The Addams Family

A Note From the Director

Just like Wednesday, we all just want one normal night during the past year and a half of the pandemic. As we are able to slowly return to some form of “normal”, we wanted a show that would encase everything we needed after such a hard year. First of all, we all need a good laugh and The Addams Family will definitely provide that. However, this production also reminds us that we need to take care of eachother. The idea of family, unity and loving each other no matter what their inner darkness is, is something that we all can all relate to. Thank you all so much for your constant support, and we are so excited to see you all in the audience once again!

Stephen Svoboda & Riley Gibson

Cast List

Principle Characters

Gomez Addams, Gavin Buurma

Morticia Addams, Paige Hood

Wednesday Addams, Kamryn Mohney

Pugsley Addams, Bri Clark

Fester Addams, Zach Abraham

Grandma Addams, Amanda Bruton & Hannah Schoen

Lucas Beineke, Jack Mills

Alice Beineke, Elayna Brock

Mal Beineke, Sean Cook

Lurch, Garrett Hummel

Ancestors/Ensemble

Alexandra Saxon

Alyssa Bishop

Audrey Warren

Ben Neiberlein

Ben Pollizi

Chantress Dewitt

Elise Hill

Gage Hill

Gretta Griesbach

Isaac Hulbert

Jackson Helmholtz

Jadon Muniz

Julia Schaefer

Khadijah Kennedy

Krista Hagans

Kylee Kent

Lexi Lang

Lizzie Bowman

Natalie Joritz

Noah Rawson

Riley Amell

Serria Allen

Solana Petrone

Taylor Richardson

Taylor Yunker

Zaria Keys

Production/Creative Team

Director, Stephen Svoboda

Assistant Director, Riley Gibson

Stage Manager, Allison Gonzales

Assistant Stage Manager, Autumn Perry

Assistant Stage Manager, Lizzie Bowman

Music Director, David Cotter

Choreographer, Donna Gross

Dance Captain, Chantress Dewitt

Dance Captain, Solana Petrone

Lighting Designer, Daisy Long

Master Electrician, Ben Pollizi

Mic Board Operator, Anna Gerber

Costume Designer, David Cotter

Assistant Costume Designer, Hannah Schoen

Hair & Makeup, Bri Clark

Hair & Makeup, Lexi Lang

Scenic Designer, Nick Tallion

Scenic Charge, Bri Clark

Deck Hand, Jordan Kline

Props Master, Jasmine Ridler

Meet the Cast

Zach Abraham is a sophomore at Heidelberg University this fall. He is currently pursuing a degree in both Musical Theatre as well as Business Administration. Zach is over the moon to play the superb character of Uncle Fester this fall. Zach is also a member of Hei-Notes, the Honor’s Activity Board, and the “Make-a-Scene” Improv group on campus. Zach would like to thank his family in Marion, as well as his musical theatre family here in Tiffin. Zach wishes everyone to break a leg with Addams Family!

Riley Ameel is a freshman this year and so far is loving it at Heidelberg. Not only can you find her on stage you can also find her on the volleyball court. Some of Riley’s favorite parts she has played include Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors, Margot from Legally Blonde, and Logan from 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Riley would like to thank her parents and sister for always supporting her.

Alyssa Bishop is a freshman Musical Theatre, Business Management, and Business Marketing major. Her favorite role she has played was the detective in 13 Past Midnight. She would like to thank her family and friends, her past theatre directors, Lisa Napier-Garcia, Kelly Armstrong, and Nathan Weaver, and her fellow castmates. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Lizzie Bowman is a fourth year student at Heidelberg University, majoring in Musical Theatre and History. In the past she has been in and while attending Heidelberg, The Music Man (Mrs. Squires), Cabaret (Rosie), She Kills Monsters (Agnes) and Freaky Friday (Gretchen), Elf (Emily), and Dance Nation (Sofia). This is the first time Lizzie will be assistant stage managing a production; previously she has been a production member in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Wardrobe) and The Penguin Tango (Assistant Props Master), and dance captain for Freaky Friday and 9 to 5.

