As I told you in my last blog; casting this show has been a real… not sure I can come with a word – lol!
Thanks to Super Woman, Selma Greer, we have a GREAT CAST.
Let me introduce you to them…
SELMA GREER as Peggy Kettleman. Owner/Pres. of TRUTH MUSIC, in Las Vegas, Selma's overall ability of knowing how to get things done, and then getting them done, is equal to her outstanding acting talent. After hearing her cold-read Peggy Kettleman, I know I didn't need to look any further.
When she's not performing miracles with our show, Selma coaches singers/actors of all ages; and other represented artists. Her background runs the gamut from working in front and behind the camera at Warner Bros. Studios, in southern California, to being Musical Director for various productions at The Smith Center and Super Summer Theatre in Las Vegas.
RYAN GOURLEY as Don Kettleman is NOT a Vet. In fact, the Vietnam war was over before Ryan was born, HOWEVER... Ryan seems to have an innate understanding of Don Kettleman; and it came through in his read. As far as handling the vocal part of the play; Ryan has sung with Andrea Bocelli and Gladys Knight’s Unified Saints Choir.
He’s been the Musical Director/Cast member for many musicals, here in Las Vegas as well.
A Las Vegas resident, Ryan has a B.A. from Brigham Young University, and a Masters from Sierra Nevada University.
Dayna Womack as Marg Olivas... Only 23-years old. And yet, her read and voice blew our faces off! No hyperbole when I say this, you can literally see her age as she becomes Marg.
When I asked her how she was able to pull that off. She said she had two grandmothers that made Marg Olivas easy to relate to. When you see NOW I GET IT, you're going to have to keep reminding yourself that a 23-year old girl is playing the role of a woman on the backside of her 70's.
Dayna is also what’s affectionately known in military parlance as “A service Brat”. She is the daughter of a career Airforce, enlisted man, and that gives her an inside understanding of life in the military.
Earning a B.A. from BIOLA University in southern California, she has honed her craft, not only as an exceptional actor, but in all aspects of theatre/film production.
Greg Korin as Bobby Olivas.
Greg nailed Bobby Olivas from the moment he opened his mouth to read. And his cold read of what's known in the show as "SOLILOQUY " - the most intense monologue in the show -- sealed the deal in casting him.
Greg spent 4 ½ years as a cast member/tech director of Evil Dead The Musical on The Strip.
He is a puppeteer for The Las Vegas Family Puppet Company, AND... founder of the Shakespeare group Bard at the Bar. Then... is all the spare time he doesn't have, Greg is serving his third term on the Nevada SAG/AFTRA board.
SANDY TAYLOR-JONES as Terri Macklin.
Her personality, sass, and sense of timing make her PERFECT for the role.
A Las Vegas native, Sandi is the Owner/Musical Director for Las Vegas Young Entertainers.
As a soloist and choir member, Sandi , for many years, performed with the Grammy Award winning, SAINTS UNIFIED VOICES ; directed by Grammy Award Winner, Gladys Knight.
Originally NOW I GET IT's Musical Director, Sandi stepped away from being MD, because she wanted to focus on being Terri Macklin.
STEPHEN JOHNS as Brent Macklin.
Casting Stephen is an interesting story, and I'll go into it as we get closer to doing NOW I GET IT.
I will say this... when Stephen says he's in, HE'S ALL IN.
He's done it all... actor, singer, AND a Television news anchor for 20 years.
His experience in front of the camera and on stage come on strong in his portrayal of BRENT MACKLIN, in NOW I GET IT.
STU CHAIKIN as Bobby's dad, Brent's dad, Judge Stanton, to quote Stu, "Everybody male role that the other guys aren't playing."
Well known and equally respected in the Las Vegas theatre and film community, Stu's credits on/off stage, and in front of/behind he camera, would fill this page.
We are lucky to have Stu in the cast, AND… part of the production team.
JOE SPRAKER, Accompanist... VERY MUCH a cast member.
A GREAT pianist, Joe has played for major acts, such as;
Doc Severinsen, A Taste of Honey, GQ, and many more; including being musical director for Sheena Easton for many years.
Joe has lived in Las Vegas for decades and loves all the venues throughout the city.
His passions are music and his family.
We did our first read through last week. They came prepared... the chemistry was as such, that it was like they had all worked together before.
I'll be posting a video promo of the read through next week.
In the mean time, I have to say that if we're not careful, we're going to have a great show - lol!
Thanks for reading my blog!
Loren