DIGITAL PROGRAM
Welcome to our interactive program featuring expanded bios, video links and photo gallery.
We hope you enjoy browsing these pages. ​Jump to specific sections here:​​
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- Production Credits (thanks to MTI)
- Director's & Producer's Notes
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STEPHEN SONDHEIM (1930-2021) wrote the music and lyrics for Saturday Night (1954), A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1962), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), Company (1970), Follies (1971), A Little Night Music (1973), The Frogs (1974), Pacific Overtures (1976), Sweeney Todd (1979), Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Sunday In The Park With George (1984), Into The Woods (1987), Assassins (1991), Passion (1994), Road Show (2008) and HERE WE ARE (2023), as well as the lyrics for West Side Story (1957), Gypsy (1959), Do I Hear A Waltz? (1965) and additional lyrics for Candide (1973). Side By Side By Sondheim (1976), Marry Me A Little (1981), You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow (1983), Putting It Together (1993/99), Moving On (2001), Sondheim On Sondheim (2010) and Old Friends (2023) are anthologies of his work as composer and lyricist. For films, he composed the scores of “Stavisky” (1974), co-composed the score for “Reds” (1981), and wrote songs for “Dick Tracy” (1990). He wrote songs for the television production “Evening Primrose” (1966), co-authored the film “The Last of Sheila” (1973) and the play Getting Away With Murder (1996) and provided incidental music for the plays The Girls of Summer (1956), Invitation To A March (1961), Twigs (1971) and The Enclave (1973).
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He won the Tony Award for Best Score for Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and Passion, all of which won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, as did Pacific Overtures and Sunday In The Park With George, the latter also receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1985).
Stephen Sondheim was born and raised in New York City. He graduated from Williams College, winning the Hutchinson Prize for Music Composition, after which he studied theory and composition with Milton Babbitt. He served on the Council of the Dramatists Guild, the national association of playwrights, composers and lyricists, and served as its president from 1973 to 1981. In 1983 he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters and in 1990 was appointed the first Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Oxford University. He was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1993, the National Medal of Arts in 1996, the MacDowell Medal in 2013 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. His collected lyrics with attendant essays have been published in two volumes: "Finishing the Hat" (2010) and "Look, I Made a Hat" (2011).
In 2010 the Broadway theater formerly known as Henry Miller's Theatre was renamed in his honor, and in 2019 he became the first living artist to have a theatre named in his honor on Shaftesbury Avenue when the refurbished Queen’s Theatre in London’s West End was renamed the Sondheim Theatre to commemorate his 90th birthday, by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
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JAMES LAPINE is a playwright and director. On Broadway he has worked with Stephen Sondheim on Sunday in the Park with George; Into the Woods; and Passion. He also conceived and directed the musical review Sondheim on Sondheim. With William Finn he created Falsettos recently revived by Lincoln Center Theater; Little Miss Sunshine; Muscle; and directed Finn's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other Broadway credits include his play based on Moss Hart's memoir Act One (also LCT), Amour, The Diary of Anne Frank, Golden Child, and Dirty Blonde. He has written the plays Table Settings, Twelve Dreams, The Moment When, Fran's Bed and Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing. Lapine has been nominated for eleven Tony Awards, winning on three occasions. He has also been the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, SDC's Mr. Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater, and inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.
Original Broadway Production by:
Heidi Landesman
M. Anthony Fisher
Rocco Landesman
Frederic H. Mayerson
Rick Steiner
Jujamcyn Theaters
Originally produced by the Old Globe Theater, San Diego, California.
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Any and all video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Sky Performing Arts’ production is made possible in part by the City of Monroe Hotel-Motel Tax Fund: www.monroewa.gov.
