The tale of one Saturday night in 1980 at the legendary Dave’s Sauna in South Paris, Maine. Where hippies, rednecks, bikers, townies, swingers, and all kinds of folks would come for a sauna (and maybe more!)
Based on true accounts of the little sauna back in its HEYDAY!
Meet Weird Rob, Bearded Hippie, Off-Duty Waitress, 9-5 Guy, Neighbor Not Happy, Local Town Cop, Trailer Park Woman, MassHole, Dave’s best friend Saul, his wife Nancy, her best friend Josephine, the seductive Sauna Sirens and many other colorful characters.
Come enjoy and remember how it was to “Live life right” .
Written by – Jonathan Leavitt
Directed by – Gail Phaneuf
Choreographed by – Nettie Gentempo
Musical Director – Dawson Hill
PIANO/ACCORDION – Dawson Hill
BASS – Chris Monelt
DRUMS/PERCUSSION – Jim Lindsay, jr.
VIOLIN/CORONET– Davey Sturtevant
SAXOPHONE/FLUTE – Don Johnson
STAGE MANAGER/PROPS – Kim Robitaille
DAVE, played by Justin Bondesen, has been many things in his short years on this planet; a camp counselor, a gardener, a member of a ska band, a wildlife ecologist, a teacher, a radical mycologist, and allegedly, a decent cook. This is his first ever musical, or dramatic role of any kind really, aside from summer camp campfires and some really stupid videos he made in high school. He is very excited, and hopes you are too. In his free time, Justin likes growing food, playing music, hiking mountains, and confronting the anthropocentrism and materialism that he believes are the sources of our collective suffering.
NANCY is played by Jessica Cooper. Jess grew up as a “theater kid” with an early start as far back as elementary school. She truly began her musical/theater career in 7th grade with Stephen Sondheim’s production of Into the Woods. From there she would take roles in Fiddler on the Roof, Wizard of Oz, Arsenic and Old Lace, and West Side Story. In addition to performing in musicals she was an active member of the BJSHS “Glee Club” where they performed cabaret dinner shows, appeared on WGME13, and were regularly featured at the well-known local Oddfellows Theater during the infamous Early Evening Shows with Mike Miclon & Co. She participated in District 2 honors choir for most years of high school. Post-education her music experience was revived when she joined the band Ragtime Rebellion (then Bernie’s Sugar Shack) as the lead female vocalist where she still performs in vaudeville shows, also dual-wielding as a burlesque performer. Her dance/theater experience lived on through the NEVAEH Dance Circus when in 2017 the dance circus put out a call for performers for their show “The Dark Side of Somewhere” and Jess has danced with the circus since. Offstage Jess is a mother, gardener, climate activist, cooperative advocate, executive director to creative non-profit Creative Norway, and food co-op employee. When she is not working she can be found on a bike, in the mountains, or gardening with her family.
SAUL is played by Sean Buchanan. I want a clown-man, an uncommon want. Eyes glaze, fix-ed on news-page or hist’ry, Engaged in pursuit of a gormless savant. A man, in present time, both twee and ungainly, I’ve found on my quest; a true homme-bouffant. Therefore, take our stage-faring friend, Sean B, Now you shall see him, in crazed pantomime, And witness a dancer far ahead of his time.
WEIRD ROB is played by Benjamin Wells-Goodwin. The son of two pastors, Born in Newton Mass, Ben spent his younger years in the Bridgton area. He attended high school and found a deeper interest in theatre in Boothbay Harbor. He briefly attended Fullsail university in Winter Park FLA where he studied show production. Ben has a long off and on background in retail management with companies such as RadioShack and Spectrum cable. Ben currently is working as a carpenter doing historic barn restoration, as well as managing a local band, Clapping in Irons. In his free time he is also an avid photographer.
FRANK is played by Stephen Miller. Steve lives in Lewiston, has a 21 year old son who is the reason Steve got the acting bug. It was as a result of watching his son perform all through his school years. Steve is a full time Realtor with the Bean Group but also teaches motorcycle Beginner Rider Course and drivers ed for Auburn Lewiston Driver Rider Rider Education. This is Steve’s 3rd play and he is very excited to be part of a brand new production and feels honored to be part of this world premiere. Please enjoy the show and I would love to meet you after the play and hear your thoughts.
