Book by John August
Music by Andrew Lippa
Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August
Directed by Michael J. Frohnhoefer
Sun Matinee 2pm | Sun 5/11, Sun 5/18
Sat Matinee 2pm | Sat 5/17
A Father’s Story. A Son’s Journey. Life’s Epic Adventure.
A fantastical musical adventure inspired by a father’s incredible stories. Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a charming traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest, and then some. Overflowing with heart and humor, BIG FISH is the extraordinary story that reminds us why we love going to the theatre.
Big Fish is presented through special arrangement with TRW Plays. trwplays.com
A buoyant feel-good show for the whole family.
WHO’S WHO:
CAST (in alphabetical order)
is excited to be returning to County Players and to be performing with this amazing group of people. She was most recently seen locally in Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit) and Shrek the Musical (Fairy Godmother / ensemble). “Thank you to the entire cast and crew for making this experience such a joy, and always grateful for the friends and family that keep me going!”
is honored to be a part of this great production team! He has been a part of multiple County Player productions, both on-stage and as crew. Notable productions include Ragtime (Ensemble), An Ideal Husband (Mason), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Marcus Lycus), It’s Only a Play (Stage Manager), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Feldzeig), as well as Kinky Boots (Mr. Price) with Dutchess Community College Performing Arts, and Oliver! (Bill Sikes) with the Stable Theater (Bamberg, Germany). Mike teaches history at Dutchess Community College, and served 23 years as an armored cavalryman in the US Army. “Congrats to the entire cast and crew for their fantastic work on this show, and many thanks to Michael and Jeff for leading us on this wonderful journey. Love always to Connie. Go Army, Beat Navy!”
acted in community theatre in Reno, Nevada for two years and has appeared in shows such as SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical (Electric Skate/ Ensemble / U.S. SpongeBob), She Kills Monsters (Orcus), and Rocky Horror Show (Riff Raff). He’d like to thank his parents, as well as Amy and Marissa for supporting his passion. County Players debut!
is an actor and voiceover artist who trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. Her local stage roles include Shrek (Ensemble), Spring Awakening (Adult Woman), Bat Boy (Mayor Maggie), My Fair Lady (Mrs. Pearce), Lanford Wilson’s Book of Days (Sharon Bates), Hamlet (Horatio), Doubt (Sister James), and The Women of Lockerbie (Woman 1). She thanks her family for their support and encouragement, and her castmates for their joy and laughter. County Players debut!
is thrilled to be returning to the County Players stage after time away being a competitive dance mom. She was last seen in Grease (Jan), Not Without My Father, Sweeney Todd, and Once on This Island (Asaka). Mary has worked with The CENTER for Performing Art at Rhinebeck in Shrek the Musical (Humpty Dumpty) and the Gilbert & Sullivan Musical Theater Company in A Little Night Music, Tomfoolery, The Merry Widow, and The Secret Garden (Martha). She also worked with Just Off Broadway in Songs for A New World (Woman 1) and appeared in a concert version of The Secret Garden with Broadway veterans Craig Schulman and Marni Raab. Mary is a general music/chorus teacher for the Arlington school district and is grateful to her husband and two daughters for supporting her enjoyment of theater! “Shout out to all the cast, crew and production team for a wonderful show!”
is thrilled to be returning to the County Players stage. He made his debut last year as Houdini in Ragtime. Ryan is a full-time entertainer, illusionist, and comedian born and raised here in the Hudson Valley. He tours the country restoring laughter and wonder through magic and comedy. He opens for today’s biggest superstars and has appeared in many film and television shows. He is also a magic consult for Broadway. Ryan loves spending time with his amazing girlfriend, Maria, and rescue pup, Copper (bonus points if you know after whom he’s named). He would like to dedicate this performance to his dad, Dean! “Thanks for making amazing stories with me, Dad”. Connect with Ryan on social media @illusionistryandutcher or visit RyanDutcher.com.
