Hello, Dolly!
August 5 - September 3
SYNOPSIS - Musical
Get caught up in the romantic entanglements that abound when matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi comes to town. Toe-tapping song and dance numbers and laugh-out-loud humor will entertain young and old.
CHARACTER |
M/F/S-M |
T/TH/S-E |
| DOLLY GALLAGHER LEVI | Donna Cates | Lisa Buenting |
| HORACE VANDERGELDER | Gary Payne | Neil Rogers |
| CORNELIUS HACKL | Michael Spencer | Drew Davis |
| BARNABY TUCKER | Jacob Matheny | Michael Pandolfo |
| ERMANGARDE | Jordan Thomas | Bethany Stanelle |
| AMBROSE KEMPER | Zeke Branim | David Phillips |
| IRENE MOLLOY | Sarah Dickerson | Amanda Gupton |
| MINNIE FAY | Laura Tolsma | Meredith Stowe |
| ERNESTINA | Christianne Miller | Lindsay Hardisty |
| MRS. ROSE | Mary Miller | Desiree Martinez |
| MRS. MORTIMER | Tamera Miller | Jennifer Leyva |
| RUDOLPH | Travis Miller | Chris Seil |
| JUDGE/STANLEY | John Lattimore | Timothy Raif |
| CLERK | Miranda Mhoon | Kristy Conway |
| LOUIE | Connor Thompson | Michael Williams |
| HANK | Michael Molina | Jeff Carr |
| MANNY | Tevin Cates | Michael Salvador |
| DANNY | David Seil | Matthew Pandolfo |
| HARRY | Caleb Merrill | Ivan Lippens |
| FEMALE ENSEMBLE | Julie Molina | Victoria Radford |
| Tyler Vaden | Tempie Dewar | |
| Taryn Cates | Lillie Dewar | |
| Heather Sturdevant | Ashtyn Campbell | |
| Delaney Griffith | Kristina Bain | |
| Maegan Stewart | Michelle Du Frane |
DIRECTED by:
Dennis Canright
MUSIC BY:
Jerry Herman
ADAPTED FROM:
the Play "The Matchmaker" by Thornton Wilder
LYRICS by:
Jerry Herman
Kristina Bain
Role: Ensemble
Kristina is excited to be making her debut on the Artisan stage. She has been involved in numerous shows prior to HELLO DOLLY including THE MUSIC MAN (Eulalie), ALICE IN WONDERLAND (Queen of Hearts), and SOUTH PACIFIC (Nellie Forbush). Kristina would like to thank her parents for their support.
Zeke Branim
Role: Ambrose Kemper
Zeke is still not quite sure how he ended up becoming a part of this production, but is definitely excited to be on the Artisan stage once more, and under Dennis' direction no less. Past ACT shows include OKLAHOMA (Curly), SOUTH PACIFIC (Stewpot), CAMELOT (Guilliam), PHANTOM (Cholet), and PROPOSALS (Ray). Zeke would like to thank his parents for always guiding him in the right direction, and of course, Dennis for allowing him to join this wonderful cast.
Lisa Buenting
Role: Dolly Gallagher Levi
Lisa has appeared in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF twice (as Hodel, then as Tzeitel), BYE BYE BIRDIE (Rosie), LIL’ ABNER (pig lady), HELLO DOLLY (chorus), and THE MUSIC MAN (Pick-a-little Lady). Her favorite role was Marian Paroo in THE MUSIC MAN (opposite B.J. Cleveland). Her love for musicals began in high school, where she played as Dorothy in THE WIZARD OF OZ, Zaneeta in THE MUSIC MAN, and the lead dancer in CAROUSEL and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. She dedicates this performance to her mother who instilled in her the love of singing.
Ashtyn Campbell
Role: Ensemble
Ashtyn is making her theater debut at Artisan, but has appeared in many musical vignettes at Travis Academy of Fine Arts. She recently choreographed a group number, which she performed for her school’s spring show. She also choreographs and dances for her church’s youth worship dance team. She has been taking ballet since she was five and has recently added lyrical, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary dance to her list of favorite types of dance. She comes from a musical family and has been singing since she could talk. She is so excited for this great opportunity to be a part of HELLO DOLLY. She is thankful to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for the precious gifts of song and dance.
