The Chameleon Theatre Cirlce is proud to present Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Lakeville Area Arts Center in Lakeville.
Sharon is happy to be involved in another Chameleon show. In the past, she has Choreographed Chameleon’s production of Children of Eden and will be pitch-dancing in Joseph as well - one nite only!
Lorine Bidgood (Costuming)
Lorine has taken a step out of the orchestra pit to play serenade us with the sounds of sewing and stitching instead of the violin. She thanks Gary for all the help he’s provided with her costuming endeavor.
Alex Biehn (Kid’s Choir)
Alex is excited and thankful to be in this show. Alex is in 8th grade at Valley Middle School and has been involved in both school plays and church productions. In her free time she enjoys swimming, hanging out with friends and watching movies. She wants to thank her family for encouraging and believing in her and Jesus Christ for helping her every step of the way. This is a dream come true!
Andi Billig (Gad, Technical Director)
If memory serves correctly, this is Andi’s 40th production with Chameleon, and sixth time performing. In Andi’s “free” time, he enjoys swimming, diving, water and trick skiing and playing with his animals, Riley Bear and Benny, as well as annoying Erin by finding science shows on TV no matter what time of day or night. Love to Erin and their kids.
Erin Billig (Stage Manager)
“If you can’t beat them, you might as well join them,” goes the line. That’s what I thought eight years ago when Andi and friends were starting up Chameleon. I should have stayed at home, but at least I’m not on stage, just managing it. Congratulations to Mary and Mike and Happy Birthday Jackson! What a dream come true!
After many years on the road playing with various ensembles, Iris enjoys the “out of sight” fun of playing in pit orchestras for local musicals. It is a wonderful way to stay involved in music while working part-time as an elementary school tutor and church music director and being part of a very active family.
Ben Brandt (Joseph)
Ben Brandt has been singing and acting since junior high, going to school in Lakeville, where he sang for two years as a member of Lakeville’s vocal jazz ensemble, the Now & Then Singers. During High School, Ben played the role of Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys & Dolls, and Simeon in Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. While taking a break from singing and studying Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, he took a semester off for a full-time internship, and in the evenings played as a Protean in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and the Young Collector in Streetcar Named Desire for Wausau Community Theatre. Since graduating from college in 2004, Ben now lives in Burnsville and spends his days working as a Supplier Quality Engineer, and has found time to do more community theatre, most recently as the Mysterious Man in St. Anthony Community Theatre’s summer production of Into The Woods.
“Joseph is by far my favorite show; it’s the reason I became interested in musical theatre. Playing the title role for The Chameleon Theatre Circle is an honor, and more fun than I can handle!” - Ben Brandt
Garrick Dietze (Assistant Director)
Garrick is pleased to be making his debut on the production end of a Chameleon show. He has been seen onstage at Chameleon in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as Pseudolus, Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods, and Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Most recently he played Harry Macafee in Bye Bye Birdie with Morris Park Players. Which led him to realize he’s not quite ready for “Kids”. Thanks to everyone in the cast and on the production team for this great experience. He would especially like to thank all the representatives of Illinois’s law enforcement community that have chosen to join us here in the Palace Hotel Ballroom at this time, and also his special someone that put up with all the days and hours away from them because he had rehearsals and production meetings.
Brad Donaldson (Director)
Brad is tickled pink and red and orange and green to join this amazing group. He’s directed numerous shows including The Boys Next Door, Into the Woods and A Funny Thing Happened ... Forum. Special thanks to Joy, Garrick, Pete, his parents, and the animals for their support. It has been an honor and privilege to work on this show. A large Thank You to the group, and remember – Zip, Zap, Zop!
Joy Donaldson (Isachar’s Wife)
Joy is excited to play the part of a pyramid for the first time. She has been seen in Sylvia, The Boys Next Door and Into the Woods among others. Special thanks to the great cast, Garrick, her animals and oh, I suppose, Brad.
