MEET THE CAST – REBECCA GLODEN as “Susan” in Pontiac Theater IV’s Production of Aye Do!

The most fantastic opening weekend is ever behind us, but we still have one more great weekend coming up.  In preparation for that, we’ll be featuring a new actor every couple of days in preparation for Aye Do! Check out our newest spotlight below as Rebecca Gloden, “Susan,” talks to us about the show and her character!

1. Aye Do is an original work by a local author, so not many people have heard of it. What made you want to come and audition for it?  What is it like doing a show that’s only been performed a few times?

The reason I wanted to do this play is because I had worked with Laura Johns, the director, in a few plays before and she had told me about it. The play sounded like a blast and I had really enjoyed working with Laura before, so as soon as she told me when auditions were I was all over it. I love doing a show that has only been performed a few times! It gives you so much freedom because you can mold the character into how you think they would act. However, it can also be a little bit terrifying since the show was such a hit the first time I want to live up to expectations. But Laura has given me plenty of room to expand on the character so that makes me a lot more confident with my role!

2. Tell us a little bit about your character

My character is Susan and it’s her first night working as a bathroom attendant at Brandywine. Susan is very awkward, geeky, naive girl that just wants to make sure everyone has a great night even if it’s behind closed doors. She thinks she’s hilarious and can be a little bit touchy-feely when she’s nervous, so don’t be surprised if you see a little bit of groping during the show!

3. What is your favorite line/part in the show?

This is a very difficult question and I don’t want to give anything away, but my favorite part of the show is when Boyd and Susan have to drag a certain something across the stage. The scene is hilarious and all the actors have to work together in order to keep it together, just be sure to listen to the one-liners during this scene because it’s all improv.

4. Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of theater

Outside of theater I am a senior at Waterford Kettering High School. I am in Chamber Orchestra, Captain of the Varsity Tennis team, Link Crew, NHS, Peer Mediation, Leadership. I’ll be attending Michigan State University in the fall majoring in Human Resource Management.

5. This story is all about the funny things that can happen at a wedding reception. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve ever experienced at a wedding?

I have only been to a few weddings in my life, but the funniest thing that happened at a wedding for me was probably when I was at my Uncle’s wedding. The reception was at a fancy, farm-like setting and one of the chickens at the farm had gotten loose and the whole family was trying to catch the chicken. In the end my mom caught the chicken and we took a picture. The picture is framed and hanging on my Uncle’s wall to this day.

Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do opens May 1st and runs through May 9th. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information, and be sure to check back here often for more cast spotlights and show news!

MEET THE CAST – LILLIE FERRELL as “Anne” in Pontiac Theater IV’s Production of Aye Do!

The most fantastic opening weekend is ever behind us, but we still have one more great weekend coming up.  In preparation for that, we’ll be featuring a new actor every couple of days in preparation for Aye Do! Check out our newest spotlight below as Lillie Ferrell, “Anne,” talks to us about the show and her character!

1. Aye Do is an original work by a local author, so not many people have heard of it. What made you want to come and audition for it?  What is it like doing a show that’s only been performed a few times?

I auditioned exactly for that reason! I find it refreshing to do a show not many people have heard of.

2. Tell us a little bit about your character

My character isn’t the brightest lightbulb. She’s a hopeless romantic and has great style.

3. What is your favorite line/part in the show?

I quite like the line “They make a candle that smells like bacon?!”

4. Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of theater

Well I’m a senior in high school, I like my coffee cold, and I’ve taken dance now for 15 years.

5. This story is all about the funny things that can happen at a wedding reception. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve ever experienced at a wedding?

I’ve been in many weddings and for the most part they went pretty smoothly. But I remember at my sister’s wedding her daughter and I said we were going to sing her favorite songs by her favorite singer in front of everyone at the reception. Which would have been fine if her daughter had told me beforehand that she added a couple songs. Songs I didn’t know. So I just had to wing it. I probably looked very confused the whole time while I mumbled through the entire song.

Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do opens May 1st and runs through May 9th. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information, and be sure to check back here often for more cast spotlights and show news!

MEET THE CAST – MICHAEL NUNLEY as “Daniel” in Pontiac Theatre IV’s Production of Aye Do!

