DAN ALLAN (he/him) is thrilled to be making his Masquers debut in Sordid Lives. His most recent credits include the Chanticleers streaming production of Almost, Maine, and Sonny in Xanadu, and Kodaly in She Loves Me Pinole Community Players. Other credits include Ren in Footloose, Laurie in Little Women, the musical, and alternating as Donny Dulce and Joey in the years-long running San Francisco production of Tony n' Tina's Wedding for 4.

MARC BERMAN (he/him) is proud to return to Masquers. Previously seen in As You Like It, Marc is an Alumni of AADA and accomplished make-up artist (Seduction Make-up). Favorite roles include Napoleon in Animal Farm (RPE), Templeton in Charlotte’s Web (Sacramento), Master Ford in Merry Wives (Mill Valley), and Von Rothbart in Duck Lake (Piano Fight). Marc thanks his Consort Lisa, stepchild Aidan and his mini-me Xander for their constant support. “Marilyn Monroe, you were everything. Thanks for everything, Julie Newmar!”

CATHERINE CECIL BUCHER (she/her) Although involved in East Bay community theater for several decades, this is the first time Catherine has performed at Masquers. Over the years she’s portrayed strippers (Gypsy Rose Lee – Performing Arts Committee) and spinsters (The Heiress – Stage One), socialites (An Inspector Calls – Douglas Morrison) and spies (Bullshot Crummond – San Leandro Community Theater) among a host of others. So far, her favorite role is Grandma!

JAMES FRANKLE (he/him) I am absolutely thrilled to join this cast and have my debut at Masquers.  Some of my favorite performances include the Duke of Clarence in Richard III, Donny in the Foursome, and George in Don't Dress for Dinner.  I look forward to seeing audiences cackle with glee at this raucous comedy.  Community theatre is back.  Can I get an Amen?!

HENRY STEPHEN HALKYARD (he/him) feels so lucky to be returning to the stage after spending two years cooped up at home with his cat Mochi. Previously, he's appeared in Town Hall Theatre's Cinderella: A Fairytale, and Altarena Playhouse's Picasso at the Lapin Agile. When not performing, you can find him working on his car (an old Lexus), taking apart old electronics (and sometimes breaking them), playing Pokémon (Lampent is his favorite), or drinking iced tea (sweetened or else!).

JACQUI HERRERA (she/her) is "fired up" to be on this beautiful stage after over two years of quarantining. Jacqui has been working in Bay Area theatre for over 30 years. Her last project was directing The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl for Altarena Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Helen in Theater Toda’s production of Niel LaBute’s Fat Pig, Quince in a Midsummer Night’s Dream, Emelia in Othello, Truvy in Steel Magnolias, and Lorca as a Woman, in the California Premiere of Lorca in a Green Dress. She is grateful to Carl Smith and this incredible cast for their talent, generosity, and patience. She thanks her husband and castmate James Frankle for being NOTHING like GW. OH! And special thanks to Del Shores for writing a script with great roles for women shaped like her.

VICKI KAGAWAN (she/her) would’ve been happy to play the bar fly just so she can perform on stage again. Playing Dr. Eve was an unexpected surprise and a delight. She has been more involved as a Stage Manager, mostly at Altarena Playhouse.  Favorite roles:  Romaine Patterson, The Laramie Project; Annie Cannon, Silent Sky; Mae Pollitt, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. “Thank you, Carl Smith!  And Greg Lynch for being a good sport!” Wink-wink 😉

Kit Lanthier (she/her/hers) is thrilled to be returning to the Masquers stage after a long stretch of stage management. You may have seen Kit perform in the streamed show Almost, Maine (also directed by Carl Smith), or in the last show produced at the Masquers before the extended closure, The Gamester. Much love to Cyrus, whose soul runs deep (and he ain't hard on the eyes either).

