A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN NOVEMBER ON THE BANKS OF THE GREATEST OF THE GREAT LAKES

XANDER ADAMSKI (Deck Crew Head) Okemos, MI; Sophomore, BFA Acting. This is Xander’s second show being on the crew at MSU, the first one being Stevie and the Real World. His other appearances at MSU have been in Waiting for Lefty (Clayton/Clancy), MSU Unscripted 2023, and most recently Inherit the Wind (Reverend Brown). Xander is excited to be helping his actors from behind the curtains! 

MADDIE AFFER (Costume Crew) Big Rapids, MI; Junior, BFA Acting, Musical Theatre Minor.  While this is only the second production she’s crewed here at MSU, the first being Spring Awakening, she’s appeared in a few more productions throughout her time here.  Most recently she was seen in Inherit the Wind (Mrs. Brady), Horse Girls (Margaret), and MSU Unscripted.  She would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support! 

KYLE ANGIOLINO (Deck Crew) Ridgewood, NJ; Junior, BFA Stage Management & Minor in Arts & Cultural Management. Kyle is super excited to work on this Show. Some of his recent credits include P\A Devised (Production Stage Manager), Spring Awakening (Assistant Stage Manager), Orchesis Apricus Showcase (Assistant Production Manager), Second Stage Productions Spelling Bee (Assistant Lighting Designer), Second Stage Production: Rocky Horror (Assistant Stage Manager). He would like to thank his close friends and family for supporting him every step of the way during this crazy adventure. 

BROOKE COUSINS (Cherry Pie) Clarkston, MI; Junior, BFA Acting, BA English, Musical Theatre Minor. Brooke is so incredibly grateful to be working on the silliest show with the silliest, loveliest people. Previous credits include MSU’s After the Blast (Carrie) and Much Ado About Nothing (Sexton/US Hero, Margaret), as well as Second Stage Productions’ Horse Girls (Tiffany). She would like to thank her parents, Alex, her roommates, and her cast and production team for all of their love, support, and whimsy! 

ALLY DOEDERLEIN (Assistant Stage Manager) Gaylord, MI; Junior, BFA Stage Management, BA Management (Business), Arts & Cultural Management Minor. Some of her favorite credits include Spring Awakening (Assistant Stage Manager) and Bright Star (Assistant Music Director). She would like to thank her bestie Kate for always supporting her <3 @allydoeds 

GRACIE DUFFY (Costume Crew) Lake Zurich, IL; Junior, BFA Acting, Musical Theatre & Educational Studies Minor. Gracie is so excited to be on costume crew for her second time! Her most recent work at MSU includes In Pieces (Morgan/Kit) and What If Wilhelmina (Perimeter Person 1/Dump Truck). Additionally, she is a member of MSU’s premier A Cappella group, Capital Green. She thanks her family and friends who support her through everything!  

THOMAS EVANSKY (#) Morristown, NJ; Junior, BFA Acting. Some of his recent work includes Waiting for Lefty (Dr. Barnes/Benjamin), Romeo and Juliet (Romeo), Little Women (Laurie), Something Rotten (Brother Jeremiah). He would like to thank his family for their continuous support and tolerance. Stalk him on Instagram! @thomas.evansky 

TYLER JAMES FINCH (Ned) Royal Oak, MI; Senior, BA Theatre. Tyler is psyched to be working with this amazing cast and team for his second production at MSU after Waiting for Lefty (Harry Fatt & Agate Keller). He thanks his friends and family for being so supportive. See what he’s up to on Insta @tylerjfinch or at tylerfinch.com. #swag 

ANGELINA FRANZESE (Lighting Board Op) Ann Arbor, MI; Junior, BFA Stage Management, BA Arts & Humanities, Spanish Minor. Previous MSU work includes In Pieces (ASM), What If Wilhemina (ASM). Other works include SSP’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (ASM), ROIAL’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (TD & SM), Romeo & Juliet (SM) & Trail to Oregon (SM). 

SHELBY GINSBURG (Twin Wife #2) Commerce, MI; Senior, BFA Acting Major, BA Creative Advertising Major, Musical Theater Minor. Shelby is thrilled to be working on this amazing production! Recent performances include What if Wilhelmina (Perimeter Person and Wilhelmina 1), Sweat (Jesse) and For the Love of (Squeaky Mouse). To all those who have loved and supported her throughout this wild journey, thanks for all you do! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! 

