Mantorville Theatre Company
  • Home
  • Schedule
    • Our Sponsors
  • Tickets
  • Auditions
  • Contribute
  • About
    • Videos >
      • News
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Schedule
    • Our Sponsors
  • Tickets
  • Auditions
  • Contribute
  • About
    • Videos >
      • News
  • Contact

Archive

Meet the Cast for Ken Ludwig's LEADING LADIES

REBECCA A. SANDS – Meg
Rebecca is very excited to be back on the Mantorville Stage as Meg! Except for the last two crazy years, she's been acting and dancing for most of her life. When she's not onstage she works as a Medical Actor/Standardized Patient at Mayo, has her own business selling skincare, cosmetics, and her own knit/sewn/embroidered creations, and is Mama to two sweet boys. You may recognize her from Miss Holmes(Sherlock), Constellations (Marianne), Beauty and the Beast (Babette), Sabrina Fair (Sabrina), Murder at Cafe Noir (Sheila Wonderly). She sends thanks and love to her boys Jared, Danny and Eli for supporting her! “And you for coming out to see the show! Enjoy!”
 
BILL SCHNELL – Duncan
Bill is grateful and honored to return to Mantorville Community Theatre in this hilarious farce. Bill has directed at Mantorville Community Theatre and the Rep and has performed in numerous productions for MCT, Rep, RCT, Absolute Theatre, Albert Lea Community Theatre and is a founding member of Theater du Jour comedy troupe. “Thanks for this opportunity as well as the support and love of my extraordinarily talented wife, Susie.” 
 
CARL BENSON - Doc
Carl is delighted to be part of this witty and entertaining play.  He hopes that you will enjoy the efforts of the director and cast.  Everyone had a wonderful time putting together this production.  Special thanks to our esteemed director Cheryl Frack.  The Mantorville Theatre rocks!
 
RANDY WILSON - Leo
You may remember Randy Wilson from his last appearance in Mantorville as “Player One” in Nevermore, in 2017.  Since then he’s been mostly playing on the stage a few blocks from his home at Chatfield’s Center for the Arts, with Wits’ End Theatre.  He’s also performed in a bunch of shows around Rochester and in Lanesboro.   Randy loves singing, memorizing lines, practicing accents, playing drums and mugging for applause.  As a day job, he writes software for counting everything from boards to bedsprings.  Randy sends special thanks to Valerie Peterson Wilson, his wife and muse of 37 years, for all her support and encouragement.  This will be the first time she’s seen him in a dress.
 
BRIAN BEDARD – Jack
This is Brian’s fifth time on stage in Mantorville. Previously, he was in "Love, Sex and the I.R.S." and has been in three summer melodramas. He also worked backstage for the eerie musical "Nevermore". He is very active in local community theater and has been a part of over 20 productions all around SE Minnesota. He is a Web Developer for the University of Minnesota. He is an aspiring voice actor and writer.
 
 
CARL BENSON - Doc
Carl is delighted to be part of this witty and entertaining play.  He hopes that you will enjoy the efforts of the director and cast.  Everyone had a wonderful time putting together this production.  Special thanks to our esteemed director Cheryl Frack.  The Mantorville Theatre rocks!
 
RANDY WILSON - Leo
You may remember Randy Wilson from his last appearance in Mantorville as “Player One” in Nevermore, in 2017.  Since then he’s been mostly playing on the stage a few blocks from his home at Chatfield’s Center for the Arts, with Wits’ End Theatre.  He’s also performed in a bunch of shows around Rochester and in Lanesboro.   Randy loves singing, memorizing lines, practicing accents, playing drums and mugging for applause.  As a day job, he writes software for counting everything from boards to bedsprings.  Randy sends special thanks to Valerie Peterson Wilson, his wife and muse of 37 years, for all her support and encouragement.  This will be the first time she’s seen him in a dress.
 
