Shrek The Musical - North Star Theater Company Stage Mag

Meet the Company

Felicia Artrip

Elf, Dragon's Knight (Adult Cast) Puppets (Both Casts)

Shrek will be Felicia's fifth production with NSTC (though only her fourth performance). She helped construct the set of NSTC's inaugural show William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, as well as performed in three of NSTC's cabarets (Quaran-Teen Cabaret, Disney Classics, and And Now Back To The Show). Felicia is a full-time college student and works part-time, but despite her busy schedule she does her best to make time for the things she loves. She is grateful to be making new friends, and wishes the best of luck to the cast and crew. Break a leg!

Cassandra Barckett

Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

Cassandra Barckett is very excited to be working withNorth Star Theatre Company on their production of Shrek. Previous credits with North Star include The Narrator in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Robin in Godspell. Other credits include The Lightning Thief(Charon), Legally Blonde(Kate),Urinetown(Little Becky Two Shoes), Jesus Christ Superstar(Dance Captain), Pippin(Berthe), Hair(Jeanie), Footloose(Vi Moore), Fame(Iris Kelly), A Fairytale Christmas Carol(Goldilocks/Mary/Queen of Hearts), Guys and Dolls(Miss Adelaide), Gypsy(Danty June), The Music Man(Maud), and The Wizard of Oz(Dorothy Gale). She studied dance at 5-6-7-8dance for 14 years since she was 4 and has been singing since she was 6. She graduated from William Paterson University in 2020 with a BA in Communications with an Emphasis on Theatre and Comedy. She is a dance teacher at Dynamic Dance Academy in Verona, New Jersey, Gotta Dance in Elmwood Park, New Jersey and Kid Dance Caravan in Totowa, New Jersey. She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their love and support. Her teachers for guiding her in the right direction. Big thank you to Kelly for giving her this opportunity to work with her on this show with such a talented cast. “Break a leg Everyone!”

Gianna Barcza

Assistant to the Director, Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

Gianna Barcza is performing in her first show with NSTC! She is Assistant to the Director, Dancing Rat, and Back Stage Crew! Gianna wants to thank her mom and dad for being able to be a part of this show! She would also like to say thank you to her friends for getting her involved with NSTC!

Julianna Barcza

Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

Cassia Beirne

Young Fiona (Teen Cast) Ensemble (Adult Cast)

Cassia is thrilled to be in her second production with North Star Theatre, after appearing in “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” earlier this year. She has been Young Anastasia in “Anastasia “ with Lenape Valley Regional HS, a kitten in “Cats” with the Pope John Players, and Emma in “A Christmas Carol” with the Cornerstone Playhouse. She going into the 5th grade at Pope John Middle School, and hopes to continue doing shows, singing and dancing! Thanks to Ms. Kelly for being a great director and the cast and crew, especially Mom, for all the fun!

Hilary Beirne

Mama Ogre, Humpty Dumpty, Duloc Singer (Adult Cast)

Hilary is thrilled to be a part of Shrek the Musical! Although this is her first show with North Star Theatre, she has performed in over 100 shows since she was little. She has done community theatre, professional theatre, summer stock, been off Broadway and sung at Carnegie Hall. However, this show is extra special because she gets to share the stage with her little girl, Cassia! Thanks to the cast and crew for all the fun, and to her her husband John and son Callan for being understanding while she was at all those rehearsals! Enjoy the show!!

Sadie Biondo

Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

Sadie just graduated from Ogdensburg Middle School and is the age of fourteen. Sadie has been dancing at Dance Expressions Dance Arts since she was the age of two. She also was in the North Star musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. Sadie is excited to share the stage with her friends!

Calleigh Brown

Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat (Both Casts) Ensemble (Teen Cast)

This will be Calleigh’s second production at NSTC (dancer in Joseph and Dancer/fairytale creature in Shrek the Musical) Calleigh has also been dancing at Dance Expression Dance Arts for 10 years. Thank you to my family, my dance friends, and my best friend Ava Rivera for always supporting me.

Emily Brunner

Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

This is Emily’s second show with NSTC. She was previously a fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has been a dancer at Dance Expression Dance Arts for 16 years and is excited to be back as a dancer for NSTC in Shrek.

Dan Burg

Pinocchio (Adult Cast) Pig#1, King's Knight, Guard (Teen Cast) Duloc Greeter, Puppets (Both Casts)

Dan is beyond thrilled to be performing with North Star once again! Previous credits with this company include "Dan" in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and sound operator for "A Closer Look." When not seen onstage, Dan is working behind the curtain at Caldwell University as the Media Services Coordinator. They have had a blast letting their freak flag fly with such an amazing cast and production team. Shoutout to Dan's amazingly supportive girlfriend, Cass, for being their number one fan both on and off the stage.

