LLHS Theatre Spring Musical 2024

Welcome to Lakeside Lutheran High School

From Principal Don Schultz

“Being true to yourself!” If you were to Google “What is ‘High School Musical’ all about”, the internet will tell you that the musical is all about being true to yourself. In other words, don’t try to fit into a group of people (a “clique”) when in reality you don’t belong with them! Your personality is pulling you in a different direction! “Be the person that God made you to be!” That would be the Christian way of saying it.

God has made the cast of our musical a truly talented group. God has made some of them to be singers, some of them to be actors, some of them to be serious, and some of them to be humorous. Some of our students are naturally loud and flamboyant, and some of them are quiet. Additionally, God has made many of our students to be extremely valuable behind the scenes as they work the lights, the sound, the stage, and the makeup. All of these students are putting their gifts on display, truly “being the person that God has made them to be.”

Are they being “true to themselves”? Better than that, they are glorifying God by putting their God-given gifts on display. Enjoy the show!

From Director Kristina Meinel

High School Musical was the first show I chose to direct at Lakeside in 2020. Remember how… the ENTIRE WORLD got shut down!! I would like to acknowledge the cast of 2020 who worked hard on this performance as well. We have invited them back for a little cameo on Sunday to celebrate. So, we are going to try this again (a phrase have repeated at many rehearsals)!!

One song in HSM is “Breaking Free,” part of the climax/resolution. The students have decided to shed their clique statuses and embrace who they really want to be. I love the portrayal of this because the students don’t leave being who they were before—they realize they can be both. My encouragement for everyone is to break free from limitations you have also put on yourself. Whether you have a reason or an excuse, they have the same outcome. Break free from whatever is holding you back. We also get to celebrate breaking free from sin and death as our Savior, Jesus took our place and paid for our sins. We get to LIVE free trusting this promise.

We really do form a family in the theatre, and like some families, it’s a weird family, full of quirks, disagreements and personality, but lots of love and respect. Sure, our family has glitter and jazz squares, but we have also gotten pretty close and had student-led devotions and conversations on a range of topics that can be summed up as “how to be the person God created me to be.” It is so strange how students can learn so much about themselves in theatre by pretending to be someone else. Thank you for letting me into your crazy family!

It’s encouraging to be all in this together with you, to share our love for theatre, our fellowship in Jesus and to support our awesome cast and crew. They have put their cliques aside to form a new theatre family that’s ready to perform their hearts out for you. Welcome, thank you for the support, and enjoy!

Book by David Simpatico | Original Songs by Matthew Gerrard & Robbie Nevil; Ray Cham, Greg Cham & Andrew Seeley; Randy Petersen & Kevin Quinn; Andy Dodd & Adam Watts; Bryan Louiselle; David N. Lawrence & Faye Greenberg; Jamie Houston Music Adapted, Arranged & Produced by Bryan Louiselle

Based on a Disney Channel Original Movie

Written by Peter Barsocchini

Plot Synopsis

On the front steps of East High, it’s the first day after winter break. Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations, and look forward to the new year. In Ms. Darbus’s homeroom, team captain Troy discovers that Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. When he calls her, the eccentric theater teacher quickly confiscates all cell phones and assigns detention.

Between classes, Gabriella and Troy look at the audition sign-up for the school musical, but the drama diva Sharpay discourages them. At basketball practice, Troy tries to shake his desire to sing at the urging of his best friend Chad. Taylor, the science club president, discovers Gabriella’s intelligence and encourages her to join the upcoming science decathlon. While the students learn how to “act” at detention, Troy’s dad, Coach Bolton, faces off with Ms. Darbus—his star players can’t miss practice for Friday’s championship game!

The next day, hopeful Thespians strut their stuff for Ms. Darbus but they’re no match for Sharpay and her twin brother Ryan. Troy and Gabriella arrive too late, but Kelsi, the show’s composer, plays the song her way and encourages them to sing. Ms. Darbus overhears and gives them a callback. News spreads fast. Sharpay is furious, and some students try to break out of their cliques during lunch. Troy and Gabriella escape to the rooftop garden and share a little bit about their real selves. The Jocks and Brainiacs devise a plan to trick Troy and Gabriella into forgetting about the musical and committing to their respective competitions.

