Playwright: Theresa Rebeck
Directed By: Shelby Seeley
Production Snapshot
A sparkling, witty comedy that brings to life the indomitable Sarah Bernhardt as she tackles one of Shakespeare’s most iconic roles—Hamlet, in a production that could make or break her career. Set in the late 19th century, this play follows Bernhardt’s audacious decision to take on the traditionally male part, challenging societal norms and theatrical conventions. With a blend of humor, drama, and backstage intrigue, the story showcases her larger-than-life personality, relentless determination, and the power of breaking boundaries in the world of theater.
Cast
Krista Schafer
Sarah Bernhardt
Krista Schafer (Sarah Bernhardt) is the founding Artistic Director of Open Book. She earned her degree in theatre from Northwestern University and has additional training from Arden Theatre Company, SITI Company, Fringe Benefits, and Augusto Boal. Krista has performed on professional stages large and small across the country. Krista won the Wilde Award for best performance by a lead actress for her title role in Emilie and as Lil’ Bit in How I Learned to Drive, as well as the Best Director award for both The Watson Intelligence and This Random World. She is humbled and grateful beyond measure for the love and support of her wonderful family and friends. Krista is extraordinarily proud of this wonderful theatre that YOU have helped create and grow, and thanks you for being here. Now Begin.
David Gallido
Edmond
David was previously seen at Open Book as James in Time Stands Still (one of his favorite roles ever) and is excited to make his return in this fantastic play. David earned his BA in Theatre from Albion College before serving as an officer in the United States Air Force. He studied with Aaron Speiser in Los Angeles, wrote and performed educational shows at the Michigan Science Center, and was a member of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival Interstate Tour. Some of his favorite past productions include What the Constitution Means to Me, The Renaissance Man, I'll Be Waiting, The Gravedigger, and Assassins. David enjoys running, making desserts (especially cheesecakes), editing the Star Wars prequels, and playing D&D with his friends.
Lindel Salow
Constant
With over 100 shows behind him, Lindel has played roles from Shakespeare to Albee, working in numerous theatres throughout Southeastern Michigan. Open Book audiences will remember him, most recently, as Robin in "The Children". Other appearances with Open Book include; "Marjorie Prime", "Fool for Love", & "Ada & the Engine" along with numerous other shows. Watch out for Lindel's brief appearance in the new short film, "Double Take", where he got to wander around the back alleys of Detroit, in flannel pajamas while carrying a tommy gun! It makes his appearance as Joan Crawford, at the RIngwald, pale by comparison. Off stage, Lindel is the Support Services Coordinator for Auburn Hills Public Library. He and his husband spend their free time traveling, laughing and enjoying the quiet moments life has given them. He is keenly interested in restoration work and has tried his hand at everything from clocks to fireplaces. Lindel is looking forward to his next project. The ride so far has been exciting, unnerving and wonderful. It'll be interesting to see what comes next.
Kevin Keller
Maurice/Francois
Kevin T. Keller - Kevin is so glad to be making his Open Book acting debut before making his Open Book Directing Debut with Ripcord. Most recently Kevin was seen as Motel in Fiddler on the Roof with Thumbcoast. He has also performed around the Detroit area with The Ringwald, Flint Rep, Detroit Rep, and Nicely Theatre Group. Kevin also recently directed Eurydice with etude production. Endless thanks to this company, his family, his friends, and all of his muses for all their endless support. kevin-t-keller.com
Tim Pollack
Raoul
Tim Pollack is delighted to return to Open Book Theatre Company again this season after appearing as Henry Gray in Georgiana and Kitty, Gary in This Random World, Charles Bingley in Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, and Brad in Be A Good Little Widow as well as two Driveway Theatre shows: Advantage Rule and Driveway Dating. Tim received his BA in acting from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has worked as an actor and director since returning to the U.S. Some of his recent roles include Hamlet (Experimental Performing Arts Association), Oliver in The Intruder (Detroit Theatre Collective), and Lee in Scar Tissue (HFC Guest Artist).
