Rochester Civic Theatre Presents: Matilda the Musical

Book

DENNIS KELLY

Music & Lyrics

TIM MINCHIN

Matilda was first commissioned and produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, England on 9 November 2010. It transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in the West End of London on 25 October 2011 and received its US premiere at the Shubert Theatre, Broadway, USA on 4 March 2013.

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL: Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Our New Mission Statement

The mission of Rochester Civic Theatre is to ENGAGE community organizations through collaboration and shared resources, ENRICH lives through education and outreach, and ELEVATE human connection through theatre arts.

Board of Directors

Melissa Adams-Goihl, Board President

Missy Hagen, Vice President

Larry Sinak, Treasurer

Raquel Hellman, Secretary

Kathleen Harrington

Judy Hickey

Paul McCartan

Laurel Podulke-Smith

Hours

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 12pm - 2pm

Phone: 507-282-8481

Email: info@rochestercivictheatre.org

Staff

Misha Johnson, Managing Director

Logan Stewart , Office Manager

Paul Sund, Technical Director

Cindy Hansel, Set Builder

Erich Heneke, Senior Accountant

Susan V Hansen, Director of Education

Richie Van, Production Stage Manager

Cast

Matilda Wormwood ........Addison Schleicher

Miss Agatha Trunchbull...... Paul Hart Cochran

Miss Honey ..................... Amber Feind

Mr. Wormwood ................. Mike Skillern

Mrs. Wormwood .............. Samantha Ryan

Michael Wormwood/

Big Kid Ensemble Gavin Whetstone

Mrs. Phelps Raquel Hellman

Bruce Knox Campbell

Lavender Mary Howard

Amanda CeCe Freedman

Nigel Lucian Howard

Erica Stella Huelsbeck

Alice Savannah Boswell

Hortensia Kino Kazemba

Tori Maddie Paopao-Skillern

Lucy Isabel Dabrowski

The Escapologist Alex J Smith

The Acrobat/Big Kid Ensemble ... Anna Brennan

Doctor/Parent Ensemble .......... Scott Stekel

Rudolpho ........................ Ivan Deyle

Parent Ensemble

Parent Ensemble

Parent Ensemble

Tyler Blume

Katie Cook

Kristin Petersen

Parent Ensemble RaeAnn Gotch

Parent Ensemble Esther Blume

Parent Ensemble George Skare

Big Kid Ensemble Jayna Hartzell

Big Kid Ensemble Anna Majsterski

Big Kid Ensemble Destiny Whitehorn

Big Kid Ensemble Jude Smith

Big Kid Ensemble Abigail Sievers

Big Kid Ensemble Lorone Outlaw

Big Kid Ensemble Anna Wojcik

Understudies: Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance: Matilda Wormwood - CeCe Freedman, Miss Agatha

Trunchbull - Kristin Petersen, Miss Honey - Lorone Outlaw, Mr. Wormwood - Scott Stekel, Mrs. WormwoodMichelle Howard, Michael Wormwood - Jack Wagner, Mrs. Phelps/Doctor - Katie Cook, Bruce - Jude Smith, Lavender - Maddie Paopai-Skillern, Amanda - Savannah Boswell, Nigel - Kino Kazemba, Alice/HortensiaAda Kim, Tori/Lucy/Erica - Jemma Ruud, Child’s Entertainer - Anna Brennan, The Acrobat - Grace Salvaggio, Big Kid Ensemble - Seely Tri, Caelyn Boyce.

Production Team

Director...................... Misha Johnson

Music Director ............... Catherine Davis

Pit Orchestra Director ............... Jon Davis

Choreographer Kathy Chase

Set Designer Cindy Hansel

Costumer Madlain Vander

Lighting Designer Paul Sund

Scenic Painter Rachel Obranovich

Stage Manager Richie Van

Assistant Stage Manager Beth Regener

Props Master RB Wallman

Magic Props Builder John Collins

Costume Assistant Debbie Campbell, Ant Van Brunt

Spotlight Operator .. Carolyn Boyce, Eden Vrieze

Backstage Crew ............... Erin Hugenroth, RB Wallman, Gracie Salvaggio

Fly Operator Mark Nelson

Special Thanks to Vicki Blazing, Katie Cook, Catherine Davis, Alex Frazier, Gordy Handeland, Kristin Petersen, Gracie Salvaggio, Abigail Seivers, Sam Smith, Doug Sween, Anna Wojcik

