Paddock School Ensemble presents Mr. Toad's Excellent Adventure

Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure -North American Premiere Based on the characters from Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Adapted for the stage by Leah Blaine First performed at Paddock School, Palatine, November 15, 2024 Characters in Order of Appearance Mole 1 Mole 2 Rat 1 Rat 2 Badger 1 Badger 2 Mr. Toad 1 Mr. Toad 2 Roman Citizen 1/Pirate 1 Roman Citizen 2/Pirate 2 Roman Citizen 3/ Pirate 3 Octavius/Batman Maximus/Elphaba French Soldier 1/Peter Pan French Soldier 2/Maddix Parker Burbage/Anakin Field/Nicole Rader Sadler/Ahsoka Shakespeare/Glinda Marlowe/Robin Blackbeard Graygoatee Maroonmustache Chuck Violetvandyke Silversoulpatch

- Miho Kawasaki - Eliana Criner* - Lana Hebert* - Eleanor Schwark - Aarnav Menon* - Allie Zaremba* - Adem Abdic - Julia Conneely* - Reece Fudacz* - Sampriti Magesh* - Cora Kuhnen* - Robby Mangione* - Erin Lee* - Eliza Lorenzen* - Claire Carey* - Anvay Shah* - Hayley Nolen* - Uma Pai* - Kira Malovana - Brendan Oberg* - Cameron Pannhausen* - Ellie Van Horn* - Ada Sack* - Joe Jose* - Aadya Bheemarasetti* - Maeve Cunningham*

*Denotes Paddock Premiere Performance

Scenes The performance will last about two hours with a 15 minute intermission between acts one and two.

Time: Present Day Place: English Countryside by the River Thames and other locations throughout time.

Act 1 - Wayfarers All SCENE ONE “A New Shiny Thing” SCENE TWO “Roman Barbeque” SCENE THREE “War never Changes” SCENE FOUR “Something Rotten” SCENE FIVE “All that Glitters”

Intermission (Approximately fifteen minutes- Please visit the lobby for refreshments and enter our 50/50 raffle all raffle proceeds go into Paddock Stage Productions.)

Act 2 - Dulce Domum SCENE ONE “Nothing Rhymes With Orange” SCENE TWO “The Pirate War Begins” SCENE THREE “Hero Hunting” SCENE FOUR “The Battle of Toad Hall” SCENE FIVE “All’s Well That Ends”

Artistic Roster Artistic Director and Stage Manager – Andre Zielinski  Assistant Directors – Rhianna Christensen, Casey Fink  Wardrobe – Stethia Criner, Lisa Fudacz, Jill Lorenzen, Vrinda Santhosh  Stage Crew – Mason Getz, Ryan Gebhardt, Joslyn Golden, Laila Guerrera  Prop Master – Laurelle Varilla  Set Design – Andre Zielinski  Set Construction Crew Jean Carey ,Casey Fink, April Conneely, Lisa Fudacz, Sean Gallagher , Will Gallagher, Kristin Gebhardt, Mika Kawasaki, Yohei Kawasaki, Cora Kuhnen, Karen Kuhnen, Kenny Kuhnen, Sampriti Magesh, Ranjan Meena, Bob Mangione, Bob Mangione Sr., Nate Mangione, Robby Mangione, Richard Nolen, Oliver Read, Andrew Schwark, Dean Schwark, Eleanor Schwark, Margot Schwark, Rosa Schwark, Arthur Zaremba  Sound – Kenny Kuhnen and Oliver Read  Lights – Zoe Criner  Playbill Cover – Isa Zielinski and Andre Zielinski  Playbill Photography – Julie Monacella Photography  Bio Board Head Shots – Julie Monacella Photography 

