Ragtime

Dear Patrons,

Ragtime is based on E. L. Doctorow’s acclaimed historical fiction novel, which won the first National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction in 1975. Weaving together historical characters (educator Booker T. Washington, escape artist Harry Houdini, model Evelyn Nesbit, anarchist Emma Goldman, architect Stanford White, financier J.P. Morgan, industrialist Henry Ford, and more) with a cast of characters entirely of his own invention, the story portrays a rapidly changing nation at the beginning of the 20th century, where the promises for the future compete with the realities of the present.

Throughout the years, I’ve revisited Ragtime over and over, seeing productions on Broadway, in Connecticut, Virginia, D.C., Pennsylvania, and anywhere else I could. And as the years have passed, I’ve continued to find more relevance to this story. Of course, the lush score continues to enchant, and the beauty of the writing never fails to touch my heart; but the story itself—of the vastly different American dreams that are available to each of us depending on our circumstances—has become a more important part of the experience every time I’ve seen it. Have I changed in how I’m receiving the show, or am I seeing it differently because the world I live in continues to change? Perhaps it is a little of both.

Programming Ragtime this season, as we mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is an invitation to you, our audience, to sit with the questions Doctorow was asking 50 years ago about a country still deciding what it wants to be. And my wish is that the conversation doesn’t end when the lights come up; I hope it continues on your drive home and at your dinner table.

Next up is one of the most-requested titles by Village Theatre audience members: the international phenomenon, Come From Away. Set in Newfoundland, Canada, this exquisite story of how unexpected community formed in the aftermath of one of the greatest tragedies of our time will restore your faith in humanity itself. It’s a joyous, life-affirming, and powerfully uplifting musical. Learn even more about this show’s incredible Seattle ties on page 14. I can’t wait to share our new production of it, directed by internationally acclaimed theater and opera director Timothy Douglas.

I’ll see you in the lobby,

Adam Immerwahr
Artistic Director

Dear Patrons,

When people think about supporting local theater, buying a ticket is typically the first thing that comes to mind. And that support is incredibly important. Every ticket purchased, every subscription renewed, and every new patron who walks through our doors helps make live theatre possible.

But ticket revenue alone has never been enough to sustain professional regional theater. Donors bridge the gap between ticket sales and the cost of creating live theater.

Like most non-profit arts organizations across the country, Village Theatre continues to navigate the financial impact of the pandemic. We have focused our limited resources on what matters most: creating exceptional artistic experiences on our stages and reaching new audiences. As a result, our subscriber family is growing, single ticket sales are increasing, and more people are discovering or returning to Village Theatre every season. This momentum is encouraging, and not enough to offset today’s financial pressures.

That is where philanthropy plays an essential role for a non-profit theatre like Village. An increase in the generosity of individuals, companies, and foundations will allow us to further invest in artistic excellence, deepen our engagement with the communities we serve, and accelerate our path toward long-term financial sustainability.

If you are already a donor, thank you. Your generosity and belief in Village Theatre makes our work possible, and I hope you will consider deepening your support to shape Village Theatre’s next chapter.

If you have never made a gift, join the more than 2,000 donors that supported Village Theatre last year. Your tax-deductible contribution, at any level, helps ensure that Village Theatre remains a vibrant place for artistic excellence, education, and community impact for generations to come. Gifts can be made online, in person, or by mail, and contributions may also be made through stock, payroll deduction, a donor advised fund, or an IRA.

In this digital age, live theater matters more than ever. It gives us opportunities to gather as a community, delight in shared experiences, encounter new ideas and old stories, and spark conversations that continue long after the curtain falls. It entertains us, challenges us, inspires us, and reminds us of our shared humanity. That’s why supporting the arts is one of the most meaningful investments a person can make.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Warmly,

Derek Watanabe
Managing Director
Village Theatre

BRANDI BIRDSONG, (Harlem Activist and Others) is a performing artist and educator. Select credits include Nettie in The Color Purple and Ronette in Little Shop of Horrors (Village Theatre), Adriana in The Comedy of Errors (Seattle Shakespeare), Les Troyens with Seattle Opera, and NPR Music Live Sessions with Classical King FM.
@brandi.birdsong

ZACHARY “DUKE” BRUCE III, (Coalhouse Walker III) is ecstatic to be making his Village Theatre debut after recently appearing in his first production, Peter Pan, through the Acts on Stage Teen Summer Musical. Duke enjoys music, art, reading, chess, and WWE wrestling. He also loves creating fun videos and sharing adventures on his Instagram page, @fun.with.duke. Duke would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers for cheering him on every step of the way.

