AYLA CHMIELEWSKI, (Young Fiona, Baby Bear, Rat) is thrilled and grateful to be in her first Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production. Her most recent roles include Annie in Annie JR. (Redmond Academy of Theatre Arts) and Matilda in Matilda the Musical (Studio East). Ayla is an outdoorsy, adventurous girl who loves to read and has a passion for musical theater. She thanks God and her family and friends for supporting her in her theater adventures.

BEATRICE CRAMER, she/her (Pinocchio, Traveler, “Morning Person” Puppeteer, Dance Captain) is excited to return to Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE for her third production. Her most recent roles include Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka JR., Anya in Anastasia JR., and Susan Waverly in White Christmas (The 5th Avenue Theatre). Bea has been dancing her whole life and looks forward to her Saturday dance class at KIDSTAGE with Hannah. When she is not performing, Bea enjoys playing volleyball with friends and spending time with family!

BEN DROKE, he/him (Papa Ogre, Knight, Duloc Bishop) is excited to make his debut at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE. His passion for acting began playing Charlie in his school’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He has since performed roles like Shang in Disney’s Mulan. Ben attends Village Theatre Institute to continue growing as an actor. Outside the stage, he enjoys playing board games and is thrilled to further his journey in the theater community!

NELL EDLUND, (Storyteller, Duloc Citizen, Rat) is so excited to be in her first Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE show! She has been doing theatre since she was five. Her favorite previous roles have been Anna in Disney’s Frozen JR., Wonka in Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR., Dmitry in Anastasia JR., and Mowgli in Disney’s Jungle Book KIDS (Seattle’s Performers). She is thankful to her parents and grandparents for driving her back and forth from rehearsal. Her favorite color is glitter. She loves dogs.

SYLVIE GITENSTEIN, she/her (Ugly Duckling, Traveler, “Morning Person” Puppeteer) is in Village Theater Institute and making her debut with this Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production of Shrek the Musical JR. She has previously appeared in Seattle’s Performers productions of The Addams Family JR., Anastasia JR., and Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR., as well as the short film Scout’s Honor. She has loved performing since she was little. Sylvie also enjoys dancing, writing music with her brother, and spending time with her friends.

FARAH HALVERSON, she/her (Little Pig, Teen Fiona, Dragon Puppeteer, “Make a Move” Back-Up Singer, Vocal Captain) is thrilled for her Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE debut! Her recent performances as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and as Fairy Godmother in Disney’s Descendants (Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre) have ignited her passion for the performing arts. With a strong background in various dance styles and a love for singing, she is dedicated to her journey in musical theatre. She thanks her family, Village Theatre Institute, and her private coaches for their constant encouragement.

CHARLOTTE HOWELL, she/her (Wicked Witch, Traveler, “Morning Person” Puppeteer) is thrilled to participate in her third Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE show! Previous credits with KIDSTAGE include Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert and Miscast Cabaret. She loves everything about theatre and is so grateful to be a part of Village Theatre Institute’s community. She thanks everyone on the production team for putting together this amazing show and sends her love and thanks to her family and friends for always supporting her. Enjoy the show!

CAROLINE HUBER, (Papa Bear, Dragon Puppeteer, “Make a Move” Back-Up Singer) is excited to be back for her second Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production. Previously seen as Coral and Ensemble in Disney’s Finding Nemo JR., she also enjoys Village Theatre Institute, summer camps and school choir. Caroline looks forward to all the things she’ll learn and friends she’ll make. She thanks her family and friends for the support, and knows her Papa in heaven would have come to every show applauding this “Papa Bear.” Enjoy the show!

ROWAN IVIE, she/her (Little Pig, Dragon Puppeteer, “Make a Move” Back-Up Singer) is excited to be joining the cast of Shrek JR. for her first Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE show! Rowan is a regular performer with Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre, where she has played many roles. She recently visited NYC and found that Broadway feels like home. She would like to thank Aaron, Kekoa, and Keoni for making this show possible. Enjoy!

