The Mousetrap

Heather Ostberg Johnson is honored to be working with OpenStage again. She also serves as Associate Artistic Director for the Company and wears many hats as a theatre maker and movement artist in Colorado. She is a director, improv comedian, writer, performer, teacher, clown, and dancer. Last season, Heather directed Pride & Prejudice and performed in 39 Steps with OpenStage, receiving a Henry Award for her role as Clown 2. Outside of OpenStage, she can be found performing with The Comedy Brewers, The Band of Toughs (Denver), and The Story Bakers. Heather’s passion for movement, devising, and physical theatre has led her to train with SITI Company, Frantic Assembly, Michael Chekhov Acting Studio, Double Edge Theatre, Giovanni Fusetti, and Pandemonium Studio. She is grateful for her vast circle of supportive friends and family who help her keep all the plates spinning with two young kids, loudest shoutout to Reed Johnson!

AZRAN STARKWEATHER grew up doing theatre with Debut Theatre Company in Fort Collins, CO. After finishing high school, Azran moved to New York City and studied acting at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting and at The Neighborhood Playhouse. At the Neighborhood Playhouse, they fell in love with stage management and aspire to do much more with it. Azran is excited to be back in Fort Collins and working on this wonderful production!

IVAN ANDRADE wears many hats, and he wears them well! With a background spanning construction, business development and management, and a variety of artistic endeavors, he brings a unique blend of practical skills and creative flair to OpenStage. He’s been an invaluable asset behind the scenes, contributing to numerous productions. Ivan has lent his expertise as an assistant to the lead carpenters, an assistant to technical directors, and has taken on the roles of Properties designer and builder for Reefer Madness. Most recently, he’s stepped up as Lead carpenter for The Minutes, showcasing his dedication and diverse talents. When he’s not building theatrical magic, Ivan’s likely working in his own or a client’s landscape, proving his versatility and passion for bringing ideas to life.

BRENNA FREESTONE-GILBERT was born and raised in Fort Collins and is happy to be back after a nearly ten-year hiatus while living in New York. Brenna made her directorial debut years ago with OpenStage etcetera’s production of Boy Gets Girl, followed by Limelight Theatre’s production of Brighton Beach Memoirs. She is best known for directing Bug – which left audiences squirming – as well as The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), which also left audiences squirming, but for totally different reasons; both productions were with OpenStage. Prior to leaving for New York, you might recognize on-stage Brenna from such productions as The Book of Liz (Sister Constance Butterworth/Yolanda Foxley/others), An Ideal Husband (Mrs. Chevely), Dead Man’s Cell Phone (Jean), and Noises Off (Poppy) all with OpenStage, as well as Marjorie in Extremities with OpenStage etcetera. Additional favorites include Kattrin in Mother Courage, Laura in The Glass Menagerie, and Estelle in No Exit with Bas Bleu Theatre. Upon her return home, her first dip back into Fort Collins theatre was directing The Revolutionists! Most recently, she assisted with the properties design & set dressing for Reefer Madness, as well as designing properties & dressing for Big Fish!

KARI ARMSTRONG has been involved with costume and fashion design in some form or another for most of her life. As an artist/illustrator/designer and seamstress, costume design and construction have become the culmination of many artsy endeavors. Her costume design credits in Fort Collins include OpenStage Theatre productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Moonlight and Magnolias and The Servant of Two Masters. She also co-worked on Enchanted April, King Lear, The Ladies Man and Pride and Prejudice. Kari has designed costumes for various productions including Almost Maine, The Love of the Nightingale, I, Claudia, and was nominated for a Colorado Henry Award in costume design for The Snow Queen at BasBlue Theatre. For the past 20 years, Kari has truly enjoyed her position as costume director for Poudre High School Theatre. There in a hidden and happy costume shop, she teaches costume construction and design to astonishing young people—our future theatre enthusiasts and brilliant hope for this world.

