– Meet the Cast –
Amber Adkins (Wife) was last seen at the Grand as Grace Bradley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She is married to her on-stage husband Nathaniel (Simeon), and they have two children, Thisbe, and Edmund (both in this show). Amber enjoys reading, crafting (latest hobby is embroidery), binge watching a variety of shows, and putting off packing for their family’s move sometime this summer.
Edmund Adkins (Children’s Choir) is making his Grand and Rising Star Theatre Company debut. He was last seen onstage with his family in the ensemble of a southwestern Iowa production of Shrek the Musical when he was 4. Edmund is finishing second grade and loves Pokémon, Star Wars, dinosaurs, drawing, and books.
Nathaniel Adkins (Simeon) makes his Grand and Rising Star Theatre Company debut with this production. He is no stranger to theatre, having most recently directed Wartburg Theological Seminary’s 2019 and 2022 productions of For the Time Being. He was also in a bunch of shows back in Red Oak, Iowa (and a few other places), including a 2017 production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. A recent graduate of Wartburg Seminary, he is married to the lovely Amber and helps raise Thisbe and Edmund; they are all joining him as his onstage family. Next month they’re moving to southeastern Iowa, where Nathaniel will be a Lutheran pastor.
Thisbe Adkins (Children’s Choir) returns to the Grand Opera House for this production with Rising Star Theatre Company after having been a pageant kid in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She is finishing fifth grade and has been in many shows with her family. Thisbe plays the violin, loves to read, and is training for RAGBRAI, which she’s planning to ride with her dad in July.
Whitney Arnold (Wife) is so happy to be involved in this Grand/Rising Star joint production. She has been involved in many roles, both onstage and off, including Sleeping Beauty in Disenchanted, Sister Robert Ann in Nunsense and Mrs. Brill in Mary Poppins. This is her second time working on this show with the same team, and it’s just as much fun this time around with friends old and new. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support and encouragement as well as you, the audience, for supporting one of her passions, live theatre. Enjoy the show!
Brianna Busch (Ensemble) “Dreams” do come true! In 2011, Brianna was in the children’s chorus for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Rising Star Theatre Company and just had to do it again. After a hiatus from shows and performing, she is thrilled to be given this opportunity. Brianna will be heading into her senior year at the University of Iowa this fall and plans for a career in healthcare.
Kristina Castañeda (Narrator) is thrilled to return to the stage, this time with her theatre-loving daughter, Viviana. Prior to her theatre foundation at Clarke, Kristina was in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, so this production is a nostalgic reprise. Working with both adults and children in Joseph makes her heart sing. Teacher and arts advocate, Kristina believes in the power of theatre to inspire the human spirit, to ignite empathy and connection. Kristina can be found out and about playing gigs, practicing yoga, and building community. She is grateful to Rising Star and the Grand and is humbled to be among such greatness in this production.
Viviana Castañeda-Henkel (Children’s Choir) is happy to be part of this production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and it’s even more special because her mom gets to be onstage with her. Viviana loved being in Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and most recently, My Son Pinocchio at Washington Middle School. When she’s not onstage, Via rehearses plays with neighbor kids, rides BMX, plays piano and drums, and practices yoga. This sixth grader would like to thank her family for their love and support.
Joshua Castro (Judah) is delighted to step back onto the Grand Opera House stage after nearly 27 years, in this production with Rising Star Theatre Company. Joshua debuted in 1990 in Dick Whittington and His Amazing Cat as Dick Whittington. He was featured in productions throughout his youth for both the Grand and Wahlert Catholic High School, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1994, playing the title role. While living in the San Francisco Bay Area, he enjoyed runs as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls. He thanks Nick, Megan, Beth, and the entire cast and crew for a “colorful” walk down memory lane and welcoming him!