studied jazz, ballet, and tap in Monterrey, Mexico, and continued dance and vocal training in several schools in Dallas. He previously worked for several theaters in Dallas and NYC, and toured Canada and Europe with the show Mexico Day for the World Equestrian games in 1994. Dallas Regional: Crazy for You (Mingo), Mame (ensemble/choreographer), 42nd Street, Thoroughly Modern Millie with Garland Summer Musicals; Evita, Carousel, Fiorello, Funny Girl with Lyric Stage; Hair, Victor/Victoria, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Uptown Players. NYC: Grand Theft (ensemble/choreographer) and Nicholas Nickleby (ensemble/choreographer) at Theatre for the New City, Mary Poppins (Constable at Yorktown Stage), Cats (Bustopher) at Theatre on Main. “Thanks to the County Players’ creative team for the opportunity to work with this wonderful cast and magical show. Love always to Alan & Mom.” County Players debut!
is glad to be working with County Players. In NYC and DFW, he directed, stage-managed, choreographed, and performed in several off-Broadway shows and festival pieces, and helped produce several seasons of the Lower East Side Theater Festival for Theater for New City (TNC), and TNC’s Love N’ Courage New Writers fundraising event. Favorite performance credits include: My Fair Lady (Jamie), When Pigs Fly (Actor-John), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! (Man 2), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Schroeder), Hello Dolly! (Cornelius Hackl), Hair (Hawkeye Walter Moon / Margaret Mead), The Fantasticks (Hucklebee), Dearly Departed (Ray-Bud), Don’t Dress for Dinner (Bernard), Kiss Me Kate (Gangster 1), and Nice Work If You Can Get It (Duke Maloney). “Carlos, thank you for all your love and support these past 20 years!!!” County Players debut!
is thrilled to be back on stage after a 20-year break. He last appeared on tour with David Gordon/Pickup Productions in Dancing Henry Five and The Chairs. Favorite roles include Lend Me a Tenor (Max), Move to Exit (Everyman), A Winter’s Tale (Florizel), Carousel (Carnival Boy twice), Grease (Eugene Florczyk), The Nutcracker (Nutcracker), Tom Sawyer (Injun Joe), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Linus). He has appeared in more than 50 other musicals, plays, and musical revues. “A big thank you to the County Players community for such a warm welcome; and an even bigger thank you to my wonderful wife, Alex, and kids, Luna and Sebastian, for their encouragement and support in getting back on the boards!” County Players debut!
previously performed in County Players productions of Ragtime (Kathleen/Ensemble); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Panacea); dance ensembles of Young Frankenstein, Guys and Dolls, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Memphis; Trinity’s productions of In the Heights; RPAC’s Cabaret and Chicago (Go to Hell Kitty / Dance Ensemble). In addition to musical theater and dance, she is an actor for Murder Cafe. Karen is grateful to be part of this incredible cast and production. “Love to Liv and Tim always.”
Previous County Players roles include Eleanor (Eleanor) and Ragtime (ensemble). Previous credits elsewhere include Waiting for Lefty (Lefty), Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), Water by the Spoonful (Yaz), Motherf*cker with the Hat (Victoria) at Lehman Stages and The Zombies: A Musical (Chloe) at Peter Jay Sharpe Theatre. “A huge thanks to the cast and crew for blossoming and creating an amazing story about the magic of storytelling. You’ve made it so special. Special thanks to my son, Gabriel, for his love and support each night through this experience!”
is thrilled to be part of this production. He previously appeared in County Players’ Ragtime (The Little Boy) and was featured in Roy C. Ketcham’s Masque & Mime production of Wendy and Peter Pan (Tom Darling). Additional credits include Something Rotten (Nigel Bottom), Thirteen (Archie), Shrek (Shrek), Newsies (Albert), and Aladdin (Aladdin). He would like to thank Michael, the cast, and the crew for their incredible support. He is especially grateful to his friends and family—most of all his mom and dad—for their encouragement, countless rehearsal drives, and helping him learn his lines.
is thrilled to return to County Players for his second production, having made his CP debut last year in Ragtime (Younger Brother). He is deeply grateful to his voice teacher, Russel, and his dance teacher, Diane. Brian sends his love to his mom, sister, brother, and his wonderful nieces, Rebecca and Margaret. A special thank you to his husband, Josh, for his unwavering support and understanding as he returns to the stage. Brian dedicates this performance to his father, John – “Thank you for Fighting the Dragons for me. You will always Be the Hero.”
was doing community theatre for several years in Nevada, most recently Pirates of Penzance (Kate), Seussical the Musical (Mrs. Mayor / Bird Girl), Rocky Horror Show (Phantom), and A Chorus Line (Tricia/ US Maggie). She has the most love and appreciation for her family and friends who support her love for the arts, and a special thanks to Amy, Marissa, and Rosalyn for … everything! County Players debut!
