Cast
Laura Crouch (Dodo)
A midwest transplant, Laura is definitely not in Kansas anymore and is so happy to be a part of the Seattle theatre community. Laura has had the great privilege of working with the Seattle Shakespeare Co., ACT, Bathhouse Theatre, Market Theatre, Driftwood Players, Phoenix Theatre, and others. Shows have included everything from a rock-n-roll version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to The Diary of Anne Frank, Steel Magnolias, and a one-woman USO show at the Museum of Flight. Her greatest privilege, however, has been working with Arouet and Roy in The Hen Night Epiphany and becoming an Arouet company member. Working with such talented people on such striking material is a dream come true. Thank you for the opportunity to grow and learn.
Kelly Johnson (Meryl)
Kelly is very excited to be returning as a cast member to Arouet. Her most recent projects include: Ghostlight Theatricals’ Life is A Dream, KTO’s Seamarks, Arouet/TIP’s The Hen Night Epiphany, and STAGEright’s I Gelosi. Kelly studied theatre and music at Pacific Lutheran University. When she’s not in rehearsal, Kelly can be found trying to ‘Beat the Blerch’ in and around Seattle or getting out of town for a weekend with Vandyman.
Evan Louis Thomas (Kyle)
Evan is a graduate of Western Washington University who has been acting in the greater Seattle area for the past five years. He has been seen in such shows as The Tempest (Ferdinand), A Chorus Line (Mike Costa), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Neville Landless), Richard III (Buckingham), and Wonderland: Alice Adventures (Gryphon) just to name a few. Many thanks to family and friends for their constant support of the addiction that is the stage.
Lisa Viertel (Kate)
Lisa is excited to be making her debut with Arouet. Recent roles include Samantha in Attack of The Killer Murder of Death at Theater Schmeater, Mattie Fae in August: Osage County with Balagan Theatre (Gregory Award for Outstanding Production), Ensemble in Dogg’s Hamlet/Cahoot’s Macbeth with Sound Theater Company and The One Minute Play Festival. She has also worked with 14/48: The World’s Quickest Theater Festival (Mazen Award Winner), Book-It Repertory, ArtsWest, Annex Theater, The Endangered Species Project and many more.
Mark Waldstein (Neil)
Mark is pleased to be making his debut with Arouet. He has performed in Undo at Annex Theatre, Picnic at ReAct, The Foreigner with Sound Theatre Company, Spring Awakening at Balagan Theatre, and The Salesman is Dead and Gone with the Splinter Group. Mark has also turned up in such happenings as the 14/48 Festival, the One-Minute Play Festival, and most recently, in Witness for the Prosecution with Theatre Anonymous.
Creative and Production Team
Doug DeVita (Playwright)
His play Just A Rumor (co-written with Gary Lyons) was a semi-finalist at the Eugene O’Neil Playwright’s Conference and had developmental readings at New York’s Abingdon Theatre Company and London’s Menier Chocolate Factory. Other work includes Gold Diggers of the 1, 2, & 3 and Something To Dance About (also written with Mr. Lyons); Confessions of a Serial Egg Donor; Goddess of the Hunt; and The Phillie Trilogy. The third play in that trilogy, BBQ, was read at Benaroya Hall in June 2012, and the first play, Checking The Basement for Leaks, was part of the The Driftwood Players Short Play Festival in 2013.
Roy Arauz (Director)
Roy is thrilled to work with Doug in the world premiere of his play. Who would’ve thunk that what started as an acquaintance on an online theatre bulletin board ten years ago would become not just a great friendship but an artistic collaboration. With a background dance, choreography, and stage management, he has worked in various capacities at ArtsWest, Balagan Theatre, The Driftwood Players, Latino Theatre Projects, and SecondStory Repertory among others. This summer he makes his directorial debut with Book•It Repertory with their bilingual touring production of La Mariposa and as a virgin director with 14/48: Outdoors. He is Arouet’s Artistic Director and this past June was named Artistic Director of Seattle Musical Theatre.
Renee Cyr Johnson, (Assistant Director)
Renee is thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and crew. She is also excited to be returning to her first love, directing. She most recently staged managed HONK! and Annie with Kitsap Forest Theater. Other recent stage managing credits include Clara, The Brick and the Rose, Little Women, The Broadway Musical, The Hen Night Epiphany, The Music Man, Murder on the Nile, and Harvey. Up next she will be doing dramaturgy for Arouet’s U.S. premiere production of The Long Road. Renee is a proud company member of Arouet. She would like to thank you for supporting local theatre.
