Original Songs by
Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I.
And Songs by
David Bowie, Tom Kenney, and Andy Paley
Additional Lyrics by
Jonathan Coulton
Additional Music by
Tom Kitt
Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau
The Spongebob Musical is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
From the President
Dear Audience Members,
Thank you for attending this 2024–25 performing arts season production. The outstanding show you are about to enjoy is part of a thoughtful and carefully selected lineup designed to provide a wide array of entertainment experiences. I would like to acknowledge Dillon McArdle, director of the Viterbo Fine Arts Center, and his incredible staff for their hard work in making this season possible.
Allow me to also extend my gratitude to you—our patrons, benefactors, sponsors, volunteers, and students—for your continued support in bringing the best of the arts to the region. We are fortunate to live in a place with so many cultural and artistic opportunities, just as the members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration envisioned when they built this wonderful facility.
We are very happy to have you join us. On with the show!
“Pace e Bene”
Peace and all good
Rick Trietley
Viterbo University President
Conservatory Note
Welcome to our 2024-25 season at the Conservatory!
We’re thrilled to invite you on a journey that only live theatre can offer. This season, prepare to experience a diverse array of stories—from gripping mysteries to joyous musical adventures.
We begin our season with the chilling tale of the infamous Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, brought to life by the genius of Stephen Sondheim. By spring, we’ll plunge miles under the sea, where a singing sponge named “Bob” awaits your company.
In between these remarkable tales, we’ll share the community joy of our annual holiday tradition, A Viterbo Christmas: Star of Wonder.
Your journey through the season also features a Tony Award-winning comedy, a powerful true story of courage, a timeless Mozart opera, and an inspiring evening of dance featuring talented young performers on the brink of their professional careers.
You are why we’ve embarked on this journey. Thank you for being with us, and we hope you’ll join us for every moment!
Rick Walters
Executive Artistic Director
Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Director's Note
The year was 1999, the first BlackBerry device hit the market, Michael Jordan retired for the 2nd time, Y2K was a thing everyone was worried about, and a little-known sponge hit the Nickelodeon screens named SpongeBob SquarePants.
SpongeBob SquarePants came from the mind of Stephen McDannell Hillenburg, a marine biologist and part-time animator. He started writing and illustrating picture books about tide-pool animals for the Orange County Marine Institute where he was teaching kids. Stephen reportedly stated that it was at the Institute that he saw how enamored kids are with undersea life. Seeing the children’s special affinity for tide-pool creatures, he came up with the idea for the beloved animated series this musical is lovingly based on.
Much like the cartoon, SpongeBob the Musical combines many different genres of music and styles of dance–all in a colorful package that, while silly and goofy, is also poignant and surprisingly sobering. Previews started in 2016 and went on Broadway in 2017. You might notice a number of culturally relevant topics and issues highlighted in this musical that are important for us to heed in 2025.
Our goal with this production of SpongeBob the Musical is to delight and entertain, but also to help shed light on our own inner SpongeBob. Though we may not be absorbent, yellow and porous as he, we can stand up to our own Mount Humongous, because we are “Not A Simple Sponge.”
—Teddy Eck, Director
Music Director's Note
Welcome to the world of Bikini Bottom, where music is as vibrant, diverse, and colorful as those who inhabit the underwater landscape itself. We are so excited to take you on a musical journey that blends the energy and zaniness of the animated series with an eclectic range of musical styles.
The music in this show is a celebration of creativity and innovation, with songs from a wide array of pop artists, rather than a singular composer or lyricist, which is the norm for many musicals. Artists like Sara Bareilles, Panic! at the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Steven Tyler, and even David Bowie contributed music to help create this larger-than-life world. The songs in this show were such a joy to bring to life, as they are dynamic, fun, and gave our cast the opportunity to be creative and explore the exciting and delightful nature of their characters.
This show proves that no matter what world we live in, music is a universal language that unites us all in the most unexpected ways. Whether you love pop music or rap, play the clarinet or the mayonnaise, I hope you’ll boogie with us as we embrace the Bikini Bottom Way!
