Director's Note:
When I first read A Wrinkle in Time in the fourth grade, it lit up my imagination in a way that has stayed with me ever since. Its mix of mystery, wonder, and heart moved me deeply then, and it continues to resonate with me now. To be entrusted with directing this ensemble driven retelling of one of my favorite stories is such a special opportunity, and I am profoundly grateful to have shared this journey with such generous and creative artists. I’ve had the joy of working not only with an incredible ensemble of actors but also with a brilliant tech team who have poured their creativity and hard work into making actual time and space travel happen on stage. Their artistry turns the impossible into the tangible, allowing us all to journey together through galaxies of wonder.
This story feels especially close to me because it is, at its heart, about love, courage, and the fierce determination to protect one another even when the world feels dark or frightening. As a mother now, I feel Meg’s journey in new and meaningful ways, from Mother’s perspective in addition to Meg’s, and I hope audiences of all ages see a bit of their own love, hope, and bravery reflected onstage.
And because it is October, I can’t resist sharing that I have always loved Halloween! Its sense of magic, mystery, and transformation feels like it belongs in the same universe as A Wrinkle in Time. Much like my cats (who always seem to know just when to curl up beside me), this story has been a constant companion through the twists and turns of life, reminding me that even in the darkest places, there is light, and that light is love, friendship, and the glow you only get from true teamwork.
Thank you for joining us on this adventure through time and space. I hope it inspires you to hold tight to those you love, to be brave in the face of the unknown, and to embrace a little of the magic that surrounds us every day.
Warmly,
Vanessa Cat
Estimated duration:
1 hour and 30 minutes with a 10 minute intermission
CAST:
Brianna O’Donnell – Meg Murry
Evan Grinnell-Holderman – Charles Wallace Murry
Jada Miller – Calvin O’Keefe
Haley Paine – Mrs. Whatsit
Jasmine Gannie – Mrs. Which & Ensemble
Lex Langguth-Torres – Mrs. Who & Ensemble
Becki Pérez – Happy Medium, Teacher, Camazotz Mother, & Ensemble
Sara St. Clair – Mother & Aunt Beast
Isaiah Myers – Sandy, Newspaper Person, & Ensemble
Jerry Romasco – Father & Ensemble
Evelyn-Rose Cone – Bully, Camazotz Kid, & Ensemble
Elios Chafetz – Dennys, Postal Worker, & Ensemble
Tom Sanders – Principal, Red Eyed Man, & Ensemble
Support our Sponsors!
CREATIVE CREW:
Vanessa Cat – Director
Cooper Wolfram – Stage Manager
Eyota Wak’ishuit – Sound Design
Lauren O’Neill – Costume & Prop Design
Elijah Bellis – Lighting Design
James Dover – Set Design
James Dover, Haley Paine, Tom Sanders – Set Construction & Scenic Painting
Elijah Bellis, Eric J Werner, Mel Fitz, Charlotte Darling – Lighting Crew
Jenn Francis – Backstage Wizzard, Books
SPECIAL THANKS!
Thanks to the following people and organizations that helped us put this production on stage!
Lakewood Playhouse
CAST BIOS:
Brianna O’Donnell
any pronouns
Meg Murry
Bri O’Donnell is excited to be playing Meg as her first lead role at Olympia Family Theater. She recently performed as Beth March in Little Women, with Calvary Players and has worked with Calvary on other plays and musicals. Bri fell in love with the stage through dance, and has studied ballet, jazz and contemporary. Her first show was Matilda The Musical, with 7th Street Kids. A recent high school graduate, Bri also loves to sing, paint, read her Bible, and be outside in nature. Bri would like to thank her family for supporting her in all her endeavors and to thank the Lord for every opportunity He has provided.
Evan Grinnell-Holderman
(they/them)
Charles Wallace Murry
Evan Grinnell-Holderman is excited for another production at OFT. They enjoyed performing in past OFT productions such as The Wizard of Oz and Wildfire and the Bird Scouts. They also debuted at Harlequin as the Boy in A Christmas Carol (2024). In their spare time, Evan loves reading, correcting grammar, performing arts and excessive research into fandoms. They also love the written word and would like to write more often.
Jada Miller
(she/her)
Calvin O'Keefe
Jada Miller is ecstatic to be returning to the Olympia Family Theater stage this year. She’s so excited to be a part of such an amazing production, and incredibly honored to be a part of such an amazing team.
Haley Paine
(she/they)
Mrs. Whatsit
Haley Paine (25) is excited to be back for her second show with Olympia Family Theater! When she’s not at home with her partner and two cats doing Escape Rooms in a Box, Haley can be found running around Olympia soaking up all the creative whimsy the city has to offer. From drag shows to live music and everything in between, she is proud to call Olympia home and even prouder to be making art here. This story holds a very special place in her heart and she can’t wait to travel through this wonderful tale with you!
