Equity /Staff Members
BRENDAN RAGOTZY, Producer/Director
No stranger to Barn operations, Brendan literally grew up in the business, from his walk-on debut in 1966's OLIVER! to his work as a stagehand, spot operator, stage manager, actor, director, assistant producer, and now Producer/Director. Combining his parents' attributes with his own practical expertise, the Barn has an ideal leader for its second generation of Ragotzy ownership. Prior to his full-time Barn residency, Brendan was a production assistant for the American Film Market Association and production coordinator for ABC's THE HOME SHOW. In 1989 he made his directorial debut with HAIR, followed by our soon-to-be all-time hit THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, BAY HOUSE, PHANTOM, A FEW GOOD MEN, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, TOMMY, BIG RIVER, FOOTLOOSE, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (also playing Pontius Pilate), ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, THE WIZARD OF OZ, and last season’s hits SHENANDOAH and RENT. He also staged his original musicals BILLY THE KID and OLD TIMER, the latter of which received a highly successful New York reading in 2003 featuring several Barnies and a title role performed by Tom Wopat. A new venture for Brendan is Barn Films, LLC. The debut production for the new company is FISH MICH, a film Brendan wrote, produced and starred in. It got pre-festival screenings right here at the Barn this spring. Brendan is married to actress Penelope Alex and is father to Luke (14), Calli (12), Jacob (9), and Melina (5).
DUSTY REEDS
As the Barn's longtime resident Scenic Designer, Dusty counts more than 250 productions that have been touched by her artistry (in addition to her work as an actor or director). Last season Dusty staged our two non-musicals LEND ME A TENOR and STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Her career as a designer includes stops at such famed theatres as the Cherry Lane in New York, the Provincetown Playhouse, the San Jose Opera, Actors' Theatre of Louisville, and Colorado's Diamond Circle Theatre. Dusty's local work includes stints with the Battle Creek and Marshall Civic theatres. As Associate Producer, Dusty continues to assist Brendan Ragotzy with directorial and production concerns. Her acting resume includes favorites like Miss Tweed in SOMETHING'S AFOOT and playing Tom Wopat's mother Big Mama in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. A Professor Emeritus of Theatre at San Jose State University, Dusty now resides in nearby Richland where she pursues a tireless advocacy for the humane treatment of animals. Her work for the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue includes fostering many dogs and cats. Dusty is pleased to announce she found new homes for 36 abandoned cats and dogs over the winter months... and she urges everyone to spay or neuter their pets. Her Barnie sons, Robin Haynes and J. Michael Reeds, are both successful New York-based performers.
PENELOPE ALEX
In her 23 seasons, Penelope has more than established herself on the Barn stage. Her resume here is highlighted by a series of compelling performances: Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, and Janet in our first two productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come to mind, as do her own favorites, such as the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Nurse Ratched in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, and opposite Tom Wopat as Nellie and Annie, respectively, in SOUTH PACIFIC and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Last season she starred as Fantine in LES MISERABLES, M’Lynn in STEEL MAGNOLIAS and Maureen in RENT. Her longest-running roles are her dearest- wife and mother to Barn Producer Brendan Ragotzy and their children Luke (14), Calli (12), Jacob (9), and Melina (5). Over the winter Penelope acted in Barn Films’ FISH MICH and a currently-running spot for Premier Diamond Center in Battle Creek. She also was keynote speaker for the Women’s History Month celebration at the Federal Center in Battle Creek. In addition to her full slate onstage and at home Penelope serves the Barn as Publicist and coordinates the hiring and departmental placement of each season's apprentice company. She's a native of San Jose, CA, and like husband Brendan, is a proud alum of San Jose State University.
