Hello Dolly - TRFACT

Kimberly Beito

Chorus

Hello, Dolly! is Kimberly’s first theatrical production. Previous stage performances have included dance shows and choir concerts. Kim enjoys singing, dancing and spending time with family. She works at Northern State Bank. “I’m very excited to be in Hello, Dolly! and really enjoy being with the people in the show.”

Wade Benson

Horace Vandergelder

My wife, Marisa Johnson Benson, is a graduate of LHS, Class of 1980, an she introduced me to this community when we were married 13 years ago. With a degree in theatre, I began working professionally in 1972, going on to perform for over 40 years. I taught theatre, English and French in high school early on, and later developed an after school and summer arts program in Atlanta. Marisa and look forward to our retirement here in TRF in three years. This is my third show with our local troupe, and I am delighted to be included.”

Isaiah Burkel

Barnaby Tucker

Isaiah has previously been seen as Smudge in Forever Plaid, bass soloist in Handel’s Messiah, Bert Healy in Annie, and Donald Dinsmore in The Producers. He just graduated from LHS. wonderful directors, who have put so much time into making this the best show possible!”

Alex Conwell

Amberose Kemper

Alex has previously been seen as Kurt (Sound of Music), Young Patrick (Mame), Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors), Gabe (Next to Normal), Daniel (Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged). He currently works as busker – fiddling for tips at the Mentor Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. “I want to say thank you to TRFACT for all the opportunities over the years to develop as an actor as I head to Oberlin College in the fall.”

Alice Conwell

Mrs. Rose / Chorus

Alice has previously been seen as Corinna Stoller (House of Blue Leaves), Mrs. Burnside, Mrs. Upton and Madame Branislovski (Mame) and Madame Arcati (Blithe Spirit). “I cherish eighteen years of doing community theatre productions with my family. The years are marked by the different shows and roles we played. Fun memories!”

Rob Conwell

Rudolph Reisenweber, Your Head Waiter

hopes his staff’s meticulous planning and lightning service will help you to have a marvelous experience tonight! Last year, you may have seen him planning Matt and Luisa’s future as Matt’s father in The Fantasticks. His favorite past role was creepy John Jasper, accused of planning his nephew’s lack of a future in The Mystery of Edwin Drood .In real life, he is having fun on stage with his whole family and TRFACT.

Jon Mansk

Cornelius Hackl

This is Jon’s first performance with TRFACT; he has previously played Biff (Death of a Salesman), Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland), John Proctor (The Crucible), Clifford Bradshaw (Cabaret), and Malvolio (Twelfth Night). He works as an assistant supervisor in the ATV line at Arctic Cat. “Thank you to TRFACT for welcoming me to your family of artists. I hope to be involved in the community theater for many years to come. I also thank my friends and family for always supporting me in my endeavors. I hope everyone enjoys the show, and tells their friends to come see it too!”

Mike Mattocks

Judge

This is Mike’s first performance with TRFACT; he was previously seen as Noah in The Rainmaker with Warroad Summer Theater. He works as a lawyer in Thief River Falls.

Lacey Simoneau

Irene Molloy / Choreographer

This is Lacey’s ninth performance with TRFACT; her favorite past role was Diana in Lend me a Tenor. “It is just so fun to be someone so completely opposite of who I am.” She works as a stay at home mom who dabbles in a multitude of ‘hobbies’! “I love that our town supports a community theatre. It is such a joy to be able to have a venue where we creative folks can come and be someone else, if only for a few nights every summer!”

Brenna Skallet

Minnie Fay

Brenna’s favorite previous roles are Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd and Luisa in The Fantasticks. She’s also been seen in Free to Be…, The Jungle Book, Guys and Dolls, and Annie Get Your Gun. She works as a caregiver of babies at Discovery Place and a pizza delivery ‘guy’ at Dominos. “Thank you to my family and friends forputting up with my time away while working on the shows – and my constant belting of showtunes. Thank you to members of the community that have given me nothing but support in every performance. You guys are what keep all of us going! Theater really is my passion, so it’s amazing to be able to work with these wonderful people every year!”

Sydney Skjerven

Ermengarde

Sydney has previously been seen as Elma in Bus Stop, Ms. Fur in Ms. Fur in Hypnotized, Bridesmaid in I’m Getting Murdered in the Morning. She graduated in May from LHS. “I’m 17 years old and finally graduated from high school (whew!). I’m excited to be in my second play that Gretchen has directed, but when this is over, I’ll have to figure out what’s next (yeesh, pressure). I plan on traveling with my camera in the future. After all, a picture is worth 1000 words!”

Caleb Halverson

Stanley / Chorus

This is Caleb’s debut performance. He works as an airplane mechanic. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone in this production. Thanks to my fellow cast members for their patience as I transform my two left feet and bumbling tongue into… elegance. Enjoy the show!”

Judi Helgeland

Ernestina / Chorus

Judi has previously played Ethel (On Golden Pond), Sarah McKendree (Quilters), The Crazy Lamp Lady (Talking With) and most recently, performing “The Madame Song” in the Hometown Talent Show. “No matter how big or small the part, I really enjoy doing theater.”

Erika Kahlhamer

Court Clerk / Chorus

This is Erika’s first performance with TRFACT; she was previously in The Sound of Music and The King and I. Erika teaches science at Lincoln High School. “I am excited to be part of Hello, Dolly! I have always wanted to do something with community theatre.”

Max Kalhamer

Chorus

This is Max’s first TRFACT performance; he has previously played Tom Sawyer among various others. He works as a flight instructor at UND. “If you've ever thought about trying out for a part or helping out behind the scenes... DO IT! My wife Erika and I had a blast helping out!”

Sherry Knott

Dolly Levi

Sherry has previously been seen as M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias, Maria Morelli in Lend Me a Tenor, Marks in Talking With, Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun. She works as Music Director at St. Joseph Catholic Church and a piano and voice instructor. In the words of the late Ephraim Levi, “Money, pardon the expression, is like manure! It isn’t worth a thing unless it’s spread around encouraging young things to grow!” That reminds me of TRFACT. We have many young people who come and take part in our shows each summer, it is always so inspiring to watch them transform and grow into amazing young actors! That has never been more true than with the Hello, Dolly! cast. Be prepared to be amazed! “With talent like this we’re sure to win the solid gold cup!”

Matthew Lundeen

Chorus

Matthew was previously seen as “Chandy” and many others in Almost, Maine and has also played the Town Crier and Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. “Please refrain from talking for the duration of the musical. And remember, no smoking and no flash photography!”

Malayna Wahl

Chorus

Malayna has previously been in Winnie the Pooh, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Beauty and the Beast, Free to Be…, Hometown Talent Show, Kamp Kaos, The Little Mermaid, Bye Bye Birdie, The Old Woman Who Lived in the Shoe, Clowns, Three Little Pigs Out West, Little Red Riding Hood and The Mad Adventures of Mr. Toad. She is a junior in high school.

Leah Wattenphul

Chorus

This is Leah's first performance with TRFACT; she has previously played Edith in Pirates of Penzance. She works as a wrangler of two crazy toddlers. "Thank you so much to Ben, Rhesa and Chava for giving up time with your wife/mom/ to let me be part of this show. I love you three so much!"

Producer $500+

Director $250+

Star $100+

Crew $50+

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