Stephen Burke

Papa Ogre, Pig #1, Duloc Singer (Adult Cast)

This will be Stephen's second production at NSTC (Zebulum, Joseph ... Dreamcoat) Other Roles include Adult Man, Spring Awakening (Dover Little Theater) Priest,Jesus Christ Superstar (Theater League of Clifton) King Arthur, Spamalot (Main Street Theater) and Mr. Bumble, Oliver! (Theater League of Clifton). Special thanks to everyone who made this production possible and Love to Mom!

Max Cagno

Guard, Ensemble (Both Casts)

Max Cagno is an actor from Sparta, NJ who is a student at Sussex County Community College. His works at NSTC include a guard/Ishmaelite in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and a cop in The Tell Tale Heart.

Dominic Chiocchi

Farquaad (Teen Cast) Pig #2, Duloc Singer (Adult Cast)

This will be Dom’s second show at NSTC. He previously performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as brother Judah. Dom has performed in a few other shows, including Legally Blonde as Callahan, and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Chip Tolentino. Thanks to both of my parents for supporting me through everything, and motivating me to do more things like this.

Julia Chmielowiec

Dance Captain, Pied Piper, Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

This is Julia’s second show with NSTC. She was previously a dancer in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. Julia has been dancing at Dance Expression Dance Arts since she was 4, and she is so excited to be back as a dancer and the Pied Piper for Shrek! Thank you to my family and dance teachers for all the support you’ve given me throughout the years!

Phil Cocilovo

King Harold (Adult Cast)

This is Phil’s seventh show with North Star, either performing or directing. Before becoming a founding member of North Star Theater Company, Phil’s theater experience included roles as Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz”, Judge Randolph in “A Few Good Men”, Willy Wonka in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, Cogsworth in “Beauty and the Beast” and Bob Cratchit in “A Christmas Carol”. He is very proud to be performing with a production team so loving, supportive and encouraging to every single cast member, and a hugely talented and close-knit cast who returns that love and support onstage! “It is the genuine theater family that North Star is all about! Break a… uhhh… have a great show, everybody!”

Destiny Covert

Wicked Witch (Adult Cast) Mama Bear, Dragon's Knight (Teen Cast)

This is Destiny’s debut performance with NSTC. Other roles include: backup cop in Clue and an ensemble member in Footloose. (High Point Theater) They have also participated in one of the DEDA musical theater workshop summer programs for Grease. They played a Pink Lady, Vince Fontaine, and one of the angels. They enjoy music and art. They love cats and collecting crystals. Their favorite thing about NSTC is how welcoming everyone is. Thank you Mom and Rylee for all your love and support and thank you for also joining this absolutely wonderful experience.

Rylee Covert

Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat-Both Casts

Shrek is Rylee’s debut performance with NSTC.and the first musical that she has performed in. Rylee is so excited to start her journey with the amazing cast. Everyone has made her feel so comfortable from the second she walked through the doors. Rylee loves to dance! She is a performance company dancer at DEDA; her passion is ballet. She loves reading, drawing and singing when she has some downtime. Rylee is so excited to see how the show comes out. It’s going to be fabulous! Thank you to Miss Kelly for introducing this musical. Thank you to Mom and Destiny for sharing this experience.

Sheena Covert

Peter Pan, Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

Shrek is Sheena's debut performance with NSTC. She is extremely excited to share this experience with both of her daughters, who are also making their debuts with NSTC. It’s not often they all get to participate in the same fun filled event! Sheena is ecstatic to get back into the theatre arts world where she has found so much joy in the past. NSTC has been so completely wonderful and welcoming to her and her family. It has become a second family and their safe place. Making so many new friends is such a blessing. Sheena enjoys singing, drawing, dancing and most importantly spending as much time as possible with her children. Thank you to Destiny, Rylee and Mom for all of your support and guidance through this new adventure!

Natalie Crespolini

Young Fiona (Adult Cast) Elf (Teen Cast)

Natalie Rose Crespolini is thrilled to be making her North Star debut with SHREK. Some favorite credits include Oliver in (OLIVER!) Mayor of Munchkin City in (WIZARD OF OZ), the Caveman Ancestor in (THE ADDAMS FAMILY), a Wickersham Brother in (SEUSSICAL) and Adam in (PEOPLE GARDEN.) When not onstage Natalie can be found playing softball (Go Rage!), basketball, or playing the role of sixth grader. She would like to thank Kelly for trusting her with these roles as well as her cast and crew for making rehearsals so fun. A special shout out to Grandma Ger who paid for her voice lessons and Melinda Bass O’Neill for providing them. As always, Natalie thanks her mother, who is her favorite audience member, and her father, who is her favorite costar.

