Maria –

Lauren is an Omaha- based actor who has appeared in many productions at The Rose Theater. Some notable roles at The Rose include Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Miss Shields in A Christmas Story, The Cat in The Cat in the Hat, and Fairy Godmother in Disney's The Descendants. She also was a part of three world premiere productions at The Rose: Prancer, Pete the Cat, and Howie D: Back in the Day.

Lauren has also performed many times with the Omaha Symphony in their family and educational shows. She has been seen in their educational program Mission Imagination for two years, performing in The Misadventures of Melvin the Explorer and The Symphonic School Bus. Lauren has also appeared with the Sarasota Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, and the Lima Symphony Orchestra.

Captain –

Jay is thrilled to be making his Rose debut! This show has a special place in his heart because Edelweiss is the first song he remembers learning as a child from his mother's music box. Jay is the Music and Worship Arts Director at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church and performs with Résonance and the Omaha Symphony. He and his beautiful wife, Jennifer have three amazing and equally theatrical daughters. Special thanks to all who continue to support the arts! As Edward Bloom says in Big Fish, "the best part of an adventure is the people you meet." There's no better reason to be in the theatre.

Elsa Schraeder –

Jennifer Gilg is happy to return to The Rose and to one of her favorite musicals. She last appeared in the Rose Theater’s production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Jennifer has performed on most of the area’s stages. Some of her favorite roles include Jessie in Sweat (OCP), Helen Bechdel in Fun Home (OCP), Aldonza in Man of La Mancha (OCP), Bev/Kathy in Clybourne Park (SNAP Productions), Harper in Angels in America (SNAP), Mary Bland in Eating Raoul (Shelterbelt Theatre), and Amalia in She Loves Me (Chanticleer and Dundee Dinner Theatre). By day, Jennifer works as an attorney with the Federal Public Defender’s Office.

Max Detweiler –

Wingy is thrilled to be back on a theater stage along with SUCH a gifted and heart-centered cast. "Thanks, Matt, for inviting me to come out and play! Max feels like such a great fit for me. Last time that happened was at the Omaha Playhouse's production of "Drowsy Chaperone" (Man in Chair) for which I won several Best Actor Awards." More recently you might have seen Dave in "A Very Die Hard Xmas", "Frost/Nixon" , "Six Degrees of Separation" and "The Goat, or. Who is Sylvia". All Blue Barn productions directed by Susan Clement. Dave's very first Omaha theater performance was in 1975 at the JCC: "Six Rms Riv Vu" co-starring with Ernie Dennenberg. Directed by Rita Glass. "Fondest memories". Weekday mornings, you'll find Wingy "on stage" at 94.5 Boomer Radio playing feel-good hits of the 60's and 70's "and having the absolute bestest most satisfying time of my entire career."

Mother Abbess –

Cammy Watkins (she/her) returns to the Rose Theater after playing Sebastian in The Little Mermaid. She is excited to join this production as Mother Abbess after COVID put the show on pause in 2020. Cammy is a retired Opera Omaha chorus member who performed in various professional productions including World and Regional premieres on the Orpheum and Holland stages for 13 years. In addition, she was a part of the Omaha Symphony Christmas Celebration show for 10 years as a member of the featured chorus.

Franz –

Don is thrilled to be on The Rose stage for the first time. Don has performed in just about every
theatre in Omaha, Including the old Emmy Gifford Children’s Theater. Don was last seen in “A
Very Die-Hard Christmas” at the Blue Barn. Don has also been seen at the Bellevue Little
Theatre, Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre, Circle Theatre, SNAP. Don acted in over 25 shows at the
Omaha Community Theatre. Some of his favorite shows include GYPSY, Spamalot, Young
Frankenstein, Hair, The Producer, Catch Me If You Can, and Golden Pond just to name a few.

