Passport Stages
Steven P. Peterson - Artistic Director
Steve Peterson has acted and directed with numerous theaters locally including Theatre de la Jeune Lune, The Jungle Theatre, Park Square, Theatre in the Round, Frank Theatre, Lakeshore Players and Actors Theatre of Minnesota.
Steve has directed Working, Axel and His Dog, Taming of the Shrew, I Do I Do, 1940’s Radio Hour, Much Ado About Nothing, Lost in Yonkers amongst others at Lakeshore Players.
His production of Much Ado About Nothing, won “Outstanding Achievement in Ensemble Performance” at the 2003 MACT Festival.
He has also written two and directed three trial recreations for the Landmark Center the last one was The Trial of John Dillinger’s Gangster Moll: Evelyn “Billie” Frechette.
Alexx Stuart - Writer
Alexx Stuart has been writing comedy for years. Buzzard Ball is one of four plays that he has penned, and had successful runs at the Desert Foothills Theater in Cave Creek, and with the Sun City Grand Players, both in Arizona.
As a former athletic director in Minnesota, Alexx is never at a loss to find entertaining stories about people in sports. A lifelong Cub fan, he is known to many as a high scorer on baseball trivia from 1900 -1970 – when the sport was truly loved by the players and the fans. Show him a picture of Ty Cobb, Johnny Evers, or Hank Aaron and he has a story he can tell about when and where it was taken and why it was important. His stories were shared with the public for years when he wrote “Sports Alley” for the Eden Prairie News in Minnesota. It wasn’t until he met his wife, Diedre, and she shared her passion for theatre that he decided to adapt his stories for the stage.
Alexx names one of his greatest life achievements as developing the Duck Soup Softball Fiasco, a bizarre charity tournament which began more than 25 years ago. Over the years, more than $75,000 has been raised in scholarship money for male and female softball players graduating from Minnesota high schools. The idea for the Fiasco came one night in an Oklahoma bar as he and long time friend Steve Alpert sat recovering after a particularly grueling softball tournament. They planned what the perfect softball tournament would look like for people who really loved the game and especially enjoyed a good laugh. That napkin-planned tournament turned into one of the largest softball tournaments in the state, and the idea has spread to many other state recreation and company team tournaments. (You can google “Duck Soup Softball” and get almost 200 hits now, but the original Duck Soup Softball Tournament site is http://ducksoupsoftball.tripod.com
An inductee of the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame, Alexx is playing his 40th consecutive year of softball – now as a senior. Buzzard Ball draws from many situations he experienced over the years as well as from being a member of the real Buzzards senior softball team in the Fountain Hills, Arizona, league. He didn’t tell his softball buddies until the play was being announced why he was always writing down ideas in the dugout. Now he often hears after a missed catch or a laughable moment, “I suppose we’re going to see this in your next play!”
As a former athletic director in Minnesota, Alexx is never at a loss to find entertaining stories about people in sports. A lifelong Cub fan, he is known to many as a high scorer on baseball trivia from 1900 -1970 – when the sport was truly loved by the players and the fans. Show him a picture of Ty Cobb, Johnny Evers, or Hank Aaron and he has a story he can tell about when and where it was taken and why it was important. His stories were shared with the public for years when he wrote “Sports Alley” for the Eden Prairie News in Minnesota. It wasn’t until he met his wife, Diedre, and she shared her passion for theatre that he decided to adapt his stories for the stage.
Alexx names one of his greatest life achievements as developing the Duck Soup Softball Fiasco, a bizarre charity tournament which began more than 25 years ago. Over the years, more than $75,000 has been raised in scholarship money for male and female softball players graduating from Minnesota high schools. The idea for the Fiasco came one night in an Oklahoma bar as he and long time friend Steve Alpert sat recovering after a particularly grueling softball tournament. They planned what the perfect softball tournament would look like for people who really loved the game and especially enjoyed a good laugh. That napkin-planned tournament turned into one of the largest softball tournaments in the state, and the idea has spread to many other state recreation and company team tournaments. (You can google “Duck Soup Softball” and get almost 200 hits now, but the original Duck Soup Softball Tournament site is http://ducksoupsoftball.tripod.com
An inductee of the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame, Alexx is playing his 40th consecutive year of softball – now as a senior. Buzzard Ball draws from many situations he experienced over the years as well as from being a member of the real Buzzards senior softball team in the Fountain Hills, Arizona, league. He didn’t tell his softball buddies until the play was being announced why he was always writing down ideas in the dugout. Now he often hears after a missed catch or a laughable moment, “I suppose we’re going to see this in your next play!”
