Cast and Crew
The 2010 Tulsa Gridiron
Trust Chair and Chief Author:
Randy Krehbiel has a long career as a reporter with the Tulsa World. His reporting on politics provides him with an ideal vantage point from which he leads the Tulsa Gridiron writers to leave no political or pop-culture icon or event wanting for a good lampooning. Randy has had a leadership role with the Tulsa Gridiron for many years. In recent months he also has assumed the role of chairman of the charitable trust that funds college scholarships for journalism and communications students.
Director:
Rebecca Ungerman returns to direct the show. Rebecca Ungerman is a popular jazz/blues vocal performer at venues around the city; voted Urban Tulsa’s 2009 Best Female Vocalist; principal of Sweet & Hot Productions, which has produced original SummerStage musicals in the last two years, “Backstage at the Midnight Social Club,” 2008, and “Onstage at the Midnight Social Club,” 2009. This will be Rebecca’s third year to direct the show. And, she will continue to write for and perform in the production. Her affiliation with the Tulsa Gridiron spans many years. She previously served as musical director.
Producer:
Kerry Malone is new to the Tulsa Gridiron production. She caught the fever with the 2009 Tulsa Gridiron when she authored her first bit, “Drillers Rhapsody,” a send-up (performed to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”) of the high-drama tussle over the new ballpark location. You can see “Drillers Rhapsody” on this site. By day, she serves as director of communications for Williams.
Interlocutor (aka, the emcee):
Joe Kelley makes his debut with the Tulsa Gridiron in the role that anchors the production. Joe is the popular host of the KRMG Morning News on Tulsa’s No. 1 news, weather and traffic station – News Talk KRMG. Joe is well-known for his quick wit, casual style and his ability to engage political and other local figures in one-of-a-kind interviews on the air. Joe has been recognized many times over for his successes as an on-air radio personality and community leader. He has received awards from Radio and Records Magazine, Radio Ink Magazine, the Dallas Press Club, and Las Vegas Women in Communications. In the year prior to crossing the threshold of his 40th year (2007), Joe was named to the “Top 40 Under 40″ achievers in Tulsa People Magazine, The Journal Record newspaper and the Tulsa Business Journal.
Key Talent:
Natasha Ball
Natasha Ball is the blogger behind TashaDoesTulsa.com, a hub for Tulsans who turn to the Internet to plan their nights and weekends and to learn about the city they love. This is her Tulsa Gridiron debut. She brings T-Towners the rundown of the most exciting weekend events every Friday morning on the KRMG Morning News with Joe Kelley. She can be seen on 2News Midday with the site that’s the Facebook and more for Tulsa moms, Ttownmoms.com. Natasha also contributes to Tulsa Business Journal and Oklahoma Magazine. She lives in Oklahoma City. Just kidding.
Darell Christopher
Darell made his Tulsa Gridiron debut in 2009 and received high praise of his portrayal of President Obama. He and his wife are proprietors of Tulsa’s historic Kennedy Mansion Bed & Breakfast. He is an experienced entertainer who has enjoyed great success touring Europe with his band as a singer in gospel, R&B and jazz.
John Cory
John has for years has had featured roles on the Tulsa Gridiron stage. And, he’s a prolific contributor to the writing team as well. John works for the Tulsa Area United Way and helps the good agencies it serves with the challenges of technology.
Pam Crosby
Jazz vocalist and performer whose popularity with Tulsa fans has endured over several decades. She frequently performs at Ciao’s Primo Room and at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Pam is a principal of Sweet & Hot Productions, which has produced original SummerStage musicals in the last two years, “Backstage at the Midnight Social Club,” 2008, and “Onstage at the Midnight Social Club,” 2009.
Olivia Duhon
Jazz vocalist and performer who in 2009 received the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame’s Legacy Tribute Award. She is a native of Lake Charles, La., who has called Tulsa her home since her high school years. She is a 2006 graduate of the University of Tulsa with degrees in music and art history. She frequently performs at Ciao’s Primo Room and Lola’s at the Bowery as well as at private functions.