Kamryn Marck
Lysette/Rosamond
Kamryn is positively thrilled to return to Open Book this season. She was last seen as Georgiana in Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley. You may have also caught one of her one-woman history shows. Some regional theater highlights include: Ring of Fire (Brown County Playhouse), The Glass Menagerie (Thunder Bay Theatre), and The Sound of Music (Riverbank Theatre). In life, Kamryn is a lover of gardening, puzzles, going for walks, and other activities commonly found in your local senior citizen center. So much gratitude to OBTC, the cast and crew, my dog, Pickles, and my family for giving me the space and support to be here. www.anna-marck.com | @anyamarckgetset
Foster Johns
Louis
Foster Johns (He/Him) is elated to be making his Michigan stage debut with Open Book! He is a performer and dialect coach who grew up in New Orleans and currently based in Hazel Park. Foster is an Assistant Professor of Teaching at Wayne State University in the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance where he teaches voice, speech, and acting. He is also a contributing author on a recent publication entitled Queering the Stage: Inclusive Approaches to Performing Gender and Sexuality (Routledge). He received his MFA in Voice Studies at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and his BA in English and Theater at Boston College. Foster would like to thank his fiancé Clark for being a constant source of love and support, his friend Jen for her encouragement to get back on the boards, and his students for always providing so much hope and inspiration!
Henry Ballesteros
Alphonse
Henry is beyond excited to return to Open Book Theatre Co.!(Grand Concourse, Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley) Attended Southern Utah University (B.F.A. in Classical Acting.), Henry has had the pleasure of working with The Michigan Shakespeare Education Tour(MiSFITS), The Utah Shakespeare Festival (Twelfth Night 2014) and with the SimonFest Theatre Co.(2015-2019). Recently, Henry has worked with Shakespeare In Detroit(As You Like It), The Penny Seats Theatre Company(Return To The Forbidden Planet) and Planet Ant(Lovebird Jamboree). For my love Bryan, B, R & A.
Crew
Shelby Seeley
Director
Shelby R. Seeley (she/her) is a Yale-certified director and new work developer from "Downriver" Michigan. She has directed for Theatre Nova, the Flint Repertory Theatre New Works Festival, Open Book Theatre Company, Planet Ant, and The Penny Seats Theatre Company. Shelby won Outstanding Production of 2022 at the Fresh Fruit Festival in NYC for Producing Sassafras and the Captain. She has professional acting (University of Michigan’s CRLT Players, Michigan Shakespeare Festival Interstate Touring Company, The Call of the Void Podcast) and teaching experience (Middle School Director of Theatre, 2017-2023). Currently, she is serving as Associate Artistic Director & Literary Manager at Theatre Nova in Ann Arbor, MI. She wants to thank the wonderful creative team for all their support, Krista and the cast for their trust. Instagram: @shelbyrseeley, website: shelbyrseeley.com
Shardai Davis
Stage Manager
Shardai R. Davis is a classically trained actor, dancer, musician, and stage manager who has performed and been behind the scenes in many different mediums from plays and shorts films, operas, and even traditional Hula Luaus. Shardai received her Bachelors of Science in Individualized Studies Degree w/Concentrations in Kinesiology, Theatre, and Music from Eastern Michigan University in 2014. Some of her performances include: Polonius in Hamlet, Calpurnia in To Kill A Mockingbird, Kitty Duvall in The Time of Your Life, Athena in The Odyssey, and as Mrs. Walker in Tommy. She has stage managed at DDC Dances, Puzzle Piece Theatre, Marquis Theatre, Open Book Theatre, and at the historic Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. Davis has a high level of proficiency in piano, martial arts, directing and scenic design, and has won several accolades for her skills and techniques in the traditional Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. She would like to give a shout out to her Mom & Dad for always supporting her and inspiring her to live her dreams!
Harley Miah
Lighting Designer
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 Ringwald, Tipping Point, Detroit 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 MI. He hopes you do the same.
Ashley Marie
Co-Scenic Designer, Builder, Painter
Ashley currently serves as the Facility & Operations Manager at the Allen Park Center for the Arts, as well as co-owns Spectrum Staging, an independent technical theatre company. With over 16 years of theatrical experience, Ashley considers herself a jack of all trades and is versed in directing, costuming, choreography, lighting, properties, set construction, production management, stage management, and more. She has an extensive dance background, and was a competitive ballroom dancer at her alma mater, Michigan State University ('12). In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with her partner Valerie and their menagerie of animals.
