Meet the cast, production team, and sponsors of School of Rock

EMERIC ANDERSON – Youth –  Sophie

Emeric is a long-time performer in the Zephyr Young Actors Theatre playing James in “James and the Giant Peach,” Mowgli in “The Jungle Book,” and ensemble parts for many other productions. Emeric appreciates the support she receives from her family and friends, and is grateful for the experience to perform in ‘School of Rock.”

CLAY BARTELT – Youth – Lawrence

Clay is entering the 6th grade at OakLand Middle School. He loves acting, music and sports. He has been in numerous plays and musicals, all through the Zephyr Theatre. Previous roles include Young George Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life) and Harold Hill (The Music Man Kids). Clay also has a passion for 70s and 80s rock. He is so excited to be a part of School of Rock!

TRUMAN BEDNAR – Youth – Billy

Truman is 11 years old and will be a 6th grader at River Grove in the fall. He has been a part of several shows with The Zephyr Theatre, and was most recently seen in their co-production with River Falls as Lord Farquad in Shrek. Truman has trained in ballet since the age of five, and has been a part of Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy at the State Theatre for several years. This summer, he was invited to train on full scholarship in Chautauqua, New York. Truman is beyond grateful and excited to be a part of School of Rock!

MALIA BERG – Youth – Katie

Malia turns 14 on Opening Night of “School of Rock.” She is from Woodbury, MN and has enjoyed performing with theater companies such as the Children’s Theater Company, the Zephyr Theater, and Merrill Arts Center in productions that include Spamtown USA , and Bina’s Apples (CTC); Disney’s Freaky Friday; 101 Dalmations; Little Women; Madeline’s Christmas (MAC); Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Mary Poppins; Mulan; Little Mermaid; Madagascar; Annie; and Charlotte’s Web (Zephyr Theater). She has been cast in principal roles in several of these productions, including as one of the leads in “Spamtown USA,” Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins,” Cruella DeVil in “101 Dalmations,” Miss Hannigan in “Annie,” Alex the Lion in “Madagascar,” and Oberon in “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Besides acting and performing in Musical Theater, she loves to sing, play guitar, and write her own original songs. Malia has been taking private Voice lessons for 5 years, guitar lessons for 3 years, and has 7 years of Dance experience. She is thrilled to be part of the cast of “School of Rock!”

PETER HOFFMAN – Youth – James

Peter is excited and humbled to make his debut at the Zephyr Theatre. He is a Minnesota native that loves writing/producing music, singing, dancing (especially at Curio Dance & School) and all around performing. He has performed at Aspire Music Academy (Disney’s The Lion King Jr. – Simba and Mufasa), Open Door Community Theatre (Stars 5: Stars on Broadway – Heroes and Villains – Tin Man, chorus/dancer), Simley High School (West Side Story – “Shark”; chorus/dancer); Woodbury Middle School (Hairspray Jr. – (“Gilbert”; chorus/dancer); and Merrill Community Arts Center (Stars 4: Stars Rock Broadway, – Rockin’ Teen; Young Michael Jackson; chorus/dancer). Along with performing, Peter plays soccer for Simley High School and is pursuing his Music Degree through PSEO classes at IHCC. Peter is extremely grateful to God and thankful for this opportunity.

SAM MANDELL – Youth – Freddie

Sam is thrilled to be in the band and making his Zephyr Theatre debut! Most recently, Sam played Fregley in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Musical at Children’s Theatre Company. Other credits include Annie (CTC), Elf the Musical, Jr. (Stages Theatre Company), Mary Poppins (Minnetonka Theatre), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Blue Water Theatre). Thanks to my family for all of their support!

MARI PETERSON-HILLEQUE – Youth – Tomika

Mari Peterson-Hilleque (Tomika) Mari is excited to debut at Zephyr Theatre. She has performed at various local theaters including Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Children’s Theatre Company, Steppingstone Theater, and Youth Performance Company. Production credits include: Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical, Annie, Nate the Great the Musical, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Ruby: The Story of Ruby Bridges. Mari is in 11th grade and lives in Minneapolis.

Luciana Mayer – Youth – Madison

Luci started acting in plays and musicals when she was six years old. Since then she has been in multiple school productions as well as collaborations by Stillwater Education and the Zephyr Theater. Luci has been dancing since she was three years old so you can always find her doing some sort of flip or stretch. She enjoys art and playing violin, and is going into sixth grade at St. Croix Preparatory Academy this fall.

ANIKA SUNDBERG – Youth – Shonelle

Anika Sundberg (Shonelle) Anika is excited to be a part of this Zephyr production. As a Stillwater native, she has had the opportunity to participate in numerous Zephyr Young Actors Theatre productions and Zephyr Studio A classes. She is a student at St. Croix Preparatory Academy and enjoys traveling and playing with her dog when she is not performing.