STEVEN LEE BURRIGHT, Scenic Designer
Steven Lee is very excited to get this season going… especially considering he never left after last summer! He spent his very first Michigan winter working with Brendan and all on Barn Films’ FISH MICH. Steven created the hysterical role of Dennis. He also got a hands-on introduction to computer animation. Steven Lee began his career here at the Barn in 1987 and originated the Barn's Eddie in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and was featured in BRIGADOON and THE MOST HAPPY FELLA. Last year he played several roles, including Saunders in LEND ME A TENOR and Rev. Byrd in SHENANDOAH. Following Dusty Reeds' mentoring at San Jose State University, he has been able to have a career as a scenic artist in Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay area and up and down the East Coast. He cut his post-Barn teeth on rock and roll sets and many movie and television productions, including THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW, working on camera as well as serving as the Master Scenic Painter on staff. He has created his own interior design company called Maverick Design. His favorite project has been his ongoing work with Jim Henson's Muppets. Steven Lee's current plans are returning to acting and, later, voiceover work. Let’s see what happens this year!
JOHN JAY ESPINO, Music Director
John is thrilled to be back at the Barn! Starting here as an apprentice nearly two decades ago then music directing in the ‘90s. He has served as conductor and music director other regional companies such as Great Lakes Theatre Festival OH, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Sierra Repertory Theatre CA, Galveston Outdoor Musicals TX, Red Barn Theatre IN, Western Stage CA, Nebraska Theatre Caravan, Odyssey Theatre CA, and Diamond Circle Melodrama CO. Musicals include: INTO THE WOODS, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, CATS, OLIVER!, PHANTOM, BLOOD BROTHERS, BIG RIVER, SOUND OF MUSIC, SOUTH PACIFIC, WEST SIDE STORY, OKLAHOMA!, GUYS AND DOLLS, MY FAIR LADY, and five tours of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. As an actor he has appeared in SECRET GARDEN (Archibald), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Narrator), SWEENEY TODD (Beadle), CAROUSEL (Mr. Snow), and several productions of MAN OF LA MANCHA (Sancho), THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Maj. Gen.), PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES (L.M.), and GREATER TUNA.
BROOKE EVANS
Home Sweet Home! Brooke Evans is thrilled to be back on The Barn Theatre stage once again for her fifth season. It's been four years since her last turn here as the Princess Amneris in Disney's AIDA. Some of Brooke's other favorite Barn roles include Miss Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS, Fastrada in PIPPIN, Ursula Westerby in THERE GOES THE BRIDE, Barbara Smith in CAUGHT IN THE NET, Sweet Sue in SUGAR, Ronette in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and, of course, the role she will never live down, Matron (the nurse) in IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY! Other regional roles include Annie Sullivan in THE MIRACLE WORKER, Lucy in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN, Hippolyta/Moth in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Halinka in JOB, and Romaine in WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION, just to name a few. She sends her love to the fam and is happy to be a working actor!!!
KEVIN FIELD, Choreographer
Kevin is a l’il bit stoked to be returning to the Barn for a fourth season, and is thrilled for the opportunity to spread the joys of jazz hands as resident choreographer. As an apprentice, Kevin spent two summers as Rehearsal Shed pianist. Barn audiences may remember his portrayals as Keno in THE FULL MONTY, Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and Walter in HAIR. Other favorite roles at the Barn include Fyedka in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Munkustrap in CATS and Sister Mary Leo in NUNSENSE: A-MEN. Kevin has clocked more than forty United States and seventeen Asian cities as a performer with various national and international touring companies of the hit Broadway production of 42ND STREET, most recently spending a year in parts of China and South Korea. While in Asia, he performed on telecasts of “My Show,” the Chinese equivalent to “American Idol,” and China’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” Kevin has also performed in various projects for Walt Disney Entertainment, including a stint in the fifteenth anniversary year of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During the off-season, Kevin had the amazing opportunity to assist with the casting of several national tours with Dave Clemmons Casting, including the current hit tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF starring Topol and Barnie Susan Cella. Kevin holds a BMA in Voice Performance from the University of Michigan. He now resides in New York where he receives rave reviews for his work as Freelancer for the award-winning Nielsen Company, or as the scene-stealing Travel Channel Junkie on his critically acclaimed sofa. Many thanks to Brendan and Penelope for welcoming him back and as always to Mams and Paps for their never-ending love and support. Find him online at www.kevin-field.com and be sure to check out FIELD TRIPS, his own fledgling travel show available on a YouTube or Facebook near you!