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Into the Woods is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
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Director’s Note
Welcome into the woods, into the fairy tales and into the heart of the story. Into the Woods is a musical theater favorite for a reason. This show explores the selfishness of getting your wish regardless of the cost and the consequences that come after happily ever after. We journey with the classic characters of Cinderella and her horrible family, Jack and the Beanstalk and his hungry mother, Rapunzel and her controlling Witch "mother", Little Red Riding Hood and the ravenous Wolf, selfish Princes and our additional friends the Baker and his wife. The woods are the great equalizer for all our characters, it doesn't matter if you are poor or a prince, you wish for a child or to go to the festival or just going to visit your granny, you will be tempted, have to make tough decisions, will lose your way and find it again. In the end we pay the consequences of our actions which hopefully leads us to come together as a community and support all.
Into the Woods debuted in1986 during the AIDS crisis, the of revival 2001 was amidst 9/11 and most recently 2022 was post Covid. We do this now in the midst of much upheaval and division in our country. It is my hope that the art we enjoy will help us build community, see that we are more alike than we are different, that we all have a wish we want to make happen, but that the best way to get our wish is to consider the consequences and seek community to build a better life together. Our cast and crew have worked hard together to build this community theater production of Into the Woods. We hope our efforts bring you joy, love, introspection and laughter. Thank you for supporting our live local theater, a play does not exist without an audience. Remember "No one is alone".
– Kira Thorkildsen, Director
Producer’s Note
Welcome! We are happy to welcome you to the joy and camaraderie of live theatre whether this is your first time here or your 50th. Sky Performing Arts is carrying on a tradition of theatre in Monroe that spans decades, and generations of families. As we grow, we remain committed to providing quality entertainment and community-building right here in Monroe. We welcome all levels of skill or experience to audition and have summer camps for the young thespians in your life. If you would like to get involved, please contact us. There is a place for everyone on stage or behind the scenes. We need your expertise and imagination!
– Kelly Burrows, Producer
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Why the Arts? The Monroe Arts Council (MAC) believes the arts express our joys, sorrows, hopes, and fears - enhancing the quality of our lives and imparting universal understanding among people, cultures, nations. Our mission is to stimulate growth of visual, literary, and performing arts, and preserve the historic legacy of Monroe.
The Wagner Performing Arts Center
It is the MAC’s privilege to operate and maintain this historic theater. Built in 1939 with the financial help of Frank Wagner, it is Monroe’s community treasure. The MAC is working to improve the theater while preserving its historic charm, so that it can become a source of community pride for generations to come.
Restroom & Lobby Project: New ADA-compliant restrooms are our top priority. In 2024, construction began with the framing of the future restrooms, a concessions kitchen, and ticket office. Next steps are currently in the works!
Upholstery Project: Our seats were a duct tape nightmare! With pro bono help from Monroe Upholstery and an army of community volunteers, we’ve rejuvenated 150 seats - and counting!
Stage Drapery Project: Our stage is getting a new wardrobe! The aged and damaged grand drape will be replaced this fall, and more drapery upgrades are planned for next year.
Your help is needed… Please donate!
Your donation will help us finish these projects and more. Will you help us?
Your gift will be deeply appreciated! Click here to donate. Thank you!
Get involved! We’d love to meet you.
Visit monroeartscouncil.org to learn more and join the MAC!
The Cast
in order of appearance
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Nigel Thorkildsen (he/him)
Narrator / Mysterious Man
Nigel has been acting for 10 years and it is his pleasure to be in his seventh show with Sky. Some of his favorite roles: Santa Claus in Elf, Charlie Brown in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Jud in Oklahoma! Earlier this year he joined Last Leaf Productions' performance of Romeo and Juliet as Lord Capulet. Nigel grew up in a family immersed in music and visual art. He is excited to build community with Sky through art that matters. Nigel thanks his friends and family for their love and support. Especially his partner in crime (spouse) for giving him the acting bug.
Ilze Riekstiņš (she/her)
Cinderella
Ilze has been acting since she was 10 years old, and it all started in this theater. She has also appeared in another Sondheim show: Sweeney Todd as Johanna at Village Theater. Other shows include Titanic, Anastasia as Countess Lilly, 9 to 5, and the world premiere of La Tofana’s Poison Emporium at MACHA theater works. She would like to thank her family for the support, her voice teacher Meg Stecker Thorson, and Sky Performing Arts for allowing her to play Cinderella for a second time.