MABEL WEISMANN – Youth – Summer

Mabel Weisman (Summer) Mabel is excited to rock out in Stillwater in her Zephyr Theatre debut! Favorite roles: Cindy Lou Who in the Children’s Theatre Company’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas; Gretl in the Ordway’s The Sound of Music; Belinda Cratchit in Guthrie Theater’s A Christmas Carol; Fredrika in Theater Latté Da’s A Little Night Music. Other credits include: Ordway: Jesus Christ Superstar; Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol; Children’s Theatre Company: Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical; Annie; Artistry: Mary Poppins; Park Square Theatre: Heaven; Orpheum: Steve Martin/Martin Short Tour. Upcoming: Children’s Theatre Company: How the Grinch Stole Christmas; An American Tail The Musical. Mabel has done commercials, film, and voiceovers, and when not on stage, she enjoys Ultimate frisbee, travel, playing piano, ukulele, and singing jazz, and is currently devoted to finding the best ice cream in Stillwater.   www.mabelweismann.com

HUXLEY WESTEMEIER* – Youth – Zack

Huxley toured the country at 10 years old as Billy the Stylist in the Broadway First National Tour of School of Rock, and originated the role of August Rush in the World Premiere of August Rush the Musical (Paramount Theatre) with Tony Award winning director John Doyle. He was most recently seen as Greg Heffley in Diary of A Wimpy Kid the Musical (Children’s Theatre Company) and has performed regionally in many productions. Regional highlights: Bodo Muller in Lillian Hellman’s Watch On the Rhine (Guthrie Theater); Young Kevin in Home For the Holidays with the Minnesota Orchestra and Kevin Kling; Jesus Christ Superstar (The Ordway); and the original Manny in the World Premiere of Diary of A Wimpy Kid the Musical (Children’s Theatre Company). He is also a multi-instrumentalist and composer. When he’s not acting, singing, or creating music, he enjoys sailing, reading, linguistics, engineering, and his dogs.

KATE YOUNG – Youth – Marcy

Kate is a local Stillwater performer who loves dancing, acting, and singing. She has grown up performing in many of the Zephyr Theatre’s Jr productions. Most recently, she played Jane Banks in the Zephyr’s 2022 production of Mary Poppins Jr, also Marty the Zebra in the Zephyr’s 2021 production of Madagascar Jr. Kate is also an accomplished dancer. For the past 8 years she has danced for Curio Dance, a local dance school where she currently receives professional dance training in ballet, jazz and tap. She was able to showcase her dancing skills when she performed at the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Snow Sculpting Championships with the Zephyr Theatre. Kate has actively participated with the Zephyr Theatre since the very beginning, and to this day, she loves learning and growing with Zephyr’s positive and exciting classes. Kate is currently a homeschool student where she enjoys the freedom to be able to pursue all of her performing arts interests. Thanks be to the Lord for so many blessings.

JENNIFER STANEK ANDERSON – Ms. Macapugay, Ensemble

After a 25-year hiatus, she is returning to her first love: the theatre. After graduating with a theatre degree from the University of Northern Iowa, Jennifer pursued other careers. She is excited to be back on the stage sharing this experience with her daughter who is also in the cast.

REBECCA BEDNAR – Ms. Noble

Rebecca has a university background in music performance, both as an instrumentalist and vocalist. This is her first performance at Zephyr Theatre.

RANDAL BERGER* – Ned

Randal has worked professionally as an actor, director, producer and educator since 1988. On Twin Cities stages, Randal has performed and/or directed with The Zephyr Theatre, Old Log, Ordway, Fitzgerald, Music Box, Pillsbury House, The Margolis Brown Company, Minneapolis Theatre Garage, The Playwright’s Center, and MN Fringe Festival. Since its beginnings, Randal has been involved with the Zephyr, and is extremely grateful for the admiration and growth the Zephyr has enjoyed!

CHAD BRACEWELL – Security Guard 1

Chad Bracewell (24 years) has been in several plays and musicals since he was just nine years old. Born in Ontario, Canada, he moved to Stillwater, MN from California in 2014. Chad’s favorite part of performing is making friends and improving his acting abilities. He loves playing the drums, listening to music, rocking out on his front porch (while playing guitar), and decorating for Halloween and Christmas. He has performed in: “Mama Mia”, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and “The Haunted Trolley Tour” with The Zephyr Theatre. He can also be found working at The Zephyr’s new TrainTrax snack car, which is a partnership with the Valley Friendship Club. He enjoys performing and dancing with the local Curio Dance Studio, which helped him prepare for Mamma Mia. Chad loves to volunteer at The Zephyr Theatre and spent time helping with the Ice Maze.

