The Company of Matilda The Musical
Welcome!
Please meet the residents of Matilda’s village
and all those who make the magic happen.
Quinn Asmus
Ensemble
Quinn is thrilled to be part of Matilda The Musical! Previous theater credits include Annie, where she performed as the orphan Tessie. Quinn loves performing and being involved in theater productions. When she is not on stage, Quinn enjoys playing volleyball and tennis, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with her dog, Poppy. She would like to thank the directors, cast, crew, and her family for their support and encouragement. Quinn hopes you enjoy the show!
Lydia Banwart
Amanda Thripp
Lydia Banwart will be in 8th grade at Richfield Middle School. You may have seen her as young Fiona and Grumpy in Slinger High School’s production of Shrek. She has recently played Belinda Cratchit (2024) & Mary Cratchit (2025) with the Falls Patio Players in a Christmas Carol, Beilke with Falls Patio Players in Fiddler on the Roof, and ensemble in Beetlejuice Jr. Lydia is looking forward to her first show with the Hartford Players playing Amanda in Matilda The Musical. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Lilly Beane
Flute / Alto Saxophone / Bb Clarinet
Lilly is a sophomore in college attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is earning her bachelor’s degree in clarinet music performance. She is an alumnus of the MYSO Senior Symphony, where she traveled to Europe on multiple occasions to perform in Europe’s largest concert halls, including the Royal Concertgebouw. Pit orchestra has always been a fun way to express her love for music and she has participated in multiple shows including The Little Mermaid and Little Shop of Horrors. When Lilly is not playing the clarinet, she loves to learn new instruments and to work as a summer camp counselor for The Threshold. This is her first show for the Hartford Players and is beyond excited for this year’s show!
Ann Becker
Assistant Producer
Ann is happy to be helping out behind the scenes of Matilda The Musical.
Claire Becker
Miss Honey / Graphics / Set Art Coordinator
Claire is excited to be in her eleventh show with the Hartford Players and her eighth show as a member of the cast. Her favorite roles with the Players include The Little Mermaid (Flounder) and Cinderella (Gabrielle). She is especially proud of her work painting the set and stage floor for productions such as Mamma Mia! and Cinderella. She is also proud of her design work on graphics and marketing materials for shows like Cinderella and The Wizard of Oz. Outside of the theatre, Claire is friends with princesses through Enchanted Abby and the Fairytale Birthday Company, and she is currently applying to medical school. She wants to thank family and friends for always supporting her crazy designs and the entire cast and crew for helping her paint them. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Jerry Becker
Director
Jerry co-founded the Hartford Players in 1988. Since that time, he has directed and/or appeared in many Players’ productions, including Something Rotten! (Nick Bottom), The Sound of Music (Capt. Von Trapp) and 2018’s Guys & Dolls (Sky Masterson). He was the 2017 Footlight Award winner for Best Musical Direction (Beauty and the Beast), Best Performance (Comicality 2017 & 2019) and Best Musical (My Fair Lady, as Prof. Henry Higgins, Patio Players). He directed our record-setting 2019 production of Mamma Mia!. He is a lawyer and husband (Karen), and serves as in-house general counsel to their three kids (Grace, Richard and Claire). He is a published composer and the leader of the award-winning wedding and events band, The Mr. Lucky Syndicate. Special thanks to Karen, Grace, Richard, Claire, Meg, Ann and the rest of the clan for making all of this possible. Eternal thanks to Mom and the Judge for making the Hartford Players possible in the first place.
Richard Becker
Projection Coordinator
Richard has been a lifetime member (his lifetime, not the group’s…) of the Hartford Players and is delighted to serve as projection coordinator, collaborating with talented artists to help bring the magic to life. He has served in largely technical roles throughout his time with the group, including as sound designer for Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, and Guys and Dolls, for which he received a Footlights Community Choice Award for outstanding sound design.