—Sarah Tellier, Music Director
Setting
Bikini Bottom located in a quiet corner of the Pacific Ocean floor beneath the real-life coral reef known as Bikini Atoll.
Musical Numbers
ACT I
Bikini Bottom Day (reprise 1-4, by Jonathan Coulton): SpongeBob, Town
No Control (by David Bowie and Brian Eno): Perch Perkins, The Town
BFF (by Plain White T's): SpongeBob, Patrick
When the Going Gets Tough (by TI, Domani Harris, and Darwin Quinn): Plankton, The Town
(Just A) Simple Sponge (by Panic! At The Disco): SpongeBob, Mr. Krabs, Sponges
Daddy Knows Best (by Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros): Mr. Krabs, Pearl
Hero Is My Middle Name (by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman): SpongeBob, Sandy, Patrick
Super Sea-Star Savior (by Yolanda Adams): Patrick, Sardines
Tomorrow Is (by The Flaming Lips): The Town
ACT II
Poor Pirates (by Sara Bareilles): Patchy, Pirates
Bikini Bottom Day (Reprise, by Jonathan Coulton): SpongeBob
Bikini Bottom Boogie (by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith): The Electric Skates, Pearl, Fans
Chop To The Top (by Lady Antebellum): Sandy, SpongeBob
(I Guess I) Miss You (by John Legend): SpongeBob, Patrick
I'm Not A Loser (by The Might Be Giants): Squidward, Sea Anemones
Simple Sponge (Reprise by Panic! At The Disco): SpongeBob
Best Day Ever (by Andy Paley and Tom Kenny): SpongeBob, The Town
Finale: Bikini Bottom Day (Reprise by Jonathan Coulton): The Town
SpongeBob Theme Song (by Derek Drymon, Mark Harrison, Stephen Hillenburg, and Blaise Smith): All
Cast
SpongeBob: Clay Corley
Patrick: Braydon Dayne
Sandy: McKenzie Russ
Squidward: Connor Martin
Mr. Krabs: Robby Alston
Pearl: Sophie La Fave
Plankton: Zack Lichner
Karen: Kayla Taylor
Swing: Amelia Blasing
Ensemble (SpongeBob U/S): Xavier Carnicom
Ensemble: Carley Clover
Ensemble, Mayor: Ashlyn Cox
Swing: Lucy Ehrhardt
Foley Fish: Hailee Elwell
Ensemble: Hailey Fernandes
Ensemble, Hip Hop: Tori Greenlaw
Ensemble, Perch Perkins: Braeden Jackson
Ensemble (Patrick U/S), Electric Skate 3: Kayden Kloehn
Ensemble: Dominic Morara
Ensemble(Sandy U/S): AJ Murphy
Ensemble, Electric Skate 2 (Dance Captain): Trey'lon Salley
Ensemble, Hip Hop: Abby Schrunk
Ensemble: Rubie Stetzer
Ensemble, Patchy the Pirate: Rhys Van Ert
Ensemble, Hip Hop (Squidward U/S): Sony Vassor
Ensemble (Pearl (U/S): Annie Voss
Ensemble, Hip Hop, Electric Skate 1: Mouahlou (Lou) Xiong
Garold Gareth "Gary" Wilson, Jr: Jamie Allen
Orchestra
Conductor: Sarah Tellier
Foley Fish: Hailee Elwell
Production Team
Director: Teddy Eck
Music Director: Sarah Tellier
Choreographer: Emily Craver
Production Stage Manager: Katie Schafer
Costume Designer: Jen Brown
Scenic Designer: Jesse Dreikosen
Lighting Designer: Dillon McArdle
Sound Engineer: Eric Glazewski
Properties Designer: Kelsey Taunt
Hair, Wig, and Makeup Designers: Elisabeth Meyer, Jess Schneider
Projection Designer: Jake Aune
Production Manager: Jason Underferth
Technical Director: Chad Kolbe
Assistant Director and Dramaturg: Jake Aune
Assistant Choreographer: Laurelle Bandy
Assistant Stage Manager: Jamie Allen
Assistant Costume Designer: Malia Meyer
Assistant Props Designer: McKenzie Greenwood
Costume Crafts: Kayla Taylor, Xavier Carnicom
Lead Electrician: Jason Underferth
Costume Shop Supervisor: Jen Brown
Prop Shop Supervisor: Kelsey Taunt
Wardrobe Supervisor: Zach Sullivan
Paint Charge Artist: Madi Bollinger
Assistant Paint Charge: Spencer Curtis, Sophie La Fave
is a first-year BFA music theatre major hailing from Roseville, Minn. Allen has participated in Snowy Day at Park Square Theatre (Player/Archie), Cinderella at Rosetown (Ensemble), Puffs at Youth Performance Company (Leanne and Others) and more! They have fallen in love with performing and cannot wait to do more here at Viterbo!
