Meet the cast
Justin Adams
Larry
Valerie Dunmire is very excited to be back on the Palace stage this summer! She most recently performed as Luca in babygirl, Carrie in After The Blast, and Alana in The Little Mermaid at the Palace Theatre.
Valerie would like to thank her friends and family for their constant love and support, and the cast and crew for being such a joy to work with. Enjoy the show!
Kain Anderson
Zach
Abigail Bennett
Vicki Bickers
Olivia Brazell
Ensemble
Valerie Dunmire
Ensemble
Sara Grote’s most memorable role on the Palace stage was the title role in Mary Poppins. Some of her favorite performances include Belle in Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde the Musical and Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. Sara’s most beloved role is Mommy to her daughters, Makena (9) and Eloise (5).
Sara would like to thank Clare, Kristi, and the entire cast and crew for sharing their talents and for their dedication to the theatre! She would also like to thank her husband, Chad, and her family for all of their love and support. Enjoy the show!
Jasmine is so excited to be Connie Wong in A Chorus Line! She’s happy to add Connie to her background of characters, such as Otho in Beetlejuice Jr., Sound Effects Person & Ensemble in Annie, and Zazu in The Lion King Jr. All at the Marion Palace Theatre!
Jasmine would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her! She hopes you love the show!
Kendell Edgerton
Don Kerr
Halayna Gray
Diana Morales
Sara Grote
Ensemble
Jasmine Ho
Connie Wong
Danielle Knight is very excited to be back on the Palace stage with her theater family! Although she now lives in North Carolina with her family, Ohio will always be home. Her first role at the Palace was a Lullaby League dancer in The Wizard of Oz at the age of 8, and she hasn’t stopped performing since.
Danielle has a B.A. in Theater Performance from Belhaven University and has taught theater classes, choreographed, and directed both youth and adult shows. Some of her favorite roles have been Polly in Crazy for You, Specs in Newsies, Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and most recently, Cassie in Winston Salem Theater Alliance’s production of A Chorus Line.
Endless thanks to the production team, her castmates, and her wonderful family (especially her husband Ben) for their support as she joins The Line one more time. Enjoy the show!
Dustin Rawlins attended The Ohio State University, where he majored in Vocal Music Education and Vocal Performance. While there, he was featured as a soloist in the University Chorus, Symphonic Choir, Chorale (OSU's top mixed ensemble), and the international award-winning Ohio State University Men's Glee Club and Men’s select group the “Statesmen”.
Most recently, Dustin directed two groundbreaking productions at the Palace: Next to Normal, and Rent. Up next is Avenue Q next month! He has been blessed to play on the Palace stage most recently as Kyle “The UPS Man” in Legally Blonde the Musical and Christmas at the Palace, King Triton in Disney's The Little Mermaid, and Daddy Warbucks in Annie.
Rawlins also directs Musicals, Directs/Choreographs/Assists award winning Show Choirs in Ohio. He is also the co-owner, instructor, and Director of The Ohio Performing Arts Academy, OPAA, here in Marion.
Dustin would like to thank his wife and three beautiful kids for just being amazing!!
Ryan Howard is thrilled to return to the Palace stage as Gregory Gardner in A Chorus Line. His most recent appearance was as Henry and a featured dancer in Newsies (2018). Having grown up performing on the Palace stage, Ryan considers it a second home and is grateful for the opportunity to once again be part of its rich tradition of storytelling, professionalism and talent.
Ryan brings more than fifteen years of dance training to this production, including summer intensive programs at Hofstra University and the Boston Conservatory. A particularly meaningful highlight of his artistic journey was the opportunity to work with Thommie Walsh, the original Bobby in A Chorus Line, an experience he will treasure for a lifetime.
Ryan would like to extend his heartfelt gratitude to his mother for her unwavering love and support, as well as to his family, friends, and the incredible cast, crew, and artistic team who have made this production so special. Being part of A Chorus Line alongside such talented artists and cherished friends is truly a dream come true.
Andrew N. Joseph is playing Bobby Mills. Born and raised in Marion, Ohio and very proud to be a part of his first Marion Palace Production with this exceptional cast and crew. He works alongside Ridgedale Local Schools with their spring musical and is a singer/songwriter in his spare time.
Andrew Holmes
Mark Anthony
Ryan Howard
Gregory Gardener
Andrew Joseph
Bobby Mills
Danielle Knight
Cassie Ferguson
Sami-Kay Mergy
Judy Turner
Dustin Rawlins
Al Deluca
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Ezakaya Salazar
Paul San Marco
Addy Swonger is thrilled to be back on the Palace stage. Previous productions include Will Rogers Follies, Newsies, and Mary Poppins. She is grateful for the opportunity to perform alongside such a talented cast.
