Welcome to Legacy Stage’s Much Ado About Nothing!
We would like to thank the Mechoopda on whose traditional lands this event is taking place.
Help grow our legacy by signing up for our mailing list, volunteer, or make a donation.
Your donation helps support our mission to produce and sustain professional theatre in Butte County. Please silence all phones and devices for the duration of the production. Meet our cast and crew below, and after the show come back and let us know what you think by leaving a review! Your quote might even make it onto our social media feed over the weekend.
Performance Runtime: Approx 1hr 40mins + intermission
CAST
CREATIVE TEAM & CREW
LEGACY STAGE TEAM
MEET THE CAST
(ordered alphabetically by first name)
Bill Harrington (Don Pedro)
Bill (he/him) has been active in local theater for over ten years. He was most recently seen as George in Same Time, Next Year (Chico Theater Company, 2025). Some other favorite acting roles include Colonel Mustard in Clue (Chico Theater Company-2021), Theseus/Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Legacy Stage-2022), Sam Katz in Cemetery Club ( Chico Theater Company -2023) and Baptista in The Taming of the Shrew (Legacy Stage-2024). Bill is thrilled to be working with Legacy Stage once again, and feels blessed to be working with this great cast and crew. He especially loves sharing the stage with his amazing wife Christi! Thank you for joining them on their date nights!
Chaz Phillips (Watchman)
My name is Chaz Phillips (he/him) and I was born in Chico but currently reside in Durham California! I have been in theatre since I was in 1st grade, but took a break from 4th to 6th. In the beginning of my second semester of 6th grade, the director for the kids program at CRT called my mom to see if I could and wanted to do High School Musical! I said yes, and finally got my first lead as Ryan and met my best friend for life, Trinity Landingham! I have been passionate for musical theatre and theatre itself ever since! I have done around 26 productions in my 15 years of life, and am currently a sophomore at Inspire School of Arts and Sciences and want to pursue theatre for the rest of my life!
Christi Harrington (Friar Francis)
Christi (she/her) has been a theatrical spirit from the very beginning—performing for her parents, family, friends, and anyone else who would sit still. She’s thrilled to be part of her second Legacy Stage production, and especially excited to return to Shakespeare for the first time since 6th grade! Christi discovered community theater just over a decade ago and hasn’t looked back. Since her debut as Gingy in Shrek the Musical, she has performed in or directed more than 17 productions in Chico. She sends her heartfelt thanks to the love of her life (oh sweeter than life itself), Bill, whose unwavering encouragement is a constant source of strength and joy.
Demondra Martin (Leonata)
Hello! My name is Demondra Martin (she/her) and I am very fortunate to be apart of my third Shakespeare in the Park production! My previous credits with Legacy Stage include Marianne Angelle in The Revolutionists, The Widow in The Taming of the Shrew and Celia in As You Like It. Aside from acting, I enjoy being outdoors, I love to cook and hang out with my cats!
Elisabeth Nini (Ursula, (U/S Beatrice)
Elisabeth (she/her) is so excited to be in her first show with Legacy Stage as Ursula/Beatrice’s Understudy in Much Ado About Nothing! She is a current Musical Theatre major at Chico State, graduating with her BFA in Spring of 2026. There she has been in shows including productions such as Cabaret, where she was in the ensemble, and recently Little Women: The Musical, where she played Beth March and Rodrigo II. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Elliott Merten (Conrade)
Elliot (he/him) loves theatre and has been doing local shows for a while. This is Elliot’s second show at Legacy, and his first Shakespeare in the Park. He is transferring up to Humboldt next semester for theatre arts. He hopes you enjoy this amazing show.
Emma Lam (Margaret, U/S Hero)
Emma (she/her) is so excited to debut her first show with Legacy Stage as Margaret/Hero’s Understudy in Much Ado About Nothing! She has been performing in Chico since 2023, notable productions include Top Girls (Lady Nijo/Win) and The Crucible (Abigail Williams) at Chico State.
