Experience THE TRIAL OF THE ROOK Live in Huntsville

Christmas, 1940. As Christmas carols and the tinkling of bells waft through the air, The Rook, the world’s most infamous master criminal, has been apprehended and is standing trial for murder! His real name has been revealed – Judas Ackery – and his conviction by year’s end seems a certainty. While this would appear to be a cause for public celebration to the public at large, there are those who remain concerned that perhaps this, too, is all some nefarious scheme on the part of The Rook.

Evil Cheez Productions presents their most popular character in one of their most well received productions – THE TRIAL OF THE ROOK. What better way to usher in the holidays than a murder mystery set at Christmas time. Thrilling, chilling, poignant, and loads of fun for those who crave a little something unusual during the holidays.


PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES

Shenanigans Comedy Theatre (2650 Leeman Ferry Rd SW suite a, Huntsville, AL 35801)

  • Tickets ONLY: $15 (www.huntsvillelaughs.com)
  • Friday, November 28th @7:30 PM
  • Saturday, November 29th @ 2:30 PM
  • Saturday, November29th @ 7:30 PM

The Jackson House (119 College St., Moulton, AL 35650)

  • Tickets ONLY $15 (Call 256-616-8189 or Venmo JACKSONHOUSE-FOUNDATION)
  • Friday, December 12th @ 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, December 13th @ 2:30 PM
  • Saturday, December 13th @ 7:30 PM

MEET THE CAST

Step into the shadows and meet the extraordinary performers bringing two of literature’s most enduring Gothic tales to life. Our staged readings of Frankenstein and Dracula celebrate the timeless power of these dark classics while showcasing the incredible talent of our local theatre community. Here, you’ll get to know the cast members who will give voice, heart, and humanity to the monsters, heroes, and haunted souls at the center of Mary Shelley’s and Bram Stoker’s masterpieces all through the theatre adaptations of Wayne Miller, Evil Cheez Productions’ founder.

Ryan Rorick (Judas Ackery)

Ryan Rorick holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Montevallo and has worked professionally as an actor, director, and teaching artist. With over 120 credits to his name over the last 16 years, some select roles include Next to Normal (Dan), The Weir (Brendan), Rent (Mark Cohen), Henry V (King Henry), Chicago (Amos Hart), Romeo and Juliet (Romeo), and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Arthur de Bourgh). By day he works as a high school theatre director, with directing credits including The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,  Clue, Chicago, Ernest and the Pale Moon, and, coming this spring, the north Alabama premiere of Frozen: The Broadway Musical.

Joy Whitt (Katheryn Ivy)

This is Joy’s 65th show with Evil Cheez in the last 5 years. These are her favorite people to work with! When she’s not doing plays, she walks around town with her dogs as much as possible. She loves black coffee. She wishes it was still the 90s. 

Juan E. Bedolla (Frank Preston)

Juan is an animation director and producer. He is new to Cheez and to theater in general, but makes up for his lack of experience with eager enthusiasm and unearned confidence. 

Byron Turner (Bernie Kowalski)

Byron is an Alabama native and has been involved in local theater on and off for 20 years. He has been a part of multiple productions for Theatre Huntsville, including Clybourne Park, Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged), The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, Radio Golf, God of Carnage, Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. He was also an assistant director of TH’s production of Stick-Fly and directed TH’s production of Mountaintop.

Jonathan Bain (Judge Bartholomew Lyle)

Jonathan is a leasing agent by day and an actor by night. Jonathan has been acting in community theater for 14 years and some of his favorite roles have been Ty from Sordid Lives and The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come in A Christmas Carol and Jonathan Harker in Dracula!

Wayne Miller (Willy Ackery)

WJR Miller (“Wayne” to his friends and family; what his enemies call him wouldn’t be fit for inclusion here) is the owner/founder of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS, an independent theatrical company, and has written, directed, produced (and occasionally performed in) over two-dozen stage plays, running the gamut from Horror and True Crime (his specialties) to musicals, children’s plays, comedies, and even the historical biography of a murderous shark. Follow him at his WEBSITE “Sinister Urges”, FACEBOOK, or AMAZON.

Michelle Huguley (Hazel Ackery)

Michelle started performing as soon as she was able to crawl, captivating and delighting audiences of various stuffed creatures. More recently, she’s appeared in Evil Cheez Productions’ Joey Harte Returns and The Return of The Rook. You may also remember her in such roles as Lizzie Borden in Bloodless, Mary Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, and Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show. She sends loving regards to her three cats, who are less patient than her stuffed audiences of childhood, and her adoring husband Kevin, who forced her to put this part in.