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Hugh MacDonald (he/him)
Jack
Hugh Is so excited to go into the woods! Past shows and theater credits include Hadestown: Teen Edition (Featured Dancer, Hades U/S), Les Misérables (Javert U/S), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), and many more. When Hugh is not onstage and in his very rare instances of free time, he is writing or performing music, he is so excited for this happy ever after…
Steven Hochteil (he/him)
Baker
Steven is excited to be joining this production of Into the Woods. He is a graduate of theater arts from Fullerton College in California. You may have seen him as Pharaoh and Isaccar in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat at Sky Performing Arts or as Richard in Making God Laugh at Cascade Community Theatre. He spends his down time playing video games and playing DND with his friends. He would like to thank his lovely wife Barbara for loving and supporting him and always encouraging him to strive for greatness. He hopes you enjoy the show.
Ashley Rose Klimper (she/her)
Baker's Wife
Ashley is a Seattle based actor, director and friend. She is beyond delighted to be in her first show at Sky Performing Arts! Ashley studied musical theater at Circle in the Square Theater School in New York City. Some favorite past credits include Ride the Cyclone (Constance), Doubt (Sister James), Hairspray (Tracy), The Flick (Rose), and Island Song (Shoshanna). Much love to her life partner Andrew, their sweet kitty Vienna, and goofy pup Charley!
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Karee Legend (she/her)
Stepmother
Karee is beyond excited to be back on the Sky Performing Arts stage! You may have seen her most recently as Aunt March in Sky’s production of Little Women. Karee is a co-founder of Sky: after dark, a member of the Monroe Arts Council and has been a part of the Sky community for 3 wonderful years. She’d like to thank her family for their unwavering support and also her voice teacher, Nedra for helping her prepare at school the drop of a hat!
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Leslie Lillie Hamilton (she/her)
Florinda // Rapunzel Understudy
Leslie has found a family here with Sky Performing Arts and feels blessed to be cast along side such a talented group of performers. The cast, musicians, directors, and crew have been absolutely wonderful! Whether it's being on stage or being behind the scenes there's never a dull moment when there's a show in production. Leslie is also our production photographer.
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Taylor Hayes (she/her)
Lucinda // Baker's Wife Understudy
After 5 years off the stage, Taylor is elated to be back under the lights! This is Taylor's first production with Sky Performing Arts. Taylor's past roles include Kate Monster (Avenue Q), Heather Chandler (Heathers), and Sophie (Mamma Mia!). Taylor would like to shout out her amazing husband for his unwavering love, as well as all of her loved ones who showed up in support of her. Cheers!
Rachel McClary (she/her)
Jack's Mom // Granny Understudy
This is Rachel’s first production with Sky Performing Arts, though she did appear in recent years on this stage, as Goran the Spy in Cascade Community Theatre's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Rachel has been performing since her teens in musicals, pantomimes, plays, cabarets and even an opera. Favorite roles include Maria in Sound of Music, Kate in Pirates of Penzance and ensemble in the UK amateur premier of Evita. Rachel loves to tap dance and hopes to tap dance in a musical someday.
Macey Hamilton (she/her)
Little Red Ridinghood // Witch Understudy
Macey is very excited for her debut at Sky Valley Performing Arts. She has loved theatre since she was six years old and thrived in the Sultan High School drama club. Her favorite roles so far have been Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and Wednesday in The Addams Family. We look forward to seeing what she does next.​
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Kirsten Gometz (she/her)
Witch
Kirsten Gometz first took the stage under duress at Girl Scout camp, when, as the only redhead in her cabin, she was elected “Annie” for the camp talent show. She’s had significantly more choice in the matter since then, adding Godspell, Steel Magnolias, and The Wizard of Oz to her credits. Kirsten is embracing her witch phase - last year, as Glinda the good - and now as THE Witch: she’s not good, she’s not nice, she’s just right. Kirsten is grateful for her amazing children and parents, and for the phenomenal cast and crew of Into The Woods. Enjoy the show!
