Consider Yourself at Home for the Holidays with Milwaukee’s Home for Music Theatre
Milwaukee, WI - October 15, 2024 – Skylight Music Theatre is elated to announce the cast of its upcoming production of Oliver! by Lionel Bart. Based on the beloved novel by Charles Dickens, this classic musical will run November 15th to December 29th, 2024, at the Skylight Cabot Theatre.
Directed by Skylight’s Artistic Director Michael Unger, Oliver! tells the tale of a young orphan who navigates the gritty streets of Victorian London, encountering a colorful cast of characters along the way. With memorable songs like “Consider Yourself” and “As Long as He Needs Me,” this production promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
“We are overjoyed to bring this beloved classic to life with 24 of the brightest youth performers in the Milwaukee area,” said Unger. “In addition to a host of delightful young performers, a talented professional cast and creative team will bring this holiday treat for all ages to the Skylight stage for the first time. We welcome both Skylight favorites and new faces to the Cabot stage. The youth performers will be double cast with the title role of Oliver being portrayed by Gus Kolbe and Mac Heinrich, alongside Jenna Krysiak and Harper Fornstedt as the Artful Dodger. In addition to a youth ensemble of 20 additional performers, the adult cast will include Randall Dodge as the scrappy and resourceful Fagin, Rachel Schoenecker as the large-hearted Nancy, and Jared Brandt Hoover as the sly Bill Sikes. Rounding out the cast are many other colorful characters who will delight and transport our audiences this holiday season.
“Oliver! is a timeless story filled with heart, hope, and transformation, and this cast is perfectly suited to bring it to vibrant life on our stage in the Skylight style people have come to expect from us,” said Unger.
Tickets for Oliver! are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.skylightmusictheatre.org or by calling the Skylight Music Theatre Box Office at (414) 291-7800.
Skylight is grateful for the generosity of Presenting Sponsor WeEnergies Foundation and Associate Producer Moira J. Kelly for supporting this production.
OLIVER!
November 15 – December 29, 2024
Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart
Freely adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist
Directed by Artistic Director Michael Unger**
Choreographed by Stephanie Staszak
Musical Direction by David Bonofiglio
Cast
Oliver Gus Kolbe (Piccadilly Cast) / Mac Heinrich (Trafalgar Cast)
Fagin Randall Dodge*
Artful Dodger Jenna Krysiak (Piccadilly Cast) / Harper Fornstedt (Trafalgar Cast)
Bill Sikes Jared Brandt Hoover
Nancy Rachel Schoenecker
Bet/Ensemble Hope Riesterer
Mr. Bumble/Ensemble Miss Kyle Blair
Mrs. Corney/Ensemble Candace Decker
Mr. Brownlow/Ensemble Rick Richter
Mr. Sowerberry/Ensemble Nathan Marinan
Mrs. Sowerberry/Ensemble Samantha Sostarich
Charlotte/Ensemble Becky Cofta
Noah Claypole/Ensemble Connor Nekich
Dr. Grimwig/Ensemble D Eric Woolweber
Matron/Ensemble Rachel Bednarowski
Bedwin/Old Sally/Ensemble Paula Garcia
Nipper Jillian Vogedes (Piccadilly Cast) / Finley Brown (Trafalgar Cast)
Charley Bates Brooklynn Smith (Piccadilly Cast) / Grayson Scott (Trafalgar Cast)
Youth Performers Ensemble
Piccadilly Cast
Bristol Beasley
Steven Gayfield
Ira Kindkeppel-Longden
Ainsley Kosek
Emilia Kosek
Maia Scherman
Brooklynn Smith
Stevie Smith
Elias Totleben
Jillian Vogedes
Trafalgar Cast
Jozef Baudo
Finley Brown
Malia Brunner
Jeremiah Cooper
Emery Domer
Grace Hennen
Shaun Martin
MacKenzie Rise Roberson
Grayson Scott
Ellory Woodford
*Appearing through an agreement between Skylight Music Theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
**The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union.
Biographies
Rachel Bednarowski (Matron/Ensemble) is ecstatic to be returning to Skylight for this incredible season! Rachel holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and minors in Dance Performance and Music from UW-Milwaukee. Rachel’s favorite credits include Erato in Xanadu! (Skylight), Rosie – Mamma Mia! (GCT), and Charlotte in Cinderella (Appleton East Players). She also teaches and directs with Shallece Saleen Studios. Love to Gavin, family, friends and mentors for their unending support in all her endeavors.
