Join us for a celebration of love, friendship, and revolution with RENT
August 18 & 19 in Drake Park
Don't miss this unique theater experience held outside in the heart of downtown Bend!
August 18 & 19, 2023
Doors open at 6pm - performances at 7pm
Seating Options
Join us for appetizers and drinks with the purchase of a VIP ticket.
VIP seating opens at 5pm - VIP tickets include appetizers and one beverage of your choice.
VIP Menu
Thanks to Wild + Free Charcuterie for providing this year’s VIP grazing board! Guests can expect to feast on a lavish 8 foot grazing board packed with delicious and high-quality snacks. Tables include a variety of gourmet cheese selection, cured meats, dried fruit, nuts, olives, and other charcuterie items as well as seasonal local fresh fruit and veggies and a variety of dips, jams and more!
About The Musical
Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Rent has become a pop cultural phenomenon. with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Jonathan Larson's Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.
Production Credits
RENT
Book, Music and Lyrics by JONATHAN LARSON
Musical Arrangements by Steve Skinner Original Concept/Additional Lyrics Billy Aronson Music Supervision and Additional Arrangements Tim Weil Dramaturg Lynn Thomson
RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and the New York Theatre Workshop Rent is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
About the Director
Michelle Mejaski
About the Director
Michelle Mejaski moved to Bend, Oregon from Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband, Mike in 1996. She studied tap and jazz since age four at Dixon Dance Studio, On Your Toes Studio, and Ball State University. Since moving to Bend, she founded Gotta Dance studio & company in 2001 and sold it in 2016 to start Mejaski Choreography & Productions. She has choreographed for: Cascade Theatrical Company, 2nd Street Theater, Topsoil Productions, Cat Call Productions, The Tower Theater, Obsidian Opera, Bend Opera, Shore Thing Productions, Lurking Squirrel Productions, Thoroughly Modern Productions, MVHS, BHS, RHS, and RVHS.
She is the proud director and choreographer for Theater in the Park. Her stage and choreography credits include Cabaret, Chicago, The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, Singing in the Rain, The Rocky Horror Show, Into the Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Kiss of the Spider Woman to name just a few!
Michelle is an award-winning tap dancer who has had the privilege to train with instructors from Hollywood Vibe, New York City Dance Allice, L.A. Dance Force, NRG, and Manhattan Dance Project. She also travels to NYC to train at the Broadway Dance Center with her favorite instructors. Michelle has had the privilege to tap internationally. She has attended, performed in, and trained with tap legends such as Michele Dorrance, Sam Weber, and Dianna Walker at the Vancouver Canada Tap Festival. She was the first and only American to be accepted into the Croatian Tap Festival where she trained with Chloe Arnold, Sara Reich, and Rueben Sanchez. Her most hilarious privilege was being a backup dancer for Weird Al Yankovic!
A Message from the Director
Monty Python's SPAMALOT
A Message from the Director
Spamalot is a laugh out loud, Broadway award-winning, wildly preposterous, and utterly ridiculous musical from Eric Idle that was totally, however lovingly, ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Need we say more?
Our 2022 Cast & Crew
Kara Klontz
playing Lady of the Lake
Kara Klontz (Lady of the Lake) is excited to be performing with Theater in the Park for the first time. Some of her previous roles include Eponine in Les Misérables, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Cathy in The Last 5 Years, Regina in Rock of Ages, Carla in Nine, and Miss Honey in Matilda. She owns her own graphic design business, specializing in book cover design, working with major publishing companies across the country. Kara dedicates this one to her dear friend Mollie, Bend’s First (Lake) Lady! Thank you for nudging me to set my sights on this role, and for your unwavering love & support!
Ryan Klontz
playing King Arthur
Ryan is super stoked to be back on stage with Theater In The Park! He was lucky enough to play Cinderella’s Prince in 2021’s production of Into The Woods and has also been seen locally in productions such as Shrek The Musical (Lord Farquaad), She Loves Me (Georg) and Mamma Mia (Sam).
