SOMETHING ROTTEN CAST & CREW BIOS

Reagan Aleman (Bea) – Reagan is delighted to be a part of Theatre L’Homme Dieu’s Something Rotten this summer! She will be a senior at Minnetonka High School this fall and enjoys being a part of the theatre community. Reagan began performing in 4th grade and fell in love with acting after being cast in her first ever musical, Clear Spring Elementary’s production of Oklahoma! Jr. Since then, Reagan has been involved in several Minnetonka Theatre productions, the most recent being Mamma Mia! this past spring. In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends and family, watching movies and enjoying the lovely summer weather while it lasts! Reagan would like to thank her parents and friends for all their support and encouragement. Additionally, she would like to thank the Minnetonka Theatre Staff and Theatre L’Homme Dieu for this incredible opportunity. She is truly grateful to be involved in reviving this musical for a new audience! Reagan is still finalizing her plans for after high school but has an interest in studying biological science. However, she knows that she wants to make theatre a part of her life when in college! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Spencer Ammon (Spot Light Operator) – Spencer is going off to Colorado State University in the fall, continuing his theatre career out there and hoping to become a lighting designer. He says, “Theatre has always been a large part of my life because I’ve been exposed to it forever with my mom and sister being theatre majors in college. So, to me, theatre is family and brings us all closer together.”

Alex Armstrong (Light Board Operator) – Alex just finished his first year at the University of Alaska Fairbanks pursuing a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. He plans to return in the fall and continue to pursue his degree in hopes of getting a job in the aerospace or automotive industries. In addition to working on Something Rotten this summer, Alex has decided to pursue his love of airplanes and is now working at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport as a ramp agent.

John Armstrong (Tech Crew) – John says, “Theater is this place I go to just do something I enjoy with people I enjoy. It’s hard, annoying, and we don’t really get recognized or rewarded, but we do it anyway because we enjoy doing it.”

Zhou Benson (Ensemble) – Zhou is a recent graduate from Minnetonka high school. She is beyond thrilled to be returning to Theatre L’Homme Dieu to reprise Minnetonka’s production of Something Rotten. This show brought Zhou so much laughter and joy and she hopes it will do the same for the audience! In the challenging times of the pandemic, she found it especially refreshing to do such a ridiculously humorous show that brought a smile to audiences’ faces. Zhou would like to thank everyone who has supported her through all her endeavors.

Izzy Bloom (Tech Crew) – Izzy is excited to keep making memories, as well as gaining life experience and wisdom through theater.

Sam Boime (Ensemble) – Sam is a 2021 MHS graduate who plans to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth in the fall. Sam says, “I’ve been involved in theatre since I was in third grade and have made some great friends along the way, and I’m very happy to be able to share this experience with some of those friends. Something Rotten was one of the highlights of my senior year and I’m thrilled to get to do it again.”

Ella Bricker (Stage Manager) – Ella is a senior at Minnetonka High School and has been involved in theatre for three years.

Kate Brown (Costumes, Hair & Makeup) – Kate has been a part of the costume crew all throughout high school and has been involved in theatre since elementary school. She's so excited to experience one last show with the cast and crew, especially one as funny and upbeat as Something Rotten. This fall she will be attending the University of Wisconsin Madison to study Journalism.

Marcus Carlson (Assistant Stage Manager, Spot Light Operator) – Marcus is a rising senior and has been involved with theater for as long as he can remember. Marcus says, “I love my theater family and feel incredibly lucky to get to spend time putting on great shows!”

Alex Colmenares (Brother Jeremiah) – Alex says, “Theatre to me is a way to express my love of roleplay and acting. I don't have many means in my normal life to act. So, theatre is a great way to get into character and just have fun with it.”

