Cast

Allison Arguezo (Humpty Dumpty, Duloc Dancer) is a senior at St. Charles East High School and has been involved in many high school productions at both St. Charles East High School and her former high school, Plano High School. This show will be her 9th production on stage, but first with Fox Country Players. She is excited to have her first show with Fox Country Players!

 

Layla Bohl (Teen Fiona, Fairy Godmother, Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of her second show with Fox Country Players! She played the role of McQueen in Urinetown last fall and has been a part of many shows, including Mary Poppins, Footloose, and The Music Man. While not revolting again totalitarian leaders, Layla plays the flute in the Wind Ensemble at YHS and also sings in the Varsity Choir. Layla would like to thank her family for always saving her dinner after rehearsal and FCP for allowing her to be a part of a great show with an even greater group of people.

Matt Colbert (Lord Farquaad, Dragon Puppeteer) is a music and Choral instructor at Jefferson Junior High in Naperville.  He has had experience as a director, music director and performer in productions at Lewis University in Romeoville, Summer Place Theater and Magical Starlight Theater in Naperville, as well as running the spring musical at Jefferson.  Matt is proud to be working with his sister, Ann, in her first musical.

Miranda Colin (Ugly Duckling, Duloc Dancer, Tap-Dancing Rat) is excited to perform in her first FCP production! Outside of FCP, Miranda works as a freelance choreographer and dancer and has been seen dancing for Walt Disney World and Six Flags Great America. Her choreography has been displayed throughout middle schools and high schools within the Midwest Region, and her recent works include Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Legally Blonde Jr., Into The Woods Jr., and competition pieces for high school show choirs. Miranda would like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support, as well as send thanks to Chris, Lisa, and the entire cast for welcoming her into the amazing FCP family.

Marilyn DiCola (Wicked Witch, Ensemble) is excited to return to Fox Country Players after several years; her favorite role with FCP has been Sister Amnesia in Nunsense.  She has also been in many musical productions at North Central College’s Summer Theater in Naperville and sings in the Naperville Chorus.  She is a registered nurse and dance movement therapist teaching yoga, authentic movement and workshops currently in her home studio. She thanks Gino for all his support and encouragement.

Kiersa Downs (Elf, Ensemble) is excited to make her Fox Country Players debut. Previous shows include Goal!Nova City needs a Hero, Joust and It’s a Hit! Kiersa is in 4th grade and loves singing, dancing, and unicorns.

Oliver Downs (Baby Shrek, Baby Bear, Ensemble) is overjoyed to be a part of his first show with Fox Country Players. Ollie has been on stage in Goal!, Superhero Instructional Manual, and It’s a Hit!  He is in 3rd grade and loves reading, drawing, and playing Minecraft. 

 

Zack Eckhardt (Big Bad Wolf, King Harold, Duloc Dancer, Ensemble) is making his FCP debut with Shrek, his sixth musical.  He was most recently on stage for Annie this summer. He has also participated in dance and other theatrical adventures, just because it’s fun! He’s now 23 and has a degree completely opposite of theatre because much like Fiona, he is a mess of contradictions in a dress.

Linda S Johnson (Mad Hatter) is a retired school counselor from Somonauk. Her favorite roles have been the Reverend Mother in Nunsense with Fox Country Players and Martha Brewster in Indian Valley Theatre’s Arsenic and Old Lace. Five years ago, she appeared as the Wicked Witch in Stagecoach Player’s Shrek. She has directed 22 shows and loves musicals the most. Her favorite past times include gardening, being with her three wonderful grandchildren, sewing, painting, and whatever else may come along.

Savannah Johnson (Pinocchio, Duloc Dancer) is entering her senior year at Yorkville High School. Through FCP, she has appeared in Urinetown as Little Sally, and participated in three Night of Broadway shows, but has acted since the age of ten. She would like to thank her family for being gracious about not seeing her for six/seven days. For the audience: “The only thing Pinnochio is lying about is that I’m a boy. Enjoy the show!”

Hannah Kennedy (Gingy, Little Bo Peep, Tap-Dancing Rat, Duloc Dancer) is pooping sprinkles to be back with FCP for her third season.  She grew up in the western suburbs, with a dance, theater, and vocal background, and has found her way back to the stage as an adult.  Favorite roles include Hope in Urinetown: The Musical (FCP), Atina in The Little Mermaid (MST) and Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act (FCP). By day, she works as a Senior Art Director in advertising. She coincidentally has done Shrek before as Props Mistress for Little Mountain Community Theatre, and is now ready to let her own Freak Flag fly on stage.  She resides in Elk Grove Village with her new husband Mike, and thanks him and her family for their support as she makes her stage debut as Hannah Kennedy.