Thinking each one has betrayed the other, Gabriella and Troy are crushed. Against Ryan’s advice, Sharpay convinces Ms. Darbus to move the callbacks to conflict with the science decathlon and championship game. Chad and Taylor put their heads together to make things right again. While the Jocks and Brainiacs compete, Sharpay and Ryan pull off a polished callback performance. When Taylor’s laptop shuts down the electricity, Troy and Gabriella rush to the theatre, but are too late. However, when the East High students arrive to rally behind them, Ms. Darbus relents, and they sing their way into the lead roles.

Back at the gym, the Wildcats win the game and the whole school comes together as winners.

Cast of Characters

Troy Bolton Isaac Garcia

Gabriella Montez ............................................................................... Noelle Vanderhoof

Chad Danforth ........................................................................................... Caleb Wensel

Taylor McKessie Elsa Johansson

Sharpay Evans ............................................................................................... Clara Grow

Ryan Evans ............................................................................................ Joseph Metzger

Zeke Baylor ........................................................................................ Jackson Gleesing

Martha Cox Isabel Kuchta

Ms. Darbus .......................................................................................... Lillian Frohmader

Coach Bolton .............................................................................................. Aaron Hirsch

Jack Scott ..................................................................................................... John Loest

Kelsi Neilson Ambria McCrary

Gabriella Understudy/Cheerleader/Super Chorus .................................... Brynja Opsahl

Sharpay Understudy/ Susan/party kid/Cheerleader/Thespian/Super Chorus/ Elena Loest

Taylor Understudy/Super Chorus Member .............................................. Brooklyn Lenz

Darbus Understudy/Brainiac/Party kid/ Thespian ......................... Katelyn Starkenburg

Ripper/perf art kid/basketball player/party kid/Skater ........................ Alina Gulczynski

Martha Understudy/Skater/thespian/Super Chorus

Kaelynn Gulczynski

Mongo/Basketball player 6/ Thespian/party kid .................................... Samuel Garcia

Brainiac/allen/worm kid thespian ................................................................ Eli McCrary

Skater dude 4/Deca Mod/Perf Art Kid/ party kid/Super Chorus ......... Brooke Parkhurst

Cheerleader 3/Cyndra/ Flag/ party kid/Super Chorus

Elizabeth Mellon

Basketball player/Thespian/ party kid ....................................................... Max Spinsky

Brainiac/Thespian/fan ............................................................................... Haylie Reese

Cheerleader/Thespian

Cheerleader 4 .......................................................................................

Cheerleader 5 .......................................................................................

Cheerleader 6 ........................................................................................

Cheerleader 7/Skater/Thespian

Ellie DiGiovanni

Kylee Krutsinger

Nadia Henriquez

Allianna Schleef

Cristabelle Perkins

Cheerleader 8/Thespian ............................................................................... Ava Nichter

Skater kid/Basketball player .......................................................................... Katie Abel

Ms. Tenny/Decathalon team/Brainiac/Thespian ....................................... Lexi Denman

Brainiac/fan/party kid/Thespian

Heidi Hartwig

Basketball player/ Skater/ Thespian/Super Chorus .................................. Ashlyn Jones

Basketball player ......................................................................................

Basketball player

Daniel Ertman

Matthias Yahnke

Act One

Scene 1 East High School Steps – Monday 7:45am

Scene 2

Ms Darbus’s Home Room – Monday 8 am

Scene 3 Hallway – Monday 8:15am

Scene 4 Gym – Monday 8:30am

Scene 5 Chemistry Lab – Monday 2 pm

Scene 6 Theater – Monday 3 pm

Scene 7 Theater – Tuesday 3 pm

Scene 8 Various Places – Tuesday Evening

Scene 9 Cafeteria – Noon

Musical Numbers

Wildcat Cheer Company

Start of Something New Troy, Gabriella, Company

Get’cha Head in the Game Troy, Jocks

Auditions Thespians

What l’ve Been Looking For Sharpay, Ryan

What I’ve Been Looking For (Reprise) Troy, Gabriella

Cellular Fusion Chad, Taylor, Company

Stick to the Status Quo Company

Intermission - 20 minutes

Act Two

Scene 1 Rooftop Garden – Wednesday 12:30PM

Scene 2 Sharpay’s Locker – Wednesday 12:30pm

Scene 3 Study Hall – Wednesday 3:30pm

Scene 4 Gym – Wednesday 3:30pm

Scene 5 Locker Room/ Lab – Wednesday 4 pm

Scene 6 Isolated Spaces – Wednesday Evening

Scene 7 Rehearsal Room – Thursday 12:30PM

Scene 8 Theatre – Thursday 12:45PM

Scene 9 Study Hall –Thursday 1 pm

Scene 10 Lab/Theatre/Locker Room & Gym – Fri 3 pm

Scene 11 Gym – Friday 5 pm

Musical Numbers

I Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You Troy, Gabriella

Wildcat Cheer (Reprise) Cheerleaders

We’re Counting on You Jocks, Brainiacs

When There Was Me & You Gabriella, Troy (+ Jocks/Brainiacs)