Ryan works as an RV Park/Campground Broker and when he’s not at rehearsals he enjoys camping, lake days, game nights and spending time with his amazing wife Kara! (spoiler: She’s the hot one living in the lake)
Spencer Zarr
playing Sir Lancelot / French Taunter
Spencer is a Colorado native who has been involved in theater and performing since his later years in high school. He has been a part of productions in the past such as Young Frankenstein where he played the role of Igor, Blood Brothers where he played the role of Edward and also played the role of Georges in Theater in the Parks version of La Cage aux Folles and The Wolf in Into the Woods. In College, he was a recipient of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 8 where he was able to go Los Angeles CA to compete and perform for his school. He was a member of Team USA where he competed at the 2015 World Championship of Performing Arts. He received a Gold medal for his open vocal category and a Bronze medal for his comedic monologue category. Spencer is very excited to be back with Theater in the Park and very excited to be getting back onto the stage.
Nathan Kristjansen
playing Sir Galahad / Prince Herbert / Black Knight
Nathan joins the cast of Theater in the Park for the first time this year having recently moved from Atlanta, GA. Though he may be new to the area, Nathan has had several years of musical experience participating primarily in religious productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lamb of God, and Savior of the World. When not on stage, Nathan enjoys working as an Instructional Designer, hiking the great outdoors, playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends and family, and spending time with his wife and Australian Cattle dog.
Kisky Holwerda
playing Sir Robin/Maynard
Kisky Holwerda is excited to be singing and dancing (often at the same time) with the rest of this amazing cast! Kisky was recently seen in ETC’s production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore and CTC’s productions of Murder on the Orient Express (Countess Andrenyi) and The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn Fairfax). Prior to Bend she was in New York City and performed with The Fools and Kings Project in The Taming of the Shrew (Tranio) and Julius Caesar (Marc Antony), and with Everyday Inferno in Punk as F*ck (Cassandra).
Grey Conant
playing the role of Patsy
Grey Conant they/them (Patsy) has been active
in the Central Oregon theatre scene since 2008 and couldn’t be happier to be back at it! Some favorite performances include Songs for a New World with Musical Impressions Studios, Oklahoma! with BEAT Children’s Theatre, and Peter and the Starcatcher with
Topsoil Theatrics. Directorial credits include Little Women: The Musical, Oliver!, and Charlotte’s Web. Grey is, more than anything, bursting with pride for their very own
Sir Robin for putting herself out there and stealing the show every time. Fingers crossed that Grey learned to whistle by the time you’re
reading this.
Jessica Runner
Ensemble
Jessica is thrilled to be performing in her second Theatre in the Park presentation, Spamalot! This is also her first venture into assisting with costuming a show. Jessica has performed in many shows within the Central Oregon theatre community, the most recent being Into the Woods (Granny), Evanescent (Phoenix), and Nine (Ensemble). When she’s not on the dance floor or on stage, you can find her working hard in the library or spending time with her beautiful family. Speaking of her family, Jessica would like to say a huge thank you to her husband, children, and parents for supporting her throughout the rehearsal process. She couldn’t do it without you!
Daniel Schimmoller
playing Sir Bedevere / Mother / Concord / Tim the Enchanter
Daniel Schimmoller has been making a fool of himself onstage with Michelle’s help for over a decade, and he is excited to be a part of Spamalot after some time away from theater.
Some of his past roles include the titular Beast from Beauty and the Beast, Collins from Rent, and Lonnie Barnett from Rock of Ages. When not performing, Daniel spends time voice acting, smoking meat, and enjoying the outdoors.
