The Charles Stewart Howard Playhouse
Welcome!
Join us for a talkback with the author immediately after the show on Opening Night!
Written by Robert Weibezahl
Directed by Tamarah Ashton
Artistic Production by Marshelle Giggles-Mills
Produced by Suzanne Ryan
Stage Managed by Jennifer Garcia
Set Design and Construction by John Coombs
Graphic Design by Rebecca Ashton
Which Way the Wind Blows explores enduring themes of friendship, memory, and what we do or do not owe the past. Marty O’Neill is a good cop who, after some thirty years on the force, is content in his job and his marriage. But O’Neill’s complacency is tested when an unexpected witness appears in a case and the veteran captain suddenly is faced with a decision that challenges everything he has always believed, triggering a crisis of conscience.
Which Way the Wind Blows was first presented as a staged reading at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts. It was also selected for a Theatre Palisades short play festival and was presented there as a staged reading.
We are happy to present the first fully staged version (the World Premiere!) of
Which Way the Wind Blows.
WHICH WAY THE WIND BLOWS is performed here with the author's permission.
Cast of Characters
(In Order of Appearance)
Marty O'Neill ~ Richard Van Slyke
Talia Whetstone ~ Lara Blanco
Gerald Freeman ~ Aris Kakkis
Carol O'Neill ~ Georgan George
Paul Travis/Peter Freeman (Age 11) ~ Alexander Velasquez
Marty O'Neill (Age 11) ~ Oleksandr Chepikov
Paul Travis (Age 18) ~ Carlos Gomez, Jr.
Peggy O'Neill ~ Lynette Smith
There will be a 15 Minute Intermission
Meet the Cast
Richard Van Slyke (Marty O'Neill)
Richard has been performing on stage for over 40 years. Since moving to LA 22 years ago, he has been in over 3 dozen shows from San Diego to Santa Clarita and from Camarillo to Claremont. For more information check out his website: www.richardvanslyke.com
Aris Kakkis (Gerald Freeman)
This is Aris' 8th Production at the CSHPlayhouse having last performed here as Benny in last year's Hands On A Hardbody. He is thrilled to be a part of this wonderfully written new play that delves deep into themes of friendship, social responsibility, ethics and humanity. A special thank you to our mega-talented director Tamarah Ashton and to the CSHPlayhouse family for this creating this artistic home away from home for him. He sends so much love and gratitude to his wonderful cast and crew for the sharing their amazing talents with him! Break legs everyone!
Alexander Velasquez
(Paul Travis/Peter Freeman (Age 11))
My name is Alexander Velasquez, I’m 9 years old and this is my first production with the CSH Playhouse. I’m very excited to be part of this play and to share the stage with such a wonderful cast. I have also played King Oberon from A Mid Spring’s Day Dream at my school. I’m thankful for the opportunity to explore the world of acting and I look forward to continuing my growth.
Carlos Gomez Jr. (Paul Travis, 18)
Carlos has been in a few shows at the CSHP including Hands On A Hardbody, The Theory of Relativity, and Almost, Maine. He is insanely stoked to be playing college aged Paul as he truly admires many of the things Paul believes in. He would like to thank his cast and crew for such fun moments shared and a special thanks to his director Tamarah. Interested in seeing some of Carlos’ direction? Come watch Little Shop of Horrors in May as he helps Marshelle make her vision come to life as Assistant Director.
Lara Blanco (Talia Whetstone)
This is Lara’s second show at the CSHP. She was seen last spring in Hands On A Hardbody as Cindy Barnes. Lara has also performed with LOFT Ensemble, LAMC Theatre (Mission College) and LAVC Theatre (Valley College). She was previously a coach & choreographer for Granada Hills High School Dance Team and California Conservatory of Performing Arts. Lara is also a cook and graduated from LAMC Culinary Arts. Besides theatre, she has been an actress for music videos & short films. Lara wants to dedicate her performance to her dear friend, Dan Parker. “I love you Dan. “
Georgan George (Carol O'Neill)
Represented by The Happen Agency, Georgan is excited to be returning to the CSHPlayhouse where she played Virginia in Hands On A Hardbody. Other recent roles include Popova in Chekhov's The Bear (New WVP), Lucrezia in Masq-A Haunting (Downtown Rep) and The Countess of Roussillion in All's Well That Ends Well (SCShakesfest). She is represented by Sweetheart Elite Models and Talent.