Start of Something New Troy, Gabriella

We’re All in This Together Chad, Taylor, Kelsi, Jocks, Brainiacs

Bop to the Top Sharpay, Ryan, Brainiacs, Jocks

Breaking Free Troy, Gabriella, Company

We’re All in This Together (Reprise) Company

High School Musical Megamix Company

More Behind-the-Scenes Acknowledgements

Pit Band Director: Brian Braatz

Vocal Director, Faculty Advisor: Steven Springborn

Juan Gulrud: Assistant Music Director

Justin Gut: Sound and Lights Director

Josh Meinel: Stage Construction

Costume Design: Clara Grow, Kristina Meinel

Props: Aaron Hirsch, Brooke Parkhurst, Kaelynn Gulczynski

Choreography: Kristina Meinel, Nadia Henriquez

Dance Captain: Kylee Krutsinger

Publicity: Kimara Winters, Linda Buxa

Tickets: Lisa Cody

Stage Crew: Rory Hissom, lights; Kya Winger, sound; Hannah Johannson & Noel Meinel, spot operators; Hunter Schwab, Molly Kalma, Ethan Winkelman, Nico Caminata, Jayden

Rabehl and Maria Meier, crew; Andrew Grady

Pit: Brian Braatz, trumpet; Josh Kutz, piano; Caleb Studnicka, drum set; Maria Meier, sax; Clayton Grow, bass guitar; Drake Deavers & John Povich, guitar; Kayla Whitaker & Josie Brey, percussion; Juan Gulrud, keyboard

Thanks to the Minnesota State University Theatre Department for the use of its banners. We are grateful for your partnership. We also thank Twice Is Nice Resale for continued support of our Theatre Department. Your generosity goes above and beyond.

The Yearbook — Class of 2024

Lexi Denman

Abiding Shepherd, Cottage Grove playing Ms. Teeny, Braniac, Fan, Thespian Bonjour! I have participated in many school activities most of them being musical-based activities like A Capella Choir and the musical. This will be my third year doing musicals. I transferred here my sophomore year. Joining a school not knowing anyone was a really hard adjustment for me. But once I found theater, everything fell into place. The family environment is something nobody expects to get out of theater. It’s the best experience anyone can ever have. I looked forward to long night rehearsals even if I did get tired most of the time. These experiences will follow me to college and beyond. I am going to Madison Area Technical College to become a Medical Assistant and maybe even something bigger beyond that.

Daniel Ertman

Bethany, Fort Atkinson playing Basketball players/Karaoke Man

If I was told five months ago that I would be in theatre, I would have told you that you were crazy. However, it was completely the right decision. I have had so much fun being around and working with such a great group of people. The last time I was in a show I was the lead in Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat. I have had the privilege of being one of the most versatile individuals I know. I’m involved in Swing and A Cappella Choir, Concert and Summer Band, Cross Country, and Varsity Track captain. I was also our state robotics captain. Go Wildcats!!!!

Class of 2024

Tony (Aaron Hirsch)

St. John, Watertown

Stage Manager and playing Coach Bolton

Call me Tony. I’m a big music guy. I love band, choir, and musicals. I’m a senior and I’ve had so much fun helping prepare this show for you. We’ve been waiting a long time to put this production out for y’all so I hope the wait was worth it. I plan to continue my work in theater as long as I can even in college. Speaking of college, I plan to go to Iowa State for Industrial Engineering. I’ll always have the greatest memories from Lakeside and the people I’ve met here. I hope you enjoy the show!!

Elsa Johansson

Zion, Columbus playing Taylor McKessie

This is my fourth Lakeside show, I have previously been in School of Rock, Newsies, and Rainbow Fish. I’m heavily involved with the music department including choir, band, and theater. Theater has been one of the best learning experiences I’ve had and I encourage anyone that has any interest in joining theater to do so. My hobbies include everything from crochet to dance, but most of my free time is taken up with practicing vocal and piano music. At the end of June come and see me in Anastasia the musical at BDACT. Next year I am attending Bethany Lutheran College, majoring in music and psychology and participating with the theater program. Make sure to thank Kristina and everyone else who made this show awesome!

