
1776 (Special Event)
America's Prize Winning Musical
Music and Lyrics by SHERMAN EDWARDS
Book by PETER STONE
Based on a concept by SHERMAN EDWARDS
Original Production Directed by PETER HUNT
Originally Produced on the Broadway Stage by STUART OSTROW
Presented through special arrangement with
Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
The birth of a nation comes alive on stage! Join John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they struggle, debate, and dream their way toward the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Filled with wit, passion, and unforgettable songs, 1776 captures the fiery spirit and timeless courage behind America’s fight for freedom.


Kyle Adams
Edward Rutledge
This is Kyle’s first show with The Players Theatre Company and he is very excited to get back to performing. He would also like to thank everyone at The Players and 1776 for making him feel welcomed into this community.

Bonnie Atkinson
Abigail Adams
Bonnie is delighted to be a part of this beautiful show and her third Players Theatre Company production this season. Most recently, she stepped behind the scenes as Stage Manager for Potato Gumbo after appearing on stage as Claire in Rumors. Prior to that she portrayed Truvy in Steel Magnolias after a 25-year hiatus. She is thankful to Casey for this opportunity and is honored to portray such a strong woman whose resilience, loyalty and voice helped shape a nation.

Austin Atherton
Thomas Jefferson
Austin is excited to make his debut with The Players Theatre Company. With over 25-years of theatrical experience, he has performed on a number of stages across Texas. Some of his favorite roles include Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Dracula (Dracula), The Scarlet Pimpernel (Chauvelin), Puffs (Wayne Hopkins), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oberon). He’d like to thank Casey for trusting him with the role of Thomas Jefferson, something he has dreamt of since seeing the movie in high school.

Travis Bryant
Benjamin Franklin
Travis is excited to return to The Players’ stage for his second show of the season. His most recent Players Theatre Company credits are Director for Jesus Christ Superstar and Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. He previously directed last season’s White Christmas. He is grateful to be working with this wonderful cast, crew, and production team. For my father.

Henry de la Garza
Rev John Witherspoon
Henry is no stranger to the The Players Theatre Company, having played in the recent popular Rock Opera Jesus Christ Superstar (High Priest/Guard), White Christmas (Ralph Sheldrake), Fiddler on the Roof (Mordacha), Potato Gumbo (Jim Cappazolli) and Heart of the Matter (Howard). In addition to many other fun roles with Navasota Theater Alliance productions. Native Houstonians may remember Henry as the TV Host of Channel 26’s‚ “The All-Night Show” which introduced Houston to 24-hour TV programming. Henry thanks his formative 4-years of full-time musical stage performances with Six Flags Parks & DisneyWorld, Florida. Henry also was a member of the dance ensemble of 2 major performances of the Greater Houston Civic Ballet, at Jones Hall.

Jeremy Desel
Dr Lyman Hall
Jeremy is very excited to be back on The Players’ stage for the first time in three years. He last appeared as Pulitzer in The Players’ production of Newsies. Past local credits include Walter Hobbs in Elf the Musical, Clayton in Tarzan, and Potiphar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In real life, Jeremy is a Strategic Communications professional. But he might secretly hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Pacific Lutheran University. His favorite actor in this production is playing the Courier.

Kai Desel
Courier
Kai is more than a little bit taller than during his last appearance with the The Players as Crutchy in Newsies three years ago. He spent two years in the prestigious Theatre Under the Stars Pre-Professional Program. Kai made his professional debut as Fredrich in The Sound of Music at AD Players in Houston. Other favorite roles include Evan Goldman in 13 and Aaron in Mean Girls with Class Act. In May, Kai graduated from Grand Oaks High School.

Jonathon Dutweiler
Richard Henry Lee
Jonathon is excited to be back on stage with the Players after recently embodying the role of Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar. Notable previous roles include You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Linus), Anything Goes (Lord Evelyn Oakleigh), and Rock of Ages (Franz). Jonathon would like to thank his friends and family for their constant support and forgiving his spontaneous bursting into song.