Mr. Krabs
Robert Alston
is a senior music theatre major from Wausau. Previous Viterbo credits include Lyle in Footloose, Captain Riser in The Hello Girls, Abner in 42nd Street, and Miles in She Kills Monsters. He has also been seen performing and teaching regionally with Northern Sky theatre and Missoula Children's Theatre. He would like to extend a huge thanks to his family, friends, and partner for their constant love, support, and encouragement! @robbyalston1
Swing
Amelia Blasing
is a first-year music theatre major from New Richmond. This summer, she was a Kids From Wisconsin understudy, along with performing in the 2024 Jerry Awards for her performance as Velma Kelly in New Richmond High School's production of Chicago. She is elated to be attending Viterbo's Conservatory! @amelia05rae
Ensemble/ SpongeBob Understudy/ Costume Crafts
Xavier Carnicom
is a sophomore music theatre major in Viterbo's Conservatory for the Performing Arts. Outside of theatre, he loves to paint, hang with friends, and go thrifting! He was most recently seen in the Conservatory's production of Godspell as the We Beseech Thee soloist, also known as Nick. Coming up, he will be performing on the mainstage as an offstage vocalist in Sweeney Todd and assistant props designing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. He would like to welcome anyone new entering the program, faculty and students alike, as well as to thank the friends he has made this past year! @xcarnicom03
Ensemble
Carley Clover
is a sophomore music theatre major with a minor in dance from Champlin, Minn. Past credits include a Swing in Bat Boy: The Musical and Margaret in STP's Much Ado About Nothing. She would like to thank her friends, family, and faculty for their continuous support! @carleyclover
SpongeBob
Clay Corley
is a senior music theatre major and dance minor from Lake Charles, La. He has been in multiple productions at Viterbo such as Godspell and 42nd Street. He has been the managing director for Viterbo's Student Theatre Project for two years now. He would like to thank his family and friends for always supporting him! @cla.ay
Ensemble/Mayor
Ashlyn Cox
is a junior music theatre major with minors in dance and arts administration. She is so excited to be back on the Viterbo stage this year! You might have last seen her in Viterbo's Conservatory production of Godspell as the Day by Day soloist or in the ensemble of 42nd Street. She wants to thank her family for all of their support, especially her grandfather who showed her nothing but love and is now watching down on her from the best seat in the house. Enjoy the show! @ashgcox
Patrick
Braydon Dayne
is a sophomore music theatre major. Recent theatre credits include Toad in STP's A Year With Frog and Toad, Jonas Fogg (Ensemble) in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and social media designer for Viterbo's Godspell. You can also see his makeup design work in Viterbo Film Studio's The Warehouse. He is a self-taught makeup artist, graphic designer, and performer. He would like to thank the people he surrounds himself with for always supporting him! @braydondayne
Swing
Lucy Ehrhardt
is a first-year music theatre major from New Orleans. Notable roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Mrs. White in Clue, and Ms. Strict in Zombie Prom. She has also worked as a director and sound designer for Puffs, and as a set designer for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. She is very excited to perform at Viterbo! @thelucyehrhardt
Foley Fish
Hailee Elwell
is a first-year music theatre major from Bigfork, Mont. She has worked three summers with The Bigfork Summer Playhouse summer stock as well as 10 years with the Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre and one with the Alpine Theatre Project. She is ecstatic to start training with the Conservatory and is extremely thankful to everyone who helped her get here. @gingersnaps2005