JEANETTE FISCHER Costume Coordinator
Nettie (as she is known at the Barn) is an energetic, indispensable member of our team. As manager of our costume shop and storage, Nettie has kept that department running smoothly for over fifteen years. Her favorite show was CAUGHT IN THE NET, which she designed and built herself. Often at theatres like the Barn, costumes (like scenery and well, actors) are “pulled” from a stored stock. Nettie oversees that process, conducts fittings, builds costumes, and is always there to aid those little costume emergencies that befall actors during performances. She is the Barn’s angel. Nettie resides in Battle Creek with her husband Gary. She has two grown daughters and two granddaughters (Regan, 4 years old and Krista, 6 months).
ERIC GILLETTE Carpenter
A recent graduate of Galesburg Augusta High School, son of long-time staff member Fred Gillette, Eric has spent many summer hours here at the Barn since the age of 4. Eric has lent his hand in the shop for many shows before becoming a full-timer in 2007. Active in local theatre as well, this spring Eric performed the role of Harry Pepper in Galesburg Augusta High School’s production of BAREFOOT IN THE PARK. Also while a student at G-A Eric served as a carpenter for their productions of LADY IN WHITE and THE MIRACLE WORK as well as staged managed DISORDER IN THE COURT. This fall Eric is enrolled at Western Michigan University to pursue a degree in construction engineering.
FRED GILLETTE Technical Director
Fred has been Technical Director here since 1995. In addition to the Barn, Fred has served in this capacity for several area theatres including the respective Civics of Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Marshall as well as Kellogg Community College and for the past four years, Galesburg-Augusta High School where this winter he designed and built the set for his wife Sarah’s production of BAREFOOT IN THE PARK. As a performer, Fred has a couple Barn cameos under his belt to go with several major roles in local civic productions. Fred retired in 1994 after 30 years work with the Federal Government which included eight years active duty with the United States Air Force and a tour in Vietnam. He lives in Augusta with his wife Sarah and son Eric (who’s 18 and works in the shop too). Fred is also father to three grown children: Fred III, Deborah, and Christopher. He also has seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
BRADLEY JAMES, Resident Manager/Property Master
(That’s his Equity name. He’s really Jim Knox, a.k.a. Jimmy, Jim-Props, James B. etc.) Brad/Jim is slithering through his 42nd season as the Barn's longtime Property Master. He manages the bar, handles the mailing list/flyer distribution, houses the company, and is the “chief cook and bottle washer” along with dressing the sets and doing the props. He attributes his eight years in the 4-H Club as some of the best training for his job. During the rest of the year he serves on the Boards of the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center and CARES (Community AIDS Resource & Education Services). Oh yeah, his photo is an antique, too.
JERRY MCALLISTER, Stage Manager
This is Jerry's 5th season as the Barn’s Stage Manager. Credits include: Stage Manager: SINCERITY FOREVER and STARDUST AND EMPTY WAGONS, STORIES FROM THE KATRINA DIASPORA for Brava Theater Center and HELP IS ON THE WAY...VII at the Herbst Theatre, both in San Francisco, CA. Touring Stage Manager for TheatreworksUSA (NY) 2000-2007. Acting: Engineer in SHENANDOAH, Transylvanian in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Cesar Rodney in 1776 here in Augusta and the title role in JULIUS CAESAR for Shakespeare in the Park(ing Lot) in New York City. Directing: MISHKIN'S PARADISE Off-Broadway and LAST CALL (Theatre for the New City with the Hope Theatre) at the NY Fringe Festival. Lighting Design: National Shakespeare Company's repertory tour of RICHARD III and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Set Design: ALADDIN for Roberta Jones Junior Theatre (Santa Clara, CA). Many of Jerry's original scripts have been produced at Expanded Arts (Off-Off-Broadway), including MAYBE ON MONDAY and his adaptations of DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, and PETER PAN. Along with his brother and sister (incorporated as the Hope Theatre Company), Jerry produced the American professional premiere of Shakespeare's "lost" play, EDWARD III, Off-Broadway at the Bank St. Theatre.