Jim Biddulph
Stage Manager
Jim is happy to be behind the scenes with his wife Tanja as Stage Managers (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Wizard of Oz, Cinderella). He has previously performed on stage with the Hartford Players in Shrek, Fiddler on the Roof, You Can’t Take it With You, and Guys and Dolls. Thanks to this talented group of people who let him participate in this madness and to his wife and kids for their love and support.
Tanja Biddulph
Stage Manager
Tanja is excited to be back in the shadows alongside her husband, Jim. Theater is a long-time passion they have shared with their children for years, working every aspect from onstage to front of house. As empty nesters, they still love experiencing the magic of theater from the best seats in the house—backstage! Tanja is incredibly grateful to Jerry for this opportunity and loves helping his vision shine. The only thing she loves more than the theater is being a grandma and spending time with her beautiful granddaughters.
Ariel Birkel
Clarinet / Bass Clarinet / Tenor Saxophone
Ariel is so happy to be playing for a Hartford Players show again! She was a part of the pit orchestra for Cinderella and is so excited to be back! She has had so much fun playing for this show and she hopes you enjoy it as much as she has!
Izzy Blair
Cornet / Bb Trumpet / Eb Trumpet / Flugelhorn
Izzy is a sophomore at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) for a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. She graduated from West Bend West High School in 2025. she was principal trumpet in Honors Wind Ensemble, played french horn in Symphonic Band, was Marching Band Section leader for three years, was awarded the Woody Herman Jazz award, and was the team captain of the robotics team. Izzy is also a distinguished rowing athlete at MSOE, where she was placed on varsity her freshman year. Her time outside of music consists of working at Sandy’s Barton Cafe and bike riding. This is Izzy’s first ever pit orchestra, and she is extremely excited to be playing with the Hartford Players!
Jacob Boyle
Conductor
Jacob Boyle (Conductor) is pleased to return to the Hartford Players for this summer production of Matilda The Musical. Jacob has conducted productions with ensembles throughout the region, including West Bend High School (Little Shop of Horrors, SIX: TEEN EDITION), Hamilton High School (The Drowsy Chaperone), and the Hartford Players (Cinderella). A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Jacob furthered his studies in music education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is currently the general music teacher at Rossman Elementary in Hartford, where he has taught for the past ten years. When not in the classroom or the orchestra pit, Jacob enjoys spending time with his husband, Gary, and their Great Pyrenees, Marley, visiting family in Florida, composing, and crocheting. He extends his gratitude to all the phenomenal musicians in the pit for their hard work and excellent musicianship. When he grows up, he will most definitely not eat sweets every day. Or will he…?
Tess Breit
Youth Vocal Director
Tess is honored to be giving back to the Hartford Players as a production staff member after many years onstage. Her favorite shows were Mamma Mia (Sophie) and Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel). Tess has been involved in area community theatre since she was Matilda’s age, but in recent years her focus has shifted to her position as Choral Director at West Bend High Schools, Holy Angels Church Resurrection Choir and Children’s Choir, and her favorite position, mother of her two children Thea and Rafe. Tess would like to thank the cast for welcoming Thea to rehearsals and her husband Charlie for supporting her love of vocal music.
Joanna Bucher
Ensemble / Dance Captain
This is Joanna’s 12th theater production and 3rd musical with the Hartford Players. She is a senior nursing student at Carroll University with minors in musical theater and dance. Joanna has only been dancing for 7 years but has loved the variety of dance she has experienced including jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tap, and many cultural dances. Some of her favorite shows include Anything Goes (Chastity) and Newsies (Katherine). Joanna is glad to be returning to the Hartford Players’ stage!