Erin Horst (Beatrice)
Erin (she/her) feels honored to play Beatrice, a true dream role! She is excited to return to Shakespeare in the Park this season as a performer instead of a director! When not on stage, Erin is a faculty member in the theatre departments at Chico State and Butte College. She is a co-founder and the producing artistic director at Legacy Stage. Erin is particularly grateful to share the stage opposite her real life husband, Kyle. This performance is dedicated to her children, James and Andrew. A special thank you to Nana, for all of the support throughout the production process.
Gerald Thomson (George Seacoal)
Gerald (he/him) was last seen with Legacy Stage as a Caroler in A Christmas Carol. Other acting credits include: Giorgio in The Gondoliers (Diablo Light Opera), King in Game of Tiaras (Theatre on the Ridge), 3 roles in The Convent of Pleasure (Aside Theatre) and Juror 8 in Twelve Angry Jurors (Ghostlight Theatre). Directing credits include: Inspecting Carol (Chico Theater Company), The 39 Steps (CTC), Macbeth (Brelby Theatre Company), and Tomfoolery (Theater Works). Gerald sings with The Stage Whispers. Love to Julia.
John Crosthwaite (Dogberry)
John’s (he/him) previous Legacy Stage credits include A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Present), Macbeth (Macbeth), Taming of the Shrew (Fight Choreographer), and As You Like It (Fight Choreographer). Regional Credits include: The Importance of Being Ernest (Jack), Taming of the Shrew (Petruchio), Twelfth Night (Sir. Andrew), and Hamlet (Gravedigger) at the Oak Park Festival Theater, Oak Park, IL. Narina: The Musical (Mr. Beaver) at Poison Apple Productions, Martinez, CA. Romeo and Juliet (Tybalt), Napa Shakespeare Festival. Full credits and additional resume available at www.imdb.me/Crosthwaite
Juan Sanchez (Borachio, Balthasar)
Juan (he/him) is a 2024 Chico State graduate within the Theatre Arts program! Within his time there, he was a part of 3 main stage productions, Puffs as Oliver Rivers, Stop Kiss as Peter, and The Crucible as John Proctor! He also directed a one-act Soldado Razo! Besides doing theatre, he also spends much of his time in Chico’s film world. He’s acted in 7 short films within the last year and a half, and recently wrote, directed & produced his very own short film, In Music with a lot of help from his theatre friends! After this production wraps, he is moving on to enter the Sundance Film Festival with an original script!
Juan would like to thank his friends and family for their constant encouragement!
And a thank you to the cast and crew for trusting him to be a part and helping with the creation of a beautiful show!
Keith Herritt (Sexton)
After a long hiatus from acting, Keith (he/him) joined Legacy Stage’s 2024 production of A Christmas Carol. Long ago (50 years!) and far away, he acted at U.C. Santa Cruz and the East Bay, including a university production of Much Ado About Nothing. Keith retired in 2016 from managing the North State Symphony, and now is involved with different arts and culture organizations in Chico and Paradise.
Kyle Horst (Benedick)
Kyle (he/him) returns to Shakespeare in the Park and Legacy Stage with a heart full of joy and a head full of iambs. By day, he wears another costume: Dr. Kyle Horst, professor of psychology at Chico State. He is grateful for the wind, the trees, the sun (hopefully not too much), and especially for the generous souls who have made this possible. To Erin, how lucky I am — thank you. Kyle finds magic in the meeting of story and starlight. Theater reminds him—again and again—that the human heart beats much the same as it did four centuries ago. Enjoy the revelry.
Owen Carlson (Don John)
Owen (he/him) has loved the works of William Shakespeare since his Grandmother took him to see The Comedy of Errors when he was a boy. He studied Theatre Arts at San Francisco State University, Chico State, and Butte College. His credits include George Perez in The Almond Orchard, Dr. Chasuble in The Importance of Being Earnest, John Thoreau in The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, Adam in As You Like It, Constable Dull in Love’s Labour’s Lost, and Bardolph in The Merry Wives of Windsor. He is honored to be working with Legacy Stage.