MACKENZIE LOWE is thrilled to be back with OpenStage, sharing her passion for enhancing storytelling and artistic vision through lighting with such a talented cast and crew. She holds a B.A. in Theatrical Design/Technology from the University of Northern Colorado and has over a decade of experience in the live entertainment industry. MacKenzie has worked on a wide range of events, from theatrical productions to live concerts and festivals. Known for her innovative designs, technical precision, and collaborative spirit, her work captivates audiences and evokes emotion. Past OpenStage productions include The Minutes, Big Fish and Hedwig, while recent projects include A Walk in the Woods, All is Calm, Beautiful, Jersey Boys, Margaritaville, and Beauty and the Beast. Outside of her design work, MacKenzie is passionate about mentoring future technicians and designers, passing on her knowledge and experience. When she’s not immersed in lighting, she loves spending time with family and traveling.

Joshua Moore is a Sound Designer, Mixer, and Stage Manager based in Fort Collins, Colorado. He is finishing his last year at Colorado State University studying Sound Design and is thrilled to be making his design debut with The Mousetrap. Selected credits include: Sound Design: Paradise Lost, Into the Woods (2nd Place National Sound Award-Kennedy Center), Our Town, Spelling Bee (Colorado State University) Sound Mixing: Always Patsy Cline, The Secret Garden, Crazy for You (Candlelight Dinner Playhouse) Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Towne Hall Arts Center) Sound Engineering: La Boheme, The Marriage of Figaro, Rigoletto, The Turn of the Screw, Die Walkure, La Traviata, Don Giovanni, The Elixir of Love (The Santa Fe Opera) Stage Management: The Complete works of William Shakespeare, Men on Boats, Body Speak (Colorado State University).

TYLER ZUSCHNEID grew up in Fort Collins and has been involved with theatre from a young age, acting, singing, dancing, assisting with hair/make-up/costumes for many productions over the years with Debut, Fort Collins Children’s Theatre, Fossil Ridge High School, University of Northern Colorado, and OpenStage. They designed make-up for Cabaret and Hedwig And The Angry Inch in OpenStage’s 50th Season.  By wearing makeup every day, including while they work at Costco, Tyler is hoping to bring positive social representation to the Northern Colorado community. Tyler would like to thank their Mom and Rebecca Spafford for being a close mentor and fabulous friend. 

KIRSTEN HOVORKA, has devoted her professional talents to hair and wig design for scores of actors and actresses in Fort Collins since 1976. She has been a member of OpenStage since 1977, and in 2005 received the Company’s Founders’ Award, which recognizes individuals who have made extensive contributions to the artistry and excellence of the Company. Though the list of productions Kirsten has participated in, for both local theater groups and touring companies, would fill a page, let alone a paragraph, what is most important is that, when doing hair for theatre, she is doing what she loves with the people she loves. Having that opportunity is something for which she is truly grateful.

JAMES BURNS graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Theatre Arts in 1997. He worked at the Arvada Center during the 2000, 2001 and 2002 seasons as a scenic painter and technician before moving to New York City. He stage managed On Love and Lies and Square One at the 2004 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Box of Fools for the 2005 American Living Room Festival in NYC. Since moving back to Fort Collins in 2010, James has worked extensively with both OpenStage Theatre and Bas Bleu as an actor, fight choreographer and scenic artist. He appeared onstage most recently as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, Phillip Lombard in And Then There Were None, Steve Heidebrecht in August: Osage County, Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew,The Husband in Stage Kiss, Austin in True West and Sharky in The Seafarer, all with OpenStage Theatre. In addition, James recently co-directed OpenStage’s Sherwood and directed etcetera’s productions of Fool for Love and Christmas Chaos. He sends thanks to his wife, Jessica and love to his daughters, Scarlett and Sterling.

SONJA HOPPS moved to Colorado two years ago and The Book of Will marks her third production with the OpenStage. She worked as a Stagehand for The Revolutionists and Hedwig And The Angry Inch in OST.

