ACTING COMPANY

SANDEE CUNNINGHAM (Singing in the Rain and Joseph)
A Clintonian for over 21 years, Sandee is very grateful to be a part of CAST for her 9th summer on the boat. You might remember her in some of her favorite Showboat parts: Mrs. Kirby in You Can’t Take it with You, Sister in Damn Yankees,  Ethel Miller in Domestic Tranquility, Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, Sally Cato/Doris Upson in Mame. She also enjoyed being a part of Incredible Sex, The Music Man and Bye, Bye Birdie. Sandee would like to thank Patrick and all of the staff for another amazing summer, and this community for supporting the Showboat. Enjoy the show, then come on back and bring friends!

LAUREL DECKER (Singing in the Rain and Joseph)
A pharmacist, wife and mother Laurel is thrilled to be able to “play” on the Showboat stage again. Appearing in seven Showboat productions since 2003, some favorites include My Fair Lady and Sound of Music (Sr. Margaretta).  Clinton is so fortunate to have the Showboat!  Thanks to my family and my boss!

EMILY EISENMAN (Joseph)
Emily is thrilled to finally make her debut on the Showboat stage this summer in Joseph!  Emily spent the past six years working in the box office aboard the boat, and also served as stage manager for A Christmas Story in December.  This spring she interned at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC.  Joseph and the Showboat both hold special places in Emily’s heart, so she hopes you enjoy them as much as she does!

ALEX FENSEL (Singing in the Rain, Biloxi Blues, and Joseph)
Alex is excited for his first year with the Clinton Showboat.  Alex attended Clinton High School and graduated in 2007, and is currently pursuing a Vocal/Opera performance degree at the University of Iowa.  He would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support, and hopes to have a wonderful summer with the Clinton Showboat!

ROB ENGELSON (Death Defying Acts, Singing in the Rain, and Biloxi Blues)
After a year’s hiatus from the Show Boat stage, Rob Engelson returns this year for roles in Death-Defying Acts, Singin’ in the Rain and Biloxi Blues.  Rob has become a local regular at the Show Boat, with featured roles in Oliver!, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Damn Yankees, The Mousetrap, Anything Goes, You Can’t Take It With you, and Guys and Dolls.   In addition, he played “The Old Man” in C.A.S.T.’s December 2008  production of A Christmas Story at the Mullany Theater at Ashford University.  In real life, Rob just completed his 14th year as Professor of Music at Ashford University and is the music director of RiverChor, a community choir based in Clinton.

DALE HAWES (Death Defying Acts, Singing in the Rain, Biloxi Blues, and Joseph)
Dale is excited to be a part of the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre. Some other theaters Dale has worked with include; TYA at Apple Tree, The NewTown Writers, Downing Theatre, Open Door Repertory, Stahl Family Theatre and Theatre Classics. Dale can also be found on IMDB.COM for work on Home Alone 2 ‘lost in New York’ among others. Dale is a Chicago native and loves performing.

KATE HENNIES (The Last 5 Years, Death Defying Acts, Singing in the Rain, Biloxi Blues, and Joseph)
Kate will be a junior this fall at Millikin University where she is majoring in Musical Theatre. Her favorite performing credits include The Shape of Things (Jenny), 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), and Appalachian Trails, a new musical, workshopped in collaboration with the writers. Kate has played the piano since the age of 3, and has served as an accompanist and music director in both high school and college.

NICOLE HORTON (The Last 5 Years, Death Defying Acts, Singing in the Rain, and Joseph / Intern Director)
Nicole is thrilled to be back at the Boat for another summer season, having previously been a part of CAST’s ‘05, ‘06, and ‘07 seasons. Nicole has a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University and has spent much of the last two years touring the country with American Family Theatre as well as working at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Other favorite roles include Anna in the King and I, Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and the title roles in Hello Dolly and Peter Pan.  She sends lots of love to her family for “always supporting this crazy life I lead.”

JULIA MITCHELL (Singing in the Rain and Joseph)
The Clinton native happily returns to the Boat before embarking on her junior year at Western Michigan University.  She is a Music Theatre Performance major, Dance minor, and Medallion Scholar with the Lee Honors College.  Special thanks to family, friends, mentors, and Patrick.  It’s good to be home

BILL MOSGROVE (Singing in the Rain)
Bill is elated to return to the Boat for his 15th out of the last 17 seasons.  He was delighted to appear here in Chicago last year.  His most recent performances in Florida were as Ernie in Rumors, and J.B. Biggley in How to Succeed.  He thanks Betty for understanding and tolerating his escapades into the world of “make believe.”

