We would like to express our grateful thanks to these people who joined us after the program went to print:
Anna Rossi, Margaret Spivak, Corey Gottfried, Elizabeth King, Claudia Schoenfeld, Linda Fleury, Spencer O’Brien
CAST
AJ BANACH
Sir Bedevere, Ensemble
AJ is excited to step out of the pit orchestra for his first role onstage with Vermont Repertory Theatre. By day, he teaches music to the awesome kids at Enosburg High School who constantly inspire him and remind him what making music is all about. A.J. is a member of the Solaris choir and plays in pit bands around the state. Favorite past roles include Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors (Fairfax Community Theatre Company) and Prince Dauntless in Once Upon a Mattress (Lamoille County Players). Thanks to his family, friends, castmates, and the incredible artistic and backstage team that have brought Spamalot to life.
KAITIE BESSETTE
Kaitie is a 2016 University of Vermont graduate with a degree in Theatre and Special Education, and is currently one of the Assistant Directors in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Kaitie was named the Seven Daysies “Best Actor” in 2022 and 2023, and some of her favorite roles include Little Sally in UVM’s Urinetown, Kate in Lyric Theatre Company’s Legally Blonde, Wednesday in Stowe Theatre Guild’s Addam’s Family, and Heather McNamara in STG’s Heathers. Kaitie has also choreographed for Lyric’s Theatre for Young Audiences production of Elephant and Piggie, as well as makeup chair for Lyric’s production of The PROM. Kaitie is so excited to be both onstage and makeup consulting for this amazing show!
Minstrel, Ensemble
PETER CARLILE
King Arthur
A lifelong Monty Python aficionado, Peter is delighted to pursue the Holy Grail onto the stage! He has previously appeared as the Cowardly Lion in Lyric's The Wizard of Oz, and as the Officer in Vermont Rep's The Comedy of Errors. Peter would like to thank his friends for their support with coconut horsemanship, his voice teacher Stephanie for chucking a sword at him, and his family for instilling the requisite swallow knowledge for kingship. Welcome to Camelot! (It is a silly place.)
CONNOR L. EATON
Not Dead Fred, Herbert, Ensemble
Connor is proud to announce their completion of their double Theater and English degree in 2024 and is excited for what's to come in the future. Some previous roles they have played are Ferdinand in The Tempest with Vermont Repertory Theatre, Alexander Cooke in Imogen Says Nothing with UVM Theatre Department, and Jack in Lyric Theatre’s production of Into The Woods. Connor wants to give a big thanks to all of the people who have supported them in theater and helped foster a love for the art form.
JAYDEN CHOQUETTE
Patsy
Firstly, Jayden would like to dedicate this run to two of his biggest fans who have been at every show since the beginning: his Grammy Jo, and his Grampa Jack. May you both watch this one peacefully from above. I love you. With that said, Jayden is absolutely chuffed to be making his debut as Patsy with Vermont Repertory Theatre! Spamalot was the first show he ever saw on Broadway so it's been all the more exciting to revisit it *mumble mumble* years later! Most recent stage credits include: Principal Hawkins in The PROM, Pengu the Ice Cream Penguin in Elephant and Piggie's We Are In A Play, and Pinocchio in Shrek, all with Lyric Theatre. A cliche, but very well deserved nod to the cast, crew, and team for having the courage and talent to bring this massive show to life. And of course, unspeakable amounts of love and gratitude to his girlfriend, family, and friends for tolerating his relative absence in the past few months. Finally, thank you for buying a ticket and supporting local theatre. We simply wouldn't be here without you, cheers!
MARK CRANMER
Mrs. Galahad, Ni Knight Leader, Herbert’s Father, Ensemble
Mark is excited to be in his 2nd show with Vermont Repertory Theatre doing Spamalot. Monty Python has always been a favorite pastime… watching Monty Python and the Holy Grail as well Flying Circus and their various albums. It’s awesome to be able to play such memorable characters. To all of you who are seeing this show THANK YOU! We couldn’t do it without your support.
KYLE FERGUSON
Sir Lancelot
Kyle studied theater at the College of William and Mary in Virginia and received additional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and the Tom Todoroff School in Los Angeles. Recent roles in Vermont include Trent in Lyric Theater’s production of The PROM, Caliban in The Tempest with Vermont Rep, and multiple roles - including a dancing crow - in The Wizard of Oz for Lyric. Most recently, Kyle directed a student production of Dear Edwina Jr. at Charlotte Central School. (Fork!) He can next be seen onstage as Jake/Morris in The Bold, The Young, And The Murdered for Girls Nite Out at Main Street Landing. This one is for mom.
