Fisherman who enjoys theater, winter sports, and the outdoors.
CAROLYN NORTON (La Fille 4, Wolf, Napkin, & Dustpan) - "Je m’appelle Carolyn. J’ai 40 ans. J’habite a Homer, Alaska, avec mon fils. Il s’appelle Gulliver. Il a 11 ans. Nous avons un chat. Elle s’appelle Frida Catlo. Elle a 2 ans. J’aime faire du théâtre avec ma famille, surtout mon père, Peter. J’aime aussi manger les framboises et faire des révolutions."
PETER NORTON (Cogsworth & Narrator Understudy) - The first ten or so years were perhaps a bit spotty, but this year is more or less Peter’s fifty-fourth season as a performer, and forty-second with Pier One Theatre. As of this writing, it appears that he has averaged at least 2.5 productions per year since a friend in college challenged him to audition back in 1969. Peter has toyed with the idea of taking a season off, but as long as auditions are held he keeps showing up… …like clockwork.
SALLY OBERSTEIN (Villager & Dish) - Sally Oberstein is a travel addict, back-seat driver, volunteer, playwright, mother, actor, second-hand shopper, student, novelist, producer, audience member, M*A*S*H fan, director, friend, dreamer, lover, cook, entrepreneur, recording artist, tropical fish owner and tropical fish killer, photo junkie, adventurer, floor sweeper, jeweler, donor, comedian, bird watcher, sucker, wishful thinker, songwriter, hostess, antiquarian, proponent, inventor, improviser, walker, initiator, arachnophile (just tarantulas), and avocado-aholic.
RACHEL OSTLER (Hat Seller & Dish) - Rachel is a mom of 4 and a 1st grade teacher at Chapman Elementary School in Anchor Point. She has lived in the Homer/Anchor Point area for 9 years. This is her first community play but she has always been a fan of theater and is excited to get her foot in the door.
NELTON PALMA (Trumpet)
"I like tacos... and I think Gaston steals mine from the cast fridge. Selfish"
JANE PARRISH (Bassoon) - Jane retired first from the US Army and then from teaching public school, two professions that felt strangely similar. She has played a variety of woodwind instruments for numerous Pier One productions, and is thrilled to once again be included in the insanity of a Pier One show.
ZEB PERKINS (Crony 1, Wolf, Flatware & Lumiere Understudy) - Zeb doesn't ever know what to write about himself but, after several grueling interrogations, this is what he said: "I like theatre and have loved all my experiences with the Pier One community. The love, kindness and humor here is unrivaled which makes being a part of it that much better. Each director is so unique in how they bring people together and express their passion. It really is like nothing else that's out there. Though most of my roles have been last minute substitutes, I've had the opportunity to play John Brooke in Little Women, Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, George in Cosmic Hostel and even danced in the World Arts Festival production of Nice Moves. Now, I'm part of the chorus line in Beauty and the Beast with yet another opportunity to stretch myself practicing as the understudy for Lumiere."
ADELE PERSON (Wolf, Villager, & Napkin) - Born in Argentina to Dutch-Canadian/French-German parents, Adele serves as Bunnell Street Arts Center’s Executive Director in Homer, Alaska on Indigenous Land within the present day boundaries of the Ninilchik Village Tribe. She leads a trails and greenspace advocacy group, sings in community choir, has made performance and wearable art, acts, sews small things out of salmon skin, and grows vegetables or mows circles in what was once her lawn. She is married, has two children, a philosophy degree, and much interest in creating a world based on reciprocity and giving.
ETHAN PIETSCH & EVAN PIETSCH (Chip & Morceau) - Evan and Ethan (age 13) were born and live here in Homer where they enjoy just about every activity they try. Whether it’s theater, baseball, music, karate, video games, dance, or just a snowball fight, they are ready to give it a go and have fun while they do. Evan says he’s always happy to help out his friends and family and Ethan also says Evan is happy to help out his friends and family. Yes, they are identical and they can finish each other’s sentences.
TIA PIETSCH (Violin) - Tia is a lifelong Alaskan who first learned to play piano and violin right here in Homer, Alaska. Tia went on to study music performance and education at Lewis & Clark and the University of Oregon. Together with her husband, Joel, she returned to Homer to pass on a love of lifelong music to the next generation by opening the Harbor School of Music & Dance in 2003.
