Introducing the La Posada Cast
Ben Gorman—Allan Affeldt
Ben Gorman is a Renaissance man. As an actor with over 20 years’ experience and lifelong interest, he has performed on stages across the United States on tour, with longer stints spent in MN, AZ, OH. Favorite roles include Hamlet, Dr. Frederick Treves (The Elephant Man), Richard Hannay (The 39 Steps), King Claudius (Hamlet), Benedick (Much Ado About Nothing), and Scrooge. He last appeared in Prescott in 2020 to perform the one-actor play An Iliad. He has an abiding love for Shakespeare and toured with the American Shakespeare Center. Ben has taught and performed improv and acting and likes to make silly videos.
Karla Stamp—Tina Mion
Karla began acting later in life when she completed a "passion degree" in Theatre Performance at the University of Alabama-Birmingham close to the same year her daughter graduated from the same university. Karla has appeared in numerous plays, indie films, and commercials. Favorite roles have been in the plays of Shakespeare. Karla sends special thanks to Kate for bringing her back to Arizona for this special show, and because she will be able to visit Sedona, her former home, where a piece of her heart will remain forever.
Dino Palazzi—Dan Lutzick, Carlos De La Fuente
Dino Palazzi is delighted to return to Prescott for this production, having previously originated two roles in Micki Shelton’s related opus, Fred & Mary: An Unconventional Romance. Dino has professional credits ranging from musical theater and opera to television, film, and voiceover. Stage productions include The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, and Little Shop of Horrors. Prescott audiences may remember him as Sweeney Todd, and as Billy Bigelow in Carousel, both at PCA. He also performed the role of Fr. Flynn in John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt opposite Gail Mangham at the Elks Theater. An accomplished musician and songwriter, Dino has crafted a catalog of recordings covering more than 30 years. An avid playwright and composer, Dino has written and directed five musicals for young audiences. He mostly finds heaven-on-earth as the lucky father of four.
Sandy Moss—Nancy, Florence Harding
Sandy began acting in theatre productions in junior high and pursued it in college and community theatres in three states. Memorable roles are as a lead in Butterflies are Free and Nightwatch (Dixie College), Fool for Love (UNLV Community Theatre), and Ordinary People and Shadowbox (PCA). Arriving here 30 years ago, Sandy joined Sharlot Hall Museum’s historical theatre, performing in Ladies of the Garden and many one-woman shows as Smithsonian artist, Kate Cory. Sandy’s career delved into history as a newspaper reporter and radio and TV host. She also restores historic houses. So performing in La Posada is a natural fit.
Mick Shepherd—Navajo Man, Eduardo
Mick is a native Prescottonian who has spent most of his life as a speaker and musical entertainer in the non-profit sector. Acting is an enjoyable sideline and he’s performed in Grand Hotel, Inspecting Carol, The Key, and Southwest historical productions Stanton and Micki Shelton’s play Fred and Mary where he performed the role of Mary Colter’s Grand Canyon foreman Albert. Mick has also done one-man shows portraying the lives of his Grandfather Juan Moreno and Great Grandfather, Civil War veteran, Jacob Shepard. Portraying their stories led him to Micki’s latest historical production, La Posada.
Kevin Goss—Keith, Americus Man
An Arizona native, Kevin has lived in Prescott for 14 years. Favorite roles include Richard Loeb in Never the Sinner (PCA) and Mark Cohen in Rent (One Stage Family Theatre). In his 20s, Kevin took Amtrak’s Southwest Chief eastbound from Flagstaff with a special someone. The train slowed through the scruffy town of Winslow, coming to a stop in front of an unexpected, magnificent building: La Posada. As Kevin puts it, “I later met Micki Shelton, who mentioned this play she’d written about that magical place. Can’t believe I get to be a part of it!”
Frank Malle—Fred Harvey, Don Daddy
Frank is an award-winning actor, writer, producer and director. Favorite roles include King Henry II (Lion in the Winter), Iago (Othello), and Professor Bryant (Educating Rita). His most recent Prescott performances were in 12 Angry Jurorsand Taming of the Shrew. Directing credits include South Pacific and Fiddler on the Roof. Before coming to Prescott 10 years ago, Frank worked in production design and special effects at Hollywood’s Raleigh Studios, working with the Star Trek and Star Wars franchises, among others. Having a life-long fascination with history, Frank is delighted to be playing the ghost of Fred Harvey.
Ali Cassidy—Edith Wilson
Ali made a New Year’s resolution in 2016 to get more involved in local theatre. After time spent in radio, voice-over work and reader’s theatre, she is thrilled to be in this performance on the Elk’s stage! She has performed a variety of roles in what’s now Suze’s Prescott Center for the Arts, including in productions of Calendar Girls, Peter and the Starcatcher, and an all-female staging of Glengarry Glen Ross. Ali currently serves as Board President of PCA and works full time in mental health services at the Prescott VA.
Shari Graham—Don Don
Shari has been in several productions with Prescott Center for the Arts—including favorites Ouiser in Steel Magnolias and Randa in Savannah Sipping Society. In 2022, she read the role of Nancy in PCA’s stage reading of La Posada. This time, as Don Don, she’s on the other side of the argument. Shari has lived in “Preskitt” for 28 years. She is thrilled to work with Micki and Kate on the fabulous Elks stage. When she’s not rehearsing, you can find her at her shop The Purple Cat Good Used Books & Mini Gallery.
Krista Cooper-Schmidt—Marianna, Brenda, Elizabeth Monroe
Krista has lived in the Prescott area most of her life and has been passionate about the arts just as long. Studying drama in Yavapai College’s Performing Arts Department has given Krista the opportunity to hone her acting skills in a variety of local showcases, including plays and film. Most recently, Krista was Juror #11 in the college’s production of 12 Angry Jurors and she is in a promotional commercial for the upcoming Prescott Film Festival. Krista expresses her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to help bring Micki's La Posada to life.
