THE LETTERS PROJECT 2:
“CONNECTIONS BEYOND TIME”
VIRTUAL PROGRAM
TABLE OF SCENES
HOPIE AND THE TRAIN by Leilani Squire and Richard DiSaito
Hopie - Mason Kennerly
Emma – Maggie Borgen
Barbara – Cyn Ridy
James – Vince Wainwright
Thomas – Nicholas Cormier III
Time: November 29, 1963, Thanksgiving Day
Setting: The dining car of a passenger train stopped at Jacksonville, Florida.
DEAR ANYONE by Keith Dow
PVT Briggs – Jalen Travers
LTC Martin – Vince Wainwright
Setting: An office on base or outside an office in Fallujah
Time: 2006
OBJECTS OF A MARRIAGE by Cyn Rid
Bob – Nicholas Cormier III
Alice – Cyn Ridy
Object A – Chiara Gheller
Object B – Christopher Loverro
Setting: Hospital overseas and a home stateside
Time: The Cold War
A WAR ON TWO FRONTS by Jeffrey Webster & Leilani Squire
Army Lieutenant Gerald Hutchinson – Jalen Travers
Audrey – Chiara Gheller
Army Nurse – Maggie Borgen
Setting: U. S. Army 39th General Hospital, Aukland, New Zealand
Time: April 1943
YOUR EXCELLENCY by Will Sims
Brigadier General William Smallwood – Christopher Loverro
General George Washington – William Duffy
Harold – Rolphe Jay Miceus
Tobias – Jalen Travers
Patsy – Nicholas Cormier III
Setting: Smallwood and Washington’s tents in distant battlefield
Time: September 12, 1777 to February 28, 1778
THE WORDS by PG PILLITTERI
Nick Bonifacio – Mason Kennerly
Bobby – Rolphe Jay Miceus
Paddy – Christopher Loverro
Country – Vince Wainwright
Setting: The USS Intrepid
Time: November 1972 through the early few months of 1973
ABOUT THE PRODUCERS
ArtsUP! LA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization that serves artists with disabilities, military veterans, and Los Angeles-based youth.
Empowering veterans and their families through creative expression, story, and performance. Building community through dialogue.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Karl Risinger
Message from our director, Karl Risinger: Making my directorial debut in Los Angeles and bringing these letters to life again has been an incredible honor. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together. This project was born from love, trust, and a shared commitment to creating something meaningful. Thank you to everyone who believed in the vision and entrusted me with this journey. Creating art with such passionate collaborators has been a gift, and I’m grateful for every moment of it.
From 1994 to 2005, Karl served in the United States Army as a Weapons Trainer and Military Police. In 2010, he took a government contracting job in Iraq to better understand what his fellow soldiers were experiencing. He moved to Los Angeles in 2000 and has been actively engaged with the Veteran community and has pursued a career in the entertainment and even management industries. He is a proud father and loving husband—and a football enthusiast.
MEET THE WRITERS
Leilani Squire
Leilani Squire (Artistic Director/Workshop Facilitator) was born and raised in the military, and founder and Executive Director of Returning Soldiers Speak. She’s an award-winning playwright, published writer, certified creativity coach, and member of EST/LA, Playwrights Unit, The Dramatist Guild, alumna of Kennedy Center Playwriting Intensive EST/LA’s The Ignite Project, and American Legion Auxiliary. Since 2010, she has facilitated writing workshops for veterans and their families with various organizations. She is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an extraordinary project—she has learned so much from everyone involved.
Cyn Ridy
Cyn Ridy is an actress, poet, and U.S. Navy veteran. She served on active duty aboard the USS George H. W. Bush in Norfolk, Virginia, where she worked in aviation as a plane handler and served as a U.S. ambassador and liaison to foreign officials. Before pursuing acting, she was an applied linguist and prosody research scientist, serving on a national team. There, she studied the biological rhythm, intonation, and architecture of language, as well as the impact of psycholinguistics on speech. Her background in language science heavily informs her writing and acting style. She is originally from Chicago, with New York City as her second home. She is honored to be part of a project that highlights the experience of veterans and their family.