Jasmine Gannie
(they/them)
Mrs. Which, Ensemble
Jasmine Gannie is a part time worker full time friend. Some of their favorite roles have been the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard Of Oz as well as Chiron in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, both produced by OFT. When they’re not rocking out, they’re enjoying their comfy couch as well as the wonderful company in their cozy home.
Lex Langguth-Torres
(they/them)
Mrs. Who, Ensemble
Lex is thrilled to return to the stage for their 6th performance with Olympia Family Theater (OFT)! Lex appeared in OFT productions such as Lucha Virus as Nana/Chancla/Célula Sana/La Vacuna Valiente, The Secret Garden as Mouse, an original retelling of Alice in Wonderland as Mad Hatter, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as Scarecrow. They also act and write for OFT’s anticipated returning program Magic Curtain Mornings that produces interactive shows for our youngest audiences once a month. Lex wants all the cast a crew of Wrinkle to know that they’re hard work, dedication, and heart is greatly appreciated. This whole crew is a beautiful constellation of stars.
Becki Pérez
(she/her)
Happy Medium, Teacher, Camazotz Mother, Ensemble
Becki Pérez is thrilled to be returning to the OFT stage this season! You may remember her as Queenie the Cat in Honk! The Musical last season. During the day, Becki teaches 4th grade, and at night she loves to play pretend on stage with other talented artists! She’d like to thank her cats (Mowgli, Peggy, and Linguini) for being incredibly cute, her fiancé, Trevor, for all his support, and Vanessa for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this production! May you all find your own beautiful happy medium!
Sara St. Clair
(she/they)
Mother, Aunt Beast
Sara St.Clair is beyond thrilled to be fulfilling a heart’s dream of doing science fiction on stage with A Wrinkle in Time, the story that launched her lifelong love of sci-fi. A director, playwright, teacher, actor, and singer, Sara has been performing for over 30 years with theater and musical groups around WA State and in North Carolina. You may remember seeing her on the OFT stage as Sally Jackson in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, in The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus, or in Amelie: The Musical and Sunday in the Park with George at SPSCC Theater Collective. Most recently, Sara directed Wildfire and the Bird Scouts for OFT’s 2024-2025 season. Sara also clowns around town as a member of The Fakers improv troupe and as a goofy, happy mom to her three darling children. She extends her deep thanks to you for supporting live theater.
Isaiah Myers
(he/him)
Sandy, Newspaper Person, Ensemble
Isaiah Myers is excited to be playing the roles of Sandy and Ensemble. He is also excited to be kicking off his junior year at OFT and getting more experience under his belt.
“I’m so thankful for OFT and the hospitality they give me when I enter their building, and the support I receive from everyone who works on each and every production. I couldn’t be more grateful to be in this environment learning with all of these talented people and personalities.”
Jerry Romasco
(he/him)
Father, Ensemble
Jerry (he/him) is grateful to play the role of Father in this beloved story about love being the most powerful force to heal and to overcome adversity. Prior roles include Tigger in The House at Pooh Corner (OFT), Father in The Giver (OFT), and Robert Novum Smith Jr. in The Book Club Play(OLT). He looks forward to his upcoming role as Vealtninc Husz in A Bright Room Called Day (SPSCC). He also regularly performs improv comedy with The Fakers Improv. He enjoys playing drums, D&D, reading, enjoying and writing poetry, and copious amounts of time with his wife and very fluffy cat.
Evelyn-Rose Cone
(she/her)
Bully, Camazotz Kid, Ensemble
I am 16, and I am very excited to be joining OFT for a third production. I love bringing characters to life on stage and sharing the joy of storytelling with the audience
Elios Chafetz
(he/they)
Dennys, Postal Worker, Ensemble
Elios Chafetz is excited to be involved with A Wrinkle in Time as his first OFT show! You may have seen him in prior shows at the Evergreen Theatre Club: Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, or Boreas in Discus. He is glad to have made contact with a new community of friends at Olympia Family Theater, especially during a show that is about love and friendship at its core. He hopes you enjoy the show, and stay Wrinkly!
Tom Sanders
(he/him)
Principle, Red Eyed Man, Ensemble
Tom Sanders is glad to be back at OFT for his 9th show. It’s great to work with Vanessa and this creative cast and crew. Enjoy our Wrinkle world!
CREW BIOS:
Vanessa Cat
(she/her)
Director
Vanessa Cat is an Olympia based performing artist, dancer, choreographer, producer, musician, actor, Teaching Artist, mama, and lover of cats. Vanessa has been working in theater and performance for over 20 years, and is very grateful to be part of this production here at OFT with this talented rockstar cast and crew. Thank you all so much for coming!
Cooper Wolfram
(they/he)
Stage Manager
Cooper Wolfram is super excited to be working with the amazing cast and crew for Olympia Family Theatre’s production of A Wrinkle In Time! This is their first full production with OFT. He’s had a fantastic time getting involved with local theatre after previously Stage Managing at Timberline High School in shows like Ride The Cyclone and We Will Rock You! Thank you to all the cast and crew and especially Vanessa for putting so much into this show and company. Enjoy the show!
