A Deathly Development Cast

David Fritz (William "Will" Bedwell)
David is so excited to be working with Corn Stock once again on this exciting project. They are currently a student at ICC (online). Recently at Corn Stock, they have been seen in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, The Robber Bridegroom, and Good News. They have also recently appeared in Something Rotten at Eastlight Theatre and Kinky Boots at Peoria Players. When they're not performing they like to think of themselves as an unofficial Crocs spokesperson and fashion designer for their clothing line at www.thedavidfritz.com.
Nate Downs (Gareth Crowell)
Nate Downs is former Vice President of Corn Stock where he has also served on numerous committees including the Winter Playhouse, Corn Stock for Kids. He has directed for Corn Stock for Kids, the Winter Playhouse and the Summer Season. Among his favorite shows that he has appeared in at Corn Stock are Bye Bye Birdie, RUMORS, CATS, Art, Greetings, and It’s Only A Play. Other appearances include The Odd Couple, Chicago, The Drowsy Chaperone and Hairspray. Nate is married to Theatre Manager, Nyk Sutter Downs, who he will do pretty much anything for, including learning lines for a play in a few short hours. He wants everyone to remember to stay safe, wear a mask and stay six feet away from him if you see him out in the wild.
Trish Ballard (Cynthia Lawrence)
Trish Ballard teaches 8th grade English at Germantown Hills Middle School. She's very excited to be a part of this season of CST. Some of her favorite roles include: Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate; Masha in Vonya, Sonia, Masha and Spike; Julia in Its Only a Play; Lexie in The Dixie Swim Club; and Bertha in Boeing Boeing...all at CST and M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias at PPT. She's thankful to Nyk for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this innovative season!
Jim Sullivan (Peter "Pete" Martin)
Jim Sullivan teaches English at Illinois Central College. His previous theatre experience has included acting and directing for the, alas, now folded Prairieland Theatre Company in Delavan. Glad to be back on a stage (sort of)!
Mary Ellen Milem (Bonnie Martin)
My first appearance on stage was in A Christmas Carol (1975) and I haven’t been able to shake the bug yet! Since moving to Peoria, I have performed at Peoria Players, Eastlight, and at Corn Stock in both the tent and the theater center as well as working on sets and sewing costumes. I also participate in improv events with Die Laughing Entertainment and have done several film projects. As a (very) nontraditional student, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bradley University with a BS in Industrial Engineering just two weeks before my 50th birthday and now work for Caterpillar Financial, where I have been involved with the Caterpillar Employees Mixed Chorus for several years. I also participate in many areas of our church as well as attending (fully costumed) Renaissance Festivals, reading, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends.
Daniel Sutter (Mark Prignano, Jr.)
Daniel Sutter is excited to be part of this production! You may have seen him recently on the last season of Dancing With the Stars, where he was working as a boom mic operator. After an incident involving the boom and James Van Der Beek's head, Daniel was let go and has been looking for work ever since. He wants to assure you, along with all potential employers, that it was completely accidental, he meant no harm to Mr. Van Der Beek, and he wishes him the speediest of recoveries. Daniel recently finished writing a three act operatic adaptation of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, however NBC refuses to give him the rights, so he is re-writing the lyrics to be based on ABC's Joanie Loves Chachi. Look for it to be produced on the West End as soon as COVID-19 has passed.
Leigh Anne Hager (Jolene Shepard)
Leigh is grateful for this innovative opportunity to grace the virtual stage in her return to the Illinois theatre scene. Leigh recently returned to Illinois from Phoenix, AZ where she was heavily involved in community theatre both on and off the stage. She has received National Youth Arts Awards as part of a directing team (The Velveteen Rabbit) and hair & makeup design team (The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe). Favorite recent roles include Cerberus (Jasper in Deadland) at Brelby Theatre Company, Marta (Company) and Widow Corney (Oliver!) at Starlight Community Theatre. “Thanks for watching and have a killer time!”
Julia McCammon (Amanda Sullivan)
Julia McCammon recently moved back home to Pekin after going to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City last year to pursue her dream of being an actress. This is her first show at Corn Stock and she cannot wait to see what this year holds before she leaves for Los Angeles next fall to continue her education. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Jeff Craig (Mayor Henry Sullivan)
Jeff is super excited to bring a new format to the theatre in these difficult and challenging times. He has done a number of shows at Corn Stock at both the tent and the winter playhouse. The experience of doing a “virtual” show has been an exciting change to the normal process. While he will miss the live audiences that always make performing rewarding, he hopes you enjoy this creative presentation. He would like to thank his wife, Erin and his son, Jeffrey for their support and inspiration.
Kathy McCormick (Marjorie "Madge" Sullivan)
Kathy McCormick is excited to be portraying murder suspect Marjorie (Madge) Sullivan in this production of A Deathly Development. She is also thrilled to be a part of a straight play, as she has only performed in musicals in the past. Audiences may remember her most recently as The Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek, but she has also portrayed Maria in The Sound of Music, Rosie in Mamma Mia!, Christine Daae in Phantom and Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. When she’s not acting onstage, Kathy is “performing” for her students as an English teacher at Metamora High School where she also directs the school’s fall play.