Anna Clay Adams (Edmina Stokes)

Anna Clay Adams is very excited and grateful to be participating in this production with Evil Cheez! She lives and works in Tuscaloosa, but can never pass up the amazing opportunity to work with Evil Cheez and all the talented folks in North AL, so the commute is always worth it. She extends a special thanks to Wayne and Tanja for welcoming her into this family and allowing her the opportunity to create with them!

Tanja Lewis Miller (Norma Hoffman)

Tanja Lewis Miller, aka Queen Cheez, is overjoyed to reprise the role of Norma Hoffman in “The Trial of The Rook,” as it is one of her favorite of her hubby’s plays. She sends all the love to her Shmoo and her Cheez family. And a special thanks to all of you, the Cheez supporters, for without you, Cheez wouldn’t be Cheez! 

Jeremy Jerome Woods (Jimmy Douglas)

Screenshot

Jeremy Woods is excited to return to the Rook-verse with The Trial of The Rook. In addition to portraying Jimmy, he is also serving as a Director. “What can I say… I love theater and I love Evil Cheez”. He thanks his Husband and Son for the love, jokes, and support. He also thanks his Mom and Dad for making him. Lastly, many hugs to Wayne and Tanja for trusting him with this amazing show.

Enjoy the show!

Ariel Terrell (Livonia Douglas)

Born in Arizona, Ariel’s love for acting began with reciting “Crooklyn” lines in the mirror. Fast forward to 18 and she’s graduating from Mississippi School of the Arts. After gaining a BA from Mississippi State, Ariel found her way to Huntsville. Like any other grown-up theatre kid, she has found her way back to the stage over the years in several local roles. But Livonia Douglas is an honor of a role that will live with her forever.

Andrew Foxx (Red Nelson/Rupert Horne/Bailiff)

Andrew Foxx (Red/Rupert) has been involved in North Alabama theatre both on-stage and backstage for years. He has most recently been involved with Evil Cheez Productions and Bank Street Players.


MEET THE CREW

While the actors bring the characters to life on stage, it’s the crew behind the scenes who make the magic possible. From lights and sound to staging and direction, every detail is carefully crafted to immerse the audience in the world created by the playwright. Their creativity, dedication, and teamwork ensure that each moment flows seamlessly, allowing the stories to shine. We are proud to recognize the talented individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes—because without them, the show could not go on.

  • Director: Jeremy Jerome Woods
  • Writer & Assistant Director: Wayne Miller
  • Stage Manager – Angela Brown
  • Poster & Props: LeeAnn Treece
  • Programs: Nina Soden

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Thank you so much for coming out. I am so proud of these actors, this crew and this show. As someone who has grown up in this band of misfits….. it warms my heart to have the trust and respect of this team ( and of course Tanja and Wayne). So much so, that I am afforded the opportunity to direct another Wayne Miller original. This is one of my favorite of The Rook’s Mysteries. Thank you for spending your evening with us. Please enjoy the show… ~Jeremy Jerome Woods


ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~ WJR Miller

WJR MILLER is the owner and creative director of Evil Cheez Productions and is the Grand High Poobah of Cheezism (hence his “high priest” vestments), the movement he founded (it isn’t organized enough to be called a religion, besides which it isn’t religious) dedicated to providing audiences with the finest in entertainment options on the page and for the stage. On the big screen, too, if Spielberg ever returns any of his phone calls. WJR has been writing stories literally since before he learned his alphabet—he drew pictures. After languishing in the nether-regions of the publishing industry for years, working as an acquisitions editor for a literary agency, he chose, as an experiment, to combine his passion for writing with his hobby of Theatre, and in the process, by accident and providence, discovered his life’s purpose: to be a showman.

Miller is a devotee of Ed Wood, the “worst director of all time!” who inspires Miller due to his unflappable dedication to his muse and unrestrainable creative drive. During performances of one of his shows—he has written, directed, and produced (and occasionally acted in) over two dozen stage plays—Miller sports pink attire as a tribute to Ed Wood, who did the same. (The cheese wedge hat he wears is self-explanatory.)

A prolific author as well as playwright, WJR is proud to offer his complete *oeuvre available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/43G89Aj or on his website at: https://wjrmillerxevilcheez.wordpress.com/order-wjr-millers-books/

*(Using the French word for “complete collection of works” makes it sound all fancy, dunnit?)


EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS


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Experience Dracula and Frankenstein Live in Huntsville

DRACULA: LORD OF THE VAMPIRES and FRANKENSTEIN: THE UNTOLD STORY are both adaptations from Evil Cheez Productions, starring some of your ECP favorites, and both are rated PG, so they’re safe for the kiddies! (Like, maybe don’t bring your toddler, but otherwise you should be good to go!)

The twin titans of terror, the two most famous (or is that “infamous”) names in horror history! Two performances, staged as old-fashioned radio plays…but which one will you see? We don’t know, and we won’t know until showtime! For the special matinee showing, the audience gets to vote on which of the two plays they’d rather see!

Dracula: The Lord of the Vampires

Everybody and their kid sister knows the story of Dracula…but you’ve never seen it like this! The Brides have expanded characters! Renfield is a woman! And they get rid of Jonathan Harker, the most useless character in all of literature! (Okay, it was actually the playwright who did that, but it’s worth the price of admission just to see Harker “bite” it!) Oh, and the vampire Count meets the man who revealed his identity to the world—Bram Stoker!

Performed as an old-fashioned radio play, but with the audience in the room, DRACULA: LORD OF THE VAMPIRES is the perfect spooky treat! Rated PG, so it won’t give the kiddies nightmares.

(Can you tell the writer doesn’t like Jonathan Harker?)


Frankenstein: The Untold Story

It’s the classic story you know and love, but with an Evil Cheez twist! Victor Frankenstein sought to create life, and instead created a Monster! But was the scientist’s hubris to blame…or his lack of empathy for the being he’d fashioned?

Performed as an old-fashioned radio play─but with the audience sitting in the recording studio!─FRANKENSTEIN: THE UNTOLD STORY reveals why it is the Monster ends up sharing the name of the mad scientist, and depicts the real-life scenario that resulted in 18-year-old Mary Shelley writing one of the greatest horror stories in human history.

Rated PG. Perfect spooky fun for the entire family.


PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES

Shenanigans Comedy Theatre (2650 Leeman Ferry Rd SW suite a, Huntsville, AL 35801)

  • Tickets ONLY: $10 (www.huntsvillelaughs.com)
  • Friday, September 26th @7:30 PM – Frankenstein
  • Saturday, September 27th @ 2:30 PM – Mystery Matinee (Which will you choose, Dracula or Frankenstein?)
  • Saturday, September 27th @ 7:30 PM – Dracula

Carnegie Visual Arts Center (207 Church St NE, Decatur, AL 35601)

  • Tickets ONLY $10 (Purchase tickets at the door or call ECP at 256-303-2972)
  • Friday, October 10th @ 7:30pm – Frankenstein 
  • Saturday, October 11th @ 2:30pm Mystery Matinee (Which will you choose, Dracula or Frankenstein?)
  • Saturday, October 11th @ 7:30 – Dracula

MEET THE CAST

Step into the shadows and meet the extraordinary performers bringing two of literature’s most enduring Gothic tales to life. Our staged readings of Frankenstein and Dracula celebrate the timeless power of these dark classics while showcasing the incredible talent of our local theatre community. Here, you’ll get to know the cast members who will give voice, heart, and humanity to the monsters, heroes, and haunted souls at the center of Mary Shelley’s and Bram Stoker’s masterpieces all through the theatre adaptations of Wayne Miller, Evil Cheez Productions’ founder.

Angel Baker Coleman

Angel is thrilled to be accepted on the stage alongside the incredibly talented actors that make up Evil Cheez. Her acting credits include Marjorie Baverstock in Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 and Elsa in The Sound of Music. Angel wishes you to call her dad, as she’s now in a cult.

Brett Richardson

Brett Richardson is an actor, writer, and political activist originally from the Shoals area who loves living in Huntsville (but not fighting the traffic) and working with Evil Cheez.

Byron Turner

Byron is an Alabama native and has been involved in local theater on and off for 20 years. He has been a part of multiple productions for Theatre Huntsville, including Clybourne Park, Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged), The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, Radio Golf, God of Carnage, Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. He was also an assistant director of TH’s production of Stick-Fly and directed TH’s production of Mountaintop.

Greg Branham

Greg Branham is an elementary school music teacher. He has been a part of Evil Cheez for 10 years.