GREGORY LYNCH (he/him), a native San Franciscan and the pink sheep of his family of eight siblings, is tickled hot pink to be making his debut appearance with Masquers. Greg has acted, sung and danced for a slew of Bay Area companies over the past four decades, but Brother Boy's personal favorites are: Miss Tracy Mills in The Legend of
Georgia McBride, Carmen Ghia in The Producers, Bruce Niles in The Normal Heart, La Cagelle Hanna of Hamburg and Jacob the Maid in La Cage aux Folles, and anything and
everything as Jolen Cream with her Cream Sisters. Go figure! I bless Carl Smith for giving me this show to do just now. I can't disappoint my fans. You're crazy, but you're loyal. And I hope you're always there!

SHAY OGLESBY-SMITH (she/her) is always in her happy place when she's home at Masquers. Her most recent show here was Rocket Man. She's been working in theaters around the Bay Area for the past 28 years. Other theaters/companies where you may have seen her are CCCT, Altarena Playhouse, PCP, NCTC, and Bay Area Musicals. Shay is married to her "bestie", and together they made three lovely humans. Enjoy the show!

MARK SHEPARD (he/him) loves being back on the Masquers stage. He was last seen here as the Duke brothers in As You Like It. He has performed in comedy, commedia dell'arte, musicals, modern and classical drama and Shakespeare. In addition to his work as a graphic designer, Mark enjoys genealogy, jewelry design, camping, photography and being a grandfather. 

JUDY ZIMOLA (she/her) Every so often a role comes along that the actor just feels at one with. Bitsy Mae is that role for Judy Zimola. Judy has performed as Preferee in The Gamester, Olga in The Women, Caesar in Androcles and the Lion, and in the ensemble of Almost Maine. The only thing she likes better than being involved in a production is a long road trip on Nevada's forgotten highways. Unless, like Bitsy Mae, it involves jail time, which was just that once and the result of a complete misunderstanding.

JERRILEE DOSS (she/her) AKA Boss Lady, Jerri is a wife, mother, retired dentist, and handywoman.  My previous theater work was as a volunteer at Salesian College Prep High School building set pieces;  designing, building, and dressing sets; general fabric and costume work.  My favorite parts in the process of a build are design, problem-solving, and recycling/repurposing sCRAP from Craigslist and thrift stores.  My Masquers debut was the remodel of the lobby... during  Covid... done with Craigslist and help from my friends.  I also got my fair share of splinters on the build of Rocketman.  I love power tools.  

STEVEN HESS (he/him) is very grateful for the opportunity to work with Masquers. He is the co-founder of 23 Elephants Theatre Company, with his wonderful wife and partner, Bidalia E. Albanese. They have a beautiful son, Monterey, who just got his license, yikes!

BOBBY SCOFIELD (he/him) is genuinely thrilled to be returning to theater in his favorite role as stage manager! He was last seen on the Masquers stage mopping up blood for The Lieutenant of Inishmore. Some other favorite productions include First Date, The Wedding Singer, and The Full Monty, all with Pinole Community Players. A high school teacher by day, Bobby likes to spend his free time road-tripping with his koala bear Perry, who he is uber-excited to be making his husband this summer!

CARL SMITH (he/him) reckons directing Sordid Lives is a bit of a dream come true. He fell in love with these characters 20 years ago and is honored to work with this amazing cast to bring it to life at Masquers. As you laugh during the performance today, may you find some healing from your own family's sordid and ridiculous drama! And may you find the courage to be your authentic self every day and everywhere. Thank you for supporting live and local theater!

HEATHER WARREN (she/her) is proud to add “costumer” to her list of theatrical titles! She has always enjoyed fashion and is grateful to Carl for the opportunity to embark on her first costuming venture. Heather loves eating potatoes, dancing, being in the sunshine, and enjoying a wee cuppa (tea) with loved ones.

NANCY BENSON (she/her) is so excited to be the Production Sponsor for this show and she hopes it makes you laugh, a lot!  She has been a Masquers Member since 2000 and has been on the Volunteer Theater Administrative Staff (TAS) and the Board of Directors as Financial Manager since 2013.  She is delighted to help bring live theater back to Masquers audiences.  Please tell your friends to come see the show!