Crew of A Year with Frog and Toad
Role
Background
Donald Cleland
Donald is very excited to be back directing a youth production at Theatre in the Grove after a number of years absence. His most recent musicals he directed at TiTG were BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. and THE WIZARD OF OZ YOUNG ACTORS EDITION. He also directed youth productions way back in the 80’s. He has appeared in many plays and musicals at TiTG. A couple of his favorites are THE WIZARD OF OZ (The Cowardly Lion) and THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM (Lil Harp). Donald’s favorite role to date is the one he plays every Christmas season at Sleighbells in Sherwood and that is Santa Claus. Donald also has directed a number of youth productions at HART Theatre in Hillsboro. Most notably, LION KING JR., MATILDA JR. and this fall SEUSSICAL JR. Donald grew up in Hillsboro, taught school there, where he built a theatre program at Poynter Middle School. He and his wife Sonja of 47 years raised their 3 sons in Hillsboro. Donald is a proud grandpa to Taylor, Brynn, Blair, and Liam. He would like to apologize to his dogs Ringo and Juniper for ignoring them during this process. He’ll take them hiking as soon as he can!
Kathleen Lacock
Kathleen is a retired teacher who loves kids and music. This is her 12th show with Donald Cleland, directing young people, but her first time trying her hand at set design When not working on music for a variety of ensembles, she can be found in the kitchen, in the throes of cooking. She would like to thank her wonderful husband Robert for taking the cast photos, and for a life of shared music and adventure.
Marsha Kelly
Marsha is thrilled to return to Theater in the Grove to work with such a talented cast and crew in A Year With Frog and Toad. Her recent musicals as choreographer include Scrooge The Musical at TiTG, Mean Girls and Singing in the Rain at Century HS as well as The Sourcerer with Light Opera of Portland. Marsha began dancing and singing at age 4. She was the owner/artistic Director of Act 1 School of Dance for 16 years. She has over 40 years experience as a choreographer, vocal coach, Director, producer, judge for dance competitions, as well as theater, a cappella, and Trampoline. She is currently a music specialist in the Hillsboro school district and has her own private music studio in Hillsboro. She is currently singing in two barbershop quartets getting ready for competition in the spring. Her husband and four sons are all active in the performing arts and gymnastics. She loves to kayak with her two little dogs, Jack, Jack and Kizzy.
Rylie Bartell
Rylie is delighted to be stage manager for A Year with Frog and Toad. Previously you may have seen Rylie on stage. Some of her favorite roles include a soldier in Chitra: The Girl Prince with Northwest Children’s Theater, Tomika in School of Rock with Stages, and Liz/Chorus in Chicago with Stages. In her free time, Rylie enjoys gaming and playing with her dog, Indie. Rylie would like to thank Don Cleland for giving her this opportunity.