Raymond Cerfus
Eric
Making his theater debut as “Eric” in Matilda The Musical, Raymond is already looking forward to his next adventure on stage! A natural entertainer and proud class clown, Raymond loves making people laugh as much as he loves making music. He has a knack for playing the drums and piano by ear and keeps the beat as the drummer in his school band. Raymond lives in Rubicon. When he is not performing, you’ll likely find him playing baseball, drawing, or conquering a Rubik’s Cube. Raymond thanks his parents for his natural abilities and for always helping him, his siblings for being his singing partners, and the Wilbanks family for encouraging him to pursue theater. Most importantly, he wants to thank God for giving him these opportunities and talents. He hopes this is the first of many curtain calls!
Christopher Cerveny
Bruce Bogtrotter
Christopher is excited to be joining the Hartford Players, playing Bruce Bogtrotter. He has previously appeared as Pugsley Addams in “The Addams Family Musical” at Fireside Theatre, X-Ray in “Holes” at The Box Theatre, and an orphan in “Oliver!” with Oconomowoc Community Theatre. Christopher has also enjoyed performing in numerous productions through his school, with his favorite role being Mike Teavee in “Willy Wonka Jr.” When he’s not on stage, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and is always looking for his next theatrical adventure. Much like Bruce Bogtrotter, Christopher’s favorite cake is chocolate, making this role especially sweet! He would like to thank his family, directors, and castmates for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!
Tim Dondlinger
Production Assistant / Bass
Tim has appeared on stage and in the pit for more shows than he can count. (Which, as a bassist, is not surprising, as counting past “four” can be a challenge.) On the Players’ stage, some of his favorite roles include Sparky (Forever Plaid), Felix Unger (The Odd Couple), and Nathan Detroit (Guys and Dolls). He also had the fortune to play Wormwood in DSHA CTW’s Matilda. Recent pit work includes Hadestown, The Lightning Thief, and The Drowsy Chaperone. Most recently, he was honored to reprise his orchestra work for Tosa West’s first-in-the-nation production of Dear Evan Hansen. Tim stays busy with many activities outside his theatrical pursuits, among them his day job writing software used for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of brain tumors. Tim lives in the Falls with his wonderful wife Mary and their three lovely daughters.
Arya Eden
Matilda
Arya Eden fell in love with the stage first performing at the age of 8. Now 11, she is a seasoned musician, singer, songwriter, and actor with a deep passion for both music and theater. Arya has appeared at venues including Maxwell Street Days, Bluemel’s Fall Fest, the Kenosha United Way Gala, Vision & Vibe Festival, and various open mic nights throughout Racine, Kenosha, and Illinois. Her accomplishments include appearing in a commercial with M3 Insurance, winning Racine’s Got Talent 2024, and performing in several standout theatrical roles. She has appeared in Madagascar Jr. (Skipper), The Little Mermaid (Gull), Honk Jr. (the Cat), Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (Matilda), Mary Poppins (Ensemble Cast), and Shrek The Musical (Young Fiona/Farquaad’s Father). Arya would like to thank the directors, cast and crew for such a great experience—enjoy the show!
Jennifer Feucht
Keyboard 2
Jennifer is always excited when she gets to work with the Hartford Players whether on the stage or playing keyboard in the pit. Past roles, here at Hartford and with other community theatre groups, include Patsy Cline in Always…Patsy Cline, Tanya in Mamma Mia, and Margaret White in Carrie, the Musical. She is also a member of the Players board. Jennifer thanks you for supporting the Hartford Players production of Matilda The Musical.
Matt Gehrman
Agatha Trunchbull
Matt is excited to be back on stage this summer portraying the terrifyingly spectacular Mrs. Trunchbull! Some other Hartford Players productions you may have recently seen Matt in include Young Frankenstein (Featured Ensemble) and The Wizard of Oz (Tinman/Hickory). In his free time, Matt enjoys serving as Secretary on both the Hartford Players and Hartford Community Service board of directors, traveling, and connecting with friends over video games. Make sure to keep your feet inside Mrs. Trunchbull’s line!
