CATS

Up Next! END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION on May 11, 7 p.m.

Last RAHSPROV IMPROV SHOW on May 25, 7 p.m.

RAHS Drama Program Director: Kaitlen Osburn

RAHS Drama Technical Director: Mitchell Frazier

RAHS Drama Improv Coach: Andrew Lindvall

RAHS Drama Assistant Improv Coach: Karin Simons

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

“If our life lacks a constant magic, it is because we choose to observe our acts and lose ourselves in consideration of their imagined form and meaning, instead of being impelled by their force.”

― Antonin Artaud, The Theatre and Its Double

What is CATS about? Who could possibly enjoy a show this bizarre?

These are, I’m sure, the questions going through your mind right now. These questions have power over the psyche. Without an answer, it's difficult to enjoy what is happening. Let me put these distracting questions to rest.

CATS is about cats. It’s me, hi, I’m the CATS fan, it’s me.

This show taught me that every cat is unique, and every cat needs to be appreciated in their own way. It’s all too easy to value individuality for ourselves and in the same breath deny the freedom of individuality to others. No matter how uncomfortable it makes us at times, this is a show that gives everyone a chance to shine and forces us to reckon with each person’s beautiful and intricate individuality.

It's easy to overthink CATS rather than allow yourself to enjoy what it has to offer without judging your reaction to it. If you are moved to laugh, laugh. If you are moved to cry, cry. If you feel scared, confused, shocked, or full of anger, don’t worry. This show evokes every human emotion in a brisk one-hour span. Your reaction will be unique and beautiful to you. If you accept it, you will appreciate what CATS and cats are all about.

I am honored to watch our students bring their own personal magic to this production. I have been amazed by the talent of not only our Student Directors, Choreographers, and Production Designers but our amazing cast who have risen to the challenge and made this show entirely their own. We wouldn’t be here without the support of Kaitlen, Mr. Lane, and Mitch who helped make this department great and granted my request to direct this wacky show.

There will never be a production of CATS like this one. Thank you so much for joining us in this truly unique experience. I hope you enjoy the show, or at the very least, have a delightful story to tell for the rest of your life.

Andrew

SONG LIST

Overture

Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats

The Naming of Cats

The Old Gumbie Cat

Rum Tum Tugger

Entry of Grizabella

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser

Old Deuteronomy

Jellicle Ball

Grizabella: The Glamour Cat

Gus: The Theatre Cat

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat Visit

Macavity: The Mystery Cat RAHS Drama

Old Deuteronomy: Reprise

Magical Mister Mistoffelees

Memory

Journey to the Heaviside Layer

The Ad-dressing of Cats

CAST

Aaron Knudsen................................................................................... Griddlebone

Aleya Berry............................................................................................. Grizabella

Andy Zan ............................................................................................... Smatoozer

Aracely Johnson .......................................................................................Macavity

Ava O'Neal*................................................................................................Jemima

Ayanna Churcher .......................................................................................Victoria

Beck Lopez .................................................................................................. Electra

Bri Ansera...............................................................................................Jellylorum

Camille Urrutia Gomez..........................................................................Oliviantum

Cassie Moua............................................................................................Hollybum

Charlotte Halula Jennyanydots

Christophe Clausen Skimbleshanks

Eli Schally Alonzo

Evelyn Woulfe Birdielotsum

Ezra Vang ............................................................................................. Standoffish

Gwyneth Lynch .........................................................................................Socrates

Halle Yonas.............................................................................................Cassandra

Hava Munson* ................................................................................... Mungojerrie

CAST

Iris Hauer Grumbuskin

Isaiah Palmer...........................................................................................Pouncival

Jamie Allen............................................................................................. Tantomile

Josie LaPalm........................................................................................Munkustrap

José Cerna Hernandez.............................................................................Bill Bailey

Josie Elko...............................................................................................Winkerstin

Kasey Mancía-Madrid ..............................................................................Admetus

Layla Nerayo ..........................................................................................Asparagus

Livia Thomas ..............................................................................................Jeegolly

Logan Dam ..............................................................................Mister Mistoffelees

Michael Kysylyczyn ................................................................... Old Deuteronomy

Nadia Richardson* ................................................................................... Demeter

Oliver Heuschele ...................................................................... Colonel Cockroach

Oren Wolfe..................................................................................Rum Tum Tugger

Owen Van Riper ...........................................................................................Quaxo

Ruby Larsen......................................................................................Rumpleteaser

Signe Frethem...................................................................................Carbuckettey

Sophie Kogler ..........................................................................................Coricopat

Sydney Horsman ................................................................................Bombalurina