Miss Kyle Blair (Mr. Bumble/Ensemble) [she/they/he]: Skylight debut! Miss Kyle has spent a sizeable portion of their career in international waters, performing with Disney Cruise Line as Kings, Clocks, and Genies, and originating the role of Hook Hand in Tangled: the Musical. They have worked regionally in Chicago, Portland, Memphis, Arizona, and Colorado; with the National Players – America’s Longest-Running Touring Company (Olney, MD); and sometimes performs in drag as Great Aunt Mavis. Love to family and forever friends. Hi, Georgia!
Becky Cofta (Charlotte/Ensemble) is thrilled to be in Oliver! She was last seen at Skylight in Noises Off, the Rocky Horror Picture Show Fundraiser and Pippin. Becky is a performer and teaching artist in the Greater Milwaukee area. She has worked with Milwaukee Opera Theatre, The Constructivists, Schmitz & Giggles and more. Endless thanks to her family and friends for their unconditional love and support!
Candace Decker (Mrs. Corney/Ensemble) is ecstatic to be making her debut at Skylight Music Theatre. Favorite roles include Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly! And Marmee in Little Women the Musical at Forte Theatre Company. She is a Chicago After Dark Award winner for Best Actress as Alma in The Christmas Schooner at Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, a Midwest Individual Artist grantee, and a NY Cabaret Symposium Fellow. Thank you, Susan Westfall and Steven Decker for your love and support.
Randall Dodge (Fagin)* was last seen at Skylight as Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd! He has performed and directed throughout the country. Favorite acting credits include: Frollo The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Javert Les Miserable, Billy Flynn Chicago, Emile De Becque South Pacific, Captain Hook Peter Pan, Carl Magnus A Little Night Music, Grinch How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and the Cowardly Lion The Wizard of Oz. He is also the Founding Artistic Director for Forte Theatre Company.
Jared Brandt Hoover (Bill Sikes) is honored to be brought back for Skylight’s 65th season. He made his Skylight debut last season as Judson in From Here To Eternity. Jared moved to Milwaukee in 2021 for the Milwaukee Rep Residency program, he has been seen in Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Rep, Vanguard Productions, Renaissance Theaterworks and Outskirts Theater. Jared would like to thank Michael, Susan, and the creative team for allowing him to continue to tell the stories worth telling. He would like to thank Mom and Dad, Ethan and Conor, Aunt Vicki, Papaw and Mimi for their support in making his life passion possible. Insta: @jared_hoover
Nathan Marinan (Mr. Sowerberry/Ensemble) Regional: Dave Bukatinsky in The Full Monty, Lady Augusta Bracknell in Being Earnest, Ensemble/Quasimodo Understudy in Dennis DeYoung’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Billy Boy Bill in Urinetown, Bamatabois/Joly in Les Misérables, and Princeton/Rod Understudy in Avenue Q with Skylight Music Theatre. Additional appearances with In Tandem Theatre (The Fabulous Lipitones, Carnival, Scrooge In Rouge, and Earnest In Love), Boulevard Theatre (Mothers and Sons), Theatrical Tendencies, and Sunset Playhouse. For Joel and the guys. www.NathanMarinan.com
Connor Nekich (Noah Claypole/Ensemble) a recent graduate of UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts, Connor Nekich is an up-and-coming actor in Milwaukee. He has spent this past year understudying as Gerald in Elephant and Piggie’s “We are in a Play” at First Stage Children’s Theater and as Scratch and Cuddy in Witch at Renaissance Theaterworks. He was also delighted to perform as Finn in a staged reading of Black Bear Island at Br!nk Theater Festival.
Rick Richter (Mr. Brownlow/Ensemble) is very happy to be working here again at his favorite theatre, Skylight, on such a beloved show with an extremely talented cast and crew!