Izzy Cirks (Children’s Choir) has been taking advantage of Dubuque’s theatre camps and children’s shows for five years. Last year’s The Little Mermaid was her first production with Rising Star Theatre Company and the Grand Opera House. She is looking forward to this year’s production, Peter Pan. Isabelle also enjoys taking voice lessons at Centrally Rooted with Brion Bowman and trying various styles of dance at Studio 5678.
Grant Davis (Dan) is ecstatic to be in this production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Grant was most recently onstage at the Grand in Peter and the Starcatcher (Lord Aster). Some of his other favorite productions include Mary Poppins (Miss Andrew), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Francis Flute), and Zombie Prom. In July, Grant will be back onstage at the Grand in Into the Woods. Grant would like to thank his friends, family, and Taylor Swift for their unwavering love and support. Likewise, he would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work on this production.
Jennifer Derks (Wife) is grateful to make her stage debut alongside her son, Julien. After years of volunteering at the Grand, she decided to take a chance and join this amazing production. Jennifer earned her BA in elementary education from Iowa State University and holds a MA in TESOL from the University of Northern Iowa. She is an ELL teacher for Dubuque Community School District, an avid yogi, pickleball enthusiast, gardener, and supporter of the arts. She would like to thank her husband, Rob, her son, Julien, and her golden retriever, Bowie, for their unwavering support. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Julien Derks (Children’s Choir) began his love of performing at the age of 7 and has appeared in over a dozen productions since. His most recent roles include Geppetto in My Son Pinocchio, Flounder in The Little Mermaid, Kurt von Trapp in The Sound of Music, and the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. When not onstage, he is an avid percussionist, tennis player, and skier. Julien will attend Dubuque Senior High School this fall and looks forward to being active in theatre and speech. Most of all, he is excited to finally share the stage with his mom. Enjoy the show!
Aidan Dolan (Issachar) is excited to perform in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He has been performing since he was 5 years old and performed in Rising Star Theatre Company and the Grand Opera House’s The Little Mermaid as Sebastian. He has also played Schroeder in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Amos Callaway in Big Fish, and understudied Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors. He earned third place in Large Group (what) at Iowa Thespian Festival, and his group earned the Critic’s Choice Award in Radio Broadcasting at this year’s Iowa High School Speech Association Large Group All-State Festival. He is enjoying working with an amazing technicolor dreamcast!
Brekon FitzPatrick (Children’s Choir) is 10 years old and will be entering fifth grade at Resurrection Elementary School this fall. His previous shows include The SpongeBob Musical and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. In his spare time, he enjoys writing stories and playing video games. He is so excited to be part of Joseph and he hopes you enjoy the show!
Johnny Freund (Gad/Butler) is thrilled to return to the stage this summer! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is one of his childhood favorites, and he hopes to perform in more of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s shows in the future! Some of his past performances include The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric), The Sound of Music (Rolf Gruber), Newsies (Specs), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Snoopy), and Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II). Johnny just completed his first year at Iowa State University, where he is studying music education in hopes of becoming a high school band director. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Brandon Golden (Pharoah) holds a BM in vocal performance and pedagogy and has performed in several college, professional and community theatre productions including The King and I, High School Musical, and Winners and Losers. He is excited to return to the theater after a 10-year hiatus. In that time, he has used his musical gifts to serve his Lord and Savior Jesus and His church by leading and training worship leaders, musicians, choirs, etc. Brandon currently serves as the Worship Pastor at Crossroads Church Peosta, where you can find him every Sunday morning at 9 and 10:30.
Mike Grant (Joseph), despite his own lack of “flair for economic planning,” is elated to be a part of Rising Star Theatre Company and the Grand Opera House’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! An avid thespian, some of Mike’s favorite productions include Newsies (Jack Kelly), School of Rock (Dewey Finn), and Les Misérables (Enjolras). Mike would like to extend a warm thank you to his friends, family, and castmates, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Brian Hallstoos (Reuben) is the proud parent of Joplin (cast member), Elise, and Tatum and devoted spouse of Sharon; he sends all his love to them. Since moving to Dubuque in 2012, he has performed in several productions, including The Man Who Came to Dinner at the Grand Opera House and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Pirates of Penzance, and Pippin at the University of Dubuque, where he teaches history. If given a time machine and loads of luck, Brian would travel back to 1990 to sing with Minnesota’s Trip Shakespeare or the 1960s to harmonize with Chicago’s The Impressions.
