Grand Opera House

Learn About the Cast

Rob Blok (Jack Stapleton) Rob is returning to the Grand stage after a brief hiatus. He has been involved in several Grand productions as well as the Galena Arts Theatre. His favorite role was as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof with another theater company. By day, Rob is IT Director for IIW Engineers.

Nancy Ginter (Assistant Director) This is Nancy¹s fourth time as assistant director and her 30+ production. She has been a part of the Grand for 12 years and serves on the Production Board as Props Chairperson. Nancy's favorite roles are the Baker in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the General in Guys and Dolls. In real life, Nancy is City Group Manager for Kelly Services and a freelance proofreader for Shepherd.

Joanne Goodman (Laura Lyons) The Hound . . . marks Joanne's first appearance in a non-musical production and one part she is very excited to play. Joanne's credits include her favorite role as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat, and Laurey in Oklahoma. Other roles include Glenda, the Good Witch of the North in The Wizard of Oz, and many more. In her very busy life, Joanne works as Sales Consultant / Business Development Manager at Anderson Weber, Inc. She adores her husband, Tom, of almost six years, her son, Ben, and Claire, Matt, Austin, and Seth, but can't wait to spend more time with them. In between work and family, Joanne's favorite pastime is singing with her friends in their a cappella group, Just Voices.

David McDermott (Sir Henry) David graduated from Loras College in 2001, after performing in the Loras Players productions of Mark: A Pop Opera and Clue. Mark has also been seen in Fly-By-Night's production, Shooting Simone. This is Mark's first performance at the Grand Opera House, and he hopes you all enjoy the show. He would like to thank Stacia and his family for their support.

Diva Emery (Perkins) Last year, Diva attended high school at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. Her major was Theatre Arts. While she was there, she was a company member in Carousel, and an understudy and stage manager for a one-person, one-act play called The Workout. She has been in various productions at the Starlighters Community Theater in Anamosa, Iowa, including Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, Geri Riordan in The Redwood Curtain, Tobias in Sweeney Todd, and Winnifred in Once Upon A Mattress.

Mary McDonald Gershon (Mrs. Barrymore) is delighted to return to the stage after a five-year hiatus. Mary has appeared in more than 40 plays at the Grand and with other theatre groups including the Wisconsin Shakespeare Festival, Platteville Community Theatre, Music Box and Players. She also had a speaking role in the movie Field of Dreams. Mary lives in Platteville, where she recently retired from teaching. She's now home-schooling her three Birman cats, who would prefer to break into show business.

Bill Hoerstman (Barrymore) This is Bill's second time being the butler in a mystery at the Grand. Last time he played Mauvins and didn't make it to Act II, as he was killed at the end of Act I. Will he make it all the way to the end of this play? Did the butler do it? Pay attention during the play and these questions and more will be answered. Bill has been onstage and behind the scenes in many productions at the Grand and hopes you all enjoy this mystery. Bill wishes to thank his family and friends for their support, and also thanks the many volunteers for helping out at the Grand this year. Without their help, we couldn't put on the fine shows we have! says Bill.

Michele McKinlay (Lady Agatha Mortimer) Having recently survived her first stint as director for the Dubuque Fine Arts Players, Michele McKinlay finds a new perspective onstage. "I was anxious to return to the stage with a director's eyes," she says. "I'm much more aware that the play is the character who matters the most." She also understands the importance of trusting the director and has implicit faith in Kevin Firnstahl's vision for Lady Agatha. Michele is a board member and performer for Fly-By-Night Productions, a CASA volunteer, and mother to three very understanding kids. Michele teaches writing and literature at the University of Dubuque.

Kevin Firnstahl (Director) Since coming to Dubuque over nine years ago, Kevin has been involved with 10 shows at the Grand. Beginning with The Mousetrap in 1995, Kevin went on to perform in Arsenic and Old Lace, You Can¹t Take It With You, It's Never Too Late, Lie, Cheat, and Genuflect, The Nerd, and Lend Me A Tenor. His work with Fly-By-Night Productions includes Picasso at the Lapin Agile, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, and Never The Sinner. Kevin also performs for the Die Laughing Mystery Players and recently directed for the Dubuque Fine Arts Players. At work, Kevin is the secretary in the City Manager's Office at City Hall.

Claudia Jensen (Kathy Stapleton) While Claudia has hosted and performed in several variety shows, done radio commercial voice-overs, and coached young actors, this is her first production at the Grand. She enjoys her primary role as stay-at-home Mom to daughter, Jacki, and son, Pierce. She also volunteers her time to several local organizations.

Patrick Sterenchuk (Sherlock Holmes) This is Patrick's first show with the Grand Opera House, and his second show after an eight year hiatus from the stage. He says he feels extremely grateful for the way he has been welcomed by everyone at the Grand and is excited to be working with everyone in this production. When he is not running around hunting for clues, he is slinging java and managing the coffee shop at Choices. He says he can't tell you which is more enjoyable.

Ron Richey (Watson) After a summer of running the light board for Oliver!, Ron is excited to be back on stage performing with some of his Grand old friends and making a few new ones. Ron says it has been fun to portray and interact with characters that delighted him so much in his youth. He hopes you all enjoy this performance. Thanks, as always, go out to God and his family for all their love, support, and encouragement.