THOM D’ALBERGARIA began his involvement with theatre lugging props to City Park for OpenStage’s production of Three Cuckolds in 1974. After acting in a couple of shows, he soon realized his talents were better suited to creating the environments within which actors ply their craft. Thom built or designed scenery for numerous OpenStage productions through the mid-1980’s and was also the Shop Supervisor for CSU Theatre for five years. He left University Theatre to complete a Bachelor of Science and pursue a career in science education. Thom worked with OpenStage until 1985, when he left the OpenStage family for his first teaching job. He returned to OpenStage in 2013 to reconstruct Peter Anthony’s 1981 cartoon designs for Bullshot Crummond and has since worked with the Company as a carpenter for several productions; the Master Carpenter for The North Plan; and the Set Designer/Master Carpenter for Don’t Dress for Dinner. Thom recently retired and moved back to Fort Collins, where he lives with his understanding wife, Nancy, and his daughter, Ann.

ANDREW COLE joined OpenStage in 2012. In 2021 he received the Shela Jennings Award for Theatre Excellence for his outstanding work with OpenStage. “Nobody ever ate fifty eggs. You ever eat fifty eggs?” Dragline- Cool Hand Luke.

PHILIP SAN FILIPPO is a retired NJ attorney who moved to Fort Collins in 2016 to be near a son and daughter and spouses. He rebuilt a tired ranch house with his wife; good enough to attract skilled craftsmen to recruit him to assist on set builds for OpenStage.

STEPHEN GILLESPIE is a Fort Collins native, returning for his third season with OpenStage. On stage credits include October Surprise (Lake Roberts), Treasure Island (Squire Trelawny), Elf The Musical (Walter Hobbs), A Musical Christmas Carol (Jacob Marley), and has brought energy to the ensembles of The Little Mermaid and James and the Giant Peach, as well as Never A Bride (Paul). Stephen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois and applies his creativity to set design and construction. When he’s not on stage, Stephen develops innovative digital marketing strategies for clients across the country. He also loves experimenting in the kitchen and cherishing moments with his two adored pups—Finn, a charming Goldendoodle, and John E., a devoted Labrador Retriever.

DAVID MILLER is a retired engineer who enjoys building things with his hands. Although he completed Introduction to Acting 101 at CSU as an elective some 50 years ago, the bug to be on-stage never took hold. He appreciates the process of constructing the background illusions that support the actors as they ply their craft. David has helped build over ten different sets for OpenStage.

AMANDA JO REISENWEBER 

TONYA DUNN Tonya’s first (and brief) foray into theater began in college with Morris Burns, where she discovered two things: theater is incredibly fun, and she is much better suited to working with her hands than memorizing lines. After retiring from the stage before anyone could typecast her, she found her way back to what she does best—working with her hands. She’s now proudly working alongside her husband once again—this time as his assistant—proving that teamwork really does make the dream work.

LIBBY WILLIAMS is a Costume and Set Designer known for her creative and innovative designs for theater. Libby began designing sets and lighting for local theaters in 2000, and transitioned into costume design in 2016. After designing over a dozen sets and another dozen shows for costumes, she made the decision in 2023 to leave behind her career in health care to pursue theatrical design professionally. She is a graduate of Colorado State University, with a BA in Theater Costume Design Technology and Set Design. She was selected to Design costumes for Opera and Theater at CSU and in the Fort Collins Community, and Properties Design for CSU Theater. She currently works as a freelance designer for theaters and private clients.

DAVID GRINNELL has been continuously involved with OpenStage for the last 10 years. David originally worked in the Saint Paul/Minneapolis area, with companies such as The Great American History Theater, Cricket Theater, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, and The Guthrie Theater. For OpenStage, he has served as the Master Electrician for Moonlight and Magnolias, Unnecessary Farce, North Plan, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Avenue Q, and Men On Boats. David was the Lighting Designer for this season’s CABARET and Don’t Dress for Dinner in 2017. Since the 2015 relaunch of OpenStage etcetera, he has served as Lighting Designer and Master Electrician for their productions of The Submission, A Bright New Boise, Ultimate Beauty Bible, H2O, Ideation, The Mystery of Love and Sex, Fool For Love, Every Brilliant Thing, Tiny Beautiful Things, Cry It Out, and A Doll’s House Part 2.

