Children’s Theatre Company Announces Complete Cast and Creative Team for World Premiere An American Tail the Musical

Based on the beloved award-winning animated film by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment
Now brought to life onstage by nationally-celebrated artists

April 25 – June 18, 2023

Children’s Theatre Company production of An American Tail The Musical, Sunday, April 23, 2023 Minneapolis, Minn. By Glen Stubbe Photography

Minneapolis— March 14, 2023 — Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is thrilled to announce the complete cast and creative team for the highly-anticipated World Premiere An American Tail the Musical. With a book and lyrics by Tony Award ®-winning playwright Itamar Moses (The Bands Visit), and music & lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler (Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical, The Secret of My Success), the production will feature music supervision by Andrea Grody (The Band’s Visit and Tootsie on Broadway), and choreography by Katie Spelman (World Premiere Musical The Notebook). An American Tail the Musical will be directed by Taibi Magar (We Are Proud To Present at Guthrie Theatre; We Live in Cairo at A.R.T; Anna Deavere Smith’s Twilight: Los Angeles at Signature Theatre; Co-Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theatre Company).

In An American Tail the Musical, an army of cats forces young Fievel Mousekewitz and his family to escape from Russia by boat. When a storm at sea separates them, Fievel arrives alone in the vast city of New York. In this riveting new musical based on the beloved animated film, the steadfastly optimistic Fievel makes his way as a new immigrant, encountering friends and foes (including a few scene-stealing cockroaches!). Despite everything stacked against him, Fievel clings to his dreams of a better life and reuniting with his family. Are they Somewhere Out There?

Packed with familiar songs and characters from the film, plus some captivating new characters, expanded story, and new songs from Tony-award winner Itamar Moses and the songwriting team that brought you Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical, this spectacular, must-see musical is sure to be an unforgettable experience for the entire family!

An American Tail the Musical will play from April 25 – June 18, 2023 at CTC’s UnitedHealth Group Stage (2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55404). Opening Night is Saturday, April 29 at 7pm. Tickets may be purchase online at childrenstheatre.org/AmericanTail or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15.

“We are thrilled to bring this World Premiere adaptation of the beloved film An American Tail to the stage,” said Peter C. Brosius, Artistic Director of Children’s Theatre Company. “The work of the incredible creative team of Itamar Moses, Michael Mahler, Alan Schmuckler all led by the amazing Taibi Magar has been a joy to watch. The team has brought great humor and a huge heart to the story of little Fievel Mousekowitz as he searches for his family and finds his own way in a new land. It will inspire you, move you and leave you singing. We can’t wait to share it with the world.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be directing this piece,” said director Taibi Magar. “As a daughter of a political refugee, the story resonates with me just as much today as it did 30 years ago! The writers have done an exceptional job adapting it for the stage, a feast of theatricality and a gorgeous score!”

“I was nine years old when the original film came out, and so am of the exact generation on which it first imprinted itself as a classic, and so jumped at the chance to reengage with it,” said Itamar Moses, bookwriter and lyricist of An American Tail the Musical. “And then, as I did so, I was stunned by how urgent and relevant its core message still feels, and so I can’t wait to bring it to a new generation in this new form.”

“It’s a delight and very inspiring to revisit this classic film from our childhood and discover its themes of hope, perseverance and community are still so relevant today; and an honor to build on the work of the great James Horner, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, to bring Fievel’s incredible journey to a whole new generation,” said composers and lyricists Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler.

The Adult Cast of An American Tail the Musical features Luverne Seifert* as Papa/Warren T. Rat, Becca Hart as Mama/Digit, Ryan London Levin as Tony/Ensemble, Kiko Laureano as Bridget/Ensemble, CTC Company Member Autumn Ness* as Gussie/Ensemble, Alexcia Thompson* as Cherisse/Ensemble, Deidre Cochran as Henri/Ensemble, CTC Company Member Reed Sigmund* as Honest John/Ensemble, Morgen Chang as Qiujin’s Mom/Violinist/Ensemble/Dance Captain, CTC Company Member Dean Holt* as German Landlord/Cop/Ensemble, and Glenn E. Williams II as Moe/Ensemble.