Keith Walter Dow
Keith Walter Dow is a writer, social worker, and GWOT veteran born and raised in New England. He holds a Bachelor of Human Services Degree from Georgian College and a Master of Social Work from the University of New England. He is the co-founder of Dead Reckoning Collective and the Joshua Tree Writers Retreat as well as the Vice President of Warrior Needs at HunterSeven Foundation. His debut poetry collection, Karmic Purgatory is available online. His writing has appeared in In Love & War: The Anthology of Poet Warriors, Coffee or Die Magazine, Headspace & Timing, Issued Magazine, and other publications. He lives in California with his wife, Jessica Danger, and their children. "Dear Anyone," is his first play.
William Sims
William Sims is a Florida-based playwright, filmmaker, and U.S. Navy veteran. During his military service, he received training in the Russian language before earning a Bachelor's degree in Film from Full Sail University in 2023. Drawing inspiration from history, folklore, and the lives of everyday people, his work spans both stage and screen, blending humor and drama to explore the human experience. He is honored to contribute Your Excellency to the Returning Soldiers Speak Letters Project 2.
PG Pillitteri
PG Pillitteri is a Brooklyn, NY playwright and a US Navy Veteran. His play, "Immigrant Son" won best score at the NY Theatrefest in 2018, and his new work, "Nocturne" will be premiered this fall. He is thrilled to have "The Words" as part of the Letters Project 2.
Jeffrey Webster
Jeffrey Webster, a proud U.S. Coast Guard veteran, is a recovering marketing-public relations copywriter. A long-time stage actor, he now writes plays. His play, “Cassandra,” was selected for the 2025 Old Pueblo Playwrights’ New Play Festival in Tucson. “Killing to the Sound of Trumpets” was developed in association with Returning Soldiers Speak and performed as a staged reading in Los Angeles in the Spring of 2026. Jeff has also written award-winning verses for children’s picture books. His yet-to-be-published historical novel, “In Search of Redemption,” explores the maritime underground railroad. He and Susan, his wife of 57 years, are Massachusetts natives who lived in Northern California for 30-plus years. They currently reside in the beautiful Sonoran Desert south of Tucson. For many years, Jeff and Susan were hospice volunteers, organizing and conducting ceremonies to honor military veteran-patients for their service.
Richard DiSaito
Richard DeSiato served in the Army from November 1963 to November 1966 and was stationed in Kaiserslautern, West German. He was a Communication Center Specialist cryptographer and encoded top secret messages with top security clearance in the 440th Signal Battalion attached to S-2 and S-3 Headquarters Company. He was a Battalion Artist touring all bases: singing, dancing, and acting for the troops. He performed in the USO Variety ’65 Thanksgiving and Christmas Show, the Armed Forces Variety TV shows with the US Special Services in the theater department. He was employed I the entertainment industry for 50 years as a graphic designer, artist, designer and editor for film trailers, film posters and logo for named Hollywood artists. He performs in rock n’ roll groups, lead singer/songwriter, guitarist, and set designer for local Los Angeles theaters. He is the Entertainment Director with The American Legion Hollywood Post 43 producing Open Mics and special concerts, and performed in the musical Veteran Concerts 2019. He will be celebrating his 85th year of creating music, art, and writing his stories.
MEET THE CAST
Chiara Gheller
Born and raised in Belgium, Chiara is the proud granddaughter of two remarkable families; her maternal one who bravely hid a family of Jewish people while being forced to supply food and horses to German soldiers during WW2, and her paternal one who lived through WW2 in Italy thus enduring poverty while the matriarch needed to feed ten children – her paternal grandfather will later be part of the first biggest wave of immigration post-WW2 for his father to find work in the Belgian mines. Years later, her maternal uncles will serve in the Belgian Navy. What brought Chiara Gheller to the United States of America in August 2022 was her passion for acting; after having performed on stage in several European countries since she was 7 years old, her dream came true when she got accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles where she began her on-camera training while always improving her skills on stage. She has since been credited for several feature films, micro dramas, short films, and several independent projects. Chiara is also the recipient of multiple awards such as Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenwriter.