Jenna DeJong (Sound Board Operator) – Jenna will be a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire this fall. She is on the Pre-Med track with ambitions to become a doctor. Some of Jenna’s fondest memories involve her time at Minnetonka Theatre, especially her stay in Alexandria for Bright Star in 2019, her time behind the sound board, and most importantly the friends she made in the theatre. A special thanks to her mentors Nathan Humason, Jeff Geisler, and Matthew Kudas for helping her even when she asked stupid questions. This will be Jenna’s 19th show with Minnetonka. She is excited to be back at Theatre L’Homme Dieu rejoining her Minnetonka Theatre family one more time.

Andrew Denhardt (Ensemble) – Andrew plans to attend college and pursue acting. He says, “Theatre gives me a sense of community. I have been acting since 5th grade and the people I have met become my favorite people. It feels like I am a part of a big family which allows me to express myself and be a part of something. I cannot imagine who I would be without theatre. It brings me joy to be a part of a show!!!! I am excited to be a part of Something Rotten. It was an experience to perform it live outside, and now we all have a chance to perform it inside! I would like to take a moment and thank my family (parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins) and friends for supporting me through my acting career.”

Joe Douglass (Tech Crew) – Joe has been doing crew since 6th grade and says, “These years in theater have proven to be central to my journey of self-discovery and growing up. Theater is a place to find confidence and passion, even for someone like me, who is never actually on stage. These experiences are truly magical, and Something Rotten is one of the most fun shows that I’ve had the opportunity to work on. I’m so excited to have the chance to help bring it back here this summer!”

Jason Elyea-Wheeler (William Shakespeare) – Return to Theatre L'Homme Dieu? Thou surely doth jest. Perform Something Rotten again, with the cast that is best. A bard in training, Jason Elyea-Wheeler may be. To play William Shakespeare again what other honor shall he need? A Hamline University student, Tonka alumni with pride. He won't stop performing until you are all mesmerized.

Stanley Gagner (Sound Effects Operator) – Stanley is excited to finally get to do Something Rotten in a real theater where we can have full control over the sound, the lights ... and the AC. Thank you to all the Theater L’Homme Dieu staff for accommodating such a large cast and crew, and to the Minnetonka staff for striving to give opportunities like this to students. In the fall Stanley will be attending Fordham University at the Lincoln Center campus.

Molly Geldert (Ensemble) – Molly is so excited for the opportunity to be able to perform this show for a second time! She says, “Something Rotten is like no other show that I have been in, and it is simply so funny and entertaining to watch, making it all the more fun to be a part of. Theatre is such an amazing and collaborative activity, and I am so grateful that I have been able to work with such incredible directors, actors, crew, and friends with Minnetonka Theatre. I will never forget the wonderful experiences that I have had here!”

Hailey Guptail (Minstrel, Dancer, Ensemble) – Hailey is so excited to get to do Something Rotten again!! She says, “It is one of my all-time favorite shows I’ve done and I’m so grateful that I get to perform it again for new audiences! I’m going to be a senior this fall and am excited to be a part of the directive team for the Students Arts Showcase at MHS this August. Lastly, I want to thank my parents for always supporting my theatre ambitions, I love you!”

Joe Harris (Nigel Bottom) – Joe was singing before he could form words, so it only makes sense that he would join Minnetonka Theatre at an early age. His first role was as Buckwheat in Our Gang Follies of 1938 in 4th grade, and he has performed on stage in 24 productions since then. He also served as a Student Advisor for Broadway, Here I Come! and composed and performed the original score for Subject to Change. Joe is excited to return to the role of Nigel Bottom and share this show with TLHD audiences. He will attend the University of Oregon in the fall to study Psychology.

Bjorn Johnson (Student Director) – Bjorn is happy to have been participating in theatre productions with his friends since elementary school. His favorite part of student directing is watching the show come together from a different perspective as to how he usually sees them come together as part of the cast. He’s excited for people to see the show, as the entire cast and crew of Something Rotten have put together something really special!

Ruby-Mae Karason (Dancer, Ensemble) – Ruby says, “To me, theatre means working with a family of cast, crew, directors, and audience to apprise a message through performance and empathy. My favorite part of theatre is being able to have the freedom and support to explore many different mediums with the same outcome, whether it’s acting, set crew, or directing. Even though each role has a different goal and duty, the overall outcome is the show.”

