Friendly Persuasion
Divorces are always tough – an emotional whirlwind – with many huge decisions to be made. If there are kids, what becomes of them? And how do you split up all your possessions? Because some possessions are a lot harder to divvy up than others–like the husband and wife who are the BFFs of the divorcing couple.
About the Playwright, Dan Borengasser
Dan Borengasser has had many of his plays produced or have received staged readings. A number of plays – including A.R@ Uni. Gov, The Kindness of Strangers, Goat Song Revel, The Canterbury Tales Revisited, and Sense & Insensibility – have been published. His plays have been produced in theatres across the country, from New York to Los Angeles, as well as in Canada, Mexico, India, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Several short screenplays have been produced as well as a feature length film he helped write, titled The Donor Conspiracy. A number of radio plays have been produced and broadcast nationally. www.danborengasser.com
Meet the Director and Cast
Beth Sheridan (Director) Is excited to be back directing for the third time at FreeFall Stage. She thanks her cast and everyone at the festival for their support. Beth has had the profound pleasure of performing and directing at numerous Sacramento area community theatres like Happy Hour, FreeFall, Sutter Street, and EMH Pros. You may have seen her as the gruff Scottish Col. McKean in FreeFall Stage’s all women production of 1776 this summer. You can find her on stage as Ruth Condemine in Blithe Spirit in November 7-23 at the Ooley Theatre. By day she can be found sharing her love of theatre with the younger generations through NorCal Arts www.norcalsota.org
Michelle Silveira (Cora Martin) is a 90’s sitcom actress known for her comedic roles in hit television shows such as Step by Step, Living Single, Steve Harvey Show, just to name a few. You can watch some of her reruns as they still frequently play on TV till today. Michelle is thrilled to join FreeFall Stage again, after recently playing Stephen Hopkins in 1776, The Musical (with an all women cast). Prior to, she played Mrs. Bradman in Blithe Spirit with Hummingbird Theater. Although Michelle is known for her on screen work, she loves performing in local theater, with a live audience. Michelle would like to thank FreeFall Stage for having her join in on the fun yet again, this time for the SacTown Play Festival.
Angel Riley (Jack Bonner) is ecstatic to be playing Frank in Starbuds and Jack in Friendly Persuasion! Previous favorite roles include Judge Turpin (Sweeney Todd), Bobby (A Chorus Line) and Plankton (SpongeBob the Musical). This production has been a lovely experience and he truly wishes you enjoy the show!
Stacey Nason (Liz Bonner) is happy to be performing in Friendly Persuasion, which is her first play with FreeFall Stage. She has been performing on stage in the Sacramento and surrounding areas for over 10 years. Stacey started performing in musicals, such as, Copacabana; Footloose; Mary Poppins; and Yes Virginia. Over the last year she has had the opportunity to direct a few plays and staged reading. Stacey is so glad that you are here and hopes you enjoy these wonderful shows!
Rick Grantham (Randal Hammond) grew up in Tucson AZ, and now lives and teaches high school in Roseville, CA. Rick has been pursuing his passion for drama in just the last few years appearing in local productions including: Theseus and Oberon (split cast) in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bo Decker in Bus Stop, Alan Raliegh in God of Carnage, and Maurice in Beauty and the Beast with Stage Right Productions in Rocklin (nominated for Broadway-Sacramento best supporting performer in a musical). His previous acting and singing experience was in local church productions including A Christmas Carol and The Screwtape Letters. He was last seen on the Placer Community Theater stage in Auburn playing Richard Hanay in The 39 Steps.
Cattaryna Tekin (Amber Hammond) is thrilled to be back for the SacTown Play Festival after a fun experience last year. She has worked with several community theatres, including Sutter Street Theatre, where she played Daria Chase in The Game’s Afoot and Essie in You Can’t Take It With You. At Chautauqua Playhouse, favorite roles included Brigid O’Shaughnessy in The Maltese Falcon, Carol Burnett in Hollywood Arms, and the Princess/Female Lead in The Princess and the Pea, Sleeping Beauty, and Robin Hood. Cattaryna studied under Ed Claudio at The Actor’s Workshop of Sacramento, performing as Miranda in The Tempest, Sonya in Uncle Vanya, and Regan in King Lear. She also directs and teaches theatre classes for TK–12th grade students through Norcal Arts. She also works at American Immersion Theatre, performing in shows and portraying Disney princesses at parties and events. She hopes you enjoy the show!