Class of 2024

Kylee Krutsinger

Abiding Shepherd, Cottage Grove playing Cheerleader/Dance captain

This is the second high school production I have taken part in. I am excited to share my dancing abilities. I have grown up dancing my entire life and am on my way to becoming a professional dancer. Throughout high school, I have participated in a variety of extracurricular activities including theater, dance team, math team, Teens for Christ, yearbook, newspaper, academic bowl, and National Honor Society. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering with local organizations. One that I continually come back to is Twice Is Nice. With this being my senior year, I am preparing for many changes in my life. In the fall, I will continue my education at Carroll University studying exercise science with a pre-physical therapy focus.

Ambria Autumn McCrary

Peace, Sun Prairie playing Kelsi Nielsen

Hi everyone!! Like my character, I love playing the piano. And I’m pretty quiet. And pretty clumsy too. . . I’m also involved in A Cappella and Swing Choir and I play clarinet in Band! Besides the arts, I play a little bit of golf and manage wrestling. Outside of school my hobbies mainly consist of playing piano, drawing, and spending time in nature. Theatre is by far my favorite high school activity, though. . . (I highly recommend it to any current or future student!) I’ve met my closest friends and made my best memories here. Kristina and the cast are like family to me. I’ve been part of School of Rock, Newsies, and Rainbow Fish since my sophomore year. I’ll certainly miss this, but I’m super excited for next year, when I’ll be studying music and keyboard performance at UW Whitewater!

Class of 2024

Maria Meier

St. Luke, Watertown

Pit Saxophone/Keyboard

Throughout high school I have been involved in a lot of things, but the musical has been one of my favorites the last two years. I love music, so this is a good way for me to use my talents to God’s glory. Besides the musical I have been in the school newspaper for all four years and am editor-in-chief this year, volleyball for two years, FFA, and much more. I am passionate about FFA. I have raised market and breeding lambs for 12 years, and rabbits for 10. I show sheep all around the state and even the Midwest. After graduation I plan on working at JWR in Johnson Creek. We weld and make garbage compactors. I am very excited to finish out my senior year.

Brooke Parkhurst

St. Luke, Watertown

playing Skater Dude, Thespian, Science Decathalon Moderator

What’s up everyone!

This is my fourth year doing theater at Lakeside. Other than theater, I participate in golf, bowling, and other school clubs. In my free time, I play music, do art, play with my dog and spend time outside. I am so grateful to be part of this amazing drama family, and am sad this is my last year. I’ve learned so many things and made so many friends. Next year, I’ll be heading to Martin Luther College to study Secondary Music Education and continue doing theater. I’ll also be playing golf at MLC. And hey, if you see Kristina, tell her she’s awesome!

Class of 2025

Ellie DiGiovanni

St. John, Jefferson, playing cheerleader/Thespian

Last year, I played the role of a Newsie and was also part of the dance ensemble in the musical Newsies. This year, I am thrilled to be a cheerleader, even though I have never cheered before. It has been a great experience learning all the cheers, and I have made many new friends and gotten closer with others too. I am definitely planning to do the musical next year! When I’m not at school or practice, I like to spend my time reading, hanging out with friends, painting, and listening to music. Speaking of music, some of my favorite artists are “The Smiths,” “TV Girl,” “Bad Suns,” and many more

Lillian Frohmader

St. Paul, Fort Atkinson, playing Ms. Darbus

Hello, friends! This is my second year doing theater. I was in the dance ensemble for Newsies last year. It’s crazy how much growth has happened since then. Praise be to God! Music and performing are two things I’m passionate about. At school, I am involved in A Cappella choir, Swing Choir, and I play clarinet in band and dabble a little in guitar and piano. When I’m not at school, you can find me at my church’s youth group, going shopping and getting food with my friends, playing my guitar, or counseling as a junior staff at Camp Phillip during the summer. My faith in Jesus and my love for him are the two most important things in my life, and my prayer is that I reflect that on the stage. Theater has strengthened my faith, and blessed me with incredible Christian friends. After high school, I plan on attending Martin Luther College for staff ministry and elementary education. I love theater deeply and can’t wait to see what other crazy things we can accomplish. To God be the glory.