CAYLA HADAWAY (Trainer) St. Joseph, MI; Senior BFA Acting. She is excited to be a part of this amazing piece and gives her love and thanks to the cast and crew. Past productions with the MSU THR include Spring Awakening (Anna), Much Ado About Nothing (Hero), Charlotte’s Web (Fern), Corktown (Cop 3), and Second Stage Production’s Solace (Emma). She has been seen in the Young Playwrights Festival (2022-24) at Wharton Center for Performing Arts and Summer Circle Theatre’s 62nd season in Digging Up Dessa (Dessa). Cayla would love to thank her best friends and family for all their love and never-ending support. 

NICOLE JENOSKY (Costume Crew) South Lyon, MI; Junior, BFA Acting, Dance Minor, Musical Theatre Minor. This is Nicole’s second crew position on a show, the first being Clue (Electrician/Deck Crew). Her most recent acting work at MSU includes Inherit The Wind (E.K. Hornbeck) and Spring Awakening (Fräulein Grossebüstenhalter, Frau Gabor, Frau Bessel, Doctor Von Brausepulver). She is very excited for everyone to see this incredibly fun and chaotic show! 

EMMA JESTILA (Assist. Stage Manager) Ishpeming, MI; Sophomore, BFA Stage Management. This is her first production here at MSU, but some of their previous productions would include Matilda (Stage Manager), The Lightning Thief (Stage Manager), and The Wizard of Oz (Scenic Designer). She would like to thank their family and friends for their amazing support!

ANDREW KELLER (Granddadda) Toledo, OH; First-year MFA Acting Candidate. Recent credits include Ada and the Engine (Lord Lovelace) at the Clague Playhouse, One Man, Two Guvnors (Alan) at Blank Canvas Theatre, and Into the Woods (The Baker) at Broadview Heights Spotlights. Thanks to Brad and the entire cast for their tireless effort in putting on this terrific show, the entire MFA cohort for their generosity and support, and the biggest thanks of all goes to his family. Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the show.

*RYAN SCOTT LONG (Sound Designer) Austin, TX; Second-year MFA Design Candidate with a focus in sound design. He is a graduate of Texas State University. Previous sound design credits include: Spring Awakening (MSU), Into the Woods (TXST), Gloria (TXST), and HAIR (TXST). Ryan would like to thank Lucas for his mentorship, Brad and the team for such a fun process, Brandon for his friendship and constant collaboration, and his parents for all of their love and support. To keep up with Ryan, follow @ryanscolong on Instagram, and check out his album, catharsis, on all music streaming platforms! 

MANDY MICHELE MARSILI (Twin #1 Wife) Troy, MI; Senior, BFA Acting & Musical Theatre Minor. Mandy has previously been in After the Blast (Lowes Cartwight), Clue (The Motorist), Bright Star (Ensemble) and The New Musical Laboratories production of In Emily’s Words (Ensemble)! She was in the sense-ability ensembles touring production of What If Wilhemina as Mouse! She has also done many shows at Stagecrafter’s Baldwin theatre. She is so excited to be a part of this hilarious show and thanks her family and friends for their endless love and support. 

REESE MARTIN (Smilesinger/Movement Captain) Manhattan Beach, California; Senior, BFA Acting & Musical Theatre Minor. You may have seen Reese last in Title of Show as Heidi in Summer Circle Theatre or in the ensemble of Spring Awakening. She’d like to say a few thank yous to the Beautiful Day cast and crew, Mandy for always driving her to rehearsal, her friends Olivia and Jordan for always being there to support her, and Brad for always pushing her to go out of her comfort zone and making her a better actor! Enjoy the show! Yay! (ig: @reesegrammm)  

*BRANDON MCDUFF (Media Designer) Lansing, MI; Second-year MFA Design candidate in sound and media. This past summer, Brandon enjoyed his time as the Associate Audio Supervisor at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center. His most recent works at Michigan State include Stevie and the Real World (Sound Designer/Composer), Much Ado About Nothing (Composer). Brandon is presenting his first media design and would like to thank his wife for her unwavering support. 

