Cast of
Almost Maine
Valerie Haas, director,
is the Artistic Director here at Barefoot Productions, and is indebted to Craig Hane for his years of dedication as Barefoot’s AD, setting a fine example of what the expectations of the job are. Valerie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from NMU and a Master’s Degree in Theatre from EMU, and has been acting and directing and producing and choreographing and whatever else needs doing in a theatre, for more than 30 years. She most recently appeared here on the Barefoot stage as Arsinoe in The Misanthrope, and as the Nurse in Of Juliet and Her Romeo, both directed by her husband, Kirk. Previously, she appeared as Peg in Desk Set, as well as in the ensembles of The Vagina Monologues, and Food, Glorious Food! Valerie has worked with several professional, semi-professional and community theatres throughout her theatre career, but being in the middle of it all as Barefoot Productions transitions from one facility to another has been the most exciting and challenging thing she’s done, maybe ever. Here’s to the next chapter in Barefoot Productions’ history…may it be as rewarding and as wonderful as the first chapter!
is the Artistic Director here at Barefoot Productions, and is indebted to Craig Hane for his years of dedication as Barefoot’s AD, setting a fine example of what the expectations of the job are. Valerie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from NMU and a Master’s Degree in Theatre from EMU, and has been acting and directing and producing and choreographing and whatever else needs doing in a theatre, for more than 30 years. She most recently appeared here on the Barefoot stage as Arsinoe in The Misanthrope, and as the Nurse in Of Juliet and Her Romeo, both directed by her husband, Kirk. Previously, she appeared as Peg in Desk Set, as well as in the ensembles of The Vagina Monologues, and Food, Glorious Food! Valerie has worked with several professional, semi-professional and community theatres throughout her theatre career, but being in the middle of it all as Barefoot Productions transitions from one facility to another has been the most exciting and challenging thing she’s done, maybe ever. Here’s to the next chapter in Barefoot Productions’ history…may it be as rewarding and as wonderful as the first chapter!
Sherry Bowerman
as Rhonda We welcome Sherry back for her second show at Barefoot, having previously seen her as Bella in Rehearsal for Murder. She has appeared elsewhere as an Usherette for The Rocky Horror Show, the Narrator in A Wondrous Love, and as Angel #2 in Scenes of Christmas. Sherry hails from right here in Plymouth and thanks her family for all their love and support. A special thanks to her daughter, Sidney, “for her volunteer help with everything from sets to lights.” 
Leonard Poma as Man
of Plymouth is pleased to perform in his fifth role on stage for Barefoot. His favorite role being the Padre in Man of La Mancha. Len has assisted behind the scenes in five other Barefoot productions. This production is his third “straight” show in over 27 years of theater. “I thank my wife for her patience in letting me express myself in these endeavors.” 
Annette Ripper as Hope
of Northville is thrilled to be back on the Barefoot stage. She first appeared with us as a multi-character role in “Distracted”. Annette has been an invaluable volunteer here working costumes, lights, and so much more! Some of her favorite roles include Martha in “Secret Garden” and Mama Peterson in “Bye Bye Birdie”. “Thanks to Mark, Melissa and Ted for their support and love!” 
Patrick Yee
as Steve/Chad calls Royal Oak his home. He is returning for his forth show with Barefoot Productions, having played Clitandre in The Misanthrope earlier this year. Patrick graduated with a B.A. in Musical Theatre from Adrian College and can be seen doing theatre all over South East Michigan where he has played roles including Mr. Paravicini in The Mousetrap, Boris Kolenkhov in You Can’t Take It With You, and Lazar Wolfe in Fiddler on the Roof. All his sweating on stage will be the result of how cold he is. Patrick is a trained professional. Do not try this at home. 
Samantha Mumau as Ginnette/Marvalyn
This is Samantha's (severalish show with us here at Barefoot. She appeared here first as a student in Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells. Then as Basque in The Misanthrope, and as Natalia Stepanovna in The Marriage Proposal, and as Sally Bean in Rehearsal for Murder. Samantha lives in Canton and “likes to play with puppets, eat glue, clean mansions, move sets, is in love with a hypochondriac, and is a secretary.” |
Nathan Barnhouse as Pete/Phil
Nathan is new to Barefoot and, in fact, pretty new to Michigan. He currently lives in Allen Park, but has lived in several states while growing up, and spent a few years in Africa with his missionary parents. He has been studying theatre after appearing in Season 7 of the TV Reality show, Master Chef (he was in the top 7!). Nathan has also appeared as Verges in Much Ado About Nothing, and will soon be appearing in Deathtrap as Clifford Anderson. "Special thanks to Collin, Austin, and Rachel Hunt for showing me that I’m not alone. Mom & Dad—thanks for everything.” 
Ronya Rose
as Sandrine/Marci This is Ronya first production with Barefoot, but she has appeared in many shows. Her favorites are Elvira in Blythe Spirit, and Ophelia in Hamlet. She attended Schoolcraft College and appeared in these as well as Romeo and Juliet (Lady Capulet), All My Sons (Anne), A View from the Bridge (Katherine), and The Star-Spangled Girl (Sophie). Ronya most recently appeared as Gabriella in Boeing Boeing for Farmington Players. A former flight attendant, Ronya sends much love to “my friends and family, but thank you, especially, to my great teacher and director at Schoolcraft, James R. Hartman.” 
Kayla Younkin as Glory/Gayle/Waitress
Kayla is so thrilled to participate in her first show with Barefoot Productions! She currently lives in Ypsilanti and is a recent graduate of Eastern Michigan University where she pursued a major in Music with a Theatre Arts minor. She has over 10 years of theatrical performance experience and has worked with several groups across SE Michigan. She has also stage-managed, music directed and conducted pit orchestras for several shows in the area. Some of her most recent credits include Cathy Hiatt in The Last Five Years, Ursula in The Little Mermaid and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. In her free time she can usually be found wandering around Target, eating cake or karaoke. 
Jared Withrow
as East/Randy Jared has been dreaming of acting ever since a teacher recommended he go into theater after being in a class play. Joining the drama club in High School for four years Jared went on to star in Professor James Hartman's adaptation of Romeo & Juliet to favorable reviews. After receiving his first starring role in the feature film Courageous Love Jared went on to star in The Taker’s Crown and has been featured in several short films, a web series, and other independent features. Both aforementioned films are now available on Amazon Prime! It is Jared’s wish to be a part of film projects that are relevant and leave a positive impact on the viewer. Inspire. Encourage. Edify. 
Luke Bahrou as Jimmy/Lendall/Dave
Luke, a resident of Garden City, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Eastern Michigan University. He works as a project manager for Human Element, an e-commerce development company in Ann Arbor. Luke has played parts in plays like The Crucible, The Laramie Project, A View from the Bridge, and he’s especially enjoyed his time with various improv groups. And Jeezum Crow, he knows you’ll dig this play too. Of all the parts he’s gotten to play though, the one Luke is most excited for is becoming a dad in May. To the love of my life, I can’t wait to spend forever with you and our baby. |