is in her second County Players production. You may have spotted her in Ragtime (ensemble). She also has a few regional credits in Into the Woods (Witch), The Who’s Tommy (Acid Queen), and Elegies (Only One). In her spare time, Megan enjoys creating costumes for the shows and themed events. “Thank you to all my supportive friends and family. And to all the storytellers, thank you for telling your stories.”
is delighted to be a part of this show, having performed in others at The CENTER For Performing Arts at Rhinebeck such as Kinky Boots (Charlie), Amelie (Nino), Once (Guy), Ghost (Sam), and Les Misérables (Jean Valjean). He lives in Kingston with his partner of almost two decades, where he enjoys writing and recording songs in his little home recording studio. “Deepest thanks to every person involved. Special thanks to Melissa.” County Players debut!
is delighted to rejoin the theatre scene for the first time in several years with County Players. Her previous experience comes from high school, having been seen in Heathers: The Musical, The Addams Family, The 39 Steps, and various small productions. During the week she works at Cold Spring’s Fred Astaire Dance Studio as a ballroom dance instructor. On select weekends, she can be seen acting as beloved fairytale characters at children’s parties/events with Starlight Studio. “Thank you so much to everyone involved for being so lovely, encouraging, and true!” County Players debut!
is grateful to be a part of this production. His selected previous performance credits include, for County Players: Babel, Photograph 51, and An Ideal Husband, and for 90 Miles Theatre Co.: Sister Act, Gypsy, 007 Cabaret, and Annie Warbucks. He has also had the honor of being a part of this past year’s Stones and Bones event, through the Wappingers Historical Society, and was seen spreading fear and holiday cheer at both Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion, and Holiday Spirit Festival. Keller has studied theatre and music for a majority of his life, and has always found great joy in it. He earned his B.A. in Theatre History and Criticism from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2020. He would like to extend his thanks to the cast and crew for all of their hard work, and to the audience, whose continuous support makes all of this possible.
is delighted to be back at County Players. She is an account clerk for the Town of Highlands and a Hudson Valley transplant from Texas where she studied performance. Her County Players credits include Bable (Anne), and An Ideal Husband (Mabel Chiltern). Some of her favorite roles elsewhere include The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn Fairfax) at Cornerstone Theatre, A Murder is Announced (Julia Simmons) at Creative Theater – Muddy Water Players, Pride and Prejudice (Lydia Bennet) at Stolen Shakespeare Guild, Avenue Q (Bad Idea Bear), The Hostage (Miss Gilchrist), Smokefall (Beauty), and Tartuffe (Elmire) at Theatre Wesleyan. She would like to express her love and gratitude to her parents, William, and to the incredible cast and crew of mermaids, giants, magicians, and storytellers who were the best part of this adventure.
is performing in her sixth musical with County Players. Previous credits include Ragtime, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Vibrata), Young Frankenstein, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Guys and Dolls (Missouri Martin). Laura is an RN at West Point. She is also an accomplished modern dancer and choreographer, with a BFA in dance from SUNY Purchase. Laura is grateful for the opportunity to work with this talented cast and crew. To family and friends who are reading this or performing with me on stage, “I can’t thank you enough!”
is delighted to reawaken her love of musical theatre. After attending the University of San Francisco, working as a paralegal for many years, and raising a family, she is grateful to have the opportunity to perform with this gifted cast and crew. When not on stage, Venessa enjoys reading, traveling, and being at home with her family. She would like to thank her husband for his unwavering support, and for encouraging her to audition for this brilliant production! County Players debut!
notes favorite credits both outside of and with this company as including Shrek (Pinocchio), Batboy (Ron Taylor), and Ragtime (Little Girl). This is their second show with County Players. “Big thanks to the cast and crew for this wonderful experience. It’s been an absolute blast to be a part of the process.”
is thrilled to step into Karl’s sizable shoes for this whale of a fish story. If you thought Frankenstein’s monster was a hefty role, this hulking character makes you wonder if the County Players’ stage can stand up to this colossal performance. Never before has weighty intelligence been married to such powerful animal magnetism with a heavy dash of whimsy. Life is all about the journey and Scott thanks his perfect personal trainer, Erica, for getting his two big feet out there on the road!