JALAYNE RIEWERTS (Death Defying Acts and Biloxi Blues)
Jalayne is elated to return to the Showboat for her 11th summer!!  She missed last summer because she was in Las Vegas at Harrah’s Casino on “The Strip” in a 6 month run of the musical HATS!.  It was a great experience, but is looking forward to not having a summer of 115 degree heat with no humidity !! A new experience for her this summer will be directing her first show on the Showboat, Biloxi Blues.  Favorite roles on the Showboat are:  Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly, Mama Rose in Gypsy, Mame in Mame, Miss Hannigan in Annie and won’t ever forget playing a 50 year old Peppermint Patty in Snoopy which was her first meeting of new Artistic Director Patrick Stinson.  Jalayne received a MA in Theatre in Directing from Roosevelt University, Chicago.  She has also been a permanent fixture in the community theatre scene in a 50 mile radius for the past 45 years.  Thank you to all the Showboat patrons who make summer stock in Clinton a reality every summer!

DREW SIMENDINGER (Singing in the Rain, Biloxi Blues, and Joseph)
Professional Credits: Pinocchio (Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati), High School Musical, Footloose, They’re Playin’ Our Song, Birdie (NLP).  Other favorites: Honk! (Ugly), As You Like It (Silvius), Altar Boyz (Abe), A Chorus Line (Butch, Mike u/s), 42nd Street (Ensemble).  Senior BFA Musical Theatre major at Millikin.  Thanks to family and friends!

JOSHUA SOHN (The Last 5 Years, Death Defying Acts,Singing in the Rain, Biloxi Blues, and Joseph)
Joshua hails from Orange County, California, and is very excited to be spending the summer on a boat in the Midwest. He plans to finish his B.M. in musical theater next year at Oklahoma City University, where he studies voice with Dr. Frank Ragsdale. His favorite credits include Adam/Noah in Children of Eden (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Balladeer in Assassins (OCU), and Paul/Kevin in Weird Romance (OCU). He wishes to thank his family, friends, and mentors for inspiring him to perform.

INTERNS

JAMES ALT (Intern)
James lives on a farm with horses, cats, dogs, and a large movie collection.  He has been involved with all of his school’s theater programs as well as Scholastic Bowl and student council.  When he grows up he plans to go into acting and politics; he states, “ They’re essentially the same thing.”

IAN RUSSELL BLACK (Intern)
Ian returns to the Showboat this year as an intern with three past performances under his belt.  He was an orphan in Oliver (2003), “Chip” in Beauty and The Beast (2005) and was a chorus member in The King and I (2006).  He honed his theatre skills participating in the annual Church musicals at Saint Paul Lutheran Church where he is also a member of the “Singing Saints” vocal ensemble, and Youth Bell Choir.  He plays cello with the Clinton High School Orchestra and also sings in the Clinton High Mixed Choir.  In his free time if he’s not in front of the computer he is working on his tennis skills as a member of the Clinton High School JV tennis team.

MEGAN COLLINS (Intern)
Megan, a 15 years old, attends Fulton High School. She is an active member of my Thespian troop led by Mr. Neal Luker, and her Speech and Drama Team is led by Mrs. Susan Daniels, Megan did well this year winning an award at every speech compettion this year.  Her favorite performances include Belles on Their Toes (Costumes/Backstage), S’cool (Chrous), Go Ask Alice (Alexandria), The Trouble with Summer People (Nina Puckle). Megan plans to major in theatre when she graduates high school.

HALEY COURTER (Intern)
Haley is very excited for her second season with CAST!  She has been a part of Always, Patsy Cline, Guys and Dolls, She Loves Me, Joseph, and many more. Haley will be a sophomore next year at Clinton High School, and is looking forward to participating in drama along with band, choir, and student council. Enjoy the 2009 season!

MARISA MATZEN (Intern)
Marisa is very honored to be joining CAST for her first season.  She will be a sophomore at Clinton High.  She is actively involved in drama, student council, band, choir, SADD, tennis, MYC, and DAT.  Marisa has been a part of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, She Loves Me, and The Rewind.  She would like to thank her family, friends, and God for all their love and guidance.

COLE RAUCH (Intern)
This is Cole’s second year with CAST. He has been working with the Disciple’s Acting Troupe, D.A.T. and the Fulton High Thespian Troupe 546. Cole has been in eight plays, two musicals, and one follies show as well as many choral and band performances.