Ensemble
Hailey Fernandes
is a sophomore music theatre major. She was thrilled to be a part of her first production last year in STP's A Year With Frog and Toad as a member of the dance ensemble. She has also enjoyed being on run crew for various shows at Viterbo. She would like to thank her family and friends for always being her biggest supporters and pushing her to be her best. @hailey_fernandes
Ensemble/Hip Hop
Tori Greenlaw
is a sophomore BFA music theatre major from Sarasota, Fla. She graduated from the VPA theater program at Booker High School, also having been in Evita at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. She was most recently seen in the new work's production of George Orwell's Animal Farm in London. She thanks her Mom, Dad, Grandmother, and friends for their everlasting support. Thanks for comin'! @torigreenlaw_
Ensemble/Perch Perkins
Braeden Jackson
is a sophomore BFA music theatre major with minors in dance and marketing who is originally from LeClaire, Iowa. He recently played the part of Jesus' Entourage in Viterbo University's production of Godspell. Past directing experience includes Why Do We Laugh? and Ken Ludwig's adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express. He is also an active costume designer and recently had a summer internship with the Des Moines Metro Opera in their costume department. A special shoutout to all his friends and family for their constant support and encouragement. He hopes you enjoy the show! @braedenjackson.official
Ensemble/Patrick Understudy/ Electric Skate 3
Kayden Kloehn
is a sophomore music theatre major. Recent credits: Bat Boy: The Musical (Rick Taylor), Much Ado About Nothing (Borachio), A Year With Frog And Toad (Frog u/s). He's been performing since elementary, winning a Best Supporting Actor from the Centerstage Awards at the Fox Cities PAC. Additionally, he's toured with Kids From Wisconsin the past three years as a principal singer/dancer, most recently on the Larger Than Life Tour. He is always excited to see where life takes him next! "Much love and thanks to Mom, Aaron, family, and all my lovely friends and supporters!"
@kayden.klo
Pearl/Assistant Paint Charge
Sophie La Fave
is a senior music theatre major with an arts administration minor. They have been seen at Viterbo recently in: Godspell (Bless the Lord Soloist), She Kills Monsters (Narrator), and Footloose (Cowboy Bob). Other recent credits include: Alice By Heart (Alice), RENT (Maureen), and Ride the Cyclone (Constance). She is passionate about new works, teaching youth theatre, and writing. Outside of the theatre, La Fave can be seen crocheting, baking, and collaging. Thank you always to Mum, Cal, Dave, and the four tortoises. sophielafave.com@sophlafave
Plankton
Zachary Lichner
is a junior music theatre major, who cannot wait to be a part of this year's season! You may have seen him previously in Bat Boy: The Musical (Sheriff Reynolds), STP's Heathers (Ram Sweeney), or 42nd Street (Ensemble and Julian U/S). Apart from the Conservatory he is involved in the student government and Student Theatre Project. He'd like to thank his family, friends, and all of his faculty. Please enjoy the show!
@Zack.Lichner
Squidward
Connor Martin
is beyond excited to be taking on one of his dream roles! He is a junior music theatre major with minors in dance and arts administration. Past Viterbo credits include: Godspell (Judas), The Pirates of Penzance (Sergeant of Police), 42nd Street (Ensemble), and Heathers: The Musical (Ensemble). He is the vice president of Student Government Association (SGA) and a representative of Student Theatre Project (STP). He would like to thank his family and friends with their continued support and hopes you enjoy this energetic show!