Max Kedrowski (Run Crew) – Max has worked on crew for 20 shows with Minnetonka Theatre, and Something Rotten is one of his favorites. Max is excited to be back at Theatre L’Homme Dieu for the second time.

Chase Kickhaefer (Ensemble) – Chase is an incoming junior at MHS and loves performing. She says, “Being involved in theatre at Minnetonka has been an experience that I am incredibly grateful for. Something Rotten was my first spring show at the high school and first show on school property. Originally performing this show in the parking lot created some of the happiest memories and strongest friendships. I am so excited to get to do it all over again!”

Jason Kizilos (Bottom Brothers' Troupe, Dancer, Ensemble) – Jason says, “This coming fall, I am going into my sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin Stout for Psychology. My plan is to become an adolescent therapist. We are performing Something Rotten in the beautiful lake region of Alexandria, and I'm looking forward to spending time on the lakes and catching up with friends I haven't had the opportunity to see during the school year. I'd like to thank my close friend Gabe Smerillo for his support and friendship since kindergarten.”

Truman Klein (Nostradamus) – Truman is a 2021 MHS graduate and currently attends the University of Massachusetts in Boston with a focus in History and Spanish. Theater has always played a very large role in his life, and it will remain as a great passion of his going into the future. Truman would like to thank his loving parents and his close group of friends for constantly inspiring him and supporting him through thick and thin.

Olivia Kronzer (Assistant Stage Manager) – A 2022 MHS graduate, Olivia has been on crew since her freshman year. She says, “Theatre to me is all about the community and I’m so happy to be doing Something Rotten again with a great group of people. In the fall I plan on going to the University of Minnesota and majoring in environmental science.”

Lily Krueger (Costumes, Hair & Makeup) – Lily says, “I love Something Rotten because it's a show you can't explain to another person. It's such a pleasure to be on the crew for this show again with my favorite people.”

Elliot Lee-O’Halloran (Bottom Brothers' Troupe, Dancer, Ensemble) – Elliot will be a junior at Minnetonka High School this fall and is delighted to be able to perform Something Rotten again! Theatre has always had a big impact on his life ever since he was 6 years old, and he hopes to continue it after high school. Elliot would like to thank the artistic team for giving him the opportunity to perform this fun and comedic show again, as well as his parents for supporting him over the years!

Greta Lindberg (Portia) – Greta says, “I am so excited to be back with the Minnetonka Theatre community to perform my senior show for a second time! I am an incoming sophomore at St. Olaf College, and I have the incredible opportunity of studying Theatre in London next year. I would like to thank my family, as well as the Minnetonka Theatre staff, for consistently supporting and motivating me during my time with Minnetonka Theatre. It has truly been a blessing.”

Wilson Lindberg (Bottom Brothers' Troupe, Dancer, Ensemble) – Wilson says, “Theatre has always held a special place in my heart and a lot of that space is taken up by the people I’ve made connections with. What I really love is that Something Rotten is a show that takes you out of your reality and allows you to have the most fun you could possibly have on stage!”

Jennifer Xinyi Liu (Ensemble) – Jennifer says, “Something Rotten is one of my favorites among all the shows I have done! I would like to give thanks to the directors for making the show so funny and delicate. Also, thanks to the talented cast and crew for creating the loving and welcoming atmosphere that made the production even more fun! I will continue to pursue music when I go to college next year!”

Aaliyah Lowry-Luther (Dancer, Ensemble) – Aaliyah says, “I am so excited to perform Something Rotten at Theatre L'Homme Dieu. I'm thrilled to perform in one last show for Minnetonka Theatre before I head off to college. Minnetonka Theatre has allowed me to meet some amazing people and make some lasting friendships. I've made many memories that I'll cherish forever so thank you for everything.”

