Rumors

In addition to the show, please join us for:

Lunch before the matinee – 12:30pm, Saturday, August 28th.

$10 (in addition to your performance ticket):

Your choice of either 1/2 Bagel with Soup or a Full Bagel Sandwich with bagel chips.  Soup Options: Tomato Bisque or Broccoli and Cheese.  Sandwich Options: Turkey, Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad. (catered by Everything Bagels)

Dinner before the evening performance – 6:30pm, Saturday August 28th.

$15 (in addition to your performance ticket):

A buffet dinner featuring Honey Glazed Ham, Oven Roasted Turkey with Gravy and a Pasta Alfredo Side Dish – just like the meal at the dinner party in Rumors!  We are also serving a Vegetable Blend, Tossed Garden Salad with Dressings and Dinner Rolls with Butter.

Purchase your meal tickets online or by calling 513-497-5000.

Shawn Toadvine, Director

Shawn is a theatre graduate from Northern Kentucky University and later received his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Cincinnati. Currently he’s working as a District Behavior Specialist for the Princeton City School District. Previously he taught at the Cincinnati Children’s Home Independent School where he also raised nearly $40,000 for their theater program.

At NKU, some roles he played were: Sid (Pajama Game), Jack (Merry Wives of Windsor), and an infamous Eunich (Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum). Recently, Shawn played the role of Snoopy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Simeon in ‘Beechmont Players’ Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chris in Loveland Stage Company’s Miss Saigon, and most recently Don Quixote in Brieabi Productions’ Man of La Mancha.  Besides work and play, Shawn spends his happiest times with his two lovely daughters, Abi and Brie.

Teresa Johns, Producer

Teresa’s love of the projects, people, and potential with Brieabi Productions is what fuels her success.  Teresa attended the University of Cincinnati where she received her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design.  She currently works at Jack Rouse Associates (JRA) designing theme parks, museums, visitor centers, and sports venues.  During her time away from JRA, Teresa does many freelance graphic design projects as well as run a successful baked goods company, SweetT’s.  Additionally, at church Teresa choreographs and directs the childrens musical theater group, the FLOCK.  She loves working with the kids through all aspects of each performance.  Her favorite role, however, is that of wife to her husband Billy… and soon to be mom to Will in November!

Billy Johns, Producer

Billy was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has a BBA in Accounting from the University of Cincinnati. He grew up involved in the Arts through his local church by singing in the choir, playing multiple instruments in the band, and was an active member of their drama team. Billy comes from a very talented family both vocally and musically. Besides the Arts, Billy enjoys many different sports including soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, and golf. Billy’s goal with Brieabi is to maximize their potential by managing and assisting with all business related aspects of theater. Billy made his Breabi Productions on stage debut as Anselmo in Man of La Mancha.  He enjoys a statement once said by Bob Marley, “One good thing about music, when it hits – you feel no pain.”

Eric Day, Ken Gorman

This is Eric’s first show with Brieabi Productions.  He has performed either on stage or in the pit playing drums and percussion for almost every community theater group in Greater Cincinnati.  Some favorite previous roles include Arnold Wiggins in The Drama Workshop’s production of The Boys Next Door, Raul in Falcon Theater’s production of Extremities, Alex Docker in Mariemont Players production of Saving Grace, Bilbo Baggins in The Village Players production of The Hobbit, and Leslie Arthur in The Footlighters production of Love, Sex, and the IRS. He and his wife Pam (a multi-award winning actress/singer/dancer) live in Anderson Township with their two sons, Noah and Micah, and daughter Eliana.

Anne Marie Penick, Chris Gorman

This is Anne Marie’s first show with Brieabi Productions.  A Cincinnati native, she has worked with several groups around the city including Milford Theatre Guilde, Beechmont Players, Showbiz Players, Showboat Majestic and Sunset Players, where she currently serves as the group’s membership coordinator.  She counts among her favorite roles Corie Bratter in Barefoot in the Park, Tansy McGinnis in The Nerd and Lucy Seward in Dracula.   Anne Marie has held a variety of positions behind the scenes as well—as assistant director, running crew, stage manager, playwright, ACT-Cincinnati judging assistant and founding member of The Know Theatre Tribe.  With a B.A. in history and Masters in Education from Xavier University Anne Marie spends her daytime hours as a social studies teacher at Saint Ursula Academy, her alma mater.

Chuck Ingram, Lenny Ganz

Chuck has returned to the community theatre stage in full force since taking a 20 year hiatus to play dad and enjoy raising his 4 children. Since Chuck’s return he has performed with many community groups with roles as Horace Vandegelder in Hello Dolly, Dick Deadeye in HMS Pinafore, Andrew McNair in 1776, and most recently as Potipher in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Not only did he get to play across from his son Charlie (Joseph) in that production, he also got to share quality family time with his daughters Caitlin and Mary Nevin who were in the chorus! Daughter Maggie and wife Liz lead the Ingram cheering section from the audience! Oddly enough, Mrs Potipher was played by Arlene Borock in that same production of Joseph and now is also playing Chucks wife in this production of Rumors. Perhaps, this is the start of a beautiful stage life together.