Juliana Geraghty
Ensemble
Juliana is delighted to be part of Matilda The Musical, especially since she gets to share the stage with her two favorite castmates—her children! Previous productions with the Hartford Players include Cinderella (Marie) and The Wizard of Oz (Crew). When she’s not at rehearsals, Juliana can be found directing choirs and teaching general music at Central Middle School. She would like to thank her husband, Charlie, for wholeheartedly supporting his family’s love of theatre and graciously holding down the fort while the other three disappear to nightly rehearsals.
Sophia Geraghty
Ensemble
Sophia will be a 10th grader in the fall. Sophia loves the thrill of being on stage. Some of her favorite performances include The Lion King Jr. (Rafiki), Mary Poppins Jr. (The Bird Woman), SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical (Sea Anemone Ensemble), and Cinderella (Ensemble). Outside of the theatre, Sophia enjoys drawing, playing bass and piano, and playing video games. Sophia has enjoyed preparing for Matilda The Musical especially learning the complex rhythms of the songs.
Liam Geraghty
Nigel
Liam will be an 8th grader in the fall and loves acting and singing. Some of Liam’s favorite performances include The Lion King Jr (Young Simba), The Music Man Jr. (Mayor Shinn), Aladdin Jr. (Kassim), and The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin Ensemble). Off the stage, Liam enjoys hanging out with friends, visiting his grandparent’s house, and playing the oboe in the school band. Liam enjoyed preparing his role for Matilda The Musical and is excited for you all to see it.
Eviana Gibbons
Hortensia
Eviana is excited to be performing in Hartford for the first time! Some of her favorite previous theater credits include Spamalot at The Box (French Taunter), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at First Stage (Gladys), The Lion King at Lake Country Playhouse (Timon), and Annie at The Box (Molly). Recently, she had the opportunity to be in Moana (Moana) at her school, Saint Joan of Arc Parish School. Outside of theater, Eviana loves to read and write stories, ride horses and spend time with her cockatiel, Apollo. She is excited to help tell the story of Matilda!
Elora Greve
Matilda
Elora is so excited to be in Matilda The Musical! This opportunity of having her dream role is like getting a million dollars. She is so grateful for the people working backstage, up stage (Hi pit members!), and on stage! Working with everyone has been a fun experience. Elora’s previous roles were in Annie (Orphan/Annie Understudy), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Jemima), and Spongebob the Musical (Electric Skate 1). Outside of theater, Elora enjoys playing with her parakeet and dog, playing the violin (and soon, cello), reading, creating stories, and spending time with her friends. As she goes into the theater of magic, you might see her pull a few tricks on one of her fellow cast mates like supergluing a hat on your head:)… sometimes you have to be a little bit NAUGHTY! Enjoy the show!
Phil Greve
The Doctor / The Escapalogist
Phil is excited to make his first appearance with the Hartford Players, and to share the stage with his daughter! He has performed with many area theaters in the last several years. You may have seen him with Spotlight Theater in Oliver! (Fagin), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), or Annie (Bert Healy). Other favorite local productions include LPI’s Bye Bye Birdie (Harry MacAfee) and Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Dare to Dream’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Potts), and Memories Dinner Theater’s Man of La Mancha (Padre). Phil leads contemporary worship at River of Life in Saukville, plays trumpet with the Lakeshore Symphonic Band, and works in administration at Concordia University Wisconsin. Phil thanks his family for their support, and Jesus Christ for the gifts he’s been given.
Hazel Griffin
Rehearsal Pianist / Keyboard
Hazel is happy to be back for another Hartford Players show, having fun and making music with friends old and new! In addition to community theater, she also works with many high schools in the area and plays for worship services at Trinity Lutheran ELCA in West Bend. Favorite recent shows are Six the Musical -Teen Edition and Anastasia. Hazel also coordinates and accompanies härm?ne, a male vocal ensemble that raises money for nonprofits every year. When not practicing, she enjoys hiking, baking, reading, and organizing road trips with friends! She hopes you enjoy the show!
