Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences and Education

THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL

Book by Joe Tracz

Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki

Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Originally commissioned, Created, and Produced Off Broadway by TheaterWorksUSA.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Rehearsal tracks and software are provided by Right on Cue Services.

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW.

For more information, please see Concord Theatricals site on Protecting Artists.

Tickets

SPECIAL THANKS

CNC Work and Assistance - Julia LaBay

Eastern Michigan University

John Eidemiller - Department of Communication and Media

Seth Weldon

Cyclops and Minotaur Costumes Originally Designed by Melanie Schuessler Bond

CAST

Joseph Schreiner: Percy Jackson

Whitney Bechstein: Annabeth Chase

Brooklyn Mitchell-Nelson: Grover

Clay Houser: Luke/Kurt Kobain/Bus Driver/Chorus

Paige White: Sally/James Brown/Farmer/Chorus

Tevy Dembski: Clarisse/Janis Joplin/Chorus

Gerardo Rosario Nieves: Mr. Brunner (aka Chiron)/Gabe Ugliano/DJ Cerberus/Kronos/Chorus

Aaron Smith: Aunty Em (aka Medusa)/Hades/Minotaur/Cyclops/Chorus

Dillon Sickels: Mr. D/Poseidon/Wolfgang Amadeus/Mozart/Chorus

Natalina Krygielski: Silena Beauregard/Echidna/Thalia/Greyhound Passenger 1/Chorus

Lillian Schmid: The Oracle/Squirrel/Bianca/Chorus

Olivia Pentoney: Mrs. Dodds/Charon/Katie Gardner/Train Conductor/Chorus

Grey Bowlick: Ares/Newscaster/Greyhound/Passenger 2/Chorus

PRODUCTION STAFF and DESIGNERS

Director: Edmund Lingan

Musical Director: Chelsie Cree

Choreographer: Abby Glanville

Fight Choreographer: Andrew Rathgeber

Producer: Stephen Sakowski*

Theatre Manager: Christopher Montpetit

Production Manager: Stephen Sakowski*

Scenic Designer: Daniel Thobias

Costume Designer: Holly Monsos

Lighting Designer: Stephen Sakowski*

Sound Designer: Jeffrey Enck

Stage Manager: Abby Papenfus

Assistant Lighting Designer: Leonardo Hernandez

Assistant Costume Designer: Nicole Dail

Assistant Stage Manager: Hannah Flaherty

Dance and Fight Captain: Olivia Pentoney

Rehearsal Accompanist: Teresa Blowers

Technical Director: Seth Bowen

Properties Head: Daniel Thobias

Assistant Properties Head: Kates’ Lawson

Production Electrician: Tevy Dembski

Scene Shop Manager: Seth Bowen

Costume Shop Manager: Yetunde Akitikori

Lighting & Sound Shop Supervisor: Seth Bowen

Head of Wardrobe: Nicole Dail

Backstage Crew: Luke Boyd, Luna Ravenclaw

Light Board Operator: Erin Canary

Sound Engineer: Eve Barman

Captioning Operator: Elyse Miller

Follow Spot Operators: Devon Beadle, Harrison Dalton, Isa Herrera, Payton Mays

Interns: Eve Barman, Cooper Kruse, Mariska Lewandowski

Production/Shop Crew: Grey Bowlick, Nicole Dail, Tevy Dembski, Aaron Smith, JJ Woolfork, Students of THR1090 & THR2050

House Management Staff: Ayana Anderson, Tatyana Cardona, Jenise Curl, Nick Fulton, Cooper Kruse, Serenity Lewis-Jenkins, Lawrence Mays, Kallie Mccallum, Alex Ogden, Sophia Pinero, Manny Portillo, Lala Short, JJ Woolfork

* Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829

Author Biographies

Joe Tracz is a writer whose work has been seen on Broadway in Be More Chill (with Joe Iconis) and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (with Rob Rokicki; Drama Desk nominee for Outstanding Book). Other credits include the musical Poster Boy (with Craig Carnelia, Williamstown Theatre Festival). TV: Netflix’s Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (Peabody Award recipient; Emmy, Humanitas Prize, and WGA Award nominee) and Dash & Lily, which premiered on Netflix in 2020.