(Alabama Lamb / Ensemble)
(Amos Calloway)
(Ensemble)
(Jenny Hill / Ensemble)
(Dr. Bennett / Ensemble)
(Zacky Price / Red Fang / Ensemble)
(Ensemble)
(Ashton Mayor / Ensemble)
(Don Price)
(Ensemble)
(Sandra)
(Young Will)
(Edward Bloom)
(Ensemble)
(Alabama Lamb / Ensemble)
(Will Bloom)
(Ensemble)
(Ensemble)
(Josephine Bloom)
(Girl in the Water / Mermaid / Ensemble)
(Ensemble)
(The Witch)
(Karl)
CREW
is an Emmy Award winning Hudson Valley native and audio engineer professionally credited with the live television musicals Annie, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray, The WIZ, Peter Pan, and Sound of Music LIVE! (NBC), and A Christmas Story LIVE! (FOX). Additional shows include Great Performances for WNET-PBS and BroadwayHD.com, Good Morning America (ABC), CMT Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, The 77th Tony Awards (CBS), plus live coverage of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration and State of the Union (ABC News). Local credits include numerous productions at County Players, The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, and Marist College. Mark is a member of the County Players Board of Governors and would like to thank the patrons, performers, and personnel for choosing to make time and space in their lives for the collaborative art of theatre. verylimitedproductions.com
is honored to have helped bring the story of Big Fish to life. Glen is a member of the County Players Board of Governors and has most recently been on stage at County Players for CP2 Readers Theatre’s production of Witch (Cuddy) and backstage in Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson Apt. 2B (assistant stage manager). They’re overjoyed to now see the stage filled with such wonderful talents and can’t wait for everyone to see the hard work the cast and crew has put into creating this tale.
has worked in several County Players productions both on-stage and off-stage, including stints as director for Eleanor, stage manager for Prelude to a Kiss, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Our Town, and You Can’t Take It with You, as well as sound design for Seven Keys to Baldpate, Uncanny Valley, and Grand Concourse. As always, love and thanks go to his family and friends. “I am grateful for you all.”
has been involved both on- and off-stage in several other productions at County Players, including stage manager for Eleanor and Underneath the Lintel for the CP2 Reader’s Theater Series in October of 2024, and assistant stage manager for An Ideal Husband (2024), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2019) and Our Town (2018). Jenn would like to thank the incredibly talented, supportive, and collaborative folks involved in this production for making it one of the most rewarding theater experiences of which she’s had the pleasure of being a part.
is thrilled to be a part of this production. Previous County Players credits include: Into the Breeches, Incorruptible, Native Gardens, Molly Sweeney, Grand Concourse, and George Washington’s Teeth. A lifelong theater-nerd, Kaela has been performing, producing, and choreographing theater for over 20 years. “Thank you to David!”
has been a costumer in the Hudson Valley for high school, college, and community theater productions for over 30 years. Her first experience working on costumes for County Players was in 1990 when she was on a wonderful team of seamstresses headed by Dilys Clark for The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She is most proud of her work on Amadeus in 2017 for the company. Cynthia was resident Costumer for Creative Theater-Muddy Water Players in Monroe, NY. She also won a TANYS award for her costumes in a production of Honk at SUNY Orange in Middletown. While earning her BA in Political Science from the University of the South in TN, she studied costume design and ran the costume shop. Her love of period costumes drew her to Civil War reenacting, where she made her and her husband’s clothing, and in which they participated for 20 years.
is a skilled seamstress. Her costume crew credits include Incorruptible, An Ideal Husband, Calendar Girls, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Book of Will, Pride and Prejudice, and The Drowsy Chaperone. “My deepest thanks to my family for your support, love, and laughs. Thank you to all the great folks who make being a part of shows at County Players special.”
is an award-winning makeup artist whose artistry has enriched stage, film, and television productions for over three decades. Her portfolio boasts an array of renowned works, including Ragtime, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, It’s Only a Play, Native Gardens, The Book of Will, Young Frankenstein, Seven Keys to Baldpate, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, Spamalot, and Amadeus. Her expertise in wig design and makeup artistry has graced such venues as County Players and Westchester Broadway Theater. Dani’s exceptional skills earned her the Best Hair Design Award from the 2019 Broadway World Regional Awards, recognizing her talent and dedication to her craft. Beyond her artistic prowess, Dani was also inducted into the prestigious Buglers Hall of Fame—a testament to her diverse talents and passions. In addition to her artistic contributions, Dani serves as a Moulage Specialist, creating hyper-realistic special effects injuries for Homeland Security training exercises.