Sophie Pennell (Hero)
Sophie (she/her) is so excited to play the role of Hero in Legacy Stage’s production of Much Ado About Nothing! She is going into her third year at Chico State as a musical theatre major with a minor in dance. She has been involved in theatre since she was 10 years old. This will be the first non-school affiliated production she has done, and her legacy Stage debut!
Trevor Ray Adams (Claudio)
Trevor (he/him) is excited to join Legacy Stage for a fourth time in the park. He loves theatre for the thrill of playing make believe. Past credits: Legacy Stage: Vinny Russo (Murder Mystery at the Fringe), Tranio (Taming of the Shrew) Touchstone (As You Like It), Demetrius (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). Chico State Theatre: J.Finch/Others (Puffs), George/Detective Cole/Peter (u.s) (Stop Kiss), Garcin (No Exit), King Louis XIII (Three Musketeers), George (Romeo and Juliet). Film: Harrison (Krug), Stalker (Slasher Pro). Directing credits: Murder Mystery at the Fringe. He studied Theatre Arts at Butte Community College, Drama at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, and Theatre Arts at California State University, Chico, where he received his BA and was awarded the Outstanding Theatre Arts Student of the Year. He would like to thank his family and friends for the support and God for the opportunity.
Violet Eiland (Messenger, Verges, U/S Ursula, U/S Margaret)
Hi there! My name is Violet (she/her) and this is my first show with Legacy Stage! I’m currently a Musical Theater major at Chico State. Some recent credits include Pope Joan/Louise in Top Girls, Ensemble (u/s Emma) in The Prom, Swing in Head Over Heels, Medda in Newsies, and Jo in Little Women. Hope you enjoy the show!
MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM & CREW
(ordered alphabetically by first name)
Aaron Kennedy (Scenic Designer)
Aaron (he/him) is thrilled to be working with Legacy Stage once again! You may remember his previous scenic design with Legacy for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Aaron received his BFA in theatre from Emporia State University in 2007, and an MFA in scenic design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010. Currently Aaron serves as an assistant professor of theatre and technical theatre coordinator at Tulsa Community College. Prior to this he has worked at, or designed for; Sterling College, Summer Repertory Theatre in Santa Rosa California, Theatre Tulsa, Shine Theatre Company, American Theatre Company (Tulsa OK), The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, Emporia State University Summer Stock, The New Court Theatre, Helen Hocker Center for the Performing Arts, Lon Morris College, Madison Repertory Theatre, Neosho County Community College, and Salina Community Theatre. A huge thank you to my wife and kids for their continued love and support!
Amelia Kellogg (Asst. Costume Designer)
Amelia (she/her) is thrilled to be working her second Legacy Stage show! She is a recent Chico State Graduate with a Theater Arts BA with an emphasis in costume design. She is so excited to help bring this world of Shakespeare to life!
Brandon Morgan (Sound Designer)
Brandon (he/him) is a local musician and production specialist. While he isn’t working his day job for CUSD as an IT Technician, he spends most of his time working all forms of production for a number of different local and national groups. For 8 years, Brandon toured nationally, playing drums, bass and working production. Out of Nashville, he found himself meeting some of the most amazing people and touring in almost every state. When Brandon is in town, he loves creating and working every production he can get his hands on. Some of his most recent productions have been Jekyll and Hyde, Hadestown, Chicago, Les Miserables, NSB’s Ballet Cirque, Believe and many more. Brandon is so excited to work again with the incredible, professional and hardworking Legacy Stage.
Charnneé (Stage Manager)
Charnneé (she/her) is the Stage Manager & Production Associate for Legacy Stage and has been working as a professional Stage Manager since 2014. Legacy Stage credits include: A Christmas Carol 2024 (Stage Manager), The Revolutionists 2024 (Stage Manager), Lizzie: The Musical 2023 (Stage Manager). Other credits include: Kinky Boots 2023 (Stage Manager), Stage Kiss 2020 (Assistant Stage Manager), Cabaret 2019 (Assistant Stage Manager) at City Lights Theater Company, and Witch 2022 (Stage Manager) at Southwestern University.