Russ Crespolini

Lord Farquaad, Shrek Understudy (Adult Cast)

RUSS CRESPOLINI is happy to be making his North Star debut with SHREK, and quite frankly happy to be debuting anywhere at his age. Some favorite credits include Bill Sikes/Mr. Bumble in OLIVER! Charlie Brown in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN, Uncle Fester in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Chauvelin in THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, Horton in SEUSSICAL, Archie in THE SECRET GARDEN, Lloyd in NOISES OFF, Roger “Elizabeth” Debris in THE PRODUCERS and Nicely Nicely Johnson in GUYS AND DOLLS. When not on stage, Russ is a Regional Manager for Patch Media and teaches at St. Elizabeth University. He would like to thank Kelly for giving him a shot at an atypical role for him, and his knees for getting him this far. A special shout out to his wife, parents, friends and family for their support and to his daughter Natalie who he is always honored to share a stage with.

Sofia Alexandra di Palma

Puss in Boots, Ensemble (Both Casts)

This is Sofia’s second show with North Star Theatre Company. She enjoyed singing and dancing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat this past winter. She will be playing one of the Happy Villagers and Puss in Boots in this production of Shrek. Sofia loves singing, dancing and acting. She also enjoys contortion, gymnastics and also likes volleyball. She has loved meeting new people and spending time with friends during her time with NSTC.

Chris Flatt

Big Bad Wolf, Thelonius (Both Casts) Papa Ogre (Teen Cast)

This is Christopher’s Third production for NSTC. (Trifles, Mr.Hale, Tell Tale Heart, the Narrator) Chris Just Graduated from Sussex County Community College and hopes to go to Centenary to major in Theatre Arts, with a hope of becoming an actor or music performer. Special thanks to Family, and director Kelly for great support !

Declan Griffith

Young Shrek, Dwarf (Both Casts)

Declan Griffith is starring as Young Shrek in Shrek the Musical with NSTC. He made his NSTC debut in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat earlier this year. Declan also enjoys playing basketball for the Jr. Lions. Declan’s love for music and being on stage was inspired by Sanford Mack from the Sandy Mack Band. His favorite thing about NSTC is making friends! Keep an eye out for Declan in future NSTC performances. Thanks to Mom and Scott

Eliza Halteman

Dragon, Pig #2, Duloc Singer (Teen Cast) Dancing Rat, Dragon's Knight (Adult Cast)

Shrek is Eliza’s 5th NSTC production (Ensemble, Christmas Memories and Magic, Gilmer/Thomas Aquinas, Godspell, And Now Back to the Show, stage crew, A Closer Look)! Eliza has performed in 15+ other productions, both in school and in community theater. Other favorite roles include: Little Red, Into the Woods JR (DGS), Mayzie, Seussical! JR (DGS), The Cat in the Hat, Seussical! JR (LPS), and Winnifred, On With the Show! (NHS). Eliza is the colorguard captain at her school and plays the trombone in her school’s Jazz and Symphonic bands. She is also a member of the New Jersey All-State Choir. Eliza would like to thank the cast and crew for always making her feel welcomed, and the directors and choreographers for their guidance. Enjoy the show!

Julianne Handzus

Guard, Ensemble (Both Casts) Dragon's Knight (Teen Cast)

Julianne Handzus is in 9th grade at Sparta High School and is so excited to be a part of her first production with NSTC. She has loved performing from a very young age and has enjoyed performing in Is He Dead?, Newsies, and Middletown at Sparta High School. She has also loved performing in Peter Pan Jr, Seussical Jr, and Honk Jr at Newton Theater Arts Academy. She would like to thank her wonderful directors at NSTC as well as all of her musical and acting teachers such as Ms. Sara Bartlett, Mrs. Laura Lopez, Ms. Loni Bach, Ms. Lisa Franklin, Mr. Charles Bergell, Ms. Vicky Minardi, and Ms. Angela Deluccia.

Kimberly Jackson

Fiona (Adult Cast)

This is Kimberly's second production with NSTC (Godspell). Off B'way: Pippi Longstocking (Angel Mama/Asst. Choreographer); Regional: The Little Mermaid (Adella), Spring Awakening (Martha), A Chorus Line (Bebe); TV: Macy's Parade w/ Jon Batiste, Jimmy Fallon, & Chloe x Hailey. As a dancer, Kimberly has performed throughout NJ and NYC in numerous festivals, including 92nd St. Y and DUMBO Dance Festival. She choreographs professionally for local high schools and educational theatre throughout NJ. Kimberly is also the Dance Director for Faith Center for the Arts, and is on staff at The Ballet Barre Performing Arts School. She is so happy to have this opportunity and be back on stage again with such a wonderful group of artists!