GARRYLEE McCORMICK Hair/Wig Master
Garrylee has been the Barn's hair and wig designer since 1961. He is the owner of Garry's Magic Comb Hair Salon in Kalamazoo and is the hair and wig designer for the WMU Theatre Department. Garrylee also functions as a freelance local wigmaster for national tours playing at Miller Auditorium and DeVos Hall in Grand Rapids. In addition, he is a printmaker, photographer, and paints religious icons.
LISA MARIE MORABITO Asst. to the Producer
Lisa Marie is excited to return to the Barn this summer for her second season as an Equity resident, upon returning from playing Lisa and u/s Sophie in MAMMA MIA in Las Vegas. Lisa's Barn credits include Ulla in THE PRODUCERS, Sister Robert Anne in NUNSENSE THE MEGA MUSICAL, Columbia in our ’02 and ’03 productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Jennyanydots in CATS, and Catherine in THE FOREIGNER. As well as being a member of the Equity company, Lisa also assists Producer Brendan Ragotzy. New York credits include SHINBONE ALLEY with Musicals Tonight!, CONSUMER BEHAVIOR with Emerging Artists, INTERREGNUM at The Studio Theatre at Theatre Row, Huck Finn with TheatreworksUSA and NOTHING LIKE A DAME Broadway Cares Benefit at The Imperial Theatre. Her Regional credits include Conchita in COPACABANA (National Tour), Rosalia in WEST SIDE STORY (Human Race Theatre), and Lucy in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (Hot Summer Nights). She’s also excited to be working again with her husband, fellow actor and Barnie Eric Petersen, whom she met here the summer of 2003. She thanks God, Eric, her whole family, and the Ragotzys. You can find Lisa online at www.lisamariemorabito.com.
Michael Wilson Morgan Costume Designer
Michael graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, GA – SCAD) with two BFAs in Media and Performing Art; with emphases on performance and design. While at SCAD, he received four Barbizon Design Excellence Awards from the American College Theatre Festival for his scenic and puppet designs for LORD OF THE FLIES, at the Trustee Theatre in Savannah, GA and JOURNEYS I and II performed at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Michael served for two years as the Head of Theatre (director and scenic/costume/puppet designer for twelve repertory shows) at America’s premiere theatre summer camp, Camp Curtain Call, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Michael has been the Production Designer for Connecticut Free Shakespeare for the summers of ’06 & ’07, doing set, costume and prop design for Edmund Rostand’s CYRANO DE BERGERAC and The Bard’s LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST.Michael has worked in many costuming capacities on various movies and television shows, including: THIRD WATCH, BEDFORD DIARIES, OZ, SEX & THE CITY, P.S. I LOVE YOU, DAMAGES, LIFE ON MARS and the soon to be released indie film HOWL starring James Franco. He looks forward to continuous employment in the industry and furthering his creativity!
ERIC PARKER Plant Manager
Eric had a dream season last summer: Tito in LEND ME A TENOR, Roger in RENT, and especially Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES. He also made his Barn directing debut, staging our hit WEST SIDE STORY… the last production allowed before its current Broadway revival. Eric’s Barn credits include Roger DeBris in THE PRODUCERS, Jerry in THE FULL MONTY, Remnar in all three productions of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, Rocky or Eddie in almost all our runs of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Freddie in CHESS, Pharaoh in JOSEPH..., Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Cousin Kevin in TOMMY, the title role in PIPPIN, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook. His career has continued there with a variety of credits in almost a dozen TYA and mainstage productions including THE MUSIC MAN (Jacey), JOSEPH... (Levi), and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Fezziwig). Regional: Sebastian in THE THING ABOUT MEN, Henrik in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Miles in A FUNNY THING... FORUM, Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour). An Adrian native, Eric studied at the California campus of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and at Siena Heights University in his hometown. Eric spent this past winter in Chicago, making trips back to Augusta to co-star in Barn Films’ FISH MICH and playing a gangster at Tommy Gun's Garage in the South Loop. His television credits include GUIDING LIGHT, recent History Channel gangster shows, and a couple local ads for Behavioral Health Resources. On our offstage staff Eric helps oversee maintenance of the Barn's physical plant and as well as our popular Bar Shows.
