the Cast of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Susan Abis (Cobweb) is thrilled to be back with some of her favorite MAP people. Past roles have included Juror # 9 in 12 Angry Jurors, Bird Woman in Mary Poppins, Sister Mary Margarita in Sister Act- and (who could forget?) the 3rd dead woman on the left in Our Town. She has been actively involved with NH Theater for over 20 years and currently serves on the Actorsingers Board of Directors. When not on stage, she works as a senior clinical analyst for Cigna Health Care. Thanks to her supportive husband Eric, and of course Ringo the dog for their patience in the stage endeavors.
Catherine Z. Andruskevich (Mote the Fairy, Starveling the Tailor) is appearing onstage in her first show with Milford Area Players and is thrilled to finally add it to the roster of other organizations she has worked with over her five+ decades in community theatre, including Nashua Actorsingers, Nashua Theatre Guild, the Majestic Theatre, Bedford Off Broadway and New Thalian Players. Favorite non-musical roles include Martha in Arsenic and Old Lace, Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, Madam Zubritsky in Neil Simon's Fools, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Vera Walters in Nana's Naughty Knickers, and Mrs. Kirby in You Can't Take It With You. In addition to her many appearances onstage in musicals, Catherine has also served in many backstage capacities including as director, producer, stage crew, make-up and hair/wig design, set painting, props and as president and officer on several boards of directors. Many thanks to Pam for introducing me to Shakespeare on stage!
Michael Aranda (Bottom) This is Michael’s third production with MAP. His last time on this stage was playing Macaulay “Mike” Connor in The Philadelphia Story. He has also recently played Dr. Sanderson in Bedford Off Broadway’s production of Harvey. He wants to thank Pam for giving him the chance to work with and play off his daughter in this production.
Rylie Aranda (Snug/Rosebud) is excited to do her first production with MAP. She was just seen in the Riverbend Youth Company’s production of Descendants. While not onstage, Rylie is a vibrant 5th grader at Heron Pond School and enjoys soccer and arts & crafts. She wants to thank Pam for giving her this chance to perform Shakespeare.
Cheri Birch (Puck) first joined MAP in 2004 in the production of Crimes of the Heart (Lenny). She is so thrilled to be able to return as the lovable hob globin and sprite, Robin Goodfellow, AKA “Puck”. Favorite past productions include Spamalot (Mrs. Galahad, minstrel, mime, tap dancer), Seascape (Sarah the marine iguana), Sister Act (Sister Mary Martin of Tours) Nunsense (Sister Mary Robert Anne), Urinetown (Penelope Pennywise), Calendar Girls (Annie), Almost, Maine (Glory/Marci), Godspell (Peggy, Sonya), Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitel), Oliver! (Nancy) CATS, The Producers, Young Frankenstein, 42nd Street, Drowsy Chaperone, Chicago, Ragtime and Titanic.
Kylie Bixby (Figleaf) is an active 14 yr. old from Milford, NH. This is her first time on stage, and very happy to be playing the Fairy Sprite Figleaf! She is an 8th grader at Milford Middle School. When not in school, Kylie enjoys reading and spending time with friends. She thanks everyone for coming to the play and she also thanks her family and grandparents for supporting her new passion for acting.
Esther Brown (Tomasina Snout / Willowisp) Despite being a techie by trade, I have a love for theater, culture, and outdoor adventure. I like anything Shakespeare and Taming of the Shrew is a favorite. This is my first time performing. In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, scuba diving, and travelling to exotic places. When I’m at home, I am over-mothering my dog-like cat and outdoor Koi fish, which luckily have survived -11 ° temperature. Enjoy the performance!
Jamie Cabot (Oberon) is honored and delighted to be performing for the Milford Area Players for the first time, and with this fantastic cast and production team. Up to now, some of his favorite roles have been: ‘Old Henry’ in The Fantasticks for Bedford Off Broadway (directed by our own Pam Thornhill) ‘Sidney Bruhl’ in Death Trap for the Colonial Chorus Players’; ‘The Professor’ and ‘Father Christmas’ in Vianna Pilkington’s production of Narnia; a ‘Storyteller’ in Children of Eden for the Marblehead Little Theatre; ‘Walter Cunningham’ in To Kill a Mockingbird and ‘Jacobi’ and ‘Snyder’ in Newsies for Stage 284; ‘George Widener’ in Titanic for the "Voices of Hope"; ‘Benny Southstreet’ in Guys and Dolls and ‘Drake’, ‘Harold Ickes’, and ensemble roles in Annie for Neverland Theater. He dedicates tonight’s performance to his grandson Ethan, now 2, who may be in danger of falling under this same addiction.