Elayna Brock is a Junior musical theatre major at Heidelberg University, she has appeared as the Sphinx in the Greek Plays, Joan in Fun Home, Torrey in Freaky Friday, Ashlee in Dance Nation, ensemble member in Heathers, Maria in 9 to 5, and most recently, Alice Beineke in Addams Family. Elayna is excited to be back on the stage once again this year, but she couldn’t do it without the love and support of her friends and family. She also wants to thank the amazing cast and crew for their hard work and dedication.

Amanda Bruton is thrilled to be back working at Heidelberg after directing Puffs last spring! And she’s even more excited to be working on a show so near and dear to her heart. Amanda originally performed as Grandma Addams in the International Tour of The Addams Family Musical directed by Jerry Zaks back in 2013/14. The tour traveled all over the US from Alaska to Florida and then across the globe to Asia with stops in Singapore, China, and Macau. Since tour, Amanda has been appearing as the woman you think you know on the small screen. You may have seen her saying some words in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon), Orange is the New Black (Netflix), and Billions (Showtime) among others. Look for her on the current season of NBC’s Manifest and the upcoming season of CBS’s FBI. She is the creator of sketch character Connie “Big Ballz” Bumbaloni. You can find Connie on YouTube in Confessions by Connie, Connie in Quarantine, and now the monthly advice-column series Questions with Connie. Amanda also wrote/produced/directed the award winning comedic short Nevertheless, She Auditioned, which premiered at HBO's Women in Comedy Festival. Back when we were communing in theaters more regularly, Amanda brought her solo show Still UnCastable to the Laurie Beechman Theatre and the Duplex in NYC with exceptional shout outs in TimeOut NY and Broadway World. Amanda holds a BFA in Drama from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actor's Equity. These days you can find her doing dramatic readings of the Vermont Country Store catalog on Instagram, voiceover work from her closet, or hanging out with her wife Kristen and daughter Frankie. @amanda_bruton @conniebigballz www.amandabruton.com

Gavin Buurma is a Senior Musical Theatre major, with a minor in Business Administration and Theatre Education from Willard, Ohio. He has performed in various productions at Heidelberg including Mamma Mia!, The Music Man, The Penguin Tango, Shakespeare's Macbeth, Cabaret, Fun Home, Puffs, and Elf. Gavin is a member of the Hei-Notes and a Student Ambassador. He would like to thank his friends and family, especially his mom, for all of their support. The cast and crew have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic and he is very excited for everyone to see this show LIVE!

Bri Clark is a junior Musical Theater major and is on track to get her MBA. She has participated in theatrical shows pretty much her whole life. Bri has been in multiple shows here at Heidelberg including Cabaret, Oedipus, She Kills Monsters, Freaky Friday, Elf, Heathers, and 9 to 5. She also participates as the scenic charge and graphic designer for the theater. Bri is excited for her future here at Heidelberg as well as what will follow once she graduates.

Chantress DeWitt is a sophomore musical theatre major from Cardington, Ohio. During her time here at Heidelberg, she has been involved with the following productions: Elf, Puffs, Heathers, 9 to 5, and most recently a dance captain/ensemble member for The Addams Family. Chantress would like to thank the cast and crew of this production for being amazing and putting in so much hard work. She would also thank her friends and family for their support.

Gretta Griesbach is a Junior Theatre Major here at Heidelberg University. She has been performing in productions all throughout middle school and high school. She has performed on the Heidelberg stage in She Kills Monsters, Freaky Friday, Elf, Dog Sees God, Heathers, and 9 to 5. Gretta is super excited to be back acting on the stage and would like to thank everyone for their support for this production! She wants to especially thank the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication towards this amazing show!

Jackson Helmholtz is a freshman musical theatre major here at Heidelberg. In the past he has been Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, Tarzan, and The Wizard of Oz. He is in Hei-Notes as well as Make-A-Scene. He would like to thank his parents for always supporting him.

Elise Hill is no stranger to the theatre as she has been involved in more than 30 productions both on and off stage. Elise is currently a CCP sophomore here at Heidelberg majoring in Musical Theatre with an interest in Stage Management. Her favorite role she has played is Sherrie Christian in Rock of Ages, directed by Stephen Svoboda and David Cotter and her most memorable role here at Heidelberg is Susie Bones (and more!) in PUFFS, directed by Amanda Bruton. She is extremely excited to continue working with her peers and to become friends with the freshman. You can follow her on most social media platforms @eamh_drama

“I just want to lie on the beach and eat hot dogs. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” – Kevin Malone, The Office, Season 3, “Beach Games”

Gage Hill is a second-year musical theatre major from Clyde, Ohio. In the past he has performed in shows at Clyde High School, Bellevue Society for the Arts, and at Heidelberg University. He has been in Seussical the Musical, Guys and Dolls, End of the World (With Prom to Follow), Beauty and the Beast, and Freaky Friday (Twice). He performed over the summer for a live audience and so badly missed the energy of a live audience and he’s so excited to get back to it here at Heidelberg too!