BRIAN BEDARD – Jack
This is Brian’s fifth time on stage in Mantorville. Previously, he was in "Love, Sex and the I.R.S." and has been in three summer melodramas. He also worked backstage for the eerie musical "Nevermore". He is very active in local community theater and has been a part of over 20 productions all around SE Minnesota. He is a Web Developer for the University of Minnesota. He is an aspiring voice actor and writer.
 
ANNIE LANDKAMMER - Audrey
Annie is thrilled to be a part of her first production in Mantorville, playing her favorite type of character and re-learning how to roller-skate. After completing her BA in Theatrical Arts, she went on to act in several local films, commercials, and theatre productions. Her favorite is directing and choreographing - most memorable being Mary Poppins, Annie, and Evil Dead: The Musical. She just completed her Associates in Physical Therapy Assistant and works for Bob and Brad "The most famous physical therapists on the internet, in their opinion of course." She is thankful for her energetic son, her fiancé, and this wonderful cast. 
 
MATTHEW CHEW – Butch/Frank
Matthew is excited to be closing out his time with the Rochester area community theaters at Mantorville. He has enjoyed being in productions such as Evil Dead at the Repertory Theater playing Scott or playing an ensemble role in Blood Brothers with Absolute theater. Matthew will be leaving the Rochester area in August for college pursuing a degree in Ministry. When not living in the spotlight on stage Matthew enjoys reading, spending time with his son, and enjoying the outdoors.
 
 
KATHRYN HEROFF – Florence
Kathryn is happy to be performing once again on the historic Mantorville Stage after a hiatus of far too long! She says it’s great to have live theatre making a comeback, especially in this beloved venue! You may have seen Kathryn in Mantorville’s productions of Church Basement Ladies playing the whacky Mavis, or in MeshugaNuns as Mother Superior or Lucy Humde in How to Talk Minnesotan. She performed last fall in Zumbrota in Z-Theatre’s original musical Lutheran Ladies Luncheon: A Recipe to Rock, as well as enjoying roles in the past at the Rochester Civic Theater and The Rep Theatre of Rochester. After performing in the area for the past 34 years, some favorite roles include Golde in Fiddler on the Roof (twice), Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, and of course Mavis in the Church Basement Ladies! However, she’s always looking for her next favorite project and she thanks her long-suffering husband, Tim, for putting up with her rehearsal schedules and for helping her run lines!
 
CHERYL FRARCK  – Director
Cheryl has been involved with the Mantorville Theatre Company since 1977; most memorably she directed Church Basement Ladies, as well as Hjemma’s Dilemma, Lend Me a Tenor and Murder Room at Mantorville. Cheryl has written, acted, and directed at Mantorville since her first melodrama in 1977.  Cheryl most recently appeared in Radium Girls at the Rochester REPertory Theatre. 
 
ERIC PAHNISCH – Understudy
Eric is thrilled to step into some big shoes and perform for the first time on this stage. Being no stranger to performing, his favorite roles include Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Burt in Mary Poppins, Ash in Evil Dead: The Musical, Nick in Avenue Q, and BJ in 1940's Radio Hour - along with many others on the stages throughout Southern Minnesota. After marrying Mary from Mary Poppins, they moved to Iowa and just welcomed their first child. 

Tickets on sale NOW!
Picture
Meet the Cast of A Shelf Full of Elves

​MAGGIE HENDRICKSON 
as Gabby Brown (December 3-5)
Maggie is happy to finally be on the Mantorville stage! She has also been seen at The Rep, Chatfield, The Civic Center and Zumbrota. “What an exciting time to be involved in theatre - thank you for the support in these trying times! Theatre depends heavily on supporters and this wouldn't be possible without you guys.” 
​
TONI GODDARD as Gabby Brown (November 26-28)

RYAN FRANK as Presley Brown 
Ryan is a biostatistician at the Mayo Clinic, and lives in Oronoco with his beautiful wife Sydney and three (mostly) perfect kids Aria (8), Brand (7), and Reyna (3). Ryan enjoys hiking, dad jokes, board games, astronomy, the legend of Zelda, and his two dogs and cat Link, Zelda, and Zuko. He has appeared in over 20 local productions, including roles as Frederick (Pirates of Penzance), Mortimer (Arsenic and Old Lace), Rueben (Joseph), and Bill (Mamma Mia!). 
 
