War Paint Cast

Cyndy Brookover (Miss Elizabeth Arden)
Cyndy is honored to be portraying the iconic Elizabeth Arden in War Paint! Taking steps back in time and learning about New York society and the makeup and beauty industry was definitely fascinating. Some of her other favorite roles have been Mother Superior in Nunsense (The Village Players), Georgette Howard in It Shoulda Been You (Black Swamp Players), Vi Moore in Footloose (Croswell Opera House), Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man (Croswell Opera House), Alice Beineke in Addams Family (Waterville Playshop), ensemble in Sister Act and Ragtime (Croswell Opera House). When not on stage, Cyndy enjoys singing with the Perrysburg Chorale, singing in the choir at All Saints Catholic Church, working as Business Manager/Bookkeeper at a local Catholic church, and as Box Office Associate at the historic Valentine Theatre. Thank you to Steve for your never ending love and support of this crazy love/hobby of mine! Enjoy your time at the Red Door Salon!!
Annelise Clifton (Madame Helena Rubinstein)
Annelise is excited to bring to life Helena Rubinstein in War Paint. Most recently, Annelise was seen in Common Grounds: A New Musical reprising her roles as Leenie LaRue and a Commershelle (Rochelle) Last season, Annelise portrayed Hannah Ferguson in Black Swamp Players’ Spitfire Grill, Fraulein Schnieder in 3B/Village Players production of Cabaret, and was a member of the ensemble cast of Black Swamp Players’ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Previous credits include TBD Productions’ Motherhood Out Loud, Cutting Edge Theatre Company’s Chicago (Matron Mama Morton) and Black Swamp Players’ August: Osage County (Barbara Fordham). Annelise is one of the founders of TBD Productions and was honored to be in TBD’s first production, the two-hander Gidion’s Knot (Corryn). Other selected theatre credits include Matilda (Miss Trunchbull), Talking With (Moira/Fifteen Minutes), The Drowsy Chaperone (Woman in Chair); The Addams Family (Morticia); To Kill a Mockingbird (Miss Maudie); A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Crachit); Grease (Miss Lynch); and, Sister Act (Ensemble). When not in the theater, Annelise spends her time working as an attorney, volunteering with local theater organizations, serving on the advisory board for the BGSU Chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity, and enjoying high school again through her teenage daughter’s eyes. Annelise would like to thank her husband and children for always supporting her.
Lane Hakel (Tommy Lewis)
Lane is enjoying this opportunity to be on BSP’s Oak Street stage once again. His last appearance here was in August Osage County with many members of this cast. While you won’t have seen him acting here since then, he has had a hand in almost every show since as a set builder. Lane will be directing BSP’s final show of the year Jennifer’s Birth in July. He has been an active member with BSP since 2001 when he appeared in Nell of the Ozarks in City Park’s Needle Hall. You can also find him on other area stages and on Audible.com where his eighth audiobook will soon be available. Lane is a proud parent, grandparent, and retired teacher that lives in BG with his partner in grandparenting, Heidi.
Warren Clifton (Harry Fleming)
Warren Clifton, taking on the role of Harry Fleming in "War Paint," brings a lot of enthusiasm, if not a wealth of theatrical experience, to the Black Swamp stage. Warren was recently a part of the ensemble that brought to life the original musical “Common Grounds" with TBD Productions. His straight play credits include "Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" and "August: Osage County" both with Black Swamp Players. Beyond the spotlight, Warren dedicates his Sunday mornings to acting like a pastor at Hope United Methodist Church in Whitehouse, OH, exemplifying his commitment to both art and community. His passion for the arts also extends to serving on the board of TBD Productions. Warren is excited to help bring this important story from mid-20th century America to life and looks forward to sharing the stage with this talented cast.
Mason Melia (Ensemble)
Mason has been in love with theater since high school and is so excited to be doing another musical. Mason graduated from Napoleon highschool in 2023 and performed in shows such as the Wedding Singer (2022), Lend Me A Tenor (2022), and Beauty and The Beast (2023) all while with the Napoleon High School Drama Department. Also Common Grounds (2023) and radio play What A Wonderful Life (2023). Mason has always been very involved in music. Doing things such as symphonic, concert, barbershop, and jazz choirs as well as playing percussion in the band throughout school for 8 years
Michael Richardson (Ensemble)
Michael Richardson is excited to make his on-stage acting deput in the supporting roles of Senator Royal Copeland, William S. Paley, and Mr. Levin in "War Paint". Michael, no stranger to performance, has conducted and played in pit orchestra for dozens of musicals, operas, and stage acts over the past 30 years, appearing with legendary entertainers Bob Newhart, Louie Bellson, and Clark Terry. As the owner of Richardson Family Media, he produces and publishes both Perrysburg Living and Anthony Wayne Neighbors magazines, and also serves as the Director of Traditional Worship at Grace Church in Perrysburg, Ohio. Michael is grateful for the chance to see the top side of the stage this time around, and appreciates the support and encouragement of friends, family, and the entire Black Swamp Players team.