Greg is a man of few words…

Jason Summer

Jason discovered his love for community theater in 2010 and, other than a year here or there, has been acting ever since.  Throughout the last 15 years, he has been fortunate to establish long-term friendships with his fellow actors, directors, and techs. He is absolutely looking forward to working with many of them again during this run of Dracula and Frankenstein.  Jason hopes you enjoy these productions and hopes the camaraderie and connections between those involved are apparent as the stories are brought to life.

Jeremy Jerome Woods

Screenshot

Jeremy Woods is thrilled to be part of this production. While playing fun characters as Dracula and Fritz (in Dracula and Frankenstein, respectively) he is also serving as a Co-Director. “What can I say… I love theatre and I love Evil Cheez”. He thanks his Husband and Son for the love, jokes, and support. He also thanks his Mom and Dad for making him.

Enjoy the show!

Jonathan Bain

Jonathan is a leasing agent by day and an actor by night. Jonathan has been acting in community theater for 14 years, and some of his favorite roles have been Ty from Sordid Lives and The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come in A Christmas Carol. Dracula was his very first stage performance, and he is THRILLED to bring Jonathan Harker back to life (for now. )

Joy Whitt

Joy is an actress, writer, and barbecue cook. She loves doing shows with Evil Cheez, Theatre Huntsville, Bank Street Players… and anyone else who will have her in their show! Staged readings are just about as much fun as a full production, and she is so happy to be contributing to some Halloween feels with Frankenstein and Dracula!

Juan E. Bedolla

Juan is an animation director and producer. He is new to Cheez and to theater in general, but makes up for his lack of experience with eager enthusiasm and unearned confidence. 

Nina Soden

Nina Soden is no stranger to the stage—or to keeping life dramatic in all the best ways. She’s appeared in and/or directed productions ranging from Dracula to Arsenic and Old Lace (because nothing says “fun night out” like fangs or poisoned elderberry wine). When she’s not wrangling actors, she’s wrangling her children… her husband… her clients and homes across North Alabama as a Realtor®—and yes, if you buy a home through her thanks to theatre, she’ll donate part of her commission right back to the local theatre company of your choice. Nina also hosts The Home Stretch, a weekly podcast, where real estate meets real talk (and the occasional caffeine-fueled monologue). Whether she’s behind the mic, on stage, hanging out with her family, or handing over house keys, Nina somehow manages to keep the drama where it belongs—on the stage—mostly.

Sarah Foltz

Sarah Foltz is excited to perform with Evil Cheez! Sarah is a recent UAH grad and is excited to be getting involved with theater in Huntsville. Sarah previously performed at Masquerade Theater in Union City, TN. Sarah also enjoys performing improv.

Tanja Lewis Miller

Tanja Lewis Miller, aka Queen Cheez, is super excited to bring back two of ECP’s favorites to usher in the spooky season and to revisit her some of her favorite characters, especially Alice Renfield. She sends all the love to her hubby and her Cheez family. And a special thanks to all of you, the Cheez supporters, for without you, Cheez wouldn’t be Cheez! 


MEET THE CREW

While the actors bring the characters to life on stage, it’s the crew behind the scenes who make the magic possible. From lights and sound to staging and direction, every detail is carefully crafted to immerse the audience in the world of Frankenstein and Dracula. Their creativity, dedication, and teamwork ensure that each moment flows seamlessly, allowing the stories to shine. We are proud to recognize the talented individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes—because without them, the show could not go on.

Directors: Wayne Miller & Jeremy Jerome Woods

See Jeremy’s bio in the cast section above.

WJR Miller (“Wayne” to his friends and family; what his enemies call him wouldn’t be fit for inclusion here) is the owner/founder of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS, an independent theatrical company, and has written, directed, produced (and occasionally performed in) over two-dozen stage plays, running the gamut from Horror and True Crime (his specialties) to musicals, children’s plays, comedies, and even the historical biography of a murderous shark. Follow him at his WEBSITE “Sinister Urges”, FACEBOOK, or AMAZON.