Musical Numbers

Act I

Miracle ................................................. Kids, Parents, Matilda, Ensemble

Naughty ........................................................................ Matilda

Acrobat Story I ............................................. Matilda, Acrobat, Escapologist

School Song ........................................................................ Kids

Pathetic .................................................................... Miss Honey

The Hammer Trunchbull, Kids

Naughty Reprise Matilda

Chokey Chant Kids

Loud Mrs. Wormwood, Rudolpho, Ensemble

This Little Girl Miss Honey

Acrobat Story II Matilda, Acrobat, Escapologist

Bruce Ensemble

Matilda is performed with a 15 minute intermission.

Act II

All I Know ............................................ Mr. Wormwood, Michael Wormwood

When I Grow Up ................................................. Kids, Miss Honey, Matilda

Acrobat Story III ..................................................... Escapologist, Matilda

I’m So Clever ............................................................. Mr. Wormwood

Acrobat Story IV ..................................................... Escapologist, Matilda

The Smell of Rebellion .

Trunchbull, Kids, Matilda, Miss Honey

Quiet ........................................................................... Matilda

My House ...................................................... Miss Honey, Escapologist

Revolting Children ................................................................... Kids

Finale Company

Orchestra

Piano/Orchestra Director ........................................................... Jon Davis

Bass ....................................................................... Steve Sawyer

Percussion .............................................................. Jordan Yatckoske

Reed 1 .................................................................. Peter Hinsbeeck

Trumpet .......................................................................Rich Zeller

Trumpet ................................................................. Cameron Beaver

Trombone ..................................................................... Evan Stortz

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.

Matilda has been at the top of my directing wish list since its’ debut in London. As a child it was one of my favorite books, and in 1996 Matilda was one of my favorite movies. I am an official Matilda ‘fanatic,’ and like many others: I wished I had magical powers to rid the world of my own bullies.

While Roald Dahls books are generally meant for children, this twisted and dark tale deeply affects me now as an adult. As someone who is a champion for youth, and takes pride in providing a safe space for them in our theatre, many scenes in Matilda the Musical are difficult to watch. As an audience, we endure them because the courage and bravery it takes for Matilda to stand up to all the bullies in her life (at home and at school) astound and inspire us. She is by far my favorite hero in musical theatre! Matilda teaches us that no matter how big or small you are, no matter your upbringing, or what anyone’s opinion is of you, you always have the power to change your story - and that power IS you. I hope Matilda inspires you to find the magic within you and write your own story.

I look forward to sharing a whole new season of stories with you. There is something for everyone this season: family friendly musicals, a classic ‘spirited’ comedy, an adult only rock musical and a grownup’s comedic prequel to Peter Pan.

It remains an honor to be apart of this community, the artists and audiences who make The Civic a celebrated and important part of the Rochester cultural landscape. Thank you for your support and welcome to Season 72!

See you at the Civic!

Managing Director

“Even if you’re little you can do a lot”

Cast

Samantha Ryan

Maddie Paopao-Skillern

CeCe Freedman

Ivan Deyle

Esther Blume

Paul Hart Cochran

Stella Huelsbeck

Raquel Hellman

Alex J Smith

Katie Cook

Amber Feind

Savannah Boswell

Knox Campbell

Grace Salvaggio

Kristin Petersen

Mike Skillern

Kino Kazemba

Mary Howard Scott Stekel

RaeAnn Gotch

Addison Schleicher

Lucian Howard

Gavin Whetstone

Isabel Dabrowski

Tyler Blume

Cast

Anna Brennan Ada Kim

Jayna Hartzell

Jack Wagner

Abigail Sievers

Anna Majsterski

Jemma Ruud

Michelle Howard Seely Tri

Lorone Outlaw

Destiny Whitehorn

Anna Wojcik

George Skare

Caelyn Boyce

Jude Smith

Production Team

RB Wallman

Beth Regener

Richie Van

Rachel Obranovich

Madlain Vander

Jon Davis

Debbie Campbell

Catherine Davis

Kathy Chase

Paul Sund

Cindy Hansel

Ant Van Brunt

Misha Johnson

John Collins

Mark Nelson

Who’s Who

Esther Blume (Parent Ensemble): has been in over ten shows in the last six years. Most recently performed with Rochester Civic Theater‘s The Little Mermaid (Atina/Princess); Romantic Fools (Bride/ Intro) Previously involved with Once in Future Classics: A Musical, Romeo and Juliet (Lady Montague) as well as Stewartville Community Theater Flash Gordon (Queen Rubia).

