Joe Jose – Mr. Ages
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Mr. Mayor/ The Spongebob Musical , Chuck/ Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure Joe is thrilled to be a part of the cast of "Rats of NIMH," where he has the honor of playing the role of Mr. Ages. Having been a member of Paddock Theater for two incredible years, this marks his third performance a journey fueled by passion and dedication.
Joe wants to extend his heartfelt thanks to Mr. Z, Miss Christensen, and Miss Fink. Their unwavering support and guidance have been invaluable in bringing this production to life. He also wishes to express profound gratitude to his parents and his siblings, Jais and Jay, whose sacrifices have made it possible for him to participate in rehearsals and manage the associated costs. Their encouragement means the world to him, and he couldn't have reached this point without their love and dedication.
Anvay Shaw – Jeremy
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Larry the Lobster/ The Spongebob Musical , Burbage/Anakin/ Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure This is Anvay’s third time shining on stage in his school production, and he’s thrilled to be part of the cast! He was last seen playing Burbage/ Anakin in Mr Toad’s Excellent Adventures and Larry the Lobster in The SpongeBob Musical. When he’s not acting, you can usually find him at the piano, cruising on his bike, or making new friends. Always up for an adventure, Anvay brings energy and excitement wherever he goes. He would like to thank his family for their constant support and encouragement.
Elenni Gryfakis – Dragon/ Steffani – Engineer Rat
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Elenni is pleased to be working with Paddock School Ensemble she was last seen playing "Dragon" and "Steffini" in the drama, THE RATS OF N.I.H.M. In Elenni's free time she likes to do art. "Thank you mom and dad for your support with helping me get so far.
Autumn Spence – Gadget- Rat Citizen
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
When not on stage Autumn likes to dance, play Minecraft , chess and draw with her mom. She is really excited about her debut on the Paddock Stage. She would like to thank everyone that has supported her.
Oksana Yevchuk – Sable - Rat Citizen
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Oksana is excited to be performing with Paddock School Ensemble in the production of RATS OF N.I.M.H., playing the role of “Sable.” This is her first stage performance, and she is thrilled to be part of the cast. In her free time, Oksana enjoys playing the violin, drawing, and spending time with her friends. She would like to thank her teachers and family for their love and support.
Violet Eagle - Quill - Rat Citizen
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Violet is excited to be in the production of Rats of NIMH. They would like to thank their family and friends for their support.
Abigail Neska – Ironpaw- Rat Citizen
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Ensemble/ The Spongebob Musical
Abigail is excited to be working with the Paddock School Ensemble again where she was last seen as part of the ensemble in SpongeBob, the Musical. Abigail also participated in the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre’s production of Peter Pan over the summer. Outside of theatre, Abigail loves playing softball, doing gymnastics, and hanging with her friends. She would like to thank her mom, dad, Leo, and Bauer for their love and support!
Francesca Florine – Billie Fitzgibbon
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
This is Francesca’s first role at Paddock. She enjoys soccer and spending time with her friends. She would like to thank her mom, dad, brother and sisters for their support and encouragement in this role.
Emma Perez Acero – Paula Fitzgibbon
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Emma is really happy to be part of the Paddock School
Ensemble this year. She feels confident and proud of the work done with the team and staff. She has participated in the Park District plays: TWIECE UPON A TIME and THE RELUCTANT DRAGON. Thank you mom and dad for your support. Thank you to all my teachers for your guidance, I really enjoy acting!
Samika Srivastava – Mrs. Fitzgibbon
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Samika is very excited to be working with Paddock School Ensemble.She is a passionate Kathak dancer, storytelling is her calling whether it's through theater or dance. She has done RAMLEELA play which explores human emotions like love, valor, sorrow and devotion that were woven into ancient tale using the language of North India's premier classical dance form . She loves to crochet and dance in her free time .Thank you , Mom and Dad for your support and love and to her grandparents,uncle and aunt for always encouraging her to follow her passion .