The Student Cast of An American Tail the Musical features Matthew Woody as Fievel, Lillian Hochman as Tanya/Ensemble, Monica Xiong as Qiujin/Ensemble, Ines Mojica as Orphan/Ensemble, El Kost as Orphan/Ensemble, Mabel Weismann as Orphan/Stu/Ensemble, Anja Arora as Orphan/Ensemble, Mari Peterson-Hilleque as Orphan/Ensemble, and Tic Trietler as Orphan/Sigfrid/Ensemble.

The Understudies for An American Tail the Musical (in alphabetical order) include: Jim Ahrens as Papa/Warren/Honest John/Ensemble Understudy, Ayla Rose Bornsztein as Student Cover, Samantha Buckley as Mama/Digit/Gussie Understudy, Morgen Chang as Henri Understudy, Adelyn Frost as Student Cover, Max Kile as Tony/German Landlord/Official/Police/Moe/Ensemble Understudy, Sam Mandell as Fievel Understudy/Student Cover, Ines Mojica as Quijin Understudy/Quijin Family Understudy, Junia Morrow as Student Cover, Alexcia Thompson* as Bridget Understudy, Mabel Weismann as Tanya Understudy, and Glenn E. Williams II as Cherisse Understudy.

In addition to Mr. Moses, Mr. Mahler, Mr. Schmuckler (who also serves as Orchestrator) , Ms. Grody, Ms.Spelman, and Ms. Magar, the Creative Team and Production Staff for An American Tail the Musical includes Jason Sherwood (Scenic Designer), Trevor Bowen (Costume Designer), Stacey Palmer (Associate Costume Designer), Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew (Lighting Designer), Shannon Clarke (Associate Lighting Designer), Katharine Horowitz (Sound Designer), Christopher Lutter-Gardella (Puppet Designer), J. Jared Janas (Wig, Hair and Makeup Designer), Talvin Wilks (Dramaturg), Keely Wolter (Dialect Coach), Victor Zupanc (Associate Music Supervisor/Conductor), Jason Hansen (Copyist), Emma Lai (Assistant Director), Emily Madigan (Assistant Choreographer), Ellie Simonett (Assistant Lighting Designer), Sten Severson (Associate Sound Designer), Jenny Friend* (Stage Manager), Kathryn Sam Houkom* (Assistant Stage Manager / Stage Manager), Z Makila* (Assistant Stage Manager), Cortney Gilliam (Stage Management Fellow/PA), and Jiccarra N. Hollman (Stage Management Fellow/PA).

Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

Ticket Information

Tickets to An American Tail the Musical may be purchase online at childrenstheatre.org/AmericanTail or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15.

School groups interested in attending An American Tail the Musical can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.

This production is best enjoyed by ages 5 and up. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger.

An American Tail the Musical

Book and lyrics by Itamar Moses

Music and lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment animated film

Music Supervision by Andrea Grody

Choreography by Katie Spelman

Directed by Taibi Magar

April 25-June 18, 2023

UnitedHealth Group Stage

Best for ages 5 and up

A Children’s Theatre Company Commissioned World Premiere Production In association with Universal Theatrical Group