NATALIE PALENCIK (Republican’s Wife) Belleville, MI; Senior BFA Acting. Natalie is thrilled to be a part of this silly journey! You may have seen her in previous MSU productions such as: After the Blast (Arthur), Much Ado About Nothing (Margaret), and THE STEAM PLAYS (Marie). She was also a part of the Young Playwrights Festival 2024 in Shades of Perception (Dr. Walker), and Skeletons in the Closet (Roxanne). Natalie would like to thank her family and friends for their unconditional love and support. Website: NataliePalencik.com 

SHELBY PARKER (Snapdragon) Fort Worth, TX; First-year MFA Acting candidate. Recent credits include Backseat Driver at Broken Arts Productions, adaptations of Frindle and Dork Diaries at Eastern Michigan University, and the Global Play Project at Spinning Dot Theatre. She would like to thank her partner and family for making it possible to go on this wonderful journey, the MFA Acting cohort for being the best support system you could ask for, and the cast and crew for making this show so funny and so real. 

JAMIE PATRONA (Republican) Romeo, MI; Senior Marketing Major, Musical Theatre Minor. Recent MSU credits include Waiting for Lefty (Sid/Irv), Rocky Horror Picture Show (Phantom), and Hit the Wall (Newbie). Jamie is excited to share this silly show with his friends, family, and peers. Also, would like to apologize to his neighbors for rehearsing his movements very loudly. Grazie! 

MATTY PETERSON (Scenic Designer) San Antonio, TX; Junior, BFA Design, Educational Studies Minor. Some of his recent credits include Esther (Assistant Scenic Designer) and Spring Awakening (Assistant Lighting Designer). He would like to thank his friends and family for their consistent support. Website: mattypeterson.com 

Katherin ‘KAT’ Poon (Associate Director) Sacramento, CA; Senior BFA Theatre Design and BA Psychology. Kat is thrilled to be working on a directing team again on this fun and wacky show! Previous credits include Spring Awakening (Asst. Director), Stevie and the Real World (Costume Design), Clue (SFX), and The Rocky Horror Show (Costume Design). Thanks to Ray (best roomie ever), Brad (I wear slip on shoes to rehearsal now because of you), the production team for their dedication and the cast for their willingness to be a room full of goofy aliens sometimes. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  

TYLER RADZE (Twin) White Lake, MI; BFA Acting, BA Business Management. MSU DOT: Clue (Colonel Mustard), Charlotte’s Web (Uncle), What If Wilhelmina (Bulldog). SSP: Arsenic and Old Lace (Jonathan). Tyler would like to thank his family, friends, and this company. 

JEWELL REDMAN (@) Redford, MI; Senior, BFA Acting, BA Communication, Fiction Filmmaking Minor. As this is Jewell’s final production at MSU, she is so excited to be part of such a wonderful ensemble piece to close out this chapter in her life. She would like to thank her loved ones, professors, cast, crew, and the audience for breathing life into her experience and making it worthwhile. 

KATE SHAFFER (Media Board Op) Bloomfield Hills, MI; Junior, BFA Stage Management, BA Marketing. This is Kate’s first time as a Media Board Op, and she is very excited to be able to assist with this show! Most recent credits include In Pieces (ASM), and Arsenic and Old Lace (PSM). She would like to thank her best friend/roommate/emergency contact Ally for being a huge help to this show and always being there for her. <3 

SAM SMELSER (Trainer’s Partner) Williamston, MI; Senior, BFA Acting for stage screen and new media. Sam is so incredibly grateful to be working on this amazing show she would like to thank her wonderful cast mates and crew members who made this wonderful process possible. Previous credits include MSU’s After the Blast (Sam) and Clue (Singing telegram girl/Cop/Understudy) as well as The Roial Player’s Romeo and Juliet (Mercutio).  

LAUREN SPIEGEL (Lighting Design) Bloomfield Hills, MI; Fifth Year/Senior, BFA Theatre Design, BFA Graphic Design double major. Her most recent lighting designs include Broadway Thrillers (The Encore), Lost in Yonkers (Michigan Stage), The Golden Loc (Obsidian Theatre Festival), Much Ado About Nothing (MSU) and Charlotte’s Web (MSU). Lauren is thrilled to be designing her last show at Michigan State and would like to family and friends for their continuous support. Website: lvsdesign.com 

HOPE X. STILL (Stage Manager) Birmingham, MI; Senior, BFA Stage Management, Arts & Cultural Management Minor, Secondary Focus in Scenic Painting. Some favorite past productions at Michigan State University include The Rocky Horror Show (Stage Manager), An Iliad (Stage Manager), and Stevie and the Real World (Charge Artist). She would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support <3 Website: Hopexstill.com  

RAY LOUISE SUNSHINE (Costume Designer) South Lyon, MI; Senior, BFA Theatre Design. Ray is so happy to debut their first Main Stage costume design as their last production as MSU. Recent credits include Spring Awakening (Props Designer), Charlotte’s Web (Props Designer), and Clue (Asst Costume Designer). Thank you to Kat for being the best roomie ever, Karen for being the best mentor ever, and to this cast for being such a supportive and loving ensemble! HAPPY THANKSGIVING GO GREEN!! 