Tyler Blume (Parent Ensemble): has previously performed with the Rochester Civic Theater in a 2020 online-only performance of Romantic Fools (Groom) and has most recently been involved with a Once in Future Classics: A Musical, Romeo and Juliet (Aragon). Tyler has been a Rochester Sings competition finalist for two years (2016/2019), and also a Minnesota Sings contestant.

Savannah Boswell (Alice/Amanda Understudy): is a 3rd grader whose theatrical career started as a pumpkin in Prairie Fire’s Cinderella. She did ballet and tap, participated in Honors Choir Half Notes, and sings at First Presbyterian Church. She takes

piano lessons and gymnastics, and enjoys reading, writing poetry, singing, cartwheels, and making awesome slime.

Caelyn Boyce (Big Kid Ensemble Understudy): was most recently seen in Rochester Civic Theatre’s Moana Jr. (ocean ensemble/crab claw) and Byron High School’s production of Legally Blonde Jr. The Musical (ensemble). Caelyn has been receiving vocal training at Pure Rock Studios for the past two years and performing with their youth/teen group. In addition, she sings in the Byron School Choir and is a member of the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota. Ms. Boyce looks forward to continuing to grow as a vocalist and expand her theatre skills. She’d like to thank her family for being so supportive, especially her brother for listening to her sing songs repeatedly.

Anna Brennan (The Acrobat/Big Kid Ensemble): High school senior previously involved in Rochester Civic Theatre’s The Little Mermaid (Adella). Dance Credits: Children’s Dance Theatre’s Rapunzel (The Witch). I love my RCT family!

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Setting the Stage

by Debi Neville

If you saw the recent production of The Play that Goes Wrong, you probably were awe-struck at the logistics of the set falling apart, on purpose! That magic was accomplished with the aid of Cindy Hansel, set builder. It’s not easy to make a thing look like it’s wrong, but in actuality is going right according to the plan. Cindy agreed, “Script was specific on what needed to go awry. Not only did things need to come apart but be put back together after each show ready for the next night of disaster.”

Cindy hadn’t done anything like that before, it was an unusual demand for the entire crew including the actors. Cindy has an engineering background which came in

handy. The platform was a challenge to make fall apart and still be safe and effective. “I learned a bit about welding from our Technical Director, Paul Sund, with that one. Other pieces that had to fall apart were held together with magnets because we had to do this over and over,” she said.

The set crew worked their magic very convincingly and the audience was rolling with laughter as each calamity befell the characters. “The actors were great at working with the set, the stage combat, falling, hanging on pieces, and making it look so real was just wonderful.”

The biggest challenge in set building, she said, was implementing the construction to

design. Being cost effective and trying to be conscious of reusing materials and pieces is important. The turnaround between shows is quick at most theatres and the Civic is no exception. Looking ahead to the next show and thinking of what can be recycled is something the crew is cognizant of.

Cindy is making her debut as an RCT scenic designer with Matilda the Musical. Cindy’s background has been primarily in dance theatre. “I’ve built many sets for dance performances, but this is my first design for a Musical. I love collaborating, so it has been fun working with Director, Misha Johnson, on how to take a theme and carry it

through the entire production. Taking the harshness of the school gates and carry it over to the Wormwood house, and then to Miss Honeys’ house. And thank goodness Paul Sund can weld, since the major pieces in this set required his expertise!” Cindy says “fun is a part of the job. Each show is different and requires new imagination and skills, I am excited to keep creating at the Civic.” Though she is somewhat of a newbie at the Civic having started last August, we hope to see many more productions benefiting from her skill and creativity!

Cindy is the scenic designer of Matilda the Musical

Fun is a part of the job. Each show is different and requires new imagination and skills, I am excited to keep creating at the Civic.

Top left: Play that Goes Wrong, Photo by Kate Klaus. Top right: Cindy Hansel working on Willy Wonka . Bottom right: Paul Sund welding set pieces for Matilda the Musical .

Meet a Board Member: Missy Hagen

Missy Hagen is a name and face you might be familiar with since she wears many hats on stage and off. In a recent conversation, she answered some questions regarding her position as Vice President on the board of directors at the Civic.

