Actors Theatre

Meet The Cast

Jon Calkins (Tour Guide/Ensemble) is no stranger to the stage, but this is his first production with Actors' Theatre, and he's delighted to bring the magic of Light in the Piazza to Grand Rapids. Some of Jon's previous roles include Bun Foo in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Act2 Theatre Company), Mr. Cladwell in Urinetown: the Musical (Act2 Theatre Company), Howard in Moon Over Buffalo (Act2 Theatre Company), and most recently, the Park Keeper in Mary Poppins (Grand Rapids Civic Theatre). Outside the theatre, Jon works at the Mathnasium as an instructor, and substitute teaches for most school districts in Kent County.

Katherine D’arcy-Van Wesep (Signora Naccarelli) Was last seen on the Actors’ stage 10 years ago when she played the role of Mrs. Curtain in Actors’ production of A Man of No Importance and she is thrilled to return to perform in this amazingly beautiful show. Having trained as a classical singer in Los Angeles and primarily performing in operas before moving to Grand Rapids In 1985, Kathy is excited to have the opportunity to return to those roots to play the role of Signora Naccarelli. Kathy is no stranger to Grand Rapids Community Theatre, having performed with Civic Theatre Grand Rapids in Les Miserable, as Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music (1998), and as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof (1999 and 2013). Other credits include Oy, 45 Seconds from Broadway, Women’s Minyan, Chaim’s Love Song, Esther: the Musical (2006) and Fiddler on the Roof with Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids, A Little Night Music, Honk, Follies, The Full Monty and Sister’s Christmas Catechism with Circle Theatre.

Jared Douglas (Frabrizio) is excited to be back on the Actors’ stage in Light in the Piazza. Jared was last seen on the Actors’ stage last season in Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson. Other favorite Grand Rapids theatre and musical credits include: Carrie (Circle), Boeing, Boeing (Circle), Hits of the 80s Cabaret! (Circle), and Next to Normal (Actors’ Theatre). Various other stage credits include: 1940s Radio Hour, Wonderful Town, and Little Shop of Horrors. Jared's commercial credits include work with Meijer, Gordon Food Services, and Fubble Entertainment.

David Duiven (Signor Naccarelli) is grateful to the production team and staff of Actors’ Theater for the opportunity to be in The Light in the Piazza. David has been active in GR theatre for many years as a director, music director and actor. Recent projects include playing Franklin Hart Jr. in 9 to 5; Javert in Les Misérables; directing/music directing Camp Rock for Summer Repertory Theater; and now to be playing Señor Naccarelli, not only for Adam Guettel’s breathtakingly beautiful score, but also because he is working with many of his closest friends.

Whitney Dykhouse (Ensemble) is excited to be making her Actors’ debut alongside so many talented people! She balances two careers, teaching middle and high school Spanish at Forest Hills Eastern while pursuing a Masters in Educational Leadership, and working as a voice talent and print actor for Productions-Plus, Brilliance Audio, and other area studios. Favorite area theatre credits include Robin Hood and Jesus Christ Superstar with Circle Theatre, and Oliver! (Nancy) and The Miracle Worker (Annie) with Master Arts Theatre.

Kathy Gibson (Margaret Johnson) well known for her vocal mastery of a variety of styles/genres, has performed in every type of venue from classrooms to concert stages. She was The American Traditions Singing Competition silver medalist in Savannah, Georgia and a regional Star Search winner. Kathy has directed/choreographed a variety of shows and is the winner of six Grand Awards for Musical Theatre. Favorite roles include Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Velma (Chicago), Edith/Edie (Grey Gardens) and Eva Peron (Evita). Kathy performed across the midwest with the Motown Rock and Soul band Sounds Like Fun as well as The River City Jazz Ensemble (Big Band) and nationally with pianist Rich Ridenour. Recordings include The Pink Album, Not since Prom -Sounds Like Fun, I Love A Piano with Rich Ridenour and Taking a Chance On Love with The River City Jazz Ensemble. Her symphony pops concerts are performed around the country and she holds a BA-in vocal performance/jazz from Aquinas College. Kathy teaches contemporary vocal music for Cornerstone University, Aquinas College and The Piano Cottage of Grand Rapids.