Arlene Borock, Claire Ganz

Arlene is the current Vice President of Brieabi Productions. She’s also serving as a Judging Assistant and an Adjudicator for ACT Cincinnati. Over the years, Arlene’s directed and/or choreographed over 50 shows for both kids and adults. Earlier this year she directed Brieabi Productions’ Man of La Mancha.  Besides, directing and choreographing, Arlene enjoys performing on stage. Most recently she was seen in LSC’s Miss Saigon, Beechmont’s Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat, and both Sunset’s and LSC’s Noises Off.  With a degree in telecommunications from Indiana University, a degree in Education from UC and a Masters in Education Degree from Miami, Arlene is spending her days as a mother to her lovely daughter, Alex, and a teacher of communications at Mason High School. She wants to thank Shawn for giving her this opportunity to play such a fun role and all the cast and crew for being a total blast to work and play with!

Robert Weidle, Ernie Cusak

Robert has been performing since the ripe old age of 10.   He has performed in over 80 plays and Musicals, and has also Directed 20 shows over the years, but being on stage is his favorite pastime.

He has won many awards for his Acting and Vocal Talents.  Some of his favorite roles have included, “Father” in Children of Eden, “Daddy Warbucks” In Annie, “The Cowardly Lion” in The Wizard of Oz, and “Alan” in Baby.  His all time favorite role has to be that of “Old Deuteronomy” in LaComedia Dinner Theatre’s Production of Cats where he was named “Best Supporting Actor In A Musical” by the Dayton Daily News.

Robert has had the privilege to also sing with the late Eric Kuntzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for 2 seasons at Music Hall and Riverbend.  And he has also sung with “Soul DIVA” Patti LaBelle on 4 different Occasions.

By day Robert has worked for the Clermont County Board of DD for the past 18 years. He is also the proud father of 2 amazing “Young Adults” Rob (21) and Cassidy (16).

Miranda Knight-Sheikh, Cookie Cusak

Miranda Knight-Sheikh left her native Kentucky 14 years ago and headed to Los Angeles to pursue her love of acting on stage and screen. During that time she had many wonderful experiences with roles in dozens of stage productions as well as some smaller roles for film and television.  One of the roles that most changed her life was in a Santa Monica theater where she played Rossignol in a production of Marat-Sade and  met her soul-mate and husband, Ryan. But the biggest and most rewarding role of her lifetime is playing “Mommy” to Amelia Mae which has brought her  home to be close to her roots again. Miranda’s most recent job performing was a 3 year stint with Honda’s Asimo Show at Disneyland where she costarred with a multi-million dollar robot, so she is very eager to work with real humanoids again! She recently returned to college to finish her degree at NKU, in hopes of someday teaching Drama.  She is thrilled to be joining Brieabi for this production and is truly excited by the caliber of work already showcased in the company’s inaugural season.

Dan Docherty, Glenn Cooper

Professionally, Dan serves as Senior Vice-President of Sales & Marketing for Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals. Dan currently is a worship leader at Water’s Edge United Methodist Church in Mason. Dan has been active in community and regional theater and is excited about working with Brieabi Productions in Rumors this summer. Dan has recently played “Joseph” in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, “Daddy Warbucks” in Annie, “Frank Butler” in Annie Get Your Gun and “Tom Jenkins” in Scrooge (Orchid Winner). Additionally, Dan has Directed Annie Jr. (Orchid Winner) and Mulan Jr. for Acting Up in Mason, OH. Dan and his wife Amy have three wonderful children – Abby, Drew and Kayla and thank God for all of their blessings.

Elizabeth Chinn Molloy, Cassie Cooper

This is Elizabeth’s first show with Brieabi Productions.  She has performed with a number of theatre groups in the Cincinnat area including the Showbiz Players, the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Beechmont Players, the Tri-County Players, Loveland Stage Company, The Wyoming Players and the Mariemont Players.  Elizabeth is a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts and currently lives in Wyoming, Ohio.  She would like to thank her friends and family for their continued support and encouragement.

Natasha Boeckmann, Officer Pudney

This is Natasha’s first show with Brieabi Productions. She has had the opportunity to perform with several amazing theatre groups throughout the Cincinnati area including Beechmont Players, Tri-County Players, Wyoming Players, and Cincinnati Music Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Cha-Cha DiGregorio in Grease, Tour Guide in Exhibit This! The Museum Comedies, Young Kate in The M Word: An Evening of One Acts and Juliet Powell in Central Park West. Natasha is a 2007 graduate of Xavier University with a B.A. in Organizational Communications. After graduating, she served a year with Americorps in Knoxville, TN. She worked with the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition as the Communications and Event Coordinator.  Natasha now resides in Norwood, OH and currently works as a Project Assistant for Medpace. As always, she would like thank her family and friends for their never-ending love and support. You’re the best!