Q: You stepped into the board position three years ago during trying times. The COVID shut down and transitioning the Civic Theatre into a new position of community. Why then?

A: When I was nominated to be part of the team to redirect the theatre, my long love for this institution compelled me to join. Traditionally, the board has been made up of people who were directly involved in volunteering at the theatre. The former board was made up primarily of folks who had strong community and financial ties, but many lacked a true and personal connection to making theatre for theatre’s sake. The tide was turning and the managing director at that time, was moving the theatre towards an equity house (paid actors). This created a new set of problems which were financial, and decreasing numbers showing up for auditions, and other volunteer positions.

Q: What was the main focus of the board at that point? How does it differ now?

A: When I first went on the board it was a matter of survival. First order of business was to hire a new managing director. It was all hands on deck! After Misha Johnson was hired, we sifted through tons of financials to find a way to move forward, then COVID hit. In a way, that allowed us time to

regroup, pause business until we had a plan.

Our main focus was to return community to the theatre and regain trust with the city. The result is that we have focused on making sharing our space a priority. We provide a place to perform at an affordable rate, for community groups who don’t have their own space. We re-wrote our mission to include three Es. ENGAGE community organizations

Above Left: Missy Hagen as the Wolf in Into the Woods (2022) Above Right: Missy Hagen and Mark Hansen in Midsummer Night’s Dream (1981)

through collaboration and shared resources. ENRICH lives through education and outreach. ELEVATE human connection through theatre arts.

Q: What are you most proud of as a board member?

A: I am proud we successfully navigated from a life-threatening debt to operating in the black. Our board is committed to being involved and overseeing operation and to monthly meet and assess needs. The city has once again become an integral partner, and the “one roof policy” has proven to be invaluable as several organizations now share assets that were once duplicated among them. We are selling out performances and auditions have found people returning ten-fold.

Q: As a theatre caretaker, what seeds would you like to plant for the Civics’ future?

A: Oh! So many! Continue creating a robust education program for our youth, involving more volunteers in day to day operations, including educating our volunteers to be able to feel comfortable in a variety of areas we need them. This would include stage managing, sound and set construction, even costuming; the common denominator seems to be more staff, which equates to developing way to increase our operating budget and cultivating donors.

Q: What’s a parting word from the wide observation about theatre?

A: Participating in shows creates wonderful family-like experiences over and over again, it draws you in and provides a place you can call home.

It Takes a Village

by Debi Neville

Webster defines volunteering as: a person who performs services of their own free will. My definition is a bit different: a person who gives away their time because it’s fun, they want to show support, and they feel needed.

With many years of volunteering under my belt I feel comfortable and confident in my definition. Theatre has been a true love of mine in what seems like forever, so I’m happy to help in as many capacities as I can. Having worked on all aspects of a theatrical production and organization, I understand the enormity of it all.

There truly is no job too small that you can volunteer work for. We need your help in many ways: ushering, painting, sorting, organizing, and of course acting. We are also looking for people who might agree to learn the lighting and sound systems, build sets or help with costumes. Another way to help the Civic continue to be successful is to donate dollars. Just know that whether buying a ticket, or volunteering - YOU are needed. Find out all the volunteer opportunities on our website: RochesterCivicTheatre.org/GetInvolved

Debi Neville leads the hospitality committee at the Rochester Civic Theatre

Photo: Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin

Who’s Who

Knox Campbell (Bruce): plays Bruce in today’s production of Matilda. Knox debuted at the Civic in the children’s ensemble of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and saw the stage as the understudy for Claude. He also appeared in Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, and The Little Mermaid. He was previously seen on The Civic stage in RCT’s The Jungle Book as Bagheera, and more recently at Chief Tui in RCT’s Moana Jr.

Kathy Chase (Choreographer): has been a devoted dance educator in ballet, tap, and jazz for over 36 years. She holds a BA in Dance from the College of St. Teresa. She is currently on faculty at Bliss Dance Space in Rochester. She has choreographed many (40+) school and community productions over the years including JM Theatre, Chatfield Western Days, St. Francis of Assisi Raven Theater, Immersion Youth Repertory, and Rochester Civic Theater. Her most recent choreography projects at RCT are Moana Jr, Little Mermaid, Always…Patsy Cline, and The Addams

Family. She is happily married to Joe, and she is Mama to 4 creative daughters!