Dan Erickson (Simeon)
This is Dan’s frist show with The Chameleon Theatre Circle, however this is his fifth time appearing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Dan has been cast as Joseph, Pharoh, Potiphar and a few brothers. Other roles Dan has played are Harold Hill in The Music Man, Young Joe in Damn Yankees, and Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie. Dan is very proud of his two daugters who attend high school in Lakeville. Bailey attends Lakeville North and Becky goes to Lakeville South. They are very active in choir, theatre, dance, speech and piano. A special thanks to his wife Laura for everything.
Trish Fike (Dan’s Wife)
Trish is happy to make this her 4th time on the Chameleon stage. She was last seen as Florence in the female version of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple. She is very excited to be playing another”wife” role, and is very glad that there is no ingénue role in Joseph. Wives are much more interesting...(seriously guys. Hint hint. Wives are more interesting). Much love to my family and especially our cute lil’ assistant director!
Anna Frisbie (Kid’s Choir)
Anna Frisbie is 13 years old and attends Field Middle School in Minneapolis. She appeared in her first Community Theater production this past fall playing the part of “Rhonda McAfee” in Morris Park Players production of Bye Bye Birdie. She is very excited to be performing with The Chameleon Theater Circle in her favorite musical of all time...Joseph!
Forest Godfrey (Sound)
Forest graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1999 and has been with TC2 ever since, most recently running sound for Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and other theater companies around the area. When not running sound, Forest designs software at Cray, Inc.
Corrie Haaland (Kid Wrangler)
Corrina wants to support her daughter, Emily, in all of her endeavors. That is how she was coerced into being a wrangler for the show. That and her daughter threatened to beat her up with her Tae Kwon Do skills. Corrina works hard, and plays harder. She has been amazed at how much hard work goes into a production, but is enjoying being a part of it. She’s looking forward to supporting her daughter in future activities, from more theater, singing, karate and whatever Emily decides to try next (hopefully this will pay off and Emily will be the next or Hillary Duff) but if that doesn’t work out, Corrina will still be very proud of her daughter. Random quote heard from Corrina during rehearsals, “Wait, I don’t have to be on stage, do I?”
Emily Haaland (Kid’s Choir)
Emily is an outgoing and active 10 year old. She is a 4th grader who is currently learning to speak French. Emily is a certified black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She enjoys reading Harry Potter books, singing, dancing, watching Full House and playing with her pet cat, Levi and her pet Chinchilla, Toby. Joseph is Emily’s second production. She performed in Rosemount High School’s On-Stage production It’s All Relative. Her next big endeavor is to play hockey. When Emily grows up she wants to be a teacher or a rock star.
Nancy Hagfors (Flute/Piccolo)
Nancy is happy to be back playing with Chameleon and the Dale Miller Orchestra. She is currently working full-time as a secretary for Hennepin County, Epidemiology and Environmental Health, and also going to school full-time (thank goodness for online courses!). You may see her studying when she’s not playing, so she’s REALLY glad that this show lets her get home at a decent hour!
Beth Hartman (Vocal Director)
Behind every great cast, there is someone who assigns parts, gets the cast to learn their songs, and has fun in the process. Beth has enjoyed working with the cast of Joseph and will be listening... Thanks to Steve for letting Beth work with Chameleon for so many nights!
Andrew Henrichsen (Kid’s Choir)
Andrew (11) is the kind oldest brother to six siblings. He plays the violin, the piano and the baritone horn. He enjoys singing in the choir for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, participating in boy scouts, reading fantasy books and studying the Civil War. He has previously appeared as Gavroche in Les Miserables, and as the Oldest Jokester in Don’t Forget the Baby.
Ephraim Henrichsen (Kid’s Choir)
Ephraim (8) likes to play computer, go to cub scouts, play soccer and swim. He is learning piano and violin, and wants to be a candy-maker when he grows up. Outside of dogs, books are Ephraim’s very best friends. (Inside dogs it’s too dark to read.)
Matthew Henrichsen (Levi/Potiphar)
Matthew has had a roaring fun time working on this production. He enjoys playing with his seven children (who all laugh when he roars) and getting paid to create computer models of automotive catalytic converters. He has appeared previously in The Wizard of Oz, The Fiddler on the Roof, The Hill Cumorah Pageant: America’s Witness for Christ, and Don’t Forget the Baby.
