Into the Woods....

The journey is underway!

Rehearsals are going strong, as research continues on my part.  So much more to learn and investigate, as my vision and concept evolves and the incredible views of my actors help to spark new ideas. 

The cast is adapting beautifully and most of the show is blocked... hard to believe, but it is nearly time to move onto choreography and working rehearsals!  That is where the fun begins for the actors... and myself!  The skeletal portrait which is now onstage is beginning to flesh out... that is always the most fulfilling and exciting part for me. 

Much of my old theatre company, W. Shakespeare & Co.'s Regency stock stock has been pulled and will be utilized in the show.  Always makes me smile to see some of those older dresses and costumes on new actors and actresses, thinking 'Jenny wore that in Romeo and Juliet', or 'Rob rocked that coat in Beauty and the Beast.'  Yes, the wonderful memories of WS&Co are especially rife at the moment, particularly since A MIDSUMMER NIGHT's DREAM was the first show we did after the company was founded in 1995.  I think often of Jennifer Hirsch and Erin Aycock  (WS&Co's Helena and Hermia) and where they are now --- Erin, an attorney in NY and Jennifer, a working actress.  I miss Matty Smith and his amazing Puck and great sense of fun.  Janet Wasson's adorable Quince and Rob Signom's overwhelmingly fabulous Bottom.  Yes, I miss and think of this cast often, even though I have directed and performed in productions of AMND many times since.

Well, back to the show at hand... I am so blessed with one of the most talented and versatile casts I have ever worked with and I will take a few moments today to introduce some of them to you!  As more BIOS and photos come in, you will be meeting more of the cast!

JOSH KATAWICK      

Puck/ Fight Director

Josh spent last summer in the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Professional Training Program.  While there, he appeared as Hector in Troilus & Cressida. He most recently played Benedick in Clark State's Much Ado About Nothing, and previously appeared in the title role of Stageworks' Hamlet and the Springfield Arts Council's The Music Man. Past credits include principal and featured roles in Titus Andronicus, Taming of the Shrew, Glengarry Glen Ross, I Hate Hamlet, Dial M for Murder and A Streetcar Named Desire.

 ALLISON HUSKO      

First Fairy/ Puck Understudy

Allison Husko attended the University of Southern California where she studied acting and film production. While at USC, Allison was accepted as a student abroad at the British American Drama Academy, London,
where she spent a year as an advanced acting student. Favorite productions while at University include: Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), Measure for Measure (Mistress Overdone), Othello (Desdemona),The Three Penny Opera (Jenny), Angels in America (Harper) and The Rover (Callis). Allison is a member of Free Shakespeare! She was in their production of Hamlet and was Titania, Queen of the Fairies, in their summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Allison has also been seen as Sonya in the 08’ Futurefest production of Heartland, which took the top award and as Madeline Livingston in Sinclair Community College’s spring production of The Women of Lockerbie. And was Elizabeth Proctor in SCC’s fall production of The Crucible. She is currently rehearsing a professional run as Annelle in Cincinnati at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts in their production of Steel Magnolias.

 

REBECCA BAKER       

Titania

Rebecca loves community theatre and has been in numerous shows produced for the Springfield Summer Arts Festivals. Onstage, she's done roles like Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man, Morgan in Camelot, Mrs. Pearce in My Fair Lady and Mrs. Sowerberry in Oliver. She's also directed and worked backstage, as a member of the Ohio Lyric Theatre. Her first film role was as Maria in Hudson Taylor. Rebecca teaches theatre at Cedarville and is one of the directors there. She's also a speech therapist, and helps as a vocal coach. She's thrilled to be part of this show, work with Lisa and all the cast!

KELLY BENNINGTON

Hippolyta/Titania US/Asst. Director

Kelly is a 29-year-old native of Beavercreek, Ohio.  Kelly currently works as an associate attorney for the Law Office of Joseph C. Lucas, LLC in Centerville, Ohio.  When not practicing law, Kelly enjoys theatre.  She recently served as Assistant Director, Stage Mangaer and member of the ensemble for A Streetcar Named Desire at Xenia Area Community Theater and has previously played the role of Evelyn Frye in Close Ties, Anne Conroy in The Octette Bridge Club, Corrie Bratter in Barefoot in the Park,  Caitlin O'Hare in Over the River and Through the Woods, and Babette in Bathroom Humor.  Kelly current serves on the Dayton Ballet Associate Board, the Associate Board for the Dayton Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Steering Committee for JumpsArt, and the Executive Board for the Cannery Art + Design Center