Meet the cast of Mamma Mia!

JEN BURLEIGH-BENTZ*

plays the part of Donna Sheridan.   Jen was on Broadway in Mamma Mia! where she eventually was contracted to play Tanya. She has been on 5+ national Tours, including the Buddy Holly Story, Cheers-Live On Stage, Sisters of Swing, Miracle on 34thStreet and Yesterday Once More: Songs made popular by the Carpenters.  Regionally, Jen has been in Mamma Mia! at the Duluth Playhouse where she played Donna and also has a blast playing Mrs. Lovett there in Sweeney Todd. She was in the fairy-tale heroine inspired Disenchanted, playing Snow White at the Illusion Theatre, was Muriel in the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, at the Old Log Theatre, enjoyed her time at the Ordway in Into the Woods, Bingo!, Legendary Ladies and Mamma Mia! One of Jen’s favorite sisters to play was in the show Sisters Of Swing and Christmas of Swing, where she played Laverne Andrews at the History Theatre, as well as Beyond the Rainbow, where she portrayed Judy Garland.

Jen played Irene Malloy in Hello Dolly, Maria in the Sound of Music, and Annie in Annie Get Your Gun. As much as she loved performing Musical Theatre, Jen also loves singing in bands and for churches in the area, and owns a full line music store in River Falls, WI.

 

EMILY SCINTO

plays the part of Sophie Sheridan.  Emily is delighted to be making her Zephyr Theatre Debut! Regional Credits: Old Log Theatre: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Sibella Hallward); Ordway: Smokey Joe’s Cafe; Guthrie: A Christmas Carol (Ensemble); Artistry: Footloose (Urleen, u/s Ariel Moore), Victor/Victoria (Norma Cassidy); History Theatre: Teen Idol: The Bobby Vee Story (Ensemble), This Side of Paradise (Scottie Fitzgerald); Children’s Theatre Company: Buccaneers (Artemisia (u/s Bevin, u/s Mother), The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble, u/s Dorothy Gale). Training: BFA Musical Theatre, Minnesota State University, Mankato. www.emilyscinto.com / IG: @emilyscinto / TikTok: @theemilyscinto

Kristina Mitchell

plays the part of Tanya.  Kristina has a BA in Theatre from St.Olaf, was a performing apprentice at CTC for 2 years before studying Shakespeare at Oxford through the British American Drama Academy and then attending Graduate School at The London Academy of Performing Arts. She worked off and on the West End in London before moving to LA to pursue Film and TV. She moved back to Minneapolis only a year ago. She’s proud to be a part of this amazing cast, and happy to be a Dynamo, as it reminds her of the girl band she founded in the early aughts, the Flirtinis.

LYNNEA DOUBLETTE

plays the part of Rosie.  Doublette is an actress and artist living and working in the Twin Cities; she has been in productions with Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, Children’s Theatre, History Theatre, Theater Latté Da, Guthrie Theater, Stages Theatre, Illusion Theater and Theatre in the Round. Her film credits include Turnipseed; Autistic License and His Neighbor Phil. She received a M.Sc. in Healthcare Communications from Saint Thomas University. “Thank you, Lord, for your many blessings and thank you Mom, Dad, Ivory and Danielle

SEAN DOOLEY*

plays the part of Sam Carmichael.  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.

REED SIGMUND*

plays the part of Bill Austin.  Reed is elatedly making his acting debut at The Zephyr Theatre, where he also serves as the Director of Educational Programming. He has spent the past 21 years performing as a Company Member at the Children’s Theatre Company, and has also been seen onstage at Theatre Latté Da and The Jungle Theater.

 

Charles Fraser*

plays the part of Harry Bright.  He has appeared in Zephyr Theatre’s productions of Twelfth Night, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He has also acted at Park Square Theatre, Door Shakespeare, Yellow Tree Theatre, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Jungle Theatre, History Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, and aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic.