is excited to work with this talented cast and crew. She has appeared onstage in many County Players productions, most recently An Ideal Husband (Lady Basildon), and headed props on many more. As always, she is grateful for her family, the County Players friends she has made, and her “Props Peeps,” especially Nancy. Peggy is thankful for our returning patrons and offers prayers for those who are here in spirit. “Always remember, ‘Have fun!’”
has been happy to be a part of many County Players productions for over 20 years, most recently on Into the Breeches!. “Thank you to this cast and crew. Thank you, audience members, for being a part of the family.”
has been involved with County Players since Camelot in 1991. He designed lighting for dozens of shows at County Players and other local companies. Jeff also directed eight shows for County Players, with Something Rotten next; he has even occasionally appeared on-stage. He has served on County Players’ Board of Governors for many years, and is currently the company technical director. When not at the theater, he has run ten marathons, many half marathons and shorter races, and has twice run the “Rock the Ridge” 50-mile endurance challenge. Jeff has worked for IBM in the Hudson Valley for 34 years.
received a 2004 BAFTA nomination for his screenplay for Big Fish. His other credits include Go, Titan A.E., Charlie’s Angels, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Corpse Bride, The Nines, Frankenweenie, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, for which he received a 2006 Grammy nomination for lyrics. The first book in his middle-grade fantasy adventure series Arlo Finch was published by Macmillan in February 2018 and has been translated into eleven languages. Born in Colorado, he is a graduate of Drake University and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. On Twitter and Instagram: @johnaugust.
Broadway credits include: Music and lyrics for Big Fish directed/choreographed by Susan Stroman; the Tony-nominated music and lyrics for The Addams Family (directed by Jerry Zaks), as well as the music for Aaron Sorkin’s play The Farnsworth Invention (directed by Des McAnuff). Other musicals include the Drama Desk award-winning musical The Wild Party (book/music/lyrics); A Little Princess (music); john & jen (music/book); Asphalt Beach (music/lyrics); and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (additional music/lyrics and arrangements). His epic oratorio for men’s chorus, orchestra and soloists, I Am Harvey Milk, has seen over 40 productions including Disney Hall, Lincoln Center, and London’s Cadogan Hall. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he serves as president of the board of The Dramatists Guild Foundation, recipient of the Tony Award for Excellence in the American Theater. He was born in Leeds, England, grew up in suburban Detroit, and is an ordained Interfaith minister.
CREATIVE TEAM & PRODUCTION CREW
- Scenic Designer
- Michael J. Frohnhoefer
- Set Decor
- Michael J. Frohnhoefer
- Set Construction Head
- Mark Weglinski
- Set Construction and Painting Crew
- Liam Botsford, Ralph Bowman, Bill Bracey, Jody Coleman, Kayel Conklin, Tim Durniak, Ryan Dutcher, Tom Elliott, TJ Ereditario, Vincent Farina, Aaron Heisler, Marsha Kramer, John Leinung, Kevin Martin, Thomas Schmeelk, Liz Sparracio, Alan Thomas, Scott Woolley
- Costume Crew
- Bobette Collins, Jack Guarneri, Megan Longwell
- Dressers
- Connie Boden, Donna Conway, Vinnie Cuccia
- Assistant Lighting Designer
- Dani Masterson
- Lighting Crew
- Kevin Barnes, TJ Ereditario, Aaron Heisler, Ryan King, Marc Schroeder
- Sound Mixer
- Abigail Crocker
- Sound Crew
- Jean Mazzilli
- Hair & Makeup Crew
- Lauren Accomando, TJ Ereditario
- Backstage Crew
- Glen Morrice, Peggy Ringwood
- Concessions
- Jody Coleman, Nancy Scrivner
- Marketing
- Joe Pettignano, David Ringwood
- Production and Publicity Photography
- Louisa Vilardi
- Postcards/Programs/Brochure
- Thomas G. Byrne, Christine Crawfis, Stacy Greenspan, Joe Pettignano, Louisa Vilardi
- Box Office
- Julie Eads Woolley
Information in “Who’s Who” is provided by those listed. Any opinions expressed are of the players and not necessarily of County Players.
