Conni Ross (Director)
Conni Ross has performed in close to 100 shows in regional, dinner, stock and community theatre in the Baltimore area, the MidWest and on the West Coast. Favorite roles include Reno Sweeney -“Anything Goes”, Dolly -"Hello Dolly", Betty Blake -"The Will Rogers Follies", Marian - "The Music Man", Nellie Forbush -“South Pacific”, Kate -“Sylvia”, Sarah -“Quilters”, Golda -“Fiddler”, Belinda -“Noises Off” and Anna Held in "Tintypes". Local shows she has directed include "The World Goes Round", "The Fantasticks", "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", "Side by Side by Sondheim", "Nunsense 2" and last season’s production of “Is There Life After High School?” for Shadow Block Productions. A graduate of Indiana University where she studied voice and theatre, Conni is excited to be directing this evening’s performance of "Honk! The Musical ". She sends love and thanks to her family for their continuing support of her theatrical endeavors. Never live faster than your angel can fly…
Miriam Kook (Musical Director)
Miriam has been playing the piano since she was a wee thing and hopes to continue into her old age (which is rapidly approaching) if her hands don't go on strike. She has been involved in many area productions, both on stage and in the pit, including FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, BYE, BYE BIRDIE, SUGAR, MY FAIR LADY, NUNSENSE II, and CATS. Thanks to her wonderful husband Doug (who so loves to hear her play that he takes over all the housework); also to her 3 children, her grandson ("the dubster") Caleb, and her loving heavenly Daddy. Enjoy the show!
Tina De Simone (Choreographer)
Tina is thrilled to be back choreographing for Shadowblock. Past credits include: NUNSENSE II, LUCKY STIFF, and VIOLET with Shadowblock, and SUGAR with the Howard County Players. Presently Tina is choreographing DAMN YANKEES at Georgetown Prep and ANYTHING GOES for the Howard County Players. When not teaching, Tina can be found planning educational trips for middle schools and junior high schools. Thanks to everyone for making this show a success.
Aleta Gravelle (Costumes)
HONK! is Aleta's first experience creating barnyard costumes. As her children Marie and Steven grew up, she created costumes for school and community activities. She also designs and creates her own ballroom-style dresses for showcases at "That's Dancing Ballroom and Sports Center" in Jessup, and most recently created Irish Dance dresses for Teelin Irish Dance Company. A graduate of Indiana University, Alets studied clothing design and merchandising. Thanks to Conni, Farrel Ann Hartigan, costumer for Reston Community Players, and her sisters for ideas, patience, and support. Enjoy each character in the show!
Mike Cornell (Company Clerk)
Honk! marks Michael's return to theatre after a long
hiatus raising children and being active in coaching youth sports and
leadership positions in local scout packs. His very first appearance was
as Sir in "Roar of the Greasepaint Smell of the Crowd" at summer
camp as a youth. While in high school, Michael appeared in several musical
and dramatic roles in high school including Finch in "How to Succeed
in Business" and Sneezy (his personal favorite - ask him to sneeze
for you!) in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves", he also performed
in Madrigals, County Youth Chorus and a Barbershop Quartet. In college,
he worked as a camp drama director, and produced student dinner theatre
productions at the University of Maryland. Following graduation he performed
technical direction for a private school and for the Hometown Barbershop
Chorus in Montgomery County. He would like to thank Conni Ross who recruited
him to assist on Honk! after being assured there were no parts available
that called for enthusiastic sneezing. Thanks Boss!