Mitchell Douglas

plays the part of Sky.  Mitchell is over the moon to be back on stage with the Zephyr after a long, dormant 15 months! He’s a Minnesota native, hailing from the farming community of Litchfield. Recent credits include: Playlist Dancer with Carnival Cruise Lines, a singer in New Voices Cabaret (Lyric Arts) and Ben/Dance Captain in Night of The Living Dead, The Musical! (Minneapolis Musical Theater). Favorite collegiate credits include: Mereb in Aida and Coalhouse Walker Jr in Ragtime. “Much love to every person who’s inspired me to get here today!” @mitchell._.douglas

ANGELA STEELE

plays the part of Lisa.  Angela is making her Zephyr debut in Mamma Mia! Previous credits include Childrens Theatre Company (Cinderella), Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (Holiday Inn), Theater Latte Da (Oliver!), Artistry (Footloose, Legally Blonde), History Theater (Orphan Train). Angela would like to thank her parents for their enthusiastic and unwavering support of all her endeavors. When not on stage, Angela volunteers with Pet Haven MN, a local animal foster organization.

ALI DANIELS

plays the part of Ali.  This is Ali’s second show with Zephyr Theatre and she will also be in the upcoming Shakespeare LOL for Shakes Faire. Ali is a graduate of the BFA Musical Theatre program at University of WI- Stevens Point. She is a theatre, film, and commercial actor who has performed with Yellow Tree Theatre (The Diary of Anne Frank as Anne Frank), Open Window Theatre (The Potting Shed as Anne Callifer), Old Log Theatre (The Reluctant Dragon as Peter, Jack and the Beanstalk as Harper/Harpi), as well as countless other theatre companies in the Twin Cities. She’s also worked extensively in film and you may have seen her as Christine the barista in a current television and Youtube commercial for Jeff Belzer. Find out more about Ali and her work at www.alidaniels.actor.

Stephen Neff

STEPHEN NEFF

plays the part of Pepper.  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.

JAMESON PIEPER

plays the part of Eddie.  Jameson Pieper is an alumni of Mankato State University with a BFA degree in acting.  He has been in several shows ranging from Annie, Damn Yankees, History Boys and Rocky Horror. Jameson went on to teach hiphop, tap and musical theater for 10 yrs. He has learned from some of the biggest choreographers in the country such as Jillian Meyers, Keone and Mari Madrid, and Ian Eastwood. Choreography has been his main passion as acting and performing was put on the back burner for man many years. This is Jameson’s first production with Zephyr Theater and is so proud to get the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast and production!

BRIANNA GALLIGAN

is part of the Ensemble.  Brianna Galligan is thrilled to be making her Zephyr Theatre debut in such a fun and stellar show! Before COVID, Brianna spent time cruising around the world on luxury cruise lines working alongside some of the greatest names of our time including Sir Tim Rice. Favorite roles include: Cinderella (Into the Woods), Desdemona (Othello), Lucy Harris (Jekyll & Hyde) and Fantine in Les Miserables. She would like to thank her family and friends for being her rock during all of the hubbub over the years and for always believing in her!

Cassidy HAll

CASSIDY HALL

is part of the Ensemble.  Cassidy Hall 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.

JACLYN MACK

is part of the Ensemble.  Jaclyn 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. Jaclyn is addicted to ice cream, attracted to laughter and survives on Starbucks. She believes life is a dance floor and cannot wait for MAMMA MIA! to get this summer party started. #GoodVibesOnly

LAINI DEVIN

is part of the Ensemble.  Laini Devin is thrilled to join The Zephyr Theatre on the banks of the St. Croix! A Twin Cities based actor, director, stage manager and artist, performance credits include: Children’s Theatre Company (20,000 Leagues), Actors Theater of MN (All The Great Books), MN Opera (Rigoletto), Minnesota Centennial Showboat, (Under the Gaslight), Theatre in the Round (Jean Brodie), BARd Shakes (Much Ado About Nothing), Public Theatre of MN (Romeo and Juliet, As You Like It), and Shadow Horse Theatre (Medea). She has also worked with Theatre Latté Da, Four Humors, Ten Thousand Things, Yellow Tree Theatre and Theatre Unbound. Throughout the next year, you’ll find her apprenticing with the Playwrights’ Center. www.lainidevin.com Instagram: @laini_beth