Jim Westcott - General Manager
While growing up in south Minneapolis, Jim Westcott enjoyed stage performance at school and church.
His first taste of stardom was saying "Good Morning" to Cybill Shepherd during the filming of The Heartbreak Kid, filmed at the University of Minnesota, where he was a student.
Jim did take a long break from acting to be a husband and dad. His younger daughter Anne encouraged him to return to his dream and accompany her to auditions at The Lakeshore Playhouse. He soon tiptoed back into the performance arts; returning to his love of acting. He has since been performing on stage, in film, and now includes commercials in his list of credits.
He also enjoys working behind-the-scenes and encouraging performers of all ages, young and old, to take the opportunity and become a member of the local performing arts community and to chase their dreams.
His first taste of stardom was saying "Good Morning" to Cybill Shepherd during the filming of The Heartbreak Kid, filmed at the University of Minnesota, where he was a student.
Jim did take a long break from acting to be a husband and dad. His younger daughter Anne encouraged him to return to his dream and accompany her to auditions at The Lakeshore Playhouse. He soon tiptoed back into the performance arts; returning to his love of acting. He has since been performing on stage, in film, and now includes commercials in his list of credits.
He also enjoys working behind-the-scenes and encouraging performers of all ages, young and old, to take the opportunity and become a member of the local performing arts community and to chase their dreams.
Linda Wolf - Production Manager
Linda Wolf is a veterinarian in real life who lectures nationally and internationally.
For fun, she has performed in various community theater productions throughout the Twin Cities. As far as this production of Buzzard Ball is concerned, she states that dogs and cats are much easier to keep under control than are these crazy, wonderful and talented bunch of actors.
Linda is supervising costuming and properties for the production, as well as consulting on numerous behind-the-scenes details of the show..
For fun, she has performed in various community theater productions throughout the Twin Cities. As far as this production of Buzzard Ball is concerned, she states that dogs and cats are much easier to keep under control than are these crazy, wonderful and talented bunch of actors.
Linda is supervising costuming and properties for the production, as well as consulting on numerous behind-the-scenes details of the show..
Joel Thingvall - Marketing Manager
Joel Thingvall studied theatre at the University of Minnesota, specializing in Theater Business Management, Playwriting and Stage Movement. He coordinated promotion and marketing for dinner theatres in Ohio and Colorado, and was Managing Director of the Minnesota-based Theatre Lagnaippe.
A retired journalist, Joel was an arts writer in the 70s, newsroom manager of the Star/Tribune and later a freelance opinion writer for the St. Paul papers in the 80s, and co-editor of the Highland Villager in the 90s. An original member of The Playwrights Lab, he is a recipient of writing grants from the Jerome Foundation, Minnesota States Art Board, National Endowment of the Arts, McKnight Foundation, and Dayton-Hudson Foundation.
He has acted in over 100 plays and over 100 films, besides doing magic shows for Burger King, and Iggy the Iguana for the St. Paul Science Museum's Saturday Science Clubhouse.
A retired journalist, Joel was an arts writer in the 70s, newsroom manager of the Star/Tribune and later a freelance opinion writer for the St. Paul papers in the 80s, and co-editor of the Highland Villager in the 90s. An original member of The Playwrights Lab, he is a recipient of writing grants from the Jerome Foundation, Minnesota States Art Board, National Endowment of the Arts, McKnight Foundation, and Dayton-Hudson Foundation.