Jayanna Hinkle
playing Sir Robin's Minstrel/ensemble
After a 4 year hiatus from theater, Jayana is thrilled to finally be back in Bend and on stage with such an amazing cast and crew! Some of her favorite previous productions include Jesus Christ Superstar, A Christmas Carol (Martha), Peter and the Starcatchers (Fighting Prawn), Spring Awakening (Thea), and The Little Mermaid (Alana). She is a recent graduate of Western Oregon University with her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and will be teaching first grade in the fall! When she’s not on stage or singing and dancing with her students, Jayana enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her partner Steven and their husky pup!
Jenni Peskin
Ensemble
Over eighteen years ago, Jenni’s very first show in Central Oregon was with Michelle Mejaski in The Rocky Horror Show at Second Street Theater, and she is beyond honored to perform again with Michelle. Since then, she has directed, produced and performed in four different productions of Eve Ensler’s, The Vagina Monologues raising over $20,000 for local non-profits supporting social justice, abortion access and reproductive rights. She was thrilled to revive her role as Magenta for a ten-year reunion of The Rocky Horror Show at The Tower Theater. Jenni has also been seen in Dolly Parton’s, Nine to Five at CTC and Wizard of Oz with TMP. During the daylight hours, Jenni is a mindfulness and yoga teacher and teaches singing and music lessons.
Katie Sheldon
Ensemble
Katie Sheldon was born and raised right here in Bend. You may recognize her from her roles as Luisa Contini in Nine, Judy Turner in A Chorus Line, June in Chicago, or chorus roles in Jesus Christ Superstar, Rocky Horror Show and Guys and Dolls. Katie is an avid outdoor enthusiast. When she isn’t dancing and singing, look for her first chair on a powder day at Mt Bachelor, mountain biking, backpacking or split boarding in the backcountry.
Violet Sturgill
Ensemble
This is Violet’s first musical in quite some time. They are so happy to be back in this very special place, filled with very special people…and they hope you enjoy the show!
Stephanie Slade
Ensemble
Stephanie Slade has been writing and performing music for the past 20+ years. She’s studied opera, rock and roll, blues, country, you name it, she’s studied and performed it..She has been a local actor in central Oregon. She’s been in numerous theatrical productions such as, “Evil Dead”, “Disenchanted”, “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche “, “La Cage Aux Folles” and has been in local bands like, MOWO, Streetlight Moon (Led Zeppelin cover band), and now her current duo and solo projects “Hurricane Slade” and “Simply Slade”.
Bx Dawes
Ensemble
Having helped out backstage on many musicals in college, Bx Dawes is excited to make their debut on stage as an ensemble member in Spamalot. By day they work at Mutant Arm Studios as a UX/UI Designer and at night they are invovled in Bend’s local fusion/blues and crafting scenes.
Nancy Milliron
Accompanist
Retired elementary music specialist; enjoying the “accompanying” life, both here & in area high schools; teaches piano/keyboard @ COCC & at home; enjoys hanging out with friends, hiking, kayaking, outdoor music venues (preferably with a glass of NW wine or cider).
Josh Deininger
Not Dead Fred/ Ensemble
Josh Deininger is used to having good lines onstage, but since he primarily works as a ballet dancer they usually aren’t speaking lines! Josh has a BFA in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University. He got his start at a young age in theater before being consumed by the world of ballet. You may recognize him from local ballet shows like the Nutcracker, Cinderella, Giselle, or Sleeping Beauty. He’s excited to be spending his summer doing such a wonderful show!
Heather Bussmann
Ensemble
Heather has been tap dancing since she was 4, was a competitive dancer as a teen, has taught in a few dance studios over the years and primary just loves to tip-pity tap whenever she can. She was a member of the Central Oregon Rhythm Project in 2015 and performed in SHS’s White Christmas most recently. She is grateful for her family’s support in the time commitment for this show and time to continue to dance well into her 40’s. Thank you Mark, Maggie, Sporto (Matt), Carlo, Gus and Nora! Thank you Michelle Mejaski for holding a safe place for adults to continue to dance.