Creative Team & Production Staff

Scenic Designer | Jason Sherwood

Costume Designer | Trevor Bowen

Associate Costume Designer | Stacey Palmer

Lighting Designer | Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew

Associate Lighting Designer | Shannon Clarke

Sound Designer | Katharine Horowitz

Puppet Designer | Christopher Lutter-Gardella

Wig, Hair and Makeup Designer | J. Jared Janas

Dramaturg | Talvin Wilks

Dialect Coach | Keely Wolter

Orchestrator | Alan Schmuckler

Associate Music Supervisor / Conductor | Victor Zupanc

Copyist | Jason Hansen

Assistant Director | Emma Y. Lai

Assistant Choreographer | Emily Madigan

Assistant Lighting Designer | Ellie Simonett

Associate Sound Designer | Sten Severson

Stage Manager | Jenny Friend *

Assistant Stage Manager / Stage Manager | Kathryn Sam Houkom*

Assistant Stage Manager | Z Makila*

Stage Management Fellow / PA | Cortney Gilliam

Stage Management Fellow PA | Jiccarra N. Hollman

Understudies
Papa/Warren/Honest John/Ensemble Understudy | Jim Ahrens
Student Cover | Ayla Rose Bornsztein
Mama/Digit/Gussie Understudy | Samantha Buckley
Henri Understudy | Morgen Chang
Student Cover | Adelyn Frost
Tony/German Landlord/Official/Police/Moe/Ensemble Understudy | Max Kile
Fievel Understudy/Student Cover | Sam Mandell
Quijin Understudy/Quijin Family Understudy | Ines Mojica
Student Cover | Junia Morrow
Bridget Understudy | Alexcia Thompson*
Tanya Understudy | Mabel Weisman
Cherisse Understudy | Glenn E. Williams II
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

ADULT CAST

Papa/Warren T. Rat

Luverne Seifert*
Luverne Seifert (he/him) has performed at CTC in the Last Firefly, The Lion, Witch and Wardrobe, Tales of a West Texas Marsupial Girl, Go Dog Go, Once Upon a Forest and Treasure Island. He has appeared locally with The Guthrie Theater, Ten thousand Things, Dark and Stormy, The Moving Company and Open Eye Figure Theatre. He was certified at the Burlesque Center-Locarno, Switzerland, in Clowning and Physical Comedy.

Mama/Digit
Becca Hart
Becca Hart (she / her) is one lucky mouse to be at CTC! Annie; The Hobbit (Children’s Theatre Company); Merrily We Roll Along (Theater Latté Da); Ride the Cyclone; Georgiana & Kitty; The Wolves (Jungle Theater); Mary Poppins (Artistry); Something Rotten (Lyric Arts); and All American Boys (Stages / Capri Theatre).

Tony/Ensemble
Ryan London Levin
Ryan London Levin Is excited to be returning to Children’s Theatre Company since Cinderella in 2019. His other credits include NEXT Festival: Scotland PA, Merrily We Roll Along (Theatre Latte Da); Runestone: A ‘Rock’ Musical, Christmas of Swing, Dirty Business: A Spy Musical, Orphan Train (History Theatre); Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood (Yellow Tree); Jefferson Township Sparkling…Pageant, The Diary of Anne Frank (Park Square Theater); The Mikveh Monologues (MN Jewish Theater); She Loves Me, Awake and Sing, The Last Five Years (Artistry); The Boy and Robin Hood, (Trademark Theater) FILM/TV: I Was There (History Channel).

Bridget/Ensemble
Kiko Laureano
Kiko Laureano (she/her) is a local actress based in Minneapolis. She holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Indiana University. Recent credits include Carmela Full of Wishes (Children’s Theatre Company); Runestone! A Rock Musical (History Theatre); Something Rotten; The Revolutionists; Evita (Lyric Arts of Anoka); Joseph…Dreamcoat (Minnetonka Theatre); Company (Lakeshore Players); A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater); Autonomy (Mixed Blood Theatre).

Gussie/Ensemble

Autumn Ness*

Autumn Ness (she/her) is celebrating her 22nd season as a member of the CTC Acting Company! Just a few of her favorite CTC shows include; Corduroy, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Annie, Cinderella; Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical; The Biggest Little House in the Forest; The Jungle Book; and Romeo and Juliet. Autumn is a recipient of the 2018 TCG Fox Foundation Fellowship, the 2020 MRAC Next Step Fund, and the 2022 MN State Arts Board Creative Support Grant.