Lana Hebert – Mrs. Frisby 2
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Narrator/ The Spongebob Musical , Rat 1/ Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure
Junia Kolka – Owl
Lana is so excited to be returning to the stage to play the role of Mrs. Frisby #2 in RATS OF NIMH, her third production at Paddock! She was last spotted having an absolute blast playing the French Narrator in THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL! Lana would love to extend a giant "thank you" to Mr. Z for believing in her, giving her the opportunity and sharing his love of the arts, Ms. Fink & Ms. Christensen for their support and guidance, the entire cast and crew for making this all possible, and her family and friends for their endless love and support.
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Junia is excited for acting debut as Owl! Her previous acting experience involves creating and acting in movies on her iPad with her neighborhood friends. Special thank you to her family and friends who support her in all her endeavors .
Henry Larson – Brutus
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Johnny/ The Spongebob Musical
Henry is excited to be a part of his second Paddock School production, THE RATS OF NIMH, as "Brutus". Last year he was seen in SpongeBob as "Johnny" and part of the ensemble. During his free time Henry enjoys playing the piano and alto saxophone as well as playing baseball. He thanks his family for always supporting him!
Connor Murnane –Sprocket – Rat Citizen/ Jonathan Frisby
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
RATS of NIMH is Connor's first Paddock production. He is super excited to be making his debut with the Paddock School Ensemble. In Connor's free time, he enjoys playing Hockey, Baseball, Football and helping people. A special "Thank you" to my mom and dad for your love and support, and my brother Wyatt for always believing in me.
Lucy Fornero – Justin
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Electric Skate 1/ The Spongebob Musical
Lucy is very excited to play "Justin" in THE RATS OF NIMH. This is her second production at Paddock. She was in the SPONGE BOB MUSICAL as " Electric skate 1". Lucy also is part of Paddock's chorus and studio club. Outside of school she enjoys playing softball and spending time with friends and family.
Jackson Christell – Rune – Rat Citizen/ Young Justin
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Jackson is very excited to be in Mr. Z's last fall play. It's Jackson's first time in a play! In his free time he does Pride (baseball), soccer, basketball, plays piano, and has played the guitar. He's really enjoying learning about theater and how to be a part of a play."Thank you Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa, and Nana for the support and reminding me to practice!
Isabelle Thomas – Natalie – Engineer Rat/ Young Mr. Ages
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Isabelle is excited to be in the production of Rats of NIMH. They would like to thank their family and friends for their support.
Eliana Criner - Nicodemus
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Mrs. Puff/ The Spongebob Musical , Mole 2/ Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure
Eliana is proud to participate in another Paddock School Ensemble production. She is in 5th grade and enjoys playing piano, reading, watching TV and playing with her friends and 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. She also played “Mole” in Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure and recently “Mrs. Puff” in The SpongeBob Musical with the Paddock School Ensemble. 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.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.
Hunter McCauley – Rat Catcher Ricki/ Garret – Engineer Rat
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Cora Kuhnen – Julie
Hunter is excited to be a part of THE RATS OF NIMH. This is his first acting role. Hunter hopes to be a part of other plays in the future. In Hunter’s free time, he enjoys reading, playing with friends, drawing, and listening to music. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for all your love and support you’ve given me in everything I do.
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Ensemble/ The Spongebob Musical , Roman Citizen 3/ Pirate 3/ Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure
Cora is so very excited to be in the production RATS OF NIMH as lab assistant “Julie”. She was last seen in the musical SPONGEBOB as part of the ensemble, and played a pirate and Roman citizen in the play MR. TOAD’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE. Cora loves being on stage, and hopes to be a professional singer and actress when she is older. She would like to thank her family for their support with all of these productions -especially her older sister Kenny.
Elif Su Turkay – Georgette
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Elif is excited to be performing for the first time with the Paddock School Ensemble . A 5th grader who loves art, horse riding, and creative design layouts, she loves expressing her imagination both on stage and in her artwork. Elif would love to thank her family for their endless love and support as she begins her theater journey.