MEGAN FERRIS
Lady of the Lake
Megan works as music and choral teacher for the Essex Westford School District going on twelve years. She has recently been seen on the Flynn Theater stage as the ‘Dragon’ in Lyric Theatre Company’s Shrek as well as ‘Sunny’ in a new Vermont-based musical called Hatchford Hotel. A few other favorite roles include ‘Alice’ in Addams Family, ‘Paulette’ in Legally Blonde, and ‘Cathy’ in The Last Five Years. Megan would like to thank the amazing Spamalot team for their dedication and hard work, as well as love to her family for their unending support.
FRANKIE FIDLER
French Taunter, Guard One, Brother Maynard, Ensemble
Frankie is so glad to be a part of VT Rep’s Spamalot. A long time lover of Monty Python and anything silly, he is delighted to dust off his favorite accents and bring several of Python’s silliest morons to life. Frankie is a recent graduate of CVU high school and has performed in several shows there over his four years, most recently as Davey in Newsies, as well as many others with Very Merry Theatre. He is off to Columbia University next year and hoping to continue his theatrical pursuits in the city of Broadway itself. He farts in your general direction and hopes you enjoy the show!
MARTY GNIDULA
Sir Robin
Marty, originally from Orange, CT, is so excited to have such a fun final performance in VT! He graduated this year from UVM with a degree in Theatre and English pre law and he is moving to Orlando, FL in August to pursue an MFA in acting. Some of his recent credits include Dr Parker in Batboy the Musical (UVM), John Hemminges in Imogen Says Nothing (UVM), the Narrator in Every Brilliant Thing (VT), and Scuttle in The Little Mermaid (Westport Country Playhouse). He wants to send love to his mom and the rest of his friends and family who have been supporting him on and off stage.
BRIANNA NEWMAN
Ensemble / Dance Captain
Brianna (she/her) is thrilled to be joining VT Repertory Theatre for another production after a last-minute debut as a Fae Sprite in The Tempest. Originally from New Jersey, she grew up 30-minutes from NYC and its abundant arts scene, something she feels very fortunate to have had access to. After a five-year break, Brianna rekindled her love for musical theatre and found an incredible community within the Vermont community theatre scene in 2023. Since then she has been on stage as a Featured dancer in Shrek (Lyric Theatre Company, 2023), Squirrelle #1 in Elephant & Piggie (Lyric Theatre Company, 2023), Kaylee in The PROM (Lyric, 2023), Fae Sprite in The Tempest (VT Repertory Theatre, 2024), and a dancer with Cat Call Dance Company, 2024. She sends love to her family, who always makes the trip to see her perform, and the supportive community of artists here.
KATIE SEREIKA
Ensemble
Katie is thrilled to make her debut with Vermont Repertory Theatre. She grew up performing and got her BFA in Musical Theatre from SUNY Fredonia. She has been working in film and television for the past several years and recently relocated to Vermont from Los Angeles. Some of her favorite roles on stage include Victor/Victoria in Victor/Victoria, Jenny Lind in Barnum, Jane Eyre in Jane Eyre and Laurey in Oklahoma.
ZACH STARK
Sir Galahad
Zach hails from Cleveland, Ohio where he received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Kent State University. Prior to entering the Vermont theater scene, he was performing professionally in both Cleveland and New York City. He was most recently seen performing in the Young Playwrights Festival at the O’Neill Theater Center just outside of NYC, in addition to cabarets and play festivals with Between the Willows, and Historically Close Friends. Other recent credits include: Prospero in The Tempest (VT Rep), Austin in True West (VT Stage), Darcy in Pride and Prejudice (Neat with a Twist), Barry in Miracle on Green Tree Drive (Lyric VT), and Kenickie in Grease (Theatre Workshop of Nantucket). Thank you, Tekla, for your constant love & support. Just remember: always look on the bright side of life!
