Mistress & Master of Ceremony – Lillian Hurt and Kyle Cassady.
Cabaret – “Life is a Cabaret” – Kyle Cassady and Lillian Hurt.
Annie – “Tomorrow” – Annie – Elaina Storer.
Rent – “Seasons of Love” Joanne – Kaitlyn Rose, Collins – Deante Lewis. Seth Lowery, Andrew McBurnie, Anna Stephens, Helen Berdebes, Becky Routson, Gianna Kohl, Michael Keigher, Michael Pueschell, and Isabel Warmoth.
Hairspray – “Without Love” Tracy – Sarah Lanoue, Seaweed – Zion Ali, Penny – Gianna Kohl, and Link – Jackson Thornhill.
Sweeney Todd – “Not While I’m Around” – Mrs. Lovett – Becky Routson and Tobias – Seth Lowery.
Wicked – “Defying Gravity” – Elphaba – Anna Stephens.
Hercules – “Go the Distance” – Tanner Hurt, Anna Stephens, Elaina Storer, Zion Ali, Kaitlyn Rose, and Michael Pueschell.
Big River – “Muddy Water” Jim – Deante Lewis, and Huck – Seth Lowery.
Into the Woods – “Giants in the Sky” – Jack – Thomas Musgrave.
CATS – “Jellicle Ball” – Brittin Fischer, Veronica Kravat, Lauren Beatty, Case Koerner, Jacquelyn Sarowatz, Isabel Warmoth, Emily Fernette, Lillian Hurt, and Lauren Pueschell.
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown – “Happiness”, Charlie Brown – Kaleb Miller, Snoopy – Zion Ali, Schroeder – Thomas Musgrave, Sally – Elaina Storer, Lucy – Anna Stephens, and Linus – Andrew McBurnie.
Funny Girl – “Don’t Rain on My Parade” – Fanny – Chloe’ Mimms.
Les Misérables – “Do You Hear the People Sing” – Enjolras – Michael Keigher. Seth Lowery, Andrew McBurnie, Thomas
Musgrave, Deante Lewis, and Tanner Hurt.
CHICAGO – “All That Jazz” – Velma – Angela Williams. Jacquelyn Sarowatz, Veronica Kravat, Jackson Thornhill, and Andrew McBurnie.
Beauty & the Beast – “A Change in Me” – Belle – Lillian Hurt.
West Side Story – “Something’s Coming” – Tony – Andrew McBurnie.
The Greatest Showman – “From Now On” – P. T. Barnum – Michael Pueschell. Becky Routson, Tanner Hurt, Thomas Musgrave, Deante Lewis, Emily Fernette, Sarah Lanoue, Kaitlyn Rose, Seth Lowery, Jacquelyn Sarowatz, Brittin Fischer, Lauren Pueschell, Lauren Beatty, Veronica Kravat and Case Koerner.
Hamilton – “You’ll be Back” – King George – Kyle Cassady.
A Chorus Line – “One” – The Whole Cast.
Our Directors – Brad Benoit, Helen Berdebes, Deena Cassady,
Lillian Hurt, Michael Keigher, Veronica Kravat, Michael Pueschell,
Becky Routson and Ryan Schultz.
Our Pit Orchestra – Lynnae Bontrager, Tyler Bontrager, Grant Penrod, Josh Ring, Abby Ring, Hannah Kegg, Grace Franklyn, Malik Temple, Amanda Winkle, Eric Penrod, and Brad Benoit.
ZION ALI is immensely excited to once again perform with the Acting Out actors and actresses and together present something so genuine and beautiful to the audience of the show! His recent productions are: Snoopy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Papa Ge in Once On This Island, and Seaweed in Hairspray. Although Zion is a known performer in the arts of theatre around the city of Kankakee, he is also an aspiring videographer, photographer, and singing and rap artist! He wishes to serve in the arts in any way, shape, or form to uplift the people across the world! He gives thanks and love to all his supporters!