His previous roles here have been: Danny in XANADU, Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady & Professor Marvel/Wizard in The Wizard of Oz. A few of his other favorite roles in the area have been: Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, King Arthur in Camelot, Gaston in Beauty & the Beast and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Follow Rick at www.rick-richter.com
Rachel Schoenecker (Nancy) is a Wisconsin-raised, New York City-based actor, thrilled to be making her Skylight debut! Previous credits include Maureen in Rent and Wendla in Spring Awakening at Oklahoma City University, as well as Marty in Grease and Ariel in The Little Mermaid at Tibbits Opera House. She is a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University’s music theatre program and offers her endless thanks to her family and friends always. @rchlschoenecker
Samantha Sostarich (Mrs. Sowerberry/Ensemble) [she/her] is thrilled to be back at Skylight Music Theatre after spending the fall with Children’s Theater of Madison in Diary of a Wimpy Kid. National Tour: Emojiland the Musical. Regional: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona Lisa Peretti), Hairspray (Velma Von Tussle), Annie (Lily St. Regis), Boeing Boeing (Gretchen), Spamalot (Lady of the Lake), Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood), Fortuna the Timebender vs. The School Girls of Doom (Fortuna), The Taming (Katherine), and Who’s Holiday! (Cindy Lou). samanthasostarich.com
Youth Performers
Piccadilly Cast
Bristol Beasley (Ensemble) is very excited to be performing in Oliver! Previously, she played the role of Sophie in School of Rock at Skylight Music Theatre and was a part of the Holiday Cast in A Jolly Holiday: Celebrating Disney’s Broadway Hits, also at Skylight. She has performed in Beauty & the Beast Jr. and Moana Jr. with Shallece Saleen Studio-Fine Arts Academy; Willy Wonka Jr., Matilda Jr. and The Lion King Jr. at Muskego Lakes Middle School. Bristol loves acting, singing, dancing, baking, and horseback riding. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Steven Gayfield (Ensemble) is excited to make his Skylight debut! He is a 5th grader at Lumen Christi Catholic School. He performed in Annie Jr. the Musical with MTRD. Steven loves to sing, play the piano and guitar. Steven cantors at church as well as sings in the choir. In his spare time, he enjoys playing football, video games, and hanging around with friends. Steven sends thanks to his family and friends for their support.
Ira Kindkeppel-Longden (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of Skylight’s Oliver! Some favorite past roles: Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Creator Collaborative), Ryan Evans in High School Musical (Creator Collaborative), and Matthew Cratchett in A Christmas Carol (The Milwaukee Rep). Ira also enjoys writing, building Legos, and drawing. A big thank you to all who have helped him develop as a performer and person and to his family for being his biggest fans.
Gus Kolbe (Oliver) is a 7th grader at Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove. He is excited to make his Skylight debut! Gus has enjoyed acting since his first school musical at Tonawanda Elementary School. Since then, he has been hooked. When Gus isn’t acting, he is playing volleyball, doing school clubs, or finding new things to keep himself entertained. In 2023, he was Charlie in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Sunset Playhouse.
Ainsley Kosek (Ensemble) is excited to be making her acting debut! She is 8yrs old and enjoys being on the swim team and playing the alto saxophone. She is looking forward to her first theater experience and is happy to be sharing the stage with her sister. She loves to sing and dance and hopes to be part of many more shows in the future.
Emilia Kosek (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the Cabot Theater stage for her 9th production. She is 11yrs old and enjoys playing volleyball and playing flute in her school’s band. A few of her favorite roles were: Summer Hathaway in School of Rock at Skylight Music Theatre, Chip in Beauty and the Beast and Little Anastasia in Anastasia with WAWM Theater. She is looking forward to being in her first show with her sister and hopes to have a long future in acting.
Jenna Krysiak (Artful Dodger) is thrilled to “Consider herself at home” with Skylight Music Theatre as Artful Dodger. Other credits: Patty Farrell in Diary Of A Wimpy Kid The Musical with First Stage, LeFou in Beauty And The Beast Jr. and Flounder in The Little Mermaid Jr. with SMYT, and many more. She is also part of AMT3 with First Stage. Offstage, she loves playing basketball and baking. Special shoutout to her family, especially Kylie Radulovich.
Maia Scherman (Ensemble) is 15 and goes to University School of Milwaukee. She has recently been in The Amazing Lemonade Girl (Alex) and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Beth Bradley) at First Stage, as well as her school’s The Little Mermaid (Ariel). Maia loves to read, write, sing, dance, and play tennis. She is so excited to be a part of her first Skylight production and she hopes you enjoy it!
Brooklynn “Brooke” Smith (Charley) is a young, ambitious actress who has participated in over 30 performances in her short career. Her long-term aspirations are to attend The Julliard School in New York. Her hobbies include reading, violin and piano. She is shy when meeting new people, at home Brooklynn sings more than she talks!
Stevie Marie Smith (Ensemble) is a current fifth grader at Glen Hills Middle School. She enjoys singing, drawing, saxophone, crafting and acting, Stevie has always had career aspirations of becoming an engineer; however, she has most recently discovered a passion for helping her neurodivergent friends.
Elias Totleben (Ensemble) [he/him] is thankful and honored to be back on the Skylight stage! He was last seen here as Zack in School of Rock and has also appeared in productions at First Stage Milwaukee, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Paramount Theatre Aurora, and Mercury Theater Chicago. Elias is a songwriter guitarist who is currently recording his first album. He turns 13 in December and is a homeschooled seventh grader. Thanks friends and family, and Hi Julian!