Addy would like to thank her family and her supportive husband, Mitch, for their endless encouragement.
Kiya (Bebe) is a student at Ohio Northern University studying Music Theater and Art & Design with minors in music and computer science.
Kiya has been singing and performing her whole life and has been in productions of Matilda, Shrek the Musical and You're A Good Man Charlie Brown. Kiya regularly gets to perform opera and theater pieces with the orchestra at her University.
Kiya plans to pursue a career in performance and Ux UI design after graduating and she is so excited to be a part of A Chorus Line with this amazing cast!
Miranda lives and teaches Middle School Vocal Music in Marion. Her previous shows at the Palace include Annie, The Little Mermaid and Rent. She is enjoying summer break with her husband, Spencer, and their pets.
Addy Swonger
Kristine Urich
Kiya Tabler
Bebe Benzenheimer
Miranda Werner
Maggie Winslow
Katelyn Wicker
Lois Dilettente
Noah Williams
Richie Walters
Ruby Williams
Tricia
Brady Wink
Mike Costa
Sadie Wink
Val Clark
Amanda Zucker
Sheila Bryant
Halayna is extremely excited to be a part of this production! Some of her past roles have been Roger and Hammerstein Cinderella (Ella), Newsies (Katherine), and Les Misérables (Eponine).
Halayna will be attending The University of Toledo this fall to earn her BS in Radiation Therapy. She would like to thank her castmates for making this show unforgettable and her sister Malaya for being her biggest supporter.
Sadie Wink is thrilled to be returning to the Palace stage this summer alongside her friends and family. She lives in Columbus and works at The Ohio State University. Most recently, Sadie appeared as Arista in Disney's The Little Mermaid and Mrs. Potts in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. She'll especially miss seeing her grandpa in the front row, where he was always everyone’s favorite audience member.
Ruby is so excited to be doing her 16th show on the Palace stage. Thank you, friends, family, and all who have made this show possible. Enjoy!
Kendell Edgerton is excited to be back on the Palace stage as Don Kerr. Kendell teaches 6-12 Vocal Music and Music Theory at Pleasant Local Schools and is originally from Grove City, Ohio. He’d like to thank friends, family, students, and the creative team for helping make his musical dreams come to life.
Ezakaya Salazar is excited to be making the trip from North Carolina to Ohio to join this production of A Chorus Line as Paul. A recent high school graduate and aspiring musical theatre performer, Ezakaya has spent the last several years performing, choreographing, and falling in love with every aspect of theater. Some favorite roles include Damian in Mean Girls, Rudolpho in Matilda, and LeFou in Beauty and the Beast. Having recently played Paul, he is especially grateful for the opportunity to revisit such a powerful character with a new cast and creative team.
Ezakaya would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their endless support, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Kain Anderson holds a Bachelor of Vocal Music Education from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. Most recently, Kain was seen as Gaston in the Marion Palace Theatre’s production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. He is so thrilled to be a part of this cast, and could not be more proud to bring this legendary show to life. Hope you enjoy the show!
Amanda has been active in local community theatre for over 20 years and is thrilled to be back on the Marion Palace Theatre stage! She is a member of Rogue Theatrics and is a responder for the Ohio Community Theatre Association. She is looking forward to directing Gutenberg! The Musical! at the Palace in November.
Amanda would like to thank BZ & CZ for their love and support. Thanks also to the entire production team and you, the audience, for supporting local theatre.
Brady was last seen on the Palace stage as Rooster in Annie. He is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education. This fall, Brady will begin a new role at Ridgedale High School, teaching Health and Physical Education at the middle and high school levels. He also serves as an assistant coach for football and tennis at Harding High School.
Brady would like to give a special shoutout to the cast, crew, and his family for their continued support in bringing the character of Mike Costa to life. Enjoy the show!
Sami-Kay is thrilled to be returning to the stage as Judy Turner in A Chorus Line. She has previously appeared in numerous productions with the Marion Palace as well as Rogue Theatrics and is grateful for every opportunity to share her love of theater.
She extends heartfelt thanks to her family and friends for their constant support and to this incredible cast for making this experience one she will always cherish.
Olivia grew up in Marion, Ohio, where she graduated from Harding High School in 2017. After High School, Olivia attended AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, California, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts/Acting in February 2020. Olivia is currently an Intervention Specialist for Marion City Schools. She recently choreographed the Marion Palace Theatre’s productions of Beetlejuice Jr. and Disney's The Lion King Jr. She also directed past Pleasant Local School’s musicals, including 9 to 5 and Newsies Jr. Olivia is also a part of Marion’s Improvisation group, Shovel City, and was recently seen on stage as Tina in the Marion Palace Theatre’s production of Tony & Tina’s Wedding.