Joe is an alumnus of the Ars Nova Play Group and a former Playwrights Realm writing fellow. He has an BA from Kalamazoo College and an MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Tracz was also writer, executive producer and co-showrunner on Netflix’s One Piece and writer on the Disney+ Original series Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Rob Rokicki is a composer and lyricist whose work has been recognized worldwide and nominated for Drama Desk, Lortel and Off-Broadway Alliance awards. Recently signed with Kobalt music, Rokicki is best known for his music and lyrics in the critically acclaimed Broadway show The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical for Theatreworks USA (book by Joe Tracz). The adaptation played off-Broadway in 2017 and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical before launching a national tour across North America 2018-2019. It made its acclaimed West End premiere in 2024.

Punk Rock Girl!, a musical he orchestrated and co-arranged with collaborator and friend Joe Iconis, premiered at the Argyle Theater in New York in 2021 and is available to license through Concord Theatricals. His graphic novel/musical Monstersongs has enjoyed international productions in the UK and Japan, and is also available to license from Concord. The show received a World Premiere Recording from Broadway Records, was part of the prestigious NAMT festival in 2018, and is being developed as a virtual reality experience. His immersive musical about escaping a cult, Experience Marianas, was developed at CAP21/Molloy College and was a semi-finalist for the O’Neill National Musical Theatre Conference. He wrote the music and lyrics for Uni the Unicorn, commissioned by Bay Area Children’s Theater. He was one of five writing teams involved with the streaming musical Breathe, by book writers Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald. The piece was selected for the Library of Congress. He collaborated with writer Anna K. Jacobs for a new movie musical for the University of Nebraska, entitled The Real Gemma Jordan.

Other Projects: Love, NY (with Mike Ruby), winner of the American Harmony Award and presented at New World Stages, Curtain Call and Oklahoma University; The Greatest Ten-Minute Musical, Ever! (with Timothy Allen McDonald) commissioned by the Kennedy Center; 11:11 (selected for The Pitch and LiveRead at USC); 20 to Life (American University); Strange Tails (West Village MT Festival winner; NAMT grant recipient Ars Nova’s ANT fest); Martha and Me (NY Fringe); and Samson’s Fire (The Cell Theater). He has scored the films Gingerbread House (New York Film Academy) and Dividends (New York Shorts International Film Festival).

Rob’s work, which “lives at the perfect intersection of musical theatre and radio rock,” is regularly featured in cabarets and concerts throughout the world. He is a two-time Larson Award finalist, alum of the BMI writing workshop and member of the Dramatists Guild. He holds a BFA and BA from the University of Michigan. Albums include: The Original Cast Recording, Deluxe Release, Karaoke and Vinyl editions of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical; Monstersongs World Premiere Recording; So Much To Say: Songs for Everytown; I’m Ready: The Songs of Rob Rokicki; The Real Gemma Jordan Concept Album and the instrumental album Grace Kinetic. He self-released an EP of his musical Experience Marianas, along with Smart Girls, which supports the organization She’s the First.

Rob Rokicki's website | IG @rrokicks | YouTube: RobRokickiMusic

Cast Biographies

WHITNEY BECHSTEIN (She/Her) - Annabeth Chase - Whitney is a third-year Speech-Language Pathology (pre-Audiology) major with a minor in Health Science. On campus, you may find her leading campus tours, helping to plan philanthropic events like RockeTHON, studying with her sisters in Chi Omega, or serving as a Presidential Ambassador. Although this is her first performance with the University of Toledo, you may have seen her locally in the roles of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (2022), Regina George in Mean Girls (2023), Ursula in The Little Mermaid (2023), Meg March in Little Women (2022), & The Dowager Empress in Anastasia (2024). She is so excited for you to see all the hard work that everyone has put into this production!

GREY BOWLICK (He/Him) - Ares/ Greyhound Passenger 2/Newscaster/Chorus - Grey is a second year Theatre-Arts major who’s very excited to be involved in a very fun show! Previous credits include Captions Operator for Silent Sky (2024), Backstage Help for Open Spot (2024), Rehearsal Stage Manager for She Wolf, Billy in Cherry Red, and Peter in Forgive me Peter all for the 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works (2025), Mustard Seed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Jukebox Musical (2025), Assistant Stage Manager for Every Christmas Story Ever Told (2025), volunteer and narrator for The Wendy’s at the Center of the Multiverse (2025)

TEVY DEMBSKI (They/Them) – Clarisse/ Janis Joplin/ Chorus - Tevy is a 5th year theatre major at the University of Toledo. They have been in a number of roles at UT, including acting, designing, stage management, and directing. Enjoy the show!

