Our Director

WOW, what an adventure this has been! When first asked to direct Ed Gein, The Musical, I was a slightly hesitant. After all, it had been a while since I had directed a theater production. But, I didn't need to worry; after reading this script and meeting the actors, I KNEW this was going to be the adventure I have been waiting for. It has been so much fun directing these extremely talented group of actors and dancers. The laughter, the creativity and the overall bond that we all have had over the last 3 months has been indescribable! Even though my main focus the last 15 years has been been being on stage doing productions with local community theater - Vagina Monologues, Enemy of the People, and Jakes Women, with Vintage Theater and Haunting of Hill House, Drop Dead, a Farce and Calendar Girls with Oshkosh Community Theater, I am extremely happy I went out of my comfort zone and jumped head first into this experience! Special thanks to Dan Davies for having faith in me to bring this to life!

Deborah Lee

Our Cast

Ed Gein

Played by: Ezekiel N. Drews

Ezekiel N. Drews, who now portrays Ed Gein, is honored to inherit the role from Dan Davies, who made it iconic in the original film. A Wisconsin Lutheran College graduate, Ezekiel returned to acting in 2022 after a 13-year hiatus, performing in productions like Catch the Butcher, Cabaret, and Jane Eyre, The Musical, as well as several films. His proudest achievement is writing, directing, and starring in the award-winning apocalyptic thriller Happy Birthday, which brought him into collaboration with Dan Davies. As the founder and director of the Milwaukee Independent Film Awards and with the support of his wife Stephanie and their two children, Ezekiel continues to thrive in the arts.

Sheriff Murdock

Played by: Dan Davies

Dan Davies Wikipedia Page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Davies_(actor)

Dan Davies Professional Website - www.dandavies.org

Dan Davies is an internationally acclaimed writer, actor, and producer who has earned numerous awards, including the African Magic Viewers' Choice Award and the Golden Movie Award, making him the first American to receive the latter. He has worked on films recognized by prestigious organizations such as the BIFA, Raindance Film Festival, and Toronto Film Festival, with his work showcased on platforms like Netflix, Hulu and PBS. Known as the No. 1 American actor in Nollywood, Dan co-stars in two of Nollywood's highest box office films, including A Trip to Jamaica, which remains a Netflix international comedy favorite. He has written a semi-autobiographical book, The Rantings of a Madman on Facebook, and continues to expand his creative reach with projects like Ed Gein: The Musical, which will debut as a stage play in April 2025. Dan has been featured and interviewed on over 1,000 media outlets, cementing his reputation as a global force in entertainment. He also likes Wisconsin beer....lots of Wisconsin beer....and Legacy Cigars!

Augusta Gein/Dead Bride

Played by: Carrie Malone

Carrie Malone is no stranger to theater or film. Having spent the majority of her life either on stage in plays, such as, “Wizard of Oz,” “Little Women,” “Midsummer Nights Dream,” “A Tale of Two Cities,” and so much more.

She also spent many years in Los Angeles CA working on films with top-notch directors, such as, Ron Howard on “Frost/Nixon,” and several more. “I am excited and terrified to be part of such a unique story told in a way that will hopefully change the way people see mental health, maybe…just maybe we can help more people who are struggling.”

Deputy Tom Lewis

Played by Erik O'Neill

Erik is a prolific actor, author, and director that likes to work in the shadows. Whether it's writing strange and funny books, playing roles in productions big and small, or lending his voice to those whose voices can't be heard he's deeply involved with so many things it's hard to keep track. He's a mystery, and may very well be not of this world.

Bartender/Carnival Barker

Played by: JB Thompson

JB Thompson, professional dishwasher, is thrilled to be part of Ed Gein: The Musical Theatrical Play as both the Bartender and the Carnival Barker. A passionate performer with a knack for bringing vibrant characters to life, JB enjoys diving into roles that add color and depth to a production. JB is also known as "the man behind the man" for his amazing promotional talents! When not on stage or promoting JB is involved in creative projects and enjoys contributing to the local arts community. JB would like to thank the cast, crew, and audience for their support and enthusiasm.

Shadow Dancer

Played by: Saniya

Saniya began her love of dance as a young girl. She studied ballet for five years, two of those on pointe. She also studied during that time jazz, tap, gymnastics and cheerleading. She began her formal belly dancing studies in September of 2016 and by May of 2017 she became a member of the professional belly dance group Navah Mirage and not long after Rosethorn. She has danced at many events including, but not limited to, The Dance of the Elements, Art Street, Ardi Gras, The Busker event and as a fairy for the City of Appleton spring, summer and winter events.

Shadow Dancer

Played by: Jen Kornowske

Jennifer Kornowske is excited to contribute to this production as a shadow dancer and stage hand. With a passion for the creative process, Jennifer has previously produced and co-directed three theatrical productions. She enjoys supporting others in bringing their visions to life. In addition to her work in theater, Jennifer is a wife, mom, grandmother, dancer, performer, yoga instructor, belly dance instructor, and the owner of Saucy Kitchen, a boutique grocery store. Jennifer loves seeing ideas come to fruition and is thrilled to be a part of this project.

Assistant Director/Square Dancer

Played by: Jonwayne Stricker

Jonwayne Stricker is a co owner of the non profit web site Fandomain.org where people post and write fanfiction and engage in text based Role playing. He also runs a you tube channel https://www.youtube.com/@jonwayneisgod where he Post "Emperor Jonwayne's Freaky Flix" a show where he hosts as Emperor Jonwayne Frankenstein some of the best Classic, Cult, Horror, Science fiction, and cheesy movies of all time! (new movies posted every Tuesday and Friday) He also volunteers at Time Community Theater regularly to help bring the same sort of movies as well as independent films to the local Oshkosh community. He has preformed in several local community plays Such as Cyrano: A rose by any other name Where he got to play the title character Cyrano de Bergerac, Escanaba in da Moonlight as Reuben Soady, Don't Drink the Water as Walter Hollander just to name a few of the many roles he took on. He also directed and Assistant directed several plays in Oshkosh including some great ones like the Nerd, Trials Tribulations and Christmas Decorations, and of course the greatest live production of all time Ed Gein the Musical