Shrek Community

Ugly Duckling, Rat, Dulocian

“I love that in this story the Ugly Duckling doesn’t transform into a beautiful swan, but instead learns that she’s just fine as she is! Beauty takes all forms. And I’m looking forwarding to another opportunity to sharpen my tap dancing skills.”

How I spend my days: Writer at the University of Minnesota Foundation, writing scripts for big university events and helping students, faculty and leadership tell their U of M stories most effectively.

My most enjoyable past theater role: Betty Haynes in White Christmas because that character is a strong, independent woman with a little sass, but still has a softer side that allows her to fall in love when the right man shows up.

One word to describe myself: Intentional.

A surprising thing about me: I’m fairly new to musical theater, not getting involved until I was in my 30s. Now I’m making up for lost time.

What I do for fun: I’ve been spending my free time planning my June wedding to an incredible man who I happened to meet through theater. I also love bonfires in my backyard, cocktails on patios, and just generally being outside as much as possible. 

Mama Ogre, Sugar Plum Fairy

“I am very excited to fly my ‘freak flag’ in this fun show!”

How I spend my days: I am a national account manager for the Target and Best Buy accounts for Newell Brands, a company that manufactures and markets many top consumer brands including Graco baby gear, Calphalon cookware, Rubbermaid food storage and more.

My most enjoyable past theater role: Marta from the show Company. She is complex, sassy and sings a kickass song.

One word to describe myself: Multitasker.

What I do for fun: Theater, golf, walking the dogs.

Volunteer activities: I volunteer with the Partnership Plan, part of the Stillwater school district. I manage the art competition for the annual Da Vinci Festival. I do this because I love the arts and art education, and it’s exciting to give kids the opportunity to showcase and talk about their creative experience. 

Papa Ogre, Guard, Knight

“My wife Cyndi is playing Mama Ogre. The last time Cyndi and I played husband and wife in a show, it sort of made us act like ogres. I support that would be okay in this case.”

How I spend my days: Veterinarian at Park Grove Pet Hospital in Cottage Grove.

My most enjoyable past theater role: Greg Nowack in She Loves Me, because She Loves Me is my favorite show.

One word to describe myself: Sarcastic.

A surprising thing about me: Last spring, I taught a class in computer programming.

What I do for fun: Golf, walk with my dogs, theater, sing jazz.

Guard/Knight, Happy

“I am very excited to be in this show as a different character because it gives me a different perspective of this wonderful musical.”

How I spend my days: I will be a junior at Woodbury High School this fall.

My most enjoyable past theater role: Playing Shrek in my middle school musical, because I could be as goofy as I wanted to be on stage.

One word to describe myself: Playful.

A surprising thing about me: I have 8 siblings – 7 older brothers and one younger sister.

What I do for fun: Hang out with my friends and of course, perform.

Volunteer activities: Student director at Woodbury Middle School’s musical last spring. I love going back to where I started my musical career and I love helping people discover their love for music.

Captain of the Guards

“This character is Lord Farquaad’s main enforcer, and at face value, he’s a mean guy. But this is musical comedy, so he’s kind of a nice funny bad guy.”

How I spend my days: I am active in my church, St. Ambrose of Woodbury, and try to stay healthy playing golf and making regular trips to the gym. I enjoy stock trading. Mostly, I love being on stage.

My most enjoyable past theater role: There are two: Snoopy and the Scarecrow. I’ve played Snoopy at least four times. Snoopy is everyman. He can be anyone, do anything. When things don’t go well, he just moves on. What a role model. Then there is Scarecrow which I’ve played a couple of times, the best experience being on the Woodbury Community Theatre stage. Scarecrow would lay down his life for a friend. He reminds me of an important theater trait: give and work hard to make your fellow actors look good, and if they do the same, that whole show is better.

One word to describe myself: Actor.

A surprising thing about me: One summer years ago, I raced go karts. I have also had a long love and interest in cars, and have bought/traded as many as five in a calendar year.

What I do for fun: I do theater, some years as many as 7 or 8 productions. It’s a blast.

Volunteer activities: I volunteer at St. Ambrose of Woodbury most every Saturday, Easter, Christmas and on feast days. God has been good to me and it makes me feel good, and it also keeps me close to my mom and dad, who watch my shows from the fly space (heaven).