Chërí Handel
Trumpet 1 / Flugelhorn
Cheri Handel is an accomplished trumpet player and dedicated music educator with over 40 years of performance. Cheri attended high school in Mukwonago and earned her degree from Carroll College before establishing a vibrant musical presence in southeast Wisconsin. Her work role is in purchasing. A passionate advocate for live music, she frequently performs across the region in a diverse array of musical ensembles. Her current group affiliations include the Cream City Silver Brass (Greendale), Grace Notes Brass (Mukwonago), the Grace Notes Jazz Band, the Hartford City Band, and the West Bend River City Irregulars. Cheri has attended various pit orchestras in recent years. Alongside her extensive performance schedule, Cheri shares her decades of musical expertise by providing private trumpet instruction, fostering the talents of the next generation of brass musicians.
Spencer Hikade
Trombone / Bass Trombone
Spencer is excited for his first performance with the Hartford Players in Matilda The Musical. He has previously played trombone, tuba, and keyboard in a variety of musicals including The Addams Family, Bye Bye Birdie, The Wizard of Oz, Guys and Dolls, and many more. When he’s not playing an instrument, he enjoys playing board games, video games, and Dungeons & Dragons. He would like to thank his amazing wife Sarah and wonderful seven-month-old daughter Margaret for all their love and support. Enjoy the show!
Heidi Hunter
Ensemble
Heidi is going into seventh grade in West Bend where she enjoys singing in the show choir. She is excited to perform with the talented Hartford Players cast after making her debut theater performance earlier this year in the Badger & Silverbrook school production of Matilda Jr as a member of the Big Kids Ensemble. Heidi has a passion for singing and performing, and in her free time enjoys riding horses, playing board games, and listening to music. Warning: Revolting children may be on stage tonight! Enjoy the show!
Adam Iverson
Mr. Wormwood / Assistant Director
Adam is thrilled to be spending another summer with the Hartford Players! This is his tenth production with the Hartford Players, having first appeared in a show with the group in 2015. Some of his favorite performances with the Players include Beauty and the Beast (LeFou), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), and Young Frankenstein (Frederick Frankenstein). He also directed Cinderella for the Players in 2024. Adam has served on the Hartford Players Board of Directors since 2021. He would like to thank all of the people who have supported him throughout this process, especially his family.
Dani Kuepper
Choreographer
Dani Kuepper has been immersed in both the creative and administrative aspects of the non-profit arts sector for the last twenty-eight years. She joined the Schauer Arts Center team as the Director of Development in August of 2025 after serving as the Community Engagement Manager at the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) in Milwaukee 2022-2025. Kuepper received both her BFA and MFA in Performance and Choreography from the Dance Department at UW-Milwaukee (UWM). From 1998-2021 she was a member of the teaching faculty at UWM Dance, and a company member and choreographer of Danceworks Performance Company. Serving as the Artistic Director of Danceworks from 2007–2021, she enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate extensively with independent artists of all genres and arts organizations including Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Present Music, Florentine Opera, Chant Claire Chamber Choir, First Stage Children’s Theater, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. And in the Hartford area, Dani has choreographed and/or directed the HUHS Musical since 2016, as well as collaborated with Jim & I Productions and Hartford Players.
Sophia Lee
Alice
Sophia is excited to play Alice in the Hartford Players production of Matilda The Musical this summer. She was previously seen in the Hartford Players production of The Wizard of Oz (Lullaby League). Other notable stage credits include Shrek Jr. (Baby Bear), Aladdin Jr. (Beggar #2), and Finding Nemo Jr. (Fish Ensemble). In her spare time, Sophia enjoys swimming, being a big sister, drawing, Girl Scouts, and shopping. Her favorite part of this production has been learning the challenging choreography and harmonies. Sophia dedicates her performance to people who are a little bit naughty for all the right reasons—and would like to remind her parents that she is an angel!