He has acted in over 100 plays and over 100 films, besides doing magic shows for Burger King, and Iggy the Iguana for the St. Paul Science Museum's Saturday Science Clubhouse.
Gil Kinnunen - Facilities Manager
Gil Kinnunen is a retired high school teacher and adult educator and current community volunteer. As a member and representative of Faith United Methodist Church, the host site for Buzzard Ball, he does what needs to be done to make the facility inviting, accessible, and accommodating for the director, actors, crew, audience, and all others involved.
Neither an actor nor a designer, Gil is an enthusiastic audience member. He and his wife Dawn enjoy the eclectic mix of theatrical opportunities offered in the Twin Cities throughout the year.
Neither an actor nor a designer, Gil is an enthusiastic audience member. He and his wife Dawn enjoy the eclectic mix of theatrical opportunities offered in the Twin Cities throughout the year.
Keith McCarthy - Stage Manager
Keith has been involved in Twin Cities theater for a number of years, most recently in Of Thee I Sing and Arsenic and Old Lace) and behind the scenes producing, stages managing, and directing.
He currently serves on the board of directors for The Lakeshore Players. He is happy to be working with Steve and a great cast and crew!
He currently serves on the board of directors for The Lakeshore Players. He is happy to be working with Steve and a great cast and crew!
Meet the Cast: "The Vultures" and "The Vulturettes"
Annie Zimbel - Betty
- Riley's wife. A larger-than-life woman and unofficial leader of the clan of Vulture wives. Does not suffer fools gladly.
Annie Zimbel (Betty) has performed in numerous shows in her hometnwn of Northfield, playing Auntie F in Jessie Jane's Never Never, Hannah in Yiddish Cowboys, Rachel Haider in White Christmas, and Madam Bottle Topp-Off in Vaudvesque, all productions of The Northfield Artists Guild.
She also performs Stand-Up Comedy, and is a professional Psychic/tarot Card Reader by trade. You can see her in commercials for Best Buy and Grand Casino.
Annie is quite active in the local film scene, appearing in such films as Dear White People (a drama award winner at the recent Sundance Film Festival), The Jingle Dress, Not Quite Lynin' Eyes, Branches, God's Green Earth, and Fences.
Despite the snow and cold of the rehearsal schedule commute from her home, she's thrilled to be a part of Buzzard Ball.
She also performs Stand-Up Comedy, and is a professional Psychic/tarot Card Reader by trade. You can see her in commercials for Best Buy and Grand Casino.
Annie is quite active in the local film scene, appearing in such films as Dear White People (a drama award winner at the recent Sundance Film Festival), The Jingle Dress, Not Quite Lynin' Eyes, Branches, God's Green Earth, and Fences.
Despite the snow and cold of the rehearsal schedule commute from her home, she's thrilled to be a part of Buzzard Ball.
Jerry Hoffman - Gramps
- The oldest player on the team. Best hitter but runs to the wrong bases. Best fielder but can't throw straight. Kind-hearted but absent-minded.
Jerry Hoffman appeared as an actor, singer, dancer and was choreographer -- doing two shows each year -- for Alan Lotsberg's New Fogey Follies from 1995-2010. He also appeared in the Platinum Theatre (now Passport Stages) productions of The Amazing Adventures of Dan Daredevil, as well as Flamingo Court.
He has appeared as Detective Hank Carmen in Murder: Medium Rare, and as Attorney Mr. Brief in Fantasy Island, both interactive murder mystery shows produced in the Twin Cities. He also appeared as Al Calinda in Working, and as Harry Hardwick in 70 Girls 70 at Lakeshore Players.
Jerry also had bit parts in the locally produced films Potpourri and Hunting Buddies.
He has appeared as Detective Hank Carmen in Murder: Medium Rare, and as Attorney Mr. Brief in Fantasy Island, both interactive murder mystery shows produced in the Twin Cities. He also appeared as Al Calinda in Working, and as Harry Hardwick in 70 Girls 70 at Lakeshore Players.