Isaac Garcia

Bethany, Fort Atkinson, playing Troy Boltan Theatre has always been an escape from the stress and silliness of our world. I play Troy Boltan in this comedic and emotional rendition of High School Musical. Theatre has become a huge part of my life and I couldn’t imagine living without it. My grade school CLCA introduced me to it and I was hooked. Everyone should give theatre a chance. I hope this show is an eye-opening experience into the world of music and drama. :)

Clara Grow

St. Andrew, Middleton, playing Sharpay Evans

This is my third high school production. I’m involved in Swing Choir, A Cappella, and Band. This year I helped out with costumes. I love making people look good onstage and also love working with Kristina. :) I have a lot of fun on stage performing for audiences. Something I love about theater is the people I get to be on stage with. I’ve made so many friends through theater that I may have not talked to otherwise. Theater has changed my life dramatically (ha) and I can’t wait to share that with you on stage!

Class of 2025

Kaelynn Gulczynski

St. Paul, Lake Mills, playing Jock, Skater, Brainiac, Thesbian, Coach Bolton understudy

This is my 4th high school production Freshman year I was a teacher in School of Rock. Last year in Newsies I was Splasher. This fall in Rainbow Fish I was a clownfish. I’m in many other extracurricular activities—A Cappella, Swing Choir and Band. I manage the wrestling team in winter. Some of my hobbies include long boarding, baking, and shopping with friends. I have learned how to be my own person from theatre and how to use my abilities. I have not only made amazing memories, but I have also found my best friends on the stage.

Heidi Hartwig

St. Paul, Lake Mills, playing Brainiac

My first year with a theater production, this musical has helped me out of my comfort zone and to be confident while doing so. Besides the musical, I’m in A Cappella choir and Teens For Christ. When I have freetime, I’m typically spending it by drawing, singing, painting, or listening to music. My favorite musicals are Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Mean Girls. My favorite songs from each of the musicals are “Dead Mom,” “Seventeen,” and “Someone Gets Hurt” respectively. If I have one regret about theater, it would have to be not being part of a production sooner. I’m so thankful for the friends and memories that I’ve made through this musical. This production will always have a special place in my heart, not only because it’s my first production but also because of the impact it has had on me.

Nadia Henriquez

St. Luke, Watertown, playing Cheerleader

I can’t wait to perform in my 3rd high school production! Not only am I in theater, I’ve also done cross country, track, and dance team as well as A Cappella Choir, Teens for Christ, clarinet in Band, color guard in summer band, and choreograph musicals and dance. Outside of school, I like to play board games, bake, shop, and hang out with friends. Theater is such an amazing experience and I would not be the same without it. This show was my favorite growing up and it’s hard to believe that I choreographed some of the dances and get to perform this show on stage! I’m so grateful for our incredible director, Kristina, for giving me this opportunity to do something I love!

Isabel Kuchta

Bethany, Fort Atkinson, playing Martha Cox

My 3rd high school production, I was in School of Rock 2 years ago, last year I was in Newsies, and this year I am excited to play Martha. I’m involved in many other activities—I run cross country, sing in A Cappella Choir, write articles for the newspaper, play the flute in band, and I’m in Teens for Christ. In my free time, I love to scrapbook, spend time outdoors with my family, sleep in, and goof around with friends. I loved rehearsing and preparing for this musical!

Playing this role is great because I get to have fun singing and dancing,.get closer to so many new people, and I have had countless great times with my friends. I am definitely going to continue doing theater next year, and maybe even in college. Hip-Hop Hooray!

Class of 2025

Joshua Kutz

St. Paul, Lake Mills, Piano

Annyeonghaseyo! (Hello! in Korean) I have played piano since 5 years old, starting in 2012. A lot of time has passed since then, but I still love playing the piano as much as I did when I began. Outside of the piano, I am a huge sports fan, mainly the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. I am also on the math team and run track. Although I have never been in theatre myself, my family is big into theatre so I am somewhat familiar. The process of learning the many pages of music required to play for the musical has been challenging, but I have enjoyed it very much. I would love to go through this process again next year. I am not sure if piano will be an integral part of my schedule in college, but it will still be one of my hobbies for sure.

Brooklyn Lenz

St. Matthew, Oconomowoc, playing Basketball Player and Taylor understudy

This is my first high school production. Other than theater, I love playing volleyball for both school and club teams. In my spare time I like to paint, bake, garden, play the piano, cook and spend time with family. I loved being able to put my basketball skills to use for my role, even if I didn’t have many to begin with. This musical has been so fun to put together and I love all the cast and crew I got to know throughout the practices. Also Kristina is amazing, she made me look forward to rehearsal everyday.