Nicholas Yates (Ensemble)
Nicholas Yates is thrilled to be returning to the Oak Street Theater as a Charles Revson! Currently, Nick is a third-year student at Bowling Green State University and is majoring in Adolescent to Young Adult Education. Nick has performed with the Black Swamp Players in the past in roles such as J. Finch in Puffs, Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Marty Kaufman in It Shoulda Been You, as well as Michael in Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!). When not on stage, he enjoys following motorsports of just about any kind as well as spending an unhealthy amount of time at his drum set. Nick would like to extend his gratefulness to both his family for their unwavering support and to director Matt Zwyer for the opportunity to work in this production. Enjoy the show!
Joyce Coutinho (Character Lady)
Joyce took a liking to musicals at a young age. As a child, both her and her brother, Durrell, would sit down regularly and watch their favorite musical; The Music Man. Fast-forward into adulthood and that love of theater & musicals is still going strong. So much so, that she even got her husband Gustavo involved and they got to play a couple in a Black Swamp production of 'Check Please', his stage debut! When she's not on stage, Joyce can be found in BG, looking after her cats and always on the lookout to add to her collection of Tiffin Glass. This is her 1st production in BSP's new building and is looking forward to a great show run! Break legs to my cast and crew!
Emily Harel (Character Lady)
Emily is elated to be a part of this fun show about 2 incredible women. As an avid makeup lover and collector, this story has been fascinating and inspiring. This is Emily's 4th show. She was previously in It Shoulda Been You (BSP), Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (BSP), and Common Grounds (TBD). Off stage, Emily works with older adults at the Area Office on Aging, loves watching other productions, and spending time with friends and her guinea pigs, Twix and Snickers. Emily wants to thank all of the cast, crew, and friends for the support and love.
Beth Parker (Character Lady)
Beth is thrilled to be putting her best face forward on the Black Swamp Players’ stage for War Paint. She was last seen performing as Marty in Grand Rapids Historical Society's production of Grease. She has also been an ensemble member for She Loves Me and The Music Man with Waterville Playshop and Parade with Perrysburg Musical Theatre. She takes voice lessons with Atwood Music Studio. When not performing, Beth can be found supporting libraries through her job at Northwest Regional Library System (NORWELD), walking her husky together with her husband, and learning to crochet.Thank you to Justin for your support of my favorite hobby!
Deb Shaffer (Character Lady)
Deb Shaffer plays multiple personalities in “War Paint”---the Grand Dame, Mrs. Trowbridge-Phelps and chorus :) War Paint is Deb’s 20th show w BSP since 2000. She feels very blessed to have also performed in many other plays in area theatres since 2011---most recently, in 2023 Deb was Ouiser in “Steel Magnolias” w Waterville Playshop and Mrs. Hudson in “Murder on the Orient Express” with Fort Findlay Playshop (a reprise of the role w Oregon Community theater in 2022). Deb teaches a theater class at the Bowling Green Christian Academy, where sharing her love of acting and directing the students as they learn about performing is a Joy! Deb thanks her wonderful husband, Michael, for being supportive of her crazy acting hobby. Thanks to Matt Zwyer, our director, for his ambitious vision to bring “War Paint” to the Black Swamp Players’ stage. Many thanks to the audiences who make all the effort worthwhile!
Skylar Tauber (Arden Girl)
Skylar Tauber is excited to embrace her rolls as supporting characters in War Paint. This is her first performance since 2016, and first performance on the Black Swamp stage. Her day job is working in the IT field. In her free time she is indulging in her passions; creating art and diving into captivating books.
Rebecca Williams (Arden Girl)
Rebecca is excited to be playing the part of Dorian Leigh and Arden Girl in War Paint. This is Rebecca's first production with Black Swamp Players! Her most recent performances include Addams Family (Ancestor), Almost, Maine (Marci), as well as Little Shop of Horrors and Grease (Ensemble), all with Willoughby South High School. Rebecca has also been a part of several productions at the Fine Arts Association in Willoughby, OH. She has a Bachelor's degree in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management from Bowling Green State University, and works at BGSU with the Firelands Pathway Program. As a student, she was a Resident Advisor and a part of the Voices at BGSU choir.
Arden Girl (Allison Fox)
Allison is making her Toledo area on-stage debut as an Arden Girl/ Miss Teal and is honored to also be serving as assistant stage manager. She has previously worked back stage with Black Swamp Players on Nora: A Doll’s House and Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and with TBD’s Common Grounds. She thanks the cast and crew for putting up with her nerves!!