Bob Calabrese, Officer Welch

This is Robert’s first time working with Brieabi Productions.  He starred in Dillstar’s production of Joey and Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding and The Soprano’s Last Supper. Both of these productions were interactive dinner theater, which gave Robert the opportunity to utilize his improvisational talents. In 2007, Robert appeared as Ben Silverman in the Beechmont Players community theater production of The Sunshine Boys. In 2008, he had multiple roles in the Showbiz Players production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Robert grew up in Long Island, New York and moved his family to Cincinnati in 1991. Robert is a father of two successful young men and a grandfather of three beautiful grandchildren. He is happily married for 33 years to his lovely wife Lori. Robert has been teaching Restaurant Operations for Great Oaks for the past 13 years.

Jodye Hamilton, Stage Manager

Jodye’s love for all the different sounds of music was evident early on. She enjoyed learning to play many different instruments growing up:  the flute, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, chimes and piano, but being in the spotlight was not her desire. Being behind the scenes, helping create a flawless production that allows the true performers to shine is where she feels at home. As the assistant stage manager in last year’s performance of Music of the Night Jodye caught the BrieAbi bug and truly enjoys being involved in such a wonderful production. During the day Jodye works as a Purchasing Manager and Data Integrity Specialist at ProSource, in Blue Ash, Ohio.  Jodye is a Cincinnati native and is happy to be raising her son Alex right where she grew up.

Carrie Classen, House Manager

Carrie was born and raised in Cincinnati.  She has a degree in Business Management from the University of Cincinnati.   While her favorite role is wife to Brendan and mom to Kristina and AJ, her current professional role is at ComStock Advisors, a business valuation firm.  When she’s not working or playing taxi to her kids, she sings in her church choir.  She’s enjoyed music since a young age.  She began playing the piano at the age of 7.  She’s also participated in stage productions of Oliver, Brigadoon and Fiddler on the Roof.  She’s excited about jumping back into musical theatre!

Kyle Tieman, Technical Director

Kyle Tieman is an Electronic Media student at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music.  He has a passion for live audio and always enjoys working with people on big projects such as Music of the Night.  Aside from running sound, Kyle also enjoys playing music for both church contemporary bands and orchestra pits.

John Haskamp, Master Carpenter

Sound, camera, lights ! John has done most all of the “behind the scenes” work at many shows for several local theater groups. Milford Theater Guilde, Acting Up, Mason Community Players, CMT, and mostly at Loveland Stage Company. King & I,  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Philadelphia Story all were shows that John appeared on Stage at Loveland, as well as Wizard of Oz (first ever time on stage) at Milford Theater Guilde  six years ago.Daughter Jessie dreamed of being on stage, & John went along for the ride ! It’s been fun, great times, good friends, & lots of work. “Keeps me out of trouble & feeling young”.

Brendan Classen, Sound Engineer

Brendan graduated from Anderson High School in 1991 and The University of Cincinnati in 1996 where he received his Bachelors of Science in Computer Science.  While at UC he performed with the Marching Band in the University of Cincinnati Drumline.  Today, he works in Fairfield for The Cincinnati Insurance Companies and has since 1998 where he is a Systems Analyst.  Brendan was the assistant stage manager for Anderson High School’s production of The Music Man as well as an Audio Tech for AHS’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.  Since then he has been the Media Team lead for his church, Forestville Baptist Church, as well as the church’s Music Leader.  When not singing or tech-ing he enjoys spending time with his Son, A.J., Daughter, Kristina and lovely wife Carrie.  Ballroom dancing is a new-found hobby he and Carrie enjoy as much to glide over the dance floor as to laugh at their missteps in the learning process.

Alex Cumbow, Lighting Designer

Alex is a junior at Mason High School and has been involved with theatre in one way or another since she was six weeks old and brought to her mom’s rehearsals in a pumpkin seat. She enjoys both performing on stage, like when she played the role of Huckleberry Finn in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and helping as a ‘techie’. Currently, Alex has been performing as Linus in Charlie Brown’s Hoe Down at Kings Island.  Alex also loves designing, setting and running lighting for shows. She’s currently in her third year of Tech Theatre at Mason High School. Most recently Alex designed and ran the lighting for Brieabi Productions’ Man of La Mancha, Acting Up’s High School Musical, was in MHS’s One Acts and helped design lights for Acting Up’s Once on this Island and MHS’s The Crucible.

Rob Bucher, Publicity

Rob Bucher is excited to be part of Brieabi’s production team. Recent roles include Sancho in Brieabi’s Man of La Mancha and Arthur in Second Time Around with Tri-County Players. Other roles include ensemble/trolley conductor in the Covedale Center’s Meet Me In St. Louis, brother Asher in Beechmont Players’ Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Joe Farkus in The Last Night of Ballyhoo for Village Players. Thanks to my family and friends for all their support. “Miss you old man.”