@connorjoseph.m connorjosephm.com
Ensemble
Dominic Morara
is a first-year music theatre major from Minnesota. He chose Viterbo University because of the robust Conservatory for the Performing Arts as well as for the kindness and hospitality that their community exercises daily. He looks forward to partaking in the many opportunities that will be coming his way here at Viterbo over the next four years. Enjoy the show! @dmoraraaa
Enssemble/Sandy Understudy
AJ Murphy
is a sophomore music theatre major. Her past credits here include Bat Boy: The Musical and Viterbo STP's A Year with Frog and Toad. Her other interests include painting, drawing, and running on the cross country team! She would like to thank her parents and teachers for supporting her journey as a performer. @ajazzymurphy
Sandy
McKenzie Russ
is a junior music theatre major with minors in music, dance, and arts management from Edmond, Okla. Her past Viterbo productions include Godspell (Choreographer), 42nd Street (Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain/Swing), The Pirates of Penzance (Swing), and Dance Kaleidoscope. On top of productions, she is involved in Viterbo through admissions and Viterbo Film Studios. She would like to thank her friends, family, and professors for their constant encouragement and support. Enjoy the show! @mckenzie_kay__
Ensemble/Electric Skate 2/ Dance Captain
Trey'lon Salley
is a sophomore music theatre major. He is so incredibly ecstatic and grateful to his director for allowing him to be a part of this beautiful show. He has been apart of one production in his first year at Viterbo, where he was recently seen as the By My Side soloist in Godspell the musical. He would love to thank his mother, family, and friends for funding and supporting his dream and wishes the cast and crew the absolute best of luck as they take to the stage to share such magic! @treylonsalley
Ensemble/Hip Hop
Abby Schrunk
is a sophomore music theatre major and has had some time now to experience all the wonderful things the Conservatory does. Last spring, she had the opportunity to be a backup dancer in Godspell. Getting to watch from offstage this semester as the assistant stage manager has been a real privilege. "Welcome to Vitero! I hope you enjoy the performance as much as I have!" @a.b.b.y04
Ensemble
Rubie Stetzer
is a first-year student. She is fulfilling her childhood dream by obtaining a degree in music theatre and a minor in arts management. Throughout the years, Stetzer has fond memories of performing at Viterbo. In elementary school, she was a member of Viterbo's Coulee Kids Show Choir directed by Nancy Allen, and had a successful show choir career as an Onalaska Hilltopper. Since a young age, she has been working as a print model and on-camera actor with talent agencies in Minneapolis and cast in many productions at La Crosse Community Theatre.
@rubie.contreras
Karen/Costume Crafts
Kayla Taylor
is beyond excited to be in her third year as a music theatre major! You can find her in the costume shop normally or on the department social media pages! Viterbo Credits: Lilith (She Kills Monsters), Maiden/Mabel u/s (The Pirates of Penzance) or most recently assistant costume designer (Godspell). She also performed with STP as Turtle/Bird (A Year With Frog and Toad) and has been a member since her first year! She would love to thank her family and professors for their support and hopes you all enjoy this year's season! @Kayla_taylor207
Ensemble/Hip Hop/ Squidward Understudy
Sony Vassor
is a sophomore music theatre major. He was the dance captain in the Viterbo Conservatory production of Godspell in Spring 2024. He would like to give a huge shout-out to the director for the tremendous hard work, and also to his family and friends for always being by his side throughout his theatre journey. Vassor would lastly like to thank the cast for not only making this experience fun but also memorable.
@sonyvassor
Ensemble/Patchy the Pirate
Rhys Van Ert
is a first-year music theatre major. He enjoys all aspects of performance and has also founded a non-profit theatre company, Spark Theatre, which offers summer education and performance opportunities to youth in southern Minnesota.
@rhysvanert
Ensemble/Pearl Understudy
Annie Voss
is so thrilled and grateful to be back at Viterbo! She is a sophomore music theatre major from South Saint Paul with a dance minor. Her past Viterbo credits include Dancer/Jesus Understudy in Godspell. She would like to thank all her wonderful friends and family for their continuous support. Enjoy the show!