GARY is played by Bruce Carver. Last seen on the DeerTrees stage during Drag Queen Bingo, as Moira Rose alongside The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Bruce is otherwise making his Harrison debut. Self-acclaimed trivia guru and fashion diva, Bruce enjoys pontoon karaoke with his Long Lake Loonie Sistahs of Cape Monday. A lifelong singer and intuitive dancer, Bruce performed with the Maine Gay Men’s Chorus for over a decade, and still accepts requests for weddings (I do!) and the occasional funeral (RIP!). Audience members must be warned that it’s okay if you feel unexpectedly enamored with “Gary”. Your libido will thank you.
Ben Custer is an English and History teacher at nearby Bridgton Academy. After getting a degree in English & American Literatures from Middlebury College, Ben spent a brief time teaching in Connecticut before he moved to Chicago and pursued a career in acting. After training under Audrey Francis at Black Box Acting School, Ben enjoyed brief professional success before a certain virus shut down the theaters and everything else. The prolonged time to think prompted the career change that brought him to Bridgton Academy, but he is thrilled to return to the stage this summer and work on a show that celebrates the great people of Maine.
OFF-DUTY WAITRESS is played by Chelby London. I really am 25 year old waitress who has a lot of passion for the arts and making people smile. I used to be a crazy cat lady. Now I have my two cats, Zana and Wyntr, they’re my world. On my free time I enjoy anything from tending to our garden, to going on adventures in different states. In the past I’ve also played rolls in The Who’s Tommy, Charlie and the chocolate factory and Honk Jr to name a couple. Performing has always brought me happiness.
9-5 GUY is played by Brent Lake. Brent was born and raised in Maine. I served 16 years in the USAF. Now having returned home with my family. I’m a heating/plumbing tech who needed to venture somewhere new.
LOCAL TOWN COP is played by Gary Robitaille. Having been a lifelong local you may see me banging my guitar at a local Open mic night at Coops or the Honey Badger. Or killing it, in an old car at an enduro race or demo derby. I’m always up for the next adventure. Having been one of the resident Hippies at Daves Sauna in 1984, I hold a unique love for Dave’s Sauna, So when I heard of the play I jumped at a chance to be to audition. Call it a flashbacks or just checking on the authenticity of the scene. I’m looking forward to Helping share the dave’s story.
NEIGHBOR NOT HAPPY is played by Craig Capone. Craig is pleased to be included among this great cast and crew here at Deertrees! Favorite roles include Doc in West Side Story at Seacoast Repertory Theater, Cinderella’s Father, in Into The Woods at Barnstormers Theatre, Mr. Brownlow in Oliver at the Palace Theatre, and Luigi Gaudi in Lucky Stiff at the Good Theater. He was nominated for Best Actor in The Priest at the Sanford International Film Festival, and for Best Supporting Actor in Deja Vuers at the Iconic Film Festival. craigcapone.com
MASSHOLE is played by Jason Iannone. Jason acts, writes, and other-stuffs. He started performing in 2018 and hasn’t bothered to stop. Previous roles include Maitland in The Chalk Garden, Macbeth in…well…Macbeth, and the OG Masshole in this very musical. Upcoming: touring Maine year-round with the Mystery 207 murder-mystery dinner troupe, co-directing Harvey for the Monmouth Community Players in October, and haunting Portland’s Eastern Cemetery with Spirits Alive come Halloween. He thanks his wife Holly for all her love and support, even though she won’t let him wear the Masshole mustache around the house.
JOSEPHINE is played by Chelby London. I really am 25 year old waitress who has a lot of passion for the arts and making people smile. I used to be a crazy cat lady. Now I have my two cats, Zana and Wyntr, they’re my world. On my free time I enjoy anything from tending to our garden, to going on adventures in different states. In the past I’ve also played rolls in The Who’s Tommy, Charlie and the chocolate factory and Honk Jr to name a couple. Performing has always brought me happiness.
TRAILER PARK QUEEN is played by Chasity Lake. Originally from Texas and now residing in the in Rumford, Maine. Mom of four teenagers and alway trying to be in a positive mood.
BEARDED HIPPIE is played by Ben Custer an English and History teacher at nearby Bridgton Academy. After getting a degree in English & American Literatures from Middlebury College, Ben spent a brief time teaching in Connecticut before he moved to Chicago and pursued a career in acting. After training under Audrey Francis at Black Box Acting school, enjoyed brief professional success before a certain virus shut down the theaters and everything else. The prolonged time to think prompted the career change that brought him to Bridgton Academy, but he is thrilled to return to the stage this summer and work on a show that celebrates the great people of Maine.