With opening night drawing ever nearer, we’ll be featuring a new actor every couple of days in preparation for Aye Do! Check out our newest spotlight below as Michael Nunley, “Daniel,” talks to us about the show and his character!

1. Aye Do is an original work by a local author, so not many people have heard of it.  What made you want to come and audition for it?  What is it like doing a show that’s only been performed a few times?

Well, where I come from, it is very difficult to break onto the stage. In fact, if one’s village had a stage, they were considered wealthy. So, being in America, I figured I should pursue my life’s ambition, which is why I went out for this particular show. I felt as though it was a mix between my home and yours, so to speak. In a way, it was refreshing to be in this little done show, because there were no expectations.

2. Tell us a little bit about your character.

I am Daniel, international man of intrigue. I work as a systems analyst by day. By night, I work very hard at making a fool of myself, whilst flirting with lady’s room attendants. It’s a hobby. Everyone should have one, am I right?

3. What is your favorite line/part in the show?

“Then why isn’t it called North America?”

4. Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of theater.

I, as the actor, am a man of many hats…, or at least I used to be. I think that I have developed paruresis.

5. This story is all about the funny things that can happen at a wedding reception. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve ever experienced at a wedding?

Well, there was one time, when the groom ended up wearing bird excrement. I don’t know if that is funny per se, but the bride’s reaction to the whole situation sure was

Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do opens May 1st and runs through May 9th. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information, and be sure to check back here often for more cast spotlights and show news!

MEET THE CAST – MCKINLEY SHAW as “Gus” in Pontiac Theater IV’s Production of Aye Do!

With opening night drawing ever nearer, we’ll be featuring a new actor every couple of days in preparation for Aye Do! Check out our newest spotlight below as McKinley Shaw, “Gus,” talks to us about the show and his character!

1. Aye Do is an original work by a local author, so not many people have heard of it. What made you want to come and audition for it?  What is it like doing a show that’s only been performed a few times?

This is on the list of shows I volunteered for after the auditions. It’s interesting doing a show that isn’t vastly known. It gives the audience something to look forward to as well. A nice chance to laugh at something new.

 

2. Tell us a little bit about your character

I play Gus, an uncle to the groom who performs a bagpipe duet with his brother. Gus is also a victim of paruresis (fear to use a public restroom, for those too lazy to look it up), which makes the fact that this show takes place in a public bathroom particularly funny.

3. What is your favorite line/part in the show?

Daniel’s line regarding Boyd’s actions shortly after Act 2 starts. I would rather not give any spoilers, so I guess you’re just going to have to see the show to see what is so funny.

4. Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of theater

Truth be told, there isn’t much to me outside of theater. Even my own wedding was on the Starlight stage just over a year ago (my wife being Shayna Shaw, who plays Bethany in the show). I have fun with my friends, go to the movies, attend comic cons, visit my family, and read in my spare time…of which there isn’t too much.

5. This story is all about the funny things that can happen at a wedding reception. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve ever experienced at a wedding?

Well, my own wedding actually going off without a hitch, I have two stories that take tie as the funniest thing:

-My father, at my cousin’s wedding nearly scared the best man into a new pair of pants by getting our entire table to stand up in an intimidating fashion (the table in question including myself, my brother, my two uncles, and my cousin) when he was talking to the bride on one knee. He was just talking to her, but my father rarely resists having a fun joke on someone 🙂

-When my mother remarried, the best man showed up about an hour later than he was expected (a few hours before the wedding itself), also forgot a dress shirt. He then took me to the nearest K-mart to get one, the nearest K-mart that neither of us knew where it was (this being the days before GPS and smartphones). Considering that my brother and I were giving my mother away, this caused her much unneeded grief. Thankfully, I arrived with plenty of time to spare, but looking back on it, it feels good to laugh

Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do opens May 1st and runs through May 9th. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information, and be sure to check back here often for more cast spotlights and show news!

MEET OUR DIRECTOR – LAURA JOHNS for Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do!

With Opening Night drawing ever nearer, come hear what the fantastic director of Aye Do, Laura Johns has to say about working on this show and all of the fun we’ve been having putting it together.

1. Aye Do was originally written by a good friend of yours and you were part of that first production, what’s it like being able to direct it now with this group as compared to the previous times you’ve been involved?

