The Prom Cast

MONTY HAYS (they/he) (Emma Nolan) is thrilled to be making their CDT debut! They have previously worked at Children’s Theatre Company (The Wizard of Oz, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Alice in Wonderland), Artistry Theater (The Music Man, Shrek the Musical), and Guthrie Theater (A Christmas Carol). They are a recent theatre graduate of Saint Paul Conservatory for the Performing Artists. They would like to thank their mentors, their friends, and their family for endless support and love. They also hope that you enjoy The Prom!

MAYA RICHARDSON* (she/they) (Alyssa Greene) was just seen as Ariel in Footloose and is so excited to be back at CDT for The Prom! She holds a BFA in Music Theatre from Viterbo University and was recently on tour with Paw Patrol Live! as Zuma, which is now streaming on Paramount+. When not on stage, she finds great joy as a freelance choreographer and teaching artist. “Your heart is the softest place on earth. Take care of it.” -Nayyirah Waheed. Instagram: @mayarichardsun  Proud Member Actors’ Equity Association.

JODI CARMELI* (she/her) (Dee Dee Allen) is grateful to return to the Chanhassen stage. CDT credits: Kira/Xanadu, Narrator/Joseph…Dreamcoat (3 productions), Peggy Sawyer/42nd Street, Maria/West Side Story, Lily St. Regis/Annie, Rusty/Footloose, Gloria/Bye Bye Birdie, Demeter/Cats, The Producers, Les Miserables and Sandy/Grease (Pantages). Broadway: RENT (Maureen/Mark’s mom) National Tours: Some Like it Hot/Sugar (starring opposite Tony Curtis), Star to Be/Annie. International Tours: Sandy/Grease. Jodi holds a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Minnesota and an M.A. in Education from Bethel University. She teaches at MNIC High School in Minneapolis.

TOD PETERSEN* (he/him) (Barry Glickman) was recently seen at CDT playing Mayor Shinn in The Music Man. He’s also played at Theater Latté Da, Ordway, Children’s Theater Company, History Theatre, Illusion Theatre, Artistry and Duluth Playhouse. His holiday show, A Christmas Carole Petersen, has been a Twin Cities’ favorite for over 20 years. Tod is also a writer, director and teacher. Along with his husband, actor Ryan Lee, he’s taught music and theater to kids in Chiang Mai, Thailand and San Juancito, Honduras. Peace.

HELEN ANKER*  (she/her) (Angie Dickinson) is thrilled to return to the Twin Cities where she played Guenevere in Camelot at CDT and Eliza in My Fair Lady at Guthrie Theater. She comes directly from playing Tanya in Mamma Mia! in the UK and International Tour. She originates from the UK where she performed in 12 West End shows, in the US on Broadway and in many regional shows. She has written and performs a one-woman play about the life of Audrey Hepburn, The Essence of Audrey. She is so excited to be back in the city she holds so close to her heart!

SHAD HANLEY* (he/him) (Trent Oliver) is thrilled to be at CDT in this role which he finds unnervingly “meta.” After too many years in NYC full of flops and nervous breakdowns, Shad limped home to Minnesota where he was remodeled as an actor and human being at The Duluth Playhouse, Lyric Opera of the North, Artistry, History Theatre, and CDT (as Oliver Hix in The Music Man and Coach Dunbar in Footloose). When not on stage, Shad is a monologue coach with TCMTT. This performance is dedicated to his cats.

JAY ALBRIGHT* (Sheldon Saperstein) has performed here at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in The Music Man, Mamma Mia!, The Producers, The Sound of Music, Anything Goes, Jesus Christ Superstar and many other shows. Locally, he’s performed at the Guthrie, Frank Theatre, Jungle Theater, History Theatre, Penumbra Theatre and Illusion Theater. Regionally, he’s performed at The People’s Light and Theatre Company, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Hope Summer Theatre and The Old Creamery. He lives in South Minneapolis with his wife, child and two dogs.

JOENATHAN THOMAS* (Principal Hawkins) is joyously back at Chanhassen, having performed previously in 42nd Street and Phantom. Locally Thomas has worked The Ordway, Guthrie, Artistry, Mixed Blood, Illusion, and History theaters, to name a few, as well as Regional Theater and Film, the latest being Disney’s “Everyday St Nick.”  Most recently seen locally in Iphigenia at Aulis (Ten Thousand Things); and Annie (Children’s Theatre Company). Thomas has come full circle, considering his first acting job in the Twin Cities was right here at Chanhassen some 20 years ago!