JUSTIN TEGELER (Intern)
Justin will be a junior this coming school year at Clinton High. Justin participates in band, choir, and drama at CHS and loves every minute of it.  His other activities include being a member of the bowling and tennis teams.  In his spare time he enjoys playing guitar and hanging out with his friends.

TAYLOR WIEBERS (Intern)
This is Taylor’s fifth summer on the Showboat and her third summer as an intern. You may have seen her in Beauty and the Beast, Anything Goes, Sound of Music, King and I, Guys and Dolls, or Chicago. She has been dancing since she was four. She is involved in the CHS Drama club, SADD, Choir, Band, D.A.T. (Disciples Acting Troupe), and Track. She wants to thank her family for the love and support and hopes you enjoy your experience on the Showboat.

PRODUCTION STAFF

BRANDON W. CHENEY (Light Designer/Technical Director)
Brandon is ecstatic to be onboard with the Clinton Showboat this summer! He graduated Cowley College in May, and is attending Wichita State University in the fall.  He thanks everyone who collaborated on this production. Credits: Anything Goes (Sharon Playhouse), High School Musical, Moon Over Buffalo (Cowley).
JANET HOWE (Directing Intern)

Janet is currently a Directing student at Webster University in St. Louis. She is thrilled to be spending her first summer with The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre.

ASHLEY NEWMAN (Assistant Stage Manager/Properties Mistress)
Ashley is thrilled to be joining the Showboat this summer. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she has just completed her first year at Webster University’s Conservatory in St. Louis, MO. Ashley would like to thank her parents for their constant love and support.

SHANNAN OSBORN (Production Stage Manager)
Shannan is happy to be part of Showboat this summer.  Shannan comes from Oklahoma where she earned a B.A., with double majors in Music and Theatre, from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.  She then completed her graduate studies at Kansas State University earning, an M.A. in Theatre.  Shannan enjoys all things theatre.  She has Stage Managed productions such as Te Ata, Copenhagen and Into the Woods.  She is comfortable behind the scenes and has even been lucky enough to be a Costume Designer, Sound Designer and Director in the past, but she is no stranger when it comes to being on the stage.  Shannan has starred in performances of Pippin, Wicked, Vanities, Little Women and many others.  Shannan looks forward to sharing this season of the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre with you.

ADAM PARBOOSINGH (Light, Set, and Video Designer – Joseph)
Adam is thrilled to be working for the first time with Showboat Theatre. He designs both sets, lights, sound and video projections for both professional and academic theatre, and has also worked in the film industry as an art director for many years. Some of his more recent work has been Omniscience at Stage Left Theatre and Augustana College, The Learned Ladies, Blood Wedding, March Tale, Twelfth Night, Proof, Having Hope at Home, Pride and Prejudice, The Merchant of Venice, Cootie Shots, Blithe Spirit, Berlin to Broadway, My Sister in this House, Macbeth, Cabaret.   Adam’s ongoing support comes from his wife, Tamara and three kids, Mackenzie, Keaton and Harrison.  He is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, and a member of the Associated Designers of Canada.

ANDY ROUSE (Set Designer/Technical Director)
Andy is so excited to be on the Clinton Showboat this summer. He is from Salina, KS, just graduated from Cowley College and will attend Wichita State University in the fall. Some past shows include High School Musical, You Can’t Take it With You, and Crazy for You.

CANDACE ZAK (Costume Designer)
Candace Zak is an Undergraduate student at Simpson College. Over three years work in their Costume Studio she has helped build many different shows, such as A Year with Frog and Toad and Rumors. Her most recent design project was for Eve Ensler’s Necessary Targets in the fall of 2008.

CHILDREN’S CHORUS

ANNA-MARIE ELIZABETH BLACK (Joseph Children’s Chorus)
Anna-Marie is looking forward to her third season in a production on the Showboat.  Previous shows include: The Sound of Music (Gretl, 2005), and The King and I (2006).  She recently gave a spoiled rotten performance as Veruca Salt in the Washington Middle School production of Willy Wonka Jr.  She is a veteran of many church musicals at Saint Paul Lutheran Church where she is also a member of the Luther Choir and Youth Bells.  She enjoys playing violin with the middle school orchestra and is an accomplished pianist.  In her spare time she loves to ride her bike and go “creek stomping.”

HAILEY HUGHES (Joseph Children’s Chorus)
Hailey Hughes is 11 years old and is going to be a 5th grader at Ekstrand Elementary in DeWitt.  She has been involved in the Children’s Choir with Holiday Pops in the Quad Cities for two years and has done solos in a school music program and at church.

