First Row: Kaitlyn Garrett, Tiarra Dapo, Riley Heeter, Sydney Jordan. Second Row: Anna Soppelsa, Adrianna Quiñones, Devon Mushalko, Lexi Valenti
as Alice Blake in "Nine Girls."
Riley Heeter and Anna Soppelsa in "Nine Girls."
First Row: Kaitlyn Garrett, Tiarra Dapo, Riley Heeter, Sydney Jordan. Second Row: Anna Soppelsa, Adrianna Quiñones, Devon Mushalko, Lexi Valenti
"The holiday chatter in their mountain clubhouse is silenced as a radio announces the news of Paula's death. Alice has just received a letter from Paula that contains an important clue. She confides this to only one of the girls, who instantly snatches the letter and burns it! Alec may have made a fatal error in choosing her confidante. Then the killer strikes at Alice, cleverly making her death seem like a suicide. Only shrewd Eve rejects the suicide theory, but then she, too, errs in her choice of confidante."
~ Courtesy Dramatic Publishing
Production Staff
Director - Ashley Zarzabal
Producer - Brian A. Palmer
Board Representative - Justin Powell
Assistant Director - Elizabeth Linthicum
Stage Manager - Julia Cannell
Assistant Stage Manager - Drew Moore
Set Designer - Kate Hawthorne
Lead Carpenter - Andrew Weibel
Lighting Designer - Sloan Mercerhill
Sound Designer - Sloan Mercerhill
Properties Designer - Stephanie Runk
Costume Designer - Reina Watson
Hair/Make-Up Designer - Reina Watson
Intimacy Coordinator - Hailey Marshall
Cast
Jane Peters - Reina Watson
Phyllis Canfield - Kaitlyn Garrett
Eve Thornton - Devon Mushalko
Freida Mills - Hailey Marshall
Alice Blake - Adrianna Quiñones
Shirley Berke - Lexi Valenti
Betty "Tennessee" Collingwood - Kaitlyn Garrett
Sharon “Glamorpuss” Halloway - Riley Heeter
Stella “Shotput” Hendricks - Tiarra Dapo
Mary O’Ryan - Anna Soppelsa
Swing - Julia Cannell
Director's Note
As I wrap up this journey of directing my first full-length show, I find myself reflecting on the past several weeks with overwhelming gratitude and joy. Working with an all-female cast and such a dedicated crew has been an absolute privilege, and I couldn't be more proud of what we've accomplished together.
From the beginning, it was clear that this endeavor would be special. Each member of our cast brought their unique talents and perspectives, breathing life into their characters in ways that exceeded my expectations. Their commitment, passion, and unwavering dedication to bringing my vision to life have been beyond rewarding, and I am so thankful. These are the most talented women I have worked with, and I am honored they trusted me to lead them through this process.
Theater is an art form that must be collaborative. That is a big reason why I love it. This production would not have been possible without all our amazing collaborators. I especially want to thank Andy Weibel and the Pickerington Community Theater. Andy went above and beyond by building our set and supplying us with all the materials needed and much of the furniture you see. As he has worked with Pickerington Community Theater for many years, Andy's expertise was invaluable, and his willingness to help a young theater company is the definition of kindness and community support. I also collaborated with a talented set designer who listened to my ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and helped me express the ideas in my head clearly. Thank you, Kate, for all of your help and for designing (and re-designing) this set. Lastly, I want to thank Ryan Van Bibber. Ryan will say he did very little to help, but I could not disagree more. Whenever I felt I had exhausted all my contacts for possible crew members, I would talk to Ryan, and he would instantly connect me with a new person. Because of Ryan, we have a great sound/light designer and a set builder.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredible friends, who have been with me every step of the way. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me and this project have meant more to me than words can express. Whether it was lending a listening ear and offering invaluable feedback or walking my dog on long rehearsal days, I am endlessly grateful for every one of you.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project has been delving into the world of mystery and intrigue. Crafting a murder mystery with the unconventional twist of revealing the killer's identity early on was fun to play with. I cannot wait to see how audiences receive this show. Don’t forget to keep your friends close but your sorority sisters closer.