TIFFANY COOPER* (she/her) (Mrs. Greene) is thrilled to make her CDT debut. Regional credits: Guthrie Theater and MN Black Circle Theater, also Mamma Mia!, In The Next Room, Clybourne Park, Guys and Dolls, The Tempest, When Shakespeare’s Ladies Meet, Fences, Cinderella, South Pacific, The Buddy Holly Show. Broadway: Tony-nominated musical Bombay Dreams. International: Grease Das Musical, Porgy and Bess. TV: appearances on ABC, NBC networks. A proud SAG-AFTRA/AEA member. A teaching artist at the Ordway. BS at Murray State. tiffanycooper.com

TONY VIERLING* (Ensemble) has appeared in over 45 productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, as well as 20 productions at the Guthrie and Ordway theatres. Regional credits include Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey, TUTS in Houston, Minnesota Opera, Kentucky Opera, Louisiana Opera, as well as dancing at Disneyland, Holland America Cruise Line and National Tours of A Chorus Line and Little House on the Prairie. Proud member of Actors’ Equity Association for 36 years.

MICHAEL GRUBER* (Ensemble) is delighted to be back performing at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. He has also worked at the Guthrie Theater, History Theatre, Theater Latté Da, Ordway and Artistry. Before moving to Minneapolis, Michael lived in New York City, appearing in nine Broadway shows over a 23-year period. He also works as a choreographer, director, musical director, composer and vocal coach. He is grateful for all the diverse opportunities that the Twin Cities’ theater community provides to local artists.

KERSTEN RODAU* (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of The Prom after playing roller-skating Betty Blast in Footloose for the past year. Favorite CDT roles include Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia!, Medda Larkin in Disney’s Newsies, and Ursula in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. She’s also performed at Guthrie Theater (H.M.S. Pinafore, She Loves Me, Sweeney Todd), Ordway Center (The Pirates of Penzance, Damn Yankees, The Sound of Music), Park Square (Ragtime, Side Show), Artistry (Funny Girl, Little Women), and Minnesota Orchestra (Carousel, Peer Gynt).

ANDRE SHOALS* (Ensemble) has appeared in CDT’s The Music Man, Sister Act, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Disney’s Newsies, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. Other credits include: Marjorie Prime (PRIME Productions), Jelly’s Last Jam, To Let Go and Fall, Man of LaMancha, Ragtime, Peter & the Starcatcher, AIDA, Next Festival (Theatre Latte Da), Rocky Horror Show (Cardinal Theatricals). Director’s credits include A Raisin in the Sun (Guthrie Theater). Andre is also a teaching artist and mentor for the Hennepin Theatre Trust “Spotlight Education.”

JOEY MILLER*  (he/him) (Ensemble) Chanhassen Dinner Theatres; Footloose, Mamma Mia!, Holiday Inn, Disney’s Newsies, and Beauty and the Beast. Theater Latté Da; Chicago. Artistry; Songs for a New World. The Ordway; West Side Story, A Chorus Line, White Christmas, Pirates of Penzance. Choreography: Artistry; Shrek. The Ordway; Gotta Dance. The Old Log; Gentleman’s Guide…Murder. Cedar Summerstock; Seussical. Joey is also a licensed massage therapist. AEA.

LINDA TALCOTT LEE* (she/her) (Ensemble) Broadway: Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (original cast), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (original cast, Silly Girl, dance captain), The Goodbye Girl (original cast), Seussical.  CDT:  Disney’s Mary Poppins, CATS, West Side Story, Swing.  Guthrie:  My Fair Lady, Roman Holiday, She Loves Me.  Ordway: A Christmas Story, Cinderella.  Fitzgerald: The Wild Party  Regional: Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond, West Side Story (Anybodys), A Chorus Line (Maggie, Connie). Emmy Award for choreographing The Comedy Hall of Fame with Jason Alexander.

