When Annie’s husband John dies of leukemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow Women’s Institute members to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their newfound fame.
Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund, Calendar Girls opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre and has since become the fastest-selling play in British theatre history.
Calendar Girls premiered in a UK Tour in 2009 under the direction of Hamish McColl, before transferring to the West End in 2010.
“Calendar Girls” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
June 23 – July 9, 2023
Based on the Miramax motion picture by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth.
Directed by Sue Salas
Meet The Cast
Rhonda Townsend-Schantz – Chris
Rhonda has performed in numerous shows in Central Oregon. Among some favorite rolls are Jaqueline, in the musical La Cage Aux Folles (Mejaski Choreography), and Tiresius, in Revenge and Sorrow in Thebes (CTC – Summer 2021) Most recently seen in the musical, Something Rotten ( Mejasky Choreograpy). Rhonda is on the board of Silent Echo Theater Company in Sisters, Oregon. Thanks to husband Michael, for his endless patience and support and thanks to the Calendar Girls cast and crew. Enjoy the show, and like the sunflower, find the light, wherever it is. Thank you for supporting community theater in Central Oregon.
Jenni Peskin – Annie
Jenni’s first stage production in Bend was The Rocky Horror Show at Second Street Theater. Since then, she has directed, produced and performed in four different productions of Eve Ensler’s, The Vagina Monologues raising over $20,000 supporting social justice, abortion access and reproductive health. Jenni has also performed in Dolly Parton’s, 9-5 at CTC, Wizard of Oz with TMP and Spamalot in Theatre in the Park. This show, Calendar Girls, Jenni dedicates to her queer and trans community.
Samantha Korich – Cora
Samantha has been involved in theater most of her life. Her most recent role was Shelly in Evil Dead the musical. She is a mother to 2 wonderful children who are her entire world. She wants them to know that she loves them and is very grateful for their understanding in giving their mommy this opportunity! She hopes you all enjoy the show!
Joyce Tittle – Jessie
Joyce was able to start in theater after retiring. With a short play on 2nd Street theater she wanted more. Since then she has played Athena (a Diva) in Suite Surrender, Florence (Fly) in Odd Couple (The female version), The Wizard in Oz and Mom in A Nice Family Gathering at The Sunriver Stars Community Theater who gave her courage to believe in herself. Joyce feels fortunate to have worked with many talented directors, cast members and people behind the scenes that become family and the audience that cheers and joins us for the journey.
Linds Kincaid – Celia
Linds was last seen as Kelly Berry in A Gift To Remember. She performed several roles at CTC and enjoys performing on stage. She wants to thank the cast and crew of this amazing show for all their hard work and her husband for supporting her.
Anna Schmitt – Ruth
Anna is thrilled to be in her first main stage production with CTC after participating in the Cascades 10 One Acts. Anna’s first experience with theater was over 30 years ago in college, and she is so happy to start again. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a wonderful director and cast. She also wants to thank her husband and children for their enormous support, they are her sunflowers.
Mary Kilpatrick – Marie
Mary has been dancing, singing, acting and later directing since she could walk, thanks to her mom, who danced into her 80’s. In her first play Mary played a character wearing a strange mask that covered her from head to toe. She knew then, that was what she was here to do. She and her husband Howard moved from New York City to Bend 21 years ago, where they founded BEAT and were so delighted to find this wonderful theater community. Thank you all up here, and out there, for your loving support.
Todd Tolces – John/AD
Todd has been a SAG/AFTRA member for over 40 years, appearing on TV in Grimm and Leverage, in movies such as Disney’s Halloweentown, as well as animation and Claymation projects from Oscar winning director Will Vinton. He has voiced countless corporate narrations, audiobooks, English language tutorials, and literally thousands of commercials. Last seen in CTC’s Miracle on 34th St, Todd lives in Bend with his wife Cindy and their new cat Chyna.