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William Schubert (he/him)
Cinderella’s Father // Cinderella’s Prince Understudy
Will is excited to return to another Sky Performing Arts production since he was Professor Bhaer in Little Women last year! He first found his joy for performing musical theater in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he was able to portray such roles like Juda in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Guggenheim in Titanic the Musical. He is thankful for the opportunity to be part of this production with this talented cast and crew, and hopes you are delighted with the show.
Cindy Goulding (she/her)
Cinderella’s Mother // Lucinda Understudy
Cindy Goulding is the mother of 5 daughters and moonlights as an audiobook narrator. When not on stage she loves to dance, volunteer at the school theaters, and play video and board games. Previous roles include Lady Marion in Robinhood, Calliope in Hercules and the Golden Apple, and Ruth in Pirates of Penzance, Eva in Suitcase, and Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress. She would like to thank Kira and the production staff, and her husband, Mike.
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Dominique Sherwood (they/them)
Cinderella’s Prince / Wolf
After a decade-long hiatus, Dominique is excited to participate again in theatre. They have experience in musicals and classical theatre and Shakespeare, performing lead roles in Much Ado About Nothing, Midsummer Night's Dream and others. They'd like to thank their family and their son for the unwaivering support and love.
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Note Aguilar (they/them)
Rapunzel // Cinderella Understudy
Note Aguilar is an Into the Woods fanatic who graduated from Drake University with a BFA in Musical Theater and a minor in Directing. This is their third production of Into the Woods and their second time playing Rapunzel! Other credits include Legally Blonde (Enid) and Hamlet (Laertes) at Drake, Spelling Bee (Olive) and Chicago (Billy Flynn) with Ballyhoo Theatre, and Head Over Heels (Pamela) with Village Theatre. Thank you for coming and enjoy the show!
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Nathaniel Lee (he/him)
Rapunzel's Prince
Nathaniel is thrilled to be in a musical again after so long, especially in a dream show! Favorite roles include Galdromius in Space Princess Wars (Undergraduate Theatre Society), Ricky U/S in Ride the Cyclone (Ballyhoo Theatre), Bobby in A Chorus Line (Redmond Academy), and Chip in Spelling Bee (Stage Notes). He also recently choreographed fights for Peter and the Starcatcher (Penguin Productions) and before that in Space Princess Wars. Outside of theatre, Nate spent this last summer working at Majestic Adventures, a LARP camp where he got to legally beat up children with foam swords. He thanks Caitlin Sarwono, his vocal teacher, for preparing him to audition for this show, and his friends (including coworkers) and family for always supporting him!
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Lexie Halle (she/her)
Granny // Jack’s Mom Understudy
Lexie Halle is thrilled to join the cast of Into the Woods as the Granny and as the understudy for Jack's mother. Previously Lexie was Lady Rowena in Once Upon a Mattress and Edith in Suitcase with Seattle Community Theater. She was Echo in Hercules and the Golden Apple, Potiphar's servant and multiple other roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Lady Bridget in Robinhood with Sky Performing Arts. She sings with the Seattle Jewish Chorale and with the Eastside Jewish Community Choir. When she is not running between rehearsals she is a member at large on the board of Seattle Community Theater, a mom to a fabulous sixteen year old son, Sam and a cat mom to Lanna.
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Stephan Lemmer (he/him)
Steward
Stephan Lemmer has performed in a variety of settings, including Operas (Chorus, The Barber of Seville, Opera San Antonio), operettas (Wilfred Shadbolt, The Yeomen of the Guard, UMGASS), Musicals (John Utterson, Jekyll & Hyde, Performing Arts San Antonio), and whatever you would call being in Barry Manilow's backup chorus. Truly, It's a miracle that he's had such varied opportunities. Stephan is excited to join this production of Into the Woods, and would like to thank his wife, Nicole, for keeping the four-leggeds (and frankly, him) fed on rehearsal days. When not on stage, he can usually be found building something, breaking something, or unashamedly making bad jokes.