Cherisse/Ensemble/Bridget Understudy
Alexcia Thompson*
Alexcia Thompson* (she/her) has enjoyed roles in Jelly’s Last Jam (Theatre Latte Da); Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Yellow Tree Theatre); Lonesome Traveler (Rubicon Theatre); Cinderella; Matilda; Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas; The Hobbit; Biggest Little House in the Forest; Last Stop on Market Street at Children’s Theatre Company. She has a B.F.A. from Howard University in Musical Theatre.

Henri/Ensemble
Deidre Cochran
Deidre Cochran is making her debut at CTC. You may have seen her previously in Jelly’s Last Jam(Theatre Latte Da); Shrek; Songs for a New World; Legally Blonde; The Music Man (Artistry); Islander; Ruthless (Theatre Elision). Deidre holds a BA in Theatre from Brenau University.

Honest John/Ensemble
Reed Sigmund*
Reed Sigmund is loudly celebrating his 22nd season as a member of the CTC Acting Company, where he’s appeared in shows such as Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!; Corduroy, The Wizard of Oz; If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and A Year with Frog and Toad. He can also be seen onstage at the Jungle Theater, Theater Latté Da, and The Stillwater Zephyr Theatre. 

Qiujin’s Mom/Violinist/Ensemble/Dance Captain/Henri Understudy
Morgen Chang
Morgen Chang (she/her) has appeared in Redwood (Jungle Theater); West Side Story (The Ordway); and The Picture of Dorian Gray (Collide Theatrical Dance Co.). She enjoys exploring new work, and is a frequent collaborator with Umbrella Collective and Interact Center. She currently serves as Programs Manager for Theater Mu.

German Landlord/Cop/Ensemble
Dean Holt*
Dean Holt is a member of CTC’s Acting Company (1994-present), appearing in more than 100 memorable productions in his time at CTC. He is a two-time Ivey Award winner and the recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award from St. John’s University for outstanding work in his field.

Moe/Ensemble/Cherisse Understudy
Glenn E. Williams II
Glenn E. Williams II (him/him) is honored to be a Performing Apprentice at the CTC. He was last seen in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Children’s Theatre Company). Recent theater credits include Choir Boy (Le Petit Theatre), My Fair Lady, and Ragtime (Tulane Summer Lyric). He holds a B.F.A in Acting and a B.A in Film and Directing from Ball State University and Dillard University. He is a New Orleans Native, content creator, photographer, director, choreographer and the occasional youtuber. 1906!
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

STUDENT CAST

Fievel

Matthew Woody

Matthew Woody is overjoyed to be appearing on stage at CTC for his third production! He has enjoyed previous roles in The Little Mermaid (Farmington High School); Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical (Children’s Theatre Company); and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Children’s Theatre Company). Matthew is passionate about musical theater and basketball. He is extremely grateful for the exciting opportunity to be part of this world premier musical!

Tanya/Ensemble

Lillian Hochman

Lillian is thrilled to back on the Children’s Theatre stage after performing in previous productions including Matilda The Musical; Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!; and Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Children’s Theatre Company). She has also performed with several other Twin Cities organizations including The Ordway, Stages Theatre Company, and Minnetonka Theatre. She thanks her family and promises to get her driver’s license soon to relieve them of driving duties.

Qiujin/Ensemble

Monica Xiong

Monica Xiong is thrilled to be back at Children’s Theatre Company after being in Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!. She is passionate about playing piano, dancing, singing, and expanding her knowledge of writing and storytelling. Monica is currently in fifth grade at Valley Crossing Elementary School.

Orphan/Ensemble/Quijin Understudy/Quijin Family Understudy

Ines Mojica

Ines Mojica (she/her/hers) is absolutely delighted to be back onstage at CTC. Previous CTC productions include Something Happened in our Town (2022) and Spamtown, USA! (2020). She most recently played Martha Cratchit in the Guthrie Theater’s A Christmas Carol (2022), having also played Belinda Cratchit the year prior (2021). She is a 7th grader at Anthony Middle School in Minneapolis, and has attended classes and performed in productions at Lundstrum Performing Arts. She is so excited to be a part of this production!

