LaDonna Carpenter

Abby Brewster

LaDonna is in her 9th season at Dakota Stage. Over the last 10 years, she has appeared in nearly 20 productions throughout the Bismarck area. She is a 3 time Brady Award winner for Outstanding Actress in a Leading role for her performances in Next to Normal (Diana Goodman), Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike (Sonia), and A Doll’s House, Part 2 (Nora), and she also appears on the Dakota Stage Wall of Fame for her direction of The Odd Couple: The Female Version. LaDonna would like to thank her husband Mike for his endless support and Chad Litton for his gentle nudging to audition for this amazing show!

ErinJean Gannon-Litton

Martha Brewster

This is Erin Jean's third DSL show this season. She was an ensemble character in Sweeny Todd, and a caroler in A Christmas Carol. She has been a cast member in Merry Wives of Windsor and Loves Labours Lost with Capitol Shakespeare, and was Mrs. Darling in Peter/Wendy at BSC. She wants to thank her husband, Chad, for being so supportive and encouraging, and their sons for being her biggest cheerleaders.

Nicholas Schaff

Mortimer Brewster

Nic's a 25-year-old English and Religion–Philosophy Major (University of Jamestown, Class of 2021). He first tried out for a play in college and was hooked from the opening night of The Winter's Tale. He got the chance to perform more Shakespeare in Bismarck for Capitol Shakespeare over the past three summers. Arsenic and Old Lace is his first production with Dakota Stage, and four loving grandparents were the perfect inspiration for the bond between Mortimer and his Aunts. For the record, Nic remains quite confident the former are NOT secretly serial killers. Hopefully.

Parrell Grossman

Teddy Brewster

Parrell is delighted to be part of this play with what he considers are other more-talented actors. He has been away from Dakota Stage for a while. Years ago, he was in several plays, including “The Dining Room,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Crimes of the Heart,” “A Christmas Story,” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” While he believes the return after this absence is challenging, he is grateful to the Director, Jonn Clemo, for this opportunity and thankful to a very patient and gracious cast. After 30 years as an Assistant Attorney General, and the Director of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection & Antitrust Division, a position that was an incredible privilege, Parrell recently retired. He noted that, fortunately, this full-time position in this play came along…Parrell also served on the Bismarck School Board for six years, including a term as President, and also served on the Bismarck City Commission for eight years, including as Vice-President, while holding the Finance and Public Safety portfolios. He currently serves as a member of the North Dakota Uniform Law Commission and a member of the National Conference of Uniform Law Commissioners. Parrell was a past president of the Big Muddy Bar Association, the professional organization for local attorneys. Parrell also was a member and past president of the Dakota Stage Board of Directors. His spouse, Sheri, is the CEO of the Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau. They have three adult children, all lawyers, and two are married to lawyers. They have two terrific grandchildren, ages four and two, who fill them with endless joy! Parrell thanks his wife, Sheri, for her support in this play, and everything he does! Finally, Parrell thanks Director, John Clemo, Stage Manager Tim Kuntz, and all of his castmates for their talents and hard work, as well as their guidance and support.

Shubhra Murarka

Elaine Harper

Shubhra Murarka is new to the Bismarck area and is excited to act in her first Dakota Stage production. She has had previous roles acting in University of Chicago's University Theater Troupe in New Work Week, The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds (Tillie), and Hamlet (Ophelia). She's also done props work for Midsummers Night Dream and Avalu. Shubhra has a B.A. from the University of Chicago and an M.Phil. from the University of Oxford. In her day job, she is a researcher focused on education and health equity. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Charles Ward

Jonathan Brewster

Hello everyone! This is Charles's second time performing this show with Dakota Stage. Thats right! 17 years ago he was in Arsenic and Old Lace as a different character. He has been in a few shows since then with Bismarck State College and Tru North theatre but always enjoys coming back to Dakota Stage. He owes a lot to his friends who have supported him through all of this and his grandmother who is still as awesome as ever. Thanks for reading and as always enjoy the show!

Wesley Grove

Dr. Einstein

Arsenic and Old Lace is the second DSL production Wes has acted in. He previously performed in Sweeney Todd. Wes lives in Bismarck, and works as an Implementation Consultant at FAST Enterprises. When he isn't engaged in the theater community he likes going to local events and exploring the BisMan area.

TJ Doll

Officer Brophy

From high school to BSC to Dakota Stage, center stage to backstage to control room, TJ has enjoyed multiple stage/technical roles. He is awed by the artistry and logistics of theatre.

Performance is a singular release and the ultimate endeavor of expression. TJ was fortunate enough to learn the finer points of acting from Dan Rogers and stage wizardry from Dean Bellin at BSC. Special thanks to my family for their support and encouragement.

Thanks to all of you who have come to support local theatre! Enjoy the show!

Nelson Abrego

Officer Klein

Nelson Abrego makes his exciting return to Dakota Stage after taking a two year break since his last role in The Last Five years. This marks his fourth show with DSL now and he couldn’t be more excited about it. Nelson would like to give a big thank you to his lovely wife Sierra Yantzer for all she does to support him. He would also like to thank his best friend Drew Pengilly for always being someone to work ideas off of and his family for their love and support as well.

Christopher Cook-Antoine

Officer O’Hara

This is Christopher’s first Dakota Stage play but he has previously had two years of high school drama. He is 17 years old and a student at Mandan High School. He would like to thank his mom for signing him up for this play and hopes everyone enjoys the show.

Robert Day

Lt. Rooney

Robert Day is a BSC Alum. He has been in and out of the theatre department the past 9-10 years. Both acting on stage and behind the scenes work. Some of his previous roles include Peter Vaan Daan in Diary of Anne Frank. CB in Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead. Ellard Simms in The Foreigner. Karen in SpongeBob Musical.

Robert works as a CNA at Good Samaritan Society and would love to thank his friends for always inspiring him and just being freaking awesome! He would love to make a special shout-out to his girlfriend Tabitha whom he loves dearly every single day!

Chad Litton

Rev. Harper, Mr. Gibbs, Mr. Witherspoon

This is Chad’s thirty-second show in fifteen years and his tenth show with Dakota Stage. Most recently he’s done a couple of turns as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. He has been nominated for several Brady Awards for his work on the stage at DSL winning multiple acting awards. He has also performed in shows for both the University of Mary and Capitol Shakespeare. He has directed shows for both Dakota Stage and Capitol Shakespeare. He appreciates the support of his family and friends during this production. It is also wonderful for him to be able to share the stage with his wife, even if she is not very nice to him in the show.