Jillian Vogedes (Nipper) is thrilled to be returning to the Skylight Music Theater! Some of her favorite roles include: Student Ensemble & Summer Hathaway (U/S) in School of Rock at Skylight Music Theater; Olive Biddle in Pete the Cat and the Ice Cream Penguin in Elephant & Piggie at First Stage. Outside of theater, Jillian enjoys geocaching and reading books by Judy Blume. She is a 5th grader at Downtown Montessori Academy.
Trafalgar Cast
Jozef Baudo (Ensemble) is a 6th grader at Glen Hills Middle School. He is beyond thrilled to be making his debut performance at Skylight Music Theatre! Theatre experience includes participating in the KidsWrites summer program where he played Captain Cool Guy in The Blueberries of Wrath and taking class at First Stage Academy! He’s grateful to his family for their support, including his doggos Sunshine and Gary.
Finley Brown (Nipper) is so excited to play the mischievous Nipper in her first Skylight Music Theatre production. She is a 3rd grader at Maryland Avenue Montessori who loves to sing, dance, play violin (on rollerblades!), and host movie nights with friends. Finley would like to thank her family, teachers, and friends for their support, and she wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Malia Brunner (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to Skylight Music Theater after appearing as Lauren the piano player in the School of Rock. Malia has a passion for singing and dancing, especially when it involves being on stage with her theater buddies. When not on stage, Malia can be found bumping the volleyball with her teammates, racing between the gates on the ski hill, and running on the trails with her cross-country team. Any time she gets to hang out with friends and family is a good day!
Jeremiah Cooper (Ensemble) is an 8th grader at River Trail School of Agricultural Sciences. He likes to play piano, watch tv, and read. Oliver! will be his second show for Skylight but his third show in general. He was Pinocchio in Shrek the Musical Jr. At Whitnall Middle School, And James in School of Rock at Skylight Music Theatre. His hobby is listening to music. In summary Jeremiah cannot wait to consider himself one of you.
Emery Domer (Ensemble) is thrilled to make her debut with Skylight Theatre in Oliver! Emery is a freshman at University School of Milwaukee; her favorite school roles to date include James in James and the Giant Peach, Sebastian in The Little Mermaid and The Witch in Into the Woods. In her spare time, she dances with the company team for Bella Via Dance Studio, runs cross country, and takes voice lessons with Claudia Johnson. Emery would like to thank her mom, dad, and sister, Willa, for their love and support.
Harper Fornstedt (Artful Dodger) is in 8th grade at Golda Meir Middle School. Her hobbies include badminton, volleyball, oboe, writing, and reading. She is also a member of Young Company at First Stage. This is Harper’s first show with Skylight Music Theatre. A few past credits include: Greg Heffley in Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Musical at First Stage Old Crow/Troll in The Snow Queen at Milwaukee Youth Theatre Ulysses in Flora and Ulysses at Milwaukee Youth Theatre.
Mac Heinrich (Oliver) is a sixth grader at Milwaukee Parkside School. He made his Skylight debut as an ensemble member and Freddy understudy in School of Rock and is excited to return as Oliver! Mac studies voice with Jackey Boelkow and also enjoys playing drums and skateboarding.
Grace Hennen (Ensemble) is beyond thrilled to be performing in her first production! She is a second grader at Elmwood Elementary in New Berlin and already loves being on stage. Her extracurricular activities include performing with Character Kids and Irish dancing with the Glencastle Irish Dancers. In her free time you can find her snuggling one of her many dogs and cats or singing along to her favorite musicals.
Shaun Martin (Ensemble) is in the sixth grade, and he loves music. He is very proud and excited to join the Skylight Music Theater for his first professional theater production. He also enjoys playing basketball and video games. Shaun would like to thank his family for their love and support.
MacKenzie Rise Roberson (Ensemble) after appearing in many Poplar Creek Church productions, and The Wizard of Oz with Children’s Theatre of Wauwatosa, Mackenzie is thrilled to be making her Skylight debut in Oliver! Mackenzie is in 6th grade and a cheerleader at her middle school. She loves singing, dancing and trying new things. She would like to thank her family especially her twin Maddie for encouragement. She dedicates her performance to her grandma, and Whitney, her mom, who always inspires her.