Robyn Lycan (Blind Mouse, Duloc Dancer) couldn’t see herself enjoying Shrek more with any other group of actors. Recent credits include Mrs. Greer in Annie (Kaneland Arts Initiative), Josephine “Ma” Strong in Urinetown (Fox Country Players) and ensemble in Seussical (Magical Starlight Theatre). You can see her in the upcoming production of Jekyll and Hyde with Stage Coach Players in DeKalb (Oct 24-Nov 4). Robyn wants to thank her husband Jeff, and children Ben, Abby, and Jack for supporting her while she follows her dreams on the stage. She also wants to thank this year’s incredible cast and crew and is profoundly grateful for the support of this year’s production team.

Julie K Martin (Fiona) is excited to be making her FCP debut with such a great cast and a fantastic show! Favorite past roles include Olive in Spelling Bee, Gertrude in Seussical, and Lucy in Avenue Q. She has also spent plenty of time behind the scenes as a Music Director with NightBlue PAC (Legally Blonde Jr., Seussical Jr., Les Mis), a stage manager, sound tech, etc. Julie has a Music degree from Eckerd College, teaches piano & voice, sings in acoustic duo FSH, and dabbles in headshot and theatre photography. She thanks and sends so much love to Brad, Maki, and her parents for their endless support.

Aidan McGarry (Three Little Pigs, Duloc Dancer) is proud to be in his 7th Fox Country Players production. A 7th grade percussionist and Fortnite enthusiast, some of his favorite past roles include Michael Banks (Mary Poppins), Wolfgang (Don’t Cry Werewolf) and calling his Mom “Dad” in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He loves pizza, terrible puns, Star Wars, Legos and feeling put-upon. 

Meg McGarry (Dragon, Tap-Dancing Rat) is honored to share the stage with her talented offspring once more at FCP. Recently seen in Whose Wives Are They Anyway, Rumors, Sister Act and Oliver at WCC, some other favorite roles include Amalia (She Loves Me), Rona (Spelling Bee), Maria (Sound of Music) and Brooke (Legally Blonde). She thinks this burrito is delicious but it is filling. She thanks her family and friend-family for being a port in the storm.

Rose McGarry (Tinkerbelle, Tap Dancing Rat, Ensemble), a 3rd grader and competitive team dancer, is happy to be back on the WCC stage where she made her theatrical debut at age 5. She loves reading, drawing, taking care of her two dogs and two rabbits, having dessert first and making slime. She plays the piano and guitar as well as Minecraft. She is not a “Morning Person.”

Jacob Morton (Guard, Kinght) makes his FCP debut with Shrek. He has been in such shows as CCT’s Beauty and the Beast (The Beast\Prince Adam), Aladdin (Jafar), Shrek (Shrek) and Joseph (Potiphar, 14th Brother) He has also done other shows with different companies such as: Once Upon a Mattress (Knight), A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Present), and most recently, Sugar (Dude). He hopes you enjoy the show!

Abi Munar (White Rabbit, Ensemble) is in 6th grade at Emily G Johns in Plano. She is happy to return to Fox Country Players in Shrek. She previously was an orphan in Oliver, as well as in the Children’s Choir in “A Night of Broadway.” Shrek is her 20th production. In addition to performing with FCP, she has been in productions with Indian Valley Theatre, Plano High School, Stagecoach Players, Summer Place Theatre, and YPAC.

Sarah Ramos (Peter Pan, Ensemble) is extremely excited to be making her theatrical debut performance in Shrek. Sarah lives in Aurora with her family and attends the John C Dunham STEM Academy. She is in the seventh grade, and her favorite subjects are music and science. Sarah sees herself as a budding scientist who will one day work to solve some of the world’s greatest problems. Sarah would like to thank her mom, dad, and her uncle Eliseo for their love and support. She also thanks the director, Chris, for allowing her to enjoy this valuable experience. Sarah dedicates her performances this season to her family and friends who inspire her to live life to its fullest. 