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Becca Gordon (she/her/Fee-Fi/Fo-Fum)
Giant
Becca Gordon's acting journey began in the mountains of Santa Cruz California at the age of 5, where she masterfully gathered the water from the well to complete her kindergarten class's Stone Soup recipe. She has since gone on to play various roles in shows on and off stage; from playing Bottom in Midsummer Night's Dream in Santa Cruz to helping Costume Bullshot Crummond in Lynden. Since stepping away from theater, she has honed her skills in cake making and desserts over the past 15 years, and dedicated the past 9 to raising the most amazing little boy, Dexter. Into the Woods is her all-time favorite show of all time, since she was 6 when her mom costumed a production at the local community college! When Becca heard Sky Performing Arts was putting it on just a few miles from home, she dusted off her trusty audition monologue and gave it the old college try. An honor to be playing the Giant, she hopes to grace the stage in many more roles over the coming years!
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Eliot Slack-Lin (he/him)
Jack Understudy
Eliot Slack-Lin is 14, and is a freshman at Glacier Peak High School. Sky Performing Arts’ Into The Woods is his fifth musical production and first not-junior-version musical. He has appeared onstage in such roles as Prince Hans in Frozen Jr, and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid Jr. He has also acted in The SpongeBob Musical youth edition and most recently he appeared as a lead role in Disney’s Dare To Dream Jr. He is excited to be a part of this production, and he would like to thank his family, friends, and all his fellow cast members for being so supportive in his musical endeavors.
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Mike Blanding (he/him)
Baker Understudy
Mike has previously been in Legally Blond, Singing in the Rain, Seventh Heaven, Pirates of Penzance, Little Women, Romeo and Juliet, and Once upon a Mattress and is excited to be in this production of Into the Woods. He has enjoyed getting to know his cast mates and creating the story for your enjoyment. He hopes you all remember to be careful what you wish for and remember, you are never alone in these woods.​
Stephanie Quincy (she/her)
Florinda Understudy
Stephanie Quincy is thrilled to be back for her 5th production with Sky Performing Arts! Her recent credits include: Little Women (Mrs. Kirk), Pirates of Penzance (Kate), and Hercules and the Golden Apple (Hesperides, Dance Capt). She would like to thank Lyndee, the cast, and the incredible production team! Much love to Jack and their kids! Marian, Andrea, Ray and Roman, this is for you!
Grace Yates (she/her)
Little Red Ridinghood Understudy
Grace is so excited to do her first show with Sky Performing Arts. Her most recent roles include Scuttle in The Little Mermaid Jr., Alice in Addams Family Jr. and Dragon in Shrek Jr. She’d like to thank her family for all the support!
Alexander Kleparek (he/him)
Rapunzel's Prince Understudy
Alex is excited to be a part of Into the Woods, performing for the first time with Sky Performing Arts. He has been involved in theatre for the last four years and has been a part of various productions, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Catch Me If You Can, Something Rotten, and more. Alex will be going to college next year to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre.​
The Orchestra
in alphabetical order​​​
Mark Ainsworth
Viola
Mark is a retired engineer who has been playing music since he was 6 years old. He deeply thanks his wife Pat who, some 20 years ago for an anniversary gift, bought him a rental viola and some lessons. When not playing viola in the pit orchestra, he plays clarinet and sax in the Monroe Community Band and other ensembles.
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Michelle Chote
Flute
Michelle performs with Sky Performing Arts, Cascade Community Theatre & Monroe Community Band, and other local groups/flute choirs, with which she has recorded with extensively. She has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Washington in Music/flute performance. She also has 2 dogs (corgi plus corgi mix) and 3 cats, including her 20 year old kitty Sierra. Michelle also supports/fundraises for the Alzheimer’s association in honor of her father who is living with dementia (she is responsible for his care).
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Priscilla Cody
2 Violin
Priscilla is an aspiring impressionistic artist and has been musical since she was 5 years old. Playing piano, clarinet, and violin for 7 years, on and off. She decided to join the Evergreen Community Orchestra in Everett, WA a few years ago to get better; and has been taking private lessons to improve even more. She'd like to thank Jesus for giving her the passion and ability to play music with her whole heart, her mom for introducing her into music, and her sisters for putting up with her playing for so long! Love you all!!
