CoronaVOX: Stories from the Front Playbill

Cast and Writer Bios

Adam Johnson (POD B actor) is thrilled to be in another Phamaly production! Adam is graduate of UC Boulder. He studied voice with Jenna Bainbridge. Adam serves on the Boulder International Fringe Festival Board. Thank you to his family and Phamaly for the love and support. Thank you to God. Adam lives with Cerebral Palsy and is a disability rights advocate. ucp.org

Alyssa Youmans (POD C actor) is excited to participate in Phamaly for the first time. She has performed with Magic Moments for 9 years. She was born with an illness called Tuberous Sclerosis, it causes tumors on the major organs of your body. She also has seizures. She doesn't let it stop her though.
https://www.tsalliance.org

Amanda Rhodes (POD C writer/actor)​ is elated to be a part of CoronaVox and working with the Phamaly Theatre Company. Most recently seen in ​Boulder Film Festival​ (live as Jellylorum), ​Pan and Boone (Pan). At Denver Center Education: ​Savage in Limbo (April White) Lafayette Theater Company: Hair ​ (Soprano 1 Ensemble). She loves this community and is so excited to see the beauty that comes from these beautiful collaborations. She thanks everyone who has believed in her along the journey.

Andrew Small (POD C actor) is an actor from Denver, Colorado. Andrew studied acting and performance at CU Boulder where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A 2000). Acting since the age of 5; he has had the pleasure of performing with the Philadelphia Shakespeare Company and the Peterborough Players, in Peterborough, NH. By day, Andrew works with K-12 students as an Assistant - Speech Language Pathologist.

Apollo Blue (POD A writer/actor) is a student at Front Range Community College. He has been with Phamaly since 2018. He played Benvolio Romeo and Juliet and Tiny Tim in the Rewrite webseries. He is thrilled to be working with them again. He has been acting since he was a young child. He would like to thank his family and his best friend Lex. Apollo is a survivor of the rare childhood cancer, Ewings Sarcoma and an above knee amputee. https://www.stbaldricks.org/

Cristelle Keju (POD A actor) was born in the Marshall Islands and moved to Colorado in 2019. This is her second production with Phamaly. She played Lori in Rewrite: Bible Episode in 2020. She recently graduated from Noel Community Art School. She’d like to thank her aunt and uncle for providing her a home in Colorado. She is blind and hard-of-hearing.

Daniel Traylor (POD A writer/actor) is exceptionally joyous to have finally gotten up the nerve to join the ranks of writers that have graced the Vox stage. From favorite roles such as one of the Emcee's in Cabaret, John Merrick in The Elephant Man, and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, onto assistant directing Chicago and directing The Bad One in PTC's collaborative project Come To Your Senses, and now onto this! He would like to thank his mentor Patrick Elkins-Zeglarski, Regan Linton for her boundless creativity, the staff at PTC for providing a creative outlet during this outbreak, and Edith Weiss for the constructive criticism and challenging him to keep writing. Thank you for supporting theatre, and enjoy.

Donald Gabenski (POD B actor) is very happy to be performing again even if it is in the virtual world.  After surviving two surgeries, a near death experience and a brush with COVID, he really does appreciate the time that he has with family and friends. His performance is dedicated to all who have dealt with COVID and continue to live through this difficult time.

Donna Gunnison (POD A writer/actor) is happy to have had the privilege to be included in such a major undertaking. At first, she thought she was in over her head with this project. However, with the kind words and gentle manner of each individual, she was able to go for it. Many thanks go to the following individuals who helped me with this project. Edith Weiss, my sister Linda Gunnison, Sarah, Darion, Regan, Robert Michael, and my sister Terry for transporting to and from the Denver Open Media Center. Thank-you once again.

Gregg Vigil (POD B actor) is a Phamaly founder, joined the disability community in 1960, after contracting Poliomyelitis at age 2 1/2.  Over the next ten years, he would undergo three surgeries, including a spinal fusion for his scoliosis and years of physical and occupational therapy. In junior high school, Gregg discovered his passion for theatre after landing the role of the Artful Dodger in the school’s first staged musical Oliver!, the following years Gregg was a member of a Barber Shop Quartet in The Music Man, followed by Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, and in his senior year, Emile De Becque in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific.