Just for Testing
Title = Big Fish The Musical
by
This show is a Musical
This show is a Comedy
Book by John August
Music by Andrew Lippa
Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Based on Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August
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Main Stage or CP2?
Directed by Michael J. Frohnhoefer
Musical Direction by
Choreography by
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Fri & Sat 8pm | Fri 5/2, Sat 5/3, Fri 5/9, Sat 5/10, Fri 5/16, Sat 5/17
Sun Matinee 2pm | Sun 5/11, Sun 5/18
Sat Matinee 2pm | Sat 5/17
CAST (in alphabetical order)
is excited to be returning to County Players and to be performing with this amazing group of people. She was most recently seen locally in Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit) and Shrek the Musical (Fairy Godmother / ensemble). “Thank you to the entire cast and crew for making this experience such a joy, and always grateful for the friends and family that keep me going!”
is honored to be a part of this great production team! He has been a part of multiple County Player productions, both on-stage and as crew. Notable productions include Ragtime (Ensemble), An Ideal Husband (Mason), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Marcus Lycus), It’s Only a Play (Stage Manager), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Feldzeig), as well as Kinky Boots (Mr. Price) with Dutchess Community College Performing Arts, and Oliver! (Bill Sikes) with the Stable Theater (Bamberg, Germany). Mike teaches history at Dutchess Community College, and served 23 years as an armored cavalryman in the US Army. “Congrats to the entire cast and crew for their fantastic work on this show, and many thanks to Michael and Jeff for leading us on this wonderful journey. Love always to Connie. Go Army, Beat Navy!”
acted in community theatre in Reno, Nevada for two years and has appeared in shows such as SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical (Electric Skate/ Ensemble / U.S. SpongeBob), She Kills Monsters (Orcus), and Rocky Horror Show (Riff Raff). He’d like to thank his parents, as well as Amy and Marissa for supporting his passion. County Players debut!
is an actor and voiceover artist who trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. Her local stage roles include Shrek (Ensemble), Spring Awakening (Adult Woman), Bat Boy (Mayor Maggie), My Fair Lady (Mrs. Pearce), Lanford Wilson’s Book of Days (Sharon Bates), Hamlet (Horatio), Doubt (Sister James), and The Women of Lockerbie (Woman 1). She thanks her family for their support and encouragement, and her castmates for their joy and laughter. County Players debut!
is thrilled to be returning to the County Players stage after time away being a competitive dance mom. She was last seen in Grease (Jan), Not Without My Father, Sweeney Todd, and Once on This Island (Asaka). Mary has worked with The CENTER for Performing Art at Rhinebeck in Shrek the Musical (Humpty Dumpty) and the Gilbert & Sullivan Musical Theater Company in A Little Night Music, Tomfoolery, The Merry Widow, and The Secret Garden (Martha). She also worked with Just Off Broadway in Songs for A New World (Woman 1) and appeared in a concert version of The Secret Garden with Broadway veterans Craig Schulman and Marni Raab. Mary is a general music/chorus teacher for the Arlington school district and is grateful to her husband and two daughters for supporting her enjoyment of theater! “Shout out to all the cast, crew and production team for a wonderful show!”
is thrilled to be returning to the County Players stage. He made his debut last year as Houdini in Ragtime. Ryan is a full-time entertainer, illusionist, and comedian born and raised here in the Hudson Valley. He tours the country restoring laughter and wonder through magic and comedy. He opens for today’s biggest superstars and has appeared in many film and television shows. He is also a magic consult for Broadway. Ryan loves spending time with his amazing girlfriend, Maria, and rescue pup, Copper (bonus points if you know after whom he’s named). He would like to dedicate this performance to his dad, Dean! “Thanks for making amazing stories with me, Dad”. Connect with Ryan on social media @illusionistryandutcher or visit RyanDutcher.com.