Zach Sanders (Stage Manager)
Zach is very excited to be working with Arouet again after appearing as Leporello in Don Juan in Chicago. After getting degrees in Biology and Psychology from the University of Washington, he decided two fields of study wasn’t enough and started working in education as an assistant teacher while simultaneously returning to his roots in theater as an actor, director, and playwright. Most recently he finally got to mix all his interests together interning with Seattle Children’s Theater’s Drama School, and can’t wait to start working as a teaching artist. Enjoy the show!
Zach Brink (Lighting Design)
This is Zach’s second show with Arouet, having designed lights for David Ives’ Don Juan in Chicago. Under the guidance of Nancy Lee-Painter and Suzie DuVal, Zach has developed a taste for simple designs that support the action, but never distract. For three years, Zach worked as an electrician and lighting designer for Idaho Repertory Theatre and Moscow Art Theatre (Too) in Moscow, Idaho. His past designs include Neil Labute’s The Shape of Things; William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Timon of Athens, and Hamlet; Caitlin Gilman’s adaptation of Pedro Calderón de la Barca’s Life is a Dream; David Harlan’s King of Fires; and many more. To become Zach’s friend, talk to him about comics.
John Epperson (Sound Design)
John is a composer and producer whose work has appeared on dozens of albums and compilations as well as television, film and video games. In addition to writing and producing original music, John designs sound for theatre. He has worked with Arouet, ArtsWest, Driftwood Players, Latino Theatre Projects, Playwright’s Theatre, Play Factory, Redwood Theatre and Theatre 9/12. Live long, and prosper.
Nicholas Giacalone (Costume Design)
This is Nick’s second production with Arouet and he is so please and thrilled to be back. His first production with Arouet was assistant directing Don Juan in Chicago. “I could not have asked for a better first show here in Seattle.” He recently moved to Seattle after receiving his BS in Theatre Arts from the University of Idaho where he dabbled in a little bit of everything. Acting, directing, stage management, and costume design. Favorite past productions include, but are not limited to, Don Juan in Chicago (assistant director), Let’s Misbehave: The Music and Lyrics of Cole Porter (stage managed, IRT Summer Theatre) and Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter (costume designed and received a KCACTF Costume Design Meritorious Achievement award). A special thank you must go out to Joshua Jon for getting him involved with Arouet.
Brandon Tyler Fields (Graphic Design)
Kim Rosin (Set Design)
This is Kim’s fourth exciting season working with Arouet, having previously designed their sets for The House of Bernarda Alba, The Temperamentals and Don Juan in Chicago. This is her fourteenth production in total, working in Seattle and Vancouver BC. Kim is passionate about theatre and design and especially enjoys her work in the fields of theatrical, textile and industrial design. She is grateful for her continued collaboration with Arouet which she finds extremely inspiring and rewarding.
Randall has played, in Seattle, Lawrence Howell in The Clockwork Professor by Maggie Lee, Sandy Donohue in The Brick and the Rose by Lewis John Carlino and Booker in Buckshot by Courtney Meaker. He is also a founding member of Studio 4 Seattle. Before coming to Seattle, he received his Master’s in Devised Performance at the University of Winchester in England. In North Carolina Randall worked at Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre performing in historical dramas, musicals, children’s theater, directing and teaching drama for children.
Amanda is delighted to be making her Arouet debut. She has gotten married over 300 times playing Tina in the long-running San Francisco production and National Tour of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding! Other favorite roles include: Princess Winifred (Once Upon A Mattress), Ado Annie (Oklahoma!), Olivia (Illiyra), Sister Robert Anne (Nunsense), and Hold-Me Touch-Me (The Producers). When Amanda’s not at work, you will most likely find her thrift store shopping, playing poker, eating avocados, or watching Leonardo DiCaprio movies. Thanks to her husband Tom for his endless love and support.