Paige Hood is currently a Senior at Heidelberg University where she is A Pre-Med and musical theater double major. The Addams Family will be Paige’s 10th performance for HU Theater. Paige studied voice and theater at the Beck Center of the Arts for 10 years. Paige’s past performances include Cinderella (Cinderella), Pippin (Fastrada), Mary Poppins (Winifred Banks), The Music Man, Macbeth, Mamma Mia!, The Penguin Tango (Gomez), Cabaret (Texas), Oedipus (Jocasta), Freaky Friday (Savannah), Heather Chandler (Heathers), and 9 to 5 (Doralee Rhodes). Paige is also a National Anthem performer and has performed at Progressive Field, Lake Erie Crushers Stadium, 4th of July Avon Lake Celebration and the Ohio Fallen Police/Firefighters Memorial. Paige was lead vocalist for The Frats rock band, finalists in the 2017 Cleveland Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Rock Off. Paige is thrilled to be performing in The Addams Family and would like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support.

Isaac Hulbert is a Theatre and history major at Heidelberg university. He is very excited to be onstage in this production of The Addams Family.

Garrett Hummel is a Junior transfer student who majors in Acting and enjoys singing and acting. He hopes to make a career out of it.

Natalie Joritz is tickled gray to be in this production once again! She is a sophomore musical theatre major here at Heidelberg University. Some previous stage credits include: Angelo (The Comedy of Errors), Manson Trio Dancer (Pippin), and The Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Natalie is also in Hei-Notes, the Honors program, and was the stage manager for last semester's production of Dance Nation. Love goes out to her friends and family for being her biggest supporters, the creative team for giving her this opportunity, and the HeidelBean for supplying coffee for countless late nights. Enjoy the show - It's to die for!

Khadijah Kennedy is a freshman musical theatre major. She is originally from Louisiana, but I moved to Warren, Ohio almost four years ago. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Kylee Kent is a freshman Musical Theatre and Education major who comes from Lucas, Ohio. She has been involved in a number of shows in the Mansfield area including her favorite, Kiss Me, Kate where she took on the role of Lilly Vanessi. She would like to thank her directors, dance captains, and theatre mentor! Enjoy the show!

Zaria Keys is a freshman theatre major here at Heidelberg. This is Zaria’s debut performance in Gundlach. As a freshman, she is currently double majoring in Psychology and Theatre with a concentration in Acting. She enjoys all things art, music, and theatre. Her favorite role was playing Lucy Van Pelt in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She is very excited to continue in Heidelberg’s theatre program and plans to pursue a career in theatre.

Jack Mills is a sophomore musical theatre major. He is a part of Heidelberg’s Heinotes, and Heidelberg’s improv group, Make-a-Scene. He has performed in Heidelberg’s productions of Freaky Friday, Elf, and Heathers The Musical. As well as being Luke in Dance Nation, and Josh in 9 to 5. He is very excited to play the role of Lucas in Heidelberg’s production of The Addams Family. He wants to thank his friends and family for their continuous support. He would also like to thank the cast and crew of Addams family for their hard work, dedication, and being such great role models, and great people to work with. Hope you enjoy the show!

Kamryn Mohney is an accounting and musical theater double major at Heidelberg University. Kamryn is a second year student and debuted on the Gundlach Theatre stage as Fraulein Kost in Cabaret as a freshman. A few other roles Kamryn has enjoyed while being at Heidelberg, is Medium Allison in Fun Home and Ellie Blake in Freaky Friday. Her favorite role was Heather McNamara in Heathers. She is a part of Hei-Notes here on campus. Kamryn would love to thank her friends and family for all of their support. Kamryn has been involved with theater since the seventh grade and is delighted to continue her journey at Heidelberg.