We originally put on this play at Three Rivers Community Players in my old hometown in 2011.  This is one of the funniest and most memorable shows I have ever been a part of and it has significance because it was the last show I did there before moving to this side of the state.  My friend, Shannon Piper, wrote it, but like I am doing with the current cast, she let us develop our characters and add our personalities to it.  That is how the original Mallory (my character) became high haired, bedazzled and Jersey shore accented, Mallory. 

At first, I was worried about finding actors to fill some pretty big shoes of the original cast. I have found this cast to be up to the challenge.  I love watching the new group put their spin on this show, they are an incredible and very funny group of performers.  The only other thing that made me nervous is that this is the first show where I am directing adults instead of children.

I know Shannon is going to love what we have done!

2. What has been your favorite part of the process up to this point?

The best part by far is how much we laugh at every rehearsal!  We laugh at the lines in the play, the goofy people in the play, the potty humor….pretty much everything sets us off into laugh fests.  I don’t think I have ever had so much fun at every single practice.  Also, this is a great group of actors and friends, I think the best shows come from groups with this kind of chemistry.

3. If there was one thing that you hope the audience takes away from this show, what would it be?1. Take away that you should NEVER have an Indian/Scottish wedding reception with limited toilet accommodations! 2. I would love for the audience to laugh and appreciate this show for its obvious humor.  3. I would love for people to appreciate this play, written by a Michigan resident, and know it’s a great thing to support “unknown” works and local writers because there is a ton of talent out there.
4. What is your favorite line/part in the show?

My absolute favorite part in the show is the interaction between Boyd and Mallory.  I don’t want to put out a spoiler, just wait for the ride, you will thank me!

5. Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of theater

I work as a Para-Educator at White Lake Middle School with Emotionally Impaired students during the school year and work for my husband’s company, Great Lakes Construction, every summer.  I currently am also busy filming “I Declare War”, a Netflix TV series as well as working on several other films and TV sitcoms.  I have two beautiful teenaged kids, Daina Schippers (who plays Moira in the play) and Wyatt Schippers and a wonderful husband, Jon.

6. This story is all about the funny things that can happen at a wedding reception. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve ever experienced at a wedding?

My very own wedding.  It was a beach wedding so Daina and I came walking up to the gathering from the parking lot pretty far away.  I was walking alongside a volleyball tournament and chatted with a few of the bystanders while waiting for my cue to proceed.  The volleyball moms didn’t like that all my guests and husband to be could see me standing there waiting and wanted it to be more of a surprise, so they gathered around me, even pulling some of the players from the game with them and walked me to the end of the sidewalk so no one could see me until I was ready to walk down the aisle.  Some of them were crying and checking my makeup etc.  After the kiss, we hear in the background, “Way to go Jon and Laura!” and look, the whole volleyball tourney was jumping up and down, clapping and shouting for us.

Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do opens May 1st and runs through May 9th. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information, and be sure to check back here often for more cast spotlights and show news!

MEET THE CAST – ZACH BRUNK as “Seth” in Pontiac Theatre IV’s Production of Aye Do!

We will be featuring various actors over the next week or so in anticipation of our upcoming production of Aye Do! Check out our newest spotlight below, as Zach Brunk, “Seth” talks to us about the show and his character!

• Aye Do is an original work by a local author, so not many people have heard of it. What made you want to come and audition for it? What is it like doing a show that’s only been performed a few times?

Went to auditions with my mom and Ms. Laura talked me into auditioning.  It’s a new experience.

• Tell us a little bit about your character

Character’s name is Seth.  He is engaged to be married 3 months from the event happening in the play.

• What is your favorite line/part in the show?

? This show is so funny that I really don’t think I could pick just one thing.

• Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of theater

I am a sophomore at West Bloomfield High School.  I have been acting since Kindergarten.  I have written a script for a short film that I hope to film shortly.  I also enjoy fishing and hunting.

• This story is all about the funny things that can happen at a wedding reception. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve ever experienced at a wedding?

I have only been to one wedding.  The couple asked everyone to write them a note on postcards.  My brother, cousins and I wrote the wedding monologue from Princess Bride.

Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do opens May 1st and runs through May 9th. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information, and be sure to check back here often for more cast spotlights and show news!