KOOPER CAMPBELL, he/him (Younger Brother) is thrilled to be a part of this show! Previously at Village: Josh/Ensemble in 9 to 5: The Musical and Joe Pesci in Jersey Boys. Select roles: Blade and u/s Bones in Freak the Mighty (Cleveland Playhouse), Jack Dawson in Titanish (Seattle Public Theater), and Soldier in Spirit Parlour (Cafe Nordo/Nebula). Endless love to Juliette and their two kitties: Snufkin and Toodles! koopercampbell.com

JADEN DOMINIQUE, she/her (Sarah) is from Valencia, California. Credits include Off-Broadway’s The Big Gay Jamboree, national tours include Shucked, Jesus Christ Superstar (50th Anniversary) and Emojiland, and regional productions of Little Shop of Horrors, 9 to 5: The Musical, The Secret Garden, The Color Purple, and Ragtime. She thanks God, her family, her agent Michael Rodriguez, Link, and the Ragtime team for their support and love throughout. For more on Jaden’s journey, follow on Instagram and Facebook @Jaden.Dominique

ARI HUNTER, (Coalhouse Walker III) is thrilled to make her big stage debut in this production! Ari has performed as Moana and Simba in Hope Theatre Group’s summer camps, and as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka at her school. When she’s not on stage, Ari enjoys swimming, drawing, Minecraft, and making memories with her family. She thanks her family for their love and support!

MARK IVY, he/him (J.P. Morgan and Others). Houston native Mark Ivy makes his Village Theatre debut after performing with many of Houston’s premier theatre companies, including Theatre Under the Stars and Alley Theatre, as well as Southern California’s La Mirada Theatre. Favorite credits include Olaf in Disney’s Frozen, Barfée in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Horton in Seussical the Musical, Seymour/Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, and Dennis in All Shook Up. BFA in musical theater from Sam Houston State University. Always for Jacob and family. @themarkivy

ERIC POLANI JENSEN, (Grandfather and Others, Fight Captain) has been part of the Pacific Northwest theater scene for over 30 years. Recent credits at Village Theatre include: Andrew MacLaren in Brigadoon, Waxman/Steve in Jersey Boys, Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors and Maraczek in She Loves Me. He has performed at The 5th Avenue Theatre, ACT Theatre, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Taproot Theatre and Harlequin Productions amongst others. Thank you for supporting live theater.

ZHANEA JUNE, she/her (Sarah’s Friend and Others, u/s Sarah) is thrilled to return to Village after 2024-2025 season’s run of The Color Purple as u/s Celie and most recently a Swing in Jesus Christ Superstar (The 5th Avenue Theatre). June studied musical theater at Howard University and vocal performance at Musicians Institute and is now a local vocal coach. She thanks her wife and daughter for their love and support in making her dreams a reality.

SLOANE LEWIS, (Little Girl) is thrilled and honored to make her Village Theatre Mainstage debut as Little Girl in Ragtime. Recent credits include Chloe/Young Alice in Wonderland and Little Red in Into the Woods (Ballyhoo Theatre); Mr. Feldzig in The Drowsy Chaperone JR. (Seattle’s Performers), and Tessie in Annie (Ballyhoo Theatre and Seattle’s Performers). She enjoys reading, singing, knitting, and spending time with friends. She’s incredibly thankful to her family, friends, and teachers for their support.