Katelyn is a senior at Pleasant. She studies dance at Douce Dance Studio. Some of her previous summer musicals include Annie, The Little Mermaid, and Amaryllis in The Music Man. She is very excited and thankful to be apart of this wonderful show. Katelyn would also like to thank Clare, Kristi, and Jami for this opportunity, and her family for their support.
Andrew Holmes (Mark) is very excited to be a part of his first Palace production! Andrew is a student at WVU majoring in musical theatre. Andrew is thankful for the friendships he has made and the work he has put into this show. He wants to thank his friends and family for always supporting him! He hopes you enjoy the show!
Abigail Bennett (Vicki Vickers) is a recent graduate from Ohio Wesleyan University with a degree in Biology and Music. Recently, she played “Florinda” in Into the Woods and “Marta” from Company in musical theater scenes ‘25. She is excited to be back at the Palace for her fifth Summer production! She hopes you enjoy the show!
A Chorus Line is Noah’s first summer production at The Palace since Disney's Newsies back in 2018, when he was 12. Noah is a middle childhood education major at The Ohio State University in Marion. In his free time, Noah coaches soccer and plays many instruments. He is excited to be a part of this wonderful show and thankful to have such an amazing production crew!
Justin is a local choreographer for the Grant Middle School show choir and musical. He is also no stranger to the palace stage, recently performing in The Will Roger’s Follies (2022) and Rent (2024).
The artistic team
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Kathy Hill
Rehearsal and Orchestra Accompanist
Kathy Hill has been a proud member of the Marion community since 1980 and
considers the Marion Palace Theatre her second home.
Having studied Piano Pedagogy at MVNU, Kathy has operated her own piano studio since 1981 and currently teaches at the Irey Dance Academy. Her extensive accompaniment career includes local churches, schools, regional theaters, master classes for the Moscow Ballet, and
collaborations with three Broadway choreographers, including the late Two-Time Tony
Award Winner Thommie Walsh (the original Bobby in A Chorus Line).
Professionally, she serves as the Administrative Assistant for META Solutions' Columbus office. Kathy and Ralph are avid roller coaster buffs and the proud parents of their three adult children (Ralph IV, Mally, and Karmen), and their Lab, Christian Dior.
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Susan Wenig
Costume Director
Susan is delighted to be a part of A Chorus Line’s artistic team as the Costume Director. Most recently, she costumed Annie, Beetlejuice Jr and Christmas At The Palace. Susan has performed in Christmas at the Palace, and last summer was a part of Annie. She is employed at Dostal & Kirk, Inc., Insurance and Financial Services.
Susan is a member of the Chancel Choir at the LaRue United Methodist Church, leads a Sunday School Class, and is a church accompanist. Susan and her husband Doug have two children – Sara (Chad) Grote and Kevin (Jessica) Wenig. She also has three granddaughters, Makena, Eloise and Maisy.
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Kristi Wink
Choreographer & Assistant Director
This summer marks Kristi’s 48th year being a part of the Palace Theatre. She has served in many capacities over the years. Board member, performer, director, choreographer and teacher.
She is proud to share the stage with her family members. Mother, Clare Cooke, daughter, Sadie Wink, and son, Brady Wink.
Kristi is the owner/director of Douce Dance Studios Marion location. This season she will be directing Aladdin Jr., 13 Jr. and Steel Magnolias. Much love to Joe and Tanner. This one is for you Papa John.
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Clare Cooke
Director
Clare Cooke – Director – Clare has been involved in Palace Theatre productions as choreographer and director the past 49 years. Most recently, she directed Annie and Christmas at the Palace. She is thrilled to bring back A Chorus Line after 36 years. Thank you to everyone for your hard work and dedication to the Palace. You are an amazing cast. Thanks, also, to Kristi for her incredible work. I am so proud of you. Thanks also to Val and Mike, my grandchildren, for your continued devotion to the Palace. Many thanks, also, to the crew, orchestra, Ashley, and her staff, and all the volunteers who work tirelessly to make it all happen.
Clare is the mother of David (Kim) Cooke and Kristi (Joe) Wink and grandmother to Sadie, Tanner and Brady Wink and Matthew and Casey Cooke. “One Singular Sensational Family!”
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Barb Yaksic
Stage Manager
Barb is once again thrilled to be part of the wonderful summer production at the Palace Theatre. Barb has been actively involved with Palace productions since 2000. She would like to thank her entire family for all the patience and support you give me during my theatre time. I love you guys. To the cast and crew, have a wonderful show. You deserve it. Break a leg!!
Joy Watkins
Joy Watkins has been working behind the scenes with sets and props since 2008 and on stage for Christmas at the Palace and occasionally the Summer Musicals. She also volunteers at the Palace as an Usher.