Cast Biographies

Bob Kurka (Winston Danbury) is a veteran of Lincoln theatrical venues, including Lincoln Community Theater, Lincoln Christian University, and Lincoln Christian Church. In 2009, he played his most challenging role--Major General Stanley-- in the LCC staging of Pirates of Penzance. Bob is currently Professor of Theology and Church in Culture at Lincoln Christian University. He is most appreciative of the creative efforts of Lisa, Amanda, and Diane to bring live theater to this year's Railsplitter Festival and hopes this will be the start of a new tradition at this signature Lincoln event. Bob is thankful for the support he receives from his wife, Beverley (also an amateur thespian), their three daughters, three sons-in-law, and 9 grandchildren. 

Sheralyn Bolton - With this roll as the brazen "Kitty O'Day", Sheralyn comes dangerously close to being permanently typecast as the black sheep of any show! She started in fourth grade playing "Grimey" -literally the black sheep- in We Like Sheep. She then went on to portray an unearthly "Witch Woman" in Shakespeare's Macbeth, sassy "Sophia" in Godspell, and spunky "Kate" in Pirates of Penzance. Some of her more redeeming rolls include "Aphra" in Children of Eden, "Dr. Newheart" in Neck-Up Check-Up, and "Geraldine" in the Very Fairy Princess. Behind the scenes, Sheralyn was Assistant Director for Meet Me in St.Louis. From the stage, she was Director for the children's production of Dr. Newheart's Neck-Up Check-Up. In addition to being a stage starlet, this diva is a trained vocalist, impassioned artist, and fitness junkie.

...The Play would like to apologize for the following from Ms. Bolton...

 People Who Should Thank Me

"The writers and director are forever indebted to me for bringing to life their character, though it is written so extraordinarily unlike my natural personality. My adoring children praise me for building their acting abilities by always running lines and staging with me. My doting husband, Brian, is grateful for opportunity to show his undying love and support. He is so thankful for the countless extra hours he enjoyed spending with our precious children while I was away with rehearsals and costume fittings. The Almighty, Creator God is pleased that I have been able to successfully use the talents and gifts He has given me for His utmost glory." -sher             

Rebekah Crider (Millie) is a homeschool graduate and 4-H Alumni. She has lived her entire 22 years in Lincoln, IL . She has given over 25 formal speeches throughout her 4-H career, played one of General Stanley’s Wards in Lincoln Christian Church’s 2009 production of The Pirates of Penzance, and has been a part of the working farm at the Railsplitter Festival for 11 years. She enjoys drawing, canning, gardening, painting, photography, reading, crocheting, knitting, volunteering at the local fair and 4-H shows, and hey - acting in local productions! She would like to thank her parents for pushing her in public speaking because otherwise she would not have the guts to do stuff like this!

Ian Crider (Hiram Greed) is a 47-year-old Title Examiner/Underwriter at Chicago Title. He was born in Gary, IN, and grew up in Sawyer, MI before moving to Lincoln in 1987. He played Jesus Christ in Central Christian Church’s (Valparaiso, IN) Easter program in elementary school. He also played Marshall Cord Elam in the River Valley High School (Three Oaks, MI) production of “Oklahoma”. He was a puppeteer/voice actor in the Great Lakes Bible College Puppet Team. “Ringmaster” for Lincoln Christian Church’s Waldo VBS in 2002. He also played a pirate/police officer in Lincoln Christian Church’s production of The Pirates of Penzance in 2009, and has been a part of the working farm at the Railsplitter Festival for 11 years. Ian is married to Darlene, his bride of 23 years, and they have three children 22, 13, and 8. He enjoys working with computers, photography, baseball (Go Cubs!), spoiling his children (guess who wrote this!), and being Mr. Fixit for his family. He would like to thank his family for being so awesome (though he knows they really can’t help it.)

Cindi Stribling (Selma) has enjoyed playing this funny role and getting to know other cast members of Pleasant Sage. She has been in numerous productions at the Atlanta Christian Church, and played a wide range of roles – from a biker chick to an elderly lady in a nursing home! Cindi teaches Sunday School and is involved in choir and Bible studies. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and three sons. (Her 3 older sons and their families also live close by!) She wishes to thank Amanda and Lisa for this opportunity, and Diane for guiding the cast. She also wishes to thank her husband, Skeet, for bringing out the best in her and supporting her, and her family – for being so wonderful! Most of all, she is thankful to the Lord God, for making her who she is.

Patty Allen (Shirley) has previously played “Vanessa” in Atlanta Christian Church's production of Christmas Rose. She enjoys sewing and reading, but really excels at her favorite hobby – shopping! She wishes to thank her friend and minister Skeet Stribling for suggesting she audition for this role. She appreciates the opportunity to be in a play – it was a lot of fun! Patty works at Calvary Daycare. She is married to Darwin, and is mom to Samantha and Ashley. She would like to thank her family and co-workers for their love and support.