Special Thanks Paddock School Ensemble would like to thank the following for their support in helping this production.  Jason Christ and Mike Wierman for their endless support of the Arts Program  PTA for their endless support of all of the staff and children.  Costumes – Stethia Criner – For her magical sewing abilities  Costume Committee - Lisa Fudacz, Jill Lorenzen, Vrinda Santhosh  Fan-o-grams Committee - Jean Carey  Construction Committee- Jean Carey ,Casey Fink, April Conneely, Lisa Fudacz, Sean Gallagher , Will Gallagher, Kristin Gebhardt, Mika Kawasaki, Yohei Kawasaki, Cora Kuhnen, Karen Kuhnen, Kenny Kuhnen, Sampriti Magesh, Ranjan Meena, Bob Mangione, Bob Mangione Sr., Nate Mangione, Robby Mangione, Richard Nolen, Oliver Read, Andrew Schwark, Dean Schwark, Eleanor Schwark, Margot Schwark, Rosa Schwark, Arthur Zaremba  Concessions Committee – Kim Cunningham, April Conneely, Serene Hebert, Smitha Pai, Kristine Zaremba  Front of House - Kristy Higley , Kristy Pannhausen  Opening Night Setup –  CARE –for your flexibility with our rehearsal schedule.  Custodians- Ricardo Juarez, Jason Corso, for their generous assistance in preparing the stage and seats.  Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz  The Board of Education - Lisa Beth Szczupaj - President, Frank J. Annerino - Vice President, Anthony Wang - Secretary, Samantha Bray Ader, Wenda Hunt, Zubair Khan, James Taylor, Special thanks to all the other people behind the scenes; building/painting/promoting, etc. We regret any errors or omissions as of printing Nov 3, 2024.

Sponsors/Supporters Paddock School Ensemble appreciates gifts from the following individuals, foundations, and businesses. Their support is vital to our success. Listings include contributors whose gifts were received between Sept 15 and Nov 1, 2024.

We are thankful for the support from the families and businesses This performance is made possible by their generous contribution to the Arts at Paddock Platinum Sponsor $300 and up.

Anonymous Conneely Family Criner Family Schwark Family

Silver Sponsor $100 - $300 Abdic Family Cunningham Family Jose Family Lee Family Bronze Sponsor up to $100 Carey Family Hebert Family Pannhausen Family Production Benefactors A Production benefactors consists of those esteemed supporters who have designated special gifts that allow this production and will ensure Paddock School’s Dramatic Arts Program’s

Kristen Gebhardt

Julia We can’t wait to see you on stage in your 1st Paddock production! Your positivity, enthusiasm, and spunk light up our lives, and we know you’ll shine as Mr. Toad #2!

Break a leg, honey! We are so proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, and Hailey

Facilities and Services Patrons are urgently reminded to check that their cellular phones, pagers, and electronic beepers (including watches) are SWITCHED OFF before the performance begins Cameras/Phones: Please no flash photography during the performance. Please set your phone

to airplane mode and switch to silent mode.

FIRST AID – In case of illness or injury, please inform an usher, who will call the house manager and if necessary 911 for assistance.

NO SMOKING POLICY – In compliance with the City of Palatine ordinance, Paddock School Ensemble enforces a no smoking policy throughout the school/theater. Thank you for your cooperation.

EMERGENCY EXIT – Walk, do not run, to the nearest marked exit which is the shortest route to the street.

(Characters in Order of Appearance)

Miho Kawasaki – Mole 1 Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Ensemble/ Peter Pan

Miho feels like this is a dream come true. She has been in the musical Peter Pan at Paddock School. She was playing several roles in the Ensemble. She would like to thank everyone that has supported Miho.

Especially her family who always helps her to be the best she can be.

Eliana Criner – Mole 2 Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Eliana is thrilled to be in her first Paddock School Ensemble production. She is in 4th grade and enjoys playing piano, reading, watching TV and playing with her sister, Zoe. Her past theater performances include “Christopher Robin” in WINNIE THE POOH and “Magic Hairbrush” in TWICE UPON A TIME, both with the Palatine Park District Rising Stars Youth Theater. Eliana would like to thank her mom, dad, sister and entire family for their endless support, encouragement and love. She would also like to thank Mr. Zielinski, Ms. Fink and Ms. Christensen for sharing their love of theater with the entire cast

Lana Hebert – Rat 1 Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Lana is thrilled to take on the role of "Rat" in the school play production of Mr. Toad's Excellent Adventure. Although this isn't her first play, it is her debut role at Paddock. Lana is a fourth grader in Mrs. Hunt's class and enjoys being at Paddock. She keeps busy with her numerous activities and clubs including the KIAGA Trampoline and Tumbling Team, Fremd Feeder Basketball, Inverness Soccer, chorus and Drama Club. Lana is a self-declared animal lover.

In her spare time, you can find her tinkering on the piano, baking cookies or testing out her latest jokes. She would like to send her love and thanks to her Mom and Dad (and sometimes big brothers) for always supporting her.

Eleanor Schwark – Rat 2 Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Pots/ Peter Pan

Eleanor is excited to be in Mr. Toads Excellent Adventure. She was last seen playing “Pots” in Peter Pan the musical last Spring. During her free time she likes to read, play the piano, hang out with friends, and be outdoors. She would like to thank her friends for supporting her, and her Mom and Dad because she wouldn`t be here without them.

