What Could Possibly Go Wrong? A Musical Theatre Cabaret of Love, Lies and Bad Decisions at Theatre NOVA

Katie Akers is a metro- Detroit based performer and voice teacher. You may have seen her in Reach for the Stars this last March, and she couldn't be more excited to be back singing with these amazing artists. She recently performed in Uncovered Theatre's production of The Winters Tale, The Ringwald's The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, or in her first co-produced Cabaret "Typecast: New Dawn Rising". Thank you to her friends, family, and Tom for their continued support and love.

Jacqui Blue is an Ann Arborite who holds a Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy and Voice from the University of Louisville. A classically trained soprano, her extensive professional opera and theatre experience began at GVSU with highlights American opera Street Scene (Mrs. Maurrant), Kiss of the Spiderwoman (Marta), and Ragtime (Sarah). Her decade in Louisville, KY included The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Edwin Drood), Dreamgirls (Michelle), and The Bridges of Madison County (Marian). Since returning to Michigan, Jacqui has appeared in Doubt (Mrs. Muller), Merrily We Roll Around (Gussie), Big Fish (The Witch), and won an Emmy® award this June for directing "How Do We Begin."

Jared Bugbee is a Metro-Detroit based actor and singer, who has performed at several theatres in the area. He is also a member of Prism chorus since 2018, and a member of The Keys Company Trio with his friends Alaina and Dan. Enjoy the show! Insta: @jbugsy14

Tom Cooch is delighted to make his Theatre Nova debut in What Could Possibly Go Wrong? After many years away from the Michigan theatre scene, Tom is thrilled to be back on stage and reconnecting with the local theatre community. He most recently performed in Come From Away and The Great American Trailer Park Musical with the Spotlight Players in Canton. Tom is grateful to Diane, this amazing group of collaborators, and Gregg and Mack at home. 

Diane Hill (Director, Performer) has performed at many Michigan theatres, including Detroit Public Theatre, Flint Repertory Theatre, The Fisher, Meadow Brook, MOT, Gem Theatre, Purple Rose, Tipping Point, Encore Musical Theatre, Croswell Opera House, Open Book, The DIO, all three ThumbCoast theatres, and The Ringwald, to name a few of the more recent ones. She won Wilde Awards for Best Actress for WIT (Breathe Art) and THE HOW AND THE WHY (Theatre NOVA), and other acting awards for ‘NIGHT, MOTHER (Breathe Art) and I DO! I DO! (Kerrytown Concert House). Favorite roles include Diana in NEXT TO NORMAL, Margaret in THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, and Fraulein Schneider in CABARET. Diane has a Ph.D. in Theatre from WSU and a Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Theatre from U of M. Theatre NOVA have also seen her in KAYAK, THE REVOLUTIONISTS, TOTALITARIANS, THE STONE WITCH, FOLLIES IN CONCERT, SING HAPPY, THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT, REACH FOR THE STARS and ADMISSIONS. Diane is the director of this cabaret and is so happy to be collaborating with Brian Rose (Music Director) and this wonderful, generous cast.

Anthony Pierzynowski is a local actor, director and musician who is excited to be making his debut with Theatre Nova. He is currently directing a production of It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical which performs Dec 3rd-6th at the Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton. Recent credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon Zealotes, Croswell Opera House), Hairspray (Wilbur, Rose Above Theatre Company), and Spring Awakening (Melchior Gabor, Ann Arbor Civic Theatre). He appreciates everyone for coming out and hopes you enjoy the show!

Connor Thomas Rhoades is ecstatic to be returning to Theatre NOVA in What Could Possibly Go Wrong! Some of Connor’s favorite stage credits include Avenue Q (Nicky/Trekkie Monster/Bear), Into the Woods (The Baker), Merrily We Roll Along (Charley Kringas) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo). In addition to performing, Connor has the privilege to serve as artistic director for Horizon Performing Arts, a non-profit theatre organization based in Ypsilanti. He’d like to thank his beautiful partner in crime Brynn for her years of unending love and support.

Carrie Sayer is delighted to sing for you! Audiences may remember Carrie as Elizabeth in Dear Elizabeth, Truvy in Steel Magnolias, and Marge in Bridges of Madison County. Other favorite roles: Rose in Gypsy, Joanne in Company, and Sara Jane Moore in Assassins. Carrie has performed at Open Book, Theatre NOVA, Tipping Point, Ringwald, Jewish Ensemble Theatre, Two Muses, Encore Musical Theatre Company, and Meadowbrook. When not performing, Carrie teaches private acting and singing lessons. www.CarrieJayStudio.com. Thank you to Diane for this opportunity! Special thanks to friends and family, especially Ben, Logan, and Paige. This one’s for Mom."

Amy Schumacher is excited to make her Theatre NOVA debut. A graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Amy has performed at many theatres across Michigan, Indiana, and New York City. Most recently, she has been seen in The Ringwald’s production of Equus (Hester/Dora), The Inspired Acting Company’s Scrooge in Rouge (Ebenezer Scrooge/Vesta Virile) and Crimes of the Heart (Chick), Open Book Theatre Company’s Ripcord (Colleen), and The Dio’s Big Fish (Dr. Bennett/Others), Doubt (Sister Aloysius – Michigan Wilde Award winner), and several other shows. Additionally, she runs an online gift shop, AmyFoxyStyle.com. Special thanks to Bryce and the kitties.

Natalie Sevick is delighted to be performing in the Theatre Nova cabaret for a second year after also appearing in "The Last Wide Open." Natalie received her BFA from the University of Michigan-Flint, where she is this year’s Artist in Residence. Natalie has graced the stages of many regional theatres, has been a member of several touring companies, and was a teaching artist through the Wharton Center’s Disney Musicals in Schools program. A “Best Supporting Actress” Wilde Award-winner for Evil Dead: The Musical through 313 Presents/Sweat Equity Studio in Detroit, Natalie wishes to thank Diane and her wonderful family!

Brian Rose is thrilled to work with these amazing artists and “What Could Possibly Go Wrong.” He began piano lessons at age 5 and performing as a soloist and accompanist at age 10. Brian played his first musical pit “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” at age 13 and has been doing musical theater ever since. He holds a Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance and Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from Western Michigan University. He taught at High School and College levels before spending 28 years as a Church Music Director. Brian works with many of our area theatrecompanies as Music Director, Vocal Director and Pit Pianist. You may have seen him at: Encore, Dio, Crosswell, Dexter HS, Skyline HS, Community HS, and Father Gabriel Richard HS. Brian teaches private piano and voice and is highly sought after as a Collaborative Pianist.