Orphan/Ensemble

El Kost

El Kost is in their second show at Children’s Theatre Company. El has enjoyed roles in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at CTC and Shrek; Mary Poppins, Jr.; Newsies, Jr.; and Urinetown at Ashland Productions. El is in 8th grade and is attending school virtually in River Falls, Wisconsin.

Orphan/Stu/Ensemble/Tanya Understudy

Mabel Weismann

Mabel Weismann (she/her) is excited to be back at CTC for the sixth time. Favorite CTC roles include: Cindy Lou Who (Grinch); Claire (Wimpy Kid); and Pepper (Annie). She has also performed at The Ordway, Guthrie, Latté Da, Artistry, Zephyr, Park Square and Minnetonka Theatre. She has portrayed a squirrel, butterfly, bunny, a Who, a middle schooler, and a mock turtle, but this is her first time as a mouse! mabelweismann.com.

Orphan/Ensemble

Anja Arora

Anja Arora (she/her) is ecstatic to be a part of An American Tail the Musical! Previous CTC credits include Annie; Diary of a Wimpy Kid; and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Anja has also performed with Stages Theatre Company, Artistry Theater, Blue Water Theatre Company, and Minnetonka Schools. She would like to thank her family for supporting her in all her endeavors, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Orphan/Ensemble

Mari Peterson-Hilleque

Mari Peterson-Hilleque is excited to be joining the amazing cast of An American Tail! Her other CTC shows include Locomotion, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical; and Annie. She has also performed at The Zephyr Theater, Youth Performance Company, SteppingStone Theatre, The Ordway, and Fidgety Fairy Tales. Mari is a junior at Minnetonka High School.

Orphan/Sigfrid/Ensemble

Tic Trietler

Tic Treitler (they/them) is ecstatic to return to CTC where their credits include Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical and Annie. They have performed with several theatres, including the Guthrie Theater, Lakeshore Players Theatre, Circus Juventas, Morris Park Players, and Shakespearean Youth Theatre. Tic sings with MN Opera Youth Studio.

UNDERSTUDIES

Papa/Warren/Honest John/Ensemble Understudy

Jim Ahrens

Jim Ahrens (he/his) last appeared at CTC in 1981’s The Three Musketeers. In the intervening decades, he has appeared as an actor and singer with many organizations, including Jungle Theatre, the Minnesota Orchestra, Theatre Latte Da, Theatre Elision, and others in the Midwest.

Student Cover

Ayla Rose Bornsztein

Ayla Rose Bornsztein (she/her) is delighted to make her Children’s Theatre Company debut! Past performances include A Christmas Car ol (Guthrie Theater) and The Music Man (Bluewater Theatre). She would like to thank her family for their love, support, and transportation!

Mama/Digit/Gussie Understudy

Samantha Buckley

Samantha Buckley (she/her) is making her Children’s Theatre Company debut! She was last seen in Smokey Joe’s Cafe at the Lyric Arts Theater. She holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She sends her thanks to her family and friends for the continuous love and support.

Student Cover

Adelyn Frost

Adelyn Frost (She/her) is delighted to return to Children’s Theatre Company. Recent credits include, Annie (CTC); The Little Mermaid Jr.; You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Stages Theatre Company); SpongeBob The Musical (Lakeville North Theatre). Adelyn has enjoyed acting since the age of 4. She would like to thank her family, friends, and directors for all their support.

Tony/German Landlord/Official/Police/Moe/Ensemble Understudy

Max Kile

Max Kile (They/She) is thrilled to make their CTC debut! Max’s recent credits include Escape to Margaritaville; Once Upon a Mattress (Old Log Theatre); Night of the Living Dead! (Minneapolis Musical Theatre); and The Wedding Singer (Lyric Arts). Max holds a B.F.A. from The Hartt School.