LAUREN “Lo” BEATTY (she/her) is the Marketing Communications Manager in the Office of Marketing at Olivet and is a dance instructor at Dance in the Light. She is also the founder and creative director of Philo Collective (check out our baked goods!). Through Philo she bakes European-inspired treats, teaches yoga classes, organizes workshops, and dreams up new ways to engage the community. Lauren is the daughter of Steven and Constance Beatty and the sister of Grace. Her previous involvement with Acting Out was as a dancer for the Nightscape fundraiser concert in 2016 and as a Shark Girl in West Side Story in 2018. Lauren would like to thank Acting Out for allowing her to join the outdoor theatre fun again this summer! “It has been so fun to reconnect with old friends and meet new people after a year of few performance opportunities.”
BRAD BENOIT belongs to the family that sells growing things at Benoit Greenhouses, works for the Economic and Community Development Agency for the City of Kankakee and is the Music Director at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley. He was previously the Music Director for It’s a Wonderful Life (AOTC, 2018) and Vocal Director for Frozen, Jr. (KVTA, 2019) “Thank you to the AOTC team and performers for making an entertaining show come together in a unique way. Tenacity is what keeps great art alive.”
HELEN BERDEBES (she/her) just graduated from Olivet with her MBA where she was the Graduate Assistant for the Communication Department. Helen is the daughter of Tim and Sophia Berdebes and is in the process of planning her wedding with her fiancé, Evan Dandurand. A few of Helen’s past acting credits include Babette in Beauty and the Beast (AOTC), Witch in Into the Woods (ONU Theatre) and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (ONU Theatre). Helen is very excited to have the opportunity to direct with Acting Out as well as step back onto the stage after the crazy year we have all had.
LYNNAE BONTRAGER is the wife of fellow pit musician Tyler Bontrager. She is the Director of Bands for Coal City Intermediate and Middle Schools and is also a member of River Valley Wind Ensemble. Lynnae has been in AOTC’s pit orchestra playing flute/piccolo since Sweeney Todd in 2016. It is a highlight of her summers! “Thank you so much to my husband, family, and friends for their support. Thank you to Ryan Schultz for his guidance and help to put together this type of show, as well as Sharon and Julie for giving me this opportunity. A special shoutout to the pit orchestra members and vocal directors for being so flexible and great to work with. It has been a privilege and a blessing to make music with all of you!”
DEENA CASSADY (she/her) is thrilled to be on the directing staff of this production. Deena is the better half of the Deena/Kyle Cassady union and is mama to the cutest Wackadoodles ever- Nadia and Nathan. Previous Acting Out Theatre Company credits include Mama Morton in Chicago, Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Deena is the theatre teacher and director for Kankakee School District 111 and is on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Theatre Association. She thanks the cast and crew for helping to bring live theatre back to our community.
KYLE CASSADY is thrilled to be returning for his 7th summer performance with AOTC!! He is absolutely thrilled to be co-hosting such a talented group of people in this year’s cabaret as well as reuniting on stage with his friend Lillian Hurt!! Kyle is no stranger to acting, having graduated from Western Illinois University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre and performing professionally around the country for the past 16 years! His past credits include Stephen in Line (13th St. Repertory Theater, NYC), Daddy Warbucks in Annie (Sunnyside Children’s Theatre, NYC), Ensemble in Spamalot and Bob in Gettin’ Down with the Joneses (JPAC, Chicago), Barry/Ensemble in Zombie Prom (Mayne Stage, Chicago), Frankie in Forever Plaid (Heartandsoul Productions, Chicago), not to mention numerous roles with AOTC over the past nine years. Kyle resides in Bourbonnais with his wife Deena and children Nadia, 6, and Nathan, 2. Kyle would like to thank his wife Deena, mom and dad, Ryan Schultz, Mike Murray, and Bill Kincaid. A special thanks to Sharon Richardson and the AOTC board for continuously bringing him back to work with for all these years, he is eternally grateful!!