Notable roles include Hell’s Chorus/Audience in Jerry Springer the Opera, Ivy Weston in August: Osage County (Balagan) Gwendolyn Pigeon in The Odd Couple (Village Theatre) Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone (SMT) Mariana in Measure for Measure, Hyde 4 & Ensemble in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Stella/Nassa/Evie/Emma/Alexi in the Horovitz Original 6 Hotels (Harlequin) Desdemona in Goodnight Desdemona Good Morning Juliette (Arts West) Charlotte in A Little Night Music, Sylvia in Sylvia, Sandra Markowitz in A Thousand Clowns, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (SSR), Rona in The Putnam County Spelling Bee, Ellie in Contact the Musical, Rose in Enchanted April (Centerstage) and Grace in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (SPT). Caitlin would like to thank her fiancé and son for their love and support throughout this production.
Todd is excited to be playing Todd. In the past he has played a clockwork robot (Cocktails at the Center of the Earth), a singing alien hunter (The Rocky Horror Show), a singing Jewish grocer (Cabaret), and a singing perverted ghost of an erotic massage therapist (Total Family Massage). The role of Todd will be Todd’s greatest challenge. You’re welcome, Seattle.
Zach is very excited to be performing with Arouet for the first time! A Seattle native, Zach has been reintroducing himself to theater after taking a hiatus to pursue degrees in Biology and Psychology at the University of Washington. Recent roles include Weston in 5th of July (Theatre22), Tubal/Servant in Merchant of Venice (quiet Productions), Kevin in Superior Donuts (Seattle Public Theater), and most recently both a master charades player and a nervous priest in 14/48: The World’s Quickest Theater Festival. Much love and thanks to all his family and friends who continue to support him on this journey.
This will be Dylan’s second Show with Arouet, having appeared last year in Brick and The Rose, and he could not be more excited with this opportunity. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support, as well as the cast and crew of this fantastic production. Past roles include, Duke of Orleans in Henry V (Wooden O), Prince Owain in Sleeping Beauty (Second Story Rep), and he can also be seen as Brian Trekker in the web series, Look Up In The Sky.
Amberlee has been living in Seattle as a teaching artist and actor for the past two years and is happy to work with Arouet on this production. She received her B.A. from Oklahoma State University and currently teaches through Studio East, Dadylyon Drama, and Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE program. Past roles include Dawn/Mark in All in the Timing (STAGEright), Corie in Barefoot in the Park (Local Jewell Productions), and Hester in Owen Meany’s Christmas Pageant (Book-It Repertory). Love to her real life Mike.
Don Juan in Chicago is Kate’s debut with Arouet. Kate was last seen at ArtsWest as Holly in Next Fall. Prior to that, she was onstage at the Rialto Theatre in Tacoma as the Duchess in the Puget Sound Revels. She has worked with ArtsWest, Wooden O, SecondStory Repertory, New Century Theatre Company, and Seattle Shakespeare Company. Favorite roles include Emilie in the production of Emilie: La Marquise Du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight, Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, Alex in On The Verge, Linda in Blood Brothers, Feste in Twelfth Night, Catherine in The Foreigner, Ruth in Blithe Spirit, Mrs. Segstrom in A Little Night Music, as a principal in Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, and as an ensemble member in The Adding Machine. She lives in Magnolia with her husband, Steve, and their daughter, Molly.
Joshua Jon is a playwright, director, and performer hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah. Joshua is thrilled to be making his Seattle directoral debut with Arouet, having spent the past several years writing and staging his work independently across the Rockies. He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Idaho where he performed with Idaho Repertory Theatre and developed his musical Ghostories along with several other plays including The Cougar, which received recognition from the Kennedy Center. His work has been heavily influenced by the West and small-town life, having spent several years making sweet, sweet theatre in the high desert of Wyoming as well as his home state where he produced his slam-poetry-musical-hybrid A Timeline of Events (Concerning Matthew Weatherstone). Joshua is honored to contribute his love of the craft to Arouet’s legacy of creating meaningful, passionate, and engaging work. 
This is Nick’s first introduction to the Seattle theatre scene and he is honored to be a part of such an exciting production like Don Jon. Recently graduated with his BS in Theatre Arts from the University of Idaho. His most recent credit was with Idaho Repertory Theatre where he stage managed Let’s Misbehave: The Music and Lyrics of Cole Porter along with have a small role in The Merry Wives of Windsor. He’s over the moon to be working with his good friend Joshua and is looking forward to his future in Seattle.