NORA LEGEND, she/her (Young Ogre, Duloc Citizen, Knight) is excited to make her Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE debut! Her past performances include Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz (Cascade Community Theatre), Brave Girl in Peter Pan (Bellevue Youth Theater), and Ensemble in Elf the Musical (Sky Performing Arts). She loves bringing stories to life on stage and is grateful for this opportunity. Enjoy the show!

ELLE MARGOLIS, (Mama Ogre, Duloc Citizen, Knight). Hi! This is Elle’s second show at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE. Elle was previously in Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. (KIDSTAGE Issaquah). Elle has also been in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR., Shrek JR., Disney’s Frozen JR., Matilda, Willy Wonka JR., and Mean Girls High School Version (Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre). Elle is so excited to be a part of this production. Thank you for coming and enjoy the show.

KHALIA MITCHELL, she/her (Storyteller, Duloc Citizen, Rat) loves to sing, dance, and perform! She has been cheerleading since 2021 and performed in school plays, church events, and a select youth choir. She is excited for her first Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production and can’t wait to bring Shrek JR. to life. Khalia thanks her family for their love and support, always encouraging her to follow her dreams!

WYSTERIA MORNINGSTAR MORALES, (Storyteller, Duloc Citizen, Rat) is making her debut with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE. This is the second production Wysteria has been in, the first being Disney’s Descendants (Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre). When she’s not singing and dancing, Wysteria enjoys drawing, running in 5ks, and being with her 5 siblings.

VIOLET NAGAMATSU, she/her (Big Bad Wolf, Traveler, Rat). This is Vi’s fourth show with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE Everett. She was in Disney’s Descendents, Miscast Cabaret, and, most recently, Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert. She has also been in Studio East’s production of Mean Girls as Caroline K and had a part in a short film. She wants to thank all her family and friends who support her theatre and dance ambitions, and hopes you all enjoy the show!

MADDISON NEED, she/her (Human Family, Duloc Citizen, Knight) is delighted to be making her debut with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE. Favorite past productions include Disney’s Finding Nemo JR., Skyler in The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever, and Lucille in Junie B. Jones. Maddison thanks her favorite cat Cinnamon who wishes he could be here cheering her on.

BLISS PAMINTUAN, she/her (Shrek). This is Bliss’s first major role with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE. She is beyond excited and so grateful to be able to share her passion for musical theatre with her family and friends. Bliss has been in four KIDSTAGE productions which include Disney’s Descendants, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Miscast Cabaret and Legally Blonde The Musical. She’s thankful to all who have supported her and wishes everyone to break a leg! Love always to Grandpa and Lolo.

GIA PELLEGRINI, (Donkey) is thrilled to return for her fourth Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production in her dream show! Previous KIDSTAGE productions: Big Jule in Guys and Dolls, Legally Blonde The Musical, and Disney’s Descendants. Most recently, Gia performed professionally at The 5th Avenue Theatre as Jane Banks in Mary Poppins and Susan Waverly in White Christmas. Thank you to everyone for coming to see our show and to the KIDSTAGE team for investing in youth theater.

SHRUTI PRASANNA, she/her (Little Pig, Dragon Puppeteer, “Make a Move” Back-Up Singer, Vocal Captain) is thrilled to be in her third Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production! She was seen last in Legally Blonde The Musical (KIDSTAGE) over the summer. Shruti is grateful to be a part of such an amazing experience and is excited to be in this show. She gives a big thanks to her friends and family for all their support and hopes you enjoy the show!

MARSHALL PRENTICE, he/him (Captain of the Guard, Traveler, Pied Piper, Dwarf) is excited for his second Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production following Miscast Cabaret (2024). Marshall loves performing and throws himself into every musical opportunity. A Village Theatre Institute student since 2023, he also plays upright bass, electric bass, and guitar. When not on stage, he loves skiing. Shoutout to Michael Bates and Dad for igniting his musical passion. Big thank you to Mom, Dad and grandparents for always supporting him. And his brother, “I guess” for driving him here.

OWEN SHAFLIK, he/him (Peter Pan, Traveler, “Morning Person” Puppeteer) is thrilled to be in his first performance at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE. He caught the acting bug watching a friend perform in Shrek JR. in 2022 and has been seeking opportunities to be on stage ever since. Owen previously had roles with Seattle’s Performers, Richmond Beach Community Church Players and Madrona Children’s Theater. Owen thanks his theater community, the most supportive friends he could ask for.