Paul Hart Cochran (Miss Agatha Trunchbull): currently serving as a chaplain in Northfield, MN, is excited to be joining the theatre community in Rochester, beginning with the role of Pith Helmet in Robert S. P. Gardner’s Here in this Garden with the Rochester Chamber Society. His history with music reaches far, from singing with the Minnesota Boychoir for 7 years, interning with the Minnesota Opera in high school, and studying opera performance at Illinois Wesleyan University. While earning two Master’s degrees at Denver Seminary, he competed internationally with Rocky Mountain District Champion Barbershop Quartet Surround Sound and the renowned barbershop chorus Sound of the Rockies. Paul now joyfully shares his voice through hymns and other beloved songs with his eldercare and hospice patients.

Who’s Who

Katie Cook (Parent Ensemble/Mrs. Phelps Understudy/Doctor Understudy): is a Rochester native. She has been performing in musical theatre since 2009. She is playing the role of Mum 1 and understudying the Doctor and Mrs. Phelps. This is her second Civic show. She loves being a part of this amazing, talented group!

Isabel Dabrowski (Lucy): loves to perform and has a passion for dance. Always eager to learn new skills, Matilda is her first musical! Isabel has participated in several dance competitions, conventions, and recitals, where she has gained recognition for her outstanding performances. She is a natural performer who loves to entertain and make people smile.

Catherine Davis (Music Director): has been involved in the Rochester theatre scene for over 30 years as a performer, pit orchestra member, and music director. Other music directing credits include Blood Brothers and A Year with Frog and Toad with Absolute Theatre; Avenue Q and Master Class at Rochester Rep; and

Always ...Patsy Cline, Into the Woods, Willy Wonka and Chocolate Factory, Murder for Two, Christmas Carol, and Little Mermaid at Rochester Civic Theatre. When not at the theatre, Catherine is a learning and development consultant specializing in leadership, team building, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Catherine is married to Jon Davis (yes, the Orchestra Director) and proud Mom to Connor and Katrina.

Jon Davis (Pit Director): has been involved with over 80 musicals including: 1940s Radio Hour, The Drowsy Chaperone, Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, Always Patsy Cline, Into the Woods, Willy Wonka, Murder for Two, the Little Mermaid (RCT), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Fiddler on the Roof (Honors Choirs), Avenue Q, Godspell, Ruthless, Master Class (Rochester Repertory Theatre), Honky Tonk Angels, Blood Brothers, Frog and Toad, Snowballs and Fruitcakes (Absolute Theatre), Sweeney Todd, Peter and the Starcatcher, 9 to 5, Legally Blonde (Riverland Community College). He plays piano for two jazz bands (Swing Street and Uptown Jazz) and is the accompanist for the Honors Choirs Chorale and Half

Who’s Who

Notes. He also frequently plays in jazz combos around town. He and his wife, Catherine, are proud parents of two children, Connor and Katrina, and adoptive parents of two cats, Mario and Pagliacci. Jon has been working as a software engineer at Western Digital for the last ten years.

Ivan Deyle (Rudolpho): is excited to make his debut to the Civic Theatre stage as Rudolpho. Ivan has acted in many shows in the past, such as, Fabian in Twelfth Night, Hanschen in Spring Awakening, and many more. Alongside acting, Ivan has Stage managed, assistant directed, and sound designed for shows as well. Other than acting Ivan is currently going to RCTC pursuing an associate degree in environmental sciences. So much of his time is spent on stage or studying!

Amber Feind (Miss Honey): last seen as Allana in The Little Mermaid. Previous roles (Eleanor Vance) The Haunting of Hill House and (Cinderella’s Mother) Into the Woods. She is excited to play a character she has loved since childhood!

CeCe Freedman (Amanda/Matilda Understudy): is thrilled to be joining the cast of Matilda! Her passion for performance art sparked early first with dance, music recitals, and more recently acting. Past Rochester Civic Theatre productions for this 6th grader include Jungle Book, Willy Wonka, and Rainbow Fish.