Jerry also had bit parts in the locally produced films Potpourri and Hunting Buddies.
Janet Mondloh - Ginger
- Sonny's wife. A level-headed career woman possessing a slight skewed view of life.
Janet Mondloh is actively involved in both the Twin Cities community theatre and filmmaking scenes. She has played Abby Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace at the Black Dirt Theatre, Mrs. Gloop in the More Than Dance production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and was music director for Fridley Community Theatre's production of Fiddler on the Roof as well as playing Clairee in Steel Magnolias.
She has a degree in music education, has studied acting techniques at The Guthrie Theatre. She teaches classes in children's musical theater, Her husband and adult children are all great supporters of her involvement in these diverse creative activities.
Janet recently appeared in the locally made film Matthew 18, and is part of the Thunderbird: A Web Series.
She has a degree in music education, has studied acting techniques at The Guthrie Theatre. She teaches classes in children's musical theater, Her husband and adult children are all great supporters of her involvement in these diverse creative activities.
Janet recently appeared in the locally made film Matthew 18, and is part of the Thunderbird: A Web Series.
Stu Naber - Sonny Junior Foxx
- The mysterious newcomer to the team. Has a carefree attitude combined with sublime confidence
Stu Naber is active in the local theater scene as both a performer and a director.
For 21 seasons he has worked with Shakespeare & Company, an outdoor summer repertory theatre in White Bear Lake. He has directed a number of shows including Tartuffe and The Beaux' Stratagem, as well as performing title roles in Julius Caesar, Cyrano, and The Miser.
He has also performed locally with Theatre in the Round, Park Square Theatre, and Pig's Eye Theatre.
For 21 seasons he has worked with Shakespeare & Company, an outdoor summer repertory theatre in White Bear Lake. He has directed a number of shows including Tartuffe and The Beaux' Stratagem, as well as performing title roles in Julius Caesar, Cyrano, and The Miser.
He has also performed locally with Theatre in the Round, Park Square Theatre, and Pig's Eye Theatre.
Christine Dornbusch - Brandi Pattin-Stratten
- Monty''s 20-something, very young 4th wife whose immaturity, Valley-girl style, and lack of people skills make her a fish out of water in her relationships with the other wives.
Christine Dornbusch is the much younger member of the Buzzard Ball cast, playing the trophy wife of aging Vulture's Manager, Monty.
She began acting during her senior year at Prior Lake High School where she won an award for Outstanding Female Performance for her role in The Island of Dr. Moreau. She continued to perform extensively as both a dancer and an actress for four years as an undergraduate student at Gustavus Adolphus College.
Christine has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance and Biology, and a Master's degree in Counseling and Student Personnel. She currently works as an ACT Prep tutor and in the box office at SteppingStone Theatre. Christine also plays flute with the Prior Lake community band, The Windjammers..
She began acting during her senior year at Prior Lake High School where she won an award for Outstanding Female Performance for her role in The Island of Dr. Moreau. She continued to perform extensively as both a dancer and an actress for four years as an undergraduate student at Gustavus Adolphus College.
Christine has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance and Biology, and a Master's degree in Counseling and Student Personnel. She currently works as an ACT Prep tutor and in the box office at SteppingStone Theatre. Christine also plays flute with the Prior Lake community band, The Windjammers..
Shannon Mark Kennedy - Sarge
- A retired Army lifer who never left the service far behind. As the only bachelor on the team, he's the target of the Vultures matchmaking wives.
Shannon Mark Kennedy has extensive theater experience , starting the 70s and early 80s, where he performed with The Playwright's Center, Chimera Theatre, The Performer's Ensemble and Theatre in the Round before taking a long parenthood break from the boards.
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Minnesota, and has worked for three decades in public assistance programs, currently employed at Ramsey County Human Services.
Shannon returned to theatre via interactive murder mysteries in the early 90s. He is a writer and actor for the cable access WaZoo Show, was in the locally produced film Harry Murdoch and the Curse of the Grim Reaper, and is a frequent participant in Op-Ed and Poetry Slam events.