Chelsea Herrema (Clara Johnson) is so excited to be in her first main stage show at Actors Theatre! Her favorite Grand Rapids theatre credits include Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, Mrs. Beaver in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Glinda/Auntie Em in The Wizard of Oz, and Emily Webb in Our Town, all with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Chelsea also played Johanna in Sweeney Todd with Circle Theatre.

Laura Johnson (Ensemble)has performed with many West Michigan groups over the past eight years. Her favorite roles have been Ruth in Blithe Spirit with Heritage Theatre, Mother Superior in Nunsense and Jeri Neal in Dixie Swim Club with Cedar Springs Community Theatre: Rosie in Bye, Bye Birdie with Sparta Community Theatre, Mayzie in Seussical, The Musical with Flat River Players, and Eliza in My Fair Lady with Lionheart Productions. She is thrilled to be making her debut with Actors' Theatre and has enjoyed the opportunity to work with so many talented people. She wishes to thank her family for being so supportive and for letting her come out and 'play'.

Kyle Los (Priest/Ensemble) was last seen on stage at Actors’ Theatre as Thomas in Venus in Fur (Grand Award Winner). He has also been a part of other past Actors' productions on stage including Michael in Sweetest Swing in Baseball, The Lecturer in Reefer Madness: The Musical (Grand Award Nomination), Hanschen in Spring Awakening, and Gabe in Next to Normal (Grand Award Nomination), as well as off stage doing sound design for Love! Valour! Compassion! and The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Other on stage credits include: Glen Guglia in The Wedding Singer (Circle Theatre), Berger in Hair (Circle Theatre, Grand Award Winner), Mark in Rent (Circle Theatre) and Tweedle-Dee in Alice in Wonderland (Magic Circle).

Michelle Matson (Franca Naccarelli) is thrilled to return to the Actors’ Theatre stage where she was last seen as an ensemble member in Chess. She has also been seen on the GR Civic Theatre stage as a Citizen of France in Les Miserables. Other roles she has had the pleasure of playing are; Hedy LaRue in How to Succeed in Business at the Holland Civic Theatre and Cinderella in the Zeeland High Players Production of Cinderella. Michelle also enjoys performing off stage and has sung at a variety of venues in the West Michigan area. Although singing is her first love, Michelle also loves to display her artistic talents in her career as a makeup artist.

Jeremiah Postma (Giuseppe Naccarelli) is elated to return to the Actors’ Theatre stage where he was last seen as Anatoly in Chess. His most recent theater credits are King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot at Circle Theatre and his Grand Award winning role, Jean Valjean in Les Miserables at GR Civic Theatre. Jeremiah’s additional theatre credits include Full Circle, Violet, Smokey Joe’s Café, Jesus Christ Superstar, Merrily We Roll Along and Sweet Charity at Circle Theatre, A Fine and Private Place (Michael Morgan) at Jewish Theatre, Dress Your Wives In Floor Length Denim at Dog Story Theatre, and La Boheme and A Masked Ball with Opera Grand Rapids.

G.M. (Bud) Thompson (Roy Johnson / Ensemble) is pleased to be in a show that takes place in Italy (where he’s traveled), playing a character from North Carolina (where he’s lived). Honored to be part of this cast and crew, he is particularly excited to be doing a show again with Kathy Gibson… and surviving it! (Last time, neither of us lived past the end of the show…) Just this past December, he appeared in Actors' production of Chess. Other Actors’ shows include The Drawer Boy, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Rocky Horror, Assassins, A Man Of No Importance, Violet, and The Christmas Schooner. Bud has also play-acted with GR Civic, Circle, Heritage, GVSU... pretty much any venue that will allow him to be in... or make... a scene. He is a professionally published and internationally produced playwright and has had five 10 minute plays performed in Actors' "Living On The Edge" 10 minute play series.

Meet The Directors