Aarnav Menon – Badger Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Aarnav is a very enthusiastic and curious 5th grader who loves art and creativity. He has great interest in music, drawing and story telling. He has been learning Carnatic music and Piano for 5 years. He loves to act and during his free time enjoys doing short comedy reels with his Mom on Instagram.

Aarnav has performed on multiple stages in musical story telling acts in the roles of a goblin “kuttichathan” from hindu folklore and as young Krishna. He is really pleased and excited to have this opportunity to be part of Paddock School ensemble and play the role of the Badger.

Allie Zaremba – Badger 2 Paddock School Ensemble Debut

When Allie is not working on her aerials, leaps and memorizing lines, she loves to hang out with her older sister Zoe at home and add videos to her YouTube channel. She loves shopping and her favorite store is Sephora where she has already been offered a job in her near future based on her expansive knowledge of makeup and skincare products at the age of 10. Allie would like to thank her parents for all of their love and support on her journey to becoming a star!

Adem Abdic – Mr. Toad 1 Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Ensemble/ Peter Pan

Adem is pleased to be working with Paddock School Ensemble where he was last seen in the musical Peter Pan as part of the “Ensemble”. In his free time, Adem likes to read comic books, play video games, play soccer with his friends, and spend time with his family. A special "Thank you" to Mr. Z and the entire cast/crew for all their support in making this play happen.

Also a huge thank you to mom, dad, sister and extended family for all their support and encouragement.

Julia Conneely – Mr. Toad 2 Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Julia is thrilled to be playing Toad #2 in "Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure!" She grew up watching her older sister, Hailey, act in Mr. Z’s productions, so having the chance to be on stage at Paddock is a dream come true. This summer, Julia was in three local productions, including “Brother Maynard” in Spamalot, “Young Sleeping Beauty” in Sleeping Beauty, and Singing Sam the Pirate in "Treasure Island."

Julia would like to thank Mr. Z for making the whole production possible, Ms. Fink and Ms. Christensen for their enthusiasm and support, and her family & friends for their love and inspiration.

Reece Fudacz – Roman Citizen 1/ Pirate 1 Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Reece is a fifth grader at Paddock. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the cello and water polo. This is his debut performance with the Paddock School Ensemble. He would like to thank his parents and his family for their support.

Sampriti Magesh – Roman Citizen 2/ Pirate 2 Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Sampriti is very excited to be working with the Paddock School play.

Sampriti has never been in any play before but has seen two plays.

Sampriti likes to draw in her free time. She would like to thank her Mom and Dad for their love and support/

Cora Kuhnen – Roman Citizen 3/ Pirate 3 Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Cora is so excited to be acting in her very first play! She loves to sing, write songs, and create art. In her free time she enjoys baking, spending time with family, and playing with animals. She’d like to thank her Dad, Mom, and older sister Kenny for all of their guidance, love, and support!

Robby Mangione - Octavius/Batman Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Robby is thrilled to be making his stage debut in Mr. Toad's Excellent Adventure, where he takes on the roles of both Octavius the Roman Guard and Batman. This opportunity marks the start of his journey in theater, and he’s excited to bring these characters to life. Outside of acting, Robby enjoys playing his drum set, is a member of his school band as a percussionist, and also loves spending time on a baseball diamond. A creative at heart, Robby loves drawing, playing video games, and everything Ghostbusters. When he gets some downtime, you can find him curled up on the couch with his family's three cats, enjoying a good book or a favorite movie.

Robby, who is often shy, has been in speech therapy since he was three years old, working hard to find his voice. Learning his lines and preparing for this production has been a rewarding challenge, and he is eager to step onto the stage and show what he’s capable of. He would like to thank his little brother Nate, a third-grader, for his help practicing fight choreography, as well as his mom and dad for their unwavering support, whether it's rehearsing lines or driving him to all his activities. Robby also extends his gratitude to the teachers and staff of Paddock Elementary for their encouragement and dedication, which have made this, and so many other experiences so memorable.

Erin Lee – Maximus/Elphaba Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Erin is so excited to be with the Paddock school play cast!

She is deligted she got in and would like to do anything to help! Erin plays the piano and violin and the sports she plays are figure skating and swimming. Her hobbies are reading and drawing/painting and she has always wanted to be in a play. She likes to design fashion and draw architecture. She has a younger sister. Erin hopes to do well in the play and make it be successful!!!.

Eliza Lorenzen - French Solider 1 /Peter Pan Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Eliza is a 5th-grader who has loved theater for many years. She has been in over six different plays and musicals. In her spare time, she likes to read, write, and draw. She enjoys organizing and planning activities, and if she feels like it, other things too. Her friends have described her as mysterious, fun, and energetic.