SAUNA SIREN #1 is played by Nettie Gentempo. Nettie is the artistic director for the Nevaeh Dance Circus and Cold, Cold Night Burlesque. Her original choreography has been featured in the Poland Players productions of “Jesus Christ Super Star”, “Little Shop of Horrors” and a Cow Pasture Production “Somewhere Maine, The Marijuana Musical”. Nettie has been studying dance her entire life and performs professionally as a hula hoop artist.
SAUNA SIREN #2 is played by Hannah Gentempo. Hannah inherited the dancing gene from her parents. Her mother was a ballerina and operated her own dance studio in VT (where she was born) and her father could bust a move at a wedding like nobodies business! Hannah is the co-founder, co-choreographer and mixtape master of the Nevaeh Dance Circus. She has studied dance all her life she enjoys all the emotions that can be felt while dancing and hopes her audience feels them too. Along with dance Hannah also enjoys the swirling styles of the 60’s and has her own vintage clothing shop called Sisters of Eve. She plans on dancing until the day she dies, which may sound dramatic and that’s just the way she likes it.
SAUNA SIREN #3 is played by Christine Vozella. Christine has been dancing and singing for many years in Massachusetts, Colorado and now the great state of Maine, mostly in well known musicals, modern, jazz, ballet and tap dance repertory, choral singing and original musicals like this one. She has even performed low flying trapeze in her younger days! Thanks and blessings to my husband Johnny for his continued support (aka putting up with me)! Enjoy the show!
SAUNA SIREN #4 is played by Katie Brodie. Maine thoroughbred. Mother of 4. Master ametuer. Can most often be found in the forest, garden or at the beach.. or anywhere one can be barefoot and do yoga. Lover of art, earth, ritual, friendship, really fucking good food, and this—the present moment. Committed student in the transformative power and sustainability of peace, love and healing. Freshly stoked on hula hoops and the sauna, thanks to the folks who crafted this number. Deep, deep gratitude for all of it. “I don’t know the destination, but I am the path.”
SAUNA SIREN #5 is played by Barb Stauble. Barb has been active in local community theaters on stage and behind the scenes since being bitten by the theater bug at 14 years old. Her most fun and memorable roles were that of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz in 2001 with Windham Center Stage Theater and again in 2017 with Lake Region Community Theater. She claims raising her seven children prepared her for the role better than anything else. Barb has served on the Deertrees Board of Directors for several years and had a blast playing Cassandra, the psychic housekeeper, in DT’s production of Vanya, Sonia, Masha, and Spike, last summer. She is thrilled to be sharing the stage with such talented and accomplished actors
SAUNA SIREN #6 is played by Ivory Farrell. Ivory currently works in hospitality and is the proud owner of the Depot Street Tap House in Bridgton, Maine. Born in Missouri, she grew up dancing and was trained in Lyrical, Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop and Contemporary. She earned her B.S. in Communication Studies from Portland State University in Oregon, after which she traveled the country and internationally for several years. A summer job at a kayaking outfitters and campground on the coast of Maine helped her to discover her love of the state and led her to finally settling in Harrison, Maine.
Ivory is an active member of the Cold Cold Night Burlesque dance company where she is able to implement her passion for choreography, performance, and music. She is currently developing both a burlesque and a fitness dance flow class which will combine her love for dance, fitness, and empowering people to feel sexy in their own skin. In addition to the Cold Cold Night performances, her upcoming performances will include Dave’s Sauna and the Dark Side of Somewhere.
Kelly Schell has been a teacher since 1989 and has lived in 8 states…soon to be 9. She has 3 wonderful children and loves to cook and travel. She has done bits of acting in various plays and feels as if she is always on stage while teaching. Kelly grew up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and will be moving to Birmingham, Alabama this summer. She has summered in the Naples, Maine area for over 50 years.
This Deertrees Theatre debut mark’s Jill’s first time back on stage in 15 years and WOAH does it feel good! When she’s not pretending she doesn’t know how to kiss, you can find her as the proprietor of the Greenwood Manor Inn, a B&B just around the corner which she owns with her husband, Joe, and the Dream-Team. She’s in the kitchen 99% of her day, whipping up everything sugary for her other business, The Winey Baker, of which she has been the sole owner for the last 11 years as a wedding cake designer and dessert table extraordinaire. She loves her three kids more than life itself, along with a glass of bubbly and a good book. She hopes you love the show *almost* as much as she does!
