Medieval Murders Cast Bios
Medieval Murders Cast Bios
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Glenn Wood “The Toad” & “The Prince” I started acting with The Pretenders about 6 years ago, in their production of Rumors. I’m new to the acting game, but I love it so far. I have found it exciting & challenging as I’m learning the character’s dialogue to see what type of personality develops. I have a lovely wife Cathy, who also performs with The Pretenders (and I’m hoping she will do more) and 2 great kids. Harlin & Madison who also have the acting bug. I’ve been in carpentry & woodworking for 25 years, and these skills help with my set designs.
Philip Haner “The King” Though short lived, my illustrious career in theatre has come full circle; from a high school role as Eugene Florsick in Grease to Lord George tonight. I enjoy stepping out of my daily scientific fisheries routine, and I was happy to be volunteered into this minimal medieval acting spot. My 1st year with The Pretenders is a challenge, though quite entertaining with is the motley acting guild. My wife, a serving wench, our 2 sons & I live on High Prairie.
Louise Gruver “The Queen” I’m an elementary school teacher of 30 plus years and I “wear” my lesson plans many times over. I’ve always done creative drama with my students & began acting on stage with our school spring musicals. From these spring musicals, an adult company was formed. I am one of the original Pretenders. I’ve had many roles from a dance hall floozy, mama gorilla, murdering clown, wacky cook, Captain Hook, a Spanish opera singer to a dancing maid…and many eccentric parts in my over 20 years on stage. I play very easily “the queen” and host at our great hall. I truly hope you laugh and play along with us tonight.
Scotti Conley “The Maiden” Scotti the maiden is longing for a fair prince. My second performance with The Pretenders has proven that there is NEVER a dull moment on stage (or off!). When not pretending. I reside with my own handsome Prince Will in Lyle. Teaching 5th & 6th graders at Mosier Community School keeps me very busy. I enjoy dancing, reading & spending time with my family and friends.
Dee Williams “Rosie the Wench” Dee has been involved in children’s theatre 1997. She assisted with music, costumes and set design. For the past seven years she has been an active member of The Pretenders. Dee has acted in five Pretender productions, directed a one act play, designed sets and made costumes. “Theatre is a great way to leave your stress on the steps, stand up on the stage and become someone new.” Dee lives in Dallesport with her husband Bob, and their kids Keenon and Kelsey. When not acting or working for the Oregon Stat Police, Dee can be found riding her horse, Baxter.
Dave Elkins “Buxom Blonde Birmingham Wench” Dave is in his sixth year as a Pretender. He debuted in Sex, Lies and the IRS as an IRS agent and caught the acting bug. The Medieval Murders role is somewhat of a character shift for Dave. He has indicated that it is a fun role, however he may not perform in a gender bent role again. The reasons for this, is that when acting “you have to really get into the role become the character.” This type of role is so far away from who I really am therefore it is most difficult.” However like all of the plays The Pretenders put on, the cast has a great time performing for the audience and it’s very fulfilling. Dave is a retired president of an Aerospace and Defense Electronics company and enjoys restoring and collecting classic cars in his spare time.
Tim Darland “Squire” Expanding my horizons as Pretender was not a personal choice, but rather a “guess what you are going to do?” Thanks to a few wenches, one is my wife Sue. Good thing serving is nothing new to me, working for Uncle Sam and The Lyle School District…and King George. If you are in need of personal satisfaction, remember me “Squire for Hire!” Please call 1-MAN-SERVANT.
Greer Curry “Serving Wench #1” Wenching is not my specialty-though serving is not a shame. When I’m not in costume, Greer Curry is my name. Dancing as a gypsy in a 2nd grade operetta moved me to try my hand with The Pretenders. Daily performers for Dallesport Elementary 6th graders though, did not prepare me for the rigors of medieval servitude. When not catering to the hungry masses, I reside on High Prairie with my husband, King George, and our two boys Riley and Gregory.