ANNETTE SCHULER as Snowberry Snuggleboots 
Annette has lived in Rochester 30 years with her husband, Tom.  She works as a concierge at Mayo Clinic. She is excited to be back in a live play and some her favorite previous stage roles include:  Martha in White Christmas, Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man, Yente in Fiddler and Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She enjoys Scrabble, piano, and is taking online classes in web design. Love to her hubby and family. Thanks for coming and Happy Holidays!
 
RICH MANSFIELD as Hot Dog Ron
Rich Mansfield is a relative newcomer to Southeast Minnesota, moving north from Birmingham, AL with his wife, Sara. Rich performed stand up and improv as well as several theater productions through Birmingham before moving to Rochester. He's been seen in Avenue Q and Evil Dead the musical, Don't Talk to the Actors and Screwtape at the Rep in Rochester as well as Honeymooners in Pine Island and Jingle Jacks in Zumbrota.
 
XANDER CARTER as Twinkle Winks 
Xander's experience in the theatre is extensive, having been in several well-known pieces such as The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Into the Woods. He often plays characters known for their manic nature and sometimes intimidating personality. As you will see in this, his first time on the Mantorville stage, he is continuing this trend.
 
BECCA MESSICK as Myrrh 
Becca has a BA in Theatre and Film from St. Cloud State. She currently works at KTTC as a MCO/Audio Op. She was last seen as Ivy in Wandaleria at The Rep in 2019. She has helped out with several shows at The Opera House and been in a couple of melodramas throughout the years. Becca directed her first successful play: Annie Jr. for the Sr. Francis middle schoolers in March 2020 right before the pandemic closed down the schools. She is extremely excited to be back on stage as Myrrh, and hopes everyone enjoys the show with lots of laughter.
 
SUZANNE EASTLUND as Armolas
Suzanne is very proud to be appearing in 'A Shelf Full of Elves' alongside her two amazing children (David & Adelaide) and her husband, Blake Hogue.  Suzanne had most recently played Chloe in That Theatre Company's production of 'Our Kids' Birthday'.  Prior to that she appeared as Misty in That Theatre Company's product of 'Brokken Family'.  Come see Suzanne in her next appearance in That Theatre Company's R-Rated comedy 'Elf on the Shelf', playing the role of Lil' Poops.  
 
DAVID DREESMAN as Dooby 
David is super excited to be appearing in his first EVER play, coincidentally written and directed by his stepdad, Blake Hogue.  David's favorite subject as a fifth grader is social studies. His favorite teacher is Miss Kabot.
 
ADELAIDE DREESMAN as Cookie 
Adelaide is super excited AND also nervous for her theatrical debut.  Adelaide’s favorite subject in school is math, specifically rounding and multiplication. She is in third grade and her favorite teacher is Mrs. Jordan.
 
BLAKE HOGUE as Snow Elf 
Blake is extremely excited to share the world premiere of this silly Christmas comedy with everyone, especially his wife Suzanne and his two step-kids David and Adelaide (making their theatrical debut!) Blake was last seen on the MTC stage in "Greater Tuna". He also is a founding member and the Executive Artistic Director of That Theatre Company, based in Rochester. He will be in their previously sold out, R-rated comedy, "Jeff on the Shelf", reprising his role as Sugar Cookie Kisses, opening December 10th in the Rochester Civic Theatre Black Box Theatre
Picture
The cast of A.Sault on the Senses or Medium at Large. Front from left: Ella Ashlin, Chelsea Pierick, Abbie Hoberg, Erica Rice. Back: Jarrett Lauer, Michael “Miggs” Migliacio, Jeremy Kittleson and Nick German.
Ella Ashlin  - May Bright
Ella (of Rochester) is so excited to be a part of this melodrama! She has appeared on the Mantorville stage previously in two other melodramas, as well as Honk! She has also been involved in several productions in Rochester and in Plainview. Ella hopes you enjoy the show!
 