RaeAnn Gotch (Parent Ensemble): grew up and currently lives in Stewartville, MN with her son Drake. She is a first grade teacher for the Rochester Public Schools and enjoys card games, walking, and hanging out with family and friends. She has performed in numerous shows in the Rochester area in which some of her favorites include Mina (Dracula), Jane Worthington (Out of Order), and Lucy (Avenue Q)

Cindy Hansel (Set Designer): experience with theater has been focused on costuming and set design/build in the dance world. Her design work includes productions of Polar Express, The Nutcracker, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and Snow White. With an engineering background, Cindy enjoys working in

Who’s Who

the space where technical details and artistry meet. She is excited to be part of this incredibly talented and dedicated team at RCT!

Jayna Hartzell (Big Kid Ensemble): last seen as Rusty in a Theatre Camp production of Footloose Previous roles (Jo March) Little Women and (Veruca Salt) Willy Wonka

Raquel Hellman (Mrs. Phelps): is thrilled to be in her second production at the Rochester Civic Theatre, where she is also a member of the Board of Directors. Raquel has been in dozens of shows at theaters across Southern Minnesota, most recently as Kate Keller in The Miracle Worker at RCT. Favorite productions include The Liar, Clue, and The Great Gatsby. Raquel is the Communications Manager for The Hormel Institute, a cancer research institution. She is a self-described “crazy cat lady” and is very passionate about animal rescue.

Lucian Howard (Nigel): has loved being in this show! His first show at the Civic was Willy Wonka and the

Chocolate Factory (Oompa Loompa). He enjoys playing piano and saxophone, drawing, playing basketball, and Pokemon!

Mary Howard (Lavender): is happy to be back at the Civic! Her first show was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Oompa Loompa), and she has loved her time performing. She loves school, time with friends, playing piano and rollerblading.

Michelle Howard (Mrs Wormwood Understudy): is happy to see her kids catch the theater bug and perform in this awesome show! She was last seen at the Civic in The Little Mermaid (Ariel) and Into the Woods (Cinderella). She has also performed at the Repertory Theater in Master Class and Radium Girls (Grace Fryer).

Stella B Huelsbeck (Erica): is a vibrant and curious 5th grader at Jefferson Elementary. Stella was last seen in: Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of Penzance Jr., Jungle Book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Charlottes Web (Fern).

Who’s Who

Misha Johnson (Director): a native to Rochester, attended the University of Colorado’s BFA theatre performance conservatory. This is Misha’s fourth season as the Managing Director at the Rochester Civic Theatre. Her Rochester Civic Theatre directing credits at include: The Little Mermaid, The Play that Goes Wrong, Willy Wonka, Into the Woods, Murder for Two, Always... Patsy Cline, The Secret Comedy of Women, Say Goodnight Gracie, The Syringa Tree, The Addams Family and Shrek. Colorado credits include: Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Curious Theatre, Stories on Stage, Aurora Fox, Theatreworks, The Wolf Theatre Academy, and Arvada Center. Misha is also singer/songwriter, author, and professional voiceover actress.

Kino Kazemba (Hortensia/Nigel Understudy): is a second-grader and is thrilled to be a part of her favorite musical, Matilda. She recently performed in Rainbow Fish as Shiny Scale #2 during the summer, which sparked her love for acting. Besides acting, she enjoys gymnastics, dance, acro, playing the piano, and

attending birthday parties. Kino would like to thank Rochester Civic Theater for this wonderful opportunity and to her first-grade teacher, Miss Carlson, for introducing her to the magical world of reading.

Ada Kim (Alice Understudy/Hortensia Understudy): is delighted that her first dive into musical theatre is with Matilda. Past experience: The Rainbow Fish (Haddock, Tentacle 3).

Anna Majsterski (Big Kid Ensemble): is excited to be in her 2nd Civic Theater Show. Last season she was in Willy Wonka as an Oompa Loompa. This will be her third time working with Misha and she is excited to continue working with her in the future. Anna has recently been in Footloose Jr. at “Miss Angie’s Place” in Pine Island and has done numerous other shows with other companies. Anna is a 8th grader at Pine Island and does Cross Country and Softball.

Mark Nelson (Fly Operator): started volunteering with RCT 40 years ago working on set construction for a Neil Simon play. He then worked backstage crew

Brokered by Keller Williams Premier Realty-Rochester.

Who’s Who

and lightboard before he took to working the flies, which operate the movement of things or actors that go up, down, and sideways. He has flown about 15 actors for RCT, including the character Peter Pan, whom he flew through an open window for each performance, except for that one time the window was actually not open. He encourages anyone interested in theatre to volunteer at RCT; it’s fun and offers a chance to meet many different people. Outside of RCT, Mark is an active blood donor and supporter of Safe Haven Pet Rescue.