Thank You
Aethereal Jest Arts Council would like to extend a special "Thank You" to the following groups and individuals:
Geoffrey Martin
Pickerington Community Theatre
Capital University
Ryan Van Bibber
Andy Demler
Program Biographies
Julia Cannell
Stage Manager, Swing
Julia served as the stage manager and a swing for tonight's performance. This is the third production that she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Previous credits include: Joanna in Present Laughter, Nicky in Smell of the Kill, Gwendolen in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Mariana in The Girlhood of Shakespeare's Heroines.
Tiarra Dapo
Stella "Shotput" Hendricks
Tiarra will be portraying the role of Shotput in tonight’s performance. This is the second production that she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She previously played Juror Three in Twelve Angry Jurors. Some of her past credits include: Daphne Rain in The God’s of Comedy [Curtain Players], Ensemble/Blind Woman in Disaster [Imagine Productions] and Marie Louise Ducotel in My Three Angels [Curtain Players]. Tiarra would like to thank her husband, mom, family, and friends.
Kaitlyn Garrett
Phyllis Canfield
Kaitlyn will be portraying the role of Phyllis in tonight’s performance. This is her first performance with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past shows include Men On Boats, The Drowsy Chaperone, Windberry Creek, and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Kaitlyn is also in a feature film, I’ll See You On Thanksgiving, that you can find on Amazon. By day, Kaitlyn is a social worker at a foster care agency.
Kate Hawthorne
Set Designer
Born at a young age, Kate Hawthorne emerged from a swamp filled with thespian crocodiles and one yellow shoe. Luckily these crocodiles did not eat her but instead encouraged her theatrical pursuits. After years of recreating scenes from early 1900 silent films using mostly stink bugs, bees, and one very confused praying mantis she was accepted into a university where she graduated with a degree in stylish hair ties, and minored in alternative healing with glitter. Her long standing feud with Samuel Beckett’s crusty ghost is still ongoing and stronger than ever.
Riley Heeter
Sharon "Glamorpuss" Halloway
Riley will be portraying the role of Sharon in tonight's performance. This is the first production that she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include: Rudolph in Les Miserabelves [MadLab], Penny in Take me Home [MadLab], and Voice 1 in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime [Little Theatre off Broadway]. Riley would like to thank her Mom and Girlfriend for always encouraging her passions!
Elizabeth Linthicum
Assistant Director
Elizabeth served as Assistant Director for tonight’s performance. This is her first time working with the Aethereal Jest Arts Council and her first time serving in this role. Elizabeth would like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work and her family and friends for the support.
Hailey Marshall
Freida Mills, Intimacy Coordinator
Hailey will be portraying the role of Freida in tonight’s performance and is the Intimacy Coordinator for this production. This is the second production that she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include: Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream [Curtain Players], and Assistant Director for Twelve Angry Jurors [Aethereal Jest Arts Council] Hailey would like to thank her family for always being there for her, and Ashley for being a great Director.
Sloan Mercerhill
Lighting & Sound Designer
Sloan is the Light and Sound Designer and Operator for AJAC's production of Nine Girls. This is their first production they have done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include Sound Design and Operator for She Kills Monsters [Fort Hayes], Sound Operator for The Wiz [Fort Hayes], and Sound Operator for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sloan would like to thank their Mom for her continued support and encouragement, and Ashley for this opportunity.
Drew Moore
Assistant Stage Manager
Drew is absolutely excited to be working on this production! Drew has worked as Assistant Stage Manager for numerous shows, some including Into the Woods and Tarzan. Drew currently works as Senior Patient Access Coordinator at the The James. He would like to Thank Ashley, Julia and Beth for letting him take on this role and getting to work alongside an amazing team, and his boyfriend Dylan for his constant support.