*Indicates International Thespian Society Member

The Beatles (in Gumbie Cat)

Aaron Knudsen, Andy Zan, Ava O’Neal, Ayanna Churcher, Bri Ansera, Camille

Urrutia Gomez, Cassie Moua, Charlotte Halula, Christophe Clausen, Jamie Allen, Josie LaPalm, José Cerna Hernandez, Logan Dam, Nadia Richardson, Oliver

Heuschele, Owen Van Riper, Ruby Larsen, Signe Frethem, Sophie Kogler, Sydney Horsman

The T-Birds (in Rum Tum Tugger)

Beck Lopez, Eli Schally, Evelyn Woulfe, Ezra Vang, Gwyneth Lynch, Halle Yonas, Hava Munson, Iris Hauer, Isaiah Palmer, Josie Elko, Kasey Mancía-Madrid, Layla

Nerayo, Livia Thomas, Michael Kysylyczyn, Oren Wolfe, Sophie Kogler, Sydney Horsman

Jimmy Choo Choos (in Skimbleshanks)

Aaron Knudsen, Aleya Berry, Andy Zan, Beck Lopez, Camille Urrutia Gomez, Cassie Moua, Christophe Clausen, Eli Schally, Gwyneth Lynch, Halle Yonas, Hava Munson, Jamie Allen, Josie Elko, Kasey Mancía-Madrid, Michael Kysylyczyn, Owen Van Riper, Ruby Larsen, Signe Frethem, Sophie Kogler

CAST

The Mistophizers (in Magical Mister Mistoffelees)

Ava O’Neal, Ayanna Churcher, Bri Ansera, Charlotte Halula, Evelyn Woulfe, Ezra Vang, Iris Hauer, Isaiah Palmer, Josie LaPalm, José Cerna Hernandez, Layla Nerayo, Livia Thomas, Logan Dam, Oliver Heuschele, Oren Wolfe, Nadia Richardson, Sydney Horsman

The Nightmares (In Macavity)

Ava O’Neal, Ayanna Churcher, Camille Urrutia Gomez, Jamie Allen, José Cerna Hernandez, Oliver Heuschele, Signe Frethem

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director: Andrew Lindvall

Student Directors: Dennon LaPalm, Ellie Brezinka

Vocal Director: Ellie Brezinka

Assistant Vocal Director: Jack Blincow

Stage Manager: Winter Falkowski

Assistant Stage Manager: Jack Blincow

Lead Choreographer: Bri Ansera

Choreographers/Dance Captains: José Cerna Hernandez, Logan Dam

Costume Designer: Joshlyn Gonzalez

Assistant Costume Designers: Josie LaPalm, Arsenius Stanley

Lighting Designer: Dennon LaPalm

Set Designer: Sam LaBounty

Graffiti Artists: Mr. Tinsley’s Studio Drawing and Painting Students

Props Designer: Mareta Clem

Build Directors: Sam LaBounty, Diana Callistis

Makeup Designer: Cecil Campbell

T-shirt Design: Ellie Brezinka

CREW

Alice Muellner, Amelia Heisel, Anna Engman, Caitlyn Kimmes, Clara Chilefone, Emily Hayek, Evan Bierscheid, Georgia Brand, Gina Kelly, Grace MacDonald, Hadley LaDouceur, Holden di Laura, Indya Moore, Jocelyn Hales, Joselyn Ramji, Kylie Cleys, Laila Kimmes, Maddie Given, Miko Grafenstein, Olivia Fricke, Ruhiyyih Wartchow, Samantha Snavely, Sandy Fish, Solveig Johnson, Sophia Johnson, Teruni Sandanayake, Tyler Vang, Zakary Schmidt

WHO’S WHO

Aaron T. Knudsen Aaron is a 10th grader who has loved acting ever since his 6th grade musical "Pirates! The Musical." He’s been performing for years, but this is only his second production with RAHS Drama. He enjoys video games, fantasy books, and singing, and wants to be a zoologist when he grows up.

Aleya R. Berry Aleya is a Senior at RAHS and enjoys painting, drawing, singing, and playing tag with her cat Nelly. She can do a great Louis Armstrong and Gru impression and loves to show off these hidden talents. She has created the mural at the college and career center and hopes to one day steal the moon.

Alice Muellner Alice is in 11th grade and in the crew!

Amelia M. Heisel Amelia is a Freshman crew kid who has done a whole 5 productions, with CATS being their 6th. You can usually find them covered in paint and working the spotlight. :)

Andrew Lindvall (Director) Andrew is a lifelong CATS fan and honored to produce his third production of CATS with RAHS Drama. This is a dream come true for Andrew and he is so excited to share this spectacular, mystical, hilarious show with the RAHS community. Enjoy!