Elena Loest

St. Stephen, Beaver Dam

playing Sharpay understudy, cheerleader, thespian, jock

Hello! This is my second show at Lakeside. Last year I was in Newsies and this year I can’t wait to perform High School Musical. Other than Theatre I’m also in the A Cappella choir. While in theater, I’ve learned to be more confident and how to make any role really fun. Also, Kristina is my best friend and will always be.

John Loest

St. Stephen, Beaver Dam, playing Jack Scott, Ryan understudy

Yo yo yo, this is John Loest, a junior in Homeroom 511 telling you a little about me. This is my third production and I love it. Jack Scott is a lot like me, learning yet having that outgoing comedic personality. Performing is my life, you can find me in front of a camera with the Lakeside Loop, in church during A Cappella season, and even telling tearjerking stories in Forensics. These gifts God has given me will be used in my future career. I am going to attend MLC and then the Seminary to become a pastor. God has been eternally loving to us and I want to share that with as many people as I can. One aspect of Theatre that I will die protecting is our family atmosphere. We may not all get along, but the three hours a day we get together is spent getting to know and appreciate everyone on the team. I’d like to encourage anyone interested in joining our Theatre Department to audition for either the fall or spring productions next year. We’d love to get to know you, and to see what you can do!

Class of 2025

Joseph Metzger

Abiding Shepherd, Cottage Grove, playing Ryan Evans

Hello, all! I’ve been so blessed to be able to explore a much larger role than I’ve had in the past! I’ve evolved from a background teacher and mediocre percussionist in School of Rock, to a variety of roles that wanted to exploit children (in the show) and an understudy opportunity to be Pulitzer in Newsies, to a hermit crab in Rainbow Fish. It’s been awesome getting to share the stage with some amazing cast members and meet some really talented people. I’ve got a variety of interests in different music realms and would kill for a donut— it’s the ultimate breakfast food. Outside of being loud and obnoxious on stage, I tend to keep to myself and focus on my schoolwork and close relationships. Enjoy the show, and remember to not stick to the status quo!

Ava Nichter

St. Matthew, Oconomowoc, playing Cheerleader/thespian

This is my first high school theater production. The last two previous years I have watched the productions and enjoyed them. I have heard so many good things about how fun it was so I thought I would give it a shot with my friends. It most definitely was an experience I am glad I had. In my free time I love spending time with my friends, golfing, and reading. Being able to do this with my friends, to just see everyone’s outstanding faith, and to be able to learn so much, I am just so grateful for it. I have loved making so many new friends and getting closer with others. The practices were such a blast with how fun everyone is. I appreciate all the dedication and hard work all my cast mates and our director Kristina has put into this show. Thank you to everyone who has a part in this show, and to all you watching it.

Alli Schleef

St. John, Waterloo, playing Cheerleader

Hi everyone! This is my first time being in a high school theater production. I am involved in many things like dance, Swing Choir, and marching band. In my free time I listen to music, read books, and spend time with friends. My summers are spent at Camp Phillip and I enjoy praising God with all my gifts and abilities.

Caleb Studnicka

Peace, Sun Prairie, Drum Set

Second year into high school productions, and I am loving it more than ever. Last year playing the drum set for the musical was one of the best things I’ve done in my life, and I get to do it again this year. I also do lots of other things like bowling, trapshooting, and of course music. I think music is probably the biggest aspect of my life, I have always loved all kinds of music and you can pretty much always find me either listening to something or just thinking about it in my head. I’m in the Lakeside band, the jazz band, the percussion ensemble, and obviously the pit band too. Oh, and if you hear any mistakes coming from percussion in the play, it wasn’t me.

Class of 2025

Noelle Vanderhoof

Trinity, Watertown, playing Gabriella Montez

Hello! A little bit about me is that I love to perform... obviously :) I have been in 12 musicals now throughout my life, my favorite being my freshman year show School of Rock where I played Summer Hathaway! This year I was involved in A Cappella Choir, swing choir, and dance. Another little fact is I LOVE the color pink! When not on stage you can usually find me spending time with friends and family or shopping! Being involved in musicals has taught me so much and I’ve met so many amazing people through it. For example, our amazing director Kristina! She has been such an amazing role model for us all.

Caleb Wensel

St. Paul, Lake Mills, playing Chad Danforth

This is my third show now! You may recognize me from earlier this year as Starfish in Rainbow Fish, and maybe Tommy Boy in Newsies as well! I love theater. It’s such a fulfilling experience. Like, you know the taste of good mac n cheese? Kind of like that!