Savannah Lowry-Luther (Costumes, Hair & Makeup) – Savannah has been involved in Minnetonka Theatre since the 5th grade when she was in the ensemble of Oklahoma Jr. She has gone on to help in 11 shows as part of the costume and set crews for the high school. Savannah is excited to revisit Something Rotten this summer and spend time with friends before going off to North Carolina in the fall to attend Meredith College where she will be majoring in Fashion Design and minoring in Business.

Emma Lee Macosko (Ensemble) – Emma Lee has been performing with Minnetonka Theatre since she began in The Scarlet Pimpernel. She is thrilled to be able to work with such a great community again for her Theatre L'Homme Dieu debut of Something Rotten. Emma Lee has loved getting to perform so many incredible shows with such amazing casts and crews. She would like to thank her family for encouraging her love of musical theatre and keeping her on stage. Emma Lee will be attending DePaul University this fall.

Silver Oakman (Tech Crew) – Silver says, “Theatre has caused me to grow as a person and I am thankful for it. Over the year I’ve done it at MHS, I’ve made a lot of friends and gained new skills. It’s also inspired me to continue in the future, and I hope to do it as a career.”

Henry Olig (Bottom Brothers' Troupe, Ensemble) – Henry attends the University of Minnesota studying Computer Science. He is super excited to perform Something Rotten again because it is a show where he got closer to a lot of amazing people. Henry would like to thank all the cast and crew involved in putting on such a fun show.

Sara Pender (Ensemble) – A recent graduate of Minnetonka High School, Sara plans to go to Australia to study International Relations at The University of Sydney. She has loved participating in theatre throughout high school and hopes to continue into college. To finish off the year, she is very excited to reintroduce Something Rotten back to the stage with this wonderful cast and crew.

Max Perdu (Shylock, Ensemble) – Max says, “Whenever I’m not in rehearsal for a theatre production, my life doesn’t feel complete. I’m so grateful for the opportunities Minnetonka Theatre provides me. Something Rotten is the perfect lighthearted show for a good pick-me-up. I love it, I love it, I love it!”

Sean Peterson (Ensemble) – Sean says, “My biggest hobby is the performing arts! I love all aspects of theatre and I hope to minor in some sort of theatre practice in college. Theatre to me means having the courage to be yourself but also someone else at the same time onstage. If you can achieve both, you are a rock star!”

Tessa Ramsden (Lady Clapham, Ensemble) – Tessa just completed her freshman year at the University of Iowa, where she is majoring in Creative Writing and Chinese. She is so happy to be back with her Minnetonka Theatre family for the summer! Tessa would like to thank her parents and sister for always being her biggest supporters. Fun fact: her favorite song in Something Rotten is ‘God I Hate Shakespeare!’

Alli Richter (Tech Crew) – Alli says, “I first got involved in theatre at Minnetonka Middle School East and enjoy working behind the scenes with the cast and crew. For the future, I plan on continuing with the crew and can’t wait to see what performances they have planned. There are so many people I’d like to thank for helping me with theatre, but I just want everyone that I’ve worked with to know I am grateful for their guidance, support and encouragement.”

Luke Rowen (Master of the Justice, Ensemble) – Luke says, “I’ve performed in Minnetonka Theatre productions for 3 years, and before that at the Breck School. My passions excluding theatre are hiking and math. My favorite role I’ve played is Vittorio Vidal in Sweet Charity and I am looking forward to being in Something Rotten!”

Jocelyn Saint-Louis (Run Crew) – Jocelyn is at MHS and has done 11 shows with Minnetonka Theatre.

Olivia Salmi (Ensemble) – Olivia has been involved in musical theatre since third grade. She has primarily acted on the stage but has also worked as a part of the crew behind the scenes. Her favorite part of being in theatre is the community it creates, and the incredible productions a team can create working together. Next year, Olivia plans to attend St. Olaf College to further her education.