LAURA VALASTRO
Ensemble
Laura is thrilled to be making her debut with Vermont Repertory Theatre in Spamalot! She has been in the theater community in Vermont ever since she was a young girl, and theater continues to be a big part of her life. You may have seen Laura in local productions: Little Shop of Horrors (Williston Community Theatre), The PROM (Lyric Theatre Company), Shrek the Musical (Lyric Theatre Company) and Addams Family (Lost Nation Theatre). Laura thanks her family, friends, and the Spamalot team for their support. She hopes you enjoy the show and that you always look on the bright side of life! :)
BENJAMIN VILLA
Swallow Guard, Black Knight, Bors, Ensemble
Ben is a proud VT native and a graduate from Castleton State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Acting and Directing. His past performances include Last Days of Judas Iscariot, The Pillowman, Tartuffe, Urinetown, The Bald Soprano, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, The Addams Family, and The Comedy of Errors. Ben is very excited to be a part of this immensely talented cast, and wishes them all very nice shrubberies! He would also like to thank his friends and family for coming to his shows and laughing in his face.
CHRISTOPHER ZITER
Chris returned to his native Vermont in 2010, after years spent as a musician and actor in Chicago, New York and Cincinnati. He has toured Europe and the United States with his band The Essex Green with whom he has released multiple albums over the years. As a performer, he played in the original production of Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens at the Edinburgh Festival in 1995 and went on to direct the infamous production at Pearl’s, here in Burlington. He recently reprised the role of Booby Shevalle at ArtsRiot exactly 25 years later, as well as Angelo in Vermont Rep’s inaugural production of The Comedy of Errors. As a composer, Chris has written music his whole life, including composing the score for the musical, Fall For Me, which played the Edinburgh Festival in 1998, as well as innumerable tunes for the bands he has been associated with. He works in his basement studio in Williston, where he has developed a passion for sound in general, recording and producing all the music for Lyric Theatre’s pandemic special, Miracle on Green Tree Drive, as well as Vermont Rep’s recent production of The Tempest.
Historian, Tim, Ensemble
CREATIVE TEAM
KEELY AGAN
Co-choreographer, Ensemble
Keely (s/h) works as the Early Childhood Nutrition Manager at the anti-hunger nonprofit Hunger Free Vermont. Keely has been singing, dancing, and acting her whole life, and considers her hobby of community musical theatre her second full-time job. Keely grew up in Milton and attended the University of Vermont where she studied nutrition and minored in music and dance. Keely currently resides in Burlington with her partner and her adorable cat, Ralphie.
SUE BAILEY
Co-choreographer
Sue brings more than 30 years of experience as a choreographer and dance teacher. Past work includes choreographing for Vermont Stage Company, Vermont Repertory Theatre, Lyric Theatre Company (6 shows), Flynn Show Choir, and Woodland Dance Company. Sue has taught and choreographed at the University of Vermont, Vermont State University: Johnson, and Castleton, several area high schools, and numerous dance studios. Community-minded, she has also worked with the Burlington Boys and Girls Club, the Burlington YMCA, several parks and recreations departments, and the Integrated Arts Academy. As a Teaching Artist, Sue designed and lead Companion Workshops for the Flynn’s Student Matinee performances; visiting nearly a hundred K-8 classrooms throughout Vermont. Sue holds a BA in dance and education, and is a graduate of the Teaching Artist Professional Development Program in conjunction with St. Michael’s College and the Vermont Arts Council.
RORY CRAIB
Lighting Designer
Rory is a retired Professional Land Surveyor. He has been involved in community theater (on stage and back stage) in Maine and Vermont for many years. He and his wife, Luci split their time between Williston (near their three beautiful grandchildren), their cabin on the coast of Maine (still a work in progress), and anywhere they can take their 22’ travel trailer (so far 49 states and 12 provinces). He wants to thank his wife Luci (50 years in May!) for her endless support in all his endeavors.
LYN FEINSON
Costume Designer
At three it appears that I had to make sure my socks matched my outfit. A few years later my dolls each had color coded ensembles. I told my Mother that I wanted to be a designer, and never wavered despite her prompts that I can change my mind! For me designing is about freedom and connection. Freedom of expression and permission to or not to follow norms per the situation. Connection happens in a story, a character (and their thread….), but ultimately with people. I have had the good fortune to be supported by my family and friends to be part of a community that has fed me, cared for me and made me laugh harder than any other. It also fostered a love of the arts in my three kids. I will always be grateful for this freedom and these connections. Thank you all. P.S. I ate a lot of fried Spam sandwiches as a child.
