Weapon in Waiting
Welcome to the Virtual Playbill for Weapon in Waiting by Keira Mathews, presented by Pickle Factory Productions in collaboration with Arts On Site NYC.
As you explore, you’ll meet the cast, designers, and creative team who brought this production to life, and learn more about the world of the play.
Pickle Factory Productions is dedicated to creating bold, imaginative performances and supporting the artists who make them possible.
Thank you for being part of our growing community.
Virtual Playbill
Directors Note
This staged workshop you are about to see is a true passion project come to life, piece of history that must be preserved, and full grasp of hope for the future. Keira created this work out of a determined fascination to learn more about the woman that is Jackie Cochran, and the women who made up the WASPs. As roommates back in our college days, I remember sitting in my room, Keira popping her head in and going into full stories about her new crazy fact about these amazing women. Her passion made it impossible for me not to be drawn in.
As she began work on this script, back in 2020, it looked quite different. Various concepts, different priorities, even more stories than what you see today. We saw the staged reading of the work in 2021 at University of Utah, and from there the drafts continued to grow. Life continued. Once in a while the WASPs would come up or we would visit an aircraft carrier and learn even more about these women that changed the course of WWII. Every year or so the new draft of the script would be sent and we would talk about what new things she was adding or cutting.
When Arts on Site offered their space for a weekend this spring, I jumped on the opportunity to have a reason to create something new…and then it occurred that this passion project one of my dearest friends has created would be a perfect piece to bring to life. This story is addicting to learn about. I can’t help but be drawn in every time I hear the words.
This spring started with script development with our fantastic cast, Keira, myself, and many other incredible contributors. Now, we find ourselves here. Ready to share stories with you. Ready to share the true stories of real women. Women that flew army airplanes the army way. Women that history tried to forget about—and yet they will not be forgotten. Women that knew how and when to stand up, do their duty, and go at everything with the full audacity and fervor needed.
We hope you see this show and want to learn more, search these women’s names, and create a hunger to deep dive into this history.
Don’t stop talking about it.
Abigail Rebekah, Director of Weapon in Waiting
Letter from the Playwright
At Pickle Factory Productions, we believe theatre should feel alive — immediate, a little unpredictable, and deeply human. Whether you are joining us in the room or through the livestream, you are now part of the shared experience that makes live performance so powerful.
Presenting new work like Weapon in Waiting is central to our mission. Stories like this ask questions, challenge perspectives, and create space for conversation long after the lights come up. Supporting new voices in theatre is both exciting and essential, and it’s something that can only happen when artists, audiences, and supporters come together to make it possible.
This production would not exist without the incredible artists who have poured their creativity and care into bringing this play to life, and we are deeply grateful to our collaborators at Arts On Site NYC for their partnership. Most importantly, we are grateful to you — our audience — for showing up, for being curious, and for believing in the power of live storytelling.
If tonight’s performance resonates with you, we invite you to stay connected with Pickle Factory Productions. Your support — whether through attending performances, spreading the word, or making a contribution — helps us continue creating space for bold artists and meaningful stories.
Thank you for being part of this moment with us.
Keira Mathews, Playwright of Weapon in Waiting
From the Artistic Director
Welcome, and Thank You for being here.
At Pickle Factory Productions, we believe theatre should feel alive — immediate, a little unpredictable, and deeply human. Whether you are joining us in the room or through the livestream, you are now part of the shared experience that makes live performance so powerful.
Presenting new work like Weapon in Waiting is central to our mission. Stories like this ask questions, challenge perspectives, and create space for conversation long after the lights come up. Supporting new voices in theatre is both exciting and essential, and it’s something that can only happen when artists, audiences, and supporters come together to make it possible.
This production would not exist without the incredible artists who have poured their creativity and care into bringing this play to life, and we are deeply grateful to our collaborators at Arts On Site NYC for their partnership. Most importantly, we are grateful to you — our audience — for showing up, for being curious, and for believing in the power of live storytelling.