MICHAEL DUFAULT

is part of the Ensemble.  Michael is happy to be performing once again with his friends at Zephyr Theatre! Previous Zephyr roles include Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing and Mr. Gower in It’s a Wonderful Life. Michael moved to White Bear Lake five years ago with his fabulous wife Noelle and their cats and has been lucky enough to perform at several local theaters including  Lyric Arts, Coup d’Etat, Theatre in the Round, and Lakeshore Players. Thank you for coming out and supporting us today.

ROBYN PFEIFER

is part of the Ensemble.   Robyn Pfeifer is excited to be working with the Zephyr Theatre for the first time. A senior at UW-River Falls majoring in Music Education, she has performed and collaborated with numerous collegiate ensembles and faculty. Robyn has worked with multiple local theatres including The Phipps Center for the Arts and The Phoenix Theatre, and has played both piano and bass guitar in various pit orchestras around the area.

TESSA LARSON

is part of the Ensemble.  Tessa Larson, a Stillwater native, is performing with The Zephyr Theatre for the first time. She is a soprano currently seeking her Master’s in vocal performance at the UNC at Greensboro. She graduated from Concordia College in the spring of 2020 with her BM in vocal performance. Larson has performed with the Fargo Moorhead Opera (The Pirates of Penzance/ Hänsel und Gretel/ The Magic Flute/ Die Fledermaus/ Carmen). She has also performed with the Concordia College opera theater (Die Fledermaus/ Tobermory/ Rosina Remebered) as well as multiple festival opera theaters. While growing up in Stillwater, she was involved in the local performing arts community as a student and teacher at Belle Ballet and performed in multiple school and community theater productions. Although she plans to primarily perform opera after graduation, Tessa has a love for musical theater and looks forward to performing more musical theater throughout her career!

CARTER HOFFER

is part of the Ensemble.  Carter is a recent graduate of the University of South Dakota where he earned his BFA in musical theatre and appeared in numerous productions such as Zanna, Don’t! (Arvin/Bronco), The Drowsy Chaperone (George), and The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (Cassius). This is Carter’s first show since moving up to the Minneapolis metro area, and he couldn’t be more excited to make his debut at The Zephyr Theatre! To keep up to date with Carter’s upcoming projects, check out his website: carterhoffer.com, or his instagram @carter_hoffer.

CHAD BRACEWELL

is part of the Ensemble. Chad Bracewell has been in several plays and musicals since he was just nine years old.  Born in Ontario, Canada, he moved to Stillwater 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 “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 also dances 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 this year’s Ice Maze.

* Indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States

Musicians

  • Bass: Tim Erickson
  • Drums: Catlin Lucic
  • Guitar: Joshua Shaffer
  • Guitar: Nick Wilson
  • Keyboard 1& 2: Jean Orbison Van Heel
  • Keyboard 3 & 4: Madeline Giordana
  • Percussion: Kyle Swan

Production Team

  • Directed and Designed by Calyssa Hall
  • Assistant Director – Randal Berger
  • Music Director – Jean Orbison Van Heel
  • Vocal Coach – Maddy Trumble
  • Choreographer – Dorian Brooke
  • Set Designer – Franz Hall
  • Set Crew – Duncan MacLeslie and Destiny Bilges
  • Crafted Contaacting
  • Dance Captain and Costumer – Jaclyn Mack
  • Stage Manager – Toni Solie
  • Technical Director – Norm Tiedemann
  • LIghting – Norm Tiedemann and 5R Entertainment
  • Production Manager – Mary Donatelli