Soren Henrichsen (Kid’s Choir)
Soren (10) is a happy, helpful worker around the house, especially if it involves cooking eggs. He is good at keeping his one-year-old sister happy with wacky, energetic songs. He devours books and enjoys playing the violin and piano. You can usually find him in his bed room doing something with books, brothers, or masking tape. Sometimes all at once!
Tamara Henschel (Clarinet)
This is Tamara’s sixth show with the Chameleon Theatre. She began playing in pit orchestras in 1999 and has enjoyed it ever since. Tamara works at Groth Music in the school services department. In her spare time, she enjoys scrapbooking and playing with her cat, Daisy. Tamara is looking forward to another fun-filled season with Chameleon in this show.
Sarah Holmer (Simeon’s Wife)
Sarah is delighted to have Joseph be her début with Chameleon Theatre. In the past she has been seen in It’s a Wonderful Life with Applause Community Theatre and in Damn Yankees, with Morris Park Players. Plus she has been in Annie Get your Gun, I Remember Mama, Murder at the Banquet, and Pajama Game, with Eden Prairie Players. She thanks her family and friends for all of their support.
Ryan Hummel (Benjamin)
Ryan is extremely excited about being a part of Chamelon’s production of Joseph. He has enjoyed playing the following musical roles: “Sid” in The Pajama Game, “Tommy Albright” in Brigadoon, and most recently “Smokey” in Damn Yankees. Ryan also enjoys listening to various kinds of music (excluding smooth jazz or anything Michael Bolton), watching movies/television and playing co-ed sports with friends. He would like to thank his friends and family for their camaraderie and support.
Rick Johnson (Trumpet)
Former 1st Trumpet A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Pirates of Penzance, Sound of Music, Annie, and South Pacific. He is a former member of the Dakota Valley Symphony (10 years), and a current member of Canon Brass. During the day he is Senior Manufacturing Engineer for Neurovasx.
Anna Karena (Judah’s Wife)
Anna Karena is making her Chameleon Theatre debut in Joseph. Anna is from Hibbing, where she performed in high school, college, and community theater. This is Anna’s first show since moving to the Twin Cities in 1985 and hopefully not her last. She’s wondering if anyone out there could lend her a copy of the book Anna Karenina since she has never read it!
Christopher Kehoe (Asher/Pharaoh)
"The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.” --James A. Michener
Kelly Kiffmeyer (Gad’s Wife)
My name is Kelly, and I am playing Gad’s Wife. I am so honored to be experiencing my first theatrical moment with such a talented cast and crew. I wanted to thank Brad, the Director, for making me step outside of my box and partake in a production. I also want to thank my friends and family for coming out and supporting me, and for finally meeting my husband!
Kim Kivens (The Narrator)
A voice-over and on-camera actor for radio and TV, Kim just wrapped the 2nd season of Auto B Good, an animated series on which she plays the voice of EJ Mini. She is a founding Board Member of Chameleon, recently on stage in Paper Cuts as the Playwright. Kim’s favorite role is mom to Lily and wife to her “real” Joseph. Much love to family and friends for their support.
Lily Kivens (Kid’s Choir)
This is Lily’s second production with Chameleon, her first show being Snowflake’s Story as Betty the mouse. She has been working the box office and concessions for Chameleon since she was about 11-months-old. Now 7-years-old and an excellent reader, Lily has done on-camera spots for Target, Best Buy and more. She loves gymnastics, to play soccer and to swim!
Kathleen Lomax (Levi’s Wife)
Kathleen is proud to be participating in her third Chameleon show, and to be reprising her role as “fountain” (you’ll see). Kathleen has also appeared in Chameleon’s productions of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and The Odd Couple (female version). Kathleen’s other theater credits include Talley & Son and O’Flaherty V.C. (both with the Lex-Ham Community Theater), as well as several shows at her alma mater of Briar Cliff College, including “Murderer” in Richard III. I would like to thank Brad and Gary for giving me a chance to work with them again, as well as all my friends & family back in Nebraska for all their love and support!