Jeff Carr
Role: Hank
Jeff is super excited to be working in Artisan's production of HELLO DOLLY! Some of his past shows include CAMELOT, PRINCE CASPIAN, BELLES ON THEIR TOES, and CATS, as well as a plethora of school shows. He has also worked behind the curtain, as stage manager for Artie's HANSEL AND GRETEL, and working tech for Artisan's PHANTOM. He would like to thank Dennis for the opportunity, and his Mom and Dad for pushing him to be his best!
Donna Cates
Role: Dolly Gallagher Levi
Donna is thrilled to be taking on the role of Dolly! Her favorite roles include Connie Lou in THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS, Donna in SWING, and Maria in THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Creative Arts Theatre & School. Donna would like to thank her amazing kids and wonderful parents for all their love and support, and to God for all His fabulous blessings. Thank you, Dennis for giving me such a fantastic opportunity!
Taryn Cates
Role: Ensemble
Taryn is excited to be in her twenty-first Artisan show, having recently been seen as Brigitta in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Other favorite roles include Tootie in MEET ME IN ST LOUIS and Young Cosette in LES MISERABLES. Taryn is an A-honor roll student, a member of student council, and a member of the library club. Taryn would like to thank her family and friends, and gives hugs to Catherine, Sadie, Emma, Abbey, Jill, and Rick. Taryn thanks God for her wonderful life.
Tevin Cates
Role: Manny
Tevin was recently on stage as Lamar in CAT's production of GODSPELL. Tevin's favorite roles include Mouthpiece in WEST SIDE STORY at Artisan, Jesse Aarons in BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA at Theatre Arlington, and the Ugly Stepsister and Prince in CINDERELLA at Artie's Playhouse. Tevin is an honors student, a second degree black belt, and he enjoys basketball and football. Tevin thanks his family, especially Granddad, for the love and support, and thanks to God for His unending love and support.
Kristy Conway
Role: Clerk
Kristy recently moved to the area from Pittsburgh, PA. She is proud to make her Texas stage debut here at Artisan with the wonderful and talented cast of HELLO DOLLY. Some of her favorite roles have included Tiger Lily (PETER PAN), Goldie (THE DIVINER), Jill (AND JACK FELL DOWN), Hot Box Girl (GUYS AND DOLLS) and Dance Ensemble (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR). She would like to dedicate her performances to her family, and the loving memory of Tater. “Thank you for all your support. I love you all!” –Kstar
Drew Davis
Role: Cornelius Hackl
Drew is a twenty-two and a half year old college student, majoring in broadcasting and communication. Currently, he’s employed as a videographer/video editor at First Baptist Church Dallas. In between the rush to finish projects for the church and the cramming for tests and papers, Drew likes to spend his time at the theatre. On occasion, he’s been known to appear on stage singing boisterously and dancing spiritedly with the rest of the troupe. Drew’s most memorable moments on stage were as Will in OKLAHOMA, Fleet in TITANIC, Scarecrow in OZ, and Bernardo in WEST SIDE STORY. Drew would like to thank his family for their constant encouragement and generous support, his lady friend, Bethany Stanelle, of four well-spent years for joining him in this show, and last but never least, Drew would like to give all glory and praise to Jesus for the many blessings and grace He has given.
Lillie Dewar
Role: Ensemble
Lillie is excited to be performing again at Artisan, having most recently been seen as Rumpleteazer in CATS. She has also performed with the Stolen Shakespeare Guild, Creative Arts Theatre and School, Arts Fifth Avenue, and Plaza Theatre Company. Lillie studies voice and dance and enjoys photography, history, tennis and collecting empty gift cards. Lillie's pets include two rabbits, several cats, and one sister.
Tempie Dewar
Role: Ensemble
Tempie is excited to be performing again at Artisan, having been seen in BRIGADOON and LES MISERABLES. She has also performed with the Stolen Shakespeare Guild, Creative Arts Theatre and School, and Arts Fifth Avenue. Tempie enjoys philosophy, literature, composing songs, gardening and tending to her six chickens.