studied jazz, ballet, and tap in Monterrey, Mexico, and continued dance and vocal training in several schools in Dallas. He previously worked for several theaters in Dallas and NYC, and toured Canada and Europe with the show Mexico Day for the World Equestrian games in 1994. Dallas Regional: Crazy for You (Mingo), Mame (ensemble/choreographer), 42nd Street, Thoroughly Modern Millie with Garland Summer Musicals; Evita, Carousel, Fiorello, Funny Girl with Lyric Stage; Hair, Victor/Victoria, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Uptown Players. NYC: Grand Theft (ensemble/choreographer) and Nicholas Nickleby (ensemble/choreographer) at Theatre for the New City, Mary Poppins (Constable at Yorktown Stage), Cats (Bustopher) at Theatre on Main. “Thanks to the County Players’ creative team for the opportunity to work with this wonderful cast and magical show. Love always to Alan & Mom.” County Players debut!
is glad to be working with County Players. In NYC and DFW, he directed, stage-managed, choreographed, and performed in several off-Broadway shows and festival pieces, and helped produce several seasons of the Lower East Side Theater Festival for Theater for New City (TNC), and TNC’s Love N’ Courage New Writers fundraising event. Favorite performance credits include: My Fair Lady (Jamie), When Pigs Fly (Actor-John), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! (Man 2), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Schroeder), Hello Dolly! (Cornelius Hackl), Hair (Hawkeye Walter Moon / Margaret Mead), The Fantasticks (Hucklebee), Dearly Departed (Ray-Bud), Don’t Dress for Dinner (Bernard), Kiss Me Kate (Gangster 1), and Nice Work If You Can Get It (Duke Maloney). “Carlos, thank you for all your love and support these past 20 years!!!” County Players debut!
is thrilled to be back on stage after a 20-year break. He last appeared on tour with David Gordon/Pickup Productions in Dancing Henry Five and The Chairs. Favorite roles include Lend Me a Tenor (Max), Move to Exit (Everyman), A Winter’s Tale (Florizel), Carousel (Carnival Boy twice), Grease (Eugene Florczyk), The Nutcracker (Nutcracker), Tom Sawyer (Injun Joe), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Linus). He has appeared in more than 50 other musicals, plays, and musical revues. “A big thank you to the County Players community for such a warm welcome; and an even bigger thank you to my wonderful wife, Alex, and kids, Luna and Sebastian, for their encouragement and support in getting back on the boards!” County Players debut!
previously performed in County Players productions of Ragtime (Kathleen/Ensemble); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Panacea); dance ensembles of Young Frankenstein, Guys and Dolls, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Memphis; Trinity’s productions of In the Heights; RPAC’s Cabaret and Chicago (Go to Hell Kitty / Dance Ensemble). In addition to musical theater and dance, she is an actor for Murder Cafe. Karen is grateful to be part of this incredible cast and production. “Love to Liv and Tim always.”
Previous County Players roles include Eleanor (Eleanor) and Ragtime (ensemble). Previous credits elsewhere include Waiting for Lefty (Lefty), Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), Water by the Spoonful (Yaz), Motherf*cker with the Hat (Victoria) at Lehman Stages and The Zombies: A Musical (Chloe) at Peter Jay Sharpe Theatre. “A huge thanks to the cast and crew for blossoming and creating an amazing story about the magic of storytelling. You’ve made it so special. Special thanks to my son, Gabriel, for his love and support each night through this experience!”
is thrilled to be part of this production. He previously appeared in County Players’ Ragtime (The Little Boy) and was featured in Roy C. Ketcham’s Masque & Mime production of Wendy and Peter Pan (Tom Darling). Additional credits include Something Rotten (Nigel Bottom), Thirteen (Archie), Shrek (Shrek), Newsies (Albert), and Aladdin (Aladdin). He would like to thank Michael, the cast, and the crew for their incredible support. He is especially grateful to his friends and family—most of all his mom and dad—for their encouragement, countless rehearsal drives, and helping him learn his lines.
is thrilled to return to County Players for his second production, having made his CP debut last year in Ragtime (Younger Brother). He is deeply grateful to his voice teacher, Russel, and his dance teacher, Diane. Brian sends his love to his mom, sister, brother, and his wonderful nieces, Rebecca and Margaret. A special thank you to his husband, Josh, for his unwavering support and understanding as he returns to the stage. Brian dedicates this performance to his father, John – “Thank you for Fighting the Dragons for me. You will always Be the Hero.”
was doing community theatre for several years in Nevada, most recently Pirates of Penzance (Kate), Seussical the Musical (Mrs. Mayor / Bird Girl), Rocky Horror Show (Phantom), and A Chorus Line (Tricia/ US Maggie). She has the most love and appreciation for her family and friends who support her love for the arts, and a special thanks to Amy, Marissa, and Rosalyn for … everything! County Players debut!
