SUE ANN AIKEN (Lita Encore) is returning to the Musical Theatre Guild of Butler’s stage after recently performing here in Disaster as a French chef and also a 1970’s model. She was delighted to also perform here in Jerry’s Girls. Some of her other stage credits include: Red Velvet Cake Wars (Peaches) and Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got The Will? (Lurlene), both at New Castle Playhouse; Steel Magnolias (Truvy), Always A Bridesmaid (Monette), The Bold, The Young, and The Murdered (Mona Jeffries/Cybil Dane), along with many others too numerous to mention. She would like to thank her husband for indulging her addiction to theater and always supporting her. She would also like to thank the Erkmans for casting her; although this is third show she gets killed and wants to know if the Erkmans are trying to tell her something. In all seriousness, she thanks them sincerely for this opportunity to perform again. Last but never least, she thanks her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for giving her the opportunity to do the things she loves to do, with the most amazing and supportive people in this cast of which she is proud to be a member. Break a Leg, Everyone!
PATRICK ERKMAN (Producer, Sylvia St. Croix) has appeared onstage in many productions at various theaters, including Musical Theatre Guild of Butler, Apple Hill, Byham Theater, Stage 62, Greensburg Palace Theater, New Castle Playhouse, and the Red Barn Theatre. Favorite performances: Evita, Beauty and the Beast, City of Angels, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Grease, Annie Get Your Gun, Suds: The Rockin’ 60’s Musical Soap Opera. Directing credits: Disaster!, Mamma Mia, Amother Musical, Steel Magnolias, Jerry’s Girls, Always A Bridesmaid, among many others. He saw a production of Ruthless! years ago and is thrilled for the opportunity to play Sylvia! Thanks to the cast and crew for their support and friendship.
TAMMY ERKMAN (Director) has appeared onstage in many productions at various community theaters, including Musical Theatre Guild of Butler, New Castle Playhouse, and the Red Barn Theatre. Favorite performances: Annie Get Your Gun, Amother Musical, Suds: The Rockin’ 60’s Musical Soap Opera, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Nunsense series. Directing credits: Little Shop of Horrors, Odd Couple (Female Version), Sorry, Wrong Chimney!. Choreography credits: Forever Plaid, Little Shop of Horrors, Jerry’s Girls, Hello Dolly!. She welcomes the “newbies” to the MTG, and hopes that they had fun during this experience and come back! Thanks to Patrick for love and support. Dedicated to my Paula.
KERI HOFFMANN (Louise Lehrman/ Eve) is ecstatic to be making her MTG debut, and playing two characters doubles the fun! Keri frequently performs with the Pittsburgh Savoyards and is a member of the Resonance Works Festival Chorus. When not plotting her next theatrical takeover, she can often be found making music from the pit on trumpet and French horn.
BETHANY MCKINNISS (Assistant Director/Stage Manager) is thrilled to serve as Assistant Director for Ruthless! This is her first time in the role, and she is incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Bethany has spent the past three summers working with the Summer Dramatics Project, contributing to productions of Oklahoma!, Grease, and Shrek through props, set design and painting, and stage crew. She also assisted with props and stage crew for MTG’s recent production of Disaster! Bethany loves being part of the creative process behind the scenes and is excited to continue learning and growing in community theatre.
LILIANA MORGAN (Tina Denmark) is thrilled to return to the stage for this production of Ruthless! with MTG. Lily, a junior, started her theatrical journey at a young age with the Butler Little Theatre. Some of her favorite past credits include ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: A Musical Noir (Naughty Elf), The Nutcracker (Jerry the Rat) along with multiple fun outdoor skits at Preston Park with hobnob theatre co. Another grateful moment for Lily was getting to perform as Ben/Lisa in MTG’s recent production of Disaster! Lily would like to thank Ken Smith for his recommendation and helping build her theatre career, Patrick, Tammy, and the rest of the crew for welcoming her with open arms, and her parents for their endless love and support.
DOMINICO REYES (Piano) currently serves as Staff Pianist at both Westminster College and Slippery Rock University. He is celebrated for seamlessly integrating musical prowess with exceptional organizational acumen. Throughout his illustrious career, Dominico has showcased remarkable skills in rehearsal planning, high-level performances, and impactful voice coaching, all demonstrated with impressive adaptability and flexibility.
During his tenure at the University of Washington School of Music, Dominico’s influence extended to esteemed entities and community choir organizations in Seattle, including participation in prestigious events such as the Golden Gate International Choral Festival.
Prior to his time in Seattle, Dominico made substantial contributions throughout Boise’s Treasure Valley. Notably, his influence encompassed vocal coaching for solo/ensemble festivals and participation in esteemed events such as the Idaho All-State Honor Choir and the Treasure Valley Honor Choir.
He has quite an impressive resume, and we are so lucky and grateful to be working with him! We predict our audiences will be seeing a lot more of Dominico!
ROANN ROMEO (Miss Thorn) always loved the theater and she worked behind the scenes for several years doing hair and make-up. She decided to see what the other side of the stage was like, and she was cast as “Olive Harriet Smythe” in Move Over, Mrs Markham at the New Castle Playhouse. Well, the theater bug bit her and she has been taking roles right and left. At the Red Barn Theatre, she did the following: Always A Bridesmaid (Charley Collins), The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church (Tina Yates), and The Bold, The Young, and The Murdered (Lily/Sequoia), You Can’t Take It With You (Gaye Wellington). At New Castle Playhouse, she had a cameo appearance in Arsenic and Old Lace (Lieutenant Rooney). And most recently, she played Jake in Disaster! The Musical here at the Musical Theatre Guild of Butler. Between acting gigs, she also stage-managed several shows at the New Castle Playhouse. RoAnn is very thankful for all the support from her family and friends, especially her son and daughter-in-law.
CIERRA VANDEVORT (Judy Denmark/Ginger DelMarco) is excited to make her debut at the Musical Theatre Guild of Butler. No stranger to the stage, Cierra has performed from a very young age with the encouragement of her family. She always felt like community theater was a second home for her, and she is excited to bring another character to life. Some of her favorite characters have included Riley (The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church), Kari (Always a Bridesmaid), and Joy (Cinderella). Cierra is a new mother to two children and is grateful for the support of friends and family in caring for them so that she may bring Judy to life. She hopes you enjoy the show and all the big personalities within!