Sarah Dickerson
Role: Irene Molloy
Sarah claims this as her third show at Artisan. You may have seen her before as Maria in WEST SIDE STORY or Martha in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Sarah has also performed at Bass Performance Hall as Cyndra/Chorus in Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. In high school, she received the Betty Lynn Buckley Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Belle in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. She studied theatre a short while at Marymount Manhattan College in New York. She would like to thank everyone involved in this production, her wonderful loving parents, and all of her friends (yes, you) that came to see the show!
Michelle Du Frane
Role: Ensemble
Michelle is ecstatic to be a part of HELLO DOLLY! This will be her first performance with Artisan, but not her first time on stage as she has enjoyed dancing for Doubletake Dance Studio and being a part of L.D. Bell’s “The Bell System” during high school. She wishes to thank her friends and family for their support.
Delaney Griffith
Role: Ensemble
Delaney is thrilled to be appearing at Artisan. She was last seen at Artisan as Fantine in LES MISERABLES. Her past roles include Bloody Mary in SOUTH PACIFIC and Kathy Seldon in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN. She will be attending UTA in the fall to study theatre. She would like to thank her friends and family for their tremendous support.
Amanda Gupton
Role: Irene Molloy
Amanda is excited to be working on another Artisan show with Dennis! Prior to HELLO DOLLY, she worked with him as Guenevere in CAMELOT and Laurie in OKLAHOMA. Other favorite roles include Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Artisan), Olive in 25TH ANNUAL SPELLING BEE (ONSTAGE in Bedford) Sybil in PRIVATE LIVES (Stage West) and Lizzie in BABY (Casa Manana/TCU). She would like to thank all of her friends and family for their love and support.
Lindsay Hardisty
Role: Ernestina
Lindsay is excited to be a part of HELLO DOLLY. She is usually stage managing for Dennis and Artisan, as she is currently the resident stage manager. She was last seen in Artisan’s production of CAMELOT as Morgan Le Fay. Lindsay has stage managed numerous shows at Artisan her favorites being WEST SIDE STORY, SWING, OKLAHOMA, CAMELOT, PROPOSALS, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, for which she won Best Stage Manager a of Play non-equity at the 2011 Column Awards. She is excited to be back on the stage and working with Dennis and many of her good friends!
John Lattimore
Role: Judge/Stanley
John is a thirty-eight-year Arlington resident where he attended Arlington High School and Graduated from UTA as an ROTC Distinguished Military graduate. His theatrical career began in High School and college productions. Theatrical credits include the role of Charlie Cowell in THE MUSIC MAN, and most recently as Stanley in SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN. He has also been the non-singing support cast for several Ft. Worth Metropolitan Opera productions. This is his first appearance with the Artisan Theater.
Jennifer Leyva
Role: Mrs. Mortimer
Jennifer hails originally from OKC, OK where she trained as a dancer, performer, and choreographer for over thirty years before moving to Maryland to work for Six Flags Theme Parks. Jennifer and her family then moved to Michigan where they worked as Entertainment Directors for Dude Ranch & Golf Resort for over seven years (Weird, huh?!). Jennifer has been a dancer since the age of three and is currently a teacher and choreographer in the DFW metroplex. She is proud to say that she is a dance teacher right here at the Artisan Center Theater and thinks you should enroll yourself and/or your child right now!
Ivan Lippens
Role: Harry
Ivan has participated in over five shows within the last year: SOUTH PACIFIC, JEKYLL AND HYDE, CAMELOT, and PHANTOM. Adding to the list is THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, where Ivan played his first leading role as The Pirate King. Ivan looks forward to continuing his positive contributions to the Artisan Center Theater, and would like to thank his mother, his voice teacher, and Artisan's staff and administration for their continued support and sacrifice.
Desiree Martinez
Role: Mrs. Rose
Desiree is excited to be part of an Artisan production for the first time. She is known as the “Singing Accountant.” She made a debut return to the stage in 2010. Desiree has recently performed in LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE, TALES OF CARMEN, SOUTH PACIFIC, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, ANNIE, CLOWNS, Lydia in CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, and is a Chorale Member of Regal Opera.
Jacob Matheny
Role: Barnaby Tucker
Jacob is happy to be in another show at Artisan. He has previously been seen as Rolf in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Harry in BRIGADOON, and Colin in THE SECRET GARDEN. Other favorites include Humpty Dumpty in ALICE IN WONDERLAND, and Zeke in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. He would like to thank Amanda Gupton for her help and guidance, and who has truly changed his life.