Jann Garrett
Drums / Percussion
Jann is an aerospace engineer, who first fell in love with pit orchestra supporting Man of La Mancha back in high school in Durham, NC, in 1991. When she’s not staring up at the sky naming every airplane, she is probably playing in the Take Seventeen swing band, or supporting her kids at their various music, theater, and athletic events. She would like to thank her family for being the best roadies on the planet. Thank you all for supporting live theater!
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Dennis & Laura Haack
Violin 1 / Viola 1
Laura and Dennis met nearly five decades ago in the viola section of the Seattle Youth Symphony and have been making all kinds of beautiful music since. Both participate in community orchestras, the UW Husky Alumni Band, and are 2/4 of the Crystal Cove String Quartet, and they particularly enjoy making the music for stage productions and always appreciate the opportunity to participate with Sky Performing Arts.
Louie Hackett
Double Bass
Now retired, Louie has been able to devote significant time to various community musical organizations, including Kirkland Civic Orchestra, Puget Chamber Winds, Sky Performing Arts, Cascade Community Theater, Seattle Community Theater, and the Take Seventeen Big Band. This production has been has been a fun experience, and hopefully you will enjoy it as well.
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Tania Halladay
Cello
Tania plays with several groups in the area and really enjoys playing in the pit! She also loves spending time with her two sons and daughters in law, her horse and her cat.
Dr. Ratchford Higgins
French Horn
Dr. Higgins is a retired biochemist, professor, and high school physics and math teacher. He began playing trumpet at age 10 and by the age of 12 added French horn, trombone, and tuba, actually performing on all 4 in the same concerts in the 7th grade. His 5 grandchildren (all local) also play many wind instruments and piano. This will be Dr. Higgins's 17th pit orchestra over the past 60 years.
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Rebecca Himberger
Trumpet
Rebecca Himberger has been playing her trumpet since she was 10 years old, and thanks her mom and fiancé Scott for supporting all the loud late-night practice sessions throughout the years. She has had the privilege to perform in other shows such as The Nutcracker, Hair, and Once Upon a Mattress. As Rebecca pursues her career in the medical field, she loves to find time for her passion to play in volunteer groups such as the Monroe Community Band.
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Briana Lamb
Cello
A lifelong cellist from the Seattle area, Briana Lamb studied Cello Performance at Oberlin Conservatory and has been performing and teaching in Washington ever since. She’s a longtime member of the Everett Philharmonic and also plays with the Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra and the Con Brio String Quartet. She enjoys living in the Sky Valley for the beautiful views and accessibility outdoor activities. In her spare time, Briana is a crafter and animal enthusiast.
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Shiri Rosenstein
Flute & Piccolo
Shiri is a Physical Therapist by day and musician by night. In addition to preforming in the pit for Sky Performing Arts, she can be found on stage singing with the Seattle Jewish Chorale or playing flute and piccolo with the Monroe Community Band, and in the pit for Seattle Community Theater. Shiri performed with the Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan Society and went to Buxton England with them twice. She has performed in Brussels, Belgium and in the Sydney Opera House in Australia. When not doing musical activities, she has three rescued Siberian Huskies to take care of and loves to bake.
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Shadrack Scott
Piano/Keyboard
Shadrack has played piano for productions including Something Rotten, The Spitfire Grill, and Clue: The Musical, and he enjoys making dramatic moments more dramatic from the pit. He is passionate about musical storytelling and has a deep love for the joyful rhythms and soulful spirit of the New Orleans piano tradition. Which, of course, leaves every score at constant risk of a little ragging.
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Connie Topalian
Clarinet
Connie has been playing some sort of musical instrument since age 7, starting with piano, oboe, and saxophone. She took a 20 year hiatus to raise her two wonderful sons and now the clarinet has been her most recent favorite. When not playing in various groups around town she likes to bike, hike, and hold her grand baby.