If tonight’s performance resonates with you, we invite you to stay connected with Pickle Factory Productions. Your support — whether through attending performances, spreading the word, or making a contribution — helps us continue creating space for bold artists and meaningful stories.
Thank you for being part of this moment with us.
Alan J. Stogin, Executive Artistic Director
Pickle Factory Productions
Business Sponsors
Brine Circle Sponsor
Emily Raasch Voice and Piano Studio
Troy, Idaho
Brine Circle Sponsor
A&J Market
Stevenson, Washington
Pickle Factory Productions is a registered 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization.
If you would like to make a donation to help develop more stories like this,
please visit our website.
Synopsis
Never before seen play, Weapon in Waiting, is based on a true story about the founding of the WASP (The Women Air Force Service Pilots); the first American women assembled to fly military aircraft. Two women lead the charge. Affluent Nancy Love and formidable Jackie Cochran are both driven to usher in a new age of aviation; one that includes uniformed women in the cockpit. They are up against society, congress, the war, and each other as they train over 1,000 female pilots to relieve male aviators to fly combat missions overseas.
Special Thanks
Dr. Kathryn Landdeck, Author of Women with the Silver Wings
Lieutenant JR. Grade Ellie Niedermair, Technical Advisor for Weapon in Waiting
This play is produced with major gifts from
Kathryn Claire Carver
Karin Bodin
Tyler Schroeder
Who’s Who
The Cast
Jillian Page (Jackie Cochran)
Jillian studied at Belmont University, receiving a Bachelor of Music in Classical Vocal Performance and Oklahoma City University receiving a Masters of Music in Musical Theatre. Her favorite credits include Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music with Franklin Performing Arts Company, Off-Broadway debut as Madame DeFarge in A Tale of Two Cities with the Village Light Opera Group and originating the role of Becca in the world premiere of the musical Bestie Island in NYC. Had her path led her away from theatre and music, Jillian would have become a Hair and Make-Up Artist. Jillian has a fear of flying but a list of fun facts about how safe it is that she recites to herself during take-off, landing, and any scary things that happen during a flight. Jillian LOVES fried pickles.
Follow Jillian: @JillianPaige
Natasha Conti (Nancy Love)
Natasha received her MFA in Acting at the University of Montana. While her career has many exciting roles, her favorites have been Miss Stephanie in To Kill a Mockingbird in the Montana Rep Production that toured to China; Elle Gallo in The Fantasticks with Oro Valley Theatre Group; and Escalus in Measure for Measure at Lenfest. Had Natasha not become an actor, she would have owned a vintage clothing store and been a writer on the side. When she was younger, Natasha won the Junior State Olympics for sharpshooting—but as of today, owns no weapons. Natasha adores all pickles, but especially a cornichon or a peppadew in a dirty pickled martini.
Follow Natasha: @natashajconti
James Kay (General & Men)
James Kay studied Theatre at The University of Montana. His top credits are Duke/Friar Lodowick in Measure for Measure, Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night, and Leon Czolgosz in Assassins. Had James not become an actor, he would have loved to work in the mental health field. Before becoming an actor full time, James was a Landscape Manager for a 36,000 acre resort in Montana. His favorite kind of pickle is a Vlasic Sweet Gherkins, but only when eating a meal that is primarily meat and potatoes.
Follow James: @jameskayofficial
Chloe Mollis-McBride (WASP)
Chloe Mollis-McBride received her BFA in Theater Arts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Favorite recent credits include "People" choreographed by Dr. Chloe Roberts, The Transport Group's concert productions of "Hello, Dolly!" & "Follies" at Carnegie Hall, and "The Wizard of Oz" with Quintessence Theatre Group. While Chloe always knew she wanted to be a performer, she had not anticipated venturing into film and recently wrote, produced and starred in the short film, "Blue Light Therapy" -- a labor of love and collaboration with her dear friend from high school (cute!), coming out later this spring. She's a big fan of a Vlasic Dill Pickle on a hamburger.