Joplin Hallstoos (Ensemble) is a student at Dubuque Senior High School, where he participates in cross country, tennis, choir, and speech. In his free time, he enjoys being outside fishing, kayaking, sailing, and hanging out with friends. He has little theatre experience, but hopes to expand his musical knowledge through this and future plays. Joplin will enter twelfth grade this fall and, after he graduates, eagerly anticipates continuing his studies in California.
Kate Hanniford (Ensemble) is a natural performer with charisma and a big laugh. Kate loves being onstage and making people smile. She participated in Washington Middle School’s production of My Son Pinocchio, is active in choir and plays the clarinet. While not practicing onstage, she’s probably making art, spending time outdoors with her family and goofy dog Cooper or fine-tuning her baking skills. She’s got a knack with younger kids and is a terrific babysitter. She also loves softball, swimming, and fishing. Kate hopes you enjoy the show as much as she has enjoyed preparing for this production!
Magnolia Hartley (Children’s Choir) is extremely excited to be a part of Rising Star Theatre Company and the Grand Opera House’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Magnolia lives in Galena and will be in fourth grade at Galena Primary School in the fall. Magnolia appeared in Rising Star and the Grand’s production of The Little Mermaid last summer and has been in love with theatre ever since. She enjoys playing softball and volleyball and is a member of the Chestnut Mountain Race Team. Magnolia would like to thank her mommy, daddy, and brother, Joseph, for their love and support, along with her favorite family member, Cinnamon, the family Yorkipoo.
Amy Henn (Wife) is a native Dubuquer whose first stage experience was at the Grand Opera House in the production of Oliver when she was just a kid. Years later, she returned to the Grand in roles such as Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Marty in Grease, Lady Larken in Once Upon a Mattress, and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Her favorite role of all has been a homeschooling mom to her six amazing kids, who keep her busy morning until night. She would like to thank her husband, Grant, for holding down the fort and her kids for cheering her on.
Nicholas Hill (Benjamin) is so grateful to be in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Nick will be a senior at Wahlert Catholic High School and has been in school and community theatre since fifth grade. His past roles include Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, Prince Hans in Frozen, Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Cosmo Brown in Singing in the Rain, Laurie in Little Women, and Jack in Into the Woods. Nick has also co-written/co-directed a show for Wahlert’s one acts. He thanks his family and friends for their support, and this talented company for making this show an enjoyable experience.
Jacob Hocking (Asher/Baker) is heading into his senior year at Loras College where he will be going into the accounting field. He is thrilled to finally return to being onstage after a four-year break. During his four-year break, he put in thousands of miles running for the Loras track and cross-country team as well as becoming one of Beth Jenn’s “fly guys” last summer. His most recent shows include Rising Star Theatre Company’s Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth), Lil Abner (Abner), and The Little Mermaid (Scuttle). He is excited to perform and hopes you all enjoy the show!
Jesse Huff (Levi) is excited to return to Canaan for a third production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, having previously performed as an Ishmaelite at the Grand in 2004 and as Dan with Rising Star in 2011. He has been acting on Dubuque stages for more than 20 years; other favorite past shows include The Music Man, Children of Eden, Godspell, Annie and The Wizard of Oz. In real life, Jesse is a history teacher and swim coach at Dubuque Senior High School. He’d like to thank the cast and crew for sharing their time and talent this summer, and especially Nick and Megan for providing him with his summer home for most of the last 20 years.