Virginia Harrison
This 77th Tulsa Gridiron will be Virginia’s sixth as a vocalist. Beyond her Gridiron stage presence, she is recognized for her talent and business in the visual arts. She produces ceramic and glass sculptures that relate to the sea and other spiritual ideas. She teaches at Philbrook Art Museum and with the Tulsa Arts & Humanities Council. Galleries across the United States and at the M.A. Doran Gallery in Tulsa feature her work for sale.
Bob Hendrick
Bob may be best remembered as one of Tulsa’s original Forever Plaid. He has emceed for ‘Radio Days,’ ‘Council Oak Men’s Chorale,’ and ‘Blank Canvass,’ and has been a vocalist with Signature Symphony, OK Sinfonia, and Red Glove Revue. Bob’s acting credits include West Side Story (Tony), Godspell (Jesus), Jake’s Women (Jake), and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Melvin Thorpe), local commercials and public announcements. Most recently, Bob appeared in Rocky Horror as the Narrator.
Kathleen Kennedy
Kathleen owns the Ciao Baby (Tulsa Brookside) and Calistoga Grill (Jenks Riverwalk) restaurants. She made her Tulsa Gridiron debut in 2009. Last year she also staged her original production, “Talent, Incorporated,” as part of the Tulsa Performing Arts Trust’s SummerStage program. In the past, Kathleen has been heavily involved in the Kansas City theater scene; she co-founded a successful children’s theater that continues today.
Sharon King-Davis
Sharon made her Tulsa Gridiron debut in 2008 when she sang about Tulsa’s rusty centennial gem, the Belevedere – the buried car. Sharon is an owner and developer of notable retail properties including KingsPoint Village and Kings Landing, both in Tulsa.
Dr. Kathy LaFortune
This year marks Kathy’s return to the Tulsa Gridiron stage. Kathy is a licensed clinical psychologist who practices forensic psychology and teaches both law and psychology at area universities. She also is an accomplished soprano who since childhood has pursued her interest in music. She also was Tulsa’s First Lady from 2002 to 2006 during the time her husband, Bill LaFortune, served as mayor.
Kerry Malone
Kerry makes her debut on the Tulsa Gridiron stage this year. She also serves as producer of the 2010 Tulsa Gridiron. Professionally, she serves as director of communications for Williams, a $19 billion natural gas company. She also serves on the board of KIPP Tulsa College Preparatory and is a lifetime member of Leadership Oklahoma.
Rebecca Marks
She is a veteran Gridiron performer and has been active in Tulsa’s theater and music scene since age 3. She ruled the stage last year with her portrayal of First Lady Michelle Obama. Rebecca serves as diversity outreach administrator for Tulsa Community College.
D.J. Morrow Ingram
For 15 years, D.J. has been an integral part of the Tulsa Gridiron, most recently with a several-year run as the show’s producer in addition to a vocalist and cast member. In the past she also served as chair of the charitable organization that sponsors the Tulsa Gridiron and awards scholarships. By day, she serves as president and chief executive officer of the Credit Union Association of Oklahoma.
Heather Richetto-Rumley
Heather makes her Tulsa Gridiron debut in the 2010 production. She is an accomplished theater performer whose work, including that in “Little Shop of Horrors,” has received recognition. In her professional life, she serves as managing partner and as a business performance coach at ClearWater Performance Group.
Rebecca Ungerman
Rebecca is a familiar and powerful presence on the Tulsa Gridiron stage. Besides performing, she returns to direct the show for the third consecutive year and continues to serve as a key writer. Rebecca is a popular jazz/blues vocal performer at venues around the city; voted Urban Tulsa’s 2009 Best Female Vocalist; principal of Sweet & Hot Productions, which has produced original SummerStage musicals in the last two years.
Meredith Lee Weger
Meredith has had extensive training in dance, voice and numerous acting techniques and methods. She is owner of Theatre Arts, Inc., where she has began teaching 22 years ago. Her involvement in the performing arts ranges from performer to choreographer, director and instructor. She has a deep resume of awards and notable performances in a variety of productions with “name” actors.