Playwright:
Directed By: Josie Eli Herman
Production Snapshot
Arthur Kipps is a man haunted by a memory he can no longer carry in silence. To free himself, he enlists a young actor to help him restage the “true story of haunting and evil” that began years ago at the isolated Eel Marsh House. As the two men work in an empty theatre, the line between reality and the past begins to blur. Through the power of imagination, the audience is transported to a world of sea-frets, mortal dread, and the silent figure of a woman in black.
*This production originated in 2025 at The Penny Seats Theatre Company
Cast
Michael Alan Herman
Actor
Michael Alan Herman (Actor) is an award-winning actor originally from St. Joseph, Michigan. He has worked with Netflix, Hulu, Universal Studios and Fangoria, to name a few, and has collaborated with James Franco, James Corden, and Max Greenfield. He co-showruns the Webby-honored production company Acorn Arts & Entertainment with his beautiful wife Josie and loves making moody playlists on Spotify. He would like to thank his loving family for all their support, his darling wife for being pure wonder, and you, dear audience member, for supporting live theatre in Michigan. For more of Michael’s work, please see his Instagram @michael_alan_herman.
Jeffrey Miller
Kipps
Jeffrey Miller (Kipps) is thrilled to reviving "The Woman in Black" here at Open Book Theatre. Recent OBTC credits include "The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged" (Trevor), "Artemisia" (Francesco), and "The 39 Steps" (Hannay). He has also appeared at The Penny Seats, Theatre Nova, Shakespeare In The Arb, The Ringwald, and Wild Swan Theater, among others. His lifelong ambition is to live the Hobbit lifestyle; that is, in a cozy hole in the ground, with lots of books, and plenty to eat. He would like to thank his loved ones for their endless support and encouragement, and you, for supporting live theatre. Enjoy the show.
Princess Beyoncé Jones
Woman
Princess (Woman) is beyond thrilled to return to OBTC and retell this haunting tale with the original team from Penny Seats. She’s a multifaceted artist and an Oakland University alumna with a BFA degree in Acting. Recent acting credits of hers include “Macbitches” (Alexis “Lexi” Lapp), “Always A Bridesmaid” (U/S Kari Ames-Bissette & Others), “How We Got On” (Luann), “Macbeth” (Witch 2/Lady Macduff), “Eclipsed” (Gladys Atkinson Sweet), and others! She thanks her friends and family for their overwhelming love and support. Princess looks forward to another spooky season with Josie, Michael, and Jeff in “The Woman In Black”. Enjoy the show!
Crew
Josie Eli Herman
Director and Costume Designer
Josie is thrilled to work with Open Book Theatre to revive "The Woman In Black" this autumn, and would heartily like to welcome you to tonight's performance! Josie previously directed this show with The Penny Seats Theatre last year, and is so excited and honored to bring it to this incredible space! Josie has previously directed "Ripper" and "The Mummy Queen" with The Penny Seats Theatre, and Jeffrey Hatcher’s "Wait Until Dark" with FMCT in Fargo, ND, for which she received the Broadway World Award for Best Director. Fans of horror and sci-fi can also listen for her work in audio drama, including the multi-award-winning The Call of the Void series, Silvertongues, and Liminal, for which she won Best Director at the 2026 LA Webfest. It has been an absolute blast working on this show (again!) with Michael (her bestie/husband), Jeffrey, Princess, Alexa, Krista, and the whole amazing team at Open Book!
Alexa Ducsay
Stage Manager
Bio coming soon
Jonathan Davidson
Asst Director, Fight Choreographer
Jonathan Davidson (Assistant Director) This Bio Space For Rent. Please Bring Ten American Dollars To The Waffle House In Toledo, OH For Payment. Or Interesting Trades Considered. No Funny Stuff.
Harley Miah
Lighting Designer
Harley Miah (Lighting Designer) 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.
Aedan Munger
Scenic Designer
Aedan Munger is a graduate from Siena Heights University with a passion for scenic design and art. Recent credits include “Woman in Black”(Penny Seats Theatre), “Precious Little”(Penny Seats Theatre), and “Layers: The Casserole Play”(Lansing Community College). He is excited to have his design brought to the Open Book stage and would like to thank his friends, family, and fiancée for supporting him along his journey. aedanmunger.com
Kinza Parker
Prop Designer
Bio coming soon
Joseph Caradonna
Sound Designer/Composer
Joseph is a passionate sound designer and performer who always loves getting the opportunity to share his passions with others. Ever since he was a child, music has been a major part of his upbringing, and getting the opportunity to incorporate into his work is always a dream come true. He also deeply loves the horror genre, and any chance he gets to create soundscapes that may spook others is never neglected. On top of music and audio creation, Joseph is a frequent stage and voice actor with years of credits to his name, even getting the chance to combine his love for strange sounds by performing creature and animal vocalizations for many projects (including this one). Joseph hopes you enjoy all of the hard work and dedication poured into this production of "The Woman in Black"!