James Sherman (POD C writer/actor) is excited to be back with Phamaly after four years. An Air Force veteran, James has been performing in live theatre for the past 25 years. If you’ve been a fan of Phamaly over the past few years, you may have seen James in previous Vox productions, Fuddy Meers, and various musicals. James would love to thank you for supporting live theatre. James lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth and burn pit related illnesses from his time in the military.
https://www.cmtausa.org/understanding-cmt/what-is-cmt/
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp

Jamie Rizzo (POD C actor) originally hails from Rochester New York. Jamie is excited to perform in his second production with Phamaly Theater Company! You might recognize him from his debut role as Gabriel in Rewrite webseries. Jamie has been a part of PTC since 2014, taking various classes after moving to Denver in 2013. He loves karaoke and hanging out with friends and family. He would like to thank God and everyone who supports him. He was born with Spina Bifida. https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/

Jerry Krim (POD C writer) is exhilarated to be writing for Phamaly’s CoronaVox after acting in Ellis Island, the 30th   Anniversary Concert, and Annie. Jerry has created stories for a long time, and is eager to share   them with Phamaly. He would like to express his endless gratitude to Jenna   Bainbridge (voice, acting), Daniel Traylor (acting), Jeremy Palmer (screenwriting), and Margaret Gutierrez (violin). Jerry has allergies, anxiety, ADHD and Central Auditory Processing Disorder; CHADD.org.

Jessica Goody (POD A writer) is the award-winning author of Defense Mechanisms (Phosphene Publishing) and Phoenix: Transformation Poems (CW Books). Her writing has appeared in various publications, and the many aspects of living with disabilities are frequently explored in her work. A fifth-generation New Yorker, she currently lives in Bluffton, South Carolina. Jessica made her Phamaly Theatre debut last year during their Play Salon Series, portraying Harper in Angels in America and Bianca in Othello. From 2014-2019 she was the publicist for the Sun City Community Theatre. Elsewhere, she has appeared in The Wizard of Oz, Les Belles Soeurs, and Inherit the Wind. Disability: Cerebral Palsy. https://ucp.org/

Jordan Kaplan (POD C writer/actor) has been with Phamaly for several years as an actor, writer backstage volunteer, and served as dramaturg for Chicago. She was also the dramaturg for the PACE Center's Newsies. Her most recent role with Phamaly was in the short play festival Come to Your Senses. She lives with Depression, Anxiety, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, and ADHD. Currently, Jordan is a student at Metropolitan State University, where she is studying theatre, history, and writing.

Joy Carletti (POD C writer) is excited to be joining Phamaly for her third show (and sixth Phamaly project!) Her passion is storytelling so outside of scripted theater, she produces WRITE CLUB Denver and focuses on narrative improv. Joy is the director and founder of Streaky Bacon Improv, which has still managed to perform online throughout the pandemic! She would like to thank her amazing husband Colin for his support. Joy has juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, epilepsy.com.

Kevin Pettit (POD B writer/actor) was born and raised in the mountains near Boulder. He studied and taught physics at Carleton College and studied theology at the Iliff School of Theology. He is a Disability Inclusion Associate for the United Church of Christ (www.uccdm.org) and runs the interfaith not-for-profit organization Faith4All. Kevin has sung and acted since childhood in school, at the Boulder’s Dinner Theater, and he has performed with Phamaly since 2005.

Lisa Marie Gough (POD A actor) is thrilled to be back with Phamaly after 2020. CoronaVox is her 6^th production with Phamaly. She has been in Annie, Vox Under Construction, Phamaly’s 30^th Anniversary Concert, Chicago, and Come To Your Senses. Lisa Marie is drawn to creative pursuits, nature, and random act of kindness. She is thankful for all of the support and acceptance of all involved in Phamaly Theatre Company. Lisa Marie lives with a traumatic brain injury/TBI and complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/ C-PTSD.

From Lucy Roucis: “Lucy Roucis (POD C writer/actor) is a 28-year veteran member of PTC. Her love of acting and writing has not been halted because of her worsening Parkinson’s disease, thanks to PTC. And love is what it is all about, right?"

Maggie Whittum (POD A writer/actor) is thrilled to return to the Phamaly stage after A Midsummer Night's Dream, Into the Woods, Chicago and the Come To Your Senses Play Festival! Maggie has directed and produced live theatre across festivals and venues in Asia, North America, and Scotland. She is creating 'The Great Now What', a documentary film on disability, loss and resilience. www.thegreatnowwhat.com Maggie is a stroke survivor with facial paralysis, visual impairments, and chronic pain.

Marcelina "Lina" Ramirez, she/her (POD B actor) is a Colorado Springs based actress, activist, published poet, survivor, ulcerative colitis plagued comedian, pie maker and dog mom. This is Marcelina's second production with Phamaly and she is thrilled to be bringing this story to life. Marcelina has worked with numerous companies such as Theatreworks, The Milibo, Aurora Fox, Evergreen Players, Inspire Creative, Su Teatro, and many more. Marcelina most recently lent her voice to the radio play "To Slay A Dragon" with the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center which can be found on spotify. Marcelina wants to dedicate this performance to everyone who was born and raised in Colorado who call themselves "Natives". She would like to remind them that as a member of the Mescalero/Pueblo Nation as well as being half ChicanX, she is a Native and they are locals and that it is in no way the same. Enjoy the show!