@annievoss_
Ensemble/Hip Hop/ Electric Skate 1
Mouahlou (Lou) Xiong
is a sophomore music theatre major with minors in dance and music. Past Viterbo credit includes: Godspell (Jesus Entourage) and Sweeney Todd (Assistant Music Director, Offstage Singer). In his free time, he enjoys playing piano, writing music, and spending time with loved ones. He would like to thank his family and friends for their unwavering support. Enjoy the show! @mouahlou.xiong
Biographies
Production Team
Music Director
Sarah Tellier
is a proud member of the theatre and music theatre faculty at Viterbo University, where she is a vocal coach, collaborative pianist, music director, pit pianist, and rehearsal pianist. Prior to her appointment at Viterbo, she attended the University of Central Florida, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and her Master of Arts degree in Collaborative Piano, in addition to a study abroad program in France and Belgium. Before leaving Florida and arriving in Wisconsin, Tellier worked for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa where she was a collaborative pianist and instructor, vocal coach, musical theatre teacher, pit pianist, and music director. She has spent the last 10 years music directing and organizing regional Jimmy Award programs and successfully training students for auditions and performances in the art of musical theatre. Past favorite projects include: Tuck Everlasting with Patel Conservatory, Heathers: The Musical with mad Theatre of Tampa, Ragtime with American Stage, Dames At Sea with freeFall Theatre, and collaborating with SIX: The Musical for their open call in Orlando. @PianoPixie05
Choreographer
Emily Craver
holds an MFA in dance from the Ohio State University and a BS from Skidmore College. She is currently an assistant professor in dance at Viterbo University. Her choreographic work has been shown at New Victory LabWorks, WestFest's All Over Westbeth, Elastic Arts Center in Chicago, The PIT, and The Comedy in Dance Festival. Her choreography at Viterbo has been seen in The Pajama Game, Carrie: The Musical, The Pirates of Penzance, 42nd St, as well as a collaborative new work with students: Into the Dirt. She has also choreographed for Winona State, Colgate University, Stoneham Theatre young company, and Wellesley Players. She dances with NYC-based Trainor Dance and New Orleans-based CabinFever Live Art. Her collaborative company, The Little Streams has shown three evening-length works at Triskelion Arts in Brooklyn, NYC. Favorite performances include dancing at the New York Botanical Gardens, Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacob's Pillow Inside/Out Stage, The Yard, and Joe's Pub. www.emilybcraver.com
Production Stage Manager
Katie Schafer
is a senior music theatre major. Her previous Viterbo credits include, U/s Angelo in Measure for Measure, Maiden/Police in The Pirates of Penzance, Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street, and Meredith in Bat Boy: The Musical. Last semester she was the assistant stage manager for Sweeney Todd and is so excited to for this opportunity to stage manage SpongeBob! She would like to thank her friends and family for all their love and support! @katie__schafer
Scenic Designer
Jesse Dreikosen
is the associate chair and head of design and production at The University of Idaho Department of Theatre Arts in Moscow, Idaho. Before moving to Idaho, he was an associate professor and head of design and production at Florida International University. Dreikosen earned an MFA in scene design from Purdue University and a BFA in theatre design from Viterbo University. Prior to joining the faculty at FIU he worked as the resident scene designer at New Theatre in South Florida. Favorite shows at New Theatre include Madagascar (Carbonell Nomination), For Better, Paradise, and The Sunken Living Room, which was remounted at Southern Repertory Theatre in New Orleans. He has designed around the country at such theatres as The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Contemporary American Theater Festival, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, Company of Fools, The Texas Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, The Mint Theater, Texas Repertory Theatre Company, The Red Fern Theatre, The Ohio Theatre, The Renaissance Theatre and The 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, California. His work has been exhibited at the Prague Quadrennial in the Czech Republic. He has served as the Vice-Commissioner of Education in the Scene Design & Technologies Commission for The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). Dreikosen has also served as the National Chair of Design, Technology and Management for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). He has received numerous regional and national awards for his designs. www.jessedreikosen.com
Properties Designer/ Prop Shop Supervisor
Kelsey Taunt
has been working as a freelance theatre artist/ designer/ teacher for over 15 years. She has a BA in Theatre from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, with a double emphasis in design and acting. Taunt is excited to be a part of Viterbo's Conservatory for the Performing Arts.
