Jan | MIKE TORKELSON

Mike Torkelson has recently returned to the Midwest after living near mountains or oceans for the past 40 years. HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING is Mike’s first stage appearance in the Iowa City area and first time back on stage after a hiatus of 20 years. Previous stage experience has landed Mike in Wyoming, Washington, Arizona, California, and Alaska. Special thanks to Amanda, Sarah, and everyone involved in this production for providing a perfect opportunity for Mike to ease back in.

Gayle | MARY DENMEAD

Mary Denmead transplanted to the Midwest in 2015 and has worn many hats: a professional actress in New York, a childbirth educator in Arizona, a fiber artist in Washington state, currently coordinator of the simulated patient program at UI, and a yoga instructor in each of those places. Mary has had the honor of singing with Ed Kottick and the CCPA Orchestra. Local productions include 1776, Annie Get Your Gun, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Annie, and A Winter's Tale.

Craig | M.L. ROBERTS

M.L. Roberts is a first-year MFA candidate at the University of Iowa's Playwrights Workshop, proud son of a Navy Veteran, and descendent of the Gullah Geechee of the Carolinas.  

Ken | KOLTON STREMLER*

Kolton Stremler is a second-year student here at the University of Iowa. He’s currently pursuing a major in theatre arts, with a minor in cinema. He’s been in a number of local and high school productions such as It's A Wonderful Life, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. Here at the university, he’s been in Losing Faith as well as last spring's mainstage production, Ascend. He’d like to thank his parents, friends, and his partner Naira for all of their continued support! 

Henry | DEREK DONNELLAN*

Derek Donnellan is a third-year theatre arts and film double major from Boise, Idaho. He has been acting since he was nine, with experience on stage and in film. He hopes to grow as an actor and learn more about theatre and film while here at the university. 

Jannie | VALERIE DAVINE

Valerie Davine  enjoys performing in the corridor and was most recently seen in Run of the Mill Theatre's production of Arcana and as Pat Nixon in Giving Tree Theatre's Tea for Three. This is her first staged play with the University of Iowa, and it has been wonderful to work with such thoughtful and talented people! She is very appreciative of Sarah and Amanda's dedication, understanding, and flexibility.

Meg | JESSIE SHAW*

Jessie Shaw is a third-year student in the University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts. She hopes you enjoy the show and feel welcomed to Wyman and the HCC. Hopefully the show doesn’t leave you too emotionally distraught! She would like to thank Sarah, Amanda, Rob, Jeremy, Kristy H-G, Meg M., Ennis, Arlo, her cast mates, friends, and family for their help and support. Keep singing besties!!!!!!