Oleksandr Chepikov
(Marty O'Neill (Age 11))
Hi my name is Sasha and I'm 12 years old. I have been in the film industry and theatre for only one year and during this time I have acted in more than 45 projects. I really like what I do because I have the opportunity to play other roles. This is my IMDb page: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm16086544/credits
Lynette Smith (Peggy O'Neill)
Lynette is excited to return to the CSHP as an alumni. She is a former teacher who performed as Karen in Things My Mother Taught Me as well as in the musicals Working and Urinetown. Lynette has also has directed shows for CHSKids. She is pursuing commercial acting and is represented by The Park Agency.
Production and Creative Team
Tamarah Ashton (Director)
Tamarah has been a director, vocal director, and costumer for countless shows, and obviously, the theatre is her favorite place to be. She has worked all over the greater Los Angeles area as well as San Diego, and looks forward to where the tides may take her next. CSHP audiences may recall seeing her in some of her more memorable roles: Mama Euralie (Once on this Island), Janis (Hands on a Hardbody), and Dr. Vivian Bearing (Wit). She is honored to direct this show having been in on its development from the beginning. The idiom "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" has never been more poignant than in today's world. You are encouraged to continue thinking past tonight's performance about how we can all urge empathy and understanding toward others in our daily lives. In the end, we are the only ones who really can make it a better place.
Suzanne Ryan (Producer, CSHP Board Member)
Suzanne is a founding member of the CSHPlayhouse. She grew up performing on stage and got distracted for a bit by the responsibilities of raising a family before returning to performing while living on Cape Cod. After moving to LA and looking for a local community theater, she decided to try creating one. The CSHP is the result of that decision, now entering our 13th year. She is thankful for the WHCC for giving us a space and a community of support and friendship. And she is thankful for her fellow board members, Larry and Marshelle, who are creative geniuses. Hope you enjoy the show tonight!
Marshelle Giggles-Mills (Artistic Producer, CSHP Board Member)
Marshelle is thankful for another opportunity to create on the Charles Stewart Howard Playhouse stage. She is a founding member and the Artistic Director of the CSHP. Recent projects in the director's seat include Fun Home, A Piece of My Heart and The Theory of Relativity. Marshelle is best known for her love of ladybugs, fuzzy socks, her allergies and her fear of squirrels and Craigslist (shoutout to her 6th favorite Collica). Love and gratitude to Doug and her kiddos--Ruby, Bubba, and AJ--for their unyielding support. For more random thoughts and carefully organized chaos, you can stop by her Instagram @meshagiggles.
Jennifer Kay Garcia (Stage Manager)
Jennifer is no stranger to the stage (come see them in Newsies down in Manhattan Beach next month!), but this is their first time as a stage manager! This is also their first time working with the CSHP. When not performing, Jennifer spends their day working with kids and sits on the statewide board for CTA Aspiring Educators. They'd like to thank the fabulous and incredible director, Tamarah Ashton, for the opportunity and for everyone at the CSHP for being so welcoming!
Thank you!
Tamarah Ashton and John Coombs
~
Emily Sue Rule
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Aris Kakkis
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Woodland Hills Community Church Leadership Team
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Erika Hawkins
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Much appreciation to our cast members families for their love and support.
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H. W. ‘Pat’ Ryan, Technical Director (Emeritus)
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Thanks always to the CSHP Board of Directors (Suzanne Ryan, Larry Collica, and Marshelle Giggles-Mills).
The Charles Stewart Howard Playhouse (CSHP)
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