Christopher Loverro
Christopher Loverro is a US Army Iraq War veteran and former police officer turned thespian, veteran's advocate, and a humanitarian volunteer in Ukraine. He is the founder of Warriors For Peace Theatre, an LA based non-profit that is a collaboration of veterans and civilians who use Shakespeare and the theatre to help participants heal from trauma, empower women, support disenfranchised groups, and promote peace through the arts. Christopher is a graduate of UC Berkeley's Peace and Conflict Studies department, a classically trained actor, a graduate of The Second City Acting Conservatory, and has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC with Diavolo’s Veteran’s Dance Project.
Cyn Ridy
Cyn Ridy is an actress, poet, and U.S. Navy veteran. She served on active duty aboard the USS George H. W. Bush in Norfolk, Virginia, where she worked in aviation as a plane handler and served as a U.S. ambassador and liaison to foreign officials. Before pursuing acting, she was an applied linguist and prosody research scientist, serving on a national team. There, she studied the biological rhythm, intonation, and architecture of language, as well as the impact of psycholinguistics on speech. Her background in language science heavily informs her writing and acting style. She is originally from Chicago, with New York City as her second home. She is honored to be part of a project that highlights the experience of veterans and their family.
Jalen Travers
Jalen Travers is a Marine Corps veteran and actor. He started acting in high school and fell in love with the art of storytelling. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a Data Systems Administrator and served four years. After his military service he studied for two years at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts where he further refined his skills and passion for the craft. Off the stage he can often be found lost in the pages of a book or ranting about historical inaccuracies in films.
Maggie Borgen
Maggie Borgen is an actor, writer, and web series showrunner. She has been a creator and actor on three different web series, most recently “Required Skills,” a sitcom about post-grad life. Maggie’s acting roots are in the New Jersey/New York City theater community, where she acted in and worked on theater productions about social issues. Maggie is passionate about using film and theater as a way to spark dialogue about society. Her grandfather served in the military (Air Force or it might have been Army Air Corps at the time). After serving, he became a police detective in NYC and then a reporter for WCBS-TV in New York.
Mason Kennerly
Mason Kennerly graduated from the very prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts as part of the Class of 2020. For his excellence in performance, dedication to his craft, his consistent enthusiasm for serving wherever he can, and stature as a human being, Mason was recognized and presented with The Charles Jehlinger Award by the faculty and administration. Before acting, Mason performed as a professional wrestler. His most recent return to the stage was the biggest of his career in the Mojo Ensemble’s comeback production of Suburbia by Eric Bogosian at the award-winning Odyssey Theatre, where Mason appeared as Pony, the soulful yet self-absorbed rockstar. The most impactful and meaningful journey in the world of theater for Mason came when he played the misunderstood, philosophical and intellectual G.I., Professor, on the edge of losing himself completely to existential crisis in Tracers by John DiFusco, set during the midst of the hellish Vietnam War, and highlighted at the 2023 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Mason has been fortunate enough to bring his talents to the screen as well. An abrasive, metalhead weed-dealer with both a softness and charming playfulness behind his rough exterior became one of Mason’s defining characters on screen in the 90s-era horror-thriller 213 Bones. Set to release in theaters later this year, the film premiered to a sold-out audience at London’s UK FrightFest in the largest theater in Europe; Mason was recognized as a stand-out amongst his cast of rising stars. Behind the actor, Mason has a drive like no other, and whatever he puts his mind, heart, and soul into will bear the fruits of his energy and passion, whether that be being there for humanity, or changing hearts through the screen or on the stage.
Nicholas Cormier III
Nicholas Cormier III served as an Air Traffic Controller in the United States Air Force. Helped support the B2 Stealth Bomber’s journey from initial operation capability to full operation capability culminating in its use for Operation Noble Anvil in Kosovo. Graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington. Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Film and a minor in Theatre. Holds an MBA from Texas State University. Actor. Writer. Director. Nicholas is the Homelessness Liaison on the Community Veterans Engagement Board for the Los Angeles VA. USC Warrior Bard. Nicholas is a member of Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA. He’s performed at Kitchen Dog Theatre, Undermain Theatre, Stage West and many more. Nicholas' flash fiction and short stories were accepted for publication by MAYDAY Magazine, Lolwe Magazine, LEON Literary Review, As You Were, the Good Life Review, OneBlackBoyLikeThat Review. Nicholas' short story "Salome" was nominated for 2023 Best of the Net, and his story D-Pod was awarded First Runner Up in the 2023 Annual Fiction Prize by Solstice Literary Magazine. Nicholas' performs his work at WORDTheatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA and A Noise Within (Noise Now) Theatre.