Margaretta / (Understudy mother Abbess) / Partygoer / Ensemble –

Born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines, Biannah first discovered her love for performing at her ballet school. She had the opportunity to compete in Thailand, Singapore, and the United States until she joined a non-profit touring performing arts group called Young Americans. In the Young Americans, she taught singing, dancing, and performance in Japan, Europe, and the United States. She finished her BA in Arts Management and Masters in Business Administration at Midland University while serving as a Theater Event Planner & Graduate Assistant respectively. She currently is the Rose Studios for Youth Artists Manager and is grateful to continue to share her love for the performing arts as a tool to express oneself.

Herr Zeller / Swing –

Dennis Stessman graduated from UNO with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting (2016) He was last seen in Frankenstein (Robert Walton) as part of the Joslyn Castle’s Art and Literary Festival and Brigit Saint Brigit’s God on Trial (Moche). His other notable credits are The Hobbit (Thorin Oakenshield/ The Circle Theatre), The Dairy Maid-Rite (Robbie/ The Shelterbelt Theatre), Three Sisters (Baron Tusenbach/ Creighton University), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Ransome Foster/ Omaha Community Playhouse), A Fire Within (Richard III/ Creighton & NSC), Cloud 9 (Clive/ UNO), and Hedda Gabler ( Eilert Loevborg/ UNO). This is Dennis’s first show with the Rose Theater.

Admiral Von Schreiber / Elberfeld –

Jesse Wohlman is a singer, actor, and university voice instructor based in Omaha, Nebraska. He has worked with numerous local organizations such as Résonance, Opera Omaha, the Omaha Symphony, the Nebraska Opera Project, The Blue Barn Theater, The Ollie Webb Center Inc., and the Rose Theater. In 2018, Jesse had the extreme pleasure of composing and performing the music for the Rose's production of "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" for which he played guitar, banjo, harmonica, and sang. Jesse is very excited to be back at the Rose and hopes you enjoy the show!

Frau Schmidt –

Since moving from Sioux City to Omaha in 2020, Joey's acting productions in the Omaha area include, Omaha Community Playhouse: Bridges of Madison County (Barbara Ford Award) (OEAA Nomination) Ragtime (OEAA Nomination), Once (OEAA Nomination), On an Anxious Night in November 2020 (Alternative Programming), Blue Barn's: Heroes of the Fourth Turning The Rose: Ella Enchanted (OEAA Best Musical), Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. Fringe Festival: Run for Cover, All for One Theatre: Cinderella. Other theatrical appearances include: Lamb Theatre, Shot in the Dark, Evelyn Larson Theatre and Sioux City Community Theatre. Joey is active on the SNAP! Play Selection Committee, Theatre Arts Guild (TAG) Board Member, Opportunity Corps STEAM and Directing Fellowship at OCP. Joey holds a BA in Music and currently works as a teaching artist at WHY ARTS, SNJ Studios and Music Leader - Contemporary Service at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Papillion. Joey is thankful for every local theatre! Yay ARTS!

Berthe / Partygoer / Ensemble –

Jaeden "Jae" Starling has been involved in theater on and off the stage since she was young. Finding a passion for theater and more importantly it's impact on education in high school led her to pursue education as a full time job. Jae currently teaches as an early childhood educator. When she is not focused on work, you can find her on stage. Most recently she finished productions at both the Chanticleer and Bellevue Little Theater. To perform at The Rose has been a dream of Jae's since she saw a production of Peter Pan at the age of 11. Jae plans on continuing to pursue theater and sharing her passion with the world.

Rolf –

Al has been performing on stage for 5 years, his debut with the Creighton Dance Company. He attributes his newly realized love for performance to the fine arts community at Creighton, especially his dance teachers who were instrumental in guiding him through a tumultuous introduction to college life and consequently discovering his true passion. His family, too, has been nothing if not wonderfully supportive of his pursuits and continues to inspire him every day.