Bryan Evans
Thomas McKean
Bryan has been on stage exactly twice: once 21 years ago and now, once more, with his fellow Founding Fathers. He is usually found in the sound booth where he’s been for the past 11 years (and 25+ productions) as the Tech Director for Legacy FOIL, the theater program his wife founded. He’s thankful to Katy and his three kids for their support and for encouraging him to come out of his egg and commit treason against the crown.

Robert Evens
John Dickinson
Robert is thrilled to return to the Conroe stage after a 13-year hiatus. His previous credits include Grease (Vince Fontaine) (Players Theatre, 2013), The Drowsy Chaperone (Robert Martin) (Crighton Theatre, 2013), Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson) (DLP Productions, 2008), Grease (Danny Zuko) (DLP Productions, 2008), Jesus Christ Superstar (Caiaphas) (SHSU), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Senator Wingwoah) (SHSU), The Full Monty (Reg) (SHSU), 42nd Street (Pat Denning) (SHSU). Professionally, Robert serves as an Assistant Principal in Huntsville ISD. He is grateful for the opportunity to once again share his passion for theatre with this wonderful community.

Taylor Fisher
John Adams
Taylor is proud to be part of this beautiful story. He was last seen on stage in Man of La Mancha (Don Quixote). He has previously been in Forever Plaid (Smudge), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Sweeney Todd) among others at Art Park Players, Garden Theatre, and Stageworks Theater. He would like to thank his family and amazing wife for their constant support.

Bob Galley
Lewis Morris
Bob makes his musical debut with 1776, after recently portraying Ernie in Neil Simon’s Rumors. Bob graduated UH with a BA in Theatre and he took Stuart Ostrow’s “History of Musical Theatre” as part of that. Bob is overwhelmed that he now gets to be in one of Stuart’s award winning musicals. He’s still not sure he’s more than a “singer in the car,” like most of us, but is forever grateful that Casey found a role for him here and for Thorn and Todd who let Dad out of the house to do theatre.

Katt Gilcrease
Charles Thomson
Katt is excited to be a part of such a monumental retelling of history. Working with actors and singers he admires has been a highlight. A veteran of film, TV and stage, Katt is certain you will enjoy this show. Thanks to Casey for this honor, and as always love to Susan and Pippy.

Carlos Holstein
Joseph Hewes
The Renaissance Man of Conroe is back on the stage and couldn’t be more grateful to The Players Theatre Company. Maybe you saw him in Beauty and the Beast, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory or Legally Blonde. Maybe you’ve played in his weekly local game shows. Maybe you met him voice acting at anime conventions. Maybe you went to his Elder Emo Night concerts. Maybe you heard him giving fiery speeches at the city council. Or maybe he helped you at the Social Security office. The man is nonstop, but only with the love and support of his family and fellow entertainers. Thank you for supporting local theatre and we’ll see you after the show!

Julia Massey
Martha Jefferson
Julia is beyond excited to be performing with The Players Theatre Company for the first time! In 2023 she received her BA in Acting/Directing from TAMUCC, where she last played Betty in Betty’s Summer Vacation. She also was a professional actress for the Red Dragon Pirate Cruises for multiple years in Port Aransas. Julia is so happy to now be back in her hometown where she joined the Players Youth Ensemble in 2025 as their choreographer and one of their teachers. She is so thankful for how welcoming everyone in The Players Theatre Company has been and is so grateful for this opportunity!

Stephen Hill
George Read
Stephen is excited to be back acting for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He is a public school music educator and musician. Other roles Stephen has played include King Triton, King Arthur in Spamalot, Shrek, The Cowardly Lion, Billy Flynn and multiple roles in Little Shop of Horrors. Stephen also performs in the Home Brewed Brass Ensemble as a French Horn player.

Dave Kerr
Roger Sherman
Dave happily returns to live theatre after dabbling in cinema for several years. Notable regional credits include Carousel (Billy Bigelow), Miss Saigon (Chris), Kiss Me, Kate (Fred/Petruchio), Beauty and the Beast (The Beast), Camelot (Lancelot), and Godspell (Jesus). His dramatic work includes ...And Then There Were None (Lombard) and Brian Friel’s Translations (Manus). Offstage, Dave is a regional screen actor and writer. He sends boundless love to his wife, Sarah, and their girls for their constant support.