CLAYTON HOUSER (He/Him) – Luke/ Kurt Cobain/ Bus Driver/ Chorus - Clay is a second-year Theatre Arts Major here at the University of Toledo and is excited to be a part of another production here! Previous credits include a Cheerleader for Bring it On!! at the Croswell Opera House (2025), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Jukebox Musical as Puck (2025), as well as multiple roles in the 4th Annual Festival of New Student Work including Jamie in Yellow Brick Road, David Greenglass in Trial of Jules and Ethel, and Doug in Cherry Red. (2025)

NATALINA KRYGIELSKI (She/Her) - Silena Beauregard/ Echidna/ Thalia/ Greyhound Passenger 1/ Chorus - Nat is a second year Theatre Major with a concentration in stage and screen acting at the University of Toledo. You may have previously seen her in Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) (2025) as Nat and A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Jukebox Musical (2025) as Pine Nut. She is so excited and happy to be a part of this amazing production!

BROOKLYN MITCHELL (He/They) – Grover - Brooklyn is a 4th year Theatre major from Texas. Previous roles and credits include several roles in The 2nd Festival of New Student Works in 2023 and Max Maxwell in The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works in 2024, Costume crew for The Diary of Anne Frank (2023) and The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works. Leslie and Barbara in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom (2024). Williamina Fleming in Silent Sky (2024). Directed Forgive Me Peter in the 4th Annual Festival of New Student Work (2025). Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Jukebox Musical (2025) and Tiny Tim in Every Christmas Story Told Ever (2025).

OLIVIA PENTONEY (She/Her) - Mrs. Dodds/ Katie Gardner/ Charon/ Train Conductor/Chorus - Olivia is a Paramedic student from Lambertville, Michigan. This is her fourth production with UToledo. Previous productions include Silent Sky(Annie Cannon), Forgive Me Peter(Wendy)and She Wolf(Officer 1) in the 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works (2025), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Jukebox Musical(Strate) with The University of Toledo theater department, Murder On The Orient Express(Helen Hubbard), Bye Bye Birdie(Alice), Shakespeare In Love(Ralph), and Big Fish(Ensemble) with Concordia University and Music Man(Salesman, Townsperson) and Gypsy(Angie, Showgirl, Hollywood Blonde) with Horizon Performing Arts. Olivia is honored to or a part of this production and hopes you enjoy the show!

GERARDO ROSARIO (He/Him) - Mr. Brunner (aka Chiron)/ Gabe Ugliano/ DJ Cerberus/Kronos (a voice)/ Chorus - Gerardo is a graduate from the University of Toledo. He is from Puerto Rico. Previous credits include, Polonius (Hamlet), Dan Dad (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Mr. Dussel (The Diary of Anne Frank), Ryan/Blake (Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom), Peter Shaw (Silent Sky), Francis Flute (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and several roles in the various Festivals of New Student Work.

LILIAN SCHMID (She/Her) - The Oracle/ Squirrel/ Bianca/ Chorus - Lilian is a third year Theatre Major with a concentration in stage and screen acting at the University of Toledo. You may have previously seen her in Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) (2025) as Lilian and A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Jukebox Musical (2025) as Demetrius. She is so excited to be a part of this wonderful production!

JOSEPH SCHREINER (He/Him) - Percy Jackson - Joseph is a second-year Music Education major. Previous credits of Joseph's include The Headless Horseman in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (2021), The Wolf in Into the Woods (2022), Phil in Almost Maine (2022), The Doctor in Matilda (2023), G.P. Putnam in Racing the Wind: The Courageous Life of Amelia Earhart (2023), Fagin (2024) in Oliver! (2024)

DILLON SICKELS (He/Him) - Mr. D/ Poseidon/ Wolfgang Amadeus/ Chorus - Dillon Sickels is a local actor and director in the Toledo area. His most recent work includes Annie (Rooster), Finding Nemo Jr. (Director), and Grease (Director). He also works professionally as an audiobook narrator and currently has over 31 titles under his belt. Dillon received a B.A in Theatre Performance from The University of Toledo in 2022 and is thrilled to return in this production. Dillon would like to thank his lovely wife, Nicole, for supporting him in all his artistic endeavors.

AARON SMITH (She/They) - Hades / Medusa / Minotaur / Cyclops / Chorus - Is a fourth-year Theatre Arts Major. Previous credits include Stagehand for Blood at the Root (2023), Director for Cherry Red, William Mckinley in Midnight Glitch and Lighting Designer for Yellow Brick Road during the 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works (2025), Egeus/Starveling in A Midsummer Night’s Dream(2025), and Stagehand for Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) (2025). Film works include Ruby in The Trouble with Normal.