Sarni Sabbagh is a first time Deertrees Theatre actor who is thrilled to be performing professionally! Their life goals change more than their hairstyle! Their current ambition is to become a licensed yogi and open their own studio in the future, but like climate change, who knows what will happen…Sami would like to thank Gail Phaneuf for the opportunity and all of the Deertrees Theatre community members for being so welcoming and supportive.
Emily Pattle is a Maine native studying screenwriting and playwriting at S college. This is her third summer at Deertrees, and like the others will be in charge of a various array of tasks from helping run sound to assisting at the Salt Lick cafe. She’s a lover of the theatre and is happy to be a part of Deertrees and her local community!
Aaron Skolfield is happy to be a part of this beautiful production of ALMOST, MAINE. He has primarily worked with Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Association (OHMPAA) as a part of their Board of Directors. He was recently a producer of their acclaimed production of Misery and has done lighting and sound design for various productions. You might have seen Aaron on stage at OHM PAA as Wadsworth in Clue, Lancelot in Monty Python’s Spamalot or Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. In real life, Aaron is a media director, photographer, videographer,and also has a small role as a woodworker. He has been married to the beautiful and talented Janelle Raven for 9 years. Aaron has 4 cats and an old house, all of which need constant attention.
Dylan Schell is a recent high school graduate planning on starting university this fall semester at University of Georgia. From Minnesot, and now residing in Georgia, Maine has always held much significance to Dylan. He is delighted to be spending his summer in Harrison, Maine with family and working at the Deertrees Theatre as well as The Olde Mill Tavern. This summer season at Deertrees sees Dylan focusing on programming and running light cues for various shows. He hopes that his work at Deertrees can help create and sustain a lively and loving community in this very historic treasure of Harrison
Ali Butler has been singing since she was a kid around the campfire but most recently fronted the band, The North Coast Orchestra in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for seven years. She has been singing professionally for a decade throughout the country and is eager to begin the next chapter as a new resident of North Carolina! She keeps busy with her three girls and podcast called “Diaries of a Wedding Singer” alongside her twin, Susie. Recording a podcast with your twin sister is a treat, but singing beside her is really something special and doesn’t get to happen too often. She is so excited to not only be back in her home state but also thrilled to be at Deertrees for the first time! A shoutout to her awesome hubby who is hanging back with the kids while Mom gets to have a little fun with all of you! And make sure to catch both Ali and Susie on season 3 of “I Can See Your Voice” on Fox!
Susie Pepper has been performing professionally for the past 15 years. Beginning in church choirs and community theater, Susie continued her music experience as lead singer for the Point Sebago Resort house band, To The Point. In 2009, Susie won the title of Miss Maine and traveled to Las Vegas, NV to compete in the Miss America Scholarship Pageant. Both pageants awarded her Vocal Talent awards. She has enjoyed working with many local artists and considers her time spent performing with The Portland Symphony Orchestra and the Jackson, TN Orchestra a highlight in her musical career. Susie also performs around Maine with the Classic Rock Orchestra, singing the songs of Heart, Journey, Pat Benetar, Stevie Nicks, Queen, and more! When not playing rockstar with the Classic Rock Orchestra, you can find her prepping for the many weddings and shows she has with her stellar band, Mixology, or recording her podcast, Diaries of a Wedding Singer, with her twin sisters, Ali. Make sure to catch them both on season 3 of I Can See Your Voice on Fox! Although she grew up in Maine and LOVES performing here at Deertrees, she now lives in North Carolina with her stud of a husband, Charlie, and four wild kids, Jack, Elena, Lily, and Rose. Keep up to date with her band on Facebook and Instagram! Follow and listen to her podcast anywhere you listen! @diariesofaweddingsinger @susiestaubs @mixologyband You can listen to The Susie Pepper Quartet on Spotify Ali Butler has been singing since she was a kid around the campfire but most recently fronted the band, The North Coast Orchestra in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for seven years. She has been singing professionally for a decade throughout the country and is eager to begin the next chapter as a new resident of North Carolina! She keeps busy with her three girls and podcast called “Diaries of a Wedding Singer” alongside her twin, Susie. Recording a podcast with your twin sister is a treat, but singing beside her is really something special and doesn’t get to happen too often. She is so excited to not only be back in her home state but also thrilled to be at Deertrees for the first time! A shoutout to her awesome hubby who is hanging back with the kids while Mom gets to have a little fun with all of you! And make sure to catch both Ali and Susie on season 3 of “I Can See Your Voice” on Fox!
