THE CAST
Robert Atkinson is delighted though somewhat surprised to find himself once again on the WICA stage in what has turned out to be the most collegial and enjoyable production he has ever been a part of. He was last seen at WICA as Dr. John Watson in last season’s production of The American Problem, and is, apparently, beginning to establish a habit of portraying medical men whose profession is otherwise incidental to the theatrical storyline. Previous appearances include Charles Webb in Our Town (2014), Stine in City of Angels (2014), Harold Nichols in The Full Monty (2013), Jed Rowen in The Kentucky Cycle (2010), Prologue in Franklin & Figaro (2009), ensemble and prop master in Sweeney Todd (2008), and his WICA debut as Melersh Wilton in Enchanted April (2008). Off-stage, Robert pursues graduate studies in bioengineering at the University of Washington.
Jessica Baxter is a recent transplant from the Kansas City area, and is excited to be performing on the WICA stage in her first role since arriving in Washington! Jessica received a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Central Missouri and she is an alumni of the Stella Adler Art of Acting Studio in Los Angeles, CA. Her most recent roles include: Barbara in August: Osage County, Regina in Little Foxes and this August you will find her playing the role of Jocasta in Play Your Part Seattle’s outdoor production of Oedipus the King. She would like to thank her family for their support, Deana for giving her this incredible opportunity!
Ethan Berkley has been in human form for over a quarter of a century. Acting the part of thespian for half that time. Whidbey Island has harbored his theatrical career in it's entirety, including the role of Black Stache in WICA's December production of Peter and The Starcatcher. This past year, Ethan branching his Theater-based interests; from the front of house in Box Office at WICA, to backstage and in the booth as Stage manager for Next To Normal and Constellations. He is very grateful to be granted the opportunity to be supported in his passione teatrale. He is also very excited to be bringing a new human into fruition, coming this October!
Suzi Dixon is happy to toss her horses in the pasture, run down the road to perform in this fabulously creative hub, with loving and talented people for a community with vision and heart.
James Hinkley is making his fourth theatrical appearance on WICA’s stage in this production. Last year James was cast in the rôle of Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher. Earlier this season, he played “Uncle” Vanya in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. WICA audiences will most likely remember James from the WICA Box Office where he spent many happy years selling tickets.
Gail Liston appeared as Hannah in When We Were Young and Unafraid and Chris in Rumors. Other WICA roles include Jean in Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Sarah in The Norman Conquests, Kate in Sylvia, and Dotty in Noises Off. She directed WICA productions of The Mousetrap and A Christmas Story. With Outcast, she has appeared as Phyllis in Follies, Barbara in August: Osage County, and Jeannie in The Great American Trailer Park Musical. Other favorite roles: Roxie Hart in Chicago and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. Gail trained with Jose Quintero, Arthur Lessac, Tony-nominee Lara Teeter, and members of the Royal Shakespeare Company. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting and has taught theatre at Cal State Fullerton, Victor Valley College, and Skagit Valley College. Gail is honored to work again with her husband, Brian Plebanek, and this amazing company of talented friends.
Ty Molbak is an actor and director raised in New Orleans, LA and on Whidbey Island, WA. He is currently based in New York City. Acting credits include: The Sabbath Girl (upcoming at Penguin Rep), Richard II & Henry IV Pt. I (Shakespeare’s Globe), Constellations (Blue Collaborative), Ten Blocks on the Camino Real, Marie, Gloria, The Emperor of the Moon, and The Cider House Rules: Part Two (Rutgers Theater Company). Directing credits include: SCORCH (Blue Collaborative/OutCast Productions), Deserve (Music Video - Round Room Image), Something Yellow (Short Film - acquired by IndieFlix), Sam Shepard Memorial Project (supported by OutCast Productions), and Mary Poppins (Whidbey Children’s Theater). Before theater and film, Ty studied ballet for six years and has danced lead roles with New Orleans Ballet Theater, Whidbey Island Dance Theater, and South Bay Ballet (Torrance, CA). Ty attended Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television before earning his BFA in acting from Mason Gross School of the Arts - Rutgers University.
Brian Plebanek is 17-year WICA veteran. His most recent WICA appearances were as Ken in Rumors and Tom in Dr Fritz. Some favorite WICA roles: Father Flynn in Doubt: A Parable, Greg in Sylvia, Dwight in Deadman’s Cell Phone, Bill in On Golden Pond, Adult Ralph/Narrator in A Christmas Story, Wayne in Inspecting Carol, Clive in See How They Run, Orsino is Twelfth Night. Brian’s roles at OutCast Productions include: Steve in August: Osage County and Michael in Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me.
Brian’s favorite musical roles are Frank’N’Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, Ernst in Cabaret, Sky in Guys and Dolls at Whidbey Playhouse, Norbert in The Great American Trailer Park Musical, and Ben in Follies at OutCast.
Brian is a singer/guitarist in local band “Breaded Fish.” Brian is thrilled to perform again with his wife, Gail Liston, and this cast and crew of good friends.
RELATED PROGRAMMING
Prelude to a Kiss | Jun 07-22, 2019