EVERETT SIVLEY, they/them (Mama Bear, Dragon Puppeteer, “Make a Move” Back-Up Singer, Vocal Captain) is thrilled to be a part of Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production of Shrek JR.! Their past roles include Babette in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Bird Girl in Seussical! The Musical, and Aquata in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Hope Theatre Group). They have also performed in KIDSTAGE’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert as Priest/Ensemble and most recently in Hope Theare Group’s production of Shrek the Musical, playing a little pig, a blind mouse, knight and Duloc citizen.

ALVIN SMITH, he/him (Lord Farquaad, Human Family) is thrilled to be in Shrek JR. at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE. Previously, he performed as Ensemble in Legally Blonde The Musical, Ensemble in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Ensemble in Guys and Dolls. Outside of acting, Alvin enjoys playing guitar, drums, performing with his band No Recess, and practicing Taekwondo. He loves the creativity and friendships he’s found at KIDSTAGE and is excited to bring this hilarious role to life with such a fantastic cast.

DOROTHY SUMMERS, she/her (Dragon, Tinkerbell) is thrilled to be performing in her sixth production with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE! She most recently joined the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert this past fall. Other KIDSTAGE credits include: Store Manager/Ensemble in Legally Blonde The Musical, Silly Girl/Ensemble in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Evie in Disney’s Descendants. Thanks to this incredible cast and crew, Mom and Dad, her sister Beatrice, and especially her amazing voice teacher, Danielle! Enjoy the show!

KOVANA SHINE WILLIAMS, she/her (Princess Fiona) is thrilled to return for her fourth Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production! Recent credits include: Ensemble in Legally Blonde The Musical, Silly Girl in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Audrey in Disney’s Descendants. She is excited to take on her first lead role and push herself in new ways. Kovana thanks her KIDSTAGE teachers, acting coach Zandi, voice coach Helen, mentor Nicole and her friends and family for all their support. Enjoy and let your freak flag fly!

ALEXIS YUN, she/her (Gingy, Human Family, Traveler, “Morning Person” Puppeteer) is thrilled to be performing in Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production of Shrek JR. She has appeared as Nemo in Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. (KIDSTAGE), Elizabeth Crachitt and Fan in A Christmas Carol (ACT Theatre), and as Kayla in the short film Scout’s Honor (Fit Via Vi Productions). Alexis enjoys acting, singing, dancing, and playing the piano. She thanks her family and friends for their support!

KEKOA DILAY, he/him (Director) is thrilled to be telling this magical story with so many gifted young actors! He was most recently seen in Legally Blonde The Musical (Village Theatre). Directing credits: Associate Director/Choreographer for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Associate Choreographer for Guys and Dolls, and Choreographer for While They Last (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE); Director/Choreographer for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Chief Sealth International High School). Love and gratitude always to Mom, Dad, Keoni, Kapono, & Ariona. @kekoadilay

KEONI DILAY, he/him (Choreographer) is a Seattle-based performer and choreographer. Some of his performance credits include Mamma Mia! (Village Theatre), Mary Poppins and Disney’s The Little Mermaid (The 5th Avenue Theatre). His choreography credits include Guys and Dolls and Matilda JR. (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE). Keoni specializes in creating movement that looks and feels good on all bodies. He is also a huge advocate for prioritizing BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices.

AARON M. DAVIS NORMAN, they/them (Music Director) is an educator-artist-activist originally from Compton, California. Aaron has performed across Europe, Canada, and the US and continues to fight for equitable theater programs for youth and diverse representation on stages and productions teams. Aaron is currently the Institute Manager, Everett at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE and teaching private voice.

CAILIN MAUREEN SHORT, (Scenic Designer) is an Emmy Award-winning Producer with experience in film, theatre, and television. Cailin earned a BFA in theatre studies and scenic design from The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. Her recent roles include Technical Coordinator for Village Theatre, and Scenic Designer/Immersive Media Producer at PBS Wisconsin (PBS News Hour, Why Race Matters, The Light, and Shipwrecks! The Immersive Experience). Favorite theatre credits include Spring Awakening, Oedipus Rex, and Top Girls.