Mike Koke (Judge Tucker) was born and raised right here in Lincoln, IL. He began his performing arts career at Northwest Elementary where his french horn playing abilities were described by his music teacher as the sounds of “a cow in heat”. He then went to Lincoln Jr. High where he was cut from every sports team he tried out for, which is how he learned to enjoy watching sports, and still enjoys it to this day. After high school, he went into the Army Military Police and was stationed at Fort Polk.  It was there he learned about the state's official bird - the mosquito. He also attended Southwest Louisiana State and Central Texas College while serving in the military. In addition to watching sports, he loves to play the acoustic guitar. Other than mandatory annual grade school productions, his lone theater experience was as an unnamed pirate/policeman in Pirates of Penzance. Good times. Mike has four wonderful sons and three wonderful daughters-in-law, and three absolutely fantastic grandchildren. Mike would like to thank anyone who has put up with his sarcastic/sardonic/dry sense of humor over the years. He would especially like to thank God for his son, Jesus Christ. Without His grace, Mike admits he would be a total wreck. He also wishes to thank his parents for their extreme patience. And Sheralyn Bolton, for encouraging (badgering) him into doing this play. Lastly, he wishes to thank his boys, who have taught him way more than he ever taught them.

Maurice "Skeet" Stribling (Sheriff Lester Lawful) Skeet has been involved in theater productions for many years. He has directed a number of high school theater productions and also directs theater productions for Christmas in Atlanta at the Atlanta Christian Church. In 2008 he directed “Mrs. President” in a revival production for Lincoln Community Theater in Lincoln. Skeet has been a cast member in many other productions such as Romeo and Juliet (Father Lawrence) and (The Prince), and My Fair Lady (Alfred P. Dolittle). His directing credits include: My Son is Crazy but Promising, The Christmas Carol, Christmas with the Hendersons, Merry Christmas No Matter What!, A Main Street Christmas, Man of the Year, The Jesus Stocking, W.O.R.D. Radio, A Stranger for Christmas, and Christmas Roses.

       Skeet likes to fish and work on technology projects. He enjoys his motorcycle very much! He would like to thank his family for all the support they have given to him over the years so he could follow his dreams in theater. Skeet would also like to thank God for His incredible love and grace!

Joshua Arnold (Salesman) is a 27-year-old studying at Lincoln Christian University in the worship ministry department. He has been involved in many different sorts of play and productions through high school and church. He has a wife and two kids who he adores. Josh is thankful to God for giving him the ability to do something like this. He also wishes to thank all the people involved in this production. Lastly, he wants to thank his wife Stephanie for being so understanding of this huge commitment and the audience - for showing     up!

Silas Martin (Masked Man) will soon be a high school graduate. Silas is very creative, and he enjoys electronics and fiddling with his own inventions. After graduation, he will attend Pensacola Christian College where he will study engineering.

Dustin Stribling (Butch Haam) is a senior at Olympia High School. Pleasant Sage will be his 11th production.  Some of his other roles include "Tiny Tim" in A Christmas Carol, "Hugo Peabody" in Bye Bye Birdy, and "The King" in Once Upon a Mattress. He is a vocalist in the band The Triumphal Entry and is a huge fan of bacon.  Mmm. Bacon.

Production Staff

Amanda Martin (Creator, Writer and Production Team Leader) created Pleasant Sage specifically for the purpose of bringing something fresh and different to the Lincoln Railsplitting Festival. She attended Pensacola Christian College in 2009 where she majored in speech with a minor in music. Amanda is currently employed as a a personal service worker to the handicapped. She is sister to 8 siblings and loves every moment of “big” family life. She loves to cook, play the piano and garden. Amanda would like to thank all the people involved in bringing Pleasant Sage to the stage - it couldn't have been done without them! She is most thankful for her Salvation in Christ, and for the assurance of heaven.

Diane Martin (Director) enjoys the stage and has always been involved in church skits. She is wife to Scott, her husband of 26 years, and is a homeschooling mom to nine children. 

Lisa Kuhlman (Writer and Production Team) Lisa's work has appeared in online magazine blogs, and in local and national print publications. Most of her published writing centers around growing and using herbs. She has enjoyed branching out into the realm of the playwright, and as a result, has been inspired to dabble in fiction! As much as she loves writing, her first great joy in life is being wife to Joe and mom to her five children. Some of her interests include art,  training for a 5K, and taking naps. She thanks her family for their patience and support while she learned about how to help put on a play!  But most importantly, she wishes to thank God, the ultimate author and creator of all good things.