Simon Rodriguez (Donkey) is honored to take part in his first Fox Country Players production. Previously Simon performed as LeFou in Beauty and the Beast at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Some of his most favorite roles include Aladdin in Aladdin, Scar in The Lion King, and Hugo Peabody in Bye Bye Birdie. Under the direction of his mentors, Arlene Hawks and Ross Wheeler, Simon spent the last 5 years assisting with the East Aurora High School’s theater program, directing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Laramie Project, Mean Girls, Just Like Us, and Beetlejuice. Currently, Simon is the head of Youth Services for the City of Aurora. Simon thanks his beautiful, Brazilian “babs” who is his inspiration for getting back on-stage (this one’s for you my love)! Thanks also goes to my family for always supporting my creative side, my friends who I am confident are well-behaved in the audience tonight, and finally the cast and crew of this amazing production: thank you for making this my homecoming! The story we tell today is for those that need to know that no matter how you were hatched, this big, bright, beautiful world exists because of you and your story; always let your flag fly!

Allison Scigalski (Queen Lillian, Blind Mouse, Tap Dancing Rat, Duloc Dancer) is excited to be sharing the stage with such a talented cast in her 6th FCP production. A few of her favorite roles include Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show, Little Becky Two-Shoes/Mrs. Millennium in Urinetown, and Cookie in Rumors.  Allison is the Secretary of the FCP board. Come see her take the stage as a Red Rat Girl from Oct 24 to Nov 4 in Stagecoach Player’s Jekyll & Hyde. Outside of the theater, she is a commercial claim adjuster for The Hartford Insurance. Allison would like to thank her husband Adam, her parents, and friends for their love and support.

Patrick Stinson (Shrek) has been working in theatre for over 25 years.  He is the former producing artistic director of The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre in Clinton, IA., the executive director of The Papermill Theatre in Lincoln, NH., and the producing artistic director of Fox Valley Rep at Pheasant Run in St. Charles. He is currently the Vice President of Fox Country Players and a domestic engineer.  He is married to Anna and they have a one-and-a-half-year-old daughter named Aurora with another one on the way!

Jake Teeling (Guard, Knight, Papa Ogre, Bishop) is excited to be a part of another show with FCP. He was last seen throwing people off buildings in Urinetown as Officer Barrel. Although Shrek is not one of his favorite shows, Jake is thrilled to be sharing the stage with a group of talented individuals. Jake would like to give a huge shout-out to his biggest fans (aka, his family) because “I would be nowhere without them supporting me 150%.” He would also like to thank you for coming to see the show and for supporting local theatre! 

Nola Tellone (Young Fiona, Sugar Plum Fairy), born in the Chicago suburbs, has been acting, singing and modeling for much of her childhood. Nola appeared in the 11th episode of Chicago Justice on NBC, playing the dramatic co-star role of “Emma Reynolds”. She is a current member of the esteemed, Lookingglass Theatre Youth Ensemble in Chicago, and studies voice and guitar. Her stage and screen presence is clearly a gift she was born with. In the little free time she has, Nola runs cross country for Yorkville Middle School, sings in the Beau Chant Choir and Young Naperville Singers. Nola is thankful for Fox Country Players for giving her this opportunity to act alongside such great talent. 

Michele Wade (Mama Bear) is a retired teacher who lives in Sandwich with cats Green Gables and Nigel. She has been active in theatre for 45 years. Her first show was the well-known If That’s Where It’s At Baby, I’m Not Going at Sandwich High School!  Shrek is Michele’s 19th show with FCP; she was most recently seen here as Mrs. Carlson in Who’s Wives Are They Anyway? last spring. Michele is also a member of IVT, Stagecoach, and The Albright theatre companies. Some of her favorite roles have been Queen Aggrivane in Once Upon a Mattress, Madam Arcati in Blithe Spirit, Widow Corney in Oliver!, and Libby Ruth in Always a Bridesmaid.

Aaron Whittington (Guard, Knight, Greeter) is pleased to be a part of Shrek.  He enjoys long walks on the beach and playing Fire Emblem Heroes.  Although shy, he tends to be quite energetic.  He’s participated in FCP’s Theatre Arts Academy for the past six years and is looking forward to next summer.  Don’t forget to enjoy the show!

Andrew Whittington (Guard, Thelonius, Dragon Puppeteer) has had a lot of fun being in Shrek, but his favorite part is operating the Dragon. Andrew enjoys being on stage and has just been cast in his school play at Humphrey Middle School.  His past credits include “Thief” in FCP’s production of Oliver and “Marvin” in We’ll be Right Back After This Murder.  His political views are on a need to know basis.  Enjoy the show!