Brad Knowles – Rod
Brad is grateful to be part of Calendar Girls and expresses his gratitude to the cast, crew, and production team for their efforts in bringing this story to life. It has been a joy to once again be on stage and he is grateful to have the opportunity to work with an amazing team. With a diverse background in theater, comedy, and improvisation, Brad brings a unique experience to the stage. Recently seen in “A Gift to Remember,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Revenge and Sorrow in Thebes,” Brad is happy to be returning to the CTC stage.
Tyler Bolts – Lawrence
Tyler Bolts is an Oregon native and relatively new to theater (save for a play or two in primary school) but studied film in college and has acted in self-produced student films. Primarily, he’s active in the Bend music scene as a singer-songwriter. He has found the experience of utilizing otherwise untapped creative outlets in theater to be extremely rewarding and fun and looks forward to being a part of other productions in the future.
Cindy Green – Lady Cravenshire
Cindy is delighted to return to the CTC stage for Calendar Girls. She was seen last year in the preview for Calendar Girls playing the role of Chris, and was also seen in the 2022 Cascades Ten series as well. Although she was voted Class Clown in high school, Cindy finally made her stage debut almost 50 years later. Cindy lives in Bend with her husband Todd and cat Chyna and is thrilled to be working with such a gifted cast and crew.
Alexandra Cerussi – Lady Cravenshire
Alexandra is grateful for the opportunity to be performing in Calendar Girls! Previously, she played Jacqueline de Severac in CTC’s Murder on the Nile and Pam in A Gift to Remember. Alexandra is grateful to have found a new passion in life – theater – and she looks forward more adventures on the stage! She hopes you enjoy the show!
Joshua Billeter – Liam
Joshua has been acting since 2013. He has not only been on stage but has also produced two short films, directing one of them. He is excited to be back on stage and would like to thank his wife Breanna for her unwavering support.
Victoria Stark – Elaine
Victoria is excited to be performing her second play in Bend, OR. She is a beginner actress looking to expend her acting career in the PNX.
Diane Doroski – Brenda Hulse
Introducing a remarkable talent in her debut theatrical production! Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary journey of Diane Doroski, who has embarked on her theatrical adventure with Cascades Theatrical Company. Having relocated to Bend 11 years ago, Diane has traversed the realms of the audience, the backstage, and now takes center stage. With heartfelt gratitude, Diane extends her deepest appreciation to her loving family, incredible cast, and dedicated crew for their unwavering support. Prepare to witness the birth of a shining star!
Meet The Crew
Susan Raley Salas – Director
Susan Raley Salas is a Theater Major from U.C. San Diego and holds a Masters Degree in Theater Production from Washington State. She has been an educator for over 25 years and has directed over 60 plays. She is a recipient of The California Educational Theater Award for Excellence in Theater. She would like to thank Chris and Howard for all their support. To her cast and crew: Thank you for being brilliant, delightful, brave and most of all, so very talented. It’s been an honor to work with you. Thanks Daniel and Rob for all you do.
Todd Tolces – AD/John
Todd has been a SAG/AFTRA member for over 40 years, appearing on TV in Grimm and Leverage, in movies such as Disney’s Halloweentown, as well as animation and Claymation projects from Oscar winning director Will Vinton. He has voiced countless corporate narrations, audiobooks, English language tutorials, and literally thousands of commercials. Last seen in CTC’s Miracle on 34th St, Todd lives in Bend with his wife Cindy and their new cat Chyna.
- Costumer – Pheobe Thomas
- Master Carpenter -“C-Dub”
- Carpenter Assistants – “Q”, Christopher Romero, Daniel Salas & Rodger Coffey
- Set Design – Susan Raley Salas
- Props and Set Dressers – Victoria Stark & Tyler Bolts
- Painters – Cindy Green, Todd Tolces, & Samantha Korich
- Light & Sound Design and Operation – Jessica Trainor
- Photographer/Headshots – Frankie Palmer
- Graphic Design – Chris Mehner, Breanna Billeter & Mariah Harper
- Social Media/Prod. Coordinator – Breanna Billeter
- House Manager – Nick Kaufman
- Community Outreach – Anita Fowler
- Office and Production Assistant – Mariah Harper