Dani started her journey with Arouet by Stage Managing The Temperamentals last spring. However, she doesn’t do just that. She had the pleasure of directing The Brick and the Rose last summer, and was recently seen on Stage in Ghost Light Theatricals Vaudeville show. As a full time artist, Dani creates everything from six-foot paintings to business card designs.
Rebekah was born in Dunn, North Carolina, the home of the National Hollerin’ Contest. She spent her childhood in the Smoky Mountains, wading in cricks catching frogs. She holds a B.A. in Theatre Performance from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. After college, Rebekah toured the East Coast with the National Theatre for Children, based in Minneapolis. In April 2013 she made the bravest decision of her life and hopped on a one-way flight to Seattle. She has never been happier, and is thrilled to be surrounded by such a talented cast! 
Zach was born in Selma, Alabama, and attended Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. Though he majored in psychology, most of his passion was invested in LCSC’s theatre program, which was led by Nancy Lee-Painter and Suzie DuVal. After graduating, Zach worked for three years as an electrician and lighting designer for Idaho Repertory Theatre and Moscow Art Theatre (Too) in Moscow, Idaho, where he established himself as a designer with a taste for elegance and simplicity. His past designs include Neil Labute’s The Shape of Things; William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Timon of Athens, and Hamlet; David Lindsay-Abaire’s Wonder of the World; David Harlan’s King of Fires; and many more. Zach now works as a Junior Writer for IBM, but still actively pursues new theatrical projects in and around Seattle.
In addition to writing and producing original music for television, film and corporate clients, John designs sound for theatre. He has worked with Arouet, ArtsWest, Driftwood Players, Latino Theatre Projects, Playwright’s Theatre, Play Factory, Redwood Theatre and Theatre 9/12. John is a founding company member of Arouet and is resident sound designer at Arouet and Theatre 9/12. Special thanks to Quincy Jones, Elmer Bernstein and György Ligeti.
Chris currently holds five certifications form the Society of American Fight Directors and has had the opportunity to perform at Bumbershoot with Performers Forge displaying various types and aspects of stage combat. Chris has also Fight Choreographed for Ghost Light Theatrical productions Scapin and more recently Rope. Chris would like to thank Arouet for the opportunity and his friends and family for their strength and support to keep fighting for what he believes,
Alison is a Washington-based costume designer with a BFA in Apparel Design from Washington State University. She has designed and created costumes for The Brick and The Rose, Play it Again, Sam and Melancholy Play. She has also worked as an assistant designer on several shows including Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Alice in Wonderland. Alison plans to attend graduate school in order to receive a MFA in Costume Design.
Dylan is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful cast. He’s already played two Tommy’s in the past (Music Man Project, 5th Avenue Theatre; Tommy, Burien Little Theatre) so he feels that by the name alone, he’s very suited for this role. Some of his other past roles have included Jason in Rabbit Hole (Theater Verity), Willard in Footloose (Auburn Community Players), and Hansy in Spring Awakening (Local Jewel Theater). He’s not certain what show will be coming next but whatever it is he knows it’ll be a blast. Dylan is currently a freshman at Seattle University studying Theater and Creative Writing. He’d like to thank his family and friends for being such great supporters for his art and dealing with the drama that comes with theater. Enjoy the show and DFTBA.
Addie is thrilled to be working with Arouet again this season and is looking forward to sharing her passion amongst this wonderfully talented cast and crew. This past year she had the pleasure of being in Lawfully Wedded, A Christmas Carol at Auburn Ave Theatre and created an original work with her company Mirum Mirum Productions, (dis)Order. She hopes you enjoy the show and as always, thanks to her mother, father and sister for their continual support in her artistic endeavors.
Rebekah grew up in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and is thrilled to perform with Arouet this Arts Crush! You may have seen her as the Sea Monster Tentacle (er, Assistant Stage Manager) in Pork Filled Production’s The Clockwork Professor by Maggie Lee, directed by Amy Poisson at Theatre Off Jackson this July. Rebekah loves to pick a tomato off the vine and make a sandwich with it while it’s still warm from the sun. (have picture)
Randall most recently finished playing Lawrence Howell in The Clockwork Professor by Maggie Lee this Summer. Before coming to Seattle, he received his Master’s in Devised Performance at the University of Winchester in England. In North Carolina Randall worked at Snowcamp Outdoor Theatre where he performed as George Vestal in Pathway to Freedom, Thomas Hadley in The Sword of Peace and was double cast as Cosmo Brown and Roscoe Dexter in Singing in the Rain. He is very grateful to be a part of this show with such great people.