Jackie Lothert (Benjamin’s Wife)
Jackie is thrilled to make her first foray into theatre (ever), and happy to be doing it with Chameleon. She has decided this is the perfect show for her to be debuting in since she lives for making new friends and this show is all about new friendships. (Gotta love those dreamy Ishmaelites). She’s had a wonderful time, and would like to thank Brad for forcing (wink wink) her to take the theatrical plunge.
Garrett McDermott (Kid’s Choir)
I want to sing and dance. I have seen Aladin. I think that cave and the Genie made thunder. I liked it. I liked the way we (Lily and I) acted like mouses in Snowflake’s Story. How about them apples! I like running up the ramp!
Amy Miller (Bass Clarinet/Clarinet) (April 1, 7, 8, 9)
While this is Amy’s first show with Chameleon, she has played for various shows at Applause and Eagan Community Theatres. She was a four-year member of the St. Olaf Band and has performed with various chamber ensembles. Amy is currently juggling teaching preschool classes and working towards her master’s degree in counseling psychology at the University of St. Thomas, a perfect combination for a pit orchestra member.
Clay Miller (Bass) (March 26)
Clay has an avid love for theatre and music. Although he is subbing on bass, lead guitar is his forte. Clay has subbed for Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar with Chameleon. “I always relish a chance to perform with my brother Dale. It’s huge fun!” Clay is currently the theatre director at USC High School and has been for the last 22 years. His favorite performance is that of being a husband and father to his family.
Dale Miller (Musical Director/Piano)
Joseph marks Dale’s 50th theatrical endeavor at the piano. Dale has played numerous shows with Applause and Eagan summer community theatres as well as several past Chameleon productions. Dale is also the organist at his church. Dale wishes to thank all his musician (and Ed) friends for their commitment and talent and wishes to also thank the crew and cast of Joseph for all their support and patience.
Andrew Moua (Kid’s Choir)
Andrew is happy to join Chameleon for Joseph and has had fun with the entire cast during the past few weeks. Andrew thanks his family for coming and seeing the show!
Linda Murray (Rueben’s Wife/Camel)
Linda is an artist in Apple Valley. She specializes in portraits and watercolor sketches. Being in Community Theatre with her family for the past ten years has enriched her life with fun-loving vibrant friends. Linda is also an award winning Remax Realtor.
Rick Murray (Rueben/Baker)
Rick has acted in Community Theatre for ten years (thanks to Linda, his wife). Rick won’t admit to being old but he’s the only one in the cast that actually knew Joseph.
Katie Novak (Asher’s Wife/Camel)
Katie is delighted to be returning for her second production with Chameleon. Previously seen as a courtesan and fountain in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. She is trying to find ways to work water and urns into this production to keep her fountain skills afloat. Thanks to Brad and Joy for cascading her back into the theatre community.
Ed Peterson (Judah)
This is Ed’s first break into the acting world and is completely thankful to be in this performance. He thanks Chameleon for the oppportunity. Watch for Ed on Broadway (or off Broadway)!
Sean Richter (Zebulun/Butler)
Sean has been cast as characters in Pseudolus, Hard Candy, Balloons, Stop Kiss, and characters in many Variety shows at Iowa State University where he recently finished school. Since returning to the Twin Cities last May, he has been cast as Adrian in the Cromulent Shakespeare Company’s gender-reversed version of The Comedy of Errors, Tom in the Eden Prairie Players’ For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls, and Ryan in Auld Acquaintance.
Matt Schlukebier (Dan/Trombone)
Matthew Schlukebier is trapped between two worlds: the stage and the pit....And, it’s all Brad and Dale’s fault. Thanks! Outside of these worlds, Matt is the director of the Black & Tan: Brass Ensemble at Shepherd of the Valley and the orchestra director for Kiss Me Kate with the Morris Park Players. Oh, and as a professional, Matt is the web administrator for Buca, Inc. (Buca di Beppo restaurants).
Jake Speikers (Kid’s Choir)
I am ten years old and have been acting since I was eight. I have been in several plays, including Michael in Peter Pan, Flash in Mission to Frostbite Mountain, a Citizen in Cinderella, and Winthrop in The Music Man. I am also in my church choir and the Metropolitan Boys Choir, and have acted in church plays. I am very happy to be performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Lynda Speikers (Kid Wrangler)
I am 41 years old and a mother of 3 wonderful boys, so “wranglin’” is my specialty. I always dreamed of doing theatre, but never had the guts to get on stage. What a blessing it is to have my son, Jake, who has been bitten by the acting bug and has talent to boot! At church, Jake and I act out bible stories for Sunday School with other children 10 - 15yrs. old.