is in her second County Players production. You may have spotted her in Ragtime (ensemble). She also has a few regional credits in Into the Woods (Witch), The Who’s Tommy (Acid Queen), and Elegies (Only One). In her spare time, Megan enjoys creating costumes for the shows and themed events. “Thank you to all my supportive friends and family. And to all the storytellers, thank you for telling your stories.”
is delighted to be a part of this show, having performed in others at The CENTER For Performing Arts at Rhinebeck such as Kinky Boots (Charlie), Amelie (Nino), Once (Guy), Ghost (Sam), and Les Misérables (Jean Valjean). He lives in Kingston with his partner of almost two decades, where he enjoys writing and recording songs in his little home recording studio. “Deepest thanks to every person involved. Special thanks to Melissa.” County Players debut!
is delighted to rejoin the theatre scene for the first time in several years with County Players. Her previous experience comes from high school, having been seen in Heathers: The Musical, The Addams Family, The 39 Steps, and various small productions. During the week she works at Cold Spring’s Fred Astaire Dance Studio as a ballroom dance instructor. On select weekends, she can be seen acting as beloved fairytale characters at children’s parties/events with Starlight Studio. “Thank you so much to everyone involved for being so lovely, encouraging, and true!” County Players debut!
is grateful to be a part of this production. His selected previous performance credits include, for County Players: Babel, Photograph 51, and An Ideal Husband, and for 90 Miles Theatre Co.: Sister Act, Gypsy, 007 Cabaret, and Annie Warbucks. He has also had the honor of being a part of this past year’s Stones and Bones event, through the Wappingers Historical Society, and was seen spreading fear and holiday cheer at both Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion, and Holiday Spirit Festival. Keller has studied theatre and music for a majority of his life, and has always found great joy in it. He earned his B.A. in Theatre History and Criticism from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2020. He would like to extend his thanks to the cast and crew for all of their hard work, and to the audience, whose continuous support makes all of this possible.
is delighted to be back at County Players. She is an account clerk for the Town of Highlands and a Hudson Valley transplant from Texas where she studied performance. Her County Players credits include Bable (Anne), and An Ideal Husband (Mabel Chiltern). Some of her favorite roles elsewhere include The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn Fairfax) at Cornerstone Theatre, A Murder is Announced (Julia Simmons) at Creative Theater – Muddy Water Players, Pride and Prejudice (Lydia Bennet) at Stolen Shakespeare Guild, Avenue Q (Bad Idea Bear), The Hostage (Miss Gilchrist), Smokefall (Beauty), and Tartuffe (Elmire) at Theatre Wesleyan. She would like to express her love and gratitude to her parents, William, and to the incredible cast and crew of mermaids, giants, magicians, and storytellers who were the best part of this adventure.
is performing in her sixth musical with County Players. Previous credits include Ragtime, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Vibrata), Young Frankenstein, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Guys and Dolls (Missouri Martin). Laura is an RN at West Point. She is also an accomplished modern dancer and choreographer, with a BFA in dance from SUNY Purchase. Laura is grateful for the opportunity to work with this talented cast and crew. To family and friends who are reading this or performing with me on stage, “I can’t thank you enough!”
is delighted to reawaken her love of musical theatre. After attending the University of San Francisco, working as a paralegal for many years, and raising a family, she is grateful to have the opportunity to perform with this gifted cast and crew. When not on stage, Venessa enjoys reading, traveling, and being at home with her family. She would like to thank her husband for his unwavering support, and for encouraging her to audition for this brilliant production! County Players debut!
notes favorite credits both outside of and with this company as including Shrek (Pinocchio), Batboy (Ron Taylor), and Ragtime (Little Girl). This is their second show with County Players. “Big thanks to the cast and crew for this wonderful experience. It’s been an absolute blast to be a part of the process.”
is thrilled to step into Karl’s sizable shoes for this whale of a fish story. If you thought Frankenstein’s monster was a hefty role, this hulking character makes you wonder if the County Players’ stage can stand up to this colossal performance. Never before has weighty intelligence been married to such powerful animal magnetism with a heavy dash of whimsy. Life is all about the journey and Scott thanks his perfect personal trainer, Erica, for getting his two big feet out there on the road!