Jennifer Whittington (Mama Ogre, Dragon Puppeteer) has had a terrific time being a part of Shrek.  She has been involved with Fox Country Players since 2008 as a performer, director, producer, costumer, and is currently FCP’s president.  Jennifer majored in theatre at Eastern Illinois University and has worked professionally in the costume field since 1998, most recently as Wardrobe Supervisor for Theatre for Young Audiences at Drury Lane in Oakbrook.  Jen and her husband, Kevin live in Bolingbrook with their twelve-year-old twins, Aaron and Andrew.  Thank you for supporting live theatre.

Sean Michael Williams (Papa Bear, Guard, Knight) is excited to make his debut in Fox Country Players’ Shrek. This year alone, Sean has appeared in Natural Talent Productions’ The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Echo Theater Collective’s Blues for Mister Charlie, BrightSide Theatre’s Hairspray, and Summer Place Theatre’s Footloose. Sean is grateful to perform in this wacky, heartwarming show that reminds us all to never feel ashamed for being different and to let our “freak flags” fly.

 

Lisa Wukitsch (Blind Mouse, Vocal Director), when not playing a sight impaired rodent, molds the musical minds of the many students at Kennedy Junior High in Lisle. She is the vocal director for the Canterbury Carollers and has directed more than 15 musicals. Thank you to all her friends (new and old) and to Chris for taking her on a trip into the swamp!

 


Ann Bruni (Assistant Stage Manager, Dragon Puppeteer) has taken time from her hobby of catch and release piranha fishing to work with her beloved Brother Matt in this current production.  Once the final curtain is drawn she will return to the Amazon as a border without Doctors to continue the hunt for Red October….the most famous piranha ever.

Jeni Donahue (Choreographer) is a professional choreographer from Joliet who earned her BFA in Dance and Vocal performance from Columbia College.  Jeni has been dancing since age 6 and choreographing professionally for 25 years.  She has worked with all age levels and abilities and has been heavily involved in every aspect of dance including musical theatre, pom squads, competitive cheerleading and dance troupes, color guard, music videos and show choir.  She is currently on staff for over 47 high schools, 20 universities and 12 various theatre companies across the U.S.  Jeni was honored to choreograph Illinois All State productions of Ragtime (2005), Urinetown (2010) & Into the Woods (2011).  She has also recently gotten into directing as well and has directed productions of Rocky Horror and American Idiot regionally.  She is very excited to join the Fox County Players Production of Shrek and wants to send a special thank you to Miranda and Hannah for being amazing Dance Captains and helping to keep everyone “on their toes”.  Another thank you to the cast for working so hard but having a lot of fun along the way!  Last thank you is to Meg for reaching out to me about this show and introducing me to this new theater company and to Chris for trusting in me and taking a chance on a new choreographer!  

Christopher Roe (Director) is pleased to return to FCP after directing last year’s production of Urinetown.  As a veteran of community theatre, Chris has been seen portraying such memorable roles as Jafar in Aladdin, Max in Lend Me a Tenor, and Dr. Armstrong in And Then There Were None, among others.  In addition, he has held many other roles in theatre production, including directing, producing, writing, performing improv, and arranging music, and he is an active member of both the Summer Place Singers and the Canterbury Carollers.  Chris would like to thank Lisa for providing him support in all areas, keeping him mostly sane over the last few months.

Emile-Margaret Spangler (Stage Manager) is very excited to be part of her first production with Fox Country Players. She is currently a student at Elgin Community College with plans to graduate and transfer to University of Illinois at Chicago in 2019 to pursue production design and stage management. Previously, she has worked as a stage manager at a local theatre company where she had the opportunity to work on shows such as The Addams Family, Cabaret, and Rent. She also helped ASM ECC’s summer production of Spring Awakening, and she will ASM the fall production of Blood at the Root. Emile-Margaret is very proud to have worked with such a talented cast and crew to help present Shrek and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Kevin Whittington (Set Construction Engineer) was born in the German Alps in what seems like a galaxy far, far away. He has visited or lived in 32 Countries on this planet and agrees “Earth is mostly harmless.”  He works as a plumber in Chicago and has supported Fox Country Players behind the scenes for many years. He lives in Bolingbrook with his wife, Jen, and sons, Aaron and Andrew.  Kevin has been involved in theatre since elementary school and is always willing to help behind the scenes. So, if you’re going to act out, ACT WELL!