Rachel Obranovich (Scenic Painter): was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and went to Southwestern University where she earned a BA majoring in Theater and Art. She completed her MFA with a focus in painting at the University of Dallas and painted scenery for the Dallas Theater Center. While living abroad she began to fuse her passion for painting and performance by exploring performance art and instruction at the Zurich University for the Arts. Here in Rochester she runs back and forth between her

studio and teaching preschool usually covered in paint and carrying coffee and a baby or two.

Lorone Outlaw (Big Kid Ensemble/Miss Honey Understudy): is appearing in her 2nd production here at the Rochester Civic Theatre. Previous credits include The Little Mermaid. She is currently attending RCTC for Childhood Development and Education and hope to one day become an elementary school teacher.

Kristin Petersen (Parent Ensemble): is making her RCT debut, but she has been in too many shows to remember them all. Her favorite role to date has been Sister Amnesia in Nunsense. She would like to thank her husband and family for always supporting her love of theatre.

Beth Regener (Assistant Stage Manager): is privileged to work with this amazing cast & crew as an assistant stage manager. Past acting credits include The Play That Goes Wrong (Rochester Civic Theatre), Grounded (Absolute Theatre), Strange Snow (Rochester Repertory Theatre), Anatomy of Gray (Lyric

Who’s Who

Arts Main Stage), and Stanley Ann: The Unlikely Story of Barack Obama’s Mother (Chameleon Theatre Circle). Beth studied acting with Lev Mailer & performing voice with Stephen Houtz.

Jemma Ruud (Tori Understudy/Eric Understudy/Lucy Understudy): is a fifth grader at Gibbs Elementary. She previously performed at Rochester Civic Theater in the ensemble of The Little Mermaid, as well as in The Jungle Book and The Rainbow Fish summer camps. Jemma enjoys dance classes and singing lessons.

Samantha Ryan (Mrs. Wormwood): is happy to be back at the Civic! She was last seen on the Civic stage as Trix in Drowsy Chaperone in 2017. Recent roles include Heidi in Title of Show (Z Theatre), Ilse in Spring Awakening (Rochester Rep) and Emma in Lizzie (MTC). Sam is a founding member and board president of That Theatre Company and holds a BA in Theatre Arts.

Grace Salvaggio (The Acrobat Understudy): is thrilled to be back in Minnesota after spending a

summer teaching theatre at KWC Performing Arts. Notable shows include RCT’s Little Mermaid (Arista/ Scuttle US), RCT’s Into The Woods (Little Red), Riverland Community College’s The Addams Family (Wednesday Addams), off-Broadway at Lamb’s Theatre, People’s Improv with KWC Performing Arts, and I Put A Spell On You at Sony Hall (in New York City) with Jay Armstrong

Addison Schleicher (Matilda Wormwood): is making her theatrical debut as Matilda Wormwood. She is in third grade and her favorite subjects are Science, P.E., and Music. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends. She is extremely proud to be joining the cast of Matilda the Musical

Abigail Sievers (Big Kid Ensemble): has been most recently seen in Fiddler on the Roof as Yente. Some past shows she’s been in include Grace Farrell (Annie jr), Chip (Beauty and the Beast), and Narrator (Princess and the Pea).

Who’s Who

George Skare (Parent Ensemble): last seen in Rochester Civic Theatre’s The Little Mermaid

Previous shows include Shrek (Shrek) Rochester Civic Theatre and Screwtape (Wormwood) Rochester Repertory Theatre.

Maddie Paopao-Skillern (Tori): is excited to come back to the Civic for her second show, appearing for the first time last spring in The Little Mermaid. In 2022, she performed with Rochester Ensemble of Dance in The Nutcracker and this past spring’s production of Ascend. Maddie has been singing and dancing since she learned to walk and talk and can’t wait to perform more!

Mike Skillern (Mr. Wormwood): has been enjoying theatre work for over 20 years. He’s directed, produced, acted, stage managed, and designed for dozens of productions over the years in Colorado, Rochester, NYC, London, and Moscow. Mike is especially chuffed to return to the Civic as another villain; he was last seen onstage as Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical.