PAIGE WHITE (She/Her)- Sally Jackson/James Brown/ Farmer/ Camper- This is Paige’s second production with University of Toledo; her first show was Every Christmas Story Ever Told and Then Some! (2025). She is from Michigan; she loves to be on stage; it’s a lifelong dream.

Production Staff and Designer Biographies

SETH BOWEN (He/Him) - Technical Director - is a new faculty member at The University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film as of 2025. Seth received his M.F.A. from Wayne State University and his B.F.A. from Northern Michigan University. Seth is a born midwesterner and grew up thinking hard work and blue-collar jobs were the best part of life. He ventured into the arts and found his passion held within.  As a scenic designer and technician, Seth loves to work with the team to discover the show thoroughly and thoughtfully. He not only thinks about what may be best for the production, but what is the most efficient method for the team. Seth is fairly new in the professional world of theatre but has done work for multiple independent theatre and dance groups and has done summer work at Tuachan Amphitheatre. Seth has had the opportunity to work on world premieres and has had the opportunity to really grow from the tree of wisdom when it comes to finding new methods and discovering each show. 

NICOLE DAIL (She/They) - Assistant Costume Designer/Head of Wardrobe - Nicole is a third year Theatre Arts major with a minor in English! Her previous credits include Assistant Stage Manager for 4th Annual Festival of New Student Work (2025),Costume Designer for She Wolf for the 4th Annual Festival of New Student Work (2025), Assistant Stage Manager for A Midsummer Night's Dream (2025), and Wardrobe crew for Silent Sky (2024) and Every Christmas Story Ever Told (2025).

CHELSIE CREE (She/Her) – Music Director - is a Toledo based music director, vocal director, choral singer and performer. She is the Director of Music and the Arts at Trinity Episcopal Church, and starting in May, the Artistic Director of the Theater Division at Toledo Met. Her work as a vocal director, music director or pit conductor include Seussical the Musical with Epiphany Players, Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella with Oregon Community Theatre, The Prom with Croswell Opera House, The Claw at Perrysburg Musical Theatre, now The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at the University of Toledo, and coming this summer, Mean Girls (high school version) with Toledo Met. As a choral singer, she has sung with the Toledo Opera Chorus, the Toledo Symphony Chorus, the Lima Area Concert Band, the Northwest Ohio Vocal Arts Ensemble, and the Temple Shomer Emunim. She’s performed at the Croswell Opera House as Rosie in MAMMA MIA! ,Perrysburg Musical Theatre as Francesca in Bridges of Madison County, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, and at the University of Toledo as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. Chelsie is thankful for the opportunity to work with the dedicated facility, production team, and cast of Percy Jackson. It is one of her greatest joys to make life a real musical.

JEFFERY (JJ) ENCK (He/Him) - Sound Designer - is a UToledo alumnus with a Theatre Design & Technology BA. After graduation, JJ started working as a year-round Senior Supervisor for Cedar Point’s Live Entertainment Department. He sound designs the park’s Live Shows and Haunted Attractions. Select UToledo credits include: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) (Sound Designer), Blood at the Root (Sound Designer), Hamlet (Sound Designer), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Assistant Director & Sound Engineer). 

HANNAH FLAHERTY (She/Her) - Assistant Stage Manager - is a freshman majoring in Theatre and Communications at University of Toledo. Before coming to UToledo, she began performing in her second year of Highschool. Recent credits include ensemble for Every Christmas Story Ever Told - And Then Some! (2025).

ABBY GLANVILLE (She/Her) - Choreographer - Abby is an adjunct dance instructor at the University of Toledo and is the Executive Director of the Valentine Theatre. Previous choreography credits at the University of Toledo include Into the Woods (2019), The Jungle (2019), Year of the Living Dead (2021), Festival of New Student Work (2021), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2022), Hamlet (2022) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (2025).

LEONARDO HERNANDEZ (He/Him) - Assistant Light Designer - Leonardo is a Toledo local studying at Tiffin University with a major in Marketing which he hopes to utilize for theatrical marketing and sales. Previous credits at UT include Stage Hand for Blood At The Root (2023), Assistant Makeup Designer for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom (2024), and Spot Operator for Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Jukebox Musical (2025).

KATES LAWSON (She/Her) – Assistant Props Designer - is a freshman at the University of Toledo and is thrilled to be working on her first production with the university’s theatre program. Before coming to Toledo, she worked as a set designer for her high school’s morning news show at Kettering Fairmont, where she discovered her love for creating.