Liesl –

Dina is thrilled to return to The Rose Theater after last appearing in Disney's Descendants (Carlos) in 2021, The Dollmaker's Gift in 2019 and Newsies in 2018. Other credits include The Secret Garden (Mary Lennox) at the UNO Theater and West Side Story at Stagedoor Manor, NY (SDM Award for Best Featured Actress). Dina has also performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops. Dina was a member of the Senior Rose Brigade for three years and recently finished her second season with the Rose Dance Project. In May, Dina graduated from Omaha Central High School, where she was active in student government and National Honor Society. This fall, Dina will be attending NYU Tisch School of the Arts where she will study drama. Special thanks to all of my Rose teachers for guiding and supporting me throughout my years at the Rose!

Friedrich –

Alex is thrilled to be performing in this year’s production. Alex is 14 years old and has performed in many local productions big and small, including most recently Thoroughly Modern Millie, a original works of “All Shook Up”, Roald Dahl’s Matilda and Newsies. Alex is a current member of The Rose Sr. Brigade, and enjoys Show Choir and hanging out with friends.

Friedrich –

Pretzel (17) is a Junior at Omaha Central High School. They were recently featured as Olive Ostrovsky in Central’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. They have been in approximately 15 shows in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. They would like to thank their family and partner for being very supportive throughout the ups and downs of their theater journey. They wish to be able to continue doing theater and possibly become an opera singer. They thank you for coming to see the show!

Louisa –

Nivi is an incoming junior at Millard North High School. She has previously performed as VITA - in How To Build an Ark, as well as LISA - in Corduroy, both Rose Productions. She has also portrayed Anna in Frozen. Jr, Mrs. Lanford from Show N' Spell, and the Mayor from Homeschooled, along with some other roles in small skits. Nivi is an Indian classical dancer who likes to sing and act. Nivi loves being on stage, and hopes you all enjoy this heartwarming show!

**Intellectual Fact: the Nazi symbol used was called the “Haken Kreuz” - German for “hooked cross”, not “Swastika”. The Swastika is a symbol of growth & prosperity in Indic culture.**

Louisa –

Serenity Rouse will be entering Mercy High School in the Fall of 2022. She is on the JV Cheerleading team and plays volleyball and soccer. The Sound of Music will be Serenity’s debut on The Rose stage! Serenity enjoys writing, listening to music and acting. Serenity is excited to participate in her first musical and is looking forward to working on future productions with The Rose.

Kurt –

Artie is excited to be joining the Rose Theater for another musical. At The Rose, he previously played Eric in Matilda: the Musical and Ensemble in Disney's Descendants. He started acting in his church's holiday productions, and played Malchus, an Angel, a Crowd Member, and Peter. He has also played Commedia dell' Arte in the Actor Games, Bert in Good News, Hansel in A Princess with No Name, and Joel March in A Family Reunion to Die for at Davis Middle School, Jimmy Biggs in the Battle of Boat at Northwest High School, and the Boss in 7 Ways to Say I Love You at Central High School. Artie enjoys watching shows and movies, jumping on trampolines, drawing, cooking, and playing with LEGOs.

Kurt –

Judson Cloudt is excited to be back on The Rose mainstage! You may have seen Judson at The Rose Theater as Nigel in Matilda the Musical in 2019. Other local credits include the Bellevue Little Theater where he played Josh Baskin in BIG The Musical and Leroy Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, both in 2021. The Omaha Community Playhouse: A Christmas Carol (2016 – 2019), Annie The Musical (Dog Catcher), Shrek The Musical (Baby Bear) and Beauty and the Beast (Pepper Shaker). He also played Wally Webb in Our Town at UNO. Judson just finished 7th grade at Otte Middle School in the Blair Community School District. He enjoys participating in Student Senate, Circle of Friends, Show Choir, Band, and Choir at school. He would like to thank The Rose casting team for the opportunity to perform in one of his favorite musicals of all time!