Amy James
Ensemble
Amy is thrilled to be part of another Theatre in the Park production. Previous stage credits include Songs for a New World, Nine, Addams Family, Jesus Christ Superstar, 9 to 5, and Disenchanted. Amy also serves on the board of Ellipse Theatre Community, manages the Kindermusik program at Cascade School of Music, works as a Family Advisor and Teacher for Oregon Family School, and will be pursuing an MFA in Theatre Education come fall.
Randy James
Ni Knight / French Guard / Ensemble
As a lifelong Phythonite, Randy feels there is something about the therapeutic value of laughter and joy derived from the absolute absurdity of Spamalot. Having last appeared in Theatre in the Park as a Disciple in Jesus Christ Superstar, there’s a journey from that gravity to absurdity. That is the power of Theatre journey, we all need to process and most of all we need to laugh. Randy invites you to embrace the absurdity, “have a drink and a pee”, and have some good laugh therapy!
Brad Rode
Historian / Father / Ensemble
Bradley Rode made his stage debut in Bend, appearing as Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Since then, he’s appeared in The 39 Steps, Peter and the Starcatcher, Tony in Disaster!, and most recently, as Dindon in La Cage aux Folles. After losing his three children to maturity, he and his wife moved to Bend from the SF Bay Area. His other job is starting and running tech companies. He enjoys vocal performance, mountain bikes and motorcycles – usually not all at the same time.
Christie Capucci
Frenchie / Ensemble
Christie Capucci studied classical and musical theatre from an early age. After taking a 23 year break from performing she has since costumed two shows and performed in Disaster! The Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, Kiss Of The Spiderwoman, Mamma Mia! Nine, La Cage Aux Folles, Into The Woods, and now Spamalot as well as a variety of showcases and cabarets. When not on stage she is spending time with her family and is the owner of Atomic Bazaar Vintage, a fabulous vintage clothing and home decor shop in downtown Redmond.
Angelina Anello-Dennee
Conductor
Angelina Anello-Dennee moved to Bend, Oregon with her husband, Chris and then two boys in 2006 (her third boy joined the clan in 2008). She studied Vocal Performance at Central Washington University and went on to continue her music studies at Berklee College of Music.
She founded Musical Impressions Studios in 1997, where she teaches private voice, piano, and acting lessons. Angelina is also the Director in Residence for BEAT Children’s Theatre in Bend, Oregon. Over the past 20 years, Angelina has Directed and Musically Directed several shows including Oliver!, Oklahoma!, Elf Jr, Into The Woods, Godspell, Westside Story, Nine, Little Women, and Songs For A New World, to name a few.
Angelina is so excited to be involved with Theater in The Park and especially thrilled to be working with Mejcho Productions again! In her free time, Angelina enjoys knitting, spending time with her friends, being in Mexico, and hanging out with her hubbie and boys.
Rhonda Townsend Schantz
Backstage Crew
Rhonda Townsend Schantz has appeared as a cast member in Mejaski Choreography’s Nine, La Cage Aux Folle, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Other favorite roles have been the blind seer Tiresias – CTC’s Revenge and Sorrow in Thebes, Adult Woman – Top Soil Theatrics’ Spring Awakening and Grimsby – Thoroughly Modern Production’s The Little Mermaid. She has done costuming, been a dramaturge, and now is putting her energy into being part of the crew for Spamalot. May you always find your perfect Camelot and thank you for supporting community theater in Central Oregon.