At one point he played softball three times a week!
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Minnesota, and has worked for three decades in public assistance programs, currently employed at Ramsey County Human Services.
Shannon returned to theatre via interactive murder mysteries in the early 90s. He is a writer and actor for the cable access WaZoo Show, was in the locally produced film Harry Murdoch and the Curse of the Grim Reaper, and is a frequent participant in Op-Ed and Poetry Slam events.
At one point he played softball three times a week!
Helen Donnay - Evie
- Gramps' marginally less goofy wife. Her eccentricities include an overly sunny disposition, stunningly gaudy outfits, and a tote bag containing every possible contrivance known to man or kitchen.
Helen Donnay is active in the local community theater scene, having played Anfisa in Three Sisters, Sister Gudule in The Hunchback of Norte Dame, Nanny Ogg in Wyrd Sisters, and Mistress Quickly in The Merry Wives of Windsor, to name just a few roles.
She was part of the 2013 performance exhibit of Supper with Shakespeare at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
A graduate of Browns Institute, Helen is a well-known voiceover artist in the Upper Midwest. She is represented by VoiceBox Talent.
Helen currently serves as the administrative director of The Cromulent Shakespeare Company in Minneapolis.
She was part of the 2013 performance exhibit of Supper with Shakespeare at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
A graduate of Browns Institute, Helen is a well-known voiceover artist in the Upper Midwest. She is represented by VoiceBox Talent.
Helen currently serves as the administrative director of The Cromulent Shakespeare Company in Minneapolis.
Michael Oslund - Monte "The Little General" PATTIN
- The controlling manager of the team who wants to win at all costs. Not that he has ever won anything.
Michael Oslund has always enjoyed acting. Speech and drama in high school. Then many years involved in pageants, and both adult and young people dramas for churches in Plymouth and Edina.
During a recent stretch of unemployment, he started to look towards community theatre, appearing as Mr. DePinna in You Can't Take It With You for Applause Community Theatre, Vargas the Plumber in Late for the Eden Prairie Players, and a variety of characters in the ensemble play The Last Days of Judas Iscariot for the Shoestring Players at the Hopkins Arts Center. Michael also Doc in Leading Ladies, Inspector Williams in Heaven Can Wait, and part of the ensemble in Dracula at Lyric Arts.
Michael works for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and enjoys movies, theatre, golf, Twins baseball, Zumba, and spending time with his family. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to participate in this production and to my wife for her patience during rehearsals!"
During a recent stretch of unemployment, he started to look towards community theatre, appearing as Mr. DePinna in You Can't Take It With You for Applause Community Theatre, Vargas the Plumber in Late for the Eden Prairie Players, and a variety of characters in the ensemble play The Last Days of Judas Iscariot for the Shoestring Players at the Hopkins Arts Center. Michael also Doc in Leading Ladies, Inspector Williams in Heaven Can Wait, and part of the ensemble in Dracula at Lyric Arts.
Michael works for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and enjoys movies, theatre, golf, Twins baseball, Zumba, and spending time with his family. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to participate in this production and to my wife for her patience during rehearsals!"
Mikel Clifford - Alvina
- The hardened owner of Dirty Larry's Saloon. A no-frills kind of gal, Alvina treats everyone the same -- gruffly.
Mikel Clifford has a Master of Arts from San Francisco State and a Masters of Fine Arts from New York University, both in Theatre. She has performed extensively in California and New York, as well as locally as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest and Eva in Thieves Carnival at Park Square Theatre, Ethel Thayer in On Golden Pond at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Emily in The Belle of Amherst and Marjorie in Home at Chimera Theatre, Yucca in My Cup Runneth Over at Out and About Theatre, and Lady Somerset in Bloody Murder at the Phipps Center for the Arts.
She studied theatre improvisation with the legendary Del Close and performed in the expermemntal wing of The Committee while in San Francisco.
She studied theatre improvisation with the legendary Del Close and performed in the expermemntal wing of The Committee while in San Francisco.