JANET HAYES TROW* (she/her) (Olivia Keating, Ensemble) Off-Off Broadway: Amas’ Rep (The Buck Stops Here), Radio City Music Hall (Christmas Spectacular), American Hawaii Cruises (Broadway Songbook), St Louis’ Goldenrod Showboat (The Drunkard) Crystal Palace, Aspen (performer/writer/choreographer). Locally: The Guthrie (Guys and Dolls, Roman Holiday) Ordway (The Sound of Music) History Theatre (Watermelon Hill), Elision Theatre (If the Spirit Moves), CDT’s Fireside (The Rainmaker, Brighton Beach Memoirs), and the CDT Main Stage, where The Prom marks her 54th production. “Love to family!”

ANN MICHELS* (she/her) (Ensemble) is a Faribault native who now lives in Minneapolis. Aside from over 15 productions at CDT, she has worked at Ordway, Theater Latté Da, Guthrie, History Theatre, Children’s Theatre Company and Jungle Theater, to name a few. She was last seen as Marian Paroo in CDT’s The Music Man. When not on theatrical stages, you’ll find her singing jazz with the George Maurer Group or roaming the woods, photographing area wildlife. “Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary.” – Uta Hagen

LAURA RUDOLPH* (she/her) (Kaylee) is thrilled to be on the CDT stage! Favorite CDT credits include: Grease (Sandy), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Hello, Dolly! (Irene), All Shook Up (Natalie), Mamma Mia! The Music Man, Footloose, Holiday Inn, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Newsies, Sister Act and Joseph…Dreamcoat. National Tour: Nunset Boulevard; Guthrie: South Pacific, Roman Holiday, H.M.S. Pinafore; Old Log: Million Dollar Quartet (Dyanne). Love to Eric! Proud AEA member.

DYLAN RUGH* (he/him) (Nick) is excited to be returning to Chanhassen with The Prom! Other credits include: Chicago at Theater Latté Da (Fred Casely/Billy Flynn US), Guys and Dolls at Old Log Theater (Ensemble), Newsies (Jack Kelly) and Pippin (Leading Player) at Ashland Productions and Footloose (Lyle/Ren), The Music Man and Mamma Mia! here at CDT. Thanks to Michael, Tam and Andy. “Thanks to my family. All my love to Emily and Penny.”

KAYLI LUCAS (she/her) (Ensemble) is so happy to continue her Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ career from Footloose into The Prom! She is so excited to bring this beautiful story to the stage and work with this amazing cast and crew.  Most recently she received her BFA in musical theater from Ball State University in 2020. Some favorite credits include: The Wolves (#25), and Shrek the Musical (Tap Dancing Rat/Duloc Dancer). Instagram: @kaylilucas

NOAH COON (he/him) (Ensemble) Ordway: Beauty and the Beast, 42nd Street; Guthrie Theater: Caroline or Change, The Winter’s Tale, Macbeth, A Christmas Carol; Park Square Theatre: Ragtime, Oliver Twist, To Kill A Mockingbird; Children’s Theatre Company: Shrek the Musical, The Scarecrow and His Servant; History Theatre: Orphan Train; Old Log Theatre: The Reluctant Dragon; Paul Bunyan Playhouse: Seussical; Porchlight Music Theatre: Can-Can; National Tours: Miracle on 34^th Street, A Christmas Carol; TV/Film: Memorial Day, Superhuman. Training: Roosevelt University (CCPA) BFA in Musical Theatre/Dance.

KATEMARIE ANDREWS (she/her) (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her CDT debut in The Prom! After recently graduating from Burnsville High School, KateMarie is excited to continue pursuing a career in theater. She most recently performed in Children’s Theatre Company’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Who girl/boy), Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Yvette), and Three Little Birds (Nansi). She thanks her friends and family for their endless support and love.

SAM STOLL (he/him) (Ensemble) is thrilled to make his CDT debut! Past shows include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at The Ordway (Chorus, u/s Lumiere), Escape to Margaritaville at The Old Log (Brick), Little Women at Artistry (Swing), Grand Hotel (Erik) and Mamma Mia! (Ensemble) at The Rev Theatre, Jekyll & Hyde National Tour (Poole), Grease at Alhambra Dinner Theatre (Danny), Vegas the Show! on Norwegian Cruise Line (Elvis/Sinatra). MSU Mankato alum. “So much love to Brad and my family.” Music out now! Instagram: @bradleyandsam & @samastoll

ANDREA MISLAN*  (Ensemble) CDT: Footloose, The Music Man, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. Ordway: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Guthrie: Guys and Dolls, Cyrano de Bergerac, West Side Story. International Tour Chicago the Musical. Cirque du Soleil: Viva Elvis. Celine Dion’s A New Day – Live in Las Vegas. Collide Theatrical: Dracula, Le Petit Moulin, Dance ’Til You Drop (History Theater). Regional Theater: White Christmas (Pioneer Theater Company); White Christmas, Peter Pan (CFRT). Royal Winnipeg Ballet (Corps). TV: The Toy Castle, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Oprah, Ellen.

