Meet the Cast of RiverStage’s “1776!”

NICK BUCKMAN (John Adams)
A 25+ year veteran of the community and professional stage, Nick is excited both to be working with RiverStage again, as well as reprising the role of John Adams (last seen at the Courtyard Theater in 2014). In addition to Adams, some of Nick’s favorite previous roles are Cyrano de Bergerac (“Cyrano”) and the Narrator/Mysterious Man (“Into the Woods”), both here at RiverStage. “1776” holds a special place in Nick’s heart as the show that helped first spark his interest in live theater, as well as forging a special connection with his late father, to whom he dedicates this performance.

LONNIE BICKEL (Benjamin Franklin)
Lonnie is thrilled to be doing his first show with RiverStage. He recently returned to the Susquehanna Valley after retiring from Fairfax County Public Schools in Northern Virginia. In his youth Lonnie was active in the theatre departments of Shikellamy High School and Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, and toured professionally with Maranatha Productions. In the Fall of 2025, he played the role of Sir Danvers in Community Theatre League’s production of Jekyll & Hyde. Lonnie is excited and humbled to be playing a role depicting such an iconic historical figure.

RYAN LANNAN (Thomas Jefferson)
Ryan is super excited for his first performance at the RiverStage Community Theatre. He is a long time resident of Williamsport, where he is regularly involved at the Community Theatre League. You may have seen him most recently in Hairspray (Mr. Pinky), Jekyll and Hyde (Sir Archibald Proops), and 9 to 5 (Ensemble). Outside of the theatre, during warm months, he likes to volunteer at a program called “Horses of Hope” that help those with special needs through equine-assisted activities. He hopes that you are all ready for this egg to hatch! Have a wonderful 4th of July and enjoy the show!

MORIA CHAMBERS (Abigail Adams)
Moria Chambers (Abigail Adams) is thrilled for her first return to musical theater since high school. She enjoys singing in the Heart of Pennsylvania women’s barbershop chorus and her three quartets – Slide Hustle, Overeducated and Game of Tones. Moria thanks her friends and family, especially Brian for encouraging her to audition, Zoe and Quinn for helping run lines, and her parents for helping her find her corner of the sky.

LAURA ULRICH (Martha Jefferson)
Laura Ulrich is a newcomer to RiverStage, and she is thrilled to make her debut as the beautiful Martha Jefferson. She has recently appeared in Williamsport’s Community Theatre League productions of “Jekyll & Hyde” as Lady Beaconsfield, and in “9 to 5” as an ensemble member. She would like to thank her director, Ellen, for her support in making sure “everything’s coming up roses.”

MICHAEL SUNDBERG (John Hancock)
Michael Sundberg (John Hancock) is making his first appearance here at RiverStage in a bucket list show for him in 1776. He has most recently appeared in Christ Wesleyan’s production of The Sound of Music as “Uncle Max” after a long hiatus from being on the stage. He was behind the scenes for nearly 30 years working at set design, building, and directing while teaching at Mifflinburg High School and before that, Susquenita High School.  He performed at Harrisburg Community Theatre and Oyster Mill Playhouse in Camp Hill, PA in the 90’s, but is very happy being back out on the stage after all this time.  And he is extremely happy to be sharing this experience with his wife, Sherry, again after 34 years since they were last on stage together.

JOSH LAUBACH (Roger Sherman)
Josh (Roger Sherman) is excited to make his River Stage debut in 1776.  He is making his first on stage appearance in 25 years.  He has served in set construction and sound engineering for several shows at Shikellamy High School.  Josh thanks his family for their support and Ellen Boyer for encouraging him to take this role.

FOX LAUBACH (Robert Livingston)
Fox Laubach (Robert Livingston) is excited to be part of this production of 1776. He has previously appeared in multiple shows at Shikellamy High School under Ellen Boyer. Fox is very excited to be doing a show with his father!

ANDREW DRUCKENMILLER (John Dickinson)
This is Andrew’s third show at RiverStage. Other shows include Godspell as Jesus, Sound of Music as Max Detweiler, and Guys and Dolls as Nicely-Nicely Johnson. Andrew also acted as the fight choreographer for this production. Andrew is honored to be part of this fantastic cast and hopes to be in many more shows at RiverStage.

PETER ROWE (Stephen Hopkins)
This is Peter’s first show with RiverStage in Lewisburg – but he is no stranger to local community theatre. At Christ Wesleyan Theatre Productions in Milton, Peter was Perkins in The Play That Goes Wrong, and Vlad Popov in Anastasia. At the Community Theatre League in Williamsport he was Balin in The Hobbit.  While living in California, he played Jack Manningham in Angel Street and Christopher Wren in Mousetrap. When not on stage, Peter tries to keep up his Duncan Yo-Yo Demonstrator skills and work with his wife in their flower and herb garden!

