CAST BIOS!!

Martini and Olive: Torn Between Two Love Handles

Judy Heneghan (Olive Newton John). Judy created the 70’s Comedy Lounge Act -Martini & Olive- in Mpls., MN. in the 90’s with Grant Richey the original Tony Martini who lost his battle with cancer in 2010. Martini & Olive have performed in Theaters and Comedy Clubs from Mpls. to Seattle to LA to Orlando to NYC.
Judy produced the Award winning Buzzworks production of “Munched” and has also appeared in numerous Buzzworks productions -including “Invasion of the Minnesota Normals” & she played LeRoy in the critically acclaimed “Bad Seed”. Other L.A. Theater credits include “Bob’s Office Party” at the Hudson, “Fellowship!”, the hit musical parody of “The Lord of the Rings” at the Met, and “A Don’t Hug Me County Fair” at the Group Rep. Theater, L.A. She has also performed her solo work at the Lillian and Elephant Theaters in Hollywood.
While living in NYC, Judy toured and sang in the all girl rockapella group, “Schoolgirl”, warming up such bands as The Clash, -In Dublin, Ireland she was lead singer for the band “Blue in the Face”.

Michael Halpin (Tony Martini). A few Los Angeles theater credits; Justin Tanner’s Procreation at the Odyssey Theater Ensemble and Wife Swappers at The Zephyr, The Maderati directed by Ron Link, the Buzzworks award winning production of Bad Seed and in Assassins he played Leon Czolgosz with The Los Angeles Repertory Company. He portrayed Bill Clinton in Starr Struck – a Musical Investigation and starred in First Lady Suite and Hello Again all with The Blank Theater Company under the direction of Daniel Henning. Tours include; Amanda McBroom’s Heartbeats and the world premiere of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s State Fair. He’s also done a number of commercials, a few films and a whole slew of TV shows.

Peter Staloch (Vince, the manager). A native of Minnesota, Peter’s a veteran of Dudley Riggs’ Brave New Workshop, where he was featured in the PBS production of “Dudley Riggs’ American Scream!” He has written for TBS’s , Premiere Radio Network and NPR. He was one of the winners of the LA Weekly’s 1999 Theater Awards for “Best Comedy Ensemble” for Buzzworks “Eight Ways To Meet Your Neighbor.” Peter’s LA credits also include Buzzworks’ “Bad Seed”, “Mortified!”, the Comedy Store and the original musical “Oh, Well”. TV credits: “Reba”, “MAD tv”, and “Final Justice”.

Danny Schmitz (Director). Directing projects include; “Bad Seed,” (Critic’s Choice – LA Times, Variety & Backstage: LA Weekly Award – Best Comedy Ensemble) “Martini and Olive” at the Hudson; “Derin Brockovich”, “Oh Well,” and “The Children’s Hour” for the Blank’s Living Room Series; “Angst” and “Sheba: VPE” for Buzzworks. SoCal acting credits include: “Procreation” by Justin Tanner at The Odyssey, “Children of Paradise” at the La Jolla Playhouse; “Bob’s Holiday Office Party” at the Lounge and his one-man show at the Eclectic. In Minneapolis, he was the Founder/Artistic Director of the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater and appeared at the Brave New Workshop, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Southern, Jungle and Heart of the Beast Theaters. He can currently be seen in Justin Tanner’s webseries, Ave 43. www.dannyschmitz.com

Bill Bliesath (Bing). I was born and raised in the Midwest, and am way more comfortable with a good ‘ole tornado than an earthquake any day! I’m lazy and I want everything to be easy to find. So, I became a Certified Professional Organizer. Really, – check it out – www.TheOrganizingGuy.com

Casey Stangl (Trixie). was a “Featured Siamese Child” in the Ottumwa Community Players production of “The King and I” at age 7. Since that time her performing credits have included numerous recital solos for the Lois Rae Watts School of Dance and annual appearances at the Iowa State Fair on “Bill Reilly’s Talent Show.” Casey is thrilled to bring the role of “Trixie,” originally created for Buzzworks’ Christmas extravaganza, to a large audience.

Steve Alden Nelson (Sarge). Most recently appeared in the critically acclaimed world premiere of Derin Brockovich – The Musical, which he also co-wrote and produced at the Provincetown Theater in P-town Mass.

Lori J Ness Quinn (Candy). grew up on a farm, in Minnesota, roller skating with the pigs, singing to the egg man and dreaming of Hollywood. Her dream has now come true now that she is a professional Swizzle Dancer! She would like to thank the Minnesota Vikings for teaching her how to be an optimist!

Kris Strobeck (Bev) Is a multi talented writer/comic/actress and cattle rancher currently based in Los Angeles. Featured on VH-1’s “ Stand up Spotlight,” and “Evening at the Improv” on the A&E network, she’s produced and performed original material on the road, and in nightclubs everywhere from Dudley Riggs in Minneapolis, Opryland in Nashville, to the Ice House in Pasadena and beyond. Her humorous storytelling style and her ability to delve completely into a comedic character has garnered praise from L.A.’s Dramalogue magazine, the LA Weekly, and a host of other media outlets. She also sold her cattle at just the right time, and is thrilled to be a part of “Martini and Olive.” you betcha!

Norman DeGroot (Q-Ball) – Is excessively excited to be a part of such a life affirming cultural event as The Martini and Olive Experience. Although I am not allowed to look either Olive or Tony directly in the eyes at any time during their exhilarating hour on stage, I feel the bond we have developed particularly between Mr. Martini and myself, is uncomfortably close. While not actively pursuing my rewarding career in security enforcement, I can be heard on my weekly I-Tunes pod cast Homely Living 101. Here I get to demonstrate my vast knowledge of good sound house keeping skills and home management while finally using my BS degree in Home Economics from the University of Nebraska.

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