Brigitta –

June Gentry is thrilled to be in her first Rose Theater production! June will be in 8th grade at Westside Middle School and is active in her school’s show choir and theater department. Her most recent shows include Grease (Patty Simcox), Big The Musical and Fiddler on the Roof. June is a lifelong fan of the Sound of Music and is grateful to have the opportunity to play Brigitta Von Trapp.

Brigitta –

Charlotte is 11 years old and a fifth grader at Columbian Elementary. She is thrilled to be in Sound of Music, her first ever production. She has participated in the Rose Theater's Junior Brigade for the last two years, performing in My Son Pinocchio Jr. and Madagascar Jr. Charlotte loves to sing and dance, and enjoys playing tennis in her free time.

Marta –

Jenna is extremely excited to make her acting debut in The Sound of Music as Marta. She is starting fifth grade in the Fall. When she is not in school Jenna enjoys rehearsing and performing with The Rose Junior Brigade. She also enjoys flag rugby with Big Red Rugby in the Summer. Jenna was born in Cape Town, South Africa and moved to Omaha in 2014.

Marta –

Ainsley is in 4th grade and attends Papillion LaVista Community Schools. Ainsley is currently part of the The Rose Theater’s Junior Brigade, appearing as “Private,” one of the penguins, in MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL JR. Before Junior Brigade, Ainsley was a member of The Rose’s Mini Brigade for 4 years, appearing as “Molly” in ANNIE KIDS and “Young Anna” in FROZEN KIDS and in the ensemble of THE ARISTOCATS KIDS and ALADDIN KIDS. Ainsley has been a Rose Kid since she was 4 and has taken Ballet, Tap and Musical Theater classes. Ainsley competed in “Papillion Idol,” winning third place in 2018 and first place in 2019. She sang the Star Spangled Banner at the Cass County Fair in 2022. Ainsley loves all things Musical Theater and is so very excited to be a part of THE SOUND OF MUSIC!

Gretl –

Vivian lives on a farm in Murdock, NE. She attends school at Elmwood-Murdock Elementary. She is so excited to be a part of The Sound of Music! She first played the role of Elsa in Frozen for Rose Mini Brigade. This year she portrayed Skipper in Madagascar for the Rose Junior Brigade. In addition to her love of musical theater, she enjoys volleyball, basketball and playing with her younger sister Estelle. She would like to give a big thanks to Michael James, Sue Gillespie and Trudy Yeatts who have taught and fostered her love for musical theater.

Gretl –

Nora just finished 2nd grade at Skyline Elementary. She played Charlie in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with the Mini Rose Brigade this year. Her hobbies include gymnastics, animals, dancing, playing with her friends and of course, singing!

Nun / Ensemble / Backstage Education Representative / Baroness Elberfeld –

Jessica is excited to be back on The Rose main stage especially bringing this beautiful and classic show to life. She is originally from Maine and has been involved in professional theater since the age of 3. Jessica holds a degree in early childhood development and education with a theater arts focus as well a voice, instrumental, fine arts, puppetry, writing and photography. She loves teaching and working with students, sharing the joy and passion that theater, especially musical theater can bring to them and their community. Jessica has a special passion for the littles and laying that creative foundation early. She has been the voice for commercials and videos in the Omaha Metro area as well as worked on shows for CBS and the Discovery Channel. Jessica is a fiber artist, designer, and educator and when not directing, designing, writing, puppeteering, or on stage. Jessica is mom to two amazing artistic daughters, Jules & Jocey, and wants to thank family & friends for always believing in her & allowing her to dance amongst the stars!