Andy Moe Zan Andy is a Freshman and is absolutely ecstatic to be in this production of CATS! Some of their favorite things to do are theater, listening to music, and hanging out with friends!

Anna Engman Anna is a Freshman. This is her 6th show after doing four shows at RAMS. When she is not in crew she enjoys swimming and being outside.

Aracely D. Johnson Aracely has always been in love with the arts. The theater, the drama, music, and especially art itself. The stage has called once again for this inciting, actionthrilling production of CATS the Musical, for this young actor’s true calling, a villainous role.

Arsenius Stanley Arsenius (they/them) is the assistant costumer and is a Sophomore at RAHS. They have been in RAHS Drama for two years.

Ava Leigh O'Neal Ava is a 10th grader wholoves singing, theatre, and spending time with her pets. She has been involved in theatre since she was 11 years old, and she is playing Jemima in this year's production of CATS.

Ayanna L. Churcher Ayanna is a Sophomore and has danced for over 12 years. She’s incredibly excited for CATS and loves the musical and the dances. She plays Victoria (the white cat).

Beck A. Lopez Beck is a Freshman who enjoys crocheting, painting, and doing puzzles. This will be her third show at RAHS and she is very excited to show off everyones hard work in CATS. She hopes everyone has a paws-itively purrfect time at CATS!

Bri A. Ansera Bri is a senior who took up and fell in love with theatre Freshman year with RAHS Drama. They enjoy dancing, reading, researching, and creating. Next year, they will attend Penn State to study forensic chemistry!

Caitlyn M. Kimmes Caitlyn is in 10th grade and is excited to be a part of CATS the Musical with her sister Laila. This is the second musical she has been a part of crew for here at RAHS. Caitlyn thinks that this musical will be really awesome and really fun and can’t wait until tech week.

Camille Urrutia Camille is a Sophomore she likes singing, and plays volleyball. This will be her 1st production with RAHS Drama, she’s excited to get back to acting. She hopes you guys enjoy the show the whole cast has worked so hard to make.

Cassie Moua Cassie is a 10th grader who loves reading, fashion, watching sports, and traveling. This is her first year joining RAHS Drama. Cassie has always had a inspiration for acting and hopes to continue doing drama.

WHO’S WHO

Cecil Campbell Cecil’s love for makeup has been a longtime passion, and he’s so excited to be able to bring it onstage! Doing stage makeup for CATS has been a challenge, but a fun one, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Charlotte Sophia Halula Charlotte is a Junior, and has been in five RAHS Drama productions, including CATS, starting her time in theater working on the tech crew and now is in her fourth show as a performer. She loves trying new things and is excited to continue to grow as a performer!

Christophe Clausen Christophe is in 10th grade and in the cast!

Clara Chilefone Clara is in 11th grade and in the crew!

Dennon E. LaPalm Dennon is excited to be codirector and lead lighting designer for this production of CATS the Musical. He has worked in RAHS Drama for his entire high school career and has loved being alongside incredible individuals that make theatre nothing short of amazing. While the future is unpredictable, Dennon hopes to be continually involved in theatre even after he graduates from high school.

Diana Callistis Diana is an award-winning artist who helped design the set for CATS. She is an avid musician who both sings and plays the trombone. Diana has been in RAHS Drama for over a year, and she's a great addition to the program.

Eli Schally Eli is a Senior who has been apart of RAHS Drama since his Freshman year. He loves movies and wants to one day direct his own. This summer he’ll be taking a road-trip through South Dakota and Wyoming.

Ellie Brezinka Ellie has been a performer all her life, being the only one excited to do the story bookskits in class, and going to multiple theatre camps in the summer. She was a Super Trooper at RAMS, and has almost all the shows at RAHS, loving to be on and off the stage. As someone

who is always ready to step up and be a leader, she’s continuing that mindset in college by studying Secondary Education in Liberal Arts.

Emily Hayek Emily is a 9th grader here at RAHS. This is her 3rd show doing crew for drama and absolutely loves it. She can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the awesome show they have made.

Evan Bob Bierscheid Evan is a Freshman at RAHS who’s a massive fan of music in all forms. He enjoys all kinds of performing, and being on stage as well. He was also Time Magazine’s Person of the Year 2006.

Evelyn Woulfe Evelyn is a Freshman and this is her third production at RAHS. CATS has been a very fun and challenging experience. She would like to thank family, friends, and everyone involved in making this production happen.