EDMUND B. LINGAN (He/Him) - Director - Lingan joined the Department of Theatre and Film as a faculty member in 2007. His department directing credits include Year of the Living Dead (2021), Into the Woods (2019), The Tempest (2018), Little Shop of Horrors (2016), Out to Lunch (2013), Ghost Light (2012), King Oedipus (2011), Creation/Doomsday: Selections for the Chester Mystery Cycle (2010), Crumbs From the Table of Joy (2009), and Bat Boy: The Musical (2008). Lingan received his Ph.D. in Theatre History and Criticism from the Graduate School of the City University of New York. Lingan is a Professor of Theatre and Associate Dean in the Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Education.

HOLLY MONSOS (She/Her) - Costume Designer - Holly is a Professor Emerita of the University of Toledo. She joined the UT faculty in the Department of Theatre and Film in 1991 in costuming, eventually serving as Chair of the department and later as Associate Dean for the college before retiring in 2024. Prior to UT, she spent several years as a cutter/draper in professional theatre including extensive work with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Actor's Theatre of Louisville, and the San Francisco Opera. As a designer, she has done over a hundred productions for UToledo, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Repertoire Theatre, Montana Rep, and Ms. Unseen Productions in New Zealand, among others. Holly was recently made a Fellow in her professional organization, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), where she served two terms as the Vice President for Members, Sections & Chapters and for many years on the Annual Conference Committee in addition to holding several regional positions including Chair of the Ohio Valley section. She is pleased for the opportunity to come back home to do a “bonus” production with the department.

CHRISTOPHER MONTPETIT (He/Him) - Theatre Manager - Mr. Montpetit is originally from Niagara Falls, NY, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Theater from Niagara University. He continued his studies at Columbia University in New York City, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Theater Management. Professionally, Mr. Montpetit has worked at such companies and institutions as Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Publishing, The Kathryn Bache Miller Theatre, The Alma Schapiro Theatre, Artpark Theatre, ABC Television, Showtime Networks Inc., Genesee Community College Center for the Arts, Summer Tide Theatre, and The University of Alabama. Academically, Mr. Montpetit is currently Senior Lecturer and Theatre Manager for the University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film. Mr. Montpetit is the author of "What is Theatre? An Introduction to Theatre", published by Kendall Hunt Publishing in January 2016, with a revised edition published in August 2020. 

ABBY PAPENFUS (She/Her) - Stage Manager - Abby is a 4th-year Theatre Arts major with a minor in Communications graduating this May '26! Previous Credits at UT include Stage Manager for A Midsummer Night's Dream (2025), Stage Manager for Silent Sky (2024), Stage Manager for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, Stage Manager for the 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works, and many more! This past summer, Abby had the pleasure of working for Tibbits Summer Stock 2025 as a Popcorn Stage Manager and an Assistant Stage Manager on the Mainstage Productions. These credits include Stage Manager for Dragons Love Tacos (2025), Stage Manager for Snow White (2025), Stage Manager for A Girl Who Swallowed A Cactus (2025), and Assistant Stage Manager for Little Shop of Horrors and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2025). This summer, Abby returns to Tibbits Summer Season as a mainstage Stage Manager for shows such as Dear Evan Hansen and The 39 Steps. Abby would love to thank the faculty and students of the theatre department for making this last production such an unforgettable experience!

ANDREW RATHGEBER (He/Him) – Fight Choreographer - has been working as a Chicago-based actor, fight/intimacy director, stunt performer, motion-capture and voice-over artist for over a decade. He is a fully recommended Advanced Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors, where he also serves as an elected member representative on the Board of Directors. As the company Fight/Intimacy Director at Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, Andrew has choreographed nine productions and toured on seven more as an actor. Andrew teaches stunts and stage combat around Chicago, as well as at regional workshops and clinics around the country. Chicago Credits: Lyric Opera, Chicago Shakespeare, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Raven Theater, side project theatre co., Commission Theatre Co., The House, and Haven Theatre. He is a proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists. Select Regional Credits: American Players, Forward Theater, Montana InSite Theatre, Bozeman Actors Theatre, Tippet Rise Art Center, and Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Parks. Training: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Royal Conservatory of Scotland, University of Oklahoma, Tohkon Judo Academy, and Chicago Aikikai.

STEPHEN SAKOWSKI (He/Him) - Producer/Production Manager/Lighting Designer - Stephen is currently the Chair of the Department as well as the Professor of Theatre: Lighting & Sound Design here at the University of Toledo. Stephen has been happy to collaborate on many productions since starting in the Department of Theatre & Film in 2015. He has his BFA from Otterbein University and his MFA from the University of California San Diego. His lighting design of All Quiet on the Western Front received the 2020 Jeff Award (Chicago's Top Theatre Prize) His work can be seen as a part of various live television events, and regionally at The Purple Rose Theatre Company where he is a Resident Artist. Congratulations to everyone involved with the production on a project well done! 