ABBY MAGALEE* (she/her) (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to the CDT stage! Credits include Ordway Theater: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, In the Heights, West Side Story, Mamma Mia!, White Christmas. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: Footloose. The Kennedy Center: Grey Skies Blue. Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater: Creature. Abby graduated from Towson University with a BFA in Dance Performance and a BS in Deaf Studies. She is a proud member of AEA and a certified yoga instructor. Love and endless gratitude to Christian and her family. abbymagalee.com

JAVARI HORNE (she/her) (Ensemble) is so excited and grateful to be making her debut on the CDT stage! Javari is a multi-disciplinary artist, activist and dreamer. She has performed at Artistry, Mixed Blood, DalekoArts Children’s Theatre Company and Normandale Community College, where she gained her associates degree. “I want to thank my mom, sister, and everyone who has helped me along my journey! I also want to thank the creative team and my cast members for allowing me to tell this story with them!”

MARK KING* (Ensemble) was last seen on Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ Main Stage in Footloose. His Main Stage roles have included: Lumiére in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Bert in Disney’s Mary Poppins, Chef Louis in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Cosmo in Singin’ in the Rain and Carmen Ghia in The Producers. Other favorites are: Nachum in Fiddler on the Roof, Sir Evelyn in Anything Goes, Xanadu and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

DAYSHA RAMSEY (she/her) (Shelby) is ecstatic to be back after appearing in The Music Man, Footloose and now, The Prom! She recently received her BFA in Musical Theatre at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Other credits include Duluth Playhouse: Smokey Joe’s Cafe (BJ and Ensemble) The Mountaintop (Camae), Grease (Cha-Cha DiGregorio). University of Minnesota Duluth: BARE The Musical (Kyra), The  Little Prince (Rose/Snake), Sister Act (Tina). Empire Theatre Company: Heathers (MTV Girl and Ensemble), Hairspray (Lorraine, Dynamite Girl, Ensemble).

MATTHEW HALL* (he/him) (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to the Chanhassen stage after his debut as Willard in Footloose. Other credits include: Little Women (John Brooke) at Artistry Theater, Playlist Singer/Dancer at Carnival Cruise Lines, Be More Chill (Jake D.) at Minneapolis Musical Theater, Spring Awakening (Georg) at Shoot the Glass Theater, Shrek the Musical (Donkey) and Disney’s Newsies (Davey) at Ashland Productions. “Thanks to my whole family for their unconditional love and support!” Instagram: @matthewzacharyhall

LUSSI PEARL  (she/they) (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her CDT debut! She is currently a freshman working to earn her BFA in Musical Theatre at University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Favorite credits include: Footloose (Rusty) and The Music Man (Gracie Shinn) at The NorShor Theatre, as well as Freaky Friday (Ellie) and Eurydice (Eurydice) at Duluth East High School. Lussi would like to thank her teachers and family for their constant support, as well as CDT for the opportunity to do this show!

MITCHELL DOUGLAS (they/he) (Kevin) is elated to be continuing their artistic pursuits with CDT after having recently appeared in Footloose and The Music Man! Recent credits include: Sky in Mamma Mia! at Zephyr Theatre, Playlist Dancer with Carnival Cruise Lines, Singer in New Voices Cabaret (Lyric Arts) and Ben/Dance Captain in Night of The Living Dead, The Musical! (Minneapolis Musical Theater). “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” -Brené Brown

TOMMY BENSON* (he/him) (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be in The Prom! He holds a BFA in Musical Theater and a BA in Music from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He has performed in Turkey, China and across the Twin Cities, most recently in Footloose here at CDT. Favorite roles include David DiNotello in Spandex the Musical, Oscar D’Armano in The Wild Party, Cowboy Bob in Footloose, Neville Landless in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Frog in A Year with Frog & Toad. Proud member AEA.