Fievel Understudy/Student Cover

Sam Mandell

Sam Mandell (he/him) is delighted to be returning to CTC in An American Tail. He has most recently enjoyed roles in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Musical and Annie. He has also performed with several other organizations including The Zephyr Theatre, Stages Theatre Company, and Minnetonka Theatre.

Student Cover

Junia Morrow

Junia Morrow (She/Her) is thrilled to make her Children’s Theatre Debut in An American Tail. She is a current sophomore at SPCPA. Some recent credits include Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story (History Theatre); Ragtime; The Wolves (SPCPA). She hopes you all enjoy the show!

CREATIVE TEAM & PRODUCTION STAFF

Book and Lyrics

Itamar Moses

Itamar Moses is a Tony Award-winning author whose work includes the plays Bach at Leipzig; The Four of Us; Completeness; and The Whistleblower; and the musicals Nobody Loves You; Fortress of Solitude; and The Band’s Visit. Television includes Boardwalk Empire and The Affair. Born in Berkeley, he now lives in Brooklyn.

Music and Lyrics

Michael Mahler

Michael Mahler is a Richard Rodgers award-winning composer/lyricist whose work was represented on Broadway in the revival of Miss Saigon (add’l lyrics). Other credits include Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Secret of My Success, and October Sky. Projects in development include Night at the Museum (music by Alan Menken) and Frankenstein adaptation The Monster. Love to 5-year-old son Ezra, who is fond of hats.

Music and Lyrics

Alan Schmuckler

Alan Schmuckler (co-music, co-lyrics, orchestrations) Music, lyrics, score & song production, Kidding (Showtime); Kleban Prize, Webby Award, both for podcast musical Wait Wait Don’t Kill Me (Wondery). With Michael Mahler, music & lyrics, My Little Pony: A New Generation (Netflix); LEGO Store: The Musical (The LEGO Group); Diary of a Wimpy Kid (CTC); The Secret of My Success (NBCUni); others; Richard Rodgers Award, for stage musical The Monster. Alan lives in Connecticut with his pregnant wife Sara and their rescue poodle Toby.

Director

Taibi Magar

Taibi Magar was recently named the Co-Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theatre Company. Minneapolis Credits: Noura, Familiar, We Are Proud To Present (Guthrie Theater). NYC Credits include: Soho Rep, The Shed, Ars Nova, and The Atlantic amongst others. Obie Award 2018, MFA: Brown University.

Music Supervisor

Andrea Grody

Andrea Grody (she/her) music directed/supervised The Band’s Visit and Tootsie on Broadway. Other career highlights include Suffs, The Fortress of Solitude, The Great Immensity, and Public Works’ As You Like It (Public Theater); Assassins (Yale Rep); Robin Hood and Unknown Soldier (Williamstown), and Strange Faces as writer/composer. B.A. Princeton University, M.A. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Choreographer

Katie Spelman

Katie Spelman is thrilled to be at CTC for the first time. Credits include Once (Writers Theatre), The Notebook (CST), AD 16 (Olney Theater), The Beautiful Game (Tokyo), The Who’s Tommy (DCPA), Oklahoma! (Goodspeed) and Cabaret (Paramount Theatre). Katie was the Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge for the Boston, Broadway, and Australian companies.