Devon Mushalko
Eve Thornton
Devon is portraying the role of Eve Thornton. This is her third production with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include Thomas Niles/Kate Moffat in Little Women of Orchard House [Aethereal Jest Arts Council], Juror 11 in Twelve Angry Jurors [Aethereal Jest Arts Council], Mina Harker in Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy [Actors' Theatre of Columbus], Voltemar and the Player Duchess in Hamlet, 1603 [Actors' Theatre of Columbus], and Antipholus of Syracuse in The Comedy of Errors [Lord Denney's Players]. Devon would like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work on this production and her parents for their unending support of her creative endeavors!
Brian A. Palmer
Producer
Brian served as the producer for tonight's performance. This is the fourth production that he has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include: Director for Tuck Everlasting [Worthington Community Theatre], Director for Nighthawks [New Herring Productions (formerly Red Herring Productions)], and Director for The Fantasticks [King Avenue Players]. Brian would like to thank Anthony, Jaimee, and Carri.
Justin Powell
Board Representative
Justin has been the Board Secretary for Aethereal Jest Arts Council for the past two years. He's thrilled to be involved with this talented cast and crew. He would like to thank his wife, Karly, for her support and love.
Adrianna Quiñones
Alice Blake
Adrianna is excited about her first production with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Her favorite roles include Lady Marian in Robin Hood, Kate in The Taming of the Shrew, Regan in King Lear, and OG Howland/Johnson in Men on Boats. She is eternally grateful to her family for all their love and support! This one is dedicated to all fellow thriller and mystery enthusiasts. A special thank you to all those involved in Nine Girls!
Stephanie Runk
Properties Designer
Stephanie served as properties designer for tonight’s performance. This is the first production she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council.
Anna Soppelsa
Mary O'Ryan
This is Anna’s second show at Aethereal Jest and she’s thrilled to be back. She’s also performed at Eclipse Theatre Company, Little Theatre Off Broadway, MadLab, and Curtain Players. Some of her favorite roles include Chris Gorman in Rumors, Melanie Coleman in One Slight Hitch, and Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Anna would like to thank her friends and family for their never-ending support and to everyone who has come out to support the arts. Enjoy the show!
Lexi K. Valenti
Shirley Berke
Lexi will be portraying the role of Shirley Berke in tonight’s performance. This is the first production that she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include Erik Koser in And a Child Shall Lead [Brown Middle School], Omar in Aladdin [Brown Middle School], and Crew for Arsenic and Old Lace [Olentangy High School]. Lexi would like to thank her cat, Shelly, and her director from middle school, Annie Lewis.
Reina K. Watson
Jane Peters, Costume/Hair & Make-up Designer
Reina will be portraying the role of Jane Peters in tonight's performance. This is the second production that she has done with the Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include: Juror #1 in Twelve Angry Jurors [Aethereal Jest Arts Council], Alyssa in The Santa Thing [MadLab], and Chelle in Take Me Home [MadLab]. Reina would like to thank Rose Marrero, Faith Watson, and William Hassan.
Andrew Weibel
Lead Carpenter
Andrew was lead carpenter for this production. This is his first show with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Andrew serves as in house Set Designer for Pickerington Community Theater and Capital University, both who graciously supported this project.
Ashley Zarzabal
Director
Ashley served as director for tonight's performance. This is the second production that she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include: Stage Manager for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time [Little Theater Off Broadway], Stage Manager for Twelve Angry Jurors [Aethereal Jest Arts Council], and Director for multiple Young Writers and Theater Roulette [MadLab]. Ashley would like to thank the Sexy Scoots, Michael, Cy, Maria, and Jasper, for being the best boy while I was at rehearsals.
Board of Directors
Megan Mateer, Chair
Justin Powell, Secretary
Randi Honkonen, Director at Large
Jason Phillips, Director at Large
Brian A. Palmer, Ex Officio Director