Elizabeth Grace Davis (Costume, Hair & Makeup Designer)
Elizabeth Grace Davis (she/her) is excited to be back with Legacy Stage for A Christmas Carol. Lizzy, a seasoned Costume Designer and Crafts Artisan, earned her MFA in Costume Design from Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana) and her BA from Ashland University (Ashland, Ohio). For the past five years, she has been the Costume Shop Manager and resident Costume Designer at Chico State. Her recent costume design work includes A Christmas Carol (Legacy Stage), The Revolutionists (Legacy Stage), Taming of the Shrew (Legacy Stage), Escape to Margaritaville (Las Positas Chabot Community College), The Prom (Chico State), Mamma Mia (Santa Rosa Junior College Summer Repertory Theatre), Cheery Docs (Jewish Theatre of Bloomington), Big Fish (Indiana University), among others.
Delisa Freistadt (Asst. Stage Manager, Prop Designer)
Delisa (she/her) is so excited to be back in Cedar Grove with Legacy for Shakespeare in the Park! Seeing the community support for this project grow year after year has been truly beautiful. Delisa has been involved to some extent in the Chico community theater scene for the last 20 years, both on- and off-stage. Favorite roles include Jane in Jane Eyre and Dottie in Killer Joe. She lives in Chico with her amazing supportive wife Betty and their three furry children.
Hannah Kuiper (Front of House Manager)
This is Hannah’s (she/her) second show as Front of House Manager with Legacy Stage, her first being A Christmas Carol. A dedicated local teacher, Hannah also directs elementary school musicals in her spare time. She has truly enjoyed working with Legacy Stage and appreciates the welcoming, inclusive community it offers. Hannah looks forward to continuing to grow with the company and supporting future productions.
Jami Witt Miller (Director)
Jami Witt Miller (she/her) is excited to return to the stage for Legacy Stage’s Shakespeare in the Park. Jami is a co-founder of Legacy Stage, bringing her passion for acting, intimacy choreography, and directing. Holding an MFA in Acting from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and a BFA in Performance from Eastern New Mexico University. She has performed on the Legacy stage as Kate in Taming of the Shrew (Kate’s Version), and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth with Legacy Stage. Jami recently directed Top Girls at California State University, Chico, and directed Shakespeare in the Park As You Like It. Jami has proudly called Chico home since 2015, where she resides with Matty, Mattingly, and Eddie James.
Jarrah Myles (Technical Director)
Jarrah Myles (she/her) created the dance and theatre programs at Inspire School of Arts & Sciences and has directed numerous shows including: The Wizard of Oz, Chicago, Into the Woods, The Addams Family, & Anything Goes, & Les Miserables since the school opened fifteen years ago. Jarrah serves as Production Director for all Inspire performing arts events and is excited to direct Big Fish performing next March and coordinate the Dance & Technical Theatre Programs this coming year. Jarrah has taught ballet for Chico Community Ballet for the last 25 years and stage manages productions such as The Sleeping Beauty and A Very Chico Nutcracker. Jarrah has a degree in Business Administration and Musical Theatre from CSU, Chico. She did her master’s and additional teaching credential work at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education in Dance Education and Administration. Jarrah has a CTE credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment and is so excited to lend a hand to Shakespeare in the Park, a tradition she is excited to see Legacy carry on!
Joseph Hidde (Lead Carpenter)
Joseph (he/him) is thrilled to be back in the scenic carpentry saddle. While he currently works as an archaeologist for the US Forest Service, Joseph is no stranger to the theater biz. He most recently produced the sound design for Legacy Stage’s production of A Chirstmas Carol and has worked extensively in the South Bay Area for City Lights Theater Company serving as their Master Electrician, Light Designer for their production of Silent Sky, and as a stage manager for numerous other productions such as Stage Kiss, Cabaret, Eurydice, Frankenstein, and Green Day’s American Idiot. He has also served in technical roles for many other theaters working in opera, ballet, and youth theater.