Juliette Jalbert

Teen Fiona, Fairy Godmother (Teen Cast) Ensemble, Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

Juliette Jalbert is making her NSTC debut in Sparta, NJ. Her favorite roles include Lucy Van Pelt in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Glen Meadow Theatre Department) and Drosselmeyers Doll in The Nutcracker (Hudson Valley Dance Center). Juliette plays french horn and is in her schools choir, and was recently inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Her favorite thing about NSTC is the community they’ve built and how welcoming they are. Juliette would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her through everything.

Julia Kadar

Donkey (Teen Cast) Guard, Dragon's Knight, Ensemble (Adult Cast)

This will be Julia’s third show with Northstar. She has participated in the NSTC Christmas show and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as a narrator. She also participated in multiple cabarets with NSTC and has done musicals and plays through Sparta schools since the 6th grade. Julia has loved doing this production and hopes everyone will have as much fun watching it as she does being in it. Thank you to Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa for always being my biggest fans.

Linda Kadar

Stage Manager (Both Casts) Queen Lillian, Mad Hatter, Duloc Singer (Adult Cast)

Linda is very excited to be both on stage and behind the scenes for North Star's production of Shrek. This is Linda's second North Star production as stage manager (Shrek, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) and her second North Star show being on stage (Shrek, Christmas Memories and Magic). She would like to thank the entire Shrek production team and both of the amazing casts for all of the hard work and effort that made this show such a success! When Linda is not at the theater, she teaches fourth grade at McKeown Elementary. She enjoys spending time and playing games with her family, singing along to show tunes in the car with Julia, and snuggling with her pups.

Blair Lanza

Dragon's Knight, Ensemble (Adult Cast)

Blair is thrilled to be making her North Star debut in Shrek! A member of both the Cornerstone and Highland Stage Theatres, past productions include Fiddler on the Roof (Chava), Thoroughly Modern Millie (The New Millie), Hairspray, A Christmas Carol (Scrooge’s Mom), Grease, Footloose! (Cowgirl), Newsies. Blair is a member of the International Theatre Honor Society and attended STANJ at the Mason Gross School of the Arts. Blair is the 2019 Rising Star SCCC Theatre Award Recipient and was a 3.9 Phi Theta Kappa and Psi Beta honor student at SCCC majoring in Theatre and Early Childhood. Blair was selected by the State Department of Education as a Keynote Speaker for their "Dare to Dream Student Leadership Conference." Blair has performed at Ryman Auditorium and at Disney’s Candlelight Processional. Blair has made a Nick Jr. commercial and was a member of the Hoboken’s Children’s Theatre Workshop where she performed in Snoopy! Blair has danced with the Ziegler Dance Centre for 18 years. She wishes to thank her fellow cast members for a wonderful experience!

Maya McQueen

Guard, Ensemble (Both Casts), Mad Hatter, Dragon's Knight (Teen Cast)

Maya McQueen is an incoming junior at Sussex Tech. She has previously been in numerous productions including The Addams Family as Fester, Beauty and the Beast Jr. as Lumiere, and Legally Blonde Jr. as Brook Wyndham. She is currently the secretary of drama club at her school. In addition to theatre, Maya takes part in cross country and track and field. She is so excited to join this company as part of the ensemble and can't wait to work with these amazing people more in the future!

Molly McQueeney

Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy (Teen Cast), Blind Mouse (Adult Cast) Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

Molly has grown up listening to musicals all of her life. She is 16 years old and goes to Sparta High School as an upcoming Junior. In this production of Shrek the Musical she is will be playing Gingey/Sugar Plum Fairy. She joined Northstar theatre company 3 years ago. She has been Olaf in Frozen Jr and Pilar in Legally Blonde Jr at Sparta Middle School, Crutchie in Newsies at Sparta High School, and a brother in the NorthStar Production of Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. When she graduates High School she plans on pursuing Music Therapy and Minoring in Musical Theatre.

Christopher Motto

Papa Bear (Both Casts) Dragon's Knight (Adult Cast) Duloc Singer (Teen Cast)

This will be Christopher’s fourth production with NSTC (Including Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and John the Baptist in Godspell). He is grateful to the cast and crew for all their hard work, and thanks the audience for their continued support of the performing arts.

Julia Myers

Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat, Ensemble (Both Casts)

Julia Myers is making her NSTC debut in Sparta, NJ. She previously played herself in the Glen Meadow original show “Dear 2020”. Julia has also been a member of the Dance Expression Dance Arts Performance Company for the past 7 years. She would like to thank her Mom and Dad for all of their love and support.