JEN BURLEIGH-BENTZ* – Rosalie

Jen was last seen on the Zephyr stage in 2021 as Donna in Mamma Mia!, a role that she reprised here in MN after playing in the show on Broadway for four years. Jen has played locally at the Guthrie, Ordway, Artistry, Chanhassen, Old Log, Illusion, Nautilus Music Theatre, History Theatre, Minnetonka Theatre, Duluth Playhouse, La Homme Dieu etc.. Jen has performed around the country with the Buddy Holly Story, Cheers, Miracle on 34th Street, Yesterday Once More: Songs of the Carpenters and regionally with Sisters of Swing. Jen is the vocalist for the Star of the North Jazz Orchestra and can be seen next at the History Theatre in Servants’’ Christmas. Thanks to M&D, the fabulous admin and crew of the Zephyr and of course, the fab Reed S.

MAX CAUDELL – Jeff Sanderson, Mr. Green

Max Caudell (Jeff) has always loved the theatre. He did many plays in elementary and high school. After high school, Max decided he wanted to focus more on film. He has been in some great short films, a few full length films and a commercial. After being away from the theatre for the past 11 years, he heard Zephyr was putting on School of Rock and didn’t hesitate to audition to be part of this show. He wants to thank The Zephyr for the chance to be back on stage. It feels like home and like he never left.

SEAN DOOLEY* – Gabe Brown, Mr. Ward

Sean Dooley (Theo, Gabe) Sean Michael Dooley is a local actor, director and educator having moved to the Twin Cities to receive his MFA from the University of Minnesota back when that was a thing. He stayed in town to work with local companies like the History Theatre, the Old Log Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, Illusion Theatre, the Jungle Theatre, the Children’s Theatre Company, Chameleon Theatre Circle, Door Shakespeare, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Zephyr Theatre, Sidekick Theatre, Bloomington Civic Theatre, Theatre Latte Da and the Guthrie Theatre where he has appeared in over ten productions including Juno and the Paycock, The Winter’s Tale, Jane Eyre, Othello, 1776 and Ah! Wilderness. Sean’s film and television work includes the Netflix series Lady Dynamite starring Maria Bamford and Wilson, a feature film starring Woody Harrelson. When he’s not doing that Sean teaches at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.

MICHAEL DUFAULT – Mr. Sanders, Mr. Sanford

Michael Dufault (Mr. Sandnford) Michael is happy to return to Zephyr where he’s appeared in Mama Mia, Much Ado About Nothing, and It’s a Wonderful Life. Locally he’s performed with the Duluth Playhouse, Lyric Arts, Coup d’Etat, and Sidekick. Regionally Michael has worked at Seattle’s A Contemporary Theatre, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Pan Asian Rep in New York City, where he also appeared on One Life to Live, Law and Order, and Sex and the City.

CASSIDY HALL – Ms. Bingham

Cassidy Hall (Ensemble) graduated from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls with degrees in Creative Writing, Music, and Musical Theatre. She has been actively involved with theatre for many years, performing with the Phipps Center for the Arts, CB Productions, The Zephyr Theatre, and various theatre and film companies throughout the Twin Cities area. She is trained in acting, singing, and dance, including ballroom, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and tap. In addition to performing on stage, she also works as a writer/writing mentor, a professional photographer, an instructor of performing arts, and a director with ACT Theater and The Zephyr Theatre.

MADILYNN HAYDEN – Waitress

Madilyn Hayden (Waitress) Madilynn was the nurse’s assistant in Romeo and Juliet earlier this summer with The Zephyr Theatre. Madilynn has also partcipated in musicals in elementary, middle and high school. She has played a chimney sweep in Mary Poppins, the Queen’s Sister in Hairy Tale and as Snow White in The Big Bad Musical. Madi loves dancing and taking ballet classes.

NOELLE LECHEVALIER-DUFAULT – Mrs. Turner

Noelle LeChavalier-Dufault (Mrs. Turner) Noelle is happy to have spent the summer with Zephyr in School of Rock, as well as spending last fall and winter in Zephyr Theatre’s Haunted Trolley, It’s a Wonderful Life, and the Ice Palace Maze. Noelle lives with her husband Michael and Banana Cat in White Bear Lake.