EMILY FERNETTE (she/her) is the daughter of Lori and Fred Fernette of Owosso, MI. Emily is the Director of Transfer Admissions at Olivet Nazarene University and the Music & Arts Director at GatheringPoint Church. She is also the Managing Director and Founder of Philo Collective, a local specialty bakery & yoga studio offering European-inspired treats at the Kankakee Farmers’ Market, weekly yoga classes, and a schedule of community-focused events. Her previous involvement with Acting Out was as Rosalia in West Side Story in 2018. Emily is thrilled to be back on stage and would like to thank Acting Out for providing the opportunity and her best friend and business partner, Lo, for just being the best.
BRITTIN FISCHER (she/her) is a student at Kankakee Community College. She has been seen on stage as Mr. Mistoffelees in CATS (AOTC), A Jet in West Side Story (AOTC) and several different roles in A Night in Sleepy Hollow (AOTC). Her favorite part of this production has been being able to dance like a cat again in the Jellicle Ball. “I’m so grateful to be back dancing on stage again working with such talented people!”
LILLIAN HURT is the wife of Tanner Hurt and Cat-mom to Bellatrix, Dobbi & Titi-Sue. Lillian is the Digital Media and Operations Coordinator of Sweet Street and owner of a small jewelry business, Lilla Made. Some of her favorite AOTC roles include Bombalurina in CATS, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and Lana Sherwood in It’s a Wonderful Life. Lil would like to thank the staff for letting her be a part of such a wonderful theatre family and her Heavenly Father for His unending love and grace.
TANNER HURT is husband to the amazingly talented Lillian Hurt and cat whisperer to Bellatrix, Dobbi, & Titi Sue. He is the Track & Field Coach (Throws) and a Professor at Olivet Nazarene University. His past roles include Jack Kelly in Newsies (KVTA), Ancestors (caveman) in The Addams Family (KVTA), Charlie Cowell in The Music Man (Limelight), Gaston in Beauty and the Beast (AOTC). “I want to thank the Acting Out staff and directors for taking a risk and putting on an amazing post-COVID theater production. This is such an incredible company!” Psalm 108:3
MICHAEL KEIGHER (he/him) is a board member of AOTC and says, “all of the people involved are my significant people.” He is a School Social Worker for BESD #53. Some of his past roles have been AOTC Enjolras in Les Miserables (AOTC), Arab in West Side Story (AOTC), Co-Director of A Night in Sleepy Hollow (AOTC), and Assistant Director of Beauty and the Beast (AOTC). His favorite part of this production has been reconnecting with friends and making some beautiful new connections. “It has been a pleasure working with so many talented people, both as a director and an actor.”
CASE KOERNER (she/her) is so excited to be a dancer in Ghost Light Cabaret! She is the daughter of Pat and Donna Koerner, and the sister of Colin and his wife Michelle. She graduated from ONU in 2018 with a concentration in Theatre. While at ONU she had the privilege to perform as Sissy in A Piece of My Heart and direct a performance of Pride and Prejudice. She currently resides in Lemont, IL working as a Barista and a Dance Instructor. She would like to thank her parents for letting her crash with them after rehearsals, Veronica for being an amazing choreographer, her cat Stormcrow for his moral support, and all the crew at Acting Out for making live theatre a possibility again.
GIANNA KOHL (she/her) is the daughter of Mark and Misti Kohl and the sister of Georgia and Calvin Kohl. She will be entering her senior year at Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School. Throughout her high school experience, she has played Sophie in Mamma Mia!, Miss Willie in The Curious Savage, and Ado Annie in Oklahoma. Ghost Light Cabaret will be Gianna’s first performance with Acting Out Theatre Company! In the future, Gianna plans to major in musical theatre in college! Gianna would like to give a huge thank you to Acting Out for including her in this performance! She has loved meeting new people, making new friends, and sharing her love for theatre in a beautiful setting!