Bella Katrichis (Ensemble) will be a seventh-grade student at Beckman Catholic School this fall. This is Bella’s debut performance with the Grand and Rising Star Theatre Company, and she is super excited to be a part of this amazing cast. Bella has always had a love for drama and music. She started violin at the age of 3 and was a part of the Dubuque Fiddlers for five years. She is continuously choreographing dances and plays at home for her siblings. Bella also enjoys gymnastics, camping, and being with family and friends.
Elizabeth Kelsey (Wife) is grateful to be in another “amazing” Rising Star Theatre Company production, this time at the Grand! She has participated in Dubuque theatre for 15 years, with favorite shows including Rising Star’s Newsies (Jojo), Peter Pan (Peter Pan), Seussical (Cat in the Hat) and The Little Mermaid (Ariel). Elizabeth has also danced with Dubuque City Youth Ballet/Heartland Ballet for years, most recently performing as Queen Rat in The Nutcracker in 2022. She works as a reporter at the Telegraph Herald. Elizabeth thanks Megan, Nick, Beth, and the production team for another wonderful summer, as well as her family for their support!
Emma Kelsey (Wife) is very excited to be performing in a show again this summer! Some of her most recent roles include Mush in Rising Star’s Newsies, Terpsicore in Dubuque Senior’s Xanadu, and the Porter in the Grand’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. She also worked backstage for three musicals at Dubuque Senior and was a member of Thespian Troupe #69. Emma recently completed her sophomore year at UNI and is looking forward to returning in the fall. She would like to thank her parents, grandma, and sister for their support, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Dan LoBianco (Jacob) is a proud member of the Rising Star Theatre Company Board of Directors and is once again blowing the dust off for a return to the Grand for this collaborative production. After a 13+ year hiatus, he remembers Grand roles such as Sancho, Carnes, and Harry the Horse in the first decade of this millennium. A project manager at ECIA, Dan is excited to be back onstage with his daughters and this large, amazing cast. Other favorite roles in a long life include Emile (South Pacific), Maurice (Beauty and the Beast), Jerry (Zoo Story) and the Pope.
Maria LoBianco (Wife/Props) is thrilled to be back onstage this summer with Rising Star and the Grand! She is also excited to join her twin sister and dad in a family-favorite musical and perform in her third production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Some of her favorite past roles include Splasher (Newsies), Sister Mary Joan (Sister Act), Cinderella (Cinderella), and Terpsicore (Xanadu). When not onstage in the summer, Maria is a social studies teacher at Washington Middle School. She thanks the cast and crew for all their hard work on this production as well as her family and friends for their love and support!
Natalie LoBianco (Wife/Props) is very excited to perform at the Grand and with Rising Star again this summer! She is also eager to reprise the show where she, her sister, and her dad shared the stage for the first time! Natalie has done many shows with Rising Star and helps lead their youth camps. Her favorite roles include Tommy Boy (Newsies), Sister Mary Margaret (Sister Act), Fairy Godmother (Cinderella), and Terpsicore (Xanadu). During the school year, Natalie is a fifth-grade teacher at Bryant Elementary. She thanks her friends, and family for their incredible love and support, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Carrie Lohrmann (Mrs. Potiphar) is delighted to perform in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with her son, Theo. Past Grand Opera House roles include Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music and Belle/Princess Badroulbadour in Disenchanted! She also performs with Dubuque’s Die Laughing Murder Mystery dinner theater troupe. Carrie works as an engineer in Wisconsin and lives in Dubuque with her husband and children. She thanks her husband Martin for all his support, and the directors, cast and crew for sharing their time and talents on this fun show!
Theo Lohrmann (Children’s Choir) is excited to be making his Grand and Rising Star Theatre Company debut in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with his mom. Theo recently completed fourth grade at Bryant Elementary School where he enjoys science, math and singing in choir. Outside of school, Theo keeps busy playing baseball, swimming, skiing, participating in Boy Scouts, singing, and playing piano. He hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Johanna McCready (Children’s Choir) is a fifth grader at Prescott Elementary. She sings in the Dubuque Children’s Chorale, Prescott Choir, and plays the ukulele and cello. She has participated in the Grand’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Rising Star Theatre Company and the Grand’s The Little Mermaid, Prescott’s Seussical the Musical and Aladdin Jr. She enjoys bringing her characters to life on the stage.