Kelcie Rivera

Dragon, Mama Bear (Adult Cast)

This is Kelcie Rivera's second performance with the North Star Theater Company. Other favorite roles were the Snake in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with NSTC, Pennywise in Urinetown with Chester Academy. Her favorite thing about NSTC is the pleasure of working with such a talented cast and looks forward to working with them again.

Alexis Rizzo

Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy, Blind Mouse, Dragon's Knight (Adult Cast) Fiona Understudy, Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

Alexis is excited to be performing in her first musical with NSTC and first live show since the pandemic. Other favorite roles include: Patty in Smokey Joes Cafe, Inga in Young Frankenstein, Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Penny in Hairspray, Centipede in James and the Giant Peach and Ruth Sherwood in Wonderful Town. She teaches Elementary General Music and also directs/music directs middle/high school and camp shows throughout the year. A huge thank you to her family, friends, the Shrek production staff and cast/crew for making this show possible!

Madisyn Rojas

Dancing Rat (Both Casts) Stage Crew and Costume Assistance

Madisyn Rojas (Tap dancing rat) is a freshman at Centenary University majoring in Animal Health and minoring in Theatre Arts. She first started acting during her freshman year in the Theatre Arts shop, but has always had a love for it ever since she was younger. Her first time performing on stage was when she was only 3 years old, starting dance. She has done ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and musical theater. She is currently in her 14th year of dance. She has performed as an ensemble member in the shows "Lion King" “Cinderella” and "Chicago”. Her first main role included Grandma in “The Addams Family.” She also performed a monologue and two dance routines in her junior year cabaret in high school. Madisyn also decided to pursue stage managing for other shows like “Cemetery Club” and wishes to continue. She wishes everyone the best of luck and has had the pleasure of working with such amazing people!

Gabby Rosanelli

Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

Gabby has danced at Dance Expression Dance Arts since the age of three. This is her second show with North Star Theater Company, she was previously a dancer in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. She is very excited to be back as a dancer for Shrek!

Ella Simmons

Teen Fiona, Fairy Godmother(Adult Cast) Humpty Dumpty, Blind Mouse (Teen Cast) Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

Ella began acting at 5 years old as Gretel in the Sound of Music, and participated in various other productions with the same company- Salt and Light Theater. She has been in shows with NSTC starting in 2019 with Christmas Memories and Magic, and she performed in both virtual cabarets, The Birth, and NSTC’s caroling. She primarily acts with Sparta High School as a featured dancer in both Beauty and the Beast and SHS Extraordinary Playlist, and she played Enid Hoopes in Sparta Middle School’s production of Legally Blonde. Ella was able to perform in her favorite musical, Newsies, at SHS where she played Buttons. She sings in 4 choirs at her high school, and is in colorguard and the drum major of the Sparta Marching Band. She loves spending time with the friends she has met through all of these activities.

Kristine Simmons

Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

This is Kristine’s first show as a member of the Tech Team with North Star Theater Company. She was the interpreter (American Sign Language) for “The Birth” in December, 2020, and is happy to be joining this production along with her family who will be performing on stage (Nathan Simmons, Luke Simmons, and Ella Simmons). She is a member of the North Star Theater Company’s Advisory Board and is amazed at all this young theater has accomplished and all that is to come. She would like to thank the North Star cast, directors, stage manager, and crew for a fantastic journey and their patience when she would hit the wrong track (why was it always the nose-growing or a roar that would happen?!). To my own family - thank you for the constant entertainment and running of lines at home - I love to see the process for each of you. I am beyond proud of you and can’t wait to see you on stage. I love you three, break a leg!

Luke Simmons

Shrek (Teen Cast) Pig #3, Guard, Dancing Rat (Adult Cast)

Luke's role as Shrek in the teen cast will be his third production at NSTC (Christmas Memories and Magic - orchestra, Virtual Cabaret - singer), but his first time live on-stage with the theater company. He has also previously worked with Drama Geeks as a drum set player in the pit orchestra (Beauty and the Beast - 2017, Young Frankenstein - 2018). In Sparta High School's theater program, he was the drum set player in the pit orchestra of Wonka (2019), and then moved to the stage to play Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast (2020), and Robbie Hart, Bert, and Cosmo Brown in the mash-up of musicals used in SHS's Extraordinary Playlist (2021). As a college student at the University of South Carolina majoring in Neuroscience, Luke is thankful for the opportunity to act during his time home with his mom, dad, and sister.