Follow Chloe: @chloermm
Kelly Donah (WASP)
Kelly Studied at Shenandoah University and her favorite credits are Rumpleteazer in the National Tour of CATS, Anybody’s in West Side Story at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, and honestly Young Clyde in Bonnie and Clyde, where she “had a blast (in college mind you 😭)”. If Kelly had not found her way to the theatre, she probably would have done something with wildlife conservation. It is still the only thing to this day that she can realistically see herself doing and being excited to do. Kelly was born in Bethlehem, PA so she thought Jesus was born in her town until maybe 5th grade. Specifically in front of the library due to the fact that the town set up a nativity scene there every year. Her favorite kind of Pickle is the REFRIGERATED dill pickle chips from Trader Joe’s. Maison Pickle also has a really good pickled crudite plate on their menu and it's amazing.
Follow Kelly: @kelly_donah
Olivia Schuh (WASP)
Olivia Studied at Institute for American Musical Theatre, where she is currently studying under Studio Mallory. Her favorite credits are One For My Baby (ensemble/principle cover), Broadway Bares, Once Upon a Mattress (Winnifred). Had Olivia not gone into the theatre as a career, she believes she would likely be in jail, so it's a good thing she is on stage instead of behind bars. Much like Fredrick from Pirates of Penzance, Olivia was born on a leap day! Her favorite kind of pickle is a spicy pickle. However, she says she would give moonshine pickles another go - she once had a whole jar and was so sick, so she never tried them again - but maybe if in moderation…
Follow Olivia: @liv.schuh
Zoey Lytle (WASP)
Zoey attended San Jose State University and received a BFA in Dance, she is a BDC ProSem Grad, and an American Conservatory Theatre SF Acting Congress Grad. You may have seen her across the country in the Funny Girl National Tour, My Fair Lady National Tour, or as Sophie in Mamma Mia. Had Zoey not gone into theatre, she would have been a journalist, which a career in writing makes sense as she can list every single preposition in the English language in alphabetical order. Her favorite kind of pickle is the Grillo's Hot Dill Pickles!
Follow Zoey: @zoeylytle
Hayley Cassity (WASP)
Hayley graduated from the Musical Theatre Program at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Her favorite credits are Bea in Something Rotten with Phoenix Theatre company, Lucy in Dracula at The University of Utah, and she was Friends with the Evil Queen in Disneyland. Had Hayley not become an actor, she would have thrived as a photographer for National Geographic.Hayley has trained as, and worked as, a puppeteer. Her favorite kind of pickles are pickled onions.
Follow Hayley: Hayleybayy
Sofia Swenson (WASP)
Sofia received a BFA in Musical Theatre at Syracuse University and has been seen as Atina/Tropical Fish/Gull/Sous Chef/Swan/Princess/Ursula u/s in Little Mermaid (thank you Alan for the mustache); Anybodys in West Side Story; Pat in Good News. Had Sofia not gone into theatre, she would have likely done something related to mental health and psychology or baking. There was a moment in time when she was obsessed with sharks and marine biology. A baking marine psychotherapist? Like an underwater baking therapist for sharks? Anyone can dream. She has had three knee surgeries (including one right before this production), so if you see her hobblin’ away, that’s why. No, it’s not a character choice. Or…is it? Her favorite kind of pickles are pickled beets. Also pickled red onions on anything. YUM!
Follow Sofia: @sofiaannika0913
Who’s Who
Creative Team
Keira Mathews (Playwright)
Keira received her BFA in Acting from the Actor Training Program at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her favorite acting credits include Banquo in Macbeth, Lady Macbeth in a different production of Macbeth, and Lysander in A Midsummer Night's Dream. She says that if he had not gone into theatre, she shoulda been a cowboy. However, Keira is currently in Flight School in Corpus Christi, Texas where she is training to fly planes for the US Navy. It is important to know that Keira, in addition to flying planes, can ride a unicycle while juggling and reciting Shakespeare. Her favorite kind of pickle is the Sweet and Spicy pickles from Famous Daves BBQ.