Freya Miller (Children’s Choir) is going into fifth grade at Carver Elementary School. She is happy to be part of the wonderful cast and crew of Rising Star Theatre Company and the Grand Opera House’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She performed in Rising Star and the Grand’s The Little Mermaid and the Grand’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in 2022. Freya participates in choir, volleyball, basketball, and track, and loves spending time with her family and pets.
Haley Mills (Ensemble) will be a ninth grader at Hempstead High School this fall. She has enjoyed her roles in various plays including Beth in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Pearl in The SpongeBob Musical, and Eulalie in The Music Man. In her free time, Haley enjoys reading, boating and snow skiing. She thanks her family and friends for supporting her love of the arts.
Olivia Mills (Children’s Choir) will be a fifth grader at Kennedy Elementary School this fall. She has enjoyed her theatre experience in various plays including Miracle on 34th Street, The Sound of Music, The SpongeBob Musical, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her friends and her dogs, Jaxson and Archie. She loves working with an amazing cast and crew!
Ashley Nank (Ensemble) has been doing theatre for almost seven years! This is her first time in a show here at the Grand. Ashley participates in choir and the theatre program at school and she is grateful for any opportunity to be onstage. You may have seen her in The Music Man Jr. at Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School this spring or The SpongeBob Musical at the Bell Tower Theater last summer. She is very happy to be involved in Joseph.
Jameson Norton (Ensemble) is excited to be onstage for his first show at the Grand Opera House, in collaboration with Rising Star Theatre Company. He recently had an exciting freshman year at Dubuque Senior, performing as Mr. Green in Clue and as Carl Grubenierre in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which received Outstanding Musical Production and Outstanding Ensemble from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards. He also earned Iowa High School Speech Association All-State nominations for Ensemble Acting and Musical Theatre. Last summer, Jameson was in Rising Star and the Grand’s The Little Mermaid as Chef Louis. He would like to thank all his castmates for strengthening his love of theatre.
Truman Oberfoell (Children’s Choir) is excited to continue the tradition of Oberfoells performing at the Grand! His previous shows with the Grand, Rising Star, and Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School include Newsies Jr. (Newsie), The Little Mermaid (Sailor/Cook), Frozen Jr. (Butler/Cook), Miracle on 34th Street (Ensemble), and Lion King Jr. (Wildebeest). When not onstage, Truman is also involved in orchestra, band, choir, and show choir. He also enjoys reading and spending time with his cousins. Enjoy the show!
Reid Postma (Ensemble) will be a freshman at Dubuque Senior High School this fall. Reid started his acting career when he was seven years old, and since then his love for the theatre has only grown. He has performed in many musicals including The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, and most recently, starring as Geppetto in My Son Pinocchio. Reid has participated in band and choir since he was 10 and was selected for Iowa Opus Honor Choir the past two years. In his free time, Reid loves to sing and play the saxophone.
Wil Quinn (Ensemble) is excited to perform in his first show at the Grand and with Rising Star Theatre Company, which marks his first musical ever! He has sung in his high school choir and acted in high school plays for many years, but has always wanted to do a musical. This has been very fun for him, and he has learned a lot. He cannot wait to participate in more shows in the future!
Juliet Rios (Ensemble) has done backstage work on Sister Act Jr. and performed as a Newsie in Newsies Jr, both with Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School. She also participated in Mazzuchelli’s Impulse Show Choir for the 2022-23 school year.
Liam Ripperger (Children’s Choir) is 12 years old and attends Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School. He has been in three theatre productions (The Little Mermaid, Newsies, and The Wizard of Oz) and has just started taking ballet classes. Liam hopes to follow in the footsteps of his brother and continue doing theatre and ballet for years to come.
