Playwright: Peter Shaffer
Directed By: Krista Schafer
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Run Dates: May 8, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Show Info
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Production Snapshot
A riotous comedy! Lettice Douffet is an indefatigable but daffy enthusiast of history and the theatre. As a tour guide at one of the least stately of London’s stately homes, she theatrically embellishes its historical past. Lotte Schoen, a stoic inspector from the Preservation Trust, is neither impressed nor entertained by Lettice’s freewheeling history lessons. What follows is a battle to the death of all that is sacred to the Empire and the crown.
In an exciting twist for this production, every performance will feature two community members in exclusive Guest Star walk-on roles. These guest artists will join the professional cast on stage for the opening sequence, playing intrepid tourists visiting the Fustian House.
The run time of the show is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with one ten minute intermission.
Cast
Wendy Katz Hiller
Lettice Douffet
Wendy is excited to be back on Open Book’s stage, having last appeared in “The Children” in 2022. More recently, she directed “The Fantasticks” here last fall. Along with acting in or directing over a dozen shows at Open Book, Wendy has done theatre all over southeast Michigan, winning a Wilde Award for her performance as Mrs. Malaprop in “The Rivals” with The Michigan Shakespeare Festival. Lettice has been a dream role of Wendy’s for years. It was written for her idol, Maggie Smith, whom Wendy was fortunate enough to meet in Stratford, Ontario in 1978. She would like to thank Krista for giving her this opportunity as well as the rest of the talented cast and crew. Also, thanks to her husband, Steve, for putting up with her pacing around the house learning lines.
Kez Settle
Lotte Schoen
Kez was last seen at Open Book Theatre playing Wendy in Sarah Ruhl’s “For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday”. She is thrilled to return this season and collaborate with such a talented cast and crew. Kez is an experienced actor and director from Southeast Michigan, having performed in numerous local productions. Some of her favorite roles include Lenny in “Crimes of the Heart” with Inspired Acting Company, Jackie in Planet Ant’s “One Cat Away from 61”, Marlafaye in The Dio’s “Savannah Sipping Society”, Anabella Byron in “Ada and the Engine”, and Beth in “This Random World” at Open Book Theatre Company. She also portrayed Annie in “Kayak” at Matrix Theatre Company, earning a Wilde Award nomination for Best Actress. Kez is proud to have graduated from The School at Steppenwolf in Chicago. "Chase your dreams. It’s good cardio."
Erin Hildebrandt
Miss Framer, Tourists
Erin is thrilled to make her Open Book Theatre debut and to return to the stage for the first time since the pandemic—and since adding “mom” to her résumé. Previous credits include “The Tempest” (Shakespeare Royal Oak), “The House” (The Ringwald), and “Ariadne on the Island” (NYC International Fringe Festival). She is deeply grateful to Peter, Campbell, and her entire family for their endless love, encouragement, and support.
Jonathan Jones
Mr. Bardolph, Tourists
Jonathan is thrilled to be making his Open Book Theatre debut in “Lettuce and Lovage”. Currently completing his MFA in Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young at EMU, he has been in several productions around the Metro Detroit Area including “Jorge Borges”, “The Ripple/The Wave”, “Kill Move Paradise”, and “Popcorn Falls” (Theatre Nova); “Crooked Parts” (Obsidian Festival), “One Sleepy Night” (Ghost light); “Asking Strangers the Meaning of Life”, “Fairview”, and “Sweat” (Detroit Repertory); and “Vital”, and “Solo Acts” (Limelight). Thanks to everyone who supports theatre, amazing friends, and especially his mother Jackie and brother Sealoyd for their continued love, guidance, and support.