Sound and Light Tech: Andrew Foxx

Sound Effects: Various cast members

LETTERS FROM THE DIRECTORS

As a child, the stories of Dracula and Frankenstein always intrigued me. The Idea that a writer could unlock doors in his mind and find these characters living and thriving was always amazing and felt just a bit out of reach. As a teenager, I was lucky enough to meet a writer/director who could do just that. This same published visionary wrote the show you are about to see. He took these already established characters and forged a new path. One that can ensure their survival for yet another generation. May they continue to enrich and haunt our dreams. Enjoy the show. ~Jeremy Jerome Woods

It sometimes surprises folks to learn that my adaptations of Dracula and Frankenstein are my two least favorite scripts that I’ve written, given how much I adore those characters and those books (and the thousands of movies that have been made about them). But it’s precisely because I hold the source material in such high esteem that I feel this way. These two works, you understand, are only adaptations. In my mind they are not 100% mine, and in my mind they can never measure up to the novels written by Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley, respectively (nor those thousands of movies made about them). Still, in order for the stories to be brought to the stage, adaptations must happen, and several have. Some of them I hold in the same high regard, or close to it, as the original works. Others…not so much. I saw writing these scripts, then, as a way to craft the adaptations I personally always wanted to see on the stage. If Stoker and Shelley can’t write their own play versions (granted, I haven’t asked them; anybody got a Ouija board handy?) then the next best thing, I figured, would be to do it myself. I tried to create something the pair of them would approve of…or at least not hate too much. 

I stand upon the shoulders of giants. Fortunately, their creations, their stories, lose little of their grandiosity when envisioned and interpreted by lesser talents. (And hey, concerning some of those other adaptations I mentioned, t’weren’t that hard to o’erleap the bars they set, if you catch my meaning.) I hope you enjoy these tales, then. They aren’t as good as the originals─no adaptation could be─but I daresay they’ll manage.

Least favorites? Yeah. But I’m still pretty dang proud of ‘em. ~WJR Miller


EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS


Virtual Poetry Reading – Episode 8

Virtual Poetry Reading – Episode 8
A #TheRedheadedAuthor Production

INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE:

Taste by Amanda Porter (Read by Stacy Kingsley)
It's OK by Amanda Porter (Read by Tanja Miller)
Life Is But A Dream by Karen Mullins (Read by Brewer Mitchell and Mae Mullins)
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe (Read by John Miller)

FOLLOW ME VIRTUALLY:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/ninasoden
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nina-Soden/e/B00ITHSXC8/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Website: www.ninasoden.com
Twitter: @Nina_Soden
Instagram: Nina_Soden
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloodangelseries


Check out the previous Episodes below:

Episode 1 – https://youtu.be/sXKHUqvC9Vc
Episode 2 – https://youtu.be/0EBR7Pi1XqM
Episode 3 – https://youtu.be/XKM01RGiXls
Episode 4 – https://youtu.be/Y2yW2Tg3HaQ
Episode 5 – https://youtu.be/XJjIUMaK_PE
Episode 6 – https://youtu.be/bPXw5OgUUAc
Episode 7 – https://youtu.be/zBP5T1zxr4g


Virtual Poetry Reading – Episode 7

Virtual Poetry Reading – Episode
A #TheRedheadedAuthor Production

INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE:

Chagrin by Jason M. Summer (Read by David Schulte)
We're Alive by Amanda Porter (Read by Carrie Smithson)
My Dragon by Tanja Miller (Read by Valerie Clemons)
Recessional by Rudyard Kipling (Read by John Miller)

FOLLOW ME VIRTUALLY:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/ninasoden
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nina-Soden/e/B00ITHSXC8/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Website: www.ninasoden.com
Twitter: @Nina_Soden
Instagram: Nina_Soden
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloodangelseries


Check out the previous Episodes below:

Episode 1 – https://youtu.be/sXKHUqvC9Vc
Episode 2 – https://youtu.be/0EBR7Pi1XqM
Episode 3 – https://youtu.be/XKM01RGiXls
Episode 4 – https://youtu.be/Y2yW2Tg3HaQ
Episode 5 – https://youtu.be/XJjIUMaK_PE
Episode 6 – https://youtu.be/bPXw5OgUUAc


Virtual Poetry Reading – Episode 6

Virtual Poetry Reading – Episode
A #TheRedheadedAuthor Production

INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE:

Goldfish by Haley Loveday (Read by Carrie Smithson)
Little Girl by Tanja Miller (Read by Nina Soden)
Awake by Chloe Long (Read by Robbie Shafer)
The Yarn of the Nancy Bell by William S. Gilbert (Read by John Miller)

FOLLOW ME VIRTUALLY:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/ninasoden
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nina-Soden/e/B00ITHSXC8/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Website: www.ninasoden.com
Twitter: @Nina_Soden
Instagram: Nina_Soden
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloodangelseries


Check out the previous Episodes below:

Episode 1 – https://youtu.be/sXKHUqvC9Vc
Episode 2 – https://youtu.be/0EBR7Pi1XqM
Episode 3 – https://youtu.be/XKM01RGiXls
Episode 4 – https://youtu.be/Y2yW2Tg3HaQ
Episode 5 – https://youtu.be/XJjIUMaK_PE


Polly Nichols ~ Victim of Jack the Ripper Speaks

Virtual Theatre Performance from The Belles of Whitechapel ~ The Victims of Jack the Ripper Speak, written by Wayne Miller / Directed by Nina Soden

Actress Tanja Lewis Miller

Tanja Lewis Miller is honored at the opportunity to reprise the role of Polly Nichols and to, once again, give her a voice. Involved in theatre since childhood, she has acted in and/or directed and/or produced countless productions in North Alabama. Like, literally, she can’t remember how many. She is the co-owner of Evil Cheez Productions, along with her highly creative hubby Wayne, and it’s a safe bet you’ve seen her on the stage somewhere. Much love to Nina and the rest of the amazingly talented cast for allowing her to share the airwaves with them. And a huge thank you to YOU, the audience, for helping to keep theatre alive.

When asked her thoughts on Polly Nichols’ monologue, Tanja had this to say: As the playwright’s wife, I was allowed to read all of the monologues before anyone else, and I fell in love with Polly from her first line, “Do you like my new bonnet?” She’s an optimist. She’s not going to let her situation drag her down. She’s strong, stubborn, and she uses her quick wit as a defense mechanism. She doesn’t defend her faults, but she doesn’t dwell either. She’s someone I can relate to. She’s someone EVERYONE can relate to.

When asked about the process of performing virtual theatre, she said: As far as the process, I’ll take a live audience any day of the week and twice on Sundays. I’m not the biggest fan of being on film. However, I’ll also take theatre any way I can get it. Call me an addict, if you will, but once the acting bug bit, I became a lifer. I will say that Nina made it as painless as possible, and it’s always a joy to work with her.


A Note from the Director

As a writer, I can appreciate every word Wayne put into this script. His research and dedication to his writing did these women proud. As an actress, I hope to one day play all the roles so I can truly connect with each of them on an emotional level. As a director, I am both honored and humbled that Wayne would trust me with this production. I have loved working with each of these actresses and believe that in the short time we had together (2 weeks start to finish) each and every one of them have given a beautiful performance. ~ Nina Soden


WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS and is the Grand High Poobah of CHEEZISM, the movement he founded (it isn’t organized enough to be called a religion, besides which it isn’t religious) dedicated to providing audiences with the finest in entertainment options on the page and for the stage. (On the big screen, too, if Spielberg ever returns any of his phone calls.) Wayne has been writing stories literally since before he learned his alphabet—he drew pictures. After languishing in the nether-regions of the publishing industry for years, working as an acquisitions editor for a literary agency, he chose, as an experiment, to combine his passion for writing with his hobby of Theatre, and in the process, by accident and Providence, discovered his life’s purpose: to be a showman.

Describing himself as a cross between Edgar Allan Poe and P.T. Barnum, Miller is a devotee of Ed Wood, the “worst director of all time!” who inspires Wayne due to his unflappable dedication to his muse and unrestrainable creative drive.

When not involved in Cheez business, Wayne Miller is a reporter for the websites werewolves.com, vampires.com, and darkness.com. He has previously written content for zombies.org, topcomics.com, thenerdrecites.com, and Legless Corpse Films.


SPECIAL THANKS:

Wayne Miller and Tanya Miller of Evil Cheez Productions for allowing me the honor of producing and directing this amazing play. Through his script, Wayne has done a wonderful job of bringing these women back to life, even if just for a few minutes, to tell their story. Make sure you check out Evil Cheez online and learn about their upcoming productions.

Theatre Huntsville for letting us use The Studio Theatre space at Lowe Mill and for providing the professional lighting design. You can find them, and their upcoming productions, online by clicking HERE or on Facebook.


Please like, share, subscribe, and comment so more people can share in this virtual theatre experience.


To read the actresses comments about their characters, click on the links below and you’ll be taken to the individual posts!

Annie Millwood
Martha Tabram
Polly Nichols
“Dark Annie” Chapman
Elizabeth “Long Liz” Stride and Kate Eddowes
Sarah Lewis
Mary Jane Kelly