Noah Ripperger (Zebulon) is 18 years old and has just graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School. He has participated in theatre productions for 10 years and has been trained in classical ballet for nine years. Shows that Noah has participated in are Don Quixote (Basilio), The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Peter). Noah leaves in August for another year of high school in Japan and hopes to be able to continue his theatre involvement while there.
Tracey Schindler (Wife) is very excited to be part of her first production at the Grand Opera House and with Rising Star Theatre Company, especially because she gets to share the stage with her son, Charlie Thomas. It has been a few years, but she has enjoyed roles in Hello Dolly, Guys and Dolls, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Into the Woods at Western Dubuque High School. When offstage, she enjoys spending time with her family, tending to her garden, and spoiling her cats. Tracey would like to thank her family for their support, especially her daughter, Abbey, her son, Charlie and her mom, Theresa.
Katie Schramm (Wife) is delighted to be returning to the Grand’s stage in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in collaboration with Rising Star Theatre Company. Katie works as the general music teacher and choir director at Washington Middle School. You may have seen her as Sister Margaretta in last year’s production of The Sound of Music here at the Grand. She is excited to be sharing the stage with her brother-in-law, Lucas, and wants to thank her husband, Bobby, for all his love and support of her musical and theatrical pursuits. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Lucas Schramm (Children’s Choir) is delighted to be making his debut performance at the Grand Opera House, in collaboration with Rising Star Theatre Company. Lucas will be a fifth grader at St. Columbkille Elementary School this fall. You may have seen him as Old Man Jenkins in Bell Tower Theater’s production of The SpongeBob Musical last summer. In first grade, Lucas made his stage debut as Will’s Son in Dubuque Senior High’s production of Big Fish. Lucas would like to thank his parents for their love and support of his theatrical dreams. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Winnie Schroeder (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in this year’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Winnie is 12 years old and has performed in local productions of The Little Mermaid and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She enjoys reading, listening to music, shopping, and hanging with her friends in her spare time.
Clarissa Sexton (Ensemble) is excited to be in the ensemble. She’s 18 and has been seen onstage many times in her hometown, Platteville, Wis. Her most recent role was Dorcas in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, but she’s also played Serena in Legally Blonde, Jojo in Suessical Jr., and more. She’s been in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat before as Gad. She regards herself as having too many hobbies including art, singing, taekwondo, acting, playing saxophone, and getting invested in strange fandoms. Next fall she will be attending Southern Virginia University in pursuit of an acting career.
Jeanie Sexton (Children’s Choir) is 13 years old and enjoys performing onstage and singing. She is a competitor and national finalist with the American Speech and Debate Association and is a second-degree black belt in taekwondo. She is homeschooled and performed in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Peter Pan with Tri-State Homeschool Performing Arts.
Liberty Sexton (Children’s Choir) is happy to be in her first production with all three of her older sisters! Liberty is 9 years old and is homeschooled. Her hobbies include taekwondo, video editing and drawing. She lives in Platteville with her mom, dad, three sisters and three cats.
Miranda Sexton (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for a third time! Her very first theatre role was in the same show at the age of four; then again at age 16 as the Narrator. Other roles include Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest and the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical Jr. Recently, Miranda took on the role of director and choreographer for the Tri-State Homeschool Performing Arts production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Enjoy the show!
Charlie Thomas (Naphtali) is a physics major and theatre arts minor at the University of Iowa, hailing from Dyersville. At school, Charlie loves to DJ and explore the city. He has performed in the past as a student at Western Dubuque High School, including as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid Jr. and as Fletcher in Freaky Friday. He is excited to see his friends and family for his Grand Opera House and Rising Star Theatre Company debut and is overjoyed to work with his mom, Tracey Schindler, for this performance.
Isabella Topping (Children’s Choir) is making her debut onstage with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and is thrilled to be able to pursue her dream of acting/singing. Izzy was born singing and her aunt, Callie Fitzgerald, has shaped Izzy’s passion for music and acting. Izzy also loves to read, play just about every sport, go boating, and help her mom out at home. She is the second of four kids and is also the mother hen to her younger siblings.