DONOVAN MAHANNAH, he/him (Harlem Trumpet Player and Others) is a Seattle-based actor known for his dynamic performances across the Pacific Northwest. He has graced the stages of Village Theatre, The 5th Avenue Theatre, ACT Theatre, Seattle Shakespeare Company, ArtsWest, Taproot Theatre, and more! Notable roles include Junior Davis in Choir Boy (ACT Theatre/The 5th Avenue Theatre), Johnny in Covenant (ArtsWest), and Boyet in Love’s Labour’s Lost (Seattle Shakespeare Company). Donovan is grateful for the unwavering support from all who have championed his artistic journey.

NICK MCCARTHY, (Harry Houdini and Others, u/s Tateh) is thrilled to be back at Village Theatre after recently being seen rocking and rolling in Grease last spring! You may have also seen him in various productions at The 5th Avenue Theatre, such as Elf the Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, Waitress, and Disney’s Mary Poppins. Additional credits include: Frederic in Pirates of Penzance, George in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Danny in Schwartz’ The Magic Show (The Magic Castle). Love to Em, M&D, and family. @NickCMcCarthy 

WILL PENGELLY, he/him (Little Boy) has performed with Seattle’s Performers for the past three years, appearing in Willy Wonka, 13: The Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, Disney’s Frozen, and Beetlejuice, including several leading roles. Outside of the theater, Will enjoys playing baseball, mastering wheelies on his electric motorcycle, and playing video games. He thanks his family, friends, and directors for their support.

MATTHEW POSNER, (Father). Last seen as Nick Massi in Jersey Boys, this is Matthew’s 12th show with Village. Performances include Into the Woods, Matilda The Musical, Billy Elliot, Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot, and She Loves Me. Matthew is the “Singing Tour Guide” with Show Me Seattle, a successful voice-over artist, and puppeteer! Currently building a full musical production of Scrooge all with puppets, this December at Renton Civic Theatre. Love to his family and Alyssa. @handtomouthcreative

JED RESNICK, he/him (Tateh). Broadway: Avenue Q. National Tours: MJ, Company, Rent. Off-Broadway: The Wanderers (Roundabout Theatre), Pulitzer Prize-winning Fairview (Soho Rep, Theatre for a New Audience), Avenue Q (New World Stages). Regional: Berkeley Rep, City Theatre Company, Actors Theatre Louisville, Weston Playhouse, Peterborough Players. TV/Film: “Dear Edward” (Apple TV+), She’s Marrying Steve. BA in theater from Brown University. For Bobbi and Zayde. @jedres

YUSEF D SEEVERS, he/they (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.) is a queer Detroit native and very thrilled to be supporting this production and its life. He holds an MFA in acting from Southern Methodist. Select credits: TopDog/UnderDog (ArtsWest), Blues for an Alabama Sky (Seattle Rep), Something’s Afoot and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (The 5th Avenue Theater), and Black Nativity (Intiman Theatre). Thank you, Mom and Dad, for always making sure I found joy. @Blackbassclef, Yusefseevers.com.

SAWYER SETTLES, she/her (Little Girl) is over the moon to make her Village Theatre debut in Ragtime! She has been singing for as long as she has been talking and is so grateful to be part of this timeless production. A big thank you to Mom, Dad, Char, her PNWPA coaches and teammates, and all her family and friends for always singing along. Dreams really do come true! @sawyersettles_

OWEN SHAFLIK, (Little Boy) is thrilled to make his Village Theatre Mainstage debut as Little Boy in Ragtime. Some of his previous credits include Jack Scott in High School Musical JR. in Concert (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE), Ralphie in A Christmas Story: The Musical (RBCC Players), and Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka JR. (Seattle’s Performers). Owen loves every chance to be on stage and is grateful every time he is trusted with a new role.

JASMINE JEAN SIM, she/her (Emma Goldman and Others). Last seen here as Rizzo in Grease! Jasmine is a founding Core Company at Union Arts Center (formerly ACT Theatre) and has worked with many of Seattle’s theaters and burlesque houses. She was nominated for two Gregory Awards in 2019 (one for Village Theatre’s The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes) and again in 2025, all of which she lost gracefully. Love always to Mom & Dad, Pete & Willa & Paloma & Diego, Andie, and hot server Ben.