TYSON INSIXIENGMAI (He/They) (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back to perform with CDT, having just played Jeter in Footloose! He is a performer, creator, and artist in the Twin Cities, who is incredibly grateful to continue to showcase their artistry on stage. “Thank you to friends and family for your endless love and support, love lots!” He is so excited to share this story and experience with you! Instagram: @tysontadhana

MICHAEL BRINDISI (Artistic Director) happily celebrates his 35th year as Resident Artistic Director for Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. He has been affiliated with CDT since 1971 when he first appeared on stage here in The Matchmaker. In addition, Mr. Brindisi is proud to serve on the CDT ownership team (established in 2010). While he continues at the artistic helm, he adds the title of president to his “credits,” seeing and responding to daily operations. He directed his first CDT production, Private Lives, in 1988. Since then, Mr. Brindisi has over 100 Chanhassen productions to his credit. He previously spent several years in freelance directing, overseeing 40 productions in seven consecutive seasons of summer stock; three as Artistic Director of Bemidji’s Paul Bunyan Playhouse and four with Minnesota Festival Theatre. He directed The Two-Character Play and Translations for Actors Theatre of St. Paul and Once in a Lifetime for Theatre in the Round. Other directing credits include The Beauty Part, The Robber Bridegroom, and Twigs for Chimera Theatre and a Minnesota Music Theatre summer stock series with Winona St. Mary’s. Prior to directing, Mr. Brindisi enjoyed a successful acting career. CDT productions include: Annie Get Your Gun, What the Butler Saw, Loot, The Robber Bridegroom, My Fair Lady and his favorite production, Fiddler on the Roof (appearing in 1978, 1987 and 2013 productions). He performed the role of Kenickie in the national tour of Grease and appeared in the Broadway revival of Once in a Lifetime with John Lithgow and Treat Williams. In 2002, he was a guest artist in Ordway’s production of Anything Goes with Sandy Duncan and in Singin’ in the Rain. He was honored by the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization to co-develop and direct the World Premiere of Irving Berlin’s Easter Parade, which debuted on CDT’s Main Stage in 2007. When able, he takes time to guest direct locally and around the country. Credits include: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown and A Grand Night for Singing at the Ordway; and Grease and Hair at the Historic Pantages Theatre. He had the unique pleasure of directing Elmo, Big Bird and friends in the Sesame Street Live national tour of “Can’t Stop Singing.” On a personal note, life in the theatre is a family affair. Michael is married to actor Michelle Barber, seen on stage here and across the Twin Cities. Their daughter Cat, also a professional actor, is married to actor and director David Darrow. Recently, Michael became a proud first-time grandfather to Henry Brindisi Darrow.

TAMARA KANGAS ERICKSON* (Choreographer) is Vice President and Resident Choreographer at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres where she has proudly choreographed over 30 Main Stage productions. Tamara became part of the CDT family in 1981 when she appeared as Marta Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Also at CDT – Fireside: Respect (director/choreographer), Altar Boyz (choreographer); Playhouse: The Musical of Musicals: The Musical (director/choreographer). Off-Broadway: This One’s for the Girls (director/choreographer); Artistry: Little Women, The Broadway Musical (director/choreographer); National Tour: Sesame Street Live Can’t Stop Singing (choreographer). Tamara was named “Outstanding Choreographer” (2005, 2006 and 2008) by the Star Tribune for Singin’ in the Rain, West Side Story and 42nd Street and received an Ivey Award in 2008 for her choreography in 42nd Street.

ANDY KUST (Music Director) CDT: Footloose, The Music Man, Mamma Mia!, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Grease. Regional Theatre: 12 Angry Men, Next to Normal, Spring Awakening, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Rent, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar, Billy Elliot, Disney’s Mary Poppins, Bare, among others. Andy is an award-winning music director, vocal coach and pianist, currently serving as the Resident Music Director at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Andy is the co-owner of Twin Cities Musical Theater Training, with studio clients having appeared in the Broadway and national touring companies of Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Disney’s Frozen, Mean Girls, Hamilton, Kinky Boots and Spring Awakening. Andy collaborates regularly with other theaters in the Twin Cities and around the country including Guthrie Theater, Theatre Latté Da, The Hennepin Theatre Trust, The Ordway, The Kennedy Center, Phoenix Theatre, The Duluth Playhouse, and as a national tour keyboard substitute. Training: B.A. from Luther College and M.M. from Arizona State University.  andykustmusic.com