MEET THE CAST – TONI BRUNK as “Alexandra” in Pontiac Theatre IV’s Production of Aye Do!

We will be featuring various actors over the next week or so in anticipation of our upcoming production of Aye Do! Check out our newest spotlight below, as Toni Brunk, “Alexandra” talks to us about the show and her character!

• Aye Do is an original work by a local author, so not many people have heard of it. What made you want to come and audition for it?  What is it like doing a show that’s only been performed a few times?

Laura (the director) is a friend of mine.  She asked me to costume the show for her.  Then she asked me to audition for it as well.  It is hard to say what it’s like doing a show that’s only been performed a few times, because this is the only show I have ever been in, but at least there aren’t many people who have done it so I don’t have big shoes to fill.

• Tell us a little bit about your character

I play Alexandra.  It’s a small part.  I basically just give moral support to a friend who is having marital troubles.

• What is your favorite line/part in the show?

There are so many funny lines and parts in this show it is hard to pick just one.  But I guess I would have to say I really like all the craziness and antics that the character of Boyd portrays.

• Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of theater

I am the proud mother of two teenage boys, (hence the picture).  They keep me really busy.  We love doing theatre as a family.  My oldest is in the show with me, my youngest is running spotlight and my husband is running sound.  We also enjoy camping, playing games and watching crime scene shows and NASCAR.

• This story is all about the funny things that can happen at a wedding reception. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve ever experienced at a wedding?

I stood up in a wedding that I discovered several years later after meeting my husband on a blind date that the groom was his (my husband’s) cousin I danced with my now brother-in-law at the reception.

Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do opens May 1st and runs through May 9th. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information, and be sure to check back here often for more cast spotlights and show news!

MEET THE CAST – TONY MERLO as “Walter” in Pontiac Theatre IV’s Production of Aye Do!

As we draw ever nearer to the opening night of this amazing show, come learn what the incomparable Anthony Merlo has to say about is character, “Walter” in this hilarious production

1. Aye Do is an original work by a local author, so not many people have heard of it. What made you want to come and audition for it?  What is it like doing a show that’s only been performed a few times?

The author is a good friend of my sister-in-law. I didn’t know anything about the plot, but since it’s a new play I thought it would be fun to be able to create my own interpretation of the character.

2. Tell us a little bit about your character

Walter, (I never go by Walt…let’s get that straight from the start), is a retired plumber, although he doesn’t want people to know it. He’s happily married to Gracie and still affectionate towards her. He’s not a sophisticated type and not easily embarrassed and does what he has to do when he has to do it.

3. What is your favorite line/part in the show?

There are two parts involving my character that are my favorites. The first is when Seth and Anne, who are engaged, ask me for some wisdom about a long lasting marriage.  The other is when I enter and find Boyd tossing something into a planter. I also like the conversation between Seth and Anne about geography.

4. Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of theater

Like Gracie and Walt, my wife and I have been married for over 42 years. I retired five years ago after five years of teaching high school math and 36 years working for IBM. We have four children and five grandchildren. Outside theater I have a number of interests. They include woodworking, singing, playing guitar, banjo and piano, and visiting my five grandchildren. I just finished making a crib for my youngest grandson.  I sing with the Archdiocesan Chorus. We do a number of concerts each year and sing at the major services at the Cathedral in Detroit and we’ve just been invited by the Vatican to sing at a Mass to be celebrated by Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Epiphany (January 6).

5. This story is all about the funny things that can happen at a wedding reception. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve ever experienced at a wedding?

My father-in-law hired an eight piece orchestra to play at our wedding. He was friends with the bandleader. He promised them an extra hundred dollars if they stayed sober until midnight. But he ended up not having to pay the bonus. Apparently the orchestra accidentally double-booked for that evening. Fortunately, they showed up at our wedding, but they got pretty drunk knowing they were going to be sued by the other couple for not showing up at theirs. Even so, both our sets of relatives commented that our reception was the best one they had ever been to. Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do opens May 1st and runs through May 9th. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information, and be sure to check back here often for more cast spotlights and show news!

MEET THE CAST – JEN TALAS as “Mallory” in Pontiac Theatre IV’s Production of Aye Do!

