Playwright: Jennifer A. Kokai
Directed By: Kevin T. Keller
Production Snapshot
In the sleepy retirement town of Spring Hill, Florida, seventy-year-old Marian is busy navigating life’s late-stage hurdles: medical scares, a friend who drives illegally, and a bottle of oily chocolate wine. But when her estranged granddaughter arrives after a crisis of faith, her home becomes a workshop for the impossible. Together with a neighborly drug dealer and a foul-mouthed best friend, they attempt to rebuild a crashed dirigible and find a way to stay afloat. The Art of Floating is a poignant, whimsical journey through grief, growth, and the sticky, viscous Jello of life.
MICHIGAN PREMIERE
Cast
Connie Cowper
Marian
Connie Cowper (Marian) is thrilled to return to Open Book, where she was last seen as Abbey in "Ripcord"! Other Open Book credits include Kim in “Kimberley Akimbo” and Sonia in “Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike”. She has worked with many Southeast Michigan companies, most recently with Flint Repertory Theatre, Riverbank Theatre and Rochester University Theatre Company. In addition to commercials and film, she employs acting skills in medical education for Henry Ford Hospital to teach communication techniques to physicians.
Maggie Gilkes
Fran
Maggie is beyond excited to once again have the chance to perform on Open Book’s stage. Previous performances here are Marjorie Prime, Doubt and Good People. Maggie is a two time Wilde award winner one for “ Best Team Work” for Three Tall Women at Slipstream and as “Best Supporting Actress” for Last of the Red Hot Lovers” at Mind the Gap theatre. Maggie hopes you enjoy the show as much as we have had bringing it to life.
Lily Woityra
Mackenzie
Lily Woityra (Mackenzie) is a Wayne State University graduate with a BA in Theatre and a BA in Journalism. Previous roles of hers include Eve in "Paradise Lost", #7 in "The Wolves" and Asha in "Blood at the Root". When she's not on stage, she enjoys writing about topics concerning the LGBTQ+ community, reading weird girl lit fit and spending time with her cat, Katya. She would like to thank Kevin T. Keller for this fierce opportunity and the entire cast for making this experience amazing. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Cole VanAmberg
Chase
Cole VanAmberg (he/him) is a Metro-Detroit based actor and musician with a BA in Theatre and Music from Wayne State University. Favorite regional stage credits include Grace Farrell in "Annie", Jamie Gangel in "Beautiful Thing", and Prince Eric in "The Little Mermaid". In addition to performing, Cole has also music directed at both the educational and professional level, including shows such as "Les Miserables" and "The Mad Ones". You can find Cole teaching voice and acting lessons at Van Maanen Studios in Berkley or at various cafes in the area with a laptop and a dream. Don't let the maraschino cherries hit you on the way out!
Crew
Kevin T. Keller
Director
Kevin is so glad to be directing at Open Book once again after helming "Ripcord" in 2025. He has also been seen onstage in “boom,” “Clue”, and “Bernhardt/Hamlet”. Kevin has performed extensively around Michigan and has directed with étude production, Theatre Nova, and The Ringwald. His artistic work focuses on helping dancers expand into theatrical acting and his productions of “Eurydice” and “Spring Awakening” have explored that in fully staged works. Kevin is a winner of the Heck-Rabi playwriting competition and is currently developing a new play. He also manages a cafe and is a massive roller coaster nerd. Many thanks to Open Book, his family, his friends, and all of his muses for all of their endless support.
Harley Miah
Lighting Designer
Harley Miah 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.
Eric Niece
Scenic Designer and Builder
Eric Niece absolutely loves getting to work with Open Book. He was most recently seen on stage in the theatre's production of Clue. Some of his notable Open Book designs include his Wilde Award nominated set for "Ada and the Engine" and his Wilde Award winning set for "How I learned to Drive". When not working at Open Book, Eric serves as an instructor and technical director for Rochester Christian University as well as picking up whatever freelance work he can in the metro Detroit area. As always, a gigantic thank you to his incredible wife, Hannah, and their two perfect children, Daphne and Miles. He couldn't do what he does without their continued love and support.
Samantha Silva
Properties Designer
Samantha Silva (Properties Designer) is once again delighted to join the team at Open Book Theatre Company! She has served here as a stage manager and a props designer since 2021. She is eternally grateful for the doors Open Book has 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 lending Mama all your art supplies and inspiring me every day. 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.