Eric Wood - Riley
- The Vulture's best all-around player, a man hugely respected for his strength and integrity.
Eric Wood has graced numerous Twin Cities stages in the past decade, with his most notable role being Hoke Coleburn in Driving Miss Daisy, which he performed at the Jon Hassler Theater in Plainview, Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, and the Northern Arts Association in Ely.
He has also played Sol Bozo in Everybody Loves Opal for the Lakeshore Players, Slick in Urban Spectrum Theater's Honeydripper, Julian Carlton in Worksong: 3 View of Frank Lloyd Wright for Bridge Theater, the Gravedigger in Hamlet for Minnesota Shakespeare Company, and Cal in Little Foxes for Starting Gate Productions.
At the Phipps Center for the Arts, Eric has also played Lord Boxington in My Fair Lady, Crooks in Of Mice and Men, Anthony Wilding in Enchanted April, Dr. Suez in The Movie Game, and Lewis Barnett in Proposals.
Eric also takes pride at being a produced playwright!
He has also played Sol Bozo in Everybody Loves Opal for the Lakeshore Players, Slick in Urban Spectrum Theater's Honeydripper, Julian Carlton in Worksong: 3 View of Frank Lloyd Wright for Bridge Theater, the Gravedigger in Hamlet for Minnesota Shakespeare Company, and Cal in Little Foxes for Starting Gate Productions.
At the Phipps Center for the Arts, Eric has also played Lord Boxington in My Fair Lady, Crooks in Of Mice and Men, Anthony Wilding in Enchanted April, Dr. Suez in The Movie Game, and Lewis Barnett in Proposals.
Eric also takes pride at being a produced playwright!
Judy Hoffman - Dorothy
- Kielbasas meek and mild wife who tries her best not to be noticed.
Judy Hoffman's first stage acting job was just last year, in the Lexington-Hamline Theatre's production of Days to Come. Buzzard Ball is her first speaking role in theatre.
She is an active singer/performer in the Twin Cities only Senior Rock & Roll Ensemble "Alive and Kickin.'" Currently in rehearsals for the group's June show, called Makin' History, which will be presented at the Bloomington Center for the Arts.
Judy's all-time favorite recent role is "wife" to fellow Buzzard Ball performer Jerry Hoffman (aka Gramps) who she wed this past September.
She is an active singer/performer in the Twin Cities only Senior Rock & Roll Ensemble "Alive and Kickin.'" Currently in rehearsals for the group's June show, called Makin' History, which will be presented at the Bloomington Center for the Arts.
Judy's all-time favorite recent role is "wife" to fellow Buzzard Ball performer Jerry Hoffman (aka Gramps) who she wed this past September.
Brian Joyce - Kielbasa
- The character of the team. An bigger-than-life underachiever plagued by a botched retirement and a home life out of Peyton Place.
Brian Joyce made his stage debut at the age of four in 1964 at Theatre St. Paul. He went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from Bethel College.
As an actor he has graced numerous Twin Cities stages in the past five decades, appearing with Park Square Theatre, Theatre in the Round, Lakeshore Players, Red Eye Collective, Jacob's Well, The Picnic Theatre, Theatre of the Chelshire Cat, NaFiana Irish Theatre, Shakespeare & Company, and Theatre Coup d'Etat.
Brian is also a popular director with recent credits at Lakeshore Players, NaFianna Irish Theatre, and for Shakespeare & Company in White Bear Lake.
He is also in-demand for area commercial, industrials, films and voice over work.
As an actor he has graced numerous Twin Cities stages in the past five decades, appearing with Park Square Theatre, Theatre in the Round, Lakeshore Players, Red Eye Collective, Jacob's Well, The Picnic Theatre, Theatre of the Chelshire Cat, NaFiana Irish Theatre, Shakespeare & Company, and Theatre Coup d'Etat.
Brian is also a popular director with recent credits at Lakeshore Players, NaFianna Irish Theatre, and for Shakespeare & Company in White Bear Lake.
He is also in-demand for area commercial, industrials, films and voice over work.