SUSANNE RATCLIFFE WILSON (Narrator, Villager, Flatware, & Cogsworth Understudy) - After performing in Jesus Christ Superstar in 2017, Susanne Ratcliffe Wilson is thrilled to have another opportunity to sing and dance with a great crew of folks. Much gratitude to all the people who make this happen.
JILLIAN ROGERS (Villager & Flatware) - "I’ve lived in Homer for 13 years, and in Alaska for 20. Over the past two decades I’ve tried many adventurous things that made me feel alive and terrified at the same time: dog mushing, commercial fishing, live radio hosting, and, now, local theatre! I’m excited (and a little terrified) to be on stage for this wonderful production. When I’m not practicing Be Our Guest, I run the City of Homer Animal Shelter, sit on a couple of nonprofit boards, and love exploring the outdoors with my husband and stepson. I love cats."
CRISTEN SAN ROMAN (La Fille 3, Flatware, & Madame Understudy) - Cristen was formerly the head filleter at Coal Point Trading. Although she loved Spit life and working with fish, it left minimal time for her to pursue her creativity. Since leaving that lifestyle she has had the most jam packed summer full of theatre, music and art. You may have seen her earlier this Pier One season as Bonnie in Cosmic Hostel. To get herself through the long winter months, Cristen is planning on expanding her skills as a musician by singing backup in a local band, and also working on her art and painting more regularly. In her free time she enjoys dancing to live music, swimming in the bay, and - her guilty pleasure - watching reality TV.
BETH SCHNEIDER (La Fille 1, Flatware, & Mrs. Potts Understudy) - This is perhaps Beth’s third time on stage for Pier One, and sometimes you’d find her in the pit instead of on stage. Her day job is being the secretary at Homer Flex, and in her free time you’ll find her knitting or cuddling her pup, Wrigley. She’d like to thank her partner, Kyle, for supporting all her crazy schemes, the directing staff for taking a chance in casting her, her fellow Les Filles for inspiration, and The Real Mrs. Potts for all the support! Now, how about a nice cup of tea?
KYLE SCHNEIDER (Gaston)- Kyle is excited to be treading the boards in a Pier One production again! After years acting in and directing stage plays, musical theatre, and operatic productions, Kyle is enjoying the challenge of being the antagonist. Outside of Pier One, he is currently the Director of Choral Activities for Homer Middle and Homer High Schools, remains active as a performer and adjudicator with local, state, and regional organizations, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Beth, and their muppet of a pup, Wrigley the Newfydoodle.
LEEANN SERIO (La Fille 2) - "I've been incredibly fortunate to have opportunities to participate in the Homer theatre scene over the course of the past 30 years! Pier One Theatre camp, high school musicals, and most recently the Pier One production of Chicago. I'm beyond excited to be singing, dancing, and hamming it up onstage with lovely theatre people again."
VAL SHEPPARD (Shepherd, Flatware, Broom & Lefou Understudy) - Val has been performing for essentially her entire life but in a slightly more professional context for about the last 10 years or so. She’s also directed 8 plays for Pier One Theatre and has been grateful for every theatrical experience that’s come her way. She’s quite excited to be doing a musical very near and dear to her heart and hopes that you enjoy watching the show as much as she’s enjoying performing in it.
MARY SHEPPARD FRIES (Wolf, Villager, & Napkin) - "I have been involved with Pier One Theatre since the early 80’s in various capacities. Most of my past performing experience has been in dance theatre but in recent years I have done a bit of acting as well! I was last in An Ideal Husband where, if you don’t count staged readings, I actually spoke on stage for the first time. This is my second musical after being in the chorus of Jesus Christ Superstar. I am thrilled to be on stage once again with my family members, Greg and Val, as well as this amazingly talented cast."
MARY SIMONDSEN (Trombone & Tuba) - "I am so excited to play with these fantastic Kenai Peninsula musicians. Beauty and the Beast is very special to me - it was my first trip to a movie theatre in the big city of Joplin, MO in 1991 at the age of 8, and I have had all the songs stuck in my head ever since. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I did then and now :)"
LAUREN SIMPSON (Marie & Flatware) - Local artist Lauren Simpson hasn’t been on stage since high school, and she is so excited to be returning to the Mariner Theater in Pier One’s production of Beauty and the Beast.