Parker Thomas – Dr. Schultz
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Ensemble/ The Spongebob Musical
Parker is excited to be working with Paddock where she was last seen in The Spongebob Musical. She has also been in several shows with the Palatine Park District. In her free time, she might be seen making fun crafts or reading. She would like to thank her family for supporting her all throughout her theater journey.
Lillian Ward – Young Nicodemus/ Claw
Paddock School Ensemble Debut
Lillian is excited to be in the production of Rats of NIMH. They would like to thank their family and friends for their support.
Hayley Nolen – Young Jenner/Dagger
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Ensemble/ The Spongebob Musical, Field/Nicole Rader / Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure
Hayley is so excited to be in her third production at Paddock! She previously played Field and Nicole Rader in MR. TOAD'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE, then later that year took the stage as a member of the ensemble team in SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL. This past summer, Hayley had the opportunity to try out a new stage, playing the role of Dogcatcher and an orphan in the Metropolis' production of ANNIE JR. When she's not on a play stage, you can find her on a dance stage. Hayley has been taking dance classes since she was 3 years old, performing ballet, hip hop, jazz, lyrical and contemporary routines in front of crowds. Musical theater is her favorite, though! Hayley would like to thank all her friends for giving her notes of encouragement at try-outs; her family's never-ending support of her life on stage; and to Mr. Z, Ms. Fink and Ms. Christensen for believing in her!
Claire Carey – Isabella
Previously at Paddock Ensemble: Karen the Computer/ The Spongebob Musical French Solider 2/Maddix Parker/ Mr. Toad’s Excellent Adventure
Claire is thrilled to be in the cast of THE RATS OF NIMH as “Isabella.” This is her third Paddock School Ensemble production, and it is her favorite thing about being a Panther! Claire would like to thank Mr. Z., Ms. Fink, and Ms. Christensen for all their hard work and support. She would also like to thank her family, especially her mom for birthing her.
Charlotte Hene is excited to make her acting debut as the evil Jenner. She loves traveling across the U.S with her family, and has explored 30 National Parks. One of her favorite activities is fishing with her brother, Lucas - her record catch is a 3 pound, 21 inch rainbow trout. Adventurous by nature, Charlotte is also a thrill-seeker who enjoys riding rollercoasters at Cedar Point. A big thank you to Mr. Zielinski for this unforgettable opportunity!
“Congratulations, Hayley! We are so proud of you!” XOXO, Mom, Dad and Henry
Artistic Director: Andre Zielinski
I am so pleased to present the Premiere of the Rat’s of N.I.M.H. with the script written by Leah Blaine based on the story Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of N.I.M.H. by Robert C. O’Brien. For my last fall show at Paddock I tapped into a inspirational story from my youth. At its heart, The Rats of N.I.M.H. is a story about courage, compassion, and the power of intelligence guided by heart. It reminds us that true strength doesn’t come from size, status, or even brilliance it comes from empathy, perseverance, and the willingness to act for others. Mrs. Frisby’s journey shows that even the smallest voice can make the greatest difference when driven by love and purpose. The rats’ struggle for freedom and identity challenges us to question what it means to build a better world and what we owe to those who come after us. As you watch this tale unfold, I hope you leave inspired to face your own unknowns with bravery, to seek wisdom over fear, and to remember that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can change the course of a story. I am extremely honored to present this performance to a new generation. The cast of this show was absolutely undaunted in the tasks that lay before 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, Kate Read and Maria Kim who helped produce the incredible costumes. The task of doing this is magical and we could not have done this show without their dedication and skill. Thanks to Jason Christ, Emily Kaffel, 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 have never 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. I hope you enjoy the show from the best seats in the house.
Production Staff
Ms. Christensen – Assistant Director
Miss Christensen is thrilled to be a part of her sixth 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 seventh 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
Adem Abdic
Julia Connely
Zoe Criner
Joslyn Golden
Brendan Oberg
Shayna Patel
Oliver Read
Ada Sack