CONNOR HILL (Dr. Josiah Bartlett)
Connor Hill (Dr. Josiah Bartlett) is excited to be back on the stage here in Lewisburg. This is his second performance with RiverStage, the first being “Who am I This Time” in 2018. You may have also seen him in numerous productions at CTL in Williamsport. He hopes you have a wonderful time watching this stylized retelling of the founding of our nation and, that you remember during this Fourth of July celebration of our countries 250th birthday, that the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are still rights (among many others) that should continually be fought for, for all people that call this country their home.

MICAH SHIVELY (Lewis Morris)
Micah Shively is excited for his debut at RiverStage. This doesn’t mean he hasn’t performed before, however. He has performed in numerous shows during his time at Shikellamy High School; including Lightning Thief, Southern Hospitality, That’s the Spirit, and Tuck Everlasting. Micah would like to thank Mrs. Boyer for giving him the chance to perform again, and he thanks the cast for being a great group to work with.

PAUL KLOBERG (Rev. John Witherspoon)
Paul comes to RiverStage from a predominantly technical occupational history for the past 50 years since he graduated from Baldwin High School, (Long Island, NY) in the Class of 1976. After 14 years in the Submarine Service, Paul became a HS Physics Teacher working with some of the most amazing students both in his classroom AND as members of the school’s FIRST Robotics Team. In July of 2014, Paul retired from Teaching and became a Patent Examiner at the US Patent & Trademark Office. His daughter Katelin has also been a Patent Examiner since 2016. In April of 2024, Paul and his wife Karin moved to Danville, PA to be near Karin’s younger sister’s family and friends. Paul is a member of the Susquehanna Valley Chorale and he joined the RiverStage Theatre Group specifically inspired to be part of the 1776 production.

ERIC KERCHOFF (James Wilson)
Eric Kerchoff (James Wilson) is making his debut appearance at RiverStage. Eric has been involved with community theater in the past. Performing in such shows as “The Producers”, “Rumors”, “Mousetrap”, and “Miracle on 34th Street”. He really enjoyed getting to know and work with the cast and crew of 1776.

CAMREN REITENBACH (Caesar Rodney)
Camren is playing Ceasar Rodney this is his second ever show with his first show being Oliver! this past Spring where he played the Artful Dodger. He joined the community theatre in this production to give himself more experience before college where he plans to continue pursuing theatre.

ANDREW CONFAIR (Col. Thomas McKean)
Andrew is So EXCITED to be back on stage at the RiverStage Theater, and to be appearing in his first musical since high school. Andrew previously appeared in RiverStages productions earlier this season of Haunting of Hill House and Diary of Anne Frank. Andrew also performs with the Williamsport Community Theater League, and GASPIPE Theater Company. He would like to thank Ellen, Amy, Stefan, Jillian, and Jove for this INCREDIBLE opportunity to be apart of this FANTASTIC production that he has wanted to be apart of since he was in 9th grade. He would like to thank his fellow cast mates for all of their hard work and dedication, and everyone in the Williamsport car pool. Andrew would also like to thank his voice teacher Miki Rebeck who helped him prepare for the show. Andrew would like to thank his beautiful wife Kayleigh Confair, and rest of their family for all the love and support.  Please enjoy the show, and what took place in 1776 as we celebrate 250 years of American Independence.

ANGEL ORTIZ (George Read)
Angel Ortiz (George Read) is thrilled to return to the stage in this production of 1776! He has previously been seen in Shikellamy’s Lightning Thief, Tuck Everlasting, and Seussical. This is Angel’s debut in local theatre and he would like to thank everyone for the continued support!

RYAN MILLER (Samuel Chase)
Ryan Miller (Samuel Chase) is excited to grace the stage with 1776. He is a Shikellamy Theatre Alumni. His last performance was Lefou in Beauty and the Beast his senior year 2006. Ryan would like to send love to his wife Jennifer, family, best friends, and director Ellen Boyer for inspiring him to perform again!

BRIAN SMITH (Joseph Hewes)
Brian Smith (Joseph Hewes) respectfully yields… to this delightful cast & crew. He appreciates the opportunity to perform in his first show ever. Thanks to family and friends for all their support (especially Zoe and Quinn)

CHRISTOPHER JONES (Edward Rutledge)
Christopher Jones is extremely excited to be making his RiverStage debut as Edward Rutledge in 1776! A rising sophomore Music Education major and Theatre minor at Susquehanna University, this will be Chris’s 14th theatre production, having grown up doing theatre. You may have seen Chris in some of his other productions, with past credits including Lt. Shaw in Susquehanna University’s “The Secret Garden,” and Jack Kelly in Warrior Run’s Spring Musical “Newsies.” Chris has also been recognized for his acting abilities, having been runner-up for “Outstanding Dramatic Performance in a Featured Role” at the 2025 Ray of Light Awards for his role as Roger Masters in Warrior Run’s Fall Play “Any Number Can Die.” Chris would like to thank his parents and former directors for always supporting him, as well as the creative team at RiverStage for the opportunity to work on this fabulous show for the country’s 250th birthday.