Nun / Ursula / Partygoer / Ensemble / (Understudy Liesl) –

Jocey is a senior at Elkhorn High School & thrilled to be on the Rose Main Stage for the first time in this wonderful production. Since she was little, Jocey has always loved being on stage & performing for others. She has been a part of many productions, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Ensemble), Fools (Townsperson), The Little Mermaid- (Ensemble), The Internets Distract- Oh Look! A Kitten! (Student Director), The Rose Theater's Young Playwrights Festival 2018-2019 (Ocean/Little Girl, Lucy, Ensemble), Snappy's Happy Half-Hour (Josie), Music Man (Costume Chief), 9 Worst Breakups of All Time (Julie), Into The Woods (Rapunzel/Student Director), Arsenic and Old Lace (Elaine Harper), Rules of Comedy (Queen Gertrude), & most recently played the role of Linus in EHS Spring Musical-You're A Good Man Charlie Brown. When Jocey is not doing theater, she is a part of a wide range of clubs & activities such as International Thespian Society (Vice President), Barbershop, EHS Excel Varsity Showchoir (Dance Captain), Diversity Club (Senior Rep.), Student Council, Marching Band, Color Guard (Captain), Nebraska All State Vocalist & Drama Club. Jocey just received the award of Outstanding Performer & a superior rating at the Nebraska District Music Conference for her vocal solo. Outside of school, Jocey finds herself baking, video gaming, traveling, dog sitting or spending time with friends & family. She'd like to thank her family, friends, & many teachers/educators for their constant support as she chases after her dreams & continues to follow her heart in what she loves most.

Officer / Partygoer / (Rolf Understudy) –

John (He/Him/His) is excited to make his first professional theatre debut after 4 years of high school theatre. John recently finished his highschool chapter at Creighton Prep, where he did both Choir and Band, and plans to take his knowledge to University of Nebraska, Lincoln next year as he majors in Vocal Performance.

Officer / Partygoer –

Grant is a professionally trained actor, singer, and dancer, with over four years of experience. Grant was most recently in Disney's Descendants at The Rose Theater, where he was also in Elf The Musical. Grant has been a member of The Senior Rose Brigade for four years, and when they last competed at The Junior Theater Festival, Grant won a performance award in his group. He has been trained in Tap and Jazz by Sue Gillespie-Valker, Jazz by Michael James, and Ballet by Nicole McMullen. Grant is also a member of the Millard North Varsity Show Choir Infinity. Grant enjoys watercolor painting and reading in his free time. Grant looks forward to being a part of future professional productions in order to become an actor, professionally.

Officer / Partygoer –

Matt is excited to incredibly excited to perform in The Rose’s production of The Sound of Muisic. He is a recent graduate of Creighton Prep, and will be attending Creighton University in the fall. He enjoys everything to do with music, participating is bands, choirs, and especially musicals and plays. Some of his favorite experiences from high school was his roles is Footloose and Mary Poppins. In college, he plans to study vocal music and psychology, and he would like to thank his parents and brother for always supporting him.

Music Director –

Jerry Brabec, tenor, is an Ordained Deacon on the clergy staff at Omaha Saint Paul United Methodist Church where he serves as Minister of Worship. His responsibilities include the overseeing of liturgical preparation for the congregation of 350. He also serves as choral director for Temple Israel’s Kol Rina. Awarded the Master of Music degree from the University of Nebraska, he studied choral conducting with Dr. Cina Crisara and Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. As a chorister of the acclaimed Robert Shaw Festival Chorus at Carnegie Hall, he sang for five years under the baton of the late Robert Shaw, was twice selected one of six participants in the Alice Parker Melodius Accord Fellowship Program and frequently continues his conducting studies with Ms. Parker during January in New York. At The Rose Theater for Performing Arts the past thirteen seasons, “The Sound of Music” marks his 49th show as a resident music director/vocal coach. He also serves as music director for the nationally acclaimed Rose Brigade, one of the award winning offerings of the “Broadway at The Rose” program. Formerly, Jerry taught at the high school level for Council Bluffs Community Schools, served as associate artistic director of the Omaha Clarion Chorale, and as artistic director for the Kanesville Chorus and Renaissance Faire of the Midlands.