Our Town by Thornton Wilder Cast

Debbie is excited to be performing once again with the Rio Rancho Players! She is honored to have been cast as the “Stage Manager,” a role not too many women have the opportunity to play. She hopes you enjoy the non-traditional twist on this very traditional play.

This is Bryce’s second show with the Players, and he’s thrilled with the challenge this role offers.

This is Jessica’s 4th production with RR Players. Previous to RRP, she has been in mostly musicals and comedies and is excited to portray one of her dream characters. She wants to thank her family for letting her do “just one more” play.

This is Maria's first production with the Rio Rancho Players. As a lifelong fan of the theatre, she is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a great cast and crew. Maria is also a RR Youth Chorus alumni!

Earl grew up in San Diego, CA, moved to Orlando in 2012, and Albuquerque in 2021. His favorite role thus far was Mr. Roat in "Wait until Dark". He thanks Mel and Neal for the opportunity to finally get onstage in Rio Rancho!

I have been acting since high school, but the Rio Rancho Players has been a family to me.

Katherine is an actor currently local to Albuquerque, NM. She is happy to be performing again with the Rio Rancho Players.

Justin originally started out as a tuba player in band and orchestra during his high school days. He has performed in 5 of the Rio Rancho Players productions and has a most interesting and key role in “Our Town”.

My mom has been in theater and this is my first time on stage. It has been so fun and I look forward to maybe doing it more.

I’m 10 years old, live in Rio Rancho, and attend the Montessori Elementary School in Albuquerque. I enjoy swimming and competing in swim meets with the Rio Rancho MAKO Swim Team. Although this is my first play, I have really enjoyed learning this role and being able to work with such fun people. It has allowed me to explore the world of acting that I never thought was there.

Drystan’s first time on stage was as a puppy in “101 Dalmations, Jr.” at age 7, and the theater has been calling ever since. His favorite productions include “Trap” with the DNHS Thespian Society, “Aladdin” with Hold the Applause Productions, and “The Wizard of Oz” with Pittsford Musicals. Drystan is a senior at Albuquerque Charter Academy.

>> ACTING: (2006-2014) SJC and TEA Farmington, NM + (2014-2023) Marfa, TX 9/2023 Mariana - “Measure forMeasure” >> SINGING: (1980-2003) Bass in Sweet Adelines - Cedar Rapids, IA + (2022-2024) Oasis Entertainers show tunes choir — my happy place >> Now cheerfully delivering milk in Grover’s Corners, NH for RRP

Rod is once again excited to be performing with the Rio Rancho Players.

Rio Rancho Players has been my family since Mel Sussman founded the group in 2019. I have acted in 4 shows, was an Assistant Director for Almost Maine, and the director of Arsenic and Old Lace. Theater is a wonderful place to experience life with a diverse group of interesting people of all ages. Love it!

This is Rich’s debut with RR Players. He coaches folx in their search for meaning via Existential Analysis and the Enneagram. *Our Town* embodies the existential themes he loves.

This is Larry Bernstein’s fourth appearance with the Rio Rancho Players. He has previously appeared in Airport Encounters, Adam’s Eve and most recently as Jonathan Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace. He hopes you enjoy the timeless classic Our Town where he appears as Joe Stoddard, the town’s funeral director.

I enjoy performing with the cast, and look forward to playing all three characters. To my cast members: break a leg.

Mary Ann recently retired as a HR Specialist with the federal government. She and her husband have an adult son and two cats. She worked on the stage crew for RR Players’ previous production, ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ and is excited to make her acting debut in ‘Our Town!’

Mindy possesses a wonderful history with musical theater, having been an Old Fort Worth Show Girl. Additionally, she has filled the roles of MC, Comedienne, Writer, Producer and Director of numerous productions. For the “Our Town’ production Mindy is a church choir member, and a Person Among the Dead. She is a versatile, important member of the Rio Rancho Players.

As co-founder of the Rio Rancho Players, it is my great pleasure to step beyond the usual behind the scenes role and take a stage front one as Mrs. Gibbs and Mistress of Ceremonies. What a privilege to work with this talented cast. Shout out to my husband, Mel, for his support and hard work!

Nimmie is a first-time MC, and has one stage credit to her name – “Hate Mail”, performed with her husband, Earl Adams (Dr. Gibbs). She usually prefers being behind the curtain, having been an award-nominated Producer in the San Diego Community Theater space. Enjoy the show!

Involved in community theater from a young age, I was thrilled to become a member of the Rio Rancho Players from their inception. I’ve been onstage and/or part of the production team in every Players production, as well as a former member of the Executive Committee. The show must go on!