NAYNA RAMEY** (Resident Scenic Designer) has been the resident designer at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres since 1988. Her work most recently was seen in Footloose, The Music Man, Mamma Mia!, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, Disney’s Mary Poppins, Grease and Disney’s Newsies. She is also recognized for her regional work, including 21 seasons at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, with recent productions including Measure for Measure, Pride and Prejudice, Comedy of Errors and The Seagull. Regional credits also include Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Repertory, Intiman Theatre in Seattle, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, History Theatre in St. Paul, the Ordway’s McKnight Theatre in St. Paul and the Historic Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis.

RICH HAMSON (Costume Designer) has designed 65 CDT productions including The Music Man, Mamma Mia!, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Disney’s Newsies, Sister Act, Grease, Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Camelot, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma!, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Producers, Swing!, 42nd Street, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Les Misérables and world premieres of the last five shows in Danny Goggin’s Nunsense series. His work has been seen at Park Square Theatre, Minnesota Opera, Guthrie Theater, Jungle Theater, Theater Latté Da, Illusion Theater, Cricket Theatre, Historic Pantages Theatre, Children’s Theatre Company, The Ordway, Hey City Theater, Troupe America, Plymouth Playhouse and at high schools and colleges across the state. Rich designed the national tours of The Sunshine Boys starring Frank Gorshen and Dick Van Patten and The Odd Couple with “MASH” alumni Jamie Farr and William Christopher. Rich’s design work has been acknowledged with three Ivey Awards and numerous other recognitions throughout the Twin Cities.

SUE ELLEN BERGER (Lighting Designer) has designed on all four Chanhassen stages with over 200 shows to her credit. Sue is also Lighting Designer/Stage Manager for our acclaimed Concert Series in the Fireside Theatre. Away from Chanhassen, her work has been seen with The Finnish National Opera, Arizona Broadway Theatre, The Palace Theatre – Wisconsin Dells, Yellow Tree Theatre, Historic Pantages Theatre, Ordway Center, North Star Opera, Music Box Theatre, Carousel Dinner Theatre, Circa 21 and Park Square Theatre, among others. Sue enjoys spending her summers designing for Iowa’s Cedar Summerstock, while also teaching at ChanDT’s Musical Theatre Camp. She has been a guest artist with several universities and high schools, has taught theatre on the primary, secondary and college levels and is currently teaching Lighting Design at Concordia University in St. Paul. Sue is privileged to be a part of CDT’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. In her spare time, she designs for several schools and mentors students interested in tech theatre.

RUSS HAYNES (Sound Designer) is happy to have designed many productions at Chanhassen, including eight world premieres. He has worked on several nationally broadcast television series, award-winning documentaries, and at various theaters, schools, and churches throughout the region. He continues to produce various projects from his recording studio Rx Audio, based in Saint Michael. His favorite productions are his sons, Wesley and Brian.

AMANDA LEVENS (she/her) (Hair/Makeup Designer) is thrilled to be designing for The Prom! Previous tech work at CDT includes The Music Man, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins, Hello Dolly!, Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Bye Bye Birdie, and Hairspray. Her work has also been seen locally at the Guthrie Theatre, History Theatre, Concordia University, Artistry, University of Minnesota, Theatre Latte Da, Minnetonka Theatre, and others. Touring credits include Phantom of the Opera, The Band’s Visit, How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical, Jekyll & Hyde, and Flashdance. Training: B.A Theatre, University of Minnesota; MN Cosmetology License, Atelier Academy. Proud IATSE member.

THOMAS SCHUMACHER* (Production Stage Manager) is excited to continue his association with CDT in this new position “behind the scenes.” He came to work here in 1986, and since then he has performed on all four stages, has directed and choreographed several productions, and has worked in the front office for the Guest Relations Department. He is so grateful to the artistic and ownership teams for this opportunity and to have been a part of the CDT family for so many years.

JOHN TROW* (he/him) (Assistant Stage Manager/Clerk) has spent the last 14 years as ASM here at CDT. He’s played numerous character roles during those years as well as serving as an understudy. John has acted/directed/choreographed shows in Minneapolis, Colorado and Florida. He is very grateful for the work provided by Michael and Tamara. “Love to grandkids, Danny, Peter and Millie.”