Scenic Designer

Jason Sherwood

Jason Sherwood designed the 2020 Oscars and RENT Live, for which he received consecutive Emmy Awards. Other work: tours for Sam Smith, Spice Girls, Sara Bareilles. Performances for Janelle Monae, Eminem, Camila Cabello, and world premieres at New York Theatre Workshop, Atlantic, ART, and many regional theatres. Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Henry Hewes nominations. @JasonSherwoodDesign

Costume Designer

Trevor Bowen

Trevor is proud to be back at CTC. Corduroy, Something Happened in Our Town, Spamtown, U.S.A. (CTC); Credits include: Kennedy Center, MN Opera, Guthrie Theater, Ordway, Glimmerglass Opera Festival, Boston Lyric Opera, Denver Center, Asolo Rep, Penumbra Theatre, Steppenwolf, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, FIAF, 5th Ave, Arena Stage, Walker Art Center. www.trevorbowendesign.com

Associate Costume Designer

Stacey Palmer

Stacey Palmer (she/her) has designed costumes for several theaters including Stages Theatre, Augsburg University, University of Minnesota, Journey North Opera, Theater Mu, and Guthrie Theater BFA New Plays. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design and an MFA in Costume and Scenic Design from the University of Minnesota.

Lighting Designer

Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew

Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew is an award winning designer in lighting for theatre, dance, opera, musicals, music performances, installation, immersive experiences and digital productions. Her designs have been seen across US cities and internationally. Jeanette is excited to make her Children’s Theatre debut! Associate Arts Professor with NYU Tisch Drama. www.jeanetteyew.com

Associate Lighting Designer

Shannon Clarke

Shannon Clarke is a New York-based lighting designer. Design credits include Notes for Now; Rule of Three; Reignite; MoveMEANT; and Ship in a Bottle (Prospect Theatre Company); Broadway Holiday Spectacular (Transendence Theatre Company); The Ballroom, Almost Ritual, and Any/Which/Way (Co•Lab Dance). www.shannon-clarke.com @sclarke.design

Sound Designer

Katharine Horowitz

Katharine Horowitz (she/her) has been the associate sound designer for many CTC shows such as Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Annie, Matilda and more. She designs regularly at History Theatre, Jungle Theater, Park Square Theatre, Pillsbury House Theatre, Gremlin Theatre, Theater Mu, and others. Katharine is a 2017 McKnight Theatre Artist Fellow at the Playwrights’ Center.

Puppet Designer

Christopher Lutter-Gardella

Chris is a designer, inventor, theater-maker and community educator whose work revolves around the design, construction and performance of puppets, masks, props, costumes, theatrical inventions, kinetic-sets and interactive sculptural installations. He is Artistic Director of Big Animal Productions LLC, a scenic and public art production company, based in South Minneapolis. You can see his work at: christopherlutter.com

Wig, Hair and Makeup Designer

J. Jared Janas

Recent Broadway credits include Good Night, Oscar; Sweeney Todd; Ohio State Murders; Kimberly Akimbo; & Juliet; Topdog/Underdog; American Buffalo; How I Learned to Drive; Jagged Little Pill; Frankie and Johnny…; Gettin’ the Band Back Together; Bandstand; Indecent; and Sunset Boulevard.

Dramaturg

Talvin Wilks

Director: Locomotion (CTC); The Ballad of Emmett Till; Benevolence; The White Card; This Bitter Earth at Penumbra; Parks (History Theatre); Cannabis: A Viper Vaudeville (HERE Arts/La Mama, NYC); The Till Trilogy (Mosaic Theatre, DC). He is an Associate Professor, Theatre Arts and Dance Department, University of Minnesota/Twin Cities and a 2020 McKnight Theater Artist Fellow.

Dialect Coach

Keely Wolter

Keely Wolter (she/her) has served as a dialect consultant on Carmela Full of Wishes, Akeelah and the Bee, and The Jungle Book at Children’s Theatre Company. She has worked with many other Twin Cities companies, including the Guthrie Theater, Jungle Theater, The Ordway, and Theatre Latte Da. She holds an MA in voice studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

Associate Music Supervisor/Conductor

Victor Zupanc

Victor grew up in Victoria, British Columbia. Since 1989, Victor has been the resident Music Director/Composer at Children’s Theatre Company composing music and conducting orchestras for many of your favorite productions. He has worked on over 300 plays at countless theatres across the country. He also composes for orchestras, choirs and films and his music has been performed in over a dozen countries around the world. www.victorzupanc.com

Copyist

Jason Hansen

Jason Hansen (he/him) has worked as music director, composer, orchestrator, arranger, and/or musician on over 70 productions at theaters including Children’s Theatre Company (Dr. Seuss’s The Sneeches The Musical Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!; Cinderella) Guthrie Theater, Theater Latté Da, Chanhassen Dinner Theater, Ten Thousand Things, Mixed Blood Theatre, History Theater, Arkansas Rep, and Northern Sky Theater.