Grayson Scott (Charley) is absolutely exhilarated to be making their Skylight debut in Oliver! Grayson is a freshman at Whitefish Bay High School and they are an enthusiastic actor. Grayson has most recently been Chris in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical at First Stage and Rudolpho in Matilda with Drama Jr. along with being in Young Company at First Stage. When not on stage, Grayson enjoys rock climbing, playing with their bulldog, and choreographing dances.
Ellory Woodford (Ensemble) is grateful to once again consider herself at home at Skylight! Ellory’s favorite roles have been Olaf in Frozen Jr., Madison in School of Rock, playing Lavender and Bruce in separate productions of Matilda, and Gladys in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. When not on stage, Ellory enjoys singing, biking, and gymnastics. She would like to thank both the casts for such a fabulous experience and hopes that everyone enjoys the show!
Creative Team
Michael Unger (Director/Artistic Director) For Skylight, Michael has directed Dennis DeYoung’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame (nine BroadwayWorld Awards – including Best Director and Best Musical), the Deaf and Hard of Hearing production of Spring Awakening, School of Rock, Noises Off, Little Shop of Horrors, A Jolly Holiday: Celebrating Disney’s Broadway Hits, as well as Me, Myself and I for Skylight’s Education program. Amongst many virtual offerings, he directed Skylight’s BroadwayWorld Award-winning Being Earnest, now available worldwide online. He was previously the Associate Artistic Director of Off-Broadway’s York Theatre; credits there included You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and Big. For nine years, he was the Producing Artistic Director of NewArts, started with a local father in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy; directing 17 productions working with over 650 area-children. Other selected directing credits include A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre for 18 years), Two Point Oh (NY Times Critics’ Pick), Time Stands Still (Cape Cod Chronicle Best 2015), My Sister in This House (Deaf West, Ovation Recommended), and new versions of Kander and Ebb’s The Happy Time and The Rink. World premieres include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Caligula, and A ROCKIN’ Midsummer Night’s Dream (featured in the award-winning documentary film “Midsummer in Newtown”). He has directed 14 operas plus benefit concerts honoring Susan Stroman, André DeShields, Maltby and Shire, and Leslie Uggams, as well as for the communities of Sandy Hook, CT and Parkland, FL.
Stephanie Staszak (Choreographer) This is Stephanie’s sixteenth production with Skylight, second as choreographer. Oliver made her fall in love with musical theatre as a freshman in high school and she’s choreographed it twice since, so she considers herself very much at home with this production. Stephanie has won three Tommy Awards for her choreography. As a performer, she was recently seen on this stage as Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock and Donna Marsala in Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding. She looks forward to upcoming productions on the Cabot stage!
David Bonofiglio (Music Director) holds a BFA in piano performance from Cardinal Stritch University. Selected credits as musical director: Xanadu, School of Rock, Evita, Mamma Mia!, The Full Monty, Little Shop of Horrors, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Oklahoma! for Skylight Music Theatre; Little By Little, Scrooge In Rouge, A Cudahy Caroler Christmas, and Jesus Christ Superstar for In Tandem Theatre; Sunday In The Park With George for Windfall Theatre. As assistant musical director: A Christmas Carol for Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.
Susan Varela (Executive Director) Originally from Milwaukee and a graduate of UW-Stevens Point, her professional career as a performer landed her in New York City for 20 years. She performed on Broadway in Les Misérables and at Radio City Music Hall in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Other notable performances include Jo March in Little Women: The Musical; Grizabella in Cats and Eva Peron in Evita. Susan performed in world premieres at both the Denver Center Theater (for their Tony-award winning season) and the Yale Repertory Theater. Before joining the Skylight staff four years ago, she appeared on the Cabot stage in Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, The Wizard of Oz, and Les Misérables. Susan has produced, directed, performed and written for the stage and television alongside her husband, actor Andrew Varela. Previously the Director of Operations for Skylight Music Theatre.
About Skylight Music Theatre
Skylight Music Theatre is a professional theatre company that produces high-quality musical productions that entertain, educate, and inspire. We are committed to providing a platform for local talent and showcasing the best of Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1959, Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional Equity music theatre company and the state's largest employer of Wisconsin actors. Skylight produces the full range of music theatre from blockbuster Broadway musicals to reimagined operas, and from exciting world premieres to contemporary off-Broadway hits. Skylight’s mainstage home is the Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center, which was built by Skylight in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward in 1992. Considered to be one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful theatres, the Cabot Theatre is based on the design of an 18th-century French opera house. With just 350 seats it offers audiences great views of the action onstage and an undeniable connection with the performers. Skylight Music Theatre marks its 65th season in 2024-2025. Skylight Music Theatre is a proud Cornerstone Member of the United Performing Arts Fund.