JACLYN MACK – Ms. Gordon, Mrs. Hathaway

Jaclyn Mack (Mrs. Hathaway) is a versatile actress in the Twin Cities area. Film, theatre, music and modeling are all part of her artistic career. Dance, in every form, as well as stage combat, improv and martial arts, are all ongoing pursuits that help round out her creative interests. Over the last year, Jaclyn has worked on 12 film/commercial projects, 5 stage productions and numerous art shoots. She has costumed 7 main stage productions, 14 children’s productions and 11 events. Jaclyn enjoyed choreographing both dance and fight work for the stage, garnered her second vocal scholarship through MacPhail Center for Music, and was humbled to be selected as sole vocalist for the 2022 MacPhail Concerto and Aria Concert live broadcast.

CHAD MARKS – Mr. Mooneyham, Policeman

Chad Marks (Mr. Mooneyham) Chad earned his B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of California San Diego and has accumulated multiple independent and short film credits. Prior to theatre, he studied Percussion Performance at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, traveling and performing in a wide variety of music capacities around Minnesota, California and Europe.

STEPHEN NEFF – Mr. Spencer

Stephen Neff (Mr. Spencer) Stephen graduated from the University of Wisconsin Superior with Degrees in Theatre and Music. He has been involved in the Arts from a young age, beginning in various Dance studios in the Tampa, Florida area before moving to northern Wisconsin and performing with Chequamegon Children’s Theatre, Duluth Underground, and Duluth Playhouse. Since moving to the Twin Cities, he has been active with The Zephyr Theatre, The Phipps Center for the Arts, Roseville Calvary Church Community Theatre, Lakeshore Players, and other local Theatres, as well as performing as a Street Actor on the Royal Court at the Shakopee Minnesota Renaissance Festival. He is trained in Acting, Singing, and Dance. Dance includes jazz and ballroom. Neff also teaches introductory after school theatre programs in the Stillwater Area School District, as well as music directs the children’s shows through The Zephyr Theatre.

ANDREW NEWMAN – Mr. Williams, Stanley

Andrew Newman (Mr. Williams) Andrew is happy to be back at Zephyr Theatre, where he recently appeared in It’s a Wonderful Life and as Professor Plum in Clue. He has appeared on a variety of stages across the Twin Cities, including Park Square Theatre, Lyric Arts, Artistry, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, Theatre in the Round and others. Favorite past roles include Christopher Wren (The Mousetrap), the title role in The Government Inspector, the Governor (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), Patsy (Spamalot), Leaf Coneybear (Spelling Bee), and Huck Finn (Big River). By day, he is a grant writer and development officer for an arts organization in Minneapolis.

PEGGY O’CONNELL – Mrs. Sheinkopf

ROBYN PFEIFER – Ms. Woodward

Robyn Pfeifer (Mrs. Woodward) Robyn is thrilled to be working with the Zephyr theatre again after last performing in Mamma Mia. She is very excited to finish her degree in Music Education this fall at UW-River Falls. Other musical theatre credits include work with The Phipps Center for the Arts and The Phoenix Theatre. When not performing in shows, Robyn loves working as a classical vocalist, piano accompanist, and jazz and rock bassist.

MICHAEL QUADROZZI – Mr. Janes, Mr. Hamilton, Security Guard 2

Michael Quadrozzi (Ensemble) Michael is delighted to return to Zephyr Theatre for this hilarious musical after appearing in many previous shows, most recently “Romeo and Juliet.” A professional freelance actor, he is a company member at Theatre Pro Rata, and has also performed with Yellow Tree Theatre, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Wonderlust Productions, Fortune’s Fool Theatre, Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre, and others.

REED SIGMUND* – Dewey

Reed Sigmund (Dewey Finn) is loudly leaping Into his 2nd production at The Zephyr Theatre, where he also serves the Director of Education. When not in Stillwater, Reed is frequently found onstage at Children’s Theatre Company, where he’s been a Company Member for the last 22 years. Recently, he’s also been seen onstage at Jungle Theater and Theater Latté Da.

MADELINE TRUMBLE* – Patty

Madeline is thrilled to make her Zephyr Theatre debut after moving to Stillwater last summer. Originally from Berkeley, CA, she holds a BFA in musical theatre from The University of Michigan. Maddy has worked On and Off Broadway, in multiple national tours and at numerous regional theatres. Maddy was in the original Broadway cast of Newsies, and toured North America with Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Wicked (Elphaba Standby), and The King and I (Anna). Some of her favorite regional experiences include Little Women (Jo) and Evita (Eva Peron). Besides performing, Maddy is a teaching artist with the Zephyr Theatre and loves teaching voice, acting, and song interpretation. Love and thanks to mom, Devon, and everyone at The Zephyr Theatre for making her feel so at home in Minnesota. Proud union member. www.madelinetrumble.com

ANGELA WALBERG – Ms. Wagner, Mrs. Travis