Class of 2026

Katie Abel

St. Paul, Fort Atkinson, playing Skater, Basketball Player, Thespian

Hello all! This is my first production and I’m so glad I auditioned! I helped on the crew for the past two productions and I love my tech club family. During school I love to help around with whatever I can in any and everything—moving chairs, setting up for events, etc. Working with kids is something I enjoy, so I am one of the first to volunteer when second graders come to visit. I also do Forensics to work on my acting skills. I work at the Fireside Dinner Theater, since working with food is one of my passions. In my free time, I love to walk with my dog Thor, cook, play video games, and hang with friends and family. I’m so glad I tried out because this has given me a whole new family to make so many memories with!

Ashlyn Jones

Immanuel, Farmington, playing Basketball player, Skater, and Thespian

Last year I was in the musical Newsies playing a side character named Mush. Theatre has helped me so much these past few years of high school. Helping me make new friends, gain confidence, and learn to grow as a person. My hobbies usually change a lot. I’ll get hooked on one thing for a while, then move on to something else. I enjoy watching classic movies, drawing, and growing as a person. This past year, gaining experience and growing each day has been a top priority of mine, and I hope that I can do more this upcoming summer. I have been volunteering at the Jefferson Humane Society for almost three years now and intend to work with animals as my career. I’m excited to see what these next two years of high school will bring. Hopefully lots of chaos and fun memories with the people I love.

Eli McCrary

Peace, Sun Prairie, playing Brainiac, Alan, Worm Kid

Hi, I love Lego. This is my first show and I am really excited to do more shows with this group. I really love getting to know everybody and having fun with the show and my characters that I get to play. I also like history and different mythologies. I am planning on going to MLC and becoming a teacher.

Elizabeth Mellon

Our Redeemer, Madison, playing Cyndra (Opera Singer/Cheerleader) I am so blessed to be in this production! I have met many wonderful people here who let their faith shine on and off stage. It’s great getting to know this cast and seeing them everyday! There are countless individuals I’d like to thank, but I especially want to thank Kristina for her dedication to the show. She never gave up on the cast, even when we weren’t doing our dances correctly! This is my second Lakeside production, and I had lots of fun singing, blocking, and dancing! I enjoy spending my time writing, playing piano, singing in choir, and playing soccer. I can’t wait for another amazing show next year!

Class of 2026

Brynja Opsahl

Zion, Columbus, playing Cheerleader/Superchorus/Gabriella Understudy

Hey Friends, this is my third high school production but I have been doing theatre and music most of my life. Some of my other hobbies include playing piano and guitar, snowboarding, hunting, and hanging with friends :) One thing I love most about theatre is the close knit, family-like relationship I have with the cast. If you’ve had the worst day someone will make you smile, laugh, or just forget about the problems in your life for a while. Our director, Kristina (who is awesome by the way) is like our second mom and keeps us from going insane during the musical season and I don’t know what we’d do without her... I love theatre and I would encourage everyone to give it a try :)

Haylie Reese

St. Peter, Helenville, playing Brainiac, Theater Kid, & Super Chorus

Hey, y’all! So... this is my first high school production ever. I wasn’t so sure about joining theater, but after a lot of encouragement from friends and some on-the-fly memorization for a last minute audition, Kristina (being the fantastic person that she is) let me join her crew. And let me say, I am so glad she did. I’ve met and interacted with so many people I would never have even talked to otherwise, people I didn’t even know a couple months ago I can confidently say are now some of my best friends. Speaking of FRIENDS, that is a fantastic show. It’s probably in my Top 3 along with Charmed (1998) and Criminal Minds. I’m also really into music, lifting in the gym, and bursting into song at random times. Not to mention, talking, which you may have figured out reading this. But enough about me. I very much hope you enjoy the show, and in the wise words of Avril Lavigne, “Be anything but ordinary, please.”

Max Spinsky

St. Matthew, Janesville, playing The Sunglasses Guy (ensemble)

Hi, this is my first time being on stage for a spring production. I had done tech for last year’s Newsie’s and had been in the fall production this year. I haven’t done a whole lot with my high school career as of yet but I have do Forensics as something other than theatre. I enjoy writing stories, playing games, and a lot of the average high school kid hobbies. I will say that theatre is an experience. You will learn how to work hard and to focus on your goals while having a fun time doing it. Theatre offers a lot in terms of opportunities. If you are thinking about doing theater in the future, I would encourage you try to it once. I can assure you it is a blast.

Class of 2027

Josie Brey

Zion, Columbus, Pit Band Percussion

This is my first high school production. My grade school did a few skits every couple of years. I am really enjoying my first year of high school. I am in softball, band, and I take piano lessons. I have had so much fun practicing with everyone in the play and pit band. I hope you enjoy the show!