Susan Darland “Serving Wench # 2 Susan has lived in the Lyle area for 11 years, hailing for Southeastern Wisconsin. She has not had theatre experience, but thought helping out The Pretenders with a small non-talking role would be fun. As a serving wench, she could slowly get use to being out front and involved. The serving wenches are 50% of this play, so it’s no small part - oh well maybe next time something bigger! When not wenching, Susan lives with her husband, “the Squire” on High Prairie with their daughter Emily and son Ryan
Lori Smith “Serving Wench # 3” I was tricked, hoodwinked, & babbozzled into this role! I had signed up to serve dinner not to actually be in a play. I’m very comfortable behind the scenes, then in front of an audience. For the last five years I have helped direct theatre, and run lights for Dallesport Elementary School’s spring plays. The last time I was in front of an audience I was 10 years old, playing Clara in The Nutcrackers. When I’m not teaching the 4th grade, I coach volleyball & track at the secondary school. I enjoy spending time with my husband Don and my great kids Nolan and Ellie. “I must gain great courage before thy feast, by indulging in the bottled ale!”
Claire Gay “Serving Wench # 4” This is Clair’s first time participating in dinner theatre. She mistakenly thought she would have a small role, since she hasn’t performed in a play since high school. Claire recently moved to the Columbia Gorge from Seattle, and is happy the play is giving her something to do within the community.
Britt Becker “Serving Wench # 5” Hi! I have never been in any production, however I think deep down inside, it’s something I have always wanted to do. Gail and company are a kick & I’m looking forward to my debut. I feel everyone should experience a Pretender (from inside & out); it’s an opportunity to cut loose & have a ball.
Jennifer Machado “Serving Wench # 6” I have never done anything like this before, so hold on to your seats it might get bumpy! Usually I’m busy stay-at-home mom with 3 ornery kids. I’m married to a fellow “wench” that goes by the name of Josh, all other times. We have lived on High Prairie for 3 years & are constantly running between school, play practice and sports. I enjoy time with my friends, most of which are here tonight, and we should have a great time!
Chrissie Bliss “Serving Wench # 7” Chrissie is a real estate website & graphic designer by day and a wannabe acclaimed actress by night. She has always had an interest in theatrical arts & when she was introduced to her good friend Britt, to the notion of acting in the play, she jumped at the chance. Chrissie has no previous stage experience, besides playing percussion instruments in high school. She’s a working mom of 3 and an experienced “stage mom”, to her 2 acting children. Their credits include,Wagons Wheels West, Groovy, Give My Regards to Broadway and King Artie and the Rad Table, Seussical the Musical, and Once On This Island. Acting as a wench will be new to her, but being a mom of 3, she’ll be able to slap down the meat & potatoes and serve cold brew around commotion, it will come natural for her.
Josh Machado “Serving Wench # 8” Never been a woman before, but tonight I will be happy to be your “serving wench”!” I am married to my fellow wench; Jennifer and we have 3 kids that I hope will be totally mortified by dad being a wench. So, if hairy legs & a tattoo or two do it for you, we are going to have a heck of a time! Let’s relax, shout and let it all hang out, because believe me I don’t wear a dress for just anyone.
Marilyn Elkins “Music and Gifts” Marilyn lived the first 51 years of her life in Seattle & moved to Lyle several yearsago. She works at Fred Meyer in The Dalles. Marilyn has been a great asset to The Pretenders, acquiring donations & prizes from local businesses. She plays sound effects & music. While not an actor herself, she enjoys karaoke with friends and has a musical background in her youth of playing classical violin in orchestra & singing choir. Her hobbies include raising orchids & tropical plants in her greenhouse & gardening in general. She enjoys time with her husband Dave, family and grandchildren. Marilyn enjoys bicycling, walking, hiking, computer projects and she travels when possible.
Gail Farris “The Director” Gail enjoys letting her hair down with this special group of adults. “We never take ourselves very seriously, we leave that to the other theatre group – we just wanna’ have fun!” Our goal is to have a little fall production, and invite the neighbors over for a few laughs, cheap food and great local wine! She has been involved in theatre since the late 80’s and directed over 50 plays for the elementary, high school and community theatre. We’re always looking for a few folks (or many!) who want to come “Pretend” with us!