Follow Keira: @im_keira
Abigail Rebekah (Director)
Abigail received her BFA in Modern Dance at The University of Utah School of Dance in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her favorite credits are co-founding Black Box Movers, Dir./Choreo. of “Joseph…” at Cornwell Dinner Theatre & Troy Community Theatre as well as all of her dance films. Had Abigail not become a theatre artist, she would have gone into pre-law/criminal justice, and into law school. After high school, Abigail was the Idaho State FFA Secretary. She went to nationals for Land Judging (looking at the dirt). Her favorite kind of pickle is a sweet and spicy gherkin.
Follow Abigail: @abbirebekah
Dianne Cano (Associate Director)
Diane studied at New World School for the Arts in Miami, Florida. She has been in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as a dancer for K-Pop Demon Hunters Performance, Cornwell Dinner Theatre's Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat having played Issachar/ensemble & Dance Captain), and Company Dancer with LaHa Dance Group from 2022-2025. If Diane had not gone into the theatre, she would have probably become a doctor or a romance book author! In addition to dancing with Demon Hunters, Diane can also fit her entire fist in her mouth. Her favorite kind of pickle is a good ol’ fashioned pickle, the crunchy kind that is served next to a sandwich.
Follow Diane: @howverydianne
Dan Sander-Wells (Composer)
Dan studied at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. His favorite credits are Arranger/Orchestrator for multiple new musicals including as RUBY by Nate and Michael Jacobs, CLEAVAGE by Ron Friedman and Laura Goodenow, and LEND ME A CHAINSAW by Brian Christiansen, Music Director for Anne Washburn's New Play "The Burning Cauldron of Fiery Fire" which premiered Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre in Fall 2025, and Composer for PARADISE BLUE by Dominique Morisseau (which is making its Florida premiere currently at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe). Had Dan not become a composer, he would have become an electrician stating, “We love the trades!”. Dan’s professional nickname is “Chef” because he worked as a chef before making the jump into composing full time. As a Korean-American, Dan says he is obligated to say kimchi is his favorite pickled item. And it's superior to all other pickled items. “Fight me.”
Yes, Chef! insert salute here
Follow Dan: @dwellsmusic
Thomas Gluodenis (Costume Designer)
Thomas studied at The Catholic University of America. His favorite credits are The Goodbye Girl and Lucky Stiff, both with J2 Spotlight Musical Theatre in NYC where he got to work with the writers of each show. Thomas LOVES cars and everything to do with them, so if had not become a costume designer, he probably would have been working in either automotive design or engineering. When Thomas was younger, he thought he was allergic to the color orange. Not the fruit, but the actual color of orange. His favorite kind of pickle is a classic dill pickle!
Follow Thomas: @thomasjcg
Alexa Luney (Projections)
Alexa is currently a Junior at Emerson College studying Theatre Design & Technology. Her favorite credits are Sweet Charity (Scenic Designer), Head Over Heels (Asst. Scenic Designer), The Little Mermaid (Props/Projections). If Alexa had never found her love for scenic design, she truly believes she would have been a mermaid. At 21 years old, she still actively collects stuffed animals. Her most recent addition to her collection is a cute little stuffed pickle with a face and legs. She has recently discovered a love for pickled carrots.
Follow Alexa: @alexalunney @ghostsandoats
Grace Griffin (Production Stage Manager)
Grace studied Stage Management at SUNY Purchase and her favorite credits are The Little Mermaid at Summer Theatre of New Canaan, Rent in Concert with AMP Worldwide's North American Tour, and Sweat SUNY Purchase. Had she not gone into theatre, Grace would have become a lawyer. It is important to note that Grace is an award winning Stop Motion Animation Artist. Unfortunately, she does not like pickled anything. So we will say that Pickle Factory Productions is her favorite pickle.
Follow Grace: @grapes_griffin