Arabella Fields - pianist
Arabella (of Mantorville) is happy to be a part of her first Mantorville Melodrama. Bella has taken piano lessons for several years, so even though she had not accompanied for a show before, she was excited to take on the challenge and play for this show. 
 
Bailey Fields - Director
 After several years away, Bailey (of Mantorville) is ecstatic to be a part of a Mantorville Melodrama once again. Bailey has appeared on stage in several past Melodramas, but this time she has been tasked with directing the show! This is Bailey’s first production since completing a Theatre degree from Luther College during global pandemic and mass lockdown, so she is very excited to hear any and all audience reactions, and hopes you enjoy the show. 
 
Nick German - Mr. Briars
Nick (of Rochester) is a complete newbie to the stage. His extreme introvertedness was only exacerbated by the pandemic. Only with threats of parties and good times forced upon him if he didn't find a hobby outside the house, did he agree to tryout for the melodrama. Though, he does admit he's enjoying himself and may be convinced to leave his cave sometime within a decade again.
 
Abbie Hoberg - Mrs. Puffy
 Despite a several year absence from the theater, Abbie couldn't be more excited to return for a Mantorville Melodrama. She's been a long-time fan of theater, both watching and participating, and has been part of numerous productions over the years. You might recall seeing her in past melodramas. Abbie lives in West Concord with her family and pets and spends the week working at Target in Rochester. She hopes you have as much fun watching "A. Sault on the Senses" as she has had performing in it.
 
Jeremy Kittleson – Professor A. Sault
 Jeremy (of Rochester) is stoked to be back on the stage, stranger than ever after his long hiatus. His strength grows with every boo and hiss, and he is hoping to hulk-out off your energy.
 
Jarrett Lauer- Andrew Puffy
Jarrett would like to say “hello!” and welcome you all to the show! This is Jarrett’s first production at with the Mantorville Theatre Company, and his first production since moving to Minnesota. He is originally from Indiana and took several semesters of Theatre courses at Indiana University of South Bend. Jarrett thanks you all for coming to the show and experiencing this new adventure with him. 
 
Michael “Miggs” Migliacio - Willie
After nearly a decade in absentia and most recently confined to the house for a year of quarantine, Miggs is thrilled to return to the Mantorville stage. Long-time attendees may remember seeing him as one of many villains, including as the one and only Professor A. Sault in a previous season's production of "A Shreck in the Night". He also directed several productions at MTC, including Neil Simon's "Fools" and the first seasonal All Hallows' Feast mystery dinner theatre: "Not Another Zombie Apocalypse".  Miggs lives in Savage with his wife Lisa and four-year-old son Aiden, and spends his days helping demystify technology as a Lead Software Engineering Coach at Target Corporation.
 
Chelsea Pierick – Mrs. Peavy
Chelsea is going to be a senior at Kasson-Mantorville high  school. She likes to play piano, paint, sing, but her favorite hobby is theater. She has been in shows mostly with Stewartville Community Theater since she was 8 years old. This is her first Mantorville Melodrama and she is looking forward to being in more.
 
Erica Rice - Mrs. McDermott
Erica (of Rochester) is very excited to be back on stage with the Mantorville Theatre Company. She has appeared in several Mantorville productions in the past, and cannot wait for you to laugh, boo, and cheer along with the show.  
 