MICHAEL FIDLER
Director
Spamalot feels like it’s been a long time coming for Mike! He trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and then spent twenty five years as a Creative Director, Production Manager and Lighting Designer in London’s theatre and event industries. Highlights include lighting and producing events such as HRH Prince Charles’s 50th Birthday at Buckingham Palace, the Gala Opening of the Tate Modern, as well as shows featuring artists including Elton John, Placido Domingo, Tom Jones, One Direction, Adele and many more. He has toured Shakespeare through hundreds of theaters all over the UK, US and Europe, worked in every palace in London, and did indeed once meet the Queen. As a Creative Director, Mike has directed at the Edinburgh Festival on eight occasions, including Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens, which he co-wrote, and which went on to run three times in the West End and indeed all over the world. Mike moved to Vermont with his family in 2014 and has directed Mamma Mia! and Miracle on Green Tree Drive for Lyric Theatre, and Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens at ArtsRiot. He is a co-founder and Artistic Director of Vermont Repertory Theatre, having directed its first two shows, The Comedy of Errors and Hawkes and Handsaws. He will be directing Sweeney Todd early next year. Mike would like to dedicate this show to the immense talent and dedication of this cast and crew, as well as the extraordinary strength and courage of some of its members.
HELEN WESTON
Musical Director
A farmer by day, a thespian by night, Helen recognizes the breadth of connectivity community theater brings to the neighborhood. She began her piano and dance studies at the age of 7, and played the piano for her first musical at 14. Helen received a BA in Music with a focus on piano performance and holds a degree in Piano Tech/Rebuild from the North Bennet Street School. She has been in over 50 musicals-as Music Director, Pit Director, Choreographer, on stage and backstage. She would like to thank the most influential people in her life -her parents, Ken and Vivian Weston and a super shout out to Farmer Mike!
PRODUCTION TEAM
CHLOE FIDLER
Producer
Chloë has a BA (Hons) in Theatre Studies and Dramatic Arts from The University of Warwick (UK) and trained at the London School of Musical Theatre. She worked as a London-based professional performer for 15 years before moving to the US with her family in 2014. She has appeared in many local productions, including recently, Alonsa in The Tempest (Vermont Repertory Theatre), Helen Sutherland in The Pitman Painters (Vermont Stage), Mary in Women in Jeopardy! (Vermont Stage), Morticia in The Addams Family (Lyric Theater), Donna in Mamma Mia! (Stowe Theatre Guild) and Jubilee Climax in Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens at ArtsRiot, and with Catalyst Theatre NJ. Previous producing credits for Vermont Repertory Theatre include: The Comedy of Errors at Isham Barn Theatre May 2023. Chloë currently sings with the South Burlington Community Chorus and is the Treasurer of the Vermont Repertory Theatre Board.
SEAN LEACH
Stage Manager
Sean is absolutely loving stage managing his first Vermont Repertory Theatre show Spamalot (one of Sean’s favorite shows)! Even after three months of rehearsal, it’s still funny! Sean has thoroughly enjoyed co-stage managing with Freda – the dynamic duo strikes again! Sean has stage managed many shows performed on the Flynn Main Stage over the years as well as worked on countless shows backstage. Favorites include flying Peter Pan, calling cues for the transformation in Cinderella, stage managing Les Mis and Mamma Mia!, and most recently being the dog trainer for Toto in the Wizard of Oz (played by Sean’s dog, Bruiser)! Many thanks to the cast, crews and team of Spamalot for a great experience and special thanks to Faith for being a good sport while Sean’s been gone so much!
BEN LONG
Assistant Stage Manager
Ben is a 2021 graduate from Christopher Newport University with a degree in Musical Theatre Performance. His recent credits include The Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, & Buddy in Elf the Musical. Ben would like to thank Vermont Repertory Theatre and the Vermont community for supporting the performing arts - enjoy the show!"
FREDA TUTT
Stage Manager
Freda couldn’t be more thrilled to be working on her first Vermont Repertory Theatre show with this incredibly talented team and cast. Co-Stage Managing once again with her brother-from-another mother, Sean has been a blast. Previously Freda served on the Board for Lyric Theatre Company, and since 1998 has worked on shows in every technical capacity, including Co-Directing two shows and Stage Managing 16 shows. Freda is a Client Service Manager for a private Financial Planner at NFP. In her spare time, she coordinates the Host Family program for the Vermont Lake Monsters and has hosted players each summer since 1995. She would like to thank her husband, Michael, for putting up with her crazy theatre life and holding down the home front. Love to Momma, Daddy and June watching from above. You are truly my theater angels.