Grant is back here again directing his tenth Patio show. It's strange to have Kat on the other side of the fourth wall for this one. But enjoyable. This is just one wonderful group of actors to work with - all talented, energetic and hardworking. My special thanks to Kate for her support of our theatrical endeavors and to Solstice for standing that lonely guard .

Alex Cua – Boyd Middleton

Alex had not acted on stage since college until, in 2004, he was giving a train tour at the Wild Animal Park (where he still works),  and a passenger (George Ye, from the Asian American Repertory Theatre) came up and asked him to audition for an upcoming play.  After his professional debut in And Then He Met A Woodcutter in July 2005 ended, Alex missed the camaraderie, the creativity, the development, the process, the whole phenomenon of theatre,  and so here he is again. He can think of worse addictions. 

 

Chris Hastings – Earl Hill

Chris has returned to Patio - in a speaking role this time. His last appearance on our stage was as the silent box banging muleteer in Man of La Mancha. Other Patio roles include Lucio in Measure for Measure, Peter Quilpe in The Cocktail Party, and part of the award winning ensemble of Wit. Chris' last theatrical venture was at 6th@Penn in the 5 minute play series.

 

Molly Lovell – Ginger Reed

Book Of Days is Molly's first production with Patio Playhouse, and she is thrilled to be welcomed aboard. A relative newcomer to San Diego, Molly attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York where she worked for several years in theater and television. Most recently, Molly appeared as Daisy in Scripps Ranch Theater's Return Engagements, which was honored with the Scripps Ranch Theater Award for best ensemble cast. Molly is also a member of Actor's Alliance.

Scott Strand – James Bates

Scott is pleased to be back at Patio Playhouse after only a twenty-three year break between shows! In the mean time, he has performed in numerous shows including the World Premiere of The Labors of Hercules at The Laguna Playhouse, as well as, West Side Story and Brigadoon at Fullerton Civic Light Opera. Scott has also appeared in several films such as TYSON for HBO and Last Man Standing for New Line Cinema. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cal State University Northridge and is a member of SAG and AFTRA. Scott wishes to thank his beautiful wife Diane and their two strapping young sons, Joshua and Jordan, for their love and support.

Gary Hunter – Len Hoch

Gary Hunter broke into theater at age nine when he was cast as "Second Tree" in an elementary school Christmas play. Though his performance was somewhat wooden, he quickly returned to the theater (at age 32) when he was featured as "Soldier # 472" in an outdoor production of Ben Hur. His right arm was clearly visible through most of the larger crowd scenes and was said to be "...very soldierly and convincing...". He is glad that the theater bug bit him, but hopes that the swelling goes down soon.

Kelli Harless - LouAnn Bates

Kelli debuted at Patio in 2001with The Subject Was Roses, followed by Kiss Me, Tony, The Cocktail Party, and Working. She directed Showdown!, a murder-mystery fundraiser for Patio and the Women's Club of Escondido, and co-directed Light up the Sky with Dick Gant. She also assistant-directed Still Life and Lie of the Mind at New Village Arts, where she studies acting when she’s not in a show or having a baby. Kelli’s theatre background includes a BA in theatre arts from the University of Nebraska (go Huskers!), several seasons of summer stock, and all of the “drama/comedy” that life brings. She is honored to be part of such a talented cast and crew, and sends many thanks to her family for their love and support.

 

Joyce Romero – Martha Hoch

Joyce says: “Been acting since the age of reason, but now it will be on stage with a lovely bunch of coconuts. Thanks Grant and Kat for the opportunity, and thanks to my kids for letting me be a kid also!”

John DeCarlo – Reverend Bobby Groves

John is pleased to be making his return to Patio Playhouse.  He was last seen here in Run For Your Wife as the slightly confused detective.  Other credits around the county include Ten Little Indians at Coronado Playhouse and Three Days of Rain at Onstage.  John Would like to thank all his family and friends for their support, and a quick shout out to his BFF.  Enjoy!

 

Kat Vaughan – Ruth Hoch

Kat has been off the stage for four years. Her last three theatrical outings were as co-director with Grant, including Wit and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever here at Patio. Also, she was busy completing her teacher credentialing program at CSUSM. Her classroom experience has shown her that she enjoys working with children of all ages - which explains why she fits in so well with this cast. She would like to thank them, and her tireless fiance, for making her transition back to the stage so smooth.

 

Jan Lenhert – Sharon Bates

After a 30-year "sabbatical," Jan is thrilled to be on stage again. Her love of community theater was rekindled when she played Velma in the PowPAC melodrama in Old Tyme Melodrama in September. Many thanks to a great cast for letting me perform with you!

Steve Rich – Sheriff Conroy Atkins

Steve has always loved theater - and his most recent role as Myron Hasler in the popular musical The Pajama Game. He was honored with an Aubrey for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Dr. Rosenthal in Nuts, Patio's Best Supporting Actor Award for playing Uncle Louie in Lost in Yonkers, and Patio’s Best Actor award for Grandpa in You Can't Take It with You. He's happy to be playing the Sheriff in "Book of Days" and to be working with Grant and Kat. Thanks for the opportunity!

Paul Halem – Walt Bates

Paul is a native of New York where he trained and acted professionally in the 60’s. He eventually made his way west and graduated as a Theatre Major from San Francisco State University. For the past 35 years he has been a business owner, husband, and father of two. Last year he moved to Escondido and has resumed his first passion "the theatre" He dedicates this performance to his wife, Sandi who has put up with him for 36 years.

November 11th - December 4th 2005