Samuel Garcia

Bethany, Fort Atkinson, playing Mongo

This is the first musical I have ever done. In my freshman year I have participated in cross country, choir, playing flute in band, guitar for jazz band, and bass and guitar for other songs in our school concerts. From these you can probably tell I enjoy music alot, so when I was asked to do the musical just the fact it had the word music in the name was enough to get me to try out. I had never really delved into the musical genre but after months of being around people who enjoyed the musical genre I began to enjoy it as well. This has probably been the most exciting part of my year and I am eager to try out for next year

Jackson Gleesing

St. Paul, Lake Mills, playing Zeke Baylor

This is my first big musical high school production and I can’t wait for the next one already. I have had such a great time with my fellow actors rehearsing this show and I it has given me some of the greatest experiences of my life. Performing is one of my favorite things so I also do forensics, as well as play the piano and saxophone in Band. I am definitely going to be performing for a lot of my life and the people here have really helped me set that in stone.

Alina Gulczynski

St. Paul, Lake Mills, playing Ripper

This is my second production. I was in Rainbow Fish, I love being this character because he has a solo, but he’s not a huge character. It’s so much fun to be in theater, we become a huge family, and even as a freshman I feel a part of this theater family. As Ripper, I can actually skate. My character wipes out and falls a lot, but I am completely fine! I’m not involved in many school activities, but I do as best as I can to help out. For kids who want to do theater, you have to work very hard and you have to be dedicated. As we say, we need to be all in this together!

Class of 2027

Cristabelle Perkins

Holy Cross, Madison, playing Cheerleader, skater, audition kid

This is my first time ever being in a theater production and I have had such a fun time having this new experience. In my free time I love to listen to music, decorate my room, bike, and spend time with my friends. Right now I am in freshman choir and I plan on taking choir next year and eventually being in A Cappella. This musical has become a huge part of my life in the past few months and I have made so many amazing new friends because of it. Before high school, I had never really been part of a team since I have never been big on sports. Being in theater has taught me what it’s like to have a group of people I can rely on and go to whenever I need to talk about something. I definitely am planning on being in more shows in the future.

Katelyn Starkenburg

Holy Cross, Madison

playing Braniac, Thespian, Party Kid, Ms Darbus understudy

Although I’ve been in many community theatre plays over the past few years, this is my first musical, which has been so much fun! My favorite musical is Newsies, and in my free time I enjoy reading, dancing, listening to music, watching movies, and sleeping. I have loved getting to know everyone in the theatre department. They are such a crazy but welcoming group and I love being a part of it. It’s something I always look forward to after school. I am so glad I decided to try out this year and I hope to be in many more productions throughout high school!

Matthias Yahnke

Trinity, Watertown, playing Basketball player

This is my first high school production, and I am loving it. I am involved in a lot of things like soccer, basketball, new friends, and ofc the musical. I love theater a lot and did a couple of musicals/plays at my grade school, TSL. In Willy Wonka Jr., I was Willy Wonka and in another play I was Martin Luther. I really love drama productions and am excited for future years at Lakeside. Outside of school I like going for bike rides, playing sports and lifting weights. I have made many friends this year and especially some through the musical. I am enjoying every second of this and I hope you do too. :)

Kayla Whitaker

St. Luke, Watertown, Percussion

This is my first time doing anything involving the musical, but I already love it. Everyone makes it so fun and I’ve made a bunch of new friends. I play percussion in school already, including a bunch of extra curricular activities and sports including soccer, volleyball, bowling and I also run cross country. I have learned that late nights pay off even if you are extremely tired the next day. In the end it’s all worth it. Playing music for the play has made me appreciate bands even more because of how much work they put in their band. I will definitely be doing pit band next year. Also if you hear someone mess up, it wasn’t me.

Pit Band (also see p. 5)

A/V & Backstage Superheroes

Back, L-R: Nico Caminata, Ethan Winkelman, Molly Kalma, Stage Mgr Aaron Hirsch, Jayden Rabehl Front, L-R: Noel Meinel, Kya Winger, Hannah Johansson, Hunter Schwab, Rory Hissom

L-R: Josh Kutz, piano; Juan Gulrud, keyboard; Jon Povich, guitar; Josie Brey, percussion; Clayton Grow, bass guitar; Caleb Studnicka, drum set; Drake Deavers, guitar; Brian Braatz, trumpet