Maria Ciobanu (POD A writer) Maria is thrilled to be joining CoronaVox as a writer after taking part in shows such as James and the Giant Peach, Annie, and Ellis Island with Phamaly,. She is deeply grateful to her mentors Jenna Bainbridge (voice, acting), Margaret Gutierrez (violin), and Daniel Traylor   (acting). Maria is currently a first year student attending Bard College at Simon’s Rock. She has   ADHD and Central Auditory Processing Disorder; CHADD.org.

Maryann Migliorelli (POD B writer/actor) has been a proud member of Phamaly for more than 10 years. She’s taken part in DisLabeled, Fiddler on the Roof, Romeo and Juliet, and Disability Etiquette web series. In her non-theatre time, Maryann works as a non-employment insurance specialist. She enjoys advocating the rights for disabled people especially the blind. She would like to thank all of the interviewees who by living and sharing their stories have helped us create amazing art. Maryann is totally blind www.nfbco.org

Matty Umbriaco (POD B actor) is a from Denver and is thrilled to be back working with Phamaly. He has been seen on stage all across town in "The Odd Couple," "Come To Your Senses," and "Shut Up And Let Me Talk." But in these difficult times he can mostly be seen in his apartment trying to paint. He thanks his wonderful friends and family for their continued support, Phamaly for offering so many opportunities, and his cat.

 Melissa Ottke (POD A actor) is thrilled to be part of her second show with Phamaly. She previously performed in Phamaly's 2018 staged workshop of Romeo & Juliet. Melissa has been a dedicated Phamaly volunteer for the last 10 years. Melissa's day job involves managing medical leaves and assisting with return to work accommodations and restrictions under the Americans with Disabilities Act. She would like to thank her mother and fellow actor Linda Wirth, for her love, support, and encouragement in rejoining the stage life. Melissa lives with essential tremors, depression, body dysmorphic disorder, and migraines from a 2018 ischemic stroke.

Paul Migliorelli (POD B actor) has been with Phamaly since 2009, participating in various Phamaly Voxes and DisLabeled. From 1990 thru 1995, he was a part of interactive education theatre programs with Theatre in Motion and Very Special Arts New York. He’s blind since birth, onset hearing loss since age 10, and he’s a Bilateral Cochlear Implant recipient.

Sonshine Darkling (POD B actor) has a bachelor’s degree in vocal music performance from MSU. She has been performing since she was in 4th grade. She has performed musicals, operas and chorally with Littleton Town Hall Arts Center, Inspire Creative, Magic Moments Inc, Boulder Opera, St Thomas Episcopal Church, and several other theatre companies around Denver. She has also performed with Opera North and The Wyndham Theatre Company in New Hampshire. She is excited to make her debut working with Phamaly Theatre Company!

Sonya Rio-Glick (POD B writer) is a queer and disabled artist from Albany, NY. She holds a Bachelor’s in Arts Management from Purchase College, SUNY, where she choreographed and produced This Body’s Heart, a dance production depicting her experiences with Cerebral Palsy. Sonya has worked with Phamaly in a variety of capacities since interning in 2016, and is overjoyed to return with CoronaVox. See more of her work at www.sonyarioglick.com.

Tammy Kik (POD B writer/actor) is the 4th child of 6 kids. She was born in Michigan, where she lived for 30 years. She attended Western High School then attended Grand Rapids Junior College. She received her Associates Degree. She was involved in a catastrophic car accident while attending Grand Valley State University where she received a traumatic brain injury and massive stroke in 1994. She would like to thank and recognize her 2 supporting sisters.

Tracy Alverson (POD B writer) is a resident of Aurora, CO and is a Claims Consultant for Lockton. She is a long-time PTC devotee and first-time production writer. Tracy would like to express appreciation for the support and encouragement of family and friends. Special thanks to Edith Weiss and Alex Romberg for their guidance, organization and inspiration. It has been an honor to work with the amazing Phamaly troupe. Tracy is a below-the-knee amputee. Amputee-coalition.org

Trenton Schindele (POD A writer/actor) is thrilled to be creating once again with Phamaly. Trenton has been a performer in Colorado since he was very young. He’s been with Phamaly for nearly ten years and recently performed in Chicago as Fred Casely. He has performed with Boulder's BETC in Going to a Place Where You Already Are. Trenton thanks his friends and family for always supporting him through hard times and in his acting career. Trenton lives with Cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, sensory disorder, hearing impaired. Ucp.org

 Zachary Garcia (POD B actor) is from Denver, Colorado and is currently attending Metropolitan State University of Denver to study American Sign Language. Zachary has been a part of Phamaly for 2 years, performing in the 30th Anniversary Concert. Zachary auditioned for Phamaly twice before getting the amazing chance to be a part of the 30th Anniversary Concert. Zach loves to make beats on his laptop and spend time with his family and friends, for which he is very thankful for their love and support. Disability: Autism. https://www.autismspeaks.org/