Assistant Director

Emma Y. Lai

Emma Y. Lai (she/her) has enjoyed working with CTC as a Directing Intern. She has worked with organizations such the Guthrie, Lincoln Center Theatre, Alley Theatre, and Two River Theater. Upcoming projects include Murdered to Death (Phipps Center) and Songs of Bilitis (workshop) by Rachel Anne Brees. emmaylai.com

Assistant Choreographer

Emily Madigan

Emily Madigan (she/they) has been an Associate Choreographer for Hairspray at Artistry, as well as in various shows around the country; The Notebook at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, A.D. 16 at Olney Theatre Center, Shout Sister Shout at Seattle Rep and Ford’s Theatre, and many others.

Assistant Lighting Designer

Ellie Simonett

Ellie Simonett (She/Her) worked on Locomotion, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (‘22); Bina’s Six Apples; and Diary of A Wimpy Kid at Children’s Theatre Company and is excited to return. Her other credits include Anonymous Lover; and Edward Tulane (Minnesota Opera) and Beauty and the Beast (The Ordway).

Associate Sound Designer

Sten Severson

Stage Manager

Jenny R. Friend* (she/her)
For 18 years, CTC has given her the gift of seeing the world with wonder through a child’s eyes. She hopes this show can bring you what she has found at home with her daughter, Greta – the power of discovering your voice and a love for adorable rodents. This one’s for you, Sneaker and Zero.

Assistant Stage Manager / Stage Manager
Kathryn Sam Houkom*
Kathryn Sam Houkom (she/her) has been on the stage management team at CTC for over 20 productions since 2004. Sam has also stage managed for Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Orchestra, The Ordway, Park Square Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, and The Kennedy Center.

Assistant Stage Manager
Z Makila*
Z Makila (he/him & they/them) is returning to Children’s Theatre Company after stage managing the January workshop of An American Tail. Other credits include Beauty and the Beast (The Ordway); Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical (Theater Latté Da); Joyful Echoes (Minnesota Orchestra); and Thunder Knocking on the Door (Ten Thousand Things).

Stage Management Fellow/PA
Cortney Gilliam
Cortney Gilliam (she/her) is a stage manager and performing/visual artist from Dallas, Texas. She was the 2021-2022 CTC Stage Management Fellow and now celebrates her 3rd production as an ASM. She was an inaugural musical theatre GreenRoom Fellow at The Ordway. Cortney is a proud alumna of Howard University!

Stage Management Fellow/PA
Jiccarra N. Hollman
Jiccarra N. Hollman has enjoyed roles in Kumbyah: The Juneteenth Story (Breck/Denfeld; Duluth, MN); Secrets (Capri Theater); and The Energized Guyz, a traveling show with the National Theatre for Children. Her love for theatre has also brought her into stage management. She is a Captain in the Air Force and founder of News On Purpose, a platform for Black and Brown Stories to be shared by Black and Brown bodies.

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theatre for young people and serves a multigenerational audience. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire for more than 250,000 people annually. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the coveted Tony Award® for regional theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony® nominations (for its production of A Year with Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to creating world-class productions at the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.

CTC’s engagement and learning programs annually serve more than 93,000 young people and their communities through Theatre Arts Training, student matinees, Neighborhood Bridges, and early childhood arts education programs. ACT One is CTC’s comprehensive platform for access, diversity, and inclusion in our audiences, programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community. childrenstheatre.org