ERIC PETERSEN
Eric is excited to be back at the Barn for his 5th season! Eric has been busy since Barn audiences last saw him. He has played William Barfee in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (1st National Tour, NorthShore Music Theatre, and Barrington Stage). He recently shot a pilot for Comedy Central as a series regular (Hank) in EVAN AND GARETH TRYING TO GET LAID. Other NY credits include COLLEGE: THE MUSICAL, THE FOREIGNER, and a 2 episode arc on the CBS soap AS THE WORLD TURNS. Barn audiences will remember Eric from such hits as: Franz in THE PRODUCERS, Stromboli in GEPETTO AND SON, Berger in HAIR, Rick/Lorraine in BAT BOY, Simon in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and the Chinese Waiter in TWO INTO ONE. Eric had a successful directing debut in 2007 with NUNSENSE: THE MEGA MUSICAL. He is a proud member of the Actor's Equity Association. Thanks and love to his wife, and fellow Barnie Lisa, Mom, Dad, Kyle, BRS, and the Ragotzys. Please check out www.ericpetersenonline.com.
GREGG REHRIG, Box Office Manager
Gregg is back for another season in Augusta. This past winter, Gregg served as Production Supervisor for A JOHN DENVER HOLIDAY CONCERT which played Walnut Creek CA and Aspen CO. (Aspen was beautiful at Christmas.) Favorite Barn roles include Thenardier in LES MISERABLES, Mr. Carol in SHENANDOAH, the cigarette smoking Lt. Shrank in WEST SIDE STORY, The Narrator/Dr. Scott – THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Stephen Hopkins in 1776, and Aide Turkel in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST. Gregg has stage managed for co-produced tours of CABARET and DREAMGIRLS. Gregg puppeteered Audrey II in AMTSJ’s production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Starring Hal Linden (TV’s BARNEY MILLER), Christiane Noll (JEKYLL AND HYDE, URINETOWN), Josh Lamon (WICKED) and Michael Mandell (BIG RIVER, A NEW BRAIN); Regional Roles/Shows include MAN OF LA MANCHA at American Musical Theatre of San Jose), Fagin in OLIVER!. Gregg has worked at American Musical Theatre of San Jose, The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Sacramento Music Theatre, The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, MN, American Conservatory Theatre (HIGH SOCIETY w/ Melissa Errico, Randy Graff, and John McMartin), San Francisco Shakespeare Festival (THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE); and the San Francisco Symphony w/ F. Murray Abraham. Gregg recently started working with juvenile offenders, and hopes to help create a program integrating theatre and performance. Check out the rest at www.myspace.com/greggrehrig.
Elizabeth Robson, Sound Designer
Elizabeth Robson joins the Barn Theatre from Rochester, NY. Having graduated in May of 2009 from SUNY Geneseo in western New York, she has designed shows for the school including "Incorruptible", "Fool for Love", "Where There's A Will", and "tick, tick...BOOM!"
AARON SIEGMANN, Lighting Designer
Aaron is a senior Theatre Major at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He began his theatre career as a shoe shiner and ballroom dancer in his 5th grade production of Cinderella. In the 7th grade he found his home backstage and has yet to turn back. He is thrilled that he gets to continue his career as The Barn’s Lighting Designer this summer. He would like to thank Brendan and Penelope for inviting him to join the Company. He would also like to thank his friends and family, especially his wonderful girlfriend, for all of their support. He hopes everyone will enjoy the season.
Back to the 2009 Company