Hair, Wig, and Makeup Designer
Elisabeth Meyer
is a senior theatre major with a dance minor from New Berlin. Previous Viterbo credits include Kaliope in She Kills Monsters, ensemble in Measure for Measure, The Elephant Speaks Jazz (Sam/Lucy US), and Ursula/First Watch in STP's Much Ado About Nothing. Viterbo design credits include assistant costume/hair/makeup designer for 42nd Street, costume/hair/makeup designer of STP'S Heathers, and hair/makeup designer of Bat Boy: The Musical. She would like to thank God and her family and friends for all of the love and support! Shoutout to the costume shop team and Adams Street Moka! @elisabethhmeyer
Hair, Wig, and Makeup Designer
Jessica Schneider
is a senior BFA theatre major. Audiences may have seen her previously as Lorraine in Bat Boy: The Musical, Maggie Jones in 42nd Street, or as a puppeteer in The Elephant Speaks Jazz. She also involves herself in Viterbo's Student Theatre Project where she played Ms. Fleming in their production of Heathers: The Musical, and costume designed Much Ado About Nothing last spring. Schneider's time at Viterbo has been fulfilling in many ways. From her time onstage, to in the classroom, to her time working in the Alumni Association Office. Schneider feels that she couldn't have picked anywhere better to spend these four years than Viterbo University. @jess.not.jessi
Production Manager/ Lead Electrician
Jason Underferth
is a seasoned lighting designer with over two decades of experience illuminating the stages of the Midwest. He has dedicated the past decade to shaping the theatrical landscape as the production manager and lighting design lecturer at Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minn. During his tenure, he artfully designed the visual components for more than 40 shows. Notable productions in Underferth's portfolio include Man of La Mancha and Enchanted April, both showcased at The Commonweal Theatre Company. Now embarking on his third year at Viterbo, Underferth is eager to contribute his expertise as the production manager for the Conservatory for the Performing Arts. He looks forward to creating memorable experiences for the Conservatory's upcoming performances through his lighting designs.
Technical Director
Chad Kolbe
is an associate Professor of theatre in his 19th year teaching at Viterbo. He teaches design and technology courses such as stage craft, principles of design, theatre practicum, and stage lighting. He also serves as technical director and lighting designer for the theatre and music theatre department. Before beginning his journey at Viterbo, Kolbe served two years as instructor and technical director at The University of Northern Iowa. For six years, he served as the technical director for the Texas Shakespeare Festival in Kilgore, Texas. Prior to that, he served three years as carpenter, head rigger, and assistant technical director for The Des Moines Metro Opera. Kolbe enjoys time with family and friends and being outside exploring all La Crosse and the surrounding areas have to offer.
Assistant Director/ Dramaturg/Projection Designer
Jake Aune
is a senior music theatre major from Elk River, Minn. He has been seen in roles such as Bat Boy in Bat Boy: The Musical, Matterson in The Hello Girls, Bickle in Footloose, and Stokes in Carrie: The Musical. In addition to performing, he enjoys collaborating with his peers as the co-artistic director for the Student Theatre Project on campus. He'd like to thank his family for their love and support. jacobaune.com
Assistant Choreographer
Laurelle Bandy
is a junior music theatre major from Bradenton, Fla. She was last seen in Viterbo's Conservatory production of Tar Beach as Mary Claire and assistant directed Viterbo STP's production of Much Ado About Nothing. She would like to thank her family and roommates for all their support. Special shoutout to Claire for being the best, best friend!