DANIEL THOBIAS (he/him/his) - Scenic Designer/Properties Head - Daniel joined The University of Toledo Department of Theatre & Film faculty in 2012. He received his MFA in Scene Design from North Carolina School of the Arts, 2005. He has a wealth of experience with summer stock and festival theaters including Mount Washington Valley Theatre, Festival Stage of Winston Salem, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Opera Santa Barbara, and the Cuttingball Theater. 

PAST PRODUCTIONS

“EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)”

By Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, John K. Alvarez

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” received its world premiere at Cape May Stage, Michael Carleton, Artistic Director

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

SPECIAL THANKS

CNC Work and Assistance - Julia LaBay

UToledo Department of Art

CAST

STAGE MANAGER: Natalina Krygielski

CREW: Leonardo Hernandez, Alec Simon, Hannah Flaherty, Hannah Hammitt, Erin Canary, Nick Veizer, Ross Michelski, Ana Pacheco, Jordan Burriola, Bailey Waldon, Tiana Temekova & Nick Fulton

SCROOGE: Lilian Schmid

CRATCHIT: Paige White

TINY TIM: Brooklyn Mitchell

PRODUCTION TEAM/CREW

Director: Matt Foss

Choreographer: Abby Glanville

Producer: Stephen Sakowski*

Theatre Manager: Christopher Montpetit

Production Manager: Stephen Sakowski*

Scenic Designer: Daniel Thobias

Costume Designer: Yetunde Akitikori

Lighting Designer: Stephen Sakowski*

Sound Designer: Jeffrey Enck

Stage Manager: Tevy Dembski

Assistant Lighting Designer: Zach Montri

Assistant Costume Designer: Tevy Dembski

Assistant Stage Manager: Grey Bowlick

Technical Director: Seth Bowen

Properties Head: Daniel Thobias

Production Electrician: Zach Montri

Scene Shop Manager: Seth Bowen

Costume Shop Manager: Yetunde Akitikori

Lighting & Sound Shop Supervisor: Seth Bowen

Backstage Crew: Payton Mays & Aaron Smith

Costume Crew: Nicole Dail, Gabriella Escamilla & Aaron Smith

Light Board Operator: Harrison Dalton

Sound Board Operator: Clayton Houser

Captioning Operator: Jonaven Camacho

Production/Shop Crew : Grey Bowlick, Nicole Dail, Tevy Dembski, Laila Drummond, Leonardo Hernandez, Natalina Krygielski, Luna Ravenclaw, Lilian Schmid, Aaron Smith, Students of THR1080 & THR2050

House Management Staff: Tatyana Cardona, Jenise Curl, Tay Grace, Lawrence Mays, Manny Portillo & Lala Short

Social Media Team: Grey Bowlick, Tevy Dembski & Abby Papenfus

* Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829

Production Biographies

Cast

JORDAN BURRIOLA (he/him/his) - Crew - started acting in high school as Danny Zuko in Greece. He played Tom Snout/the Wall in A Midsummer Night's Dream, participated in the OpenSpot theater program four times, and is still involved. He worked and volunteered at the Toledo Zoo. And he loves wolves ever since joining the Toledo Zoo, which helped him through high school.

ERIN CANARY (they/he/she) - Crew - is a first-year student at the University of Toledo, studying Computer Science and Theatre. They are a recent graduate of Hilliard Davidson High School, where they were an actor, technician, writer, and director. Some credits are Our Town (Mrs. Soames), The Addams Family (Featured Dancer), Plan 9 from Outer Space (Props/Weapons Master), and Ghostly Detectives (Playwright/Director). They hope to become a storyteller, writing plays and designing their own video games, and are excited to see what they will learn and experience at UToledo.

HANNAH FLAHERTY (she/her/hers) - Crew - is a freshman communications major at the University of Toledo. Recent credits include Let It Be (James), The Nutcracker (Aunt Harriet), and Racing The Wind: The Courageous Life of Amelia Earhart (Amelia Earhart), all at Whitmer High School. Merry Christmas!

NICK FULTON (he/him/his) - Crew - is an aspiring actor. He has been in shows such as Cinderella as The King, Legally Blonde in the ensemble, Frozen Jr. as King Agnarr, and Vintage Hitchcock as a Police Officer. He has also been in several roles in OpenSpot Theatre and was in A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Theseus. He hopes you enjoy Every Christmas Story Ever Told!

