Directors‘ Notes
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Gaslighting (gerund)
Psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended
period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their
own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads
to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s
emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.
When first written and produced, the “gaslighting” presented
in this play was a literal reference to the gas lights that brighten
and dim on stage to indicate the whereabouts of our deceitful
husband; however, because of this play, the term has been turned
into an action describing the husband’s unscrupulous actions
– and now has become a universally used termed to describe
manipulative actions in general.
It is a term of great relevance as we confront the realities women
powerfully share in the #MeToo movement. It describes our new
political reality as those in power lie and manipulate others to
question and disregard reality — even at times when events are
witnessed with peoples’ own eyes the lies devastatingly work to
make people question what they know they saw.
Belief in the lie is a powerful tool to maintain power over others
and to belittle those who refuse to believe the lie. Facts are
turned into fiction; fiction is turned into fact. Reality is subverted.
More than ever, this play speaks to us long after its first
production 87 years ago. It teaches us to be ever wary. To
question others when confronted with beliefs based on untruths.
As our heroine realizes much too late, the devastating reality is
that those we trust the most — those we rely on to care for us —
are also the same individuals who can twist the trust to their own
advantage regardless of the cost or human toll.
It is her ultimate response upon making this discovery that will
determine her fate. More than anything, that is the lesson we
must all take away from this play: The manner in which we process,
defend, and respond to the lies will determine our humanity.
~ Tim Moon, Director
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Crystal Parsons – (Mrs. Manningham)
Crystal has been involved with Gratiot County Players since 2021. She was in
the ensemble in both Mamma Mia! and Spamalot, and she portrayed Ethel in
Footloose. She loves singing, dancing and being on stage! Crystal would like
to thank her husband and children for supporting her and encouraging her to
follow her love of the arts and she is so grateful and excited to be in this play!
Mike Klahre – (Mr. Manningham)
A veteran community theatre actor, Mike has previously appeared in many
GCP productions since 2015 but a few of his favorites include Matthew in Anne
of Green Gables, the lead role in Ebenezer, Otto Frank in Diary of Anne Frank,
and Henry II in The Lion in Winter. Mike has been involved with community
theatre since high school. He would like to thank his wife, Maria, for
supporting him in all his theatrical endeavors. Mike has also directed several
GCP productions and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Gratiot
County Players.
Scott A. Mackenzie – (Rough)
Scott was the director of theatre and chair of the Theatre and Dance
Department at Alma College until retiring last fall. Previously, he held similar
positions at Westminster College in Pennsylvania. After a lot of directing,
Scott is stepping in front of the curtain for the first time in 10 years. He
earned his M.F.A. in acting at Michigan State, and Ph.D. in directing at Wayne
State. He was awarded the Kennedy Center Gold Medallion for excellence in
theatre education and The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
(KCACTF) /Association of Theatre in Higher Education Prize for Innovation
in Teaching Theatre. In 2019, Scott directed Miss Bennet: Christmas at
Pemberly for the Gratiot County Players and, in a 30+ education career, many
productions at Mott Community College, Wayne State, Westminster, and
Alma, including two devised works performed at Scotland’s Edinburgh Festival
Fringe. While on active duty with the US Army reserve, he directed Bigfoot
Stole My Wife in Baghdad’s Green Zone. Favorite roles include Joe Keller in All
My Sons, and Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Susan Czeiszperger – (Elizabeth)
Susan has been involved with GCP in various capacities for 40 years from
playing flute in the orchestra to performing on stage. Some of her favorite
roles include Mrs. Beauregarde in Willy Wonka and being in the ensemble for
Mamma Mia!. She loves to read, practice languages, and play the flute. Susan
currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Gratiot County Players. She
would like to thank her husband and daughters for their love and support. Fun
fact – Tim was her very first childhood director!
Kallie Marrison – (Nancy)
Kallie is thrilled to be making her debut at Gratiot County Players as Nancy!
She holds a BFA in Acting from Michigan State University, a BS in Music from
Valley City State University, and is currently working on an MFA in Theatre
Education from Mississippi University for Women. She is also an LCC theatre
alumna and has performed in many productions. A few of her favorites include
Chicago, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, and The Sound of Music. Kallie
recently directed Snow White and the Seven Dudes and was music director for
LCC’s My Emperor’s New Clothes. When she is not acting or directing, she is
busy teaching her 25 piano students. A big thank you to her family and friends
for supporting her theatrical ambitions.
Jimm Lyon – (Policeman #2)
Jimm has been in the Alma Community for decades. He first appeared
with the GCP in 1983. After 42 years, he is now retired from the Alma
Post Office. Having been in many shows over the years, he is very
happy to play a policeman again in GCP’s second production of Gaslight
Joshua Zeitler – (Policeman #1)
Joshua has appeared on the GCP stage as Benjamin in Joseph & the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat, as Brett in 13: The Musical and as John in The Lion in
Winter. They have directed short plays for the Alma College theatre program.