Ezra Vang Ezra has always been fascinated with CATS, and is very excited to take part in performing it. They are also extremely proud to show that Asian Americans can be on stage, too.

Georgia Brand Georgia is in 11th grade and in the crew!

Gina Kelly Gina is in 12th grade and in the crew!

Grace MacDonald Grace is in 11th grade and in the crew!

Gwyneth Lynch Gwyneth is in 9th grade and in the cast!

Hadley LaDouceur Hadley is in 9th grade and in the crew!

Halle Yonas Halle has always been doing crew for every show since Junior year. As her Senior year starts to end, Halle decides to do cast for the first time ever. Halle will be missing the theater community that she’ll be leaving behind.

WHO’S WHO

Havalah S. Munson Being involved with theater since the age of 12, Hava has always had a love and passion for the performing arts. Enjoying the overall environment and people she continues to meet and grow close with, Hava sees this cast as a second family and is so proud of all the work this cast has put into our show. Enjoy the show!

Holden Elviro Di Laura Holden is the guardian of the school.

Indya Moore Indya is a 9th grader who enjoys alpine skiing, playing musical instruments and acting in theater. This is his 7th show and first time being on the makeup crew team. He's really excited for it and hopes you enjoy!

Iris K. Hauer Iris is a 9th grader who loves theater, drawing, and aerial arts. They have been acting since they were 12 but this is their 2nd performance with RAHS Drama. They are very excited to be in the show!

Isaiah Palmer After nearly 3 years of being a RAHS student, Isaiah is a new addition to theater. While he may be new to theater at RAHS, he was in theater at RAMS, in addition to being a theater leader there. Isaiah’s passions include singing with the RAHS choir, exploring new places, and making people smile.

Jack J. Blincow This is Jack’s fourth production with RAHS Drama and he is a Junior. Hanging up the toga and the storyteller’s garb for this musical, he assists Winter in Stage Managing and Ellie in Vocal Directing. While it is unclear whether he’ll ever run out of CATS references in his Schoology posts, he knows that this production will be worth the ticket.

Jamie M. Allen Jamie has been involved in theater since 5th grade and has gained a passion for it. As a Junior at RAHS this is the seventhshow they’vedoneatRAHS.Notonlyis Jamie interested in theater but they also participate in activities like Tennis, Speech, and Orchestra.

We are tremendously thankful to the many businesses and individuals who generously donate their time and resources to RAHS Drama and its booster club, the Footlights Foundation. We couldn’t do this without your support!

WHO’S WHO

Jocelyn M. Hales Jocelyn, a Sophomore, is very thankful to be a part of RAHS Drama. She has mainly found her home in cast but is going back to her roots, doing crew/costuming for the production of CATS. She is very excited to continue her career in theater moving forward.

José Ismael Cerna Hernandez José is a Junior this year, this is their 8th RAHS production. His interest vary from thing like art to dancing and improv. This past Winter, José wrote and directed his first ever show, which was one of his long awaited dreams. He also is a part of the Choreography team for this production.

Joselyn Ramji Joselyn is in 9th grade and in the crew!

Joshlyn T. Gonzalez Joshlyn is a senior at RAHS and has done drama since her Freshman year. She loves fashion, anything cute, and cooking. This show is her first time doing crew.

Josie Elko Josie is a 9th grader who started acting last year. This is her 3rd production in RAHS Drama. They really enjoy reading and music, and of course acting! She is very excited to preform and CATS and hopes that you enjoy the show!

Josie LaPalm Josie has been acting since she was in 5th grade. Thanks to the support from her family and friends, she has found her passion!

Kasey B. Mancía-Madrid Kasey is a dude who loves riding bikes, drawing, and making people laugh and smile. This is his FIRST ever production, but he is not scared being on stage, as he’s involved with RAHS Choir. He is very excited for you to see this show as there are some very awesome people that he’s performing alongside of!

Kylie Cleys Kylie is in 9th grade and in the crew!

Laila Kimmes Laila is a Sophomore at RAHS and is part of the crew of this production. This is her second production participating in crew, the first being Mary Poppins the Musical. Laila

enjoys learning new skills during crew and accidentally painting shoes.

Layla B. Nerayo Layla plays Gus the Theater Cat, and is a Senior at RAHS Drama. She loves theatre and hopes to study it professionally to someday soon become a professional actress. Layla loves doing dumb stuff with friends and making people smile. :)

Livia J. Thomas Livia is a 10th grader who likes to sing and perform. This is her 7th performance total, and her 3rd performance with RAHS Drama. She is excited to be able put on such a strange show.