Alex J Smith (Escapologist): received his BFA in Musical Theater from Rockford University in 2016 and was last seen as Moritz in Spring Awakening at Rochester Repertory Theatre. Previous roles (Creon) Antigone, (Harry) Company, (Techno Viking) Who Was Phone? a film on Amazon.

Jude Smith (Big Kid Ensemble/Bruce Understudy): is a 7th grader at St. John’s Middle School. He has played Maui in Moana Jr., Les in Newsies, and Mike Teevee in Willy Wonka. Jude is in Honors Choirs of SE Minnesota, St. John’s boys select choir, and plays violin in SEMYO. He has previously performed in Mankato Ballet productions. Jude enjoys playing basketball and soccer.

Scott Stekel (Doctor/Ensemble/Mr. Wormwood Understudy): appeared as the Narrator in last year’s production of Into the Woods and previously has appeared on RCT’s stage as Mr. Banks in Disney’s Mary Poppins, Beast in Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, and the Tinman in The Wizard of Oz. “I

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am a huge fan of Tim Minchin (Matilda’s composer and lyricist), so I jumped at this opportunity to be part of this production.”

Paul Sund (Technical Director): has been a member of IATSE Local 416 stagehands for 33 years. He worked at the Mayo Civic Center for 30 years and then retired in 2018. In 2019, he came on board with the Rochester Civic Theatre. Paul is skilled in Arena and Theater rigging, audio, lighting, and electrics. His favorite shows to work are lighting ballet and dance.

Seely Tri (Big Kid Ensemble Understudy): is a sixth grader at John Adams Middle School. Her best friend is her fat cat named Oscar. In 2021, Seely was in the All School Musical Honk at Kasson-Mantorville Schools. Her Civic Theater performances include: The Jungle Book Children’s Theater (Raksha), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Oompa Loompa), A Christmas Carol (Ensemble), and The Little Mermaid (understudy). Seely is also on the mountain bike team and plays competitive soccer.

Richie Van (Stage Manager): RCT resident stage manager. SM Credits: Rochester Civic Theatre’s The Little Mermaid, Murder For Two, Steel Magnolias, Girls Only: The Secret Comedy Of Woman. Acting Credits: Immersion Youth Repertory’s Next to Normal (Gabe) Rochester Civic Theatre’s Into The Woods (Lucinda).

Ant Van Brunt (Production Assistant): they have previously worked as an Assistant Costume Designer and Assistant Stage Manager at the Civic. Currently attending the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire.

Madlain Vander (Costume Designer): is a Swedish immigrant who started directing, performing and designing costumes in her teens appearing in clubs across the capital Stockholm. This is also where she interned at Commedia dell’ Arte. She is a multi faceted artist -able to wear many hats and meddle in various and wide range of mediums in lively art as well as fine arts. Presently, creating stage magic through costume design includes locally Summerset Theatre, Riverland

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Theatre and the drama productions at the Southland School theatre department which she has been managing for the past decade.

Jack Wagner (Michael Wormwood Understudy): is 14 years old and is attending Mayo High School this fall. He enjoys swimming competitively, teaching swimming lessons ,acting ,singing as well as playing the cello. A few of his credits include Daddy Warbucks in Annie Jr., Young Prince in Beauty and the Beast and Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.

RB Wallman (Props Master): is proud to do props (and other little tasks) for the Rochester Civic Theatre for the first time ever! They graduated from UW-Whitewater in 2020 with a BFA in Theatre Performance and is creeping steadily back into it one show at a time.

Gavin Whetstone (Michael Wormwood/Big Kid Ensemble): has previously been in John Marshall’s production of Little Shop of Horrors as the voice of Audrey 2, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast the

Musical, and Zeus in the Greek mythology Olympioganza!

Destiny Whitehorn (Big Kid Ensemble): making her first debut in a Civic Theater production as a young adult!

Anna Wojcik (Big Kid Ensemble): is thrilled to be in Matilda at Rochester Civic Theatre. She is a sophomore at Mayo High School who loves singing, theatre, and snuggling with her dog, Bader. Most recently, she was seen as Gramma Tala in RCT’s Moana Jr. Acting credits include RCT’s The Little Mermaid, Tomato Plant Girl (Tomato Plant Girl), Into The Woods, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Friedell Middle School’s Into The Woods Jr. (Cinderella), Immersion Youth Repertory’s Kiss Me Kate (Bill/ Lucentio), Mayo Stage Door’s Mary Poppins.