Ella Schindel (Dancer, Ensemble) – Ella is planning on going to Western Washington University in the fall. She says, “Theatre has been a great home for me in the past 3 years. I have met so many amazing people and I’m gonna miss them so much next year. I’m so excited to have this opportunity to perform this show again for you all, I hope you enjoy it!”

Adam Schulenberg (Bottom Brothers' Troupe, Dancer, Ensemble) – Adam has been doing theatre since 4th grade, so it definitely made its mark on his childhood. Next year he will be heading off to the University of Oregon to study Cinema. Adam would like to thank the many people he met along the way for creating an experience he’ll never forget.

Jack Schuster (Bottom Brothers' Troupe, Ensemble) – Jack says, “Something Rotten is such a positive memory in a hard time, and it was an amazing end to my high school career! I'm now going to the University of Minnesota Duluth for Mechanical Engineering and spending most of the time I should be studying outdoors. Music and laughter are so important to daily living and this show has a lot of both!”

Hannah Seeman (Minstrel, Dancer, Ensemble) – Hannah recently graduated from Minnetonka High School and plans to attend Hofstra University this fall where she will major in Television Productions and Studies. While she is currently an actor, she plans to pursue directing in college. Hannah has been doing theatre since she was five years old at multiple theatres around Minneapolis. She was in Bright Star at TLHD and is so excited to be back!!! She wants to thank her dad, mom, and sister Clare for continuing to support her through her theatrical journey!

Chloe Stromberg (Ensemble) – Chloe has performed in various Minnetonka High School and Minnetonka Community Theatre productions. She also has enjoyed performing in other local community theatre shows. Theatre has always been an outlet to escape from reality and be able to both understand and portray a perspective different from your own through storytelling. She has thoroughly enjoyed performing in Something Rotten as it tells a beautiful story of staying true to yourself regardless of others’ opinions. Chloe would like to thank Minnetonka Theatre staff as well as Theatre L'Homme Dieu staff for providing us with this opportunity to bring to life this heartfelt story.

Kat Tran (Costumes, Hair & Makeup) – Kat says, “To me, theatre means connecting with people you wouldn't normally get the chance to. Whether that means interacting with people outside your grade and daily group of friends at school, or working with people within the community, both older and younger, that you wouldn't typically have the opportunity to, everyone is able to come together to create something they're proud of and all had a part in making happen.”

Nate Turcotte (Nick Bottom) – Nate is thrilled to be back on the L’Homme Dieu stage with Minnetonka Theatre. A 2021 graduate of Minnetonka High School, he has spent the last year studying Acting and Computer Science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he will be returning in the fall. He would like to thank the artistic teams at Minnetonka High School and Theatre L’Homme Dieu for the opportunity to perform this show again, and he can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Ella Van Engen (Minstrel, Ensemble) – Ella says, “I am so happy to be back on stage with Minnetonka Theatre, and very excited to be back at Theatre L'Homme Dieu since our run of Bright Star. I’m currently double majoring in Art and Psychology at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, but I would like to thank Minnetonka Theatre and Theatre L’Homme Dieu for giving all of us Minnetonka High School graduates a chance to come back to the stage to do what we love.”

Jazmin Westlind (Props) – Jazmin says, “Theatre has been a passion of mine since elementary school, it is a way for me to not only meet new people but to also express my artistic creativity in many different ways. I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of the cast and crew for previous productions which have really made me appreciate the hard work and dedication put into both positions. I would like to thank all the staff and students of Minnetonka Theatre that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I can’t wait to create even more incredible memories with the Minnetonka Theatre community in future productions.

Jane Williams (Minstrel, Dancer, Ensemble) – Jane has been acting in shows with Minnetonka Theatre since fourth grade. Among her favorite productions were Evita, Bright Star, Something Rotten, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Circle Mirror Transformation. She had the great joy of performing in Bright Star at Theatre L' Homme Dieu in the summer of 2019 and is so happy to return for Something Rotten. She wants to thank the TLHD staff and the Alexandria theatergoers for their welcoming and warmth.