HANNAH HAMMITT (she/her/hers) - Crew - is a freshman theatre major at the University of Toledo. She has been in a number of roles in high school, as well as being in the ensemble at UT and being a part of the film Method. They are excited for more opportunities to come at UT as well as opportunities outside of school that will help further their career in the future!

LEONARDO HERNANDEZ (he/him/his) - Crew - is a fourth-year stage and screen acting major. He has performed in roles at the University of Toledo, such as HAMLET from Hamlet, and PETER from The Diary of Anne Frank, and has written for the Festival of New Student Work. He hopes to pursue an MFA in playwriting after graduating from UT.

NATALINA KRYGIELSKI (she/her/hers) - Crew - is a second-year theatre major at The University of Toledo. Previous shows that she has done include: A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Jukebox Musical (Pine Nut) and Cubs Go All The Way Again (Daughter). She hopes that everyone has a great holiday season!

ROSS MICHELSKI (he/him/his) - Crew - works in the education department at the Toledo Zoo. Recent credits include: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Oberon) and OpenSpot Theatre. Merry Christmas!

BROOKLYN MITCHELL (they/them/theirs) - Tiny Tim - is a fourth-year Theatre major from Texas. Previous roles and credits include several roles in The 2nd Annual Festival of New Student Works in 2023 and Max Maxwell in The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works in 2024, Costume crew for The Diary of Anne Frank, and The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works. Leslie and Barbara in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom. Williamina Fleming in Silent Sky. Directed Forgive me, Peter in the 2024 Festival of New Student Work and played Lysander in Midsummer Night's Dream: A Jukebox Musical.

ANA PACHEO (she/her/hers) - Crew - started her acting and singing career in Mexico. She is continuing her career now that she has moved to Ohio. She is studying visual performing arts because that’s what she loves to do. You might’ve seen her as Snug the Joyner in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Wendy in The Wendy’s at the Center of the Multiverse - An original play by performers with disabilities. 

LILIAN SCHMID (she/her/hers) - Ebenezer Scrooge - is a Junior theatre major at the University of Toledo. Previous credits include A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Jukebox Musical (Demetrius) and Silent Sky (Margaret Leavitt). Happy Holidays and Bah Humbug!

ALEC SIMON (he/him/his) - Crew - is a recent graduate of the University of Toledo. During his time at UT, he has worked on several shows as an actor, director, playwright, stage manager, and crew member. He also wrote and directed ELKSHIRE his senior year. Other credits include: Douglas Panch (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and Jacob (The Jungle).

BAILEY WALDON (she/her/hers) - Crew - is a first-year Education Major and theatre minor. She recently graduated from Toledo School For The Arts. She is a part of the University of Toledo dancing Rockettes. Some of her previous roles include (Velma Kelly) in Chicago, (Catherine of Aragon) in Six the Musical, (Ilona Ritter) in She Loves Me, and (Maggie Saunders) in Lend Me a Tenor. She is so excited for her first show at the University of Toledo and hopes you enjoy her performance.

PAIGE WHITE (she/her/hers) - Bob Cratchit - This is Paige’s first production with the University of Toledo. She is from Michigan, and her last production was Hairspray, where she was Motormouth Maybelle. She loves to be on stage; it's a lifelong dream.

NICK VEIZER (he/him/his) - Crew - is super excited to be performing in his second University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film production. Nick is a member of Open Spot Theater for All, where he was a psychic in the production The Wendy's at the Center of the Multiverse. Nick can't wait to make you laugh and is so happy to see you in the audience! Enjoy the show!!

Production Staff & Designers

YETUNDE AKITIKORI (she/her/hers) - Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager -has an MFA in costume design and technology from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. She is a costume designer, technologist, makeup artist, and hairstylist. She worked as a professional costume and wig designer for productions such as Emilia, Silent Sky, and Cabaret.

SETH BOWEN (he/him/his) - Technical Director - is a new faculty member at The University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film as of 2025. Seth received his M.F.A. from Wayne State University and his B.F.A. from Northern Michigan University. Seth is a born midwesterner and grew up thinking hard work and blue collar jobs were the best part of life. He ventured into the arts and found his passion held within. As a scenic designer and technician, Seth loves to work with the team to discover the show thoroughly and thoughtfully. He not only thinks about what may be best for the production, but what is the most efficient method for the team. Seth is fairly new in the professional world of theatre, but has done work for multiple independent theatre and dance groups and has done summer work at Tuachan Amphitheatre. Seth has had the opportunity to work on world premieres and has had the opportunity to really grow from the tree of wisdom when it comes to finding new methods and discovering each show.

