smile medicine
by Dakota Parobek
Cast
Peter Noll headshot

Sad-Boy | PETER NOLL*

Peter Noll is a senior theater arts student working towards finishing the musical theatre track and a minor in physical activity and nutrition sciences. Most recently, Peter played the role of Jesus in Godspell at the Des Moines Playhouse where he was awarded a Dionysus award for Outstanding Performance in a JVT musical. His other theatre experiences include Newby in Hit the Wall, newsie ensemble in Disney's Newsies (Des Moines Playhouse), and more.

Kate Anderson headshot

Sad-Bird | KATE ANDERSON*

Kate Anderson is a fourth-year undergraduate student from Minneapolis studying theatre arts, anthropology, and Arabic. Her credits at the University of Iowa include Love and Information, Three Sisters, The People Before the Park, and Wild, Wonderful. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this story to life and to Mom, Papa, Alaya, and Jemma for your unfailing love and support.

Virginia Muturi headshot

Good-Dog | VIRGINIA WANGECHI MUTURI*

Virginia Wangechi Muturi is a junior studying theatre arts and enterprise leadership. At the University of Iowa, Virginia has previously been in Ascend, 6 by 6: Collected Perspectives on Social Justice (The Honey War and #Masks), and Taurus Sun/Aries Moon. Virginia would like to thank her family, Paul Kalina, her cast mates, and the stage managers.

Allison Sass headshot

Laika | ALLISON SASS*

Allison Sass is a third-year undergraduate double-majoring in theatre arts and cinema. Most recently, she portrayed Rosalind in The Limelight Theatre Company's production of As You Like It, as well as Ronnie in Bigfoot Takes a Walk and Emily in Skeleton Closet at Iowa. She has had so much fun working on Smile Medicine; thanks everybody who has been a part of the process, and she hopes you enjoy your journey to earth, the moon, and beyond.

Bob Mussett headshot

Oleg Gazenko | BOB MUSSETT

Bob Mussett is a recent Boston transplant, whose PandemicTimes credits include Wild, Wonderful (UI), Winter Panto 2021: The Panto Games (imaginary beasts), The Way North (Gloucester Stage), and assorted readings and short plays. BeforeTimes credits include True West (Hub Theatre), The Nether (Flat Earth Theatre), The 39 Steps (Moonbox Productions), and Sh*t-Faced Shakespeare (Magnificent Bastards). Love to Sarah.

Colin Payan headshot

Alien | COLIN PAYAN*

Colin Payan is a freshman at the University of Iowa. He grew up in Bloomingdale, Illinois, and he has taken acting classes in Chicago for eight years. He is a creative writing major and is a theatre arts minor. He plans to pursue a career in voice acting. He is playing the alien and is extremely grateful for this opportunity. And yeah-enjoy the show.

Sara Alvidrez headshot

Angel | SARA ALVIDREZ*

Sara Alvidrez  is a freshman this year at the University of Iowa and currently double majoring in criminology and theatre arts. Previously, she has been in the productions Pride and Prejudice, West Side Story, and It’s a Wonderful Life in her hometown of Naperville, Illinois, and is looking forward to Iowa’s upcoming theatre season this spring. Lastly, she would like to extend gratitude toward her loved ones for their endless support.

Braxten Jones headshot

Angel | BRAXTEN JONES*

Braxten Jones is a third-year theatre arts and mathematics student at the University of Iowa, and she is very excited to perform in this production! This is her fourth show at the university after appearing in Bonnets, Seven Neos on the Brink of Mediocracy, and Ascend. She would like to thank her parents for all the support they have provided and would like to thank her fellow castmates and creative team members for such a great experience. She hopes that you enjoy the show!

Erin Luo headshot

Angel | ERIN LUO*

Erin Luo is a fourth-year undergraduate double majoring in theatre arts and journalism. Erin is also an international student who is originally from China. She is grateful to be a part of this production and she appreciates all the work of the creative team.

Miriam Ochs headshot

Angel | MIRIAM OCHS*

Miriam Ochs is an actress, dancer, and comedian who adores engaging audiences in thought provoking, hilarious, and moving performances. A fourth-year at the university studying history and theater arts, Miriam has been seen on the stage in such shows as Love and Information by Caryl Churchill (2019), Bonnets: How Ladies of Good Breeding are Induced to Murder by Jen Silverman (2019), Palanquin by SP O’Brien (2020), and Essential Workers: A Portrait directed by Alan MacVey (2020).

Ellie Turk headshot

Angel | ELLIE TURK*

Ellie Turk is thrilled to be in her sixth performance at the University of Iowa. Past university performances include You Are Not Alone in the Void, Shakespeare in Flux, Bigfoot Takes a Walk, Sirens of the Field, and Wild, Wonderful. Ellie is a theatre arts major from the Twin Cities and has participated in theatre from an early age.

Regan Heying headshot

Employee 2/Girl | REGAN HEYING*

Regan Heying is excited to be making her debut on the University of Iowa stage. She is currently a senior studying communications with minors in art and theatre arts. Some favorite past productions include Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, and Almost, Maine. She would like to thank everyone involved in this production for making it such a special experience and for the opportunity to be a part of this beautiful show.

Jacob Licht headshot

Craigslist/Employee 3/Anarchist 2 | JACOB LICHT*

Jacob Licht is a sophomore at the University of Iowa and he is double majoring in theatre arts and screenwriting. This is his first mainstage show and he hopes that you all enjoy the show this evening.

Kyle Schindler headshot

Ensemble | KYLE SCHINDLER

Kyle Schindler, a May 2021 graduate, has returned to the University of Iowa for some more theatre action! Previous acting credits include Sunday in the Park with George and Deer's Blood.

Ensemble | ANDREW HELIGAS*

 

*Undergraduate student. UI Theatre is dedicated to providing hands-on theatre experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.