AMALIA VOISS, she/her (Costume Designer) is delighted to be a part of her first Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production! Amalia holds a BA in theatre from Western Washington University. Her previous designs include The Real Inspector Hound / The Actor’s Nightmare (Red Curtain Foundation), and Hay Fever (Western Washington University), which received multiple awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Amalia celebrates her recent acceptance to Carnegie Mellon University’s Costume Design Program where she will begin graduate studies this fall.

CLINT BULL, he/him (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be back designing lights for Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE again! He has previously worked on past KIDSTAGE productions such as Miscast Cabaret, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jasper in Deadland, I’m Doing This, and Krisis Kids Wilderness Adventure Camp. He would like to thank all his friends and family for just being so great.

COLIN PACE, he/him (Sound Designer, Engineer) is a sound engineer/designer who has worked on previous Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE productions including: Sister Act, Krisis Kids Wilderness Adventure Camp, Disney’s Descendants, and Guys and Dolls. Colin is thankful to his friends and family who continue to support his passion for theater and silly noises. He hopes you enjoy the show!

INDIRA RAMPERSAD, she/her (Properties Designer) is a multidisciplinary theatre artist and educator based in Seattle. She is thrilled to be joining Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE once again! In addition to Props Design, Indira serves as the Education Coordinator and Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) at Seattle Public Theater. Recent credits include Youth Voices (Writing Mentor) and Letters from Max: A Ritual (ASM). She thanks her family and friends for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!

SARAHANN RICKNER, she/her (Stage Manager). Sarahann’s artistic journey began with ballet at age three, continuing until twenty. As a teenager, she fell in love with theatre, leading to an eighteen-year career in various theatrical roles. Her experience spans numerous stage productions, several short films, and one feature-length film, demonstrating her versatility in the performing arts. Shrek the Musical JR. marks Sarahann’s second Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production, further enriching her involvement in theatre.

MARGUERITE AINSWORTH, she/her (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE instructor thrilled to be supporting the students as assistant stage manager! In addition to teaching K-12 musical theatre with KIDSTAGE and Village Theatre Institute, she also teaches elementary music at a local school. As a performer, she loves singing with Premier Vocal Entertainment and Naomi Morgan Entertainment in the Singing for Seniors division. Enjoy the show!

JEANINE TESORI, (Music) 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.

DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE, (Book and Lyrics) 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 Family Fang, starring Nicole Kidman, Christopher Walken and Jason Bateman.

JASON MOORE, (Original 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.

ROB ASHFORD, (Original Director) 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 The 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 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.

General Adult: $27
Senior (65+): $22
Youth (Age 18 and Under): $22
Groups and Discounts

Service fees for phone and online orders may apply. 

Starting with the 2024-2025 season, tickets can be purchased online one week in advance of the PWYW performance date for a suggested ticket price of $10. You may also visit the Box Office in person or call (425) 392-2202 to pay any price you wish starting one week before the PWYW performance.

• Saturday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.

This production program is designed for new and younger aspiring theatre artists. Led by a team of professionals who value mentoring and teaching, this program is the most pedagogically oriented production that KIDSTAGE offers and often takes place during spring semester of the school year. This program focuses on the performer and the development of their artistic process as they learn to create and collaborate with Directors, Music Directors, Choreographers, and Designers, as well as each other. Students who participate begin to learn the fundamentals of character development, studying choreography, staging, and vocal technique. They also experience a full production process from rehearsals, technical and dress rehearsals, to performances.

Based on the DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical, Shrek the Musical tells the story of everyone’s favorite ogre. This “Jr.” version is a shortened adaptation of the full musical, meant for youth performers and family audiences. Shrek the Musical Jr. is an irreverently fun, twisted fairytale show with a powerful message for the whole family.

The show includes a chase scene with a Dragon, crude jokes (i.e. rhythmic burps and farts), some mature language (i.e. “this ass of mine is asinine”, “let your freak flag fly”), and, like the beloved movie, includes some adult innuendo that may go over the heads of young viewers.