Maicie Cherry (Titania) is so excited to be a part of this show, as she has always enjoyed Shakespeare! And as the Fairy Queen, from Fairy land, in this more modern adaptation, she was still able to embrace the old English of the original script. Some of her past appearances include Elizabeth Imbrie ("Liz") In MAP's 2022 Spring Production of The Philadelphia Story, as Juror #6 in 12 Angry Jurors, as Barbara in Run for Your Wife, as well as Bernice in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. She also appeared at The Amato Center in the Christmas productions Carol's Christmas, Jingle Bells Jury and as the Angel Jo in It's a Wonderful Life. When she is not acting, she enjoys playing keyboard and singing in the hard rock/metal band, Slateface. Maicie would like to thank Pam and Mayer as well as the entire the cast & crew of this fun and a little off the wall production!
Hailey Gallagher (Hermia) is excited to be a part of this production as Hermia - the feisty, independent, and confidently defiant daughter of Egeus - and working alongside longtime friends. She is a member of the Nashua Actor Singers and played sister Mary Goode in Sister Act. Her mother has encouraged her to pursue singing and acting since she was a child. She is passionate about singing and home decor, and enjoys hiking with her Shiba Inu, Layla.
Natalie Greywacz (Cottonwood) is 9 years old and in third grade at Northwest Elementary school. Her favorite subjects are art and music. She loves to dance and has been taking ballet and jazz lessons at Dance Visions Network since 2017. She loves her cat Skye, spending time with her friends and her Girl Scout troop. Natalie is happy to be in this play and thanks her parents, family and friends for supporting her.
Adam Harding (Francis Flute) When Adam is not being an amazing talented actor moonlighting as a gorgeous green haired woman on stage, he enjoys long walks on the beach, singing songs with his family and of course like any father of a toddler and a baby on the way, enjoys his daddy time alone. Adam retired from acting five years ago when his seductive dancing and singing in Sister Act resulted in his wife (choreographer of Sister Act...talk about dipping the pen in company ink) becoming pregnant with our now 4 -year-old son Brayden, who may or may not be on stage in this show today (he's 4...some days are crazy). Adam hopes you at least have a laugh during the show and if you did...give his wife, Mustardseed, a standing ovation for having to act with our son on stage, she is braver than me for trusting him up there! As for the show you are about to see, let's reminisce of what Tom Brady used to always say, LETS GO!!!!!!
Brayden Harding (Firefly) Brayden is so excited to take the stage for the first time! At the young age of four it’s safe to say performing is in his blood. Brayden will be performing along side his mommy (Brittney Harding) Daddy (Adam Harding) and his grandfather aka Papi (Tim Stanley). Brayden is always singing and dancing around the house and school says the dramatic play station is his favorite place to be. Car rides with the Harding family are always filled with family singalongs. One of Brayden’s favorites is “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman as all three of us have our own special part to sing. Brayden is looking forward to being a big brother in July and sing songs to his new baby sister.
Brittney-Lynne Harding (Mustardseed) Brittney has been dancing since the age of two and has performed in and choreographed many local theatre productions. She has danced on a professional level serving as Captain of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders from 2009-2013. A few of her other professional performance credits include; opening for Aerosmith in Boston on Commonwealth Ave., traveling to China to dance in the Nike Festival of Sports, leading the New England Patriot Cheerleaders on the sidelines at the 2012 Super Bowl and appearing in Bmax work out tape. She has also been mentored by renowned Broadway choreographers. It's been years since Brittney has stepped out from behind the scenes to take the stage but when an opportunity came along to perform with her son, husband and dad she couldn’t pass it up.
Jane Marquis (Petra Quince, Peaseblossom) As an early childhood education professional, I am new to the acting stage, and, to the world of live Shakespearean performances! Additionally, I am very excited to be a part of this wonderfully talented and creative cast including all of the players, directors and production folks. Although this is a new adventure for me, and quite a fun learning curve, some people in my life say I may have been destined for this my whole life!
Isabel Norian (Helena) is over the moon to be joining MAP for the first time. She loved doing community theatre growing up, and coming back to it all these years later feels like coming home. Her past experience is in musical productions and dance, and Shakespeare’s a first for her. She’s infinitely grateful to her husband and kids for supporting her getting back to the stage. If she has her way, her husband will be showing up for the next round of MAP auditions!
Tom Partridge (Egeus) is a founding member of MAP and currently serves on it Board of Directors. This is Tom's 26th appearance in a MAP production. He appeared as Uncle Willie in The Philadelphia Story. Tom has directed six shows for MAP, the last was 12 Angry Jurors in 2021. Tom will be directing the next fall MAP production of The House on Haunted Hill. It has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated, hard working cast and crew.
Regina Ouellette (Dewdrop) Regina is very happy to be Sprite Dewdrop in this play. She is a kindergartner at the North End Montessori school. Her favorite subject is science. Regina also takes dance classes at Dimensions in Dance, and is learning to ski at McIntyre Ski Area. Regina also loves to swim and play outside.
Eric Petit (Lysander) This is Eric's second show with the Milford Area Players; he also played a small role in MAP's production of Miss Holmes in the fall. He is thrilled to be a part of Midsummer Night's Dream and to work with director Pam and such a talented cast. "Special thanks to my parents Marc and Kimberly Petit and sister Alison Petit for always encouraging me to pursue acting and supporting my love of theater."