Ed Stalling (Drums)
A local jazz drummer, Ed has performed in several dozen community theater shows over the past decade. He’s been a member and active participant with Chameleon since their founding, and truly believes that magic happens when people follow their passion.
Colleen Stewart (Napthali’s Wife)
Colleen Stewart last appeared on Broadway as Christina Colgate opposite Norbert Leo Butz in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. By Broadway, she means her shower. Colleen has been seen in productions across the Twin Cities, most recently with The University of St. Thomas/The College of St. Catherine in Kiss Me, Kate and in the role of Sarah in Quilters. She can frequently be found backstage as the musical director for Children’s Castle Theater in Farmington. Colleen holds a BA in music education from The College of St. Catherine.
Janelle Swanson (Percussion)
This is Janelle’s first ‘real’ involvement with Chameleon and she’s excited to be playing percussion again after a long hiatus! Playing mommy to Kiara (almost 4) and Blake (almost 2) has taken her away from theatre for the last two years, but you would normally find her on stage – a love she shares with her husband, Scott. And if you count in utero, the kids have been on stage, too!
Erika Thurston (Kid’s Choir)
Erika is 13 years old, and this is her first play, but definitely not her last! She has been in 5th and 6th grade Madrigals Choirs and 7th and 8th grad Concert Choirs. She lives in Minneapolis and loves to play volleyball and soccer. She’s currently in 7th grade at Field Middle School in Minneapolis.
Jenni Trunell (Light Board Operator/Props)
Beside’s being a great mom to Amanda, Jenni’s absolutely tickeled pink to have jobs thrust upon her without prior knowledge. She thanks Brad and Andi for roping her into “just helping out, it’s not really that much work” in the first place. “These boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do. One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.”
Angie Umeda (Bass Guitar) (March 31, April 1)
Angie graduated from Apple Valley High School and was very invovled with the jazz and wind band programs. She now attend North Central University. Her major is cross cultural studies with an emphasis in international development. She will minor in music and it still remains an important part of her life.
Jim Vogel (Jacob/Stage Manager/Set)
I am thrilled to be appearing in my 3rd Chameleon musical. Although I’ve got to wonder about my character getting older each time. Luckily my furrier old man chin is a winner with Jenifer. I just hope we don’t do a show about Methuselah. Many thanks to Brad for showing his extreme confidence in me and of course to Jenifer for, well, everything.
Christopher Viney (Isachar/Guardsman)
Christopher “Vinney” Viney is 25 years old and has over a decade of singing and acting experience. He started in All City Chorus when he was 11, and has continued to grow into select choirs such as Lakeville High School’s “Madrijazz” and Concert Choirs. He has been in numerous shows such as Les Miserables, M.A.S.H., and Guys and Dolls. Vinney works as a Tech Support Guru in Chaska, MN. This is his second time performing in Joseph.
Stephanie is a sophomore at Apple Valley High School, where she is involved in the music, speech, and tennis programs. In addition to soprano saxophone and clarinet, she plays alto and tenor saxophones, piano, and flute. This is her third pit orchestra; she has previously played in Grease! for Eagan Summer Community Theatre and Into the Woods at Apple Valley High School.
Paul Woell (Guitar)
M.M. Jazz Studies; University of North Texas, 2004; B.A. Classical Guitar; University of St. Thomas, 2001; Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, 2004; Grammy All American High School Jazz Band, 1995; Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, 1995; Twin Cities All Metro Honors High School Jazz; Ensemble, 1993-1995
Carol Zaagsma (Trumpet)
Carol is thrilled to be playing in her third production with Chameleon. While the first two have been exceptional experiences, the third time is definitely a charm since Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is one of her all-time favorite shows. Carol is a Master of Divinity student at United Theological Seminary in New Brighton and seminary intern at Harron United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Center.