Caleb Merrill
Role: Harry
Caleb is extremely excited to be a part of Artisan's production of HELLO DOLLY. His past show characters include Tenor from PHANTOM and Castor understudy for CAMELOT. He would like to thank the director Dennis Canright for his opportunity and especially his family and friends for the support and love they give him.
Miranda Mhoon
Role: Clerk
Miranda is excited to be in her first production at Artisan! She is definitely not new to the stage though, as she was last seen as Ruth in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Granbury High School, and Sour Kangaroo in Suessical at Plaza Theater. Her favorite roles have been Cat in the Hat in Suessical, Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Penny in Our town. Her first role was as Molly in ANNIE at the age of four at the Granbury Opera House, where she also starred in GYPSY, HERE’S LOVE, and MIRACLE ON 34th STREET, just to name a few. Miranda’s dream is to perform on Broadway someday. Miranda is a junior in high school. She is in the Varsity Chamber Choir, Historian-Reporter Choir Officer, Key Club, Student Council, Softball, participating in solo and ensemble, school musicals and plays, and a member of NHHSS. Miranda would like to thank her parents for all their love and support and Meme for being there for her (always!) and her biggest fan, Jax!
Christianne Miller
Role: Ernestina
Christianne is happy to be a part of another wonderful production at Artisan Center Theater. Her past productions include BRIGADOON, OKLAHOMA, PHANTOM, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. She hopes to be in many more productions after this one.
Mary Miller
Role: Mrs. Rose
Mary has been involved in all aspects of theater for over forty years, including writing, acting, stage management, props, lighting, and directing. She recently appeared in Artisan’s productions of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Other roles include Sophie in STAR-SPANGLED GIRL, Grandma Tzeitel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Morgan Le Fey in CAMELOT and a Pick-a-Little Lady in THE MUSIC MAN. Thanks to Dee Ann and Rick Blair for the wonderful family theater that is Artisan, and to Dennis Canright for the opportunity to appear in this classic musical. Thanks to her family and to God for music.
Tamera Miller
Role: Mrs. Mortimer
Tamera is excited to be involved in another great production at Artisan. This year, she has appeared in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, PHANTOM, and CAMELOT where she portrayed Morgan Le Fey, her favorite role to date. She would like to thank her mom, dad, and sister for all their love and support.
Travis Miller
Role: Rudolph
Travis would like to thank Dennis for the opportunity to join his wife Mary and daughters Tamera and Christianne in the cast of HELLO DOLLY. This is his fifth production at the Artisan Theater, having appeared in OKLAHOMA, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, PHANTOM, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Travis is a veteran of the stage with over forty years of experience. Some of his favorite roles have been Tevye in Trinity UMC’s production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Jacob in Theater Arlington’s production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, Marrying Sam in Gregton UMC’s production of LIL’ ABNER, The King in the Dallas Children’s Theater production of SLEEPING BEAUTY, Benjamin Franklin in Longview Community Theater’s production of 1776 and Big Daddy in Longview Community Theater’s production of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF.
Michael Molina
Role: Hank
Michael is so excited to be in his fourth production at Artisan. Michael was previously seen in ANNIE, PHANTOM, and most recently as Moody Spurgeon in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. He has been in several productions locally, including Richard Mason (his favorite role) in JANE EYRE, Sports Fan in GODSPELL, and Bumps in SLEEPING BEAUTY OF LORELAND. In his free time, Michael enjoys biking on the Trinity Trails with his brother. Michael would like to thank Dennis, Rick and DeeAnn Blair.
Julie Molina
Role: Ensemble
Julie is happy to be on the stage at Artisan for her third time. She was recently seen as Aunt Josephine in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Julie would like to thank Rick and Dee Ann Blair and Dennis Canright for casting her. She would also like to thank her husband, Efren and her sons, Robert and Michael for putting up with the messy house while she rehearses.
Matthew Pandolfo
Role: Danny
Matthew is happy to be returning to the Artisan stage after a long break. His previous shows include TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Jem), LES MISERABLES (Thenardiar), and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. In his spare time, Matthew’s interests are playing the violin, building Legos, and reading. Matthew thanks his family for their support in all his endeavors and especially his mother for driving him everywhere.