Priscilla Ruemping - Assistant Director
Priscilla (of Byron) has been in a variety of plays in Mantorville, playing various roles such as a southern granny, a riverboat hostess, a drunk teetotaler, a crazy old aunt, a cowboy, a butler, and a nun.  For this show she is the assistant director.  She would like to thank the cast and director for the opportunity to work with them in making this show come to life.  She is now retired from teaching Mathematics at RCT and is happy to be involved in theater again.
Picture
Uh, oh, the jug... er, jig is up! Find out what the fuss is all about! From left, Tom Gall as Opec the Vulture, Karl Huppler as Professor Pembroke, Dane Holmes as Kelvin Dobbs and Emma Wilson as Penny Pembroke.
About the Cast of Professor Pembroke's Predicament or A Curse Comes Home:
​Brian Bedard (Mr. Flam Bhey)
This is Brian’s fourth time on stage in Mantorville. He just played a villain in the June melodrama, A Schreck in the Night or Yes! We Have Nosferatu. Previously he was in Love, Sex and the I.R.S. and The Dastardly Diamond of Destiny. He also worked backstage for the eerie musical Nevermore. He is very active in local community theater and has been a part of over 20 productions all around SE Minnesota. He is a Web Developer for the University of Minnesota. He is an aspiring voice actor and writer.
 
Christine M. Boos (Granny)
Christine, from Rochester, was last seen on the Mantorville Theatre Company stage as Diana Desdemona in Lend Me a Tenor.  Other productions on this stage include Blythe Spirit, Weekend Comedy, and Steel Magnolias.  Christine is also involved with other area theaters: Rochester Repertory Theatre, Absolute Theatre, Rochester Civic Theatre, Theater du Jour, and Vertigo Theatre Factory.  When not acting, Christine is an IT Application Architect at Mayo Clinic, supporting Research and the Epic Electronic Health Record. This is Christine's first Melodrama and she is having a blast! Enjoy the show!
 
Karl Huppler (Professor Orvis Pembroke)
Karl has worked with the Mantorville Theatre Company since 1980 - on stage, off stage, on board, volunteer off board (but never bored). His last project was working with other volunteers to rebuild our stage while we were all biding our time waiting for the chance to present live theatre again. It is great to be back on stage with a great cast, crew, and interactive audience!
 
Tom Gall (Opec the Vulture)
The first melodrama Tom was in was Greg Miller’s (playright of this show) Lament of the Lupine Lover or What’s the Big Hairy Deal? in 1996 as Orvis Pembrook. This show is the first with his daughter Madeline which has made for a great Father/Daughter summer adventure.  

Madeline Gall (King Ramma Lamma Ding Dong)
The first show Madeline was in was Bugsy Malone Jr., a middle school show, when they were in 5th grade. This is their second melodrama, and this show has given them by far the most interesting role they’ve ever had. It’s been quite interesting getting to see their father’s acting as well.
 
Dane Holmes (Kelvin Dobbs)
Dane is a sophomore at Iowa State University who’s ready to put on an epic show tonight. He’s only home for the summer so enjoy it (or not, I won’t judge) while you can. He’s been in too many shows in high school to bother listing but the notable ones include his role as Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. His hobbies include doing calculus like a nerd and chewing the same piece of gum for three hours. Now, with all that stuff that only his mother is going to read being said, Dane really hopes you enjoy the show.
 
Emma Wilson (Penny Pembroke)
Emma is a senior at Kasson-Mantorville high school. She previously appeared as Mrs. Fryer in Radium Girls, Charlotte Charlie in The Super Non-Heroes and Flora in Who Poisoned his Meatball? In her extra time she enjoys watching movies, drawing, decorating her room, and learning new languages! 
 
Mary Wellner (Pianist)
Mary has been involved with the Mantorville theatre as a pianist off and on since 1982. With a degree in Piano Performance she has done many musical productions in Rochester and the surrounding area. She also has a piano studio, teaching pupils of all ages, and performs her jazz renditions at various venues in southeast Minnesota.  
 
 
Cheryl Frarck  (Director)
Cheryl has been involved with the Mantorville Theatre Company since 1977;  Cheryl has written, acted, and directed at Mantorville, and she is delighted to bring Professor Pembroke's Predicament back to the stage with this talented cast. 

CONTACT

507-635-5420

5 5th St. West, Mantorville, MN 55955

PO Box 194, Mantorville, MN 55955

DONATE

Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Mantorville Theatre Company. For individuals and couples, we will assume your donation includes your membership to the MTC unless you specifically indicate otherwise.