Penny Von Mulert (Children’s Choir) is excited to be in this show. After years of watching her mom perform, Penny is ready for her debut! She will be going into third grade at Irving Elementary School. Penny comes from a musical family and is learning piano and cello. When not onstage, Penny likes playing with friends, horseback riding, dancing with her sister and cousin, and riding her bike. Penny wants to be an actress and hopes to be in many more shows!
Jessica Whitaker (Wife) graduated in 2013 from UW-Platteville with a vocal performance degree. She has been involved in shows like Grease and Sweet Betsy from Pike. Jessica loves showing Brown Swiss dairy cattle and camping with her family. For the last decade, Jessica has taken a break from the musical world to start a family. She and her husband, Lane, are expecting their second baby later this year. Her daughter, Rayleigh is excited to finally be a big sister! Jessica loves to share her love of music and theatre with family and friends and is excited to be a part of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Cassie Williams (Wife) is thrilled to be part of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Some of her most recent productions include Xanadu, where she played Kira, and Big Fish! When she’s not onstage, Cassie spends her time working towards her degree in elementary education at the University of Northern Iowa. She would like to thank her parents, big sisters, and little bro simply for being the coolest.
Jeremy Winkler (Potiphar) is making his musical debut after having recently learned of his love of singing. He has always been a fan of the arts, having played violin while attending UW-Platteville. He currently lives on his third-generation family farm with his wife and two daughters in Potosi, Wis. He very much enjoys the outdoors and loves having lots of chickens running around. They are currently renovating their home together and look forward to a bright future in the area with many more stage appearances to come.
– Meet the Production Team –
Elena Dominguez (Costume Designer) is delighted to be designing costumes for Rising Star Theatre Company and the Grand Opera House’s highly anticipated production. She has been both a stage manager and costume designer for shows at the Grand. While Elena revels in the magic of theatre, she herself prefers to remain out of the spotlight. Her passion for the craft lies in creating stunning costumes that breathe life into characters, transporting audiences into the realms of imagination and emotion. Her passion for building connections with people and resources around her fuels her love for the art form, as she believes theatre is more than mere entertainment. Elena’s experiences in theatre have shaped her belief that theatre has the power to transcend boundaries and touch the hearts of audiences.
Gloria Fitzpatrick (Costume Mentor) is delighted to be involved with another great production at the Grand, this time in partnership with Rising Star Theatre Company! Her sewing skills are put to good use for constructing new costumes and redesigning stock items. She loves vintage clothing and recycling garments. Recent productions she has designed at the Grand include Murder on the Orient Express, A Christmas Carol, The Pajama Game, The Man Who Came to Dinner, It’s a Wonderful Life, Gypsy, A Christmas Story, Carousel, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!, The Drowsy Chaperone, Monty Python’s Spamalot and Doubt. She would like to thank her family who support her creative spirit.
Becky Heil (Hair & Make-up Designer) graduated from Clarke College with a degree in speech and theatre and although she currently works as a library consultant for the State of Iowa, she loves spending time working on shows. While you may have seen her onstage recently, this show has her finding her place again behind the scenes. She has done hair and makeup for Rising Star Theatre Company and is happy to be back at the Grand for this collaborative production.
Beth Jenn (Stage Manager/Lighting Designer) earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Loras College and holds a master’s degree in mathematics for middle grades from UNI. She currently teaches seventh grade math at Washington Middle School, where she also coaches volleyball and is the technical director for the Visual and Performing Arts program. She would like to thank the cast for their dedication and hard work; her family, especially Rigby, for working around a hectic schedule; and Stasia, Nick, and Megan for letting her do what she loves, believing in her, and always pushing her beyond what she thought was possible.