Michael Pandolfo
Role: Barnaby Tucker
Michael is sixteen years old and is delighted to be performing as Barnaby in HELLO DOLLY! Michael has been singing, dancing, and acting since the age of eight, and has received seven years of classical voice training. He has performed in many shows in the area, which most recently include THE SECRET GARDEN at Casa Manana, THE MIKADO with the Fort Worth Opera, and PHANTOM at Artisan, just to name a few. Michael plans to become a professional vocalist and is pursuing a career in opera and musical theater. He would like to thank his parents and friends for their support, and Dennis for giving him such a wonderful opportunity.
Gary Payne
Role: Horace Vandergelder
Gary is very excited to be back on the boards at Artisan, having just recently appeared as Burt Hines in Artisan’s production of PROPOSALS. You may remember him from other Artisan productions, including DRIVING MISS DAISY, WALKING ACROSS EGYPT, WEST SIDE STORY, THE MIKADO, and BRIGADOON. Favorite roles at other theatres include Ray in LONE STAR, Arnold and Norman in numerous productions of THE BOYS NEXT DOOR, Harold in THE BOYS IN THE BAND, and Kanute in A DON’T HUG ME CHRISTMAS CAROL, for which he received an ONY Award.
David Phillips
Role: Ambrose Kemper
David is glad to be working with Artisan again. Some of his past shows here have been CAMELOT as Mordred, (favorite role), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, SOUTH PACIFIC, LES MISERABLES, OKLAHOMA, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, and WEST SIDE STORY. David would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support. He would also like to thank the Lord for the opportunities and talents that He has so graciously blessed him with.
Victoria Radford
Role: Ensemble
Victoria is excited to be appearing again at the Artisan Theater! Her previous productions at Artisan include BRIGADOON and LES MISERABLES as Madame Thenardier. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys literature, English, piano, photography, and singing. Victoria has received 1st place in TAPPS district for solo acting and 2nd place for creative photography in TAPPS State. She would like to thank her family, friends, and voice teacher.
Timothy Raif
Role: Judge/Stanley
Timothy is coming on to the Artisan stage for his second time after having played Aslan in PRINCE CASPIAN. Timothy's previous work includes several productions at Cornerstone Theatre, including SONG OF THE MOUNTAINS and THE SINGER. Timothy has a bachelor's degree in Theatre arts from Texas Wesleyan University, where he participated in many shows such as OLIVER, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, and THE TEMPEST.
Neil Rogers
Role: Horace Vandergelder
Neil is pleased to be returning to the Artisan stage after performing at the ICT Main Stage in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Mr. Kirby) and THE LITTLE FOXES (Oscar Hubbard). He was last seen at Artisan as King Arthur in CAMELOT. Neil has acting credits at Casa Manana in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (Senator/Rufus), at Artisan in SOUTH PACIFIC (Luther Billis / Emile de Becque), OKLAHOMA as Jud Fry, and Archie Beaton in BRIGADOON. Neil has played roles at other theaters in musicals such as OKLAHOMA (Andrew Carnes), PIRATES OF PENZANCE, GYPSY, and EVITA.
Michael Salvador
Role: Manny
Michael is fifteen and will be attending Trinity High School this fall, where he will be playing football and also participating in choir. This is his first performance at Artisan. Michael has sung duets for a Quince Magazine expo. On his third birthday, he realized what his hobby was when he put on a little concert for his family and friends, singing to the Back Street Boys. He enjoys performing and entertaining people, because he gets to express himself along with others in front of an audience.
Chris Seil
Role: Rudolph
Chris is enjoying his fifteenth Artisan production. He appeared at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City in the male lead role of Father TenBoom in a dance/drama production called THE WEAVING, a show portraying the life of WWII Dutch heroine Corrie TenBoom. He has performed in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, SOUTH PACIFIC, and THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS, among other shows at Artisan. He thanks the technical crew for their behind-the-scenes arts, the set builders who produce magnificent sets show after show, and you, our patrons, who come to see all this theater magic.