Gary Loddo
Set Design & Construction
Desi Thrower
Mayor/Ensemble
Desi has over 45 productions to her credit in both community and repertory theatre, where she acted and directed in Colorado and California. Acting credits include Romeo and Juliet (Juliet), Vanities (Kathy), Our Town (Emily), Steele Magnolias (Shelby), Night Watch (Elaine), The Miracle Worker (Mrs. Keller), and Taming of the Shrew (Katherina). She has directed George Washington Slept Here, Much Ado About Nothing, Deathtrap, Othello, and Beyond Therapy. Desi jumped right into the Bend theatre scene since moving here 2 years ago, performing at Cascades Theatrical Company. Her roles at CTC include The Importance of Being Earnest (Lane/Marie), Murder on the Orient Express (Helen Hubbard), and Sylvia (Phyllis). She also produced the Cascades 10 One Acts. Ever since she saw Theatre in the Park’s production of Into the Woods, Desi has been jonesing to work with Michelle Mejaski and is over the moon to be part of the Spamalot cast. She wants to thank the entire cast and crew for being crazy, cool people, and a special shout out to her Stallion.
Dave Felton
Assistant Director
Dave Felton has been performing since they were a kid. Their mom recognized how absolutely adorable and precocious they used to be, and got them involved with television acting, singing, and theater. They then went through a 25-year career in radio, and they are now making a living on TikTok. They’ve been involved with Central Oregon theater since 2015 and have performed with Theater In The Park since 2019. This is their first time being a part of the crew, and they are delighted.
Steven Livingston
Musical and Vocal Director
After returning back to Bend after 6 years at Portland State University, Steven is absolutely tickled with the opportunity to be working alongside so many of his wonderful friends, old and new… seriously they try to tickle me! Steven has been working alongside Michelle in several different capacities for over 10 years! In that time Steven was able to secure a degree and employment from his pursuits in becoming a music teacher, and is looking forward to starting off his second year teaching Band and Choir at Sisters Middle School! (Go Outlaws!)
Folks, this show has an incredible cast, and is probably one of the funniest projects I have ever worked on! From getting to enjoy rehearsals with my partner, Jayana to laughing until my cheeks are sore with all of these amazing people, I have never had so much fun being involved with a musical! We all really hope that you enjoy the show!
Kate Podwils
Makeup Artist
Kate is a born and raised Bendite and has been a professional makeup artist for almost 13 years. She’s taught makeup classes, lessons, and traveled for MAC Cosmetics for over 8.5 years and she was recently voted in the Top 3 Makeup Artists in Oregon in Oregon Bridal Magazine and was voted the #1 Makeup Artist in Central Oregon! Kate specializes in wedding makeup and is Babe City Studios resident boudoir makeup artist. To elevate and keep her artistry fire lit, she likes to do makeup for theater productions. Kate has been the key artist and makeup educator for three theater productions at Trinity Lutheran School and assistant makeup for NINE, directed by the wonderful Mejaski Choreography & Productions. When Kate’s not creating, pampering her clients, or cleaning her makeup brushes, she spends time with her husband of 14 years Josh, her children Ruby and Corbin, mini aussie Ranger Karry, and three cats Lady, Calvin and Hobbes. She also loves the outdoors and exploring this beautiful state we live in!
Nishka Morton
Backstage Crew
Nishka is thrilled to be joining the Spamalot team! She invites you to sit back and enjoy amazing theater!
Alyshia Fath
Hair Stylist
Alyshia has been a licensed cosmetologist for over 10 years, but her passion for hair goes back to her childhood. She grew up in the Bend area and has enjoyed diving into the arts community. This is her third show with MejCho and second Theater in the Park production. She loves working and being around such beautiful people and creative souls.
The Orchestra
- Bass Player: Stephanie Seed
- Drums: Brant Himes
- Percussion: Rocco Anello-Dennee & Cheri Redgrave
- Trumpet: Jim Tenant & Ryan Tennant
- Horn: David Hymans
- Keyboard: Nancy Milliron, Paula Dreyer & Gaylynne Wright
- Reed: Sue Steiger & Gayle Hoagland
- Trombone: Erik Hoagland
- Violin: Johnny Downs
Past performances
Scenes from previous Theater in the Park productions
Into The Woods - 2021
See Photos
La Cage Aux Folles - 2019
See Photos
Title Sponsor
Sponsors