Benjamin Neiberlein is a sophomore from Hudson, Ohio, majoring in Theatre at Heidelberg University. He has been in productions before at his local hometown theatre, Young Actors Studio, including productions of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Mamma Mia!, and Aladdin. This is his 5th production at Heidelberg. His favorite roles performed were Count Dracula and Sweeney Todd. When not on stage, he enjoys painting and playing piano. He has also done volunteer work for Weathervane Community Playhouse in Akron, Ohio, helping out with set construction of Kinky Boots.

Solana Petrone is a Junior Musical Theatre major here at Heidelberg and is thrilled to be back on the stage and making beautiful art through the pandemic. She has previously appeared in 9 to 5 (Violet), Cabaret (Kit Kat Dancer, Trumpet), Oedipus (chorus), and Dance Nation (Zuzu), and is also the student foreman of the scene shop. She is so excited to continue her theatre career at Heidelberg. She would like to thank Stephen and David for believing in her and trusting her with these responsibilities.

Ben Pollizi is so glad to be back on stage working as master electrician as well as playing an ancestor in Addams Family. Some of his previous roles include Beethoven in Dog Sees God and Oliver in Puffs. Later this semester he will be in Pride and Prejudice as Mr. Collins and one of the performers in My First Time, as well as doing lighting for all of these shows. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Taylor Richardson is a Senior Acting and English Writing Major and Theatre Education Minor from Dayton, OH. The Addams Family is her 10th onstage production with Heidelberg University. Previously she has been seen as Megan Jones in Puffs, Myrrhine in Lysistrata, and Grandma/Others in Freaky Friday as well as hair and makeup designer for Puffs and Lysistrata and Assistant Stage Manager for Elf and Heathers. She is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to work on this show and would like to thank her friends and family for their constant support.

Lexy Saxon is a first year Freshman this year and is playing an ancestor. She is majoring in acting and is super excited to learn more about the art. She would like to thank her friends and family for always pushing her to be her best, and always believing in her.

Julia Schaefer is a Sophomore integrated media major from Grafton, Ohio. She has recently been seen in Elf and Dance Nation as a dance captain. Special thanks to her Berg family for being so fun!

Hannah Schoen is a Senior musical theatre major at Heidelberg. Since coming to Heidelberg, she has done Music Man, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, The Penguin Tango, Lysistrata, Oedipus, She Kills Monsters, Elf, Puffs, Heathers, 9 to 5, and now The Addams Family. She has also been involved in Hei-notes, has worked wardrobe and designing in previous shows, and is a member Alpha Psi Omega. She hopes to continue to learn more about acting, singing and costume design in the future here at Heidelberg. Thank you and enjoy the show!

Audrey Warren is a freshman Musical Theatre major who is thrilled to be performing in her first show at Gundlach theater! Her favorite previous roles include The Cat in the Hat (Seussical), Paul (Moon Over Buffalo), Snoopy (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Twelfth Night), and Captain Northix (The Corvus 3–a one-act play that Audrey wrote and directed). She is so excited to call Gundlach her new home, and she would like to thank her amazing family, friends, and all of those who advocated for the arts during an incredibly trying and unpredictable year.

Meet the Production/Creative Team

David Cotter previously served as the Managing Artistic Director of Town Hall Theatre, the only theatre in Dayton, Ohio, exclusively presenting work for young audiences. While at Town Hall Theatre, David oversaw the redevelopment of the education programs, developed programming for adults with special needs, and created and implemented a facilities upgrade plan for the theatre which included new lighting, sound and audience seating upgrades. David was the Director of Education at The Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, N.Y. where he oversaw a $3.2 million education collaboration program that focused arts integration and collaboration with students in the Syracuse City School District. In addition, he oversaw programming that included the Rock Camp experience, programming for adults with special needs and communications training for graduate and doctoral students in the medical fields. David is a certified music educator in Ohio and New York and spent time in the middle school classroom. David is a frequent presenter at conferences, which include the Southeastern Theatre Conference, American Alliance for Theatre Education, Florida Theatre Conference and Tedx. He is an avid musical theatre performer, director, and music director.

