Cast and Crew Bios
David Mendez
David Mendez (he/him/his), Director, comes from southern California, but is now a Decorah, Iowa transplant. This is his second YOOH production, his first being this past summer at Ye Olde Gray Barn as Peter Quince in "Something’s Rotten!" David is so excited to have been given the chance to direct such talented individuals! When not participating in theater, you can find David traveling through NEIA for CHOICE Employment Services assisting individuals with disabilities at their places of employment. David thanks his friends and family for their never ending support on his journey through life and the performing arts! Past theater credits include– "A Midsummer Night's Dream" - Director, "12 Angry Men" - Juror 12, Bright Star - Co-Director and Co-Choreographer, "Carrie: the Musical" - Director and Choreographer, the "Hunchback of Notre Dame" - Congregation Member. “To Gillian, explores the world of grief and how it not only affects one person but everyone they know in their life.”
Addison Cross
Addison Cross (they/them), David, When Addison is not pretending to be someone else - they enjoy hiking, experiencing live music and theatre, and befriending as many pets as possible in their spare time. Addison is no stranger to the YOOH stage! Most recently you may have seen them as William Shakespeare in “Something's Rotten” at the YOOH barn or Lysander in “A Midsummer Night's Dream” at New Minowa Players in Decorah. Older credits include: Father in “Eurydice” at Highland Community College, Barry Mann in Beautiful, a Carole King Musical at Highland Community College, Shelby in “Steel Magnolias” at YOOH, Callie in “Stop Kiss” at Highland Community College. Addison grew up performing every summer on this stage and loves the growing memories here. “Remember the light at the end of the tunnel. Grief is brutal - I hope this show gives you a small sense of peace and knowing that you are not alone.”
Doug Nalean-Carlson
Doug Nalean-Carlson (he/him/his), Paul, has been married 26 years to his wonderful wife Stacey. When not on stage, Doug loves to golf barefoot, read romance novels, walk his crazy dogs, watch his kids' music and sports activities, and sing in Decorah Chorale. Some past theater credits include–Bottom in “Midsummer Night's Dream" and Feldzeig in “The Drowsy Chaperone”. This is Doug’s first show with YOOH! “It is one of the most well-written plays I have encountered. It is poignant, a tearjerker, and funny all at the same time. It has made me think about grief differently. It is powerful.”
Kay Capps Cross
Kay Capps Cross (she/her/hers), Esther, is a Momma of 4, Spring Grove transplant, barista, lover of all things theater, quilter with fabric and rocks, new photographer...how many hobbies can one person juggle? Kay is no stranger to the YOOH stage and has graced many stages from High school, two separate colleges, professional, 3 different community theaters as an actor. High school, college, and community theater on the production team side. Favorite directing gigs: “Harvey”, The Tuna Comedies, “Steel Magnolias", “Grease", "Spamalot” and so many more!!! Favorite roles: whichever role causes Kay to think, process deeply, and are exhausting to perform! “I love presenting characters that tell a story the audience can relate to and invest in. Enjoyment, disappearing into a story and catharsis can happen on both sides of storytelling. The shared experience is something that can't be beat!”
Megan Hillesheim
Megan Hillesheim (she/they) Cindy, is making her YOOH debut! Megan is a Mankato native, and is excited for their return to the stage! Megan has been involved in theater for most of her life and has found herself trying on different hats over the years as an actor, teacher, makeup artist, and more. She would like to send an extra special thank you to her loved ones. Together they came so far, together they’re glowing. Some past theater credits include–Feste in "Twelfth Night", The Usherette in "The Rocky Horror Show", and The Acrobat in "Matilda": the Musical. “To Gillian is an amazing exploration into the world of people experiencing life in all the sadness and happiness it has to offer.”
Julia Sophia Wharton
Julia Sophia Wharton (she/her) Gillian, likes to laugh and find humor in everything around her. She guesses this is what keeps her sane, but her friends might say that's debatable. Julia is thrilled to be a part of this show with such a talented and kind cast. Other talents: violinist in OVCO, carer for Momjorie, thrower of dinner parties and she just added preaching at Grace Episcopal, Decorah now and then. Prior theater credits inclue–Helen Bechtel in “Fun Home”, Grimsby in “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”, Music Director for “Bright Star”, a slew of characters (including a man) in “The Book of Liz” with YOOH. “The family dynamics are so cleverly written in this show and despite the serious themes, there is humor. The audience will truly enjoy it.”
Angela Denstad
Angela Denstad (she/her) Kevin, Angela is employed as a copywriter, offers culinary and other musings in her Thyme & Again column, and finds flow as a yoga instructor—but she is most proud of her work as mother of two college-aged sons. Her most recent roles at YOOH include the lovely Louise in “Play On!”, one of “Twelve Angry Jurors”, and the esteemed Christopher Belling in “Curtains”. “Like my character Kevin, I value the insights presented throughout the script of To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday—especially that life is short, and we can all use a little more kindness in this world.”
Grace Vuckovich
Grace Vuckovich (she/her) Rachel, is a recent Luther College graduate and new Decorah local. To Gillian on her 37th Birthday will be her first acting experience in many years! Grace is very excited to return to the stage with such a great cast! “This show is full of very real and dynamic characters. It does not stray away from some of the hardest pains that come with life, and I think all will find that there is a character or experience within these scenes that they can relate to or learn from. I am so excited for people to see the hard work this incredible group has put into bringing the stories of these perfectly imperfect characters to life.”