Eyota Wak'ishuit
(she/her)
Sound Design
Eyota Wak’ishuit is equally proud as she is thrilled to be involved with another Olympia Family Theater production. A second-time sound designer for an OFT show, she has always been enraptured by concepts of space and time, especially wrinkles therein. Previously the Tin Wood Lady in The Wizard of Oz and the sound designer for The House at Pooh Corner, she grows with OFT and the other artists contributing their time and passion. Eyota would love to give a shout-out to the phenomenal director and lovely person, Vanessa, for having a great mind who thinks alike. As Mrs. Who would say, “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. Marthe Troly-Curtin.”
Lauren O'Neill
(she/her)
Costume & Prop Design
Lauren O’Neill has been prop-ing, costuming, singing, acting and generally generating in the performance community of Olympia since graduating the Evergreen State College in 2002. She was voted “Best DIY” of the South Sound in 2016, and hopes always to help increase connection in her community via the expressive arts. Along the way she acted with OFT in Schoolhouse Rock (Lauren) and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (The Witch). Our shared liberation is bound by our trust in artists and creators of all ages and styles; a hearty thank you for being a part of A Wrinkle in Time!
Elijah Bellis
(he/they)
Lighting Design
Elijah Bellis is a skilled lighting designer, musical director, and teaching artist whose work has spanned the South Puget Sound. Previously at OFT, they have lit The Giver, Honk!, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and stage managed Spelling Bee. Other lighting credits include The Da Vinci Code (Tacoma Little Theatre), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Creative Theater Experience), The Book Club Play, (Olympia Little Theatre), The Laramie Project, Into the Woods Jr. (Lakewood Playhouse). He extends so much gratitude to his friends and family for their support in his many theatrical endeavors.
James Dover
(he/him)
Set Design
James Dover is an Olympia-born theatre performer with a passion for bringing stories to life on stage. During his time at Central Washington University, he directed several new works, his favorite, a full-length play titled Circe & Nyx, during which he put his creativity to the test by constructing a larger than life dragon puppet. After graduating with his BA in Theatre Arts, James began teaching theatre in Seattle, directing children’s classics such as Shrek, The Addams Family, and Into The Woods.
Certified, Professional Tree and Shrub Care.
Caring for the urban forest since 1998.
Quality Coffee + Quality of Life
Olympia Coffee’s success is grounded in our quality-of-life mission, which has lead us to create direct trade partnerships with coffee farmers worldwide in eight countries spanning 3 continents.
Special Thanks to our MEMBERS:
Ensamble Members:
Kerry Beardsley
Michael Corcoran
Laura Deaton
Jennifer Guyant
Marcia Haggerty
Bonnie Jacques
Leah Kosik
Tom Lockhart
Hugh McGavick
Donna Myers
Pier Petersen
Cara Preuss
Diana Purvine
Ryan Rodriquez
Katie Stemmene
Christopher Taylor
Janelle Tyler
Aaron Wiggett
Director’s Circle Members:
Krishna Chowdary
Trina and Gary Delaney
Toni Dewees
Lori Fascilla
Susan Faubion
Lacy Fehrenbach
Korja Giles
Wally and Linda Mead
Jeannie Simpson
Kenneth Thiessen
Members:
Dave Alford
Jay Allen
Susan L Allen
Bret & Mary Anderson
Patricia Atkins
Victoria Book
Stefanie Booth
Priscilla Bowerman
Linda Boyer
Martha S Buck
Edsonya Charles
Leslie Christenson
Wanda A Cross
Thaddeus Curtz
Carolyn Darrow
Marisa Dillard
Marla Elliot
Christopher Ertel
Lori Fascilla
William Gallin
Lee Ann Gekas
Korja Giles
Karen Hanan
Elizabeth J Hauser
Carolee Johnson
Kursta Joslin
Amy Keltner
Leah Kosik
Jonathan LeFaive
Kelly Leonard
John Linderman
Thomas Lockhart
Vicki Lovegren
Pamela Lykins
Valerie Lynn
Britt Madsen
Claudia McClain
Linda Mead
Nicole Miller
Patricia Mix
Patricia Moore
Donna Myers
David and Jane Nowitz
Penny Purkerson
Diana & Stephen Purvine
Melanie Ransom
Karen Ray
Stacey Ray
Jena Regan
Jerry Romasco
Sarah Rossman
Kristi Rutledge
Lillian Ryan
Jennifer Ryle
Alexis Sarah
Deane Shellman
Jeannie Simpson
Patricia Starzyk
Amanda Stevens
Oliver Stormshak
Trista & Michael Tempke
Tracy and Eric Thomas
Angela Tobias
Cathy Wasserman
Eli Wasserman
If your info is missing or incorrect, please contact Mark Alford here.
ORGANIZATION CREDITS:
OFT Staff
Vanessa Cat
Lex Langguth-Torres
Lauren O’Neill
Jill Carter
Jupiter Shellman
OFT Board of Directors
Complete our Board Application Form