Don Smith-Weiss (Philostrate) is happy to be back in a tiny role after playing Juror #10 in MAP’s Twelve Angry Jurors. He has played Howie Newsome in Our Town twice: with the Manchester Area Community Players and at the Palace Theatre. Favorite roles include Lenny in Rumors, RF Simpson in Singin’ in the Rain, the Hermit in Young Frankenstein and William Gillette in Something’s Afoot. He’s designed dozens of sets (Sound of Music twice) and directed as well. He plays in the band Blue Elmo.
Tim Stanley (Theseus) is a veteran to community theater, having directed and acted in many productions - both musicals and straight plays. He most recently directed Sister Act for Actorsingers. His favorite acting role was Skimble Shanks in Actorsingers production of Cats. Tim is thrilled to be returning to the stage with his daughter Brittney-Lynne Harding, son-in-law Adam Harding and his grandson Brayden. Brayden - Papi loves you to the moon and back, I dedicate this show to you!
Chad Thomas (Demetrius) also appeared in Alice In Wonderland, Carousel, My Fair Lady and Plaza Suite. He graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where he focused on special effects makeup and puppets. He is now a resin toy artist.
Jo-Ann Zall (Queen Hippolyta) is so happy to be playing Hippolyta! Thank you to Pam and all involved in this production. (N.B. I believe Hippolyta would have vehemently objected to the options Theseus gave Hermia if she went against her father’s wishes – death or life in a nunnery. After all, Hippolyta IS Queen of the Amazons! She would “bite her thumb” at the Bard.)
The crew
Pamela Thornhill, Director. Pam is very pleased to be directing her first and hopefully not her last, play for MAP! She was last seen in MAP’s production of Hamlet as Queen Gertrude. No stranger to the stage, Pam is a NCHTA Best Actress award winner, has performed in summer stock, The Place Theater, and community theater, acting, singing, dancing, producing and directing. This has been an overall fun and positive experience in directing, as the play has morphed into a combination of several different Shakespearean entities. Thank you to my amazing and supportive stage manager, Mayer, who kept me grounded, to Vicky and Patrick for taking on producing and keeping on track, to my excellent production team, Mitch, Betsey, Craig, and Paul, who worked their magic for our set, to my fabulous cast who exceeded all of my expectations, my sweet and talented young “Sprites” for adding more magic to our play, to Vick Bennison, my friend and mentor, and to you, the patrons of MAP and community theater. Your support gives us the inspiration and ability to continue sharing our talents with you. “The course of true love never did run smooth”.
Mayer Lipman, Stage Manager. Mayer's association with MAP goes back over 15 years and 7 or so productions, including August: Osage County, Noises Off, and Hamlet. He has also managed productions (far too many to count) with the Boston Directors’ Lab, the Majestic Theatre, Nashua Theatre Group and other local community theaters. I am so happy to be back with my MAP family after the last few semi-enforced years of separation, especially with this talented cast. Winter weather and COVID put a huge stress on rehearsals, but they came through swimmingly. Over the summer when he isn’t backstage, Mayer can be found at some of the area’s renaissance faires and reenactments, a great stress-reliever, he’s found. Unfortunately, the faire season has now ended, so please ignore the hysterical laughter coming from the back…
Mitch Fortier, Set Design & Build. Mitch is a member of SAG/AFTRA and IATSE and a member of MAP's Board of Directors. He has been involved on and off stage and camera in New England since 1996. Primarily an actor, he loves and appreciates the technical side of things and works in film lighting and set construction. This is his fourth Lead Builder assignment in NH but his first for a Shakespeare play. Some of his favorite theater roles are Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Kenneth Tynan in Orson's Shadow and Antonio Salieri in Amadeus. His 15 minutes of fame have come in a one-liner role in Episode 6 of Dexter: A New Blood and as a snack bar attendant in a Sketchers commercial that aired internationally with David Ortiz.
Betsey Martel, Costume Design. Betsey has been costuming shows around Southern New Hampshire for several years now. She has costumed Death of a Salesman and Hamlet for MAP. Other groups include Nashua Theatre Guild, Friends of the Amato, Amherst PTA, RGC Theatre and Majestic Theatre. When she's not playing dress up with cast members, she's working for SNHU from her living room.
Craig Brennan, Lighting Design. Craig has designed lighting for various community theater companies in the area, including MAP and ActorSingers. Enjoy the show!
Paul Sandin, Sound Design. Paul has worked primarily as a set designer builder for many MAP productions, including Death of a Salesman and Miss Holmes, and is excited to be working an audio soundboard for this awesome production of Midsummer. Enjoy the show!
Patrick O'Mara, Producer. Patrick is thrilled to be producing Shakespeare with MAP! Patrick has been on the board of Milford Area Players since 2018, and is in his 3rd term as President of the organization.
Vicky Sandin, Producer, Publicity. Vicky has been a member of the MAP Board since 2009, and has directed and produced shows and handled media for MAP since 2010. Enjoy the show!