Nathan Simmons

Donkey (Adult Cast)

Nathan is excited to be on the NSTC stage as Donkey with a wonderful cast and crew including both familiar faces as well as new faces joining NSTC for the first time. He is honored to be the Executive Director of NSTC with a passionate and dedicated Executive and Advisory Board. He has been in multiple onstage and offstage roles with NSTC including Godspell (Jesus), Cemetery Club (Set Design/Construction), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Producer), Fuddy Meers (Set Design/Construction), Spoon River (Cast), Christmas Memories & Magic (Scrooge), The Birth (Wise Wan). He has also been seen on multiple other community theater stages in and around the Sparta area. This show is especially rewarding since he is able to share the experience with his wife Kristine, and kids Luke, and Ella. He would like to thank the exceptional production team, cast, and crew for surrounding this production with their skills, passions, and talents

Teagan Skretkowicz

Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat, Ensemble (Both Casts)

This is Teagan's second performance with NSTC. Previously, she danced as part of the ensemble for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She enjoys dancing and has been competing with Dance Expression Dance Arts since 2016 and has been a member of the DEDA Performance Company since 2018. She is thankful for her family, her friends, and her dance teachers for their support and encouragement.

Miranda Smith

Pinocchio (Teen Cast) Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat, Blind Mouse (Adult Cast)

Miranda has been performing in musicals and shows since the age of 6 and this will be her fourth show with NSTC. She has also been dancing at Dance Expression Dance Arts for 10 years. Some of the favorite roles she has played consist of Ren (Footloose) and Mush (Newseis). She is so excited to share the stage with her friends.

Sabrina Smith

Fiona (Teen Cast), Duloc Dancer, Dancing Rat (Adult Cast)

This will be Sabrina's third production at NSTC (dancer in Spoon River Anthology and Jospeh) Other favorite roles include Vivienne in Legally Blonde (Sparta Middle School), Specs in Newsies (Sparta High School) and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors (Acting-A-Part). Sabrina has also been dancing at Dance Expression Dance Arts for 12 years. Thank you to my family and my dance sisters for always being there.

Todd Smith

Shrek (Adult Cast)

Todd is ecstatic to be back with North Star. Todd is so excited to be doing this production with his entire family, wife Kelly and both his daughters Miranda and Sabrina. Todd was last seen in Joseph - Pharoah. Also with North Star Godspell - Judas and An Evening in Spoon River - Indignation Jones. Todd has been in numerous tours and regional productions including A Chorus Line - Mark, Greece - Eugene, West Side Story - Riff, Good News, Best Little Whore House in Texas, City of Angels, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, The King and I, Cabaret, Working and Lil Abner). Todd lives here in Sparta and when not performing he loves spending time in the kitchen cooking for family and friends. And to pay the bills Todd is a pilot for United Airlines, flying the B737 out of Newark, NJ.

Emilia Smaldino

Ensemble, Dancing Rat (Both Casts)

This is Emilia’s first show with NSTC and she is very happy that she is in this show. Emilia has previously been in Beauty and The Beast, Newsies, All Shook Up and Highland Stage’s Once and For All. Thank you to Sadie, Mom, Dad and Oliver for supporting me.

Sadie Smaldino

Ensemble, Dancing Rat (Both Casts), Pig #3, Dragon's Knight (Teen Cast)

Sadie is very excited to be doing her first show with NSTC. She goes to Vernon Township High School and has been doing theater since she was in first grade. Some of her favorite roles include Avery in Charlottes Web, Young Fiona in Shrek, and all of the parts she has had on the Highland Stage. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Emilia and Oliver for all of your support.

Sky Sobieski

Captain (Both Casts)

This is Sky’s first acting debut with NSTC and of their career. They enjoy singing, dancing, music, and movies. They plan to audition for the Sparta High School play next spring. Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Brielle, Jared, Ruby, and my friends.

Izabella Arvary Stevens

Ugly Duckling (Both Casts) Mama Ogre, Blind Mouse, Duloc Singer (Teen Cast)

Izzy is a Junior at Sussex County Technical school in the Medical Arts program and is super exited for her first performance with North Star Theater. Some of her favorite past roles have been Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Alice in The Adams Family, Gertrude McFuzz in Suessical and more. She is incredibly great full to have met so many amazing people in her time with the cast of Shrek, and hopes you enjoy the experience just has much as she did!

Lori Tomlin

Ensemble, Duloc Singer (Adult Cast)

Lori is happy to be making her NSTC debut in Shrek the musical. She would like to thank the the whole NSTC family for making her feel welcomed, and she’s very excited to share the stage with friends both old and new.

Skylar Tomlin

Queen Lillian, Wicked Witch, Blind Mouse, Duloc Singer (Teen Cast) Ensemble, Dragon's Knight, Dancing Rat (Adult Cast)

Skylar is excited to make her NSTC debut in Shrek the Musical. Some of Skylar’s favorite roles she has played in the past have been Genie in Aladdin Jr., Annie in Annie Jr., Lefou in Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Sunshine in Chicago. Skylar would like to thank her voice teacher, Michele McConnell, for all of her guidance. Skylar would also like to thank her family for the love and support they give during every production.