Levi Linehan
Ensemble
Levi is super excited to be part of this amazing cast of Matilda The Musical. He has not done theater in a few years but when walking back through these doors it felt as if he had never left.
Dakota Loos-Wallace
Sergei
Dakota Loos-Wallace is a 30-year-old human who has spent the last decade in Milwaukee helping restore access to justice for those who cannot afford the legal help they need. Through his work with Public Allies, AmeriCorps, and the Milwaukee Justice Center he has worked with hundreds of clients, volunteers, and colleagues to help lift each other out of the muck. Dakota is no newborn babe to theater, this being his 6th show with the Hartford Players and 13th show total (though it has been close to ten years since his last performance on stage). He hopes tonight the magic of theater and one little girl remind you of the whimsy in this life that we all live together.
Ellis Mancuso
Ensemble / Construction Crew
Ellis is a new member of the Hartford Players and is thrilled to be a part of Matilda The Musical. In the past Ellis has been a part of Finding Nemo jr. (Chum/Ensemble), Puffs (Harry Potter), Matilda jr. (Big Kid/Cook), and has been in numerous rock bands around Milwaukee. When not on stage in some way, shape, or form, Ellis volunteers at the Washington County Humane Society helping care for dogs and cats. Ellis would like to thank Jerry Becker, Janice Westphal, and the countless others who worked to bring this show together.
Kalie Martin
Mrs. Wormwood
Kalie is ecstatic to be making a “loud” splash with her return to musical theater with the Hartford Players. Born and raised in Hartford, Kalie grew to love music of all forms, going on to earn her BM in Vocal Performance as well as obtaining much on-stage experience which she uses in her private voice studio when teaching students of all ages. She finds teaching to be the most fulfilling career and feels fortunate to work one-on-one with so many talented young (and young at heart) musicians. She’d like to thank her family for their never-ending support and ability to truly “show up” for one another. Lastly, she’d like to thank her sweetheart and four littles for supporting her return to the stage and for giving her the most meaningful purpose life has to offer. Live life loud!
Lori Matasek
Costume Designer
Lori is pleased to be once again costuming for the Hartford Players. You may have seen her work with them in the past including Cinderella, Hunchback, going all the way back to Shrek. Please sit back, relax and enjoy the show! Watch out for those Revolting Children!
Lexi Mccalla
Ensemble
Lexi is incredibly grateful to be part of Matilda The Musical, her second performance in a musical. Matilda The Musical is her first professional production! Some things she likes to do outside of acting are knit, read, listen to music and hang out with her friends. In her last musical, she played a band member in “Music Man Jr” at Central Middle School. Her favorite musicals are West Side Story, Grease and Newsies. Theater has always been a passion since she was a little girl. She looks forward to what roles she can land in the future!
Rebecca McMartin
Choreographer
This is Rebecca’s first show with the Hartford Players. However, she has done many other musicals such as: Mary Poppins, Newsies, Elf, and Legally Blonde. She works as a radiologic technologist full time and part time as a dance instructor at Fred Astaire dance studios. Thank you for this opportunity!
Melissa Mularski
Cello
Melissa is excited to be performing for her third Hartford Players musical, Matilda The Musical. She has performed in numerous orchestras and ensembles since first being told she had “cello hands” which she later learned was a nice way of saying her fingers were enormous for a girl. She, her husband Michael (percussionist) and son live with their two rescue dogs plus their new foster dog, who may or may not have been named after the musical’s director.
Michael Mularski
Construction / Drums / Percussion
This is Michael’s 5th season performing with and/or building set pieces with HP. Most recently, he’s been a percussionist with the Milwaukee Community Orchestra and Milwaukee Philharmonic. He studied Music Performance at Millikin University in Decatur, IL.
Over the years, he’s performed with the Sheboygan and Kettle Morraine Symphonies and has sung with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and barbershop quartets. Michael and his wife Melissa (cellist for the show!) met back in high school while performing with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and enjoy performing together with the MCO.