@laurelle.bandy
Assistant Stage Manager
Jamie Allen
is a first-year BFA music theatre major hailing from Roseville, Minn. Allen has participated in Snowy Day at Park Square Theatre (Player/Archie), Cinderella at Rosetown (Ensemble), Puffs at Youth Performance Company (Leanne and Others) and more! They have fallen in love with performing and cannot wait to do more here at Viterbo!
Assistant Costume Designer
Malia Meyer
is excited to be back for her second year at Viterbo! She is a theatre major with a minor in marketing from South St. Paul. Past credits include Dance Ensemble in STP's production of A Year With Frog and Toad. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support. @maliadmeyer
Assistant Props Designer
McKenzie Greenwood
is a senior music theatre Major and English literature minor. Past Viterbo credits include Vi Moore in Footloose, Ensemble/Mrs. Lovett US in Sweeney Todd, Jesus Entourage in Godspell, Ensemble in Jesus Christ Superstar, Diamond Edition Show Choir and co-director of Returning Student Review. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her, and her amazing senior class for the best four years. @kenzieg7
Wardrobe Supervisor
Zachary Sullivan
is a senior majoring in music theatre and minoring in dance. His previous Viterbo credits include: Carrie: The Musical, Footloose, Significant Other, The Hello Girls, Dance Kaleidoscope 2023, Tar Beach, Sketches of You, and Sweeney Todd. He would like to thank his friends, family, boyfriend, and dogs for their unconditional support. Enjoy the show! @zachthsullivan
Paint Charge Artist
Madi Bollinger
is from California where she was a lighting, sound, and scenic designer, an assistant technical director, and stagecraft teacher. She has a BA in technical theatre from CSU Fresno and is earning an MFA in technical direction from the University of Idaho. Some previous credits include: Lighting: Mary Poppins, Be More Chill, Arabian Nights, Clybourne Park; Scenic: Mamma Mia, Into The Woods, Freaky Friday; Fly Lead: Disney's Descendants, Sister Act, Tuck Everlasting.
Assistant Paint Charge
Spencer Curtis
is a senior music theatre major with minors in dance and arts management from Salt Lake City. Recent Viterbo credits include Sweeney Todd (Anthony), 42nd Street (Bert), and The Hello Girls. He has also been lucky enough to assistant director Tar Beach and perform in Viterbo's Student Theatre Project productions, Dance Kaleidoscope, and Platinum Edition show choir. He would not be here without the love and support of his family and friends! @rspencercurtis
Hair and Makeup Supervisor
Vera Shipley
is a senior music theatre major from Minneapolis. Viterbo credits include: Maggie/Reverend Hightower/Ensemble in Bat Boy: The Musical, Ensemble in Measure for Measure, and Seacoal in STP's Much Ado About Nothing. She would like to send her love and gratitude to her friends and family for their endless love and support. A special thanks to her sibling, Joe.
@verajjane
Skating Consultant
Karla Hughes
is a part of the music theatre voice area at Viterbo where she instructs vocalists in a wide variety of genres including music theatre (legit and belt), classical, pop, rock, gospel, country, and R&B. Former voice students have gone on to perform on Broadway (Six: The Musical; Amelie; A Bronx Tale: The Musical; Tina, The Tina Turner Musical), Off-Broadway musicals, national and international tours, international cruise lines, regional and international theatres, voice overs for animated Disney films, and has been featured vocalists on national public radio (NPR) and television programs (ABC, NBC). As a professional musician Hughes has performed throughout the U.S. with opera, music theatre, and theatre companies. In 2011, Hughes made her Lincoln Center debut as the soprano soloist in Mozart's Coronation Mass, presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY). As a recording artist, she can be heard on over 15 different titles with Albany Records and Newport Classics including the roles of Mabel in the The Pirates of Penzance and Yum-Yum in The Mikado. Hughes earned a Master of Music in Opera Performance at Wichita State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Colorado State University.