Luis Torres

White Rabbit, Duloc Singer, Guard, Dragon's Knight (Both Casts) King Harold (Teen Cast)

After Luis’s debut in his theater life with the show “Newsies,” he decided to take it one step further by joining North Star Theater Company for “Shrek The Musical” performing mainly as the White Rabbit, as well as other minor roles. Luis enjoys spending time with the people involved in the show, making friendships and having fun. Thanks to mom, dad, Diego, and Mateo; for their constant support in any area in life regardless of what it is.

Sherri Trapanese

Dancing Rat (Teen Cast)

Cailee Trapanese

Dancing Rat (Teen Cast)

Zephyrina Turturro

Guard/Ensemble (Both Casts)

Zephy is making their debut in Sparta, NJ. This is their first time playing a role in a musical with some previous experience doing tech for Newsies at Sparta High school. Zephy loves drawing and listening to music. Their favorite thing about NSTC is the extremely welcoming, friendly, and fun environment. Thanks to Mom and Miranda for always driving me to the practices :)

Ashlee Vissers

Baby Bear (Both Casts)

Ashlee is so excited to be making her NSTC debut! She has been singing, dancing, and acting since she was 3 years old. Ashlee has been seen throughout NJ with several theater companies. Some favorite roles include Young Tommy in The Who's Tommy, Flounder in The Little Mermaid Jr., Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol the Musical, Young Elsa in Frozen Jr., and Amanda Thripp in Matilda the Musical. Much love to Mom, Dad, Gabe, MomMom, and Papa.

Myles Williams

Bishop, Guard (Both Casts)Duloc Singer (Teen Cast)

Kelly Dacus-Smith

Director, Choreographer

Kelly Dacus-Smith joined North Star Theatre Company in their inaugural production as “Bottom” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Since then she has continued to work with North Star in many roles such as choreographer (Godspell, Joseph) and performer (“Clare” in Fuddy Meers) and director (An Evening in Spoon River). And she is honored to be serving as the current artistic director. Kelly worked and lived in New York City as a professional performer for 15 years before retiring to raise a family with her husband, performer and pilot, Todd Smith. She is thrilled that her husband and both daughters, Miranda and Sabrina, have chosen to play in this production with her as well. Kelly currently teaches dance and music theatre at the amazing Dance Expression Dance Arts in Hamburg and is currently enrolled in Montclair’s MAT program to earn her masters in teaching high school English and theatre. She wishes to dedicate this show to anyone who has ever felt different. Let your freak flag fly!

Dr. Deborah Gianuzzi

Music Director

Anmarie DiGiovanni

Assistant Director

Linda Kadar

Stage Manager, Set Painting

Nathan Simmons

Co-Producer, Set Design and Construction

Scott Rogoff

Technical Director

This is one of many productions at NSTC since joining the team in 2020 with Godspell. He has worked in Community Theater and school Theater since Jr. High School in 1972. Scott had supported Theater on an off his whole life but got more involved when he moved to Sparta in 2018. Since Godspell he has worked on Tech for Broadway Cabaret, Farm and Horse show, Fuddy Mears, A Closer Look/21 Chump Street, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Silent Sky, Cemetery Club, and Shrek. Scott is the current NSTC Technical Director. He thanks his whole family for the unlimited Support for helping him following what he loves. He is honored to be one of three elected leaders of North Star Theater Company.

Cassandra Barckett

Assistant Choreographer, Assistant Stage Manager

Kristine Simmons

Assistant Stage Manager, Makeup Manager

Phil Cocilovo

Property Master, Set Painting

Karl Halteman

Box Office Manager

Set Painting

Jodi Halteman

Photography and Marketing

Allison Ognibene

Public Relations

Multimedia

Musical Numbers

Artistic Credits

Book and Lyrics

DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE is a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, screenwriter, lyricist and librettist. His most recent play, Ripcord, opens this fall at Manhattan Theatre Club. His previous play Good People premiered on Broadway, was awarded the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play, The Horton Foote Prize, The Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award, and two Tony nominations. His play Rabbit Hole received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, five Tony nominations, and the Spirit of America Award. David also wrote the book and lyrics for Shrek the Musical, which was nominated for eight Tonys, four Oliviers, a Grammy, and earned David the Ed Kleban Award as America's most promising musical theatre lyricist. David's other plays include Fuddy Meers, Kimberly Akimbo, Wonder of the World and A Devil Inside, among others. In addition to his work in theatre, David's screen credits include his film adaptation of Rabbit Hole, Dreamworks' Rise of the Guardians, and the upcoming Family Fang, starring Nicole Kidman, Christopher Walken and Jason Bateman.