Logan Dam ThisisLogan’sfirst year and second show here at RAHS. In both shows they were a cat. They have done seven years of dance, five of those years competitively before quitting due to the toxicity. They are proud to continue their journey of dance here at RAHS. CATS is the third show they have choreographed.

Maddie Given Maddie is in 11th grade and in the crew!

Mareta E. Clem Mareta is an 11th grader at RAHS and this is the 5th show they’ve worked on. They love theater, especially working backstage. For most of the other shows they’ve workedonthey’vehada focusoncostumesbut decided to step a bit out of their comfort zone this time around as the props designer.

Michael A. Kysylyczyn Ever since 5th grade, Michael has had a love of theater. Now as a Junior, he studies theater at the University of Northwestern. CATS has been a fantastic time for him; some even say he was born to wear a suit of fur!

Miko Grafenstein Miko is a crew kid and is super excited to be on the makeup team. He like chocolate and wants a dollar to buy some. He also wants to say hi to everyone and wish them luck in the production.

WHO’S WHO

Nadia A. Richardson Nadia is a 10th grader and has been in theatre for as long as she can remember. Nadia’s most recent productions include “Peter and the Starcatcher” (at RAHS), “Urinetown: The Musical” (at Ashland Productions), and “Mary Poppins” (at RAHS). They are excited to bring the character Demeter to life. She is excited for you to be here and hopes that you enjoy the show!

Oliver J. Heuschele This is Oliver’s 6th production at RAHS, and his first doing cast for a High School show. He really likes marine biology, particularly cephalopods and other mollusca.

Olivia R. Fricke Olivia is a Freshman at RAHS this year. This is the first production she is helping with, and is very excited. She likes animals, drawing and being outside.

Oren Wolfe Oren is in 11th grade and in the cast!

Owen Van Riper Owen is a Freshman at RAHS and this is his 3rd production with RAHS Drama. He really enjoys putting in effort to make shows be the very best they can. One of Owen’s goals is to participate in all 12 shows during his time at RAHS. A fun fact about him is that he has a bunch of pet stick bugs.

Ruby Mo Larsen Ruby is quite frankly OBSESSED with theatre! She adores singing and dancing (even though sometimes the dance moves kill her). To much sadness, even though Ruby is in the show CATS, she is more of a dog person.

Ruhiyyih Wartchow Ruhiyyih is in 9th grade and in the crew!

Sam Lyle LaBounty This is Sam’s last show with RAHS Drama but his first show as a set designer. Sam is very excited to see what his future has in store for him. Sam also loves anything peach flavored so if you have any, be sure to share.

Samantha Snavely Samantha is in 9th grade and in the crew!

Sandy Fish Sandy is in 11th grade and in the crew!

Signe Joy Frethem Signe has been a lover of performing for as long as she can remember. You could say that "the spotlight is her life!" She hopes to one day be cast in a role where he gets to sing his own song, but until that day comes she is happy just to be up on the stage.

Solveig Johnson Solveig is in 10th grade and runs the light board!

Sophia Johnson Sophia is in 11th grade and in the crew!

Sophie A. Kogler Sophie is a Sophomore at Roseville Area High School. This is her fourth show at RAHS, and she is more than excited to perform this wonderfully directed show. (P.S. I’m the psychic cat.)

Sydney Horsman Sydney has been involved with almost every show at RAHS Drama since "Working," and she is excited to bring it home with "CATS." Next year, she will be continuing her acting training by earning her BFA in Acting from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Teruni Sandanayake Teruni is in 11th grade and runs the sound board!

Tyler Vang Tyler has had a slippery slope with loving and hating RAHS Drama. But at the end of the day, he knows RAHS Drama is a place he loves and puts all his efforts into.

Winter Falkowski Winter has been a part of theatre in one way or another ever since 7th grade, and CATS is their 6th production here at RAHS. Despite some shock and apprehension when the Spring show was initially announced, Winter has warmed up to CATS and has had a lot of fun during the whole production process. This is Winter’s second time Stage Managing a full show, and they’re very excited for their future in RAHS Drama and beyond! :D

Zakary Schmidt Zakary is in 11th grade and in the crew!

An enormous special thanks to the amazing custodial team at RAHS for supporting us, Søren Olsen for photographing the show, the Activities Goddess Natalie Crosby, Jarame Berneche for his help, Mark Tinsley for starting an awesome collaboration with the Art Department, the Footlights Foundation (Sonia, Chauncey, Natasha, and the Daves) for doing everything we don’t have the capacity to do, Erik Lane for continued collaboration and support, and to YOU for being here.

And a shout out to our fabulous sponsor, Electronics Recycling of Minnesota!