FRED HOOPER (Dr. Lyman Hall)
Fred is delighted to be performing again with RiverStage Community Theatre. He has most recently performed the part of Alfred Dussel in the RiverStage production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” (April 2026). Fred also enjoys singing with the Susquehanna Valley Chorale and playing piano with the Comfort Road Consort. He lives in Selinsgrove with his wife, Kay, and a slightly spoiled French bulldog, Sammie.

NATHAN CRAWFORD (Charles Thompson)
Nathan Crawford (Charles Thomson) is excited to make his RiverStage debut! Nathan has appeared previously in other local shows, including Rooster Hannigan (Annie) at Salt and Light Theatre, 3rd Officer Herbert Pitman (Titanic: The Musical) and LeFou (Beauty and the Beast) at Christ Wesleyan Theatre Productions. Nathan thanks his family and friends for their constant support and encouragement to try new things.

BRYAN WOLFE (Andrew McNair)
Bryan Wolfe (Andrew McNair) is making his RiverStage debut in 1776. Last year, it appeared in CTL’s Jekyll & Hyde in Williamsport. Bryan thanks his family, friends, and Ellen Boyer for making this experience possible.

CARLIE DAUBERMAN (Courier)
Carlie Dauberman is thrilled to appear as the Courier in 1776. This is her first singing role. She has been in Mamma Mia!, Chicago, The Sound of Music, A White Christmas, and SpongeBob The Musical as ensemble. Plus featured roles in Makin’ It (Monica), The Outsiders (Doctor), The Play That Goes Wrong (Fake Stagecrew), Murder Center Stage (Gwen), a Lycoming College senior short film Tapes (Luca), and The Hobbit (Ori/Goblin).

DAVENA LAVERTY (Mother)
Davena is excited to be performing in a production of 1776 in the Susquehanna Valley for a second time. They would like to thank RiverStage and Ellen Boyer for the opportunity to perform among the cast of 1776.

MARINA GRESH (Mother)
Marina Gresh (Momma Look Sharp Mother) is thrilled to finally be in a production of 1776, having loved the musical ever since middle school. She has appeared in RiverStage’s productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Gypsy (Madam Rose), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona), and Side by Side. She is also known for her solo turns in the Susquehanna Valley Chorale’s Pops Concerts. Thank you for supporting live theatre and the arts!

SHERRY SUNDBERG (Mother)
Sherry Sundberg (Mama Look Sharp Mother) is thrilled to be part of this production of 1776. This is her debut at RiverStage and is returning to Community Theatre after almost 34 years! She was previously in the cast of Guys & Dolls at Oyster Mill Playhouse in Camp Hill in 1991, where she met her husband Michael (John Hancock) and Cabaret at Harrisburg Community Theatre in 1992. She is also excited to share this experience with her adult children, who have never seen her in a Community Theatre production. She wants to thank RiverStage for giving her this opportunity and the cast and crew for making this an unforgettable experience!

STEFAN EISENHOWER (Production Stage Manager and Sound Operator)
Dedicated to the art of theatre since 2005, Stefan Eisenhower is excited to serve as both Sound Operator and Stage Manager for 1776. In addition to this production, they are President of Gaspipe Community Theatre and sit on the board of RiverStage Community Theatre. Cast, crew, and volunteers continue to remind Stefan why community theatre feels like home. Known throughout the theatre scene for wearing many hats, Stefan would like to thank his partner, without their support he would not be able to do what he loves so much.

AMY KENNY(Music Director)
Amy is honored to join the creative team at RiverStage for her second production in this venue, after playing in the pit for “Spamalot.” Working with musicians of all ages and abilities throughout her career as a music educator, in a variety of settings, has been a joy and privilege. Thank you to all involved for making this such a welcoming and rewarding experience! I especially want to thank the audience members and community for their crucial support of the arts!

ELLEN BOYER (Director)
Ellen is thrilled to return to RiverStage to direct this historic production of 1776 for our nation’s 250th birthday.  She has been lucky enough to enjoy a professional career as both an actress and director, performing in every state except Alaska and Hawaii, and directing in regional theaters across the country. Ellen is also well known as a theater educator and, although retired, still directs the very successful theater program at Shikellamy H.S..This incredibly talented cast is blessed with several former students, who have now become cherished friends.  She would like to thank RiverStage for their trust, the dedicated production team for their incredible work, and this amazing cast who have truly made the experience one she will remember forever.