AMANDA FYOCK has worked with OpenStage previously in Clue: On Stage, Big Fish: small cast edition, Reefer Madness, and The 39 Steps. She is a structural drafter by day, but when she’s not sitting at a computer she is an aerialist, training and performing aerial sling, lyra, and other circus apparatuses. She is involved in several board game communities and playtests brand new board games.

CHRISTINA MARIE OLSON is a versatile actor and artist with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she specialized in acting, makeup, hair, and costuming. She returned to the stage after a 12-year hiatus this past summer with OpenStage as Lizzy in Pride & Prejudice. Her other stage credits include Phaedra, Legally Blonde, Lend Me A Tenor, and 100 (Nebraska Wesleyan). Outside of theatre, Christina enjoys streaming on Twitch and creating digital art, passions that allow her to connect with others and explore her creativity in new ways. She is excited to be working with OpenStage again as a Full Company Member!

MORGAN TAYLOR Since the 29th Season, Morgan has fulfilled many roles with OpenStage, including performer, writer for their radio projects, stage manager, stagehand, and technician. His favorite recent work with the company was a dual role that allowed him to channel his inner pirates as both the evil Blind Pew and the happy-go-lucky Lucky Mickey in the outdoor production of Treasure Island in 2023. A native of Minden, Nebraska, he first performed in school productions in Phillipsburg, Kansas and with companies as far away as Worms, Germany and as small as The Eddyville Community Players in Eddyville, Nebraska, a town with fewer than a hundred residents in the Nebraska Sandhills. After so many years, Morgan still enjoys being asked to work with OpenStage and hopes they never stop calling.

JACOB OFFEN has played many roles at OpenStage Theatre & Company – actor, staff member, board member, and now director and Producing Artistic Director. Misery marks his directorial debut at OpenStage. Jacob taught Acting at the University of Houston during his tenure as an MFA candidate, and recently at the University of Northern Colorado. He designed a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Stanislavsky, Hagen, Meisner, Roy Heart and Cecily Berry, and coached actors in scene work/audition preparation. Further, Jacob has created acting, voice, and Shakespearean text workshops at the Texas Shakespeare Festival, Houston Shakespeare Festival, and for acting students of all ages. While he served as the Company Development Administrator (2011 – 2015), he produced and directed entertainment for OST&C’s spring fundraisers (Casino Royal: The Sting, Viva Las Vegas, Oceans 11, le Cirque Rouge!). He is thrilled to put his years of experience as a performer and teaching artist to work for Misery and for many future productions to come!

AGATHA CHRISTIE is known throughout the world as the Queen of Crime. Her books have sold over a billion copies in English with another billion in foreign languages. She is the most widely published author of all time and, in many languages, outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. She is the author of 66 crime novels, 150 short stories, over 20 plays, and six novels written under the name Mary Westmacott. Her work includes Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, and the genre-defining And Then There Were None.

Agatha Christie’s first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, was written towards the end of the First World War, in which she served in the VAD. In it she created Hercule Poirot, the little Belgian detective who was destined to become the most popular detective in crime fiction since Sherlock Holmes. It was published by Bodley Head in 1920.

In 1926, after averaging a book a year, Agatha Christie wrote her first masterpiece. The  Murder of Roger Ackroyd was the first of her books to be published by Collins and marked the beginning of an author-publisher relationship that lasted for 50 years and well over 70 books. Ackroyd was also the first of Agatha Christie’s books to be dramatized – under the title Alibi – and to have a successful run in London’s West End.

By 1930, Agatha had introduced a new character to act as detective. When she created Miss Marple, Agatha did not expect her to become Poirot’s rival, but with The Murder at the Vicarage, Miss Marple’s first full-length outing, it appeared she had produced another popular and enduring character.

The Mousetrap, her most successful play of all, opened in 1952 and is the longest-running play in history.

Agatha Christie was made a dame in 1971. She died in 1976.

Agatha Christie Limited (ACL) has been managing the literary and media rights to Agatha Christie’s works around the world since 1955, working with the best talents in film, television, publishing, stage and on digital platforms to ensure that Christie’s work continues to reach new audiences in innovative ways and to the highest standard. The company is managed by Christie’s great grandson James Prichard.

Visit www.agathachristie.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of The Christie Archive Trust