David Seil
Role: Danny
David is pleased to be in what appears to be his sixteenth production at Artisan and his nineteenth around the metroplex. Clearly he likes this place. His last appearance on stage here was as Joseph Bucquet in PHANTOM, other productions include Jose in MAN OF LA MANCHA (ONSTAGE in Bedford), Dexter in KISS AND TELL (Plaza Theatre Company), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Kurt in SOUND OF MUSIC, THE MUSIC MAN, MY FAIR LADY, SOUTH PACIFIC, Tommy in FATHER OF THE BRIDE, all of which were here at Artisan, along with many more. David would like to thank Dennis for the opportunity and Maxwell Mandudi for being a straight up G-Meister.
Michael Spencer
Role: Cornelius Hackl
Michael in his second role at Artisan Center, the first being Will Parker in OKLAHOMA. Michael is twenty years old and has been practicing the performing arts since his senior year in high school. Recent roles include Krapp (KRAPP’S LAST TAPE), Lysander (A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM), and various stage performances as the character Comico in COMMEDIA DELL ARTE. Acting is his one and only true passion. The people he has met and performed with are his family and will stay with him for the rest of his life. “For the Love of the Theatre!”
Bethany Stanelle
Role: Ermengarde
Bethany is thrilled to be a part of HELLO DOLLY here at Artisan. She is a twenty-two year old dancer and musician currently working on her B.F.A in graphic design at UTA. Some of her favorite shows she has been a part of are CINDERELLA (Cedar Valley College), TITANIC (Cedar Valley College), and WEST SIDE STORY (Artisan). She enjoys reading, autumn weather, music, and musicals. She would like to thank her family for the loving support they’ve given her, and Jesus for giving her another opportunity to sing and dance with her awesome theatre friends.
Maegan Stewart
Role: Ensemble
Maegan is thrilled to be a part of HELLO DOLLY. She has been dancing her whole life and this is her first musical production. For the past three years she has been teaching and choreographing dance in Arlington at Jane’s Academy of Dance Excellence and in Fort Worth at Dance Connections. She is also a full-time student at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. She would like to thank all her family and friends for making this possible!
Meredith Stowe
Role: Minnie Fay
Meredith could not be happier to be playing the part of Minnie Fay! HELLO DOLLY is her ninth show to appear in at Artisan, and the memories just keep getting better! Meredith loves to sing, write, play the violin and piano, and read. She sends a special thank you to Dennis, Rick and DeeAnn, and her family and friends. All the glory and honor goes to Jesus Christ, her loving Savior.
Heather Sturdevant
Role: Ensemble
Heather is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful cast in HELLO DOLLY. She is seen on stage at many theatres, such as with Stage West in the production of SKIN OF OUR TEETH where she played a Dinosaur, Muse, and Ivy. Her favorite productions include THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, THE MIRACLE WORKER, DRACULA THE MUSICAL, where she won a Betty Buckley award for Best Costume Design, and HELLO DOLLY at Richland High School where she was nominated for a Betty Buckley award for Best Female Ensemble Member. She is so happy to be back on the stage and working with such a stunning cast!
Jordan Thomas
Role: Ermengarde
Jordan is excited to be back for her ninth production at Artisan! She was last seen on stage as Fleure in PHANTOM at Artisan and Alice Sycamore in her high school's production of YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU. Her favorite roles have been Zaneeta Shinn in THE MUSIC MAN and Snoopy in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. Jordan is a 2011 high school graduate and will attend college in the fall studying Theater and Business. She would like to thank God for opening all the doors, and everyone at Artisan for casting her in HELLO DOLLY!
Connor Thompson
Role: Louie
Connor is very excited to get a chance to work with Mr. Dennis Canright. This is his third show here at Artisan. He was recently seen as Baron Elberfeld in THE SOUND OF MUSIC and Joseph Bouquet in PHANTOM. He enjoys working with such a talented cast and always loves to be a part of the stage.
Laura Tolsma
Role: Minnie Fay
Laura is excited to perform in HELLO DOLLY at the Artisan! Laura has enjoyed performing at the Artisan in THE MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES, SWING, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Theater Studies, emphasis in Dramaturgy, and is a staff member at the Artisan Center Theater. She would like to thank her true "leading man", Jeff, for all his support and encouragement.