We will be featuring various actors over the next couple of weeks in anticipation of our upcoming production of Aye Do! Check out our newest spotlight below, as Jen Talas, “Mallory” talks to us about the show and her character!

1. Aye Do is an original work by a local author, so not many people have heard of it. What made you want to come and audition for it?  What is it like doing a show that’s only been performed a few times?

Honestly, I auditioned because it sounded like a ton of fun and a bunch of my friends had already committed to auditioning for it.  I had been really on the fence about it and was considering a different show, but I’m glad I picked this one.  Doing a show that hardly anyone has seen and really no one in the area we’re performing knows much about it is kind of freeing.  It’s not like doing Wizard of Oz or Annie or something like that where there’s a die-hard fan base and everyone knows all the songs and will know exactly which lines you tripped over and which ones you got just right.  No one really has an opinion of this show and that really has allowed us the freedom to breathe our own life into the characters and really make them our own.  It’s been fantastic!

2. Tell us a little bit about your character.

I play a woman named Mallory with strong opinions and a weak constitution.  She is a woman in quandary about her marriage who’s trying not to judge her husband’s life choices.  She’s a very funny lady and seems like she could be fun to party with… if only she would stay awake through it.

3. What is your favorite line/part in the show?

That’s so hard to say.  This show is packed with excellent and memorable dialogue, as well as really funny physical comedy, so it’s really difficult to narrow it down to just one line or one segment and say “Yep, that’s the best thing in this show.”  I think the one that stands out the most to me is when Boyd is on a chair and Daniel bursts in on him.  That is just perfect.

4. Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of theater.

I’m the mom of three adorable kids and the wife of the most amazing guy ever.  I work full time for a small law firm, assisting struggling families with their mortgage payments.  Theater is a huge part of my life, so much so that all three of my kids and my husband are all heavily involved, so it’s hard to say what life is like “outside of theater.”  Theater is life. 

5. This story is all about the funny things that can happen at a wedding reception. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve ever experienced at a wedding?

Two years ago, this August, two of my closest friends finally got married.  My youngest daughter, Lily, (who was just barely 6 at the time) was the flower girl and the groom’s nephew, Mason, (who was about 5, I believe) was the ring bearer.  After the ceremony, but before the reception, several of us went up to the bridal suite so that our beautiful bride could change her shoes and catch her breath.  Lily and Mason were also with us.  As soon as we entered the suite, Mason started taking off his tux vest, deciding he was done with all this dressing up nonsense.  Lily, being the adorable mini-mommy that she is, picked up his vest, helped him put it back on and helped him get it buttoned back up.  “Don’t worry, I’ll help you, we’re not quite done yet, and you still have to wear it.”  Not necessarily funny, but pretty much the cutest thing ever.

Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do opens May 1st and runs through May 9th. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information, and be sure to check back here often for more cast spotlights and show news!

MEET THE CAST – SHAYNA SHAW as “Bethany” in Pontiac Theatre IV’s Production of Aye Do!

We will be featuring various actors over the next couple of weeks in anticipation of our upcoming production of Aye Do! Check out our newest spotlight below, as Shayna Shaw, “Bethany” talks to us about the show and her character!

1.. Aye Do is an original work by a local author, so not many people have heard of it. What made you want to come and audition for it? What is it like doing a show that’s only been performed a few times?

 

Well, I couldn’t make it to auditions, so I just told them if they needed one more person, let me know. Luckily, they did, and I get to be a part of this. I’m excited to play something that’s not so well known: I want to put a little spin on it.

 

2. Tell us a little bit about your character

I’m a very involved guest: I stay out of the bathroom and thus miss most of the main events. But at least I have fun!

3. What is your favorite line/part in the show?

Gotta be the hilarious opening monologue.

4. Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of theater

I’m writing a book (like all good English majors) I’m married one year to my wonderful husband, and I work at a local vet.

5. This story is all about the funny things that can happen at a wedding reception. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve ever experienced at a wedding?

Not a wedding, but at my brother-in-law’s house when his boyfriend proposed during a trivia game, I had to scream ‘Everyone stop guessing!” I was the first to realize what was happening. Very funny in hindsight. 

Pontiac Theatre IV’s production of Aye Do opens May 1st and runs through May 9th. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information, and be sure to check back here often for more cast spotlights and show news!