Steve Murphree
Stephen Hopkins
After taking a break from acting in theater, due to health issues, Steve is very excited to be back onstage with The Players. He has really enjoyed working with this cast, and working with old friends, as well as working and meeting new cast mates. Steve has performed in many shows too numerous to mention. He just really enjoys acting on stage! Steve should be enjoying retirement right now, but he drives for Uber Eats. When not acting, Steve enjoys exercising and outdoor activities, and staying active. Steve would like to thank Casey for casting him, and Paula and Andrew for their love and support!

Roger Ormiston
Andrew McNair
Roger has been involved with The Players Theatre Company since 1981. Over the years, he has appeared onstage, worked behind the scenes, and currently serves as the company’s Technical Director. Roger is pleased to be part of this production and thanks his family, friends, and fellow Players for their continued support.

Roger Ramirez
Josiah Bartlett
Roger is very happy to be in this production and thanks The Players Theatre Company for letting him step on this awesome stage again. He has done many shows and would like to send his love to the Conroe Theatre community. Roger always feels that it is God who works to move you where you need to be. He is grateful for your support and hopes you enjoy this performance. God bless this most beautiful country!!!

Wyatt Ritchie
Rodney Caesar
Wyatt is excited to be in his second show of the season with The Players Theatre Company. He was most recently seen on stage as an ensemble member in Carrie after earning a lead role in his high school’s production of Peter Pan (Captain Hook). Wyatt would like to thank the awesome director, Casey, for giving him a chance to portray one of our nation’s founding fathers. He bids you adieu and hopes you enjoy the show!

Daniel Rodriguez
Leather Apron
Daniel made his Players Theater Company debut as Jack in Potato Gumbo and is excited to be following that up with this amazing production. A lifelong fan of performance with mainstage improv experience, he is excited to continue participating in the magic. By day, Daniel works in sales and enjoys training for his marathon swim while also dedicating time to creating videos for his YouTube channel. He would like to thank his director, the cast, the theater company, and his family for supporting him through this incredible opportunity.

Jonathan Rozas
John Hancock
Jonathan has performed at different venues throughout the Houston/Conroe area in productions such as Of Mice and Men (Slim), The Drowsy Chaperone (Adolpho), Anything Goes (Sir Evelyn Oakleigh), Macbeth (Ross), The Foreigner (Owen Musser), Rumors (Glenn Cooper), The Three Musketeers (Porthos) The Cake (Tim) and The Play That Goes Wrong (Robert Grove). He is quite pleased to be playing in this current role as it allows him to participate, in some small fashion, in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.

Ron Saikowski
Samuel Chase
Ron is an Engineer by day, owning Quest Engineering, a wine columnist syndicated in Hearst Publications, and a lover of history. He is on the Montgomery County Historical Commission and chairs the AMERICA250 Committee for Montgomery County. Ron enjoys playing the role of Samuel Chase since they are both “foodies”.

Dave Troth
Robert Livingston
David is overjoyed to share the stage once again, supported by his incredible wife Heather and proud of his wonderful children Shelby, Taylor and son-in-law Tyler. His biggest upcoming role? First time Granddad this December! Since joining The Players in 1991, David has treasured the friendships and artistic family he’s found here. Audiences may remember him as Roy in Brighton Beach Memoirs (Joe Viser), Huck Finn in Big River (June Loskowski), Laurie in Little Women (Jeanne Frasier), the scene-stealing Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors (OA Melvin), or in his transformative turns as Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Henry Higgins, and the Phantom (all under Marty Craig). Most recently, he appeared as Daddy Cane in Bright Star (Phillip Harris). He’s honored to perform once more with this extraordinary Players Theater Company, guided by the vision of Casey Burden.

Matt Wehring
James Willson
Matt has an impressive theater background. His performances have graced productions such as A Christmas Carol: The Musical, Addams Family, Wedding Singer, Little Shop of Horrors, Tuck Everlasting, Dracula, Beauty and the Beast, Spamalot, Tarzan, West Side Story, CLUE, Bright Star, and many more! Matthew extends his heartfelt appreciation to the cast, crew and team. He is profoundly grateful to God, family and friends. Sit back and enjoy this powerful historical show! Matthew is currently being represented by SPARK TALENT AGENCY.