Kevin White (Lighting Designer)
Kevin White (he/him) is a seasoned Lighting Designer with nearly two decades of experience in live event production. This is his second production working with Legacy Stage. He previously designed the lighting for A Christmas Carol. Kevin is the resident Lighting Designer for the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at Chico State. He also supervises the Electrics and Props Shops at the University. Prior to returning to Chico, he was the Lead Electrician, Lighting Designer and Laser Safety Officer for Theatrix Hawaii where he designed his respective aspects of concerts, dance showcases, comedy shows, Luaus, corporate events and beach dance parties with stages in the ocean. Kevin, his wife Aimee, and one-year-old son, Waylon, are most at home when they are playing in the yard with their dog Storm.
Marquita Goodman (Asst. Director)
Welcome, and enjoy this wonderful story in our community’s beautiful meadow! Marquita (she/her) is thrilled to play with Legacy Stage once again, this time on the directing team! Theater has been such a blessing and an exciting part of her life since moving to Chico and she is grateful to have been a part of many amazing casts and crews here for the past eight years. Some of her favorite roles you may have seen her in are Titania and Hippolyta in A Misummer Night’s Dream, Duchess Frederick in As You Like It, and Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (Legacy Stage), Chris in POTUS and Ilsa Lund in Casablanca (Theatre on the Ridge). Special thank you to Jami for bringing me along on this beautiful journey making your vision come to life.
Will Langley (Producer, Marketing, Graphic Design)
Will Langley (he/him) is a co-founding member of the Legacy Stage Board of Directors and has proudly served since 2019. He is thrilled to return as producer for a second time with Legacy Stage, his first being A Christmas Carol at Laxson Auditorium last December. Will serves on the Legacy Stage Artistic Committee is the company’s Marketing Director and Graphic Designer. With nearly two decades of experience in the graphic design industry, Will has developed creative work for hundreds of clients, including television icon RuPaul, actor Jake Weber, musician Ricky Martin, Emmy Award-winner Chi Chi Rones, and Tony Award-winner Levi Kreis. Despite these high-profile collaborations, his favorite work remains with Legacy Stage. “Legacy Stage is everything to me,” he shares. “Our co-founders, directors, production team, cast—everyone brings their A-game. I’m incredibly proud, not only in what we produce, but in our cast and creative team, the collaborative vision, and the connections we’ve made on this wild journey.”
SEASON SPONSORS & CONTRIBUTORS
SPECIAL THANK YOU’S
Special thanks to Inspire School of Arts & Sciences, Dave Parks, City of Chico Park Rangers, James Erven and Dylan Bradford, City of Chico Parks staff, Jennifer Garlinghouse and Shane Romain, Chico State and Jeremy Votava, Mike Johnson, and to all of our incredible volunteers!
VOLUNTEERS
Amy Gordon, Aly Main, Ann Alexander, Angie Solecki, Annie Fischer, Betty Burns, Brooks M Herman, Brian Solecki, Cordell Smith, Enrique Martinez, Erin Johnson, Erin Taribini, Hillary Erwin, Izick Garcia-Hernandez, Jocelyn Ahern, Justin M Bryant, Katrina Duval, Kim Goosmann, Kyle Thomas, Lea McCleary, Lee Altier, Nalani Lemmerman, Natalie Valencia, Niko Evans, Olivia Cerullo, Phil Morgan, Phoebe Parks, Rachel Hughes, Rebecca Schneider, Roze Sabino, Samantha Shaner, Sarah Jacobs-Luttrell, Trish Briel, Trisha Morgan, Twany Vernau
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THOUGHT!
After tonight’s performance, we would love to hear what you thought of everything! All feedback will be reviewed by our production team and the Legacy Stage board of directors. Your quote might even make it on our social media feed!