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Sofina Trotter
Violin 2
Sofina is currently a student at the University of Washington Bothell getting a degree in Law Economics and Public Policy. She has been playing violin for almost 10 years. Currently, Sofina teaches violin on the weekends and plays in the Rainier Symphony.
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Gary C. Willhight MS, BS, PMP, SFC, Army-retired
Bassoon
​Gary is a retired, disabled Veteran that loves making music. He has been playing since second grade with piano, started playing in the band in the fifth grade and continued through his freshman year at Yakima Valley Community College as a music education major. The world changed and he got married, joined the Army with music limited to guitar until he retired in 1995. The Monroe Community Band posted an advertisement asking for musicians. He joined playing trumpet, then switched to percussion at the request of the conductor, then french horn, then Bassoon. In addition to playing with the band, he plays bassoon with the Hot Aire Woodwind Quartet, and the Northwest Wind Quintet. He also plays percussion with the Monroe Bavarian Dance Band and performed in several Theater Musicals with Sky Performing Arts and Seattle Community Theater.
The Production Team
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Alexandra Carlyle Clark (she/her)
Executive Producer and Sky Treasurer
A second-generation actor and educated at California State University at Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Alexandra went on to be a working union actor in Los Angeles until 1994 upon moving to the Seattle area to pursue life and a more creative outlet for theatre. Becoming involved with two of the community theatre groups in Monroe (that later joined and became Sky Performing Arts) Alexandra participated both on and back stage. In 1999 co-founded another touring theatre company to further stretch and provide quality theatre to underserved outlying communities in Western Washington and beyond. Alexandra is a Board Member of the Monroe Arts Council and co-founder of Sky: after dark; she continues to be the Treasurer for Sky Performing Arts and was President prior to this since 2013. When not working with the theatre she is the Wellness Programs Manager for a large up-scale retirement community in Redmond. Alexandra lives in Monroe with husband Glenn and has one adult child, plus numerous pets.
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Kelly S. Burrows (she/her)
Producer and Sky Marketing Director
Kelly is a Seattle native and global nomad, who spent her younger years dancing and performing with theatre groups around the country. After a long career in international business, she elected to find fulfilling activities outside her career. She joined Sky Performing Arts to connect with the local arts community and reignite her love of performing. Kelly has taken the stage with Sky in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Mrs. Potiphar), Hercules and the Golden Apple (Terpsichore: Muse of Dance) and performs regularly with Sky: after dark. She's found a passion for the production roles, bringing her business acumen to the business that is theatre. Kelly is a co-founder of Sky: after dark and a Board Member of the Monroe Arts Council. When she's not working on Sky or MAC projects she enjoys yoga, her cats and spending time with friends & family. She thanks them for their constant love and support. She also thanks her husband, Peter, who was equally passionate about the performing arts and is always with her in spirit.
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Kira Thorkildsen (she/her)
Director
Kira is an actor, choreographer, director and is excited to make her solo directorial debut. Into the Woods is a beloved show in the theater community and a favorite of the director. Kira is grateful for the opportunity to shape this complex, layered show into what you will see before you. She previously co-directed scenes from Standing on Ceremony for Sky: after dark. Kira is a graduate of the Washington Academy of Performing Arts in musical theater. She has previously choreographed for Sky Performing Arts and Cascade Community Theater. Kira was recently seen fighting thrice and dying twice in Romeo and Juliet with Last Leaf Productions. She is grateful for the love and support of her husband, family, friends and this cast and production team who have made this production possible.
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Melissa Gray (she/her)
Music Director
Into the Woods marks Melissa’s seventh musical with Sky Performing Arts—and it’s one of her all-time favorites! A passionate conductor and educator, Melissa has been leading ensembles in Monroe for over a decade. She received her Bachelor of Music, with Distinction, as well as her Bachelor of Education, from the University of Victoria. Currently, Melissa teaches music in the Snohomish School District, co-conducts the Monroe Community Band, and is spearheading the creation of the Sky Valley Philharmonic—a new ensemble that will call the Wagner Performing Arts Center, in Monroe, its home. Her dedication to music and the arts shines through in every rehearsal, performance, and classroom moment. Melissa’s mission is to inspire, uplift, and connect our Sky Valley community through the power of music.