ALEC TRAN (Runnerman) Novi, MI; Sophomore, BFA Acting. Previously, Alec has acted in What If Wilhelmina (Papa) at MSU, Legally Blonde (Warner) and Mary Poppins (George Banks) at Farmington Hills Youth Theater. He is extremely excited to be a part of another production with the Department of Theater. He would also like to give thanks to his friends and family who keep him motivated with all of their support. 

NOAH TRAPP (Smilesinger’s Husband) Livonia, MI; Sophomore, International Relations, BFA Acting. Noah is thrilled to be a part of this wild show as his first MainStage production. Previous productions include The Music Man (Harold Hill), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetirus), and Arsenic and Old Lace (Teddy). Noah would like to thank his directors, family, and friends for helping him get to this point in his acting career. Finally, he would like to thank the cast for truly bringing this family and production to life with their amazing energy. Have a happy Thanksgiving with lots of gravy!! 

MARA VANDER BEEK (Assistant Stage Manager) Kalamazoo, MI; Sophomore, BFA Stage Management. Some favorite past productions include Legally Blonde (Stage Manager) and Something Rotten! (Stage Manager). She is very excited to work on her first production at Michigan State University and would like to thank her family and friends for always being there for her! <3  

LOGAN VERLINDE (Ed) Grand Rapids, MI; Junior, BA Marketing, Minor in Theatre. This is Logan’s second show with Michigan State’s Department of Theatre, his first being Waiting for Lefty (Fayette/Miller). He has also done a few student run shows with ROIAL Players at MSU including The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon (one-act) (Prince/Dwarf 2/Johannes) and The Trail to Oregon (Father). He is a leader of the After School Special improv troupe here at MSU. He would love to thank his friends and family for always being there to support him and his love for performing. Instagram: @verlinde_logan 

HUGH WATTERS (Twin #1) South Lyon, MI; Sophomore, BFA Acting. Hugh is very excited to be a part of his third show at MSU, previously performing in Waiting for Lefty (Fayette/Miller), and MSU Unscripted. As someone who gravitates more towards film acting, physical comedy is relatively new to Hugh, which he is very eager to perform. He would like to thank his family and loved ones for their support, and the performing gene. He hopes everyone enjoys their thanksgiving and eats too many mashed potatoes.  

CASSIDY WILLIAMS (Gumbo) Eaton Rapids, MI; Junior, BFA Acting. Cas’ previous performances at MSU includes The STEAM Plays (Elliot), Much Ado About Nothing (DG Understudy), and puppeteering Stevie in Stevie And The Real World. They are incredibly excited to be able to share the stage with their fellow actors. Cassidy would like to thank their loved ones for the unending support.  

LYRIC WILLIAMS (Trifle) Lake Orion, MI; Sophomore Double Major BFA Acting and English and Environmental Social Sciences Minor. Lyric has currently worked on Spring Awakening as a member of the costume crew, and she is very excited for her first onstage role at MSU! Lyric is so grateful to have been able to work with so many incredible people on this brilliant show! She would like to thank her friends and family for their support and guidance; she is eternally grateful! 

RILEIGH BELLE WINE (Cheesecake) Stevensville, MI; Junior BFA Acting & Peace and Justice Studies Minor. Some of Rileigh’s past MSU credits include Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice) and After the Blast (Anna), and she performed with Summer Circle Theatre for their 62nd season in both Digging Up Dessa (Mary Anning) and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged] (Daniel Character).  Rileigh is beyond grateful to have worked on this brilliantly wild show alongside such an incredible team of actors, directors, designers, and stage managers! She would like to thank all her loved ones for their never-ending love and support <3  

ANNA YARNAL (Smilesinger U/S) Aldie, VA; Senior, BFA Acting, BA Broadcast Journalism. Anna is beyond grateful and excited to be part of this wonderful cast and crew! She has recently been in the department’s productions of Inherit the Wind (Rachel), Clue (Mrs. Peacock), Bright Star (Dance Captain/Ensemble), and In Emily’s Words (Frances). She has also been in Second Stage’s Horse Girls (Ashleigh) and The Glass Menagerie (Laura). She is thrilled to be part of this production and can’t wait to share this silly story. Hope everyone has a beautiful day!😊