GREY BOWLICK (he/him/his) - Assistant Stage Manager - is a second-year theatre major at the University of Toledo. This is his third show at the university. Recent involvement has been Open Spot (volunteer/narrator) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream: a Jukebox Musical (Mustardseed). He's very excited to ASM his first show and to be involved again!

TEVY DEMBSKI (they/them/theirs) - Stage Manager/Assistant Costume Designer - is a senior theatre major at the University of Toledo. They have been in a number of roles at UT, including acting, designing, stage management, and directing. They are excited for you to see this show and encourage you to come back to UT for the rest of the 2025/2026 season!

JEFFERY (JJ) ENCK (he/him/his) - Sound Designer - is a UToledo alumnus with a Theatre Design & Technology BA. After graduation, JJ started working as a year-round Operations Supervisor for Cedar Point’s Live Entertainment Department. He sound designs the park’s Live Shows and Haunted Attractions. Select UToledo credits include: Blood at the Root (Sound Designer), Hamlet (Sound Designer), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Assistant Director & Sound Engineer).

MATT FOSS (he/him/his) - Director - recent projects include the feature film LONE WOLVES (2025), the upcoming horror feature METHOD (2026), writing and directing new play based on AS YOU LIKE IT for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (Winter 2026), and directing and serving as the co-librettist for a new opera based on Norman Maclean’s A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT that will premiere fall of 2026 for the 50th anniversary of the publication of the novella. He is a member of the WGA-EAST and was recently named one of Austin Film Festival’s Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch.

CHRISTOPHER MONTPETIT (he/him/his) - Theatre Manager - Mr. Montpetit is originally from Niagara Falls, NY, where he received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in English/Theater from Niagara University. He continued his studies at Columbia University in New York City, where he earned a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Theater Management. Professionally, Mr. Montpetit has worked at such companies and institutions as Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Publishing, The Kathryn Bache Miller Theatre, The Alma Schapiro Theatre, Artpark Theatre, ABC Television, Showtime Networks Inc., Genesee Community College Center for the Arts, SummerTide Theatre, and The University of Alabama. Academically, Mr. Montpetit is currently Senior Lecturer and Theatre Manager for the University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film. Mr. Montpetit is the author of "What is Theatre? An Introduction to Theatre", published by Kendall Hunt Publishing in January 2016, with a revised edition published in August 2020.

ZACH MONTRI (he/him/his) - Assistant Light Designer/Master Electrician - is a junior theatre major focusing on theatre design and technology. His professional theatre credits include A1 for ‘The Shrieks! Contamination’ at Cedar Point, Assistant Sound Designer for ‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ at Tibbits Opera House, A1 for ‘Snow White’ at Tibbits Opera House, A2 & Deck Crew for ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at Tibbits Opera House, Spot Light Operator for ‘Act Three’ at Tibbits Opera House, Light Designer for ‘Dragons Love Tacos’ at Tibbits Opera House, Scenic Carpenter and Production Assistant for Tibbits Summer Theatre 2025 at Tibbits Opera House, Sound Engineer for ‘A Midsummers Nights Dream’ at the University of Toledo, Assistant Sound Designer for ‘Festival of New Student Works 2025’ at the University of Toledo, and Light Board Op for ‘Silent Sky’ at the University of Toledo.

STEPHEN SAKOWSKI (he/him/his) - Producer/Production Manager/Lighting Designer - Stephen is a Professor of Theatre: Lighting & Sound Design here at the University of Toledo and has been happy to collaborate on many productions since starting in the Department of Theatre & Film in 2015. He has his BFA from Otterbein University and his MFA from the University of California San Diego. His lighting design of All Quiet on the Western Front received the 2020 Jeff Award (Chicago's Top Theatre Prize) His work can be seen as a part of various live television events, and regionally at The Purple Rose Theatre Company where he is a Resident Artist. Congratulations to everyone involved with the production on a project well done!

DANIEL THOBIAS (he/him/his) - Scenic Designer/Properties Head - Daniel joined The University of Toledo Department of Theatre & Film faculty in 2012. He received his MFA in Scene Design from North Carolina School of the Arts, 2005. He has a wealth of experience with summer stock and festival theaters including Mount Washington Valley Theatre, Festival Stage of Winston Salem, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Opera Santa Barbara, and the Cuttingball Theater.