Frankenstein Wraps Central Theatre Ensemble Season

May 8, 2005

Contact: Leslee Caul (509-963-1760/Fax: 509-963-1767/E-mail: caull@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Washington University's Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE) wraps up the 2004-2005 season with the horror classic "Frankenstein," which opens May 12 in McConnell Auditorium on the Ellensburg campus.

Based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley and adapted to the stage by Victor Gialanella, this timeless story about young Dr. Frankenstein's ill-fated miscalculation of the power of science will captivate and frighten audiences with its integration of complex fight choreography and elaborate special makeup and sound effects.

CWU theatre arts professor Michael J. Smith, who directed past CTE productions of "West Side Story" and "The Laramie Project," heads up the ensemble of 12 actors, five stage managers and more than 30 crew members who have been rehearsing nightly since March. Design work has been underway since 2004.

Senior theatre arts performance and youth drama major Shayne McNeill takes on the title role of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. McNeill is a three time Irene Ryan Acting Competition nominee at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Region VII Festival (KC/ACTF), for his work in past CTE productions of " Jungalbook," "Pinocchio," and last fall's "Lloyd's Prayer." He is also a regular in improvisational shows around campus. McNeill is the son of Dennis and Kathy McNeill of Enumclaw.

Amy Hill, a senior theatre arts performance major, is Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor's fiancee. Hill is a two time Irene Ryan nominee, and has appeared in numerous CTE shows, including "Tartuffe," "How I Learned To Drive," "Bus Stop," "West Side Story," "Pinocchio" and "Hay Fever." She also served as makeup designer for the recent "Charlotte's Web." Hill is the daughter of Roger and Janet Hill of Olympia.

Sophomore theatre arts generalist major Amanda Rubeck is Justine Moritz. Rubeck is a recent Irene Ryan nominee for her work as the Angel of the Lord in "Lloyd's Prayer." She was also featured in "How I Learned to Drive" and the student written one-act "Epiphany." Rubeck is the daughter of Al and Becky Rubeck of Kent.

Max Bellah, a 7th grade student at Morgan Middle School in Ellensburg, plays Victor's son William Frankenstein. Bellah has appeared on the CTE stage before, as a prison child in "Man of La Mancha." Along with acting, he enjoys playing the clarinet and creative writing in his spare time. Bellah is the son of George and Trish Bellah of Ellensburg.

Guest artist Steve Nabors plays Victor's father, Alphonse Frankenstein, and also serves as the fight captain for the show. Nabors earned his master of arts degree in theatre production from CWU in 2004, and has appeared in CTE productions of "Bus Stop," "West Side Story," "The Laramie Project," "Hay Fever" and "MacBeth." Nabors is the son of William and Janet Nabors of Port Orchard.

Rob Rostad, a senior theatre arts generalist major, is Victor's best friend, Henry Clerval. Rostad appeared as Tony in "West Side Story" and has been featured in several student written one-act productions. Rostad is the son of Tom and Barb Rostad of Snohomish.

Senior theatre arts performance and children's theatre/education major Matt Milton plays Lionel Mueller. Milton has acted in many CTE shows, including "Lloyd's Prayer," "How I Learned to Drive," "Laughter on the 23rd Floor," and "The Honorable Urashima Taro," for which he was honored with an Irene Ryan nomination. He also is a two-time Northwest Drama Conference (NWDC) Design Storm award winner for his directing skills. Milton is the son of Randy and Leah Milton of Tacoma.

Emily Rollie, a graduate teaching assistant earning her master of arts degree in theatre production, is Frau Mueller. Rollie earned her bachelor's degree in English education at Saint Olaf College in Minnesota. In her time at CTE, she has served as a director to student written shows "Boneheads" and "The Duty of One," and as assistant director for "Charlotte's Web." "Frankenstein" marks her debut in a CTE main stage production. Rollie is the daughter of Thomas and Beth Rollie of Walker, Minn.

Sophomore theatre arts performance major Jared Morgan is Hans Metz. Morgan is a recent transfer student from Wenatchee Valley College, where he appeared in "Richard III" and "The Merchant of Venice." In his short time at CTE, he has been featured in the student written one act "Stonewall" and in the ensemble of one-acts selected for last winter's ACTF festival. Morgan is the son of Mike and Riva Morgan of Wenatchee.

Sophomore theatre arts design tech major Joe Wilbur is Peter Schmidt. Also a recent transfer from WVC, Wilbur served as sound engineer to last fall's "Tartuffe" and last winter's ACTF ensemble. He has also served as stage manager, sound designer and technical director for various shows around Wenatchee. Wilbur is the son of Tim and Shirley Wilbur of East Wenatchee, and Kindall Kirk of Ellensburg.

Junior theatre arts performance major Andrew Kunellis is DeLacey. Kunellis is a two time Irene Ryan nominee, for last winter's "Dr. Betty Evans Original One Act Festival" and last fall's "Lloyd 's Prayer." He has also appeared in "Bird Woman: The Story of Sacagawea," "West Side Story," "The Laramie Project" and "Rash Acts." Kunellis is the son of Patricia and Bruce Dierking of Whidbey Island.

Rounding out the cast is freshman theatre arts performance major Thomas Ohrstrom, who takes on the complex role of The Creature. Ohrstrom was seen on stage last winter in the student written one act "Posy Story" and in the ACTF ensemble. Ohrstrom is the son of Jan Ohrstrom and Desiree Hoynck of Mercer Island.

Performances of "Frankenstein" are set for May 12 and 19 at 7 p.m., and May 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for senior citizens, and $10 for students.

For a Sunday matinee performance on May 15 at 2 p.m., all tickets are $8. Due to some adult situations and themes, "Frankenstein" is most enjoyable for mature audiences. Parental guidance is recommended for children under 13.

Tickets can be purchased weekdays from 1-5 p.m. at the Milo Smith Tower Theatre box office and one hour prior to each performance at the McConnell Auditorium box office. Tickets can also be purchased by phone with a VISA or MasterCard.

For tickets, more information, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1774, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.