CHARLES L. SIMMONS, (Harlem Barber and Others, Dance Captain, u/s Booker T. Washington) is a performing artist from Tacoma, WA, and is honored to return to Village’s stage. Previous credits include 9 to 5: The Musical, The Color Purple, Legally Blonde: The Musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Village Theatre), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Wiz, and Jesus Christ Superstar (The 5th Avenue Theatre). IG: @Frogman0606

BRIANNA SIMS, (Coalhouse Walker III) is thrilled to perform in Ragtime for her first show with Village Theatre. Previous roles include Flying Monkey and Toq in Oz! (Redmond Academy of Theatre Arts), and her on-screen debut in Seattle’s 48-Hour Film Project short film, Pretty Horses. Brianna enjoys time with family and friends, playing sports, acting, and singing. @the_official_briannas

ARLANDO SMITH, (Booker T. Washington and Others) is so happy to return to Village Theatre with this American classic! Previously at Village, he appeared in The Book Club Play. Elsewhere locally, he has worked at ACT Theatre, Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle Opera, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Rep, Seattle Shakespeare Company, Spectrum Dance and Taproot Theatre. Further afield, he has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, the Kennedy Center, the Los Angeles Theatre Center, and The Public Theater. arlandosmith.com

MIKE SPEE, (Henry Ford and Others, u/s Father). What a joy to be back at Village! Mike’s previous shows here include Disney’s Newsies, My Fair Lady, and Fiddler on the Roof. Other favorite credits around town: The Boy Who Kissed the Sky, James and The Giant Peach, and Goodnight Moon (Seattle Children’s Theatre), Spring Awakening (Balagan Theatre), Bright Star and Godspell (Taproot Theatre). When not at the theatre, Mike can often be found playing with LEGO or gardening. Love to Hunter and Sara!!

ALLISON STANDLEY, (Mother). Village Theatre: Amalia Balash in She Loves Me, Cinderella in Into the Woods, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Cabaret, Les Misérables. Others: The 5th Avenue Theatre, Strawberry Theatre Workshop, Taproot Theatre. Gregory Award recipient for The Wild Party (Sound Theatre Company). Allison runs an independent voice studio and has played mother in real life for three years - her favorite role to date. This one is for the abundance of strong women in Allison’s life - particularly Karia.

CHANDLER T. THOMAS, he/him (Harlem Lawyer and Others, u/s Coalhouse Walker, Jr.) is honored to be returning to Village Theatre’s stage. Previous Village mainstage credits include: Pa in The Color Purple, Agwe in Once on This Island, a Drifter in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ensemble and u/s CC in Dreamgirls, and Ensemble and u/s Seaweed in Hairspray. Other local credits: Ain’t Misbehavin (Taproot Theatre), The Fantasticks (Dukesbay Productions), Annie and Mamma Mia! (The 5th Avenue Theatre) and more. @chandler_t_thomas

MIRANDA ANTOINETTE WESTMAN, she/her (Evelyn Nesbit and Others) is thrilled to return to Village Theatre after last appearing as Luisa in The Fantasticks. Other credits include u/s Betty Haynes in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Rapunzel in Into the Woods (The 5th Avenue Theatre), Madam Maybell in Hitchcock Hotel (Can-Can Culinary Cabaret), and Louise LeBreton in The Hello Girls (Taproot Theatre). She co-wrote and is developing the new musical The Price of Salt with her wife, Em Westman. @thepriceofsaltmusical.
@mirandasforbiddensongbook.

CAMERON WIDMARK, (Willie Conklin and Others) is delighted to be a part of Ragtime and working again with Village Theatre. Cameron's debut with Village was Jersey Boys, and they have also been a part of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (The 5th Avenue Theatre), Sunset Boulevard (Showtunes Theatre Company), and Dracula (Renton Civic Theatre). Cameron is also an author, teacher, D&D nerd, and part-time axe throwing viking. If you wish to see more of them, you can find them on Instagram @Coat_of_Roses.