Rolphe Jay Miceus
During his time in the Army, Rolphe Jay served as a 25B-Information Technology Specialist, where he developed discipline, adaptability, and a deep understanding of teamwork under pressure. He is a dedicated performer and a multidisciplinary artist whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling and sound. With professional foundations in music, film and television, Drama/Theater and a background as a military veteran, he brings a raw, lived-in authenticity to every role he embodies. As a vocalist, Rolphe uses music as an extension of his emotional language—blending soul, vulnerability, and strength to create moments that resonate beyond the stage.
Vince Wainwright
This is Vince's second production with Returning Soldiers Speak and can also been seen on #VetTalk on the organization’s YouTube channel. He served in the Navy (02-07) with 3 tours to the Gulf. He's a business owner and family man with a deep-rooted passion for acting, which he credits to the opportunities afforded by ArtsUP! LA and Returning Soldiers Speak.
WILLIAM DUFFY
With over 30 years experience in entertainment, Duffy’s credits include: TV (partial): “The West Wing” (seven seasons), “Scandal”, “NCIS”, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, “Criminal Minds”, “The Big C”. Film (partial): Sniper 3, Karla, Waist Deep. Theatrical (partial)(NY/LA): The National Tour of “A Few Good Men”, performances at The John Houseman Theatre, The Lamb’s Theatre, The Writer’s Theatre, Courtyard Playhouse, Greenway Theatre, ATA, and numerous EST/LA productions, including Nick Kazan's “Mlle. God” – as well as countless readings. He’s proud and humbled to be a part of Returning Soldiers Speak.
On the personal side, Duffy was a CPA and also earned a Masters Degree in Psychology. So while he hasn’t made the millions of dollars from acting he’s trained to financially manage … he also knows how that makes him feel!
MEET THE CREW
Heather Saturday (Stage Manager)
Heather Saturday is a 20-year retired military Veteran and theatre practitioner whose stage management work is rooted in precision, leadership, and a commitment to the collaborative spirit of live performance. Her theatre credits include community theatre stage management, producing, and Board of Directors service, alongside production assistant work with Disney Live Entertainment. A proud member of Veterans in Media & Entertainment, Heather is honored and thrilled to bring her military background and love of live performance to The Letters Project 2. She is deeply grateful to the cast, crew, and creative team for this unforgettable experience.
Douglas Gabrielle (Lighting Designer)
Doug has been designing lights and acting for more than three decades, primarily in San Diego and Los Angeles. His L.A. Designs include: Pasadena Shakespeare Co: Comedy Of Errors, The Libertine, Othello; Sacred Fools: Don Juan In Chicago, Tell The Bees, Valparaiso, Caesar Chavez, Lights Out, Puzzler, Crumble Lay Me Down Justin Timerlake, Absolutely Filthy; Porters of Hellsgate: Pericles, Prince of Tyre, Cymbeline (Valley Theatre Award Nominations for both); South Coast Repertory Theatre: Absolutely Filthy; L.A. Shakespeare Center: Macbeth; Group Repertory Theatre: More than a dozen designs, including their musical revue, L.A, Now And Then. Since 2020, Doug has been the Technical Director of the Blue Door Theater in Culver City. He has been the lighting designer of The Boys Next Door, Almost Maine, and numerous other works including Romeo Rocks the 80's, The Braille Legacy, and Los Arboles Mueren de Pie. Doug made his directorial debut in 2024 with The Letters Project: Across Time: Love & Humanity During War.
Connections Beyond Time is dedicated to Lester Probst, Army, Korean War Veteran. Lester was a force to be reckoned with, and in 2023 brought ArtsUP! LA and Returning Soldiers Speak together to produce and create the first Letters Project – Across Time: Love and Humanity During War.
We honor and are grateful to The Letter Bearers: Benjamin Fortier, Lyn Alicia Henderson, Peggy Johnson, Cherielyn Ferguson, PR Pillieteri,and Chuck Smallwood.
The Norman Gunderson letters are finding a permanent home at the Hoover Institution Library & Archive at Stanford University. We are grateful for their inclusion in the production.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