Claire Carey – French Solider 2/Maddix Parker Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Claire is new to Stuart R. Paddock School and new to the stage!

She has enjoyed learning about theater and making new friends in the program. In her free time, Claire likes to fence, craft, and play games. Claire would like to thank her mom for giving birth to her; her dad for teaching her about comedy; her sister for always backing her up; and most of all her grandma for being her number one fan. Special shout out to Emmie and Mrs. Kossack for helping her prepare for the audition and giving her tips on French accents. Claire is excited to do more theater in the future!

Anvay Shah – Burbage/Anakin Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Anvay is known for his silly jokes and love of reading. He enjoys playing the piano and cherishes card games with his grandparents.

An outdoor enthusiast, Anvay delights in adventures with friends .His creativity and playful spirit make him a joy to be around!

Hayley Nolen – Field/Nicole Rader Paddock School Ensemble Debut

This is Hayley's first show at Paddock! She is so excited to be part of this cast, and has been waiting patiently until she was in fourth grade so she could try out. When Hayley isn't acting, you can find her showing off her sweet moves at The Dance Loft, dripping paint from her non-stop crafting all over her clothing, watching scary movies about dolls that come to life, or losing herself in The World of iPad. Special thanks to her dad for running lines with her, even if he had her screaming out quotes from There Will Be Blood instead of her actual audition script. To mom, for keeping her on schedule and packing extra snacks. And to Henry, for being the bestest big brother!

Uma Pai – Sadler/Ahsoka Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Uma is extremely excited to be a part of the play this year, as it is her first time taking part in an on-stage event of such scale. Uma loves to read books, dabbles in playing the piano, spend time with her family , play with friends and ride her bike among other things. The art of drawing piques Uma’s interest, and she often draws and paints masterpieces for her close friends and family. Uma particularly enjoys a blend of both Indian and Chinese cuisine, her favorite restaurant being Hyderabad House in Schaumburg. Uma would like to reserve this last sentence to thank her friends, family, and most importantly her brother Vikram ,a former Panther for cheering her along on her journey to success on the stage.

Kira Malovana – Shakespeare/Glinda Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Ensemble/ Peter Pan , Neha/ Firecatcher

Kira is very excited to be in her third production. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support.

Brendan Oberg –Marlowe/Robin Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventures is Brendan’s first show with Paddock School and he is very excited for the opportunity to play a funny character. Brendan’s love for theater began when his friends all came to watch him battle a killer rabbit onstage, after being cast as “Bors” and “Finland Singer” in Spamalot (Setting the Stage). His other favorite roles with Setting the Stage include: “Iago” in Aladdin and “Snoopy” in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. When he’s not performing onstage, you can find Brendan playing travel soccer, listening to rock music, or playing video games. Brendan would like to thank his friends and cast mates for their ongoing support and Mr. Z. for giving him a role with funny short lines.

Cameron Pannhausen – Blackbeard Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Cameron is thrilled to be playing Blackbeard in his first production at Paddock. In his free time Cameron loves to play baseball, soccer and video games. He also enjoys LEGOS, reading and spending time with family. Cameron would like to thank his parents and brothers for all their love and support.

Ellie Van Horn – Graygoatee Paddock School Ensemble Debut

This is Ellie’s first theatre performance at Paddock Elementary. She is excited to play the role of a pirate! She is very happy to be in this season’s production. In her free time, Ellie likes to do crafts, collect rocks/gem stones, gymnastics, and dance. Ellie is growing her acting skills by participating in the school’s drama club.

Ada Sack – Maroonmustache Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Ada is really excited to perform in this show! Ada was in an acting camp over the summer. She was one of the trolls, taking part in 5 songs. She likes to read and play outside in her spare time. This is her second show. Thank you to the wonderful directors of Sleepin Beauty, Mom and Dad, and of course Mr. Z, Ms. Fink and Ms. Christensen.

Joe Jose - Chuck Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Joe is thrilled to be joining Mr. Toad and his Excellent Adventures, inspired by last year's production of Peter Pan. Joe was captivated by the fight and acting scenes and was encouraged to audition for this year's show. Joe arrived at the audition with only a few hours of training. His excitement was indescribable when he received Mr. Z's role acceptance email. The reason Joe is so thrilled about the show is to prove to his family how brave he is. Joe has a special connection with Chuck, who can recognize if characters look alike. Portraying different characters helps Joe develop acting skills, especially in portraying realistic fight scenes without causing harm. As the middle child in our family, Joe is known to exhibit very expressive middle-child syndrome. Joe enjoys spending time with the family and assisting Dad with yard work. Joe extends his gratitude to all the teachers who supported him in preparing for Chuck's role. He also wants to thank Mom and Dad for believing in him.