ANIA BRIGGS, she/her (u/s Sarah's Friend, u/s Harlem Activist and Others) is thrilled to be back at Village! Ania is a Seattle-based actor, vocalist, and jack of all trades. Some of her favorite roles include: Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors (Village Theatre), Rita in White Christmas (The 5th Avenue Theatre), and Fabian in Twelfth Night (Seattle Shakespeare Company). Ania wants to thank her family, friends, and loving Husby for their support. As always, this one is for Michelle.

WILL CHADEK, he/him (u/s Younger Brother, u/s Harry Houdini, u/s Henry Ford and Others), a former Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE performer, is excited to make his Village Theatre Mainstage debut! A recent graduate of Point Park University, he was recently seen as Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar (The 5th Avenue Theatre). He would love to thank his family and girlfriend Reagan for their support and the Seattle area for welcoming him to his new performing home.

CHERISSE MARTINELLI, (u/s Evelyn Nesbit, u/s Emma Goldman and Others). Forever grateful to be back at Village Theatre, this time in a dream show! Favorite credits include: Grease and Legally Blonde: The Musical (Village Theatre), Waitress (The 5th Avenue Theatre/Theatre Under the Stars), Sister Act and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Taproot Theatre), Jersey Boys (Great Lakes Center for the Arts). Outside the theater, Cherisse is pursuing a Master’s in counseling and care. For la familia Martinelli and the guy!

CHRISTOPER PUCKETT, (u/s J.P. Morgan, u/s Grandfather, u/s Willie Conklin and Others) is thrilled to make his Village Theatre debut with Ragtime. Previous roles include Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music (Leavenworth Summer Theater), Lloyd in Noises Off (Fort Peck Summer Theater), and Richard Greatham in Hay Fever (Circle of Fire). He holds a BA in vocal performance from Seattle Pacific University and an MM from Bard College Conservatory of Music.

ELIJAH YALE, (u/s Harlem Trumpet Player, Barber, Lawyer and Others) is ecstatic to make his Village Theatre debut with Ragtime! Recent credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Taproot Theatre), Dear Evan Hansen and Annie (Tacoma Musical Playhouse), and Story of an Off-Brand Band (Acts on Stage). He is represented by Big Fish Northwest Talent. Much love and gratitude to his family and friends for their continued support, and especially to his wife, Chanel, for her love, care, and encouragement.

JESSICA ZIEGELBAUER, (u/s Mother) is over the moon to be making her Village Theatre debut the year she became a mother! Some favorite past Puget Sound credits include: Anya/Princess Anastasia in Anastasia: The Musical, Bertha Hunt in The Hello Girls, Jo March in Little Women, Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and Cathy Hiatt in The Last Five Years. Many thanks to this amazing team of creatives. All the love to her baby girl and supportive husband! Psalm 115:1

ArtsFund is proud to support Village Theatre’s mission as they continue to produce dynamic programming that highlights innovative artists in the Pacific Northwest. ArtsFund’s support of local arts organizations is only possible through the contributions of donors in this community, and we are immensely grateful to the generous individuals and businesses who have supported ArtsFund as well as Village Theatre. We will continue to support arts organizations, like Village Theatre, that elevate the voices of Washington state through our leadership, advocacy, and grantmaking programs. We are excited to see what will be performed throughout this season!

Microsoft is pleased to sponsor Village Theatre’s 2026–2027 Season, and to welcome you to this production of Ragtime. Village Theatre is a favorite among our employees and their families, and we are delighted to support a vibrant community arts organization that brings high quality entertainment to the Eastside. We encourage employee engagement and volunteerism in the community throughout the year and through support of great organizations like Village Theatre, we aim to foster a strong community culture where the arts will thrive for generations to come. Enjoy the show!

Lombardi’s Italian Restaurants & Catering is honored to be a long-time Village Theatre sponsor! Lombardi’s delights diners at their three locations: at the scenic Everett Marina, the bustling Bellingham Marina, and their newest culinary venture, Hook & Cleaver, in Mukilteo. Date night or any night, experience Lombardi’s classic and contemporary Italian cuisine from all around Italy. Sip your favorite Washington and Italian wines, savor a handcrafted cocktail, or enjoy one of the many local brews with your meal. Village Theatre and Lombardi’s, the perfect pairing!