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I'd like to meet:

Anyone willing to love and forgive..and of course my cast and crew starting with my alter ego OTTO portrayed by Thomas Kohann.Thomas, nine years old, has previously performed in productions of Oliver Twist and Annie, yet this is his first major role in the theater. He feels honored to portray the life of the real Otto. In addition to being an actor, Thomas is a gymnast, pianist and singer. He first recorded his vocals on a professional CD at age five. When he grows up, his modest goals for himself include becoming a screenwriter, movie producer, director and film actor. When once asked, "Why do you think you came into this world?" he answered, "To make people laugh, of course!" Thomas wants to thank the directors and producers for creating such a beautiful play, and he especially wants to thank Mr. Peter Abeles (Otto) for sharing his life."And Peter played by Rodney Pickel who hails from the 'Land of Lincoln,' via Northern California. Locating to Nashville in 1996, he has performed locally in numerous stage productions, playing such roles as Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird," Mr. Applegate in "Damn Yankees," Dr. Roberto Miranda in "Death and the Maiden," and Jesus in William Dorian's "Father Phil Reincarnates."He has also directed such notable plays as "Twelve Angry Men," "A Christmas Carol," and "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." His regional film and commercial credits include work with Skydive Films, Lifeway Productions, Dollarhide Films, Piranha Pictures, Stray Dog Films, and Filmhouse Productions.Most recently Rodney completed a short horror film written by Vanderbilt instructor, Will Akers and local and national actor/acting coach, Mark Cabus. He currently works as Nashville's Producer/Director for Murder Mystery Players, based in Dallas, Texas. Regarding this play, he states, "Working with Tom Hicks and Bill Dorian on this upcoming 'world premier' production is incredibly exciting. Meeting and being asked to play the role of the real life Peter Abeles is an amazing opportunity."Becky Panknin, our Karla shown in this actual photoBecky has been acting on the stage for most of her life. She has worked professionally in dinner theater both in Chicago and in the Nashville area, including Chaffins' Barn and Opryland Hotel. Favorite roles include "Anna" in "The King and I", "Marion" in "The Music Man", "Ado Annie" in "Oklahoma" and "Fiona" in "Brigadoon". She also loved playing the role of "Maggie" in 3 different productions of "Lend me a Tenor". Becky has also been the Music Director of Steeple Players' production of "The Fantasticks" and co-directed "And Then There Were None" for them last fall. On screen in the Nashville area, Becky has been seen in commercials for Kroger Plus, Hughes and Coleman and Direct Insurance. She has had roles in Industrial Films for HCA and Lifepoint Hospitals, as well as Ford and Kraft Foods. She has also been featured as a mom in a national commercial for Famous Footwear. She was lucky enough to be cast as an extra in the elevator scene in the movie "My Best Friends' Wedding" just before she leftChicago for Nashville 10 years ago, and that has become quite the ice breaker when she substitute teaches. Becky is married and has 2 children, to whom she promises she never talked like Karla Ables talks to her children! She resides in Hendersonville, and when she is not acting, she teaches private voice and piano lessons in her home.Shane Bridges (ERNST ABELES) is extremely proud to be a part of this production. Shane's most recent foray onto a Nashville stage was with the Tenn. Women's Theatre Project's production of "Nickel and Dimed," and he is excited to be back as a part of this very challenging show. Some of Shane's favorite roles are Danny in "Grease," the Player King in "Rosencrants and Guildenstern...," and Peck in "How I Learned to Drive." Shane would like to thank the cast for their work and friendship, and give kudos to Bill, Victoria, and everyone else involved in this production for all they have done to get this show on its feet.Markus McClain (Heinz Robert)Markus is very excited to be in this powerful world premiere. Markus has played Colin in “The Secret Garden” (Boiler Room Theatre), Aaron in “Home on the Mornin’ Train”(Theatre Craft/TPAC), Kurt in “The Sound of Music” (Circle Players), and the title role in “Oliver!” (Pull-Tight Players). Markus recently graduated from I.T. Creswell Arts Magnet Middle School and will be going to high school at the Nashville School of the Arts. Markus would like to thank Victoria Lamberth and Bill Dorian for giving him this amazing opportunity, his family for their support and love, and, finally, to Peter Abeles for sharing his story and for all his help with this production.---And then there was our lovely maid played by Marika Noelle von Zellen (Stephi, Karen)Otto is Marika’s debut when it comes to acting but she is not new to being on stage. She began performing with the Nashville Children’s Concert Choir and moved up to the Nashville Children’s Touring Choir her last two years. As a musician, Marika has performed at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, the University of Tennessee-Martin, Lipscomb University, various nursing homes and churches. Marika studied acting at the Spring Hill Arts Center last fall. This past May, Marika graduated from high school. She will be entering Cornell College in Iowa as a freshman this fall. She hopes to continue in the arts with acting, music and writing.My Grandmother, Pipen, is beatifully being brought to life by Sara Dhom- Sara joins the “Otto” cast with a depth of experience in comedy and character work. She is a motivational speaker and loves the opportunity to get up in front of crowd and make a difference. Formerly a professional clown, Sara now focuses on improvisational characters to expand her horizons. Sara has been performing for over 30 years in New York, New Jersey, Florida and Nashville. Some of her favorite roles include productions such as Grace in “Bus Stop”, Wesley in “Dracula”, Miss Skillon in “See How The Run”, Mrs. Van Daam in “Diary of Anne Frank”, Myrtle Mae in “Harvey”, the Matchmaker in “Crossing Delancy” as well as roles in “The Philadelphia Story”, “The Runner Stumbles”, “A Christmas Carol” and many others. In addition, she has also been involved with many showcases of original works. Sara is no stranger to the camera in both television and film. Sara loves the role of ‘Pipen’ and is grateful to Bill, Tom, Peter and Victoria for convincing her that this would be the experience of a lifetime. It is most rewarding that they understood the challenges and were willing to accept them. Congrats to each of them for their great success. Thanks to John, as always, for his patience, his support, his understanding. With him, there is so much I can do.Nazi Sergeant Bonhoffer and Gestapo Agent Scholls are portrayed by Robert Dillard. A native of Nashville, Robert is honored to be making his third stage appearance in a production as moving & important as Otto. His two previous roles were Flute/Thisby in a Midsummer Nights Dream (Best Actor in a Cameo Role) and Sir Edward Ramsey in The King and I. He serves on Circle Player's Board of Directors & works as the Manager of Network Operations for Healthcare Realty Trust. Thank you to my wonderful new bride Theresa for supporting me in "OTTO"!We are pleased to have Natalia Dyer with us as the young Viennese girl. She has a multitude of stage appearances including "Annie", "The King and I", "The Music Man", and "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe"; as well as film and television and modeling credits.