Aadya Bheemarasetti – Violetvandyke Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Aadya is pleased to be working with Paddock School in the play of “Mr.Toads Excellent Adventure”! She loves dogs and playing Volleyball with her friends. She likes to play Dress to Impress and participate in Swim Team!

Maeve Cunningham – Silversoulpatch Paddock School Ensemble Debut

Maeve Cunningham is thrilled to make her stage debut in Mr. Toad's Excellent Adventure as "Silversoulpatch"! A passionate Irish dancer and creative Snapchat enthusiast, Maeve has dreamt of stepping into the world of theater.

She would like to extend her deepest gratitude to Mr. Z., Ms. Christensen, and Ms. Fink for their support and guidance throughout this exciting journey. Maeve lives by the motto: “Never give up on your dreams,” and she couldn’t be more excited to bring that spirit to the stage.

Artistic Director: Andre Zielinski I am so pleased to present the World Premiere of Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure and original script written by Leah Blaine. The story of Mr. Toad in Kenneth Graham’s Wind in the Willows has been a favorite of mine since I was a child. My inspiration to bring this to the stage started long ago. Visiting Disney World as a child I was absolutely fascinated with Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. The zaney images and storyline that went with the ride was something that always stayed with me. In my youth I connected to Mr. Toad’s impulsive nature. I often found myself not always thinking ahead, leading with excitement rather than caution, and having friends that would try to talk some common sense into my decisions. Luckily for me, and my parents, those traits mellowed out as I grew up. I am extremely honored to present this new adventure of Mr. Toad to the next generation. The cast of this show was absolutely undaunted in the tasks that lay before them. This was a unknown story to all of them. They approached the story with great enthusiasm and energy, infusing their own personalities into the characters to create a beautiful show. This could not have happened if we did not work together and know that we could count on our friends as we rehearsed. I hope you enjoy this show as much as I did directing it.

Everyone who has volunteered or signed up for this journey has really gone above and beyond their role, because of that this show will be unforgettable to me. I wanted to thank Ms. Christensen, Ms. Fink; this could not have been done without you. They have been wonderful partners in this journey, and each have guided me and the cast with many words of wisdom over the past 2 months. Thanks to the cast, crew and parent volunteers who worked hours and hours making this the best show. Thank you to Stethia Criner who helped produce the most wonderful costumes we have ever had for a show. The task of doing this is magical and we could not have done this show without her dedication and skill. Thanks to Jason Christ, Mike Wierman, and the PTA, for their unending support. I would also like say a huge THANK YOU to my wife DeLynn, for supporting me through this production. My daughter Isa for wonderful logo and artistic guidance and for supporting me through this production. And lastly, thank you to my mother and father who introduced me and raised me in the world of stage and visual arts.

I would like to dedicate this show to my Father and Mother. Without their influence in my life this program would never had existed. My love and joy of performing with my parents onstage from the age of 4 is what created magical memories in my life. It was with that goal that I hoped to do so for a new generation of children in the Paddock Community. I am forever touched and inspired by their love and support. I love you.

Hope you enjoy the show.

Production Staff Ms. Christensen – Assistant Director

Miss Christensen is thrilled to be a part of her forth Paddock production. At an early age, Miss Christensen grew a love for theater, being involved in her school choirs, plays, musicals, speech, and drama clubs. She is so excited to continue this passion into her teaching career!

Ms. Fink – Assistant Director Miss Fink has been a part of theatre since she was in 4th grade - as a student!

This is her fifth time assisting with a show at Paddock, which has fulfilled her lifelong dream of directing as an elementary teacher. She is so unbelievably proud of the hard work and dedication of each and every student in this show.

Break a leg everyone!

Tech Crew Zoe Criner Mason Getz Ryan Gebhardt Laila Guerrera Joslyn Golden Kenny Kuhnen Oliver Read Laurelle Varilla

Rehearsal Photos

Rehearsal Photos

We are so impressed at what you have accomplished. Create the magic, stay energized, and give the audience a gift of a lifetime. Break a leg!

Tag you’re it!

Mr. Z Ms. Christensen Ms. Fink

Thanks to our Sponsors

Criner Family

Conneely Family

Schwark Family

And to those that wish to remain anonymous