Preston Perez
Tommy
Preston is so excited to be a part of Matilda The Musical! Previously he was a Munchkin in the Hartford Player’s Wizard of Oz and Maui in Nature Hill Intermediate School’s Moana Jr. He is glad for the opportunity to be on stage again playing Tommy and wants to thank his parents and family for supporting him in the arts! He hopes you enjoy the show!
Claire Pergande
Ensemble
Claire Pergande is thrilled to be appearing in Matilda The Musical, which is her third production with the Hartford Players. She is grateful to the cast, crew, and directors for making this experience so memorable. Claire would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support.
Emilyn Reyes
Mrs. Phelps
Emilyn is thrilled to be returning for her second production with the Hartford Players! Along with being in this production, Emilyn was one of the recipients of the 2025 Don Friedemann Scholarship from the Hartford Players. Emilyn is currently studying Music Education at UW-Milwaukee, hoping to continue her passion in singing and the arts. Her most recent production was the Hartford Players’ production of Cinderella (Ensemble), and some of her favorite outside credits include Clue (Miss Scarlett) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Molly Aster). Emilyn thanks you all for coming and hopes you enjoy the show!
T.J. Rosbeck
Rudolpho / Wig Designer
T.J. Rosbeck, a proud West Bend native, discovered a love for the stage at age 10 and has been performing ever since. Over the years, he has appeared in numerous musical productions, developing a passion for storytelling, music, and connecting with audiences. Beyond the theatre, T.J. is an accomplished hairstylist, marathon runner, and drag entertainer. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or supporting fellow artists, he believes in the power of creativity to bring people together. T.J. is grateful for the opportunity to return to community theater after 20 years with such a talented cast and crew. Thank you family, friends, and supporters for their continued encouragement. This one’s for you Rudy!
Lyla Spencer
Ensemble
This production will be Lyla’s first with The Hartford Players. She is already thrilled to be a part of the family and is very grateful everyone has been so open and accommodating to her joining. This will be her fourth performance, with her previous roles being Small Alice in “Alice in Wonderland”, Little Elsa in “Frozen”, and Tamatoa’s Claw in “Moana”. Lyla stays extremely busy with a huge dedication to her studies, volunteering in school activities and programs, choir, and playing on basketball, volleyball, and softball teams year round. She looks forward to future productions with Hartford Players.
Danny Swyers
Ensemble
Danny is excited to be in Matilda The Musical. Previous productions include the Hartford Player’s Cinderella (ensemble), Slinger Middle School’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. (ensemble), Adams Family Jr. (ensemble), and Little Mermaid Jr. (King Triton). Danny hopes to continue performing with the Hartford Players and the Slinger High School drama club. He hopes everyone enjoys watching this amazing cast!
Kay Swyers
Ensemble
Kay is happy to be performing in her first Hartford Players musical. Outside of annoying her brothers she loves dancing, singing and playing piano, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. Kay hopes you enjoy Matilda The Musical and that you see a MIRACLE!
Meg Swyers
Head Gofer
Meg is happy to be helping out behind the scenes of Matilda The Musical while her kids are on stage.
Tommy Swyers
Michael Wormwood
Tommy is excited to be performing as Michael Wormwood in his second Hartford Players show. His first was The Wizard of Oz in which he performed as a munchkin, flying monkey, and citizen of Oz. He has also been in The Addams Family Jr. and The Little Mermaid Jr. In his free time Tommy plays guitar, reads, solves Rubik’s cubes (and he makes patterns/designs on them), solves puzzles and plays softball. Tommy likes turtles and triceratops but he REALLY REALLY likes ducks. (He may have been one in a past life.)
