THE TEAM

K. L. Sandstrom

Producer/Writer

KLSandstrom

Kim Lynette Sandstrom is from Goshen, Indiana. Mother of 6 wonderful children and grandmom to two granddaughters. Married to her Mancunian husband, Simon.

The author of Unboxing in Biloxi has founded 7 theater companies, directed more than a 1000 plays, is a TED speaker and coach and is a miniaturist.

Watch her Ted talk:
The Truth about the Value of Theatre

Jan Thomas

Dramaturg/Co-Producer/Director

JanThomas

Jan is our dramaturg, co-producer and director of Unboxing in Biloxi. She led her high school theater geek squad nobly and she was K. L. Sandstom’s muse! They would joke that Jan would direct Kim one day, but one day came, AND Kim directed Jan, as our 2nd Alice in Unboxing in Biloxi, May 2019!

Jan hails from Indianapolis, by way of Goshen, Indiana and Butler U. Jan retired from the IRS, is widely traveled and has kept her hands in theater one way or another over the years.

Jan Thomas and playwright Kim (Handgen) Sandstrom both went to Goshen High School where they competed together at speech meets and enjoyed the theatre program.

When Kim went to New York City, Jan went to Butler University in Indianapolis and returned to Goshen as the speech and theatre director where another Handgen, Kristine ( Moily), became a performing star. Jan later married and moved to Minneapolis and enjoyed working in the thriving community theatre there.

THE ACTORS

Trisha Blake

as Karen Hawkins

Trisha is well known to Washington County, just outside of Portland, Oregon, as a Mom, Grandmom and supporter of theater for many years.

Abby Bender

as Mallory Wilder,
Karen’s Only Child

Abby is a senior at Beloit College. She is very excited to be working with Unboxed Productions.

She is finishing up a Biology and Theatre performance major and she hopes to be able to go into after college. She is so excited to see where her involvement with unboxed productions will lead in the future.

AARON MORROW

As Senator Duggan
& Collins Carson

Senator Duggan is the incumbent senator from Mississippi and lead senator on the hearing for Judge Tuck McCullough. Karen’s husband, Mike Hawkins is running against him in the re-election campaign for the Senate

Aaron is also the voice of Collins Carson a Newscaster.

Aaron is truly honored to be cast in this important work. A veteran of Northwest Community Theatre both as an actor and director, Aaron is very thankful for the opportunity to work with Jan, Kim and the amazing creative team producing this compelling dramedy. Aaron hopes you and all of our patrons enjoy the show as much as the production team enjoys presenting it.

Kim Lynette Sandstrom

as Colonel
Barbara Dean Carter

Kim Lynette Sandstrom is from Goshen, Indiana. Mother of 6 wonderful children and grandmom to two granddaughters. Married to her Mancunian husband, Simon.

The author of Unboxing in Biloxi, has founded 7 theater companies, directed more than a 1000 plays, is a TED speaker and coach and is a miniaturist.

Wendy Harris Bax

as Debra Cohen,
KAren’s Counselor

Wendy joins the cast from her home in the great NW. Favorite past roles: Golde (Fiddler on the Roof), Vicki (The Full Monty), Lady Thiang (The King and I), Mistress Ford (Merry Wives of Windsor), Helen (The Holiday Broadcast of 1943), Sister Amnesia (Nunsensations and Nuncrackers) , Cassandra (Vanya, and Sonia and Masha and Spike), Sour Kangaroo (Seussical) and Director (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown: The Broadway Musical).

Sandee Cnossen

as Luanne Rudy,
Karen’s high school friend

Sandee has been involved with all aspects of theatre for most of her life. She was a founding member of The Little Off the Square Theatre (L.O.S.T.) in McKinney, Texas, and has acted in and directed numerous plays. She has been married for 34 years and has 4 grown children and 3 grandchildren. She is currently helping to homeschool her first grade granddaughter. She lives in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Cam Kornman

As Alice Thomas,
KAren’s Mother

Alice is an energizer-bunny and has just opened another new business. She runs circles around her daughter Karen and granddaughter Mallory.

Dee Collier

as Carol Simpson,
Karen’s Friend

The effervescent Dee Collier returns for the FOURTH time as ditzy, loveable and loving, crazy eyeglass-wearing, Carol! Dee sent us this great head shot of her. Dee’s experience on stage is vast and she is also the creator of a series of one-woman interpretations of great women in history! Dee has performed at Ocala Civic Theater and has been involved in theater and ministries to young women and girls at her church in Ocala.

Jennifer Boomer

as Jan

After a 25-year hiatus from the stage, she returns as outspoken Jan born and raised in Biloxi, MS. A registered nurse by day hailing from CA, Jennifer is excited for the chance to bring levity to the show as the over the top Southern Conservative who loves being a “Lolly” as much as she loves America!