Riley Gibson is a senior musical theatre major. At Heidelberg, she has been in The Music Man, Macbeth, Mamma Mia!, Cabaret, She Kills Monsters, Freaky Friday, Elf, Dance Nation, Heathers, and 9 to 5. She has also been in Titanic at The Ritz Theatre. She has worked production on the shows Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, The Penguin Tango, and Dog Sees God. She also has assistant directed the shows Lysistrata, Oedipus, Elf and now The Addams Family.

Allison Gonzales is a senior studying theatre with a concentration in production and theatre education. She is the stage manager for Addams Family. She has stage managed 9 to 5, Heathers, Puffs, Dog Sees God, and Oedipus, and will be co-directing My First Time later this semester. She also helps with the set building and painting during this show. Allison would like to thank her amazing director, cast and crew for working so hard on this production and also her family for always supporting her. You can find her on any social media with alli_gonzo

Jordan Kline is a senior here at Heidelberg. She is a psychology major with a theater minor. She is a deckhand for this production of Addam’s Family. This is Jordan’s eighth show here at Heidelberg, but the fifteenth show overall. Previous shows at Heidelberg include The Music Man, Mamma Mia!, Oedipus, Lysistrata, Puffs, Dance Nation, and Heathers. She would like to thank those who have helped her along the way and continue to support her going forward.

Jasmine Ridler is a senior Theatre and History double major and Business minor. She is honored to be the Properties Master for Addams Family. Previously, she had an exciting directorial debut with the Charlie Brown rework play Dog Sees God. She has also recently been noted for her acting work as Ms. Fleming/Veronica’s Mom in Heathers the Musical and as Roz in Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5. She will return to the stage for the fall play Pride and Prejudice to portray Mrs. Bennett. Outside of theatre, Jasmine is the President of Berg Allies, the Founder of the Body Positivity Club, Game Master of Make-A-Scene Improv Comedy Troupe, a Euglossian Society Corollary member, Member of the theatre honorary Alpha Psi Omega, and a proud member of her sorority Kappa Psi Omega. She would like to thank Stephen Svoboda and David Cotter for their belief in her and passion for helping her grow. And she would like to thank her partner Em Swain for their love and support.

Stephen Svoboda is currently an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Heidelberg University, where he teaches coursework in acting, script analysis, musical theatre direction, play direction, theatre history and criticism. He is responsible for curriculum and course development in The School of Music & Theatre as well as being responsible for the artistic and programmatic development of Gundlach Theatre. He served as the Executive Artistic Director of the Redhouse Arts Center from 2011-2016. Previously, he served as the Executive Artistic Director of the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y. While at the Redhouse Arts Center, Stephen developed unique partnerships with a variety of organizations throughout the state, including a multi-million-dollar contract with the Syracuse City Schools that made The Redhouse the regional leader in arts education and integration. In addition, while at the Redhouse he created a repertory company of artists, designers and community members that enabled him to produce, in a typical year, over 16 productions, 300 classes and cultivate relationships with communities typically underserved by arts including urban youth and families and adults with disabilities. Prior to working in regional arts centers, Stephen taught at the University of Miami, where his students and colleagues ranked him as one of the best teachers in the College of Arts and Sciences. He created a BFA in Playwriting and Directing track that focused on developing young dramatists through devising, growing, and staging new works, while celebrating the great diversity of student voices.

His play, Odysseus Died from AIDS, was developed in Miami and received its world premiere at the New York International Fringe Festival, where the production was awarded “Best Ensemble.“ Odysseus Died from AIDS was published in the anthology Plays and Playwrights 2005, by the New York Theatre Experience, and received its international premiere in 2007 in Athens, Greece with a subsequent production in Seoul, South Korea in 2008. In March 2011, the Red House production of Odysseus DOA had a limited engagement run at Theatre Row Studios in NYC. Odysseus DOA had its regional premiere in 2012 at Connecticut Repertory Theatre, where the production was awarded “Best Play in Connecticut” by Broadway World. The Penguin Tango, premiered at the 2006 New York International Fringe Festival in The Actor’s Playhouse. The production was awarded “Best of the Festival” and extended as part of the Fringe Encore Series in the Lion Theater at Theatre Row. It was recently revived and revised on the Redhouse stage as part of the 2014-2015 season. Reconstructing Mama, a new musical written with N. David Williams, premiered Off Broadway at The Theatre Row Studios in August 2006. Stephen works internationally with The Harambe Project to help do HIV/AIDS education and prevention and orphan care throughout Africa.