Isla Tiefel
Lavender
Isla is excited to be performing in her first show with the Hartford Players. In her short 11 years, she has found herself on stage many times in productions including Annie (Annie), Seussical (JoJo), Shrek (Young Fiona), and Frozen (Young Anna). When she’s not on stage, she can be found doing her nails, practicing cheer, or singing. She hopes you enjoy the show that is “all about her”… well, maybe not all about her!
Conner Trahan
Guitar
This will be Conner’s first musical with the Hartford Players. He is so grateful to share this experience with all the wonderful musicians, actors, and various staff who have put so much time and dedication into this performance. He has performed all over the US in various genres and instruments but is so excited to be able to share music with the people closest to home.
Sarah Troy
Choreographer
Sarah is thrilled to be back for her third production with the Hartford Players—this time, from behind the scenes! Sarah is an award-winning Director and Choreographer at Hamilton High School in Sussex, where she also teaches choir and theatre. In her free time, Sarah loves traveling the world, trying new cuisines, and playing with her pup, Willett. She sends endless gratitude to her wonderful husband, John, her beautiful girls, and the rest of her “tribe” for their endless love and support.
Mike Van Dreser
Lighting Designer
Mike is a 2004 graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. He has done lighting design for many Next Act Theatre shows including Big Boys, No Chiild…, I and You, and One Time. In spring 2019, Mike started his own production company, Stage Right Designs. His company mission is to bring professional technical support to all levels of theatre, from elementary school to professional theatre. In 2018, Mike was nominated for a Jerry Award for Lighting Design for Bye Bye Birdie and a Footlights Award for Lighting Design for Next to Normal. In 2019, he was again nominated for a Jerry for Little Shop of Horrors and two Footlights awards for Thoroughly Modern Millie and Hedwig.
Janice Westphal
Vocal Music Director
Janice loves doing what she does best-Singing and Teaching
Afton Wilcox
Ensemble
Afton Wilcox is 11 years old, and she started performing in musicals in 2024 through the Missoula Children’s Theater plays at the Schauer Arts Center. She performed in Cinderella (Ensemble) and Sleeping Beauty (Young Sleeping Beauty). Afton also performed in her first Schauer Arts Rising Stars Production in 2025 which was Aladdin Jr. (Ensemble). She has also performed in The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever (Ensemble/Hip Hop Dancer) and Finding Nemo Jr. (Ensemble). She performed in her school musical, The Wizard of Oz (The Wicked Witch), in 2026. Afton continues to take private lessons in voice and vocal training as well as piano lessons each week. Afton has also participated in theater camp through the Schauer Arts Rising Stars program, which encompasses play writing and performance of the play.
Sarah Yudkovitch
Acrobat / Dance Captain
Sarah Yudkovitch is thrilled to be returning to the Hartford Players this summer! Sarah has been involved in many different productions with some of her favorite shows being Young Frankenstein (Ensemble, Hartford Players), Urinetown (Penelope Pennywise, LCP) and La Cage Aux Folles (Mercedes, FRC). Off the stage, she is an incoming Junior at University Calgary completing a degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology! She is immensely grateful to be a part of this production and thanks her friends and family for always supporting her.
Claire Zuern
Ensemble
Claire is so honored to be in the ensemble of Matilda The Musical. This is Claire’s second performance with the Hartford Players. Previously, she was in Peter Pan (Lost Boy), Madagascar Jr. (Lemur), Seussical the Musical Jr. (Jungle Animal, Water, and Circus Animal), Moana Jr. (Ocean Dancer / Villager), The Wizard of Oz (Coroner of Munchkin land), Shrek Jr. (Gingy), Mary Poppins (Jane Banks), Aladdin Jr. (Iago), and SpongeBob the Musical (Ensemble). When she is not singing or dancing, Claire likes to play basketball, softball, and tennis. She would like to thank her brothers, Kyle & Tyler, for getting her started in theater, plus her family for their support. She is so grateful for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show!
Photography by Audra Dutler
~ Capturing The Performances of Your Life
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