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Robin Hilt (she/her)
Vocal Director
Robin is a music and drama teacher in Bothell and a vocalist in several community big bands. She is glad to join Sky Performing Arts once again as a vocal director. Robin has been seen on the Sky stage for the In the Mood shows and as music director for Hello, Dolly!; Pajama Game and A Christmas Carol. She lives in Lake Stevens with her husband and daughters.
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Arial Buza (she/her)
Stage Manager
Arial is excited to join Sky Performing Arts to stage manage this amazing show! She has been a part of so many terrific productions in Monroe with Sky Performing Arts and Cascade Community Theater, including The Wizard of Oz, Little Women, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Elf, Treasure Island, and Cinderella. She is excited to work alongside her daughter Autumn backstage again! She is continually grateful to her husband and daughters for supporting her passion for theatre.​​
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Autumn Buza (she/her)
Backstage Crew
Autumn is so excited to be working on Into the Woods with her mom, the Stage Manager. Autumn worked backstage for Little Women (Sky Performing Arts) and The Wizard of Oz (Cascade Community Theatre). She thanks her mom and dad for supporting her in theater and says "hi" to her little sister Evie. She hopes you enjoy the show!
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Elisabeth Zimmerman (she/her)
Set Designer / Art Director
With a background in Fine and Commercial Arts, it was a small step to progress into theatre. Set design allows for a free and whimsical approach, making an imaginary vision come alive. Adding “stage hand” and “props” is a cherry on top. Spending time with friends & getting to know about the amount of work put into every detail gives a true sense of community.
Cindy Ryden (she/her)
Prop Master
Recent Sky Performing Arts “artist” -- long time Thespian. Her recent backstage work has been in “Hercules”, Little Women and Puss In Boots with Sky Performing Arts. Her recent onstage work has been The V. Monologues and Standing on Ceremony: the Gay Marriage Plays with Sky: after dark. Past work at Auburn’s Performing Arts Center, Green River Community College and Frank Wagner Elementary includes Lady Capulet in a period piece of Romeo & Juliet, a wooly mammoth, various children’s theatre roles, many chorus opportunities, some dance ensemble, a whole lot of back stage work, management and assistant managing, lighting technician assistance, some brief sound experiences, a very brief directorial role, and many, many, many opportunities to dance, sing, and create stage pieces and images. The stage is her happy place--always has, always will be!
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Hayley Daggett (she/her)
Costume Designer
Haley is the costumer for Into the Woods. She is a recent Western Washington University graduate, and experienced designer. She has costumed for Seattle Community Theater, and Western Washington University. See more of her work here: www.hmdportfolio.com.
Crystal Webb (she/her)
Make Up Artist
In 1980 when she took her first stage make-up class as a theatre minor, she was hooked – especially on special effects. She loves the ephemeral nature of makeup. Every application is a new temporary piece; a tool to bring characters to life. Special effects makeup, in particular, lets us push the boundaries of “What if?”.
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Mike Hamilton (he/him)
Construction Foreman
Mike says: "I am Mike the Builder. I build stuff." What he wouldn’t boast about is that he is an integral part of our theatre family, having elevated set construction for Little Women and Puss N Boots. Mike has also been a vital part of improvements to Wagner PAC, with Monroe Arts Council, to revive this historic building. We are thankful for his dedication and expertise.
Additional Thanks to:
Lights & Sound: Craig Burkhead & Brad Feilberg
Program Photography: Leslie Lille Hamilton
Front of House: Karamia Delgado
Special thanks to our amazing volunteers:
Diane & Andrew Larsen, Jeff Grosjean, Thomas Auberry
and all our family and friends who donate their time!
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We can’t do this alone – and no one is alone in the woods!
Sky Performing Arts’ Next Productions:
Steel Magnolias (March 2026)
&
After Dark's production of The Crucible (April/May 2026)
Audition and production details coming soon
Watch our website & socials for details!
