Over the River and

Through the Woods

Cast Bios

 

Candy Beck (Aida Gianelli) 

 

Candy’s back for another show at WCT.  Favorite roles from past seasons include Ernestine Wintergreen from last season’s Any Number Can Die, Rose Arnott (Enchanted April), Agnes (Dancing at Lughnasa,) and Ruth (Pirates of Penzance.)  Other favorite roles include Sister Amnesia in Nuncrackers, Margaret DeVise in The Lady’s Not for Burning, the Wife in Philemon, Julia in the rock musical Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Sarah in Company.  Special thanks go to John Francis and the cast of Over the River and Through the Woods.  It’s been a wonderful experience!  Candy dedicates this performance to her parents, Carmen and Everett, and her angel grandmothers, Gladys and Nora.  You people....have made me what I am today!

 

Lewis Crouse (Nunzio Cristano)

 

Lewis Crouse has been associated with live theatre and live entertainment in Southern California for over 35 years.  He has appeared on stage and worked backstage on just about every type entertainment conceivable – large and small.  Lewis is a proud member of the acting company at The Chance Theater Repertory Company in Anaheim Hills.  Along with his sainted wife, Marty, they operate Showcase Benefit Productions, whose mission is to mount musical theatre and donate the money to non profit arts organizations.  This is the first time he has appeared on stage here at Whittier, but Lewis was on the backstage crew for WCT’s production of How to Succeed in Business… a few years ago.  This show represents a completed personal cycle of sorts.  In 1973, Lewis and Marty appeared together in West Side Story, also directed by John Francis.  Thanks to John for his unflagging support throughout the years and to family and friends for their love.  ‘nuff said.

 

Marty Crouse (Emma Cristano)

 

Marty Crouse was seen earlier this year on the La Habra Depot stage as Domina in A Funny Thing Happened on The Way To The Forum and is thrilled to once again play alongside her husband as husband and wife in this production. Some of her favorite past roles are Reverend Mother Regina in Nuncrackers, Meg in Damn Yankees, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Anita in West Side Story and many performed in other shows throughout Southern California.  When not working as a case manager for JAMS, inc. (a private mediation/arbitration firm), she helps her husband of 32 years, Lewis, with Showcase Benefit Productions, a non-profit corporation dedicated to mounting theatrical events for various charities.   Marty and Lewis have five 5 children and six grandchildren - where does the time go?  Thank you to family, friends and the wonderful cast and crew of this show.

 

Jason Lewis (Nick Cristano)

 

Jason is very excited about playing Nick in "Over the River" which marks his debut on the Whittier stage, and reunites him with director John Francis. Their last production together was "Boeing, Boeing" at the Sierra Madre Playhouse. Since then, Jason has appeared as 'Charlie' in Merrily We Roll Along, and is currently a part of the cast of the hit Hollywood show, All About Walken, running in reparatory at Theater 68. A proud member of Interact Theater Company, last year, Jason and fellow company members received an LA Weekly Award for Best Ensemble, for their production of Urinetown: The Musical at The Matrix theater. Jason is an established voice over artist, voicing numerous characters for animation and video games. Most recently, he voiced 'Ham' for the "Space Chimps" video game, based on the animated film, and lent his voice talents to record ADR for the soon to be released film "The Taking of Pelham 1:23".  Jason has also branched out into producing and writing, and is currently in development on several projects. He is also continuing to craft his stand-up comedy act, with hopes of returning to the stage later this year. In his spare time (!), Jason volunteers his time and talents to help create, produce and perform in video pieces for his church, Oasis Christian Center, in Hollywood. Jason would like to dedicate this show to his late grandparents, John and Velma, and Frank and Ellen. Your influence on my life will be with me forever, and I miss you all.

 

Edina Martinez (Caitlin O’Hare) 

 

Edina is excited to be returning to Whittier Community Theatre for her 4th production here.  Before this show, she performed in The Night of January 16th, The Sound of Music, and Hello, Dolly.  She is thrilled to be working with such a wonderful cast.  She is also excited to be directed by John who played her father in The Night of January 16th.  Thanks to all who have helped support my passion as an actress.

 

Frank Rich (Frank Gianelli) 

 

This is Frank’s favorite role to date, not too long ago he played Frank in Over the River and Through the Woods at the La Habra Depot and he is excited to back in the “rocking chair.”  Since then he was in You Can’t Take It With You at the Brea Curtis theatre and A Delicate Balance at Stages in Fullerton.  Frank has portrayed Dr. Frank Gibbs in the timeless classic Our Town and Virgil Blessing in Bus Stop.  He has also been seen in Heartbreak House, Twelfth Night, The Shadow Box, Arsenic and Old Lace, A Christmas Carol and Hobson’s Choice.  In musicals Frank’s favorite roles have been the Major General in Pirates, and Henry Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life.  Other musicals Frank has been seen in are The Sound of Music, The Wizard of OZ, Annie, Singing in the Rain, How to Succeed in Business, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, South Pacific, Peter Pan, Gypsy, and Anything Goes.  Frank would like to thank his wife of 36 years, Christine, for her love and continued support. Tengo famiglia!