Music

JEANINE TESORI won the Tony Award for Best Original Score with Lisa Kron for the musical Fun Home. She has also written Tony-nominated scores for Twelfth Night at Lincoln Center; Thoroughly Modern Millie (lyrics, Dick Scanlan); Caroline, or Change (lyrics, Tony Kushner); and Shrek The Musical (lyrics, David Lindsay-Abaire). The production of Caroline, or Change at the National Theatre in London received the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Her 1997 Off-Broadway musical Violet (lyrics, Brian Crawley) opened on Broadway in 2014 and garnered four Tony nominations, including Best Musical Revival. Opera: A Blizzard on Marblehead Neck (libretto, Tony Kushner; Glimmerglass) and The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me (libretto, J. D. McClatchy, Kennedy Center). Music for plays: Mother Courage (dir. George C. Wolfe, with Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline), John Guare's A Free Man of Color (Lincoln Center Theater, dir. George C. Wolfe), and Romeo and Juliet (Delacorte Gala). Film scores: Nights in Rodanthe, Every Day, and You're Not You. Ms. Tesori is a member of the Dramatists Guild and was cited by the ASCAP as the first female composer to have two new musicals running concurrently on Broadway. She was the founding artistic director of Encores! Off-Center at New York City Center, and a lecturer in music at Yale University. Most of all, she is the proud parent of Siena Rafter.

Original Director

JASON MOORE (Director). Broadway: Avenue Q, Steel Magnolias. Carnegie Hall: Jerry Springer: The Opera. Off-Broadway: Speech and Debate (Roundabout), Avenue Q (the Vineyard), Guardians (the Culture Project), The Crumple Zone. Associate directing: Les Misérables (Broadway, national tour), Ragtime (Vancouver). Writer: The Floatplane Notebooks (Charlotte Repertory Theatre). TV directing: episodes of Dawson’s Creek, Everwood, One Tree Hill and Brothers and Sisters. Jason has a BS in performance studies from Northwestern University.

Original Director

Rob Ashford won the 2012 Olivier Award for his production of Anna Christie starring Jude Law and Ruth Wilson at London's Donmar Warehouse. The production opened to rave reviews with The Independent's anointing it as "picture perfect" and David Benedict stating that "the production's hallmark is its boldness." Rob most recently directed the Broadway revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof starring Scarlett Johansson, and Macbeth with Sir Kenneth Branagh at New York's Park Avenue Armory and The Manchester International Festival. The Telegraph claimed "This is a Macbeth that won't just go down as a highlight of the Manchester International Festival but as one of the Scottish Play's great revivals," and Ben Brantley of the New York Times proclaimed "Mr. Ashford uses his experience as a celebrated director of musicals to stunning, time-bending effect." Rob received his 8th Tony Nomination for his work on the Broadway revival of Evita starring Ricky Martin, and received the Tony Award for his work on the Broadway production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Other Broadway credits include How to Succeed in Business (Tony Award Nominations for his direction and choreography), Promises, Promises (Tony Award Nomination), Shrek, John Water's Cry Baby (Tony Award nomination, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Fred Astaire Awards), Curtains (Tony Award nomination), and Wedding Singer (Tony Award nomination). In London, Rob also directed the highly acclaimed Olivier Award winning revivals of A Streetcar Named Desire starring Rachel Weisz and Parade at The Donmar Warehouse. Rob did the choreography and staging for last year's Academy Awards with Seth MacFarlane and won the 2009 Emmy Award for Best Choreography for his work on Baz Luhrmann's production number (featuring Hugh Jackman and Beyoncé) at the 81st Annual Academy Awards. He has also choreographed the opening number for The Tony Awards starring Neil Patrick Harris for the past 4 years. He choreographed the feature film Beyond The Sea directed by and starring Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey and Walt Disney Production's upcoming film Cinderella directed by Kenneth Branagh. Most recently, Rob directed and choreographed NBC's The Sound of Music Live!, for which he received a DGA Award Nomination, and this January directed The Barber of Seville at Chicago Lyric Opera. Rob is an Associate Director at The Old Vic Theatre. He also serves on the Executive Board of The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and is a Trustee of The Joyce Theatre in New York City.

Acknowledgments

The Sparta Musical Theater Department

Sparta Education Foundation

Custodial Staff

Ms. Lisa and Dance Expression Dance Arts for the use of the dance studio

Kim Shriver for assistance with wig styling

“Funding has been made available in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the State/County Partnership Block Grant Program, as administered by the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council.”