HELENA FISHER (Joseph Children’s Chorus)
Helena Fisher enjoys playing soccer, basketball, and softball.  She enjoys gymnastics and playing the violin as well.  She has been singing, dancing and putting on plays with and sister ever since we could walk and talk and aspires to be the next Lillian Russell!

AEDAN MARLOWE (Joseph Children’s Chorus)
Aedan joins CAST for a second time in the Childrens Chorus for Joseph.  His first role was as Randy, in A Christmas Story, in December, 2008.  As fate would have it, he went from playing “Mommy’s little piggy” to playing an orphan:  he was in the school play in the spring as an orphan in Annie, Jr.  He just finished the fourth grade and his first year in the children’s chorus at church.  His favorite past times include basketball, soccer, chess and Monopoly.

MADDIE MARLOWE (Joseph Children’s Chorus)
Maddie is excited to join CAST.  She just finished the sixth grade and plays the French horn in the school band and sings in the children’s choir at church.  She has been a fan of the Showboat since her first play at age five, a front row seat to Mame.  Although she didn’t understand all of the story, she watched with wide eyes and wonder, never moving a muscle.  She is looking forward to turning the tables and being on the working end of the entertainment this summer as she sings in the children’s chorus in Joseph.

SKLYER PENNOCK (Joseph Children’s Chorus)
Skyler’s birthday is the second week of Joseph and she will be nine years old.  She has one brother and no sisters and also lives with her mom and dad.  Her favorite color is green just like her favorite food broccoli and cheese soup.  She loves to read, write, sing, play outside and act in plays.  She was last seen in CAST’s production of A Christmas Story in December 2008.

KATE STRUBLE (Joseph Children’s Chorus)
Kate, an eight year old student at Eagle Heights Elementary, will be a fourth grader in the fall.  Her hobbies includes: singing, acting, dancing, playing with her sister, reading, playing tennis, soccer, and swimming.  Kate has previously performed at the Best Cellar Theatre.  This is her first showboat experience.

SYDNEY SCHREIBER (Joseph Children’s Chorus)
Sydney loves being on stage.  She is entering the 7th grade at Prince of Peace College Preparatory and has enjoyed being in Seussical Jr, A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, and Annie Jr.  She also enjoys working with other kids and adults and learning from them when she acts.  She says, “A big thanks to my Mom, Dad, and sister for allowing me to live my dream.”

NOAH PATRICK STRAUSSER (Joseph Children’s Chorus)
Noah is a 7th grade Honor Student at Prince of Peace, Clinton Iowa.  He had a leading role as JoJo in Seussical the Musical.  He played Oberon in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.  He played Flick in the Showboat’s production of A Christmas Story.  He also participates in soccer and is the troop leader for his boy scout troop.   He recently travelled to Duke University for the Grand Recognition Ceremony for their Talent Identification Program scoring in the top percentile of 7th grade students taking the ACT/SAT college entrance exam.

ALLISON WINKEL (Joseph Children’s Chorus)
Allison is the fifth grade daughter of Richard and Jessica Winkel.  When she was four years old, her grandparents began taking her to musicals.  She has seen numerous productions including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  She is thrilled to make her stage debut in Joseph this summer.

BOX OFFICE STAFF

JENNIFER BALDWIN (Assistant House Manager)
Jennifer has worked at the Showboat for 11 years and has managed to work her way from an usher to a House Captain to an Assistant House Manager.  She is a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor in fine arts, preferring the 3 dimensional arts to the 2 dimensional ones. This will be another great season.  Hope you enjoy it.

NICK DIVARCO (House Manager)
Nick is very excited to be back this summer in another new staff position! He has interned as a techie and even acted on stage here. He has been involved with drama since his freshmen year in high school and has loved every minute! Favorite rolls include “Scarecrow” in The Wizard of Oz and “Peter VanDaan” in The Diary of Anne Frank. He hopes you enjoy the shows!

KRIS DOSS (Box Office Manager)
Kris is honored to be working in the Showboat Box Office. He’s been involved in Clinton High School drama for four years and his favorite show/role was The Wizard of Oz when he was the Lion. He plans on going to the University of Dubuque this coming fall. He hopes you enjoy the show!

KATE OTTENS (Box Office/House)
This is Kate’s eighth summer aboard the Clinton Showboat and she’s thrilled to be back!  In the off season Kate has been studying at Sauk Valley Community College to get her Associates Degree in Nursing.  She would like to thank all of the staff, volunteers and patrons that have made her past seven summers amazing and for continuing to support the Showboat!  She’s looking forward to another wonderful summer and hopes you enjoy the shows!