Linda Rabin Hammell (Ann) Beginning in 1966, Linda has appeared on stages from hometown Philly to Cambridge MA to Brooklyn NY, and in Michigan at such venues as Detroit Rep, The Ringwald, Matrix, Performance Network, Jewish Ensemble, The New Theatre Project, Blackbird, Penny Seats, Abreact, Puzzle Piece, The Dio, Shakespeare Royal Oak, and Shakespeare West. Her Open Book credits include Bauer, Good People, Wonder of the World, Life Sucks, and Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time. Linda’s ventures this theatre season were Renaissance City Rep’s inaugural show Witty Fools and Foolish Wits, The Ringwald’s Misery, and Village Players’ Harold and Maude: An Intimate Musical, and will continue in May/June with The Inheritance Part Two at The Ringwald. For Linda, the company of For Peter Pan, filled with cherished buddies of the boards, proves how much joy comes from making art with friends. She hopes – and predicts – that you too will find joy in your time spent at Open Book. Love, as always, to the Dood.
Robert Schorr (John) is a graduate of the Actors Studio Drama School where he received his MFA in Acting. Originally from California and famous among the theater community for his outstanding dinner parties, Robert made his Michigan debut in the Open Book production of Good People and has appeared in the Open Book Productions of Time Stands Still and The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Nighttime.
Phil Hughes (Jim) was last on stage in 2022 at Open Book Theatre, appearing as John D’Agata, directed by Kez Settle and acting alongside Krista Schaefer in The Lifespan of a Fact, one of his favorite theatre experiences to date. This time around he gets to work with them both again, but with their roles reversed. Phil trained at Michigan Actors Studio and has appeared in various professional productions around Southeastern Michigan with the Detroit Theatre Collective, Riverbank Theatre and Planet Ant, among others. Next up for Phil is OBTC’s How I Learned to Drive.
Sean Paraventi (Michael) is pleased to be making his return to the Open Book stage. He has worked with Open Book as an actor (Peter And The Star Catcher, Sylvia, and Shadow Box) and as a playwright as part of Open Book’s Driveway Theatre (2020: The Year They Canceled Everything,: Every Love Story Ever Told) You may also have seen Sean performing improv in your backyard or driveway with Open Book. (Yeah, he gets around.) Sean would like to thank Krista, the Peter Pan family, and he would like to dedicate his performance to his parents, his siblings, and every family dog who has been part of the journey.
Kez Settle (Wendy) is thrilled to be back at Open Book Theatre Company where she was last seen as Beth in This Random World. Kez has appeared in many productions around Southeast Michigan, and some of her notable credits are Anabella Byron in Ada and the Engine (Open Book Theatre Company), Mrs. Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher (Open Book Theatre Company), Marlafaye in The DIO’s production of The Savannah Sipping Society, Detective O’Dell in the Wild Award Critic’s Choice Award winning production of The Interference (Matrix Theatre Company), and Annie in Kayak (Matrix Theatre Company) which garnered her a Wild Award Nomination for Best Lead Actress. When not on stage, Kez has been spending her time directing; most recently right here at Open Book Theatre for last season’s production of ‘The Lifespan of A Fact.’ She is a proud graduate of The School at Steppenwolf in Chicago. Chase your dreams. It’s good cardio!
Nick Szczerba (George) Nick is thrilled to be performing in a Sarah Ruhl play for the first time and working with Krista Schafer and Open Book Theatre for the third time (Peter and the Starcatcher in 2016 and Zooming with God in 2021). By day, Nick is a retired software engineer; by night, he’s a …. well, you’re looking at it! Nick enjoys performing in plays written with both heart and humor; his favorites include Art by Yasmina Reza and The Drowsy Chaperone by Lambert, Morrison, Martin, and McKellar. Nick would like to thank Krista, the production staff, and all those who worked behind the scenes to make this production a success; he happily accepts your applause on their behalf. Up next for Nick? Traveling with his grandchildren (Greyson and Everett) and his wife, The Lovely Mary Carol.
Krista Schafer (Director, Sound and Set Design) is so excited to be working and playing with this wonderful team of artists once again… many of whom were part of her first journey to Neverland with Peter and the Starcatcher. Krista is the founding Artistic Director of Open Book. A native Michigander, Krista holds a degree in theatre from Northwestern University and has worked in theatres across the country acting, teaching, and directing. She has won Wilde Awards for performing (Emilie) and directing (This Random World and Watson Intelligence). She’s thrilled to be building a company that gives these strong and courageous theatre artists a place to work and play, and thanks you for joining us for this awfully big adventure.
Samantha Silva (Stage Manager) is delighted to be back at Open Book this season! She started here last year as Stage Manager for The Lifespan of a Fact and This Random World and had a wonderful experience. She also had the joy of working on The Taming earlier this season. She would like to thank the Open Book family for creating such a welcoming, inclusive and collaborative environment and community. She is proud to work with such talented and dedicated artists. Thanks also to her bosses, family and friends for their support and tolerance of this crazy schedule; to her parents for EVERYTHING; to her husband for encouraging her to chase what brings her joy; and to her son, who inspires and surprises us every day.
Harley Miah (Lighting Designer) is a freelance artist for theatres, nightclubs, concerts and festivals across the country, as lighting designer for IKO Global Productions. He has been Open Book’s resident lighting designer since its inception, earning Wilde Awards for Best Design – Lights for Open Book’s production of “Red” in 2014, and “This Random World” in 2022. Harley’s work has recently been seen at The Rinwald, Tipping Point, Detroint Public Theatre and the newly opened Inspired Acting Company in Walled Lake. Harley also designs lights for “Detroit Presents: Live from Marygrove” on Detroit Public TV, which airs Wednesdays at 7:30 on WTVS and St George’s Academy in NYC. Harley spends spare his time with his loving partner Reyna spoiling their cats, traveling, and seeing as many shows as they can in this great theatre community we have in Southeast Michigan. He hopes you do the same.
Cheryl Zemke (Costume Designer) is a Multi Award winning Fashion Designer, Artist, and Owner of C. Creations Custom Sewing & Design. Her store, Cheryl Zemke Boutique, is located at 2934 Biddle Ave. in downtown Wyandotte. The boutique sells her handmade fashion and art, as well as “Artfully Chosen” fashion and gift items. She also does custom sewing and alterations on site. Zemke was born and raised in southern Michigan, received a B.S.B.A. from Lawrence Technological University, and earned an Associate Degree in Merchandising at the International Academy of Merchandising and Design, graduating as class Valedictorian. Zemke has been a part of the Open Book team since 2017, this show will mark her 12th as a costume designer. She particularly enjoys costuming, saying it “allows me to use many of the skills that I have acquired from classes in Fashion History.” Contact Cheryl Zemke via her email czcreations@hotmail.com, website www.cherylzemke.com, Facebook or Instagram @cherylzemkeboutique.
Gordon Mosley (Scenic Builder) joined the Players Guild of Dearborn in 1986 and has been involved in theatrical productions ever since. Over the years he has also worked with Southgate Community Players, Downriver Actors Guild, Lincoln Park High School and Detroit Public Theatre. In 2012 Gordon was inducted into the Dearborn Theater Hall of Fame. Among his more notable construction projects were The Car for I Remember Mama based on a 1908 Cadillac, The Gazebo for Do You Wanna Dance?, The Sewer for Guys and Dolls and The Mid-Century Furniture for Promises, Promises. Our current production presented Gordon with a new challenge. In order to incorporate LED strip lights in the window frames, he had to design and build using metric measurements. This is his fifth production as set builder and he continues to upgrade set design and construction methods with his unique style of building and the use of 3D modeling software.