ALDER SNOW (La Fille, Wolf, Candlestick, & Napkin) - Alder was born and raised in Homer and across the bay, and graduated class of 2002. A "choir gal" all the way through school, including college in northern California, she eventually found the pull of Home(r) too irresistible after a second attempt at moving away, that time to Santa Fe. She works at The Homer Bookstore and lives in town with her awesome husband Kelly and hilarious 3-yr old daughter Avery. She loves to cook and bake, garden, do craft projects, find agates, harass her cat, and read as much as possible whenever there is time. She loved her years of HHS musicals and is thrilled and thankful to be a part of this show.
ROBANNE STADING (Laundry Lady & Flatware) - Robanne owes her debut role with Pier One Theatre to their 2014 production of Les Misérables. "I remember sitting in the audience with my 10 year old thinking, I'm going do this once my babies grow up." As a mom to three, she is perfectly typecast as the village's washer woman. She can be trusted to never air her friends' dirty laundry. Robanne is also known as Mrs. Stading, a special education teacher of 17 years who feels quite "forktunate" to serve Homer-area families.
CATHY STINGLEY (Enchantress, Villager, Wolf, & Napkin) - "What a pleasure to be involved in another Pier One musical. The character I play in the beginning of the show is the easiest role I've ever had: no lines! Theater is magical, energizing, and full of camaraderie. My first lead role was in the fourth grade and theater has stayed in my blood ever since. Many thanks to the support that the whole theater family has for one another."
IRELAND STYVAR (Milkmaid, Wolf, & Napkin) - Ireland is a high school student, who fell in love with performing at a young age. She is passionate about choreographing, dancing, singing, and acting and embodies the soul of a hippie. Quite the free spirit and “artistically messy”, she embraces GOOD VIBES! She believes, in a world that is often divided, musical theater, dance, and the arts unite us! It is the heart of the theatre kids...their joy, laughter, and kindness that has made her fall in love with performing. She feels that we are a family, individually valued and better together! One day, she hopes to travel the world and share her love of theatre and dance!
REBECCA TROWBRIDGE (La Fille, Wolf, Candlestick, Napkin, & Belle Understudy) - "I have been doing theatre and singing my whole life. As a sophomore in high school I have only been in a few musicals and am super stoked to be a part of this one. Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorite Disney movies and musicals. I never thought I would be able to be in it! Thank you for everyone helping me and supporting me in this process!"
JOHN VANEK (Tavern Master, Flatware, & Beast Understudy) - "Hi! I'm John Vanek, and I commercial fish in Cook Inlet most summers. It's been a while since I've been in a play, so I'm excited to be back!"
BETSY VANEK (Cello) - "I love that I can’t really remember a time when I didn’t consider myself even just a casual cello player. It has never been a real passion, just mostly something super fun, enjoyable, and unique to do. Thanks, Pier One, for the marvelous opportunity to play in musical shows – I love it! In my humble opinion, such endeavors significantly raise the quality of life for many people, including myself. Cheers!"
AUDREY WALLACE (Le Fille, Wolf, Napkin, & Babette Understudy) - Though Audrey was born in Michigan, she has lived in Homer since about she was about 7 years old. She attended school in Homer and graduated in the class of 2020, promptly after her senior musical was canceled where she was cast to star as Tiffany in Back to the 80’s. She has been a part of several other productions including but not limited to, West Side Story, The Nutcracker, Once Upon a Revue, and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown; as well as performing in Europe with the 2019 Peace Choir under the direction of Paul Aitken. Audrey has greatly missed being on stage since the onslaught of the COVID-19 epidemic and is grateful to be a part of this production. She would like to thank those who inspired her, as well as those who continue to support her.
ANNA WEMPE (Villager & Napkin) - Anna tried a couple of years in Japan, Colorado, and even South Dakota before finding her way to Alaska. She works as Personnel Manager at Homer Eyecare and loves learning something new every day. Although she studied Music Performance in college, this is her first theater production.
JESSICA WILLIAMS (Mrs. Potts) - Jessica is beyond thrilled to be returning to the stage with this enormously talented cast. Some of her previous roles with Pier One Theatre include Patsy Cline in Always, Patsy Cline, Diana in Next to Normal and the Historian/Diva in Spamalot. Jessica holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Columbia College and an MA in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky. She also studied with The Second City and Act One Studios in Chicago. Some her favorite Mid-West credits include Mrs. Walker in Tommy, Diane in The Little Dog Laughed, Billie Dawn in Born Yesterday and Berthe in Pippin.
SARA WOLTJEN (Baker & Dish)- An introvert by nature, one of the few things that will get Sara out in public is community theatre musicals. She loves joining with her neighbors to create this very specific something that is unique and short-lived.