Crew
Krista Schafer
Director, Sound Designer
Krista is the founding Artistic Director of Open Book Theatre Company. A Michigan native, she earned her theatre degree from Northwestern University, with further training from the Arden Theatre Company, SITI Company, and Augusto Boal. Over a career spanning three decades, Krista has worked as an actor, educator, and director on professional stages large and small across the country. Passionate about creating more opportunities for women, producing well written scripts that tackled important issues, creating a thriving and diverse community for artists, and providing quality professional theatre to her Downriver community she founded Open Book, now finishing its 12th season. In addition to her work at OBTC her extensive directing credits include several Grosse Ile Boar’s Head Festivals, serving as the director for Grosse Ile High School (2016–2019), and guest directing Witch at UDMercy. A multiple Wilde Award-winning actor and director, Krista also has experience leading drama workshops and teaching theatre to students of all ages. Now Begin.
Kiah Manthei
Stage Manager
Kiah (she/her) most recently directed “Hadestown (Teen Edition)” at Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center (DYPAC). Kiah has now stage managed a handful of shows here at Open Book, including “Breaking Laws to Gain Freedom”, “Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea”, “How I Learned to Drive”, and “Nollywood Dream”s. She notably co-directed “Catch Me if You Can” and assistant directed “Legally Blonde: The Musical”, both with DYPAC. Kiah holds a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. In her free time, she loves reading fiction, making playlists, and going for walks. You can find her on Instagram: @kiaahhhx :) Be kind, support your fellow humans, and for the sake of our planet please stop using generative AI.
Amanda Bates
Scenic Designer
Amanda is a theatre artist from the Detroit area working both in technical roles and as a performer, and has been happy to return to Open Book Theatre as a Scenic Designer for the entire 12th season. Previously she has worked at Open Book as a Props Designer (“Too Heavy for Your Pocket”, “The Taming”, “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley”) and Scenic Painter (“Every Brilliant Thing”, “Bernhardt/ Hamlet”). Her past Scenic Design credits include “It’s Only Life” at Inspired Acting Company, “Death of A Driver” at Theatre Nova, and “Return to the Forbidden Planet” at Penny Seats Theatre. Amanda received her MA in Theatre Arts from Eastern Michigan University and is a Scenic Carpenter at Meadow Brook Theatre.
Harley Miah
Lighting Designer
Harley is a freelance artist designing and programming for theatres, nightclubs, concerts and festivals across the country with IKO Global Productions. As the resident Lighting Designer for Open Book Theatre. Harley has earned Wilde Awards for Best Design – Lights for “Red” in 2014, and “This Random World” in 2022. Harley's work can also be seen this season at Tipping Point Theatre, The Inspired Acting Company, and at The Williamston Theatre. Harley spends his spare 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
Cheryl is a Multi Award winning Fashion Designer, Professional Artist, and Owner of C. Creations Custom Sewing & Design since 2002. Her store, Cheryl Zemke Boutique, is located at 2934 Biddle Ave. in downtown Wyandotte. Zemke’s love for fashion and history has led her to be a part of the Open Book Theatre team since 2017. This will be her 22nd play as a costume designer. 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. Contact Cheryl Zemke via her email czcreations@hotmail.com, or on Facebook or Instagram @cherylzemkeboutique.
Samantha Silva
Properties Designer
Samantha is once again delighted to join the team at Open Book! She has served here as a stage manager and a props designer for since 2021. She is eternally grateful for the doors Open Book opened and the love and community she finds here year after year. She would like to thank her family, friends, and partner for pushing her to chase creative dreams and helping to keep all the plates spinning. Thank you to her son, Xander, for helping Mom with art and giving up your Play-Doh for use as cat food. And thank you to the actors, artists, and audiences who keep theatre alive Downriver! Art is community and community is the only thing that can save the world.
Elyse Tazzia
Dialect Coach
Elyse is thrilled to assist as the Dialect Coach on her first Open Book Theatre production! She recently graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts in both Theatre and Linguistics. She is a passionate educator and loves collaborating with others to bring out the best in themselves. Elyse previously coached on “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “Little Murders” at Wayne State University, and most recently coached at Port Huron Northern High School on “Pride and Prejudice” and “Big Fish”. She hopes to make a life-long career as a student and teacher of theatre. She would like to thank her family, friends, and her mentors Foster, Kris, and Steven for their much appreciated support!