Tyler Vaden
Role: Ensemble
Tyler loves the opportunity to sing and dance in HELLO DOLLY. She has sung and danced her way around in several Artisan shows including LES MISERABLES, PRINCE CASPIAN, ANNIE, and most recently as the Stepmother in Artie’s CINDERELLA. She recently had her first opportunity to work backstage as a prop assistant on ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. She would like to thank her teachers and parents for supporting her dreams.
Robin Willis
Role: Ensemble
Robin is thrilled to make her debut with the Artisan Theater in HELLO DOLLY! She loves the stage and has been blessed with the opportunity to work with many groups, including the Keene Camarata Orchestra, The Aria Chamber Chorus, The Cu-Vee Band, and The Brave Combo Band. Ms. Willis appeared in Mustard Seed Theatrics’ original stage production of IN HIS WILL, as well as the Oak School of Ballet’s LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD. Recently, Robin has been featured in two Dos Compadres Productions films, El Libro Negro and El Triunfo de el Chenco. She is happy to now be taking part in Artisan's latest production!
Dennis Canright
Role: Director
Dennis has been an active participant both on stage and off at Artisan for the last four seasons. Audiences may remember Dennis on stage in SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, THE ARK, THE MUSIC MAN, I LOVE A PIANO, and THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS. Dennis has also directed OKLAHOMA, CINDERELLA, WEST SIDE STORY, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and CAMELOT for Artisan. A jack of all theatrical trades and master of none, Dennis splits his time between Artisan Center Theater and his day job as Master Carpenter for Uptown Players in Dallas, and is also the official Set Designer for The Column Awards. A multiple Column Award nominee and winner, Dennis was honored with several nominations this year and received the Best Non-Equity Play Award for Artisan’s production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD!
Laura Saladino
Role: Assistant Director
Laura is currently a senior Theatre major at Texas Christian University. During her time at TCU she has appeared in THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES (Bunny Flingus), NO EXIT (Inez), and TALKING WITH (French Fries). On Artisan’s stage she has appeared in WEST SIDE STORY (Estella) and I LOVE A PIANO (Eileen). She recently served as Assistant Company Manager for the Trinity Shakespeare Festival, and will be directing the play IRON KISSES at TCU in the fall. Laura would like to thank Dennis for this opportunity!
Brandi Dibler
Role: Choreographer
Brandi is so blessed to be choreographing her sixth show at Artisan Center Theater. Some of her credits include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE LION THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, PRINCE CASPIAN, and ANNIE, for which she received a Column Award nomination. She is so pleased to be working with Dennis Canright and the talented cast and crew of HELLO DOLLY. She would like to thank her husband Scott and her amazing children for being so patient while she visits the world of Dolly Levi for a second time.
Mary Qualls
Role: Stage Manager
Mary is taking part in her first show with Artisan and loves working with Dennis. She graduated from Haltom High and attended Texas Wesleyan, before leaving to start her family. Some of her favorite shows have been back stage for THE WIZARD OF OZ (Casa Manana/Bass Hall), THE LITTLEST WISEMAN (Scott Theatre), and PROOF (Texas Wesleyan). She recently stage managed a benefit show for Desoto where she met her “twin” Lindsay Hardisty, who has brought her to the backstage life here at Artisan. She wants to thank DeeAnn, Rick, and Dennis for taking the chance on her. She also wants to thank her amazing husband, Patrick, and their wonderful three-year old, Donovan, for allowing the time away.
Michael Williams
Role: Assistant Stage Manager/Louie
Michael is taking part in his third show to be as Assistant Stage Manager. He was ASM for CAMELOT and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. He is thrilled to work with Director Dennis Canright since the very first show he worked on with him, WEST SIDE STORY, which changed Michael’s life forever.
Richard Gwozdz
Role: Music Director
Richard from Fort Worth, Texas has been in music since his mom slapped him when he was eight years old. While Richard was with the Texas Boy’s Choir, he sang for President Kennedy, the Ed Sullivan Show, the Perry Como Show, various Grammy Award recordings, and toured the United States and Europe. Currently, Richard is Music Director for St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Dallas, Consumer Affairs for the USPS, and pianist at Italian Inn in Fort Worth. Richard was nominated for the Column’s Best Music Director Award twice and won two ONY awards for Best Music Director. Richard has never won the lottery. He would like to thank the cast and production crew for putting up with his opinions. Enjoy HELLO DOLLY!