Valerie Compau
Co-Scenic Designer, Builder, Painter
Valerie is a self-taught Broadway World Award winning lighting designer, and is knowledgeable in a multitude of technical theatre elements. She has over 7 years of experience in lighting alone, and even more in general stage work. Her creative designs have been credited with a number of local theatre companies, both professional and amateur, including Shakespeare in Detroit and Obsidian Theater Festival, as well as various community theatres and high schools. Although Val specializes in lighting design, she has also been known to run soundboards, design sets, stage manage, and direct. She has a passion for teaching young minds the technical aspects of theatre and the importance of the backstage crew. Val co-owns Spectrum Staging, an independent technical theatre company, with her partner Ashley.
Cheryl Zemke
Costume Designer
Cheryl Zemke 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 17th 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
JM Ethridge
Properties Designer
JM recently made made her Open Book debut as Anne Marie in A Doll's House Part 2, after appearing on numerous stages state-wide, including Little Door, Thumbcoast, Matrix, Planet Ant, Shakespeare Royal Oak, MSU, BoarsHead, Pigeon Creek Shakespeare, and Opera Grand Rapids. She is a teacher at a local high school, ordained minister, bartender, and titled Lady of Glencoe, Scotland.
Meet the Playwright(s)
Theresa Rebeck
Theresa Rebeck is a widely produced playwright throughout the United States and abroad. New York productions of her work include Dead Accounts at the Music Box Theatre; Seminar at the Golden Theatre; Mauritius at the Biltmore Theatre in a Manhattan Theater Club Production; The Scene, The Water’s Edge, Loose Knit, The Family of Mann and Spike Heels at Second Stage; Bad Dates, The Butterfly Collection and Our House at Playwrights Horizons; The Understudy at the Laura Pels Theater in a Roundabout Theatre Company production; and View of the Dome at New York Theatre Workshop. Omnium Gatherum (co-written, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2003) was featured at the Humana Festival, and had a commercial run at the Variety Arts Theatre. Her play Poor Behavior premiered at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles in 2011.
Ms. Rebeck’s other publications are Free Fire Zone, a book of comedic essays about writing and show business. She has written for American Theatre Magazine and has had excerpts of her plays published in the Harvard Review. Ms. Rebeck’s novels, Three Girls and Their Brother and Twelve Rooms With A View, were published by Random House/Shaye Areheart Books. Her third novel, I’m Glad About You, was published by Putnam in February 2016.
In television, Ms. Rebeck has written for Dream On, Brooklyn Bridge, L.A. Law, American Dreamer, Maximum Bob, First Wave and Third Watch, and she created the NBC drama Smash. She has been a writer/producer for Canterbury’s Law, Smith, Law and Order: Criminal Intent and NYPD Blue. Her produced feature films include Harriet the Spy, Gossip, and the independent features Sunday on the Rocks and Seducing Charlie Barker, an adaptation of her play The Scene.
Awards include the Mystery Writer’s of America’s Edgar Award, the Writer’s Guild of America award for Episodic Drama, the Hispanic Images Imagen Award, and the Peabody, all for her work on NYPD Blue. She has won the National Theatre Conference Award (for The Family of Mann), and was awarded the William Inge New Voices Playwriting Award in 2003 for The Bells. Mauritius was originally produced at Boston’s Huntington Theatre, where it received the 2007 IRNE Award for Best New Play as well as the Eliot Norton Award. Other awards include the PEN/Laura Pels Foundation Award, the Athena Film Festival Award, an Alex Award and a Lilly Award, and in 2011 she was named one of the “150 Fearless Women in the World” by Newsweek.
Ms. Rebeck is originally from Cincinnati and holds an MFA in Playwrighting and a PhD in Victorian Melodrama, both from Brandeis University. She is a proud board member of the Dramatists Guild, a Contributing Editor to the Harvard Review and an Associate Artist of the Roundabout Theatre Company, and has taught at Brandeis University and Columbia University. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.