Gene Lund (Scenic Designer) holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in elementary and secondary education from Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri. He taught art and materials and processing for 35 years in Dubuque, Iowa and has worked for over 30 years at Camp Taconic in Massachusetts. Initially, he was the camp’s Fine Arts Director, and later moved into the theatre department of the camp, helping to produce eight different plays in eight weeks each summer. Gene has previously designed My Son Pinocchio, TARZAN, Peter Pan, Sister Act and Newsies for Rising Star Theatre Company and The Sound of Music, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Peter and the Starcatcher with the Grand Opera House.
Colin Muenster (Technical Director) is a scenic and lighting designer, director, and actor based out of Dubuque. He has a degree in theatre arts from Clarke College and has been working as an educator, IT specialist, and theatre artist for the past 15 years. He served as Director of Theatre Arts at Wahlert Catholic High School, Event and Production Technology Specialist and as Theatre Director in Residence at Clarke University and now is the Technical Director for the Grand. His past Grand Opera House productions include Jesus Christ Superstar (actor), Beauty and the Beast (actor), Spamalot (director), and La Cage aux Folles (director). Most importantly, he is a husband to a stellar wife, and the father of three incredible kids!
Megan Schumacher (Choreographer/Props) is the artistic/education director for Rising Star Theatre Company and is thrilled to be partnering with the Grand on this spectacular show! She is so impressed with this insanely talented cast who have worked their tails off to bring you this beautiful show! Thanks to Steve Geisz, the Brannons, the book club, the Rising Star board and her family for inspiring her artistic endeavors! She would also like to thank Nick, Mary, and the rest of the production team, the brilliant cast, and crew who devote countless hours to make theatre magic, who motivate her, and whose joy and commitment make it all worthwhile!
Johanna Wahlert (Costume Designer) is a Dubuque native and is excited to be designing for this production with the Grand Opera House and Rising Star Theatre Company. She loves theatre and has been involved in several productions and area art activities over the past several years. She has volunteered with Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Clarke University Theatre, and Wahlert Catholic High School’s production of Big Fish. Johanna is excited to work with the Grand, Rising Star and the cast on bringing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to life through costume design.
– Meet the Creators –
Tim Rice has worked in music, theatre, and films since 1965 when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim’s ambitions to write rock or pop songs they turned their attention to Andrew’s obsession – musical theatre. Their first collaboration was based on the life of Dr. Thomas Barnardo, the Victorian philanthropist, The Likes of Us. Their next three works together were much more successful – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.
Tim has since worked with other distinguished popular composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess), and Stuart Brayson (From Here to Eternity). He has also written with Freddie Mercury, Burt Bacharach and Rick Wakeman among others.
Tim founded his own cricket team in 1973, which has now played over 750 matches, and was president of MCC, founded in 1789, in 2002. He crops up here and there in all branches of the media, drawing on his extensive knowledge of the history of popular music.
As an EGOT, he is one of only 17 people in the world to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award, was knighted by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1994, and is the proud owner of a boxer dog and two dozen chickens.
Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969) to Cinderella (2021), his work has been consistently seen on world stages. Before the COVID pandemic hit, Lloyd Webber had shows continually running in the West End for 48 years and on Broadway for 41. When Sunset Boulevard joined School Of Rock, CATS and The Phantom Of the Opera, he equalled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards.
Lloyd Webber owns seven London theatres, including the iconic London Palladium and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Over the past three years the latter has been completely restored and renovated at a cost of over £60 million. It is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a private theatre owner in recent times. His mantra that every penny of profit made from his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings has meant that considerable work has been undertaken across his theatre portfolio during the pandemic, including the complete remodelling and reseating of the Gillian Lynne.
Lloyd Webber is passionate about the importance of musical education and diversity in the arts. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation provides 30 performing arts scholarships every year for talented students with financial need and supports a range of projects such as the Music In Secondary School Trust and commissioning research into diversity in theatre.
Andrew Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992 and created an honorary life peer in 1997. To mark his 70th birthday, his bestselling autobiography Unmasked was published by Harper Collins in March 2018.