Ana moved to Seattle in fall 2010 to participate in Seattle Repertory Theatre’s Professional Arts Training Program as the Education Intern. She continues to work and advocate for arts education as a teaching artist for SRT’s Education Department and at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, where she works as the Community Education Programs Assistant. As an actor, she has worked with eSe teatro, Stone Soup Theatre, and quiet Productions. Some of her favorite roles include Georgia in First Born in Seattle’s 2012 Fringe Festival and Abbey in Duane Kelly’s Rousseau and Hobbes at ACT’s Central Heating Lab. Most recently, Ana Maria has been seen as Sophie in Pork Filled Productions’ The Clockwork Professor, directed by Amy Poisson. Look for her in Gifts (of War) as Nemesis directed by Gin Hammond and Melissa Topscher in 2014. Thank you Arouet, for the chance to work on this wonderful play.
Alyssa is delighted to be making her debut with Arouet. Her most recent past shows include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (GreenStage), Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol (Taproot Theatre), and Disco Pigs (Sound Theatre Company). A native of Seattle, Alyssa has worked with numerous local companies over the years, including Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle Opera, Live Girls!, Ghost Light Theatricals, Women Seeking…, and Centerstage. She has also appeared in various local films, including the feature film “Shadowed” and the recently filmed summer beach movie “Mondo Beacho”. She is a certified actor combatant with the SAFD, earned her BA in Drama from the University of Washington, and also trained at the Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy. Love to her Fox.
Paul graduated from PLU with a BFA in Theatre. He can currently be seen in monthly performances with the Tacoma-based Improvised Theatre troupe Muh Grog Zoo.
Dylan couldn’t be happier to work with friends and associates alike on this project. Past roles include The Duke of Orleans and the Governor of Harfleur in Henry V (Wooden O) Prince Owain in Sleeping Beauty (Second Story Rep) and he can also be seen as Brian Trekker in the local web series Look Up in The Sky. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support and hopes you enjoy the show.
Dylan has been chasing the theatre dream all over the Puget Sound, recently appearing as Kipps in The Woman in Black and Ophelia in Hamlet. He wants to thank you for supporting local artists and live theatre.
Mahria is very excited to be working with Arouet for the first time. She has most recently appeared as The Aunt (and Ensemble) in The Hairy Ape (Ghost Light Theatricals), Adolph Hitler (Ghost Lite Presents: Late Night With Lucifer), multiple roles with the pantomiming group Troupe Comique, and is currently shooting the Web Series House of Glass, as Maggie. Mahria would like to thank you all for coming out and supporting live theatre, her family, friends, fellow artists, and the lovely city of Seattle, for endlessly nurturing and supporting her journey.
Dani hails from Kirkland and is a graduate from Washington State University. She is always looking for a challenge and feels the Emerald City is the place to find it. Adjacent to her theatre activity, Dani is an artist and enjoys painting. The Brick and the Rose is the second production Dani has worked on with Arouet and she is overwhelmed by this unique opportunity to share Tommy’s story.
John Epperson is a recording artist whose work has appeared on dozens of albums and compilations as well as television, film and video games. In addition to writing and producing original music, Epperson designs sound for theatre. He has previously worked with Arouet, ArtsWest, Driftwood Players, Latino Theatre Projects, Redwood Theatre and Theatre 9/12. John will next tackle the sound design for Rope at Ghostlight Theatricals and Noel Coward Duo at Stone Soup Theatre.
Renee is thrilled to be working with Arouet again. She most recently staged managed Little Women The Musical at Second Story Repertory. Other favorite stage managing credits include The Hen Night Epiphany, Music Man, Murder on the Nile, and Harvey. Renee also works as a teaching artist. She has worked at Taproot, Stone Soup, Greenstage, and Centerstage. She would like to thank all of you for supporting local theatre.
Alison is a Washington-based costume designer with a BFA in Apparel Design from Washington State University. She has designed and created costumes for Play it Again, Sam and Melancholy Play. She has also worked as an assistant designer on several shows including Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Alice in Wonderland. Alison plans to attend graduate school in order to receive a MFA in Costume Design.