VERONICA KRAVAT is the daughter of Kenny and Ricki, and sister of Jenabeth. She is the Office Manager and a teacher and Paula Aubry School of Dance and also works at Sequels Resale Shop. She has been in seen on stage in Chicago (AOTC) and CATS (AOTC) and was the choreographer for West Side Story (AOTC), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (AOTC), and Newsies alongside Amy Morris (KVTA). “I am so incredibly happy that theatre is back! I cannot imagine any more of my summers without Acting Out. Thank you to each member of the staff and cast for working so hard to pull off such a special show for this year. Looking forward to what’s next…. a 5, 6, 7, 8!”
SARAH LANOUE (she/her) is the daughter of Edward and Pamela Lanoue, sister to Eddie Lanoue, and proud caregiver to Mo and Jo (her cats). Sarah works part time in the summer and is returning to Western Illinois University to complete her sophomore year studying Music Education. She is thrilled to be back on the stage after a long, crazy year! Her past favorite roles were Marci in Almost, Maine (KHS), Asaka in Once On This Island (KHS), and Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray (KHS). When not on the stage, she can be found in the wings helping with props or sewing on a button if necessary with KVTA, AOTC, BBTEP, and KHS. Sarah would like to thank her friends and family who have always supported her adventures on and off the stage. “This last year proved just how magical live theatre is and I can’t wait to share it with everyone again! Thank you for coming to see the show!” “…Eat some breakfast then change the world!” – Tracy Turrnblad
DEANTE LEWIS (he/him) is the 3rd of four siblings. He works as a Sales Associate at Dollar General in Herscher. He has been seen on stage in Rent (Limelight Theater) and Sister Act (KVTA). Deante’s favorite part of this production has been working with such amazing and talented people. “A big ‘Thank You’ to Acting Out for the chance to be apart out this amazing show!”
SETH K LOWERY (he/they) is thrilled to take the stage again in another AOTC production, reprising some of his most treasured moments on stage! Seth has previously been featured as Feuilly in Les Miserables, Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd, and as a pianist and cast member in It’s a Wonderful Life. While Seth grew up singing with his sister, Becky Routson, this marks the first time that Seth will share the stage with her as part of a theatre production. Seth has attained a Bachelor of Music from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master of Music from The Shenandoah Conservatory. He is currently a professor at Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio, where he teaches commercial music. He would like to thank his family and loved ones for their support and the staff of the Ghost Light Cabaret for their willingness to work with him from a distance.
ANDREW MCBURNIE (he/him) is going into his 5th year at Olivet Nazarene University studying Multimedia Communication, Video Production, PR, and Theatre. Andrew’s previous AOTC credits include Tony in West Side Story and Alonzo in CATS. He premiered the role of “Van” in Olivet’s original musical Still and portrayed Frederic in Pirates of Penzance. He is thrilled to reconnect with the Acting Out Theatre Company family and to be a part of bringing theatre back to Kankakee County.
KALEB MILLER (he/him) is excited to be a small part in bringing life back to the stage this summer. A Champaign resident, he works in public relations for Carle Health and spends his time enjoying live music, trying new restaurants, serving on the Acting Out Theatre Company Board, and conquering escape rooms with his friends Callie, Lexi and Payton. Previous stage credits include Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Canton High School), Davey in Newsies (KVTA), and Charlie Brown in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (AOTC). He hopes you relax, enjoy the show, and find a vaccine appointment near you!
CHLOÉ MIMMS (she/her) is joining us from Chicago, IL. Chloé is a chemist with a Bachelor of Science with a biochemistry emphasis from Millikin University. In college, she not only did science but also was heavily involved in the Theatre Department. Since college she has become very familiar with audition in the Chicago Equity Building and she has performed as Sour Kangaroo in Seussical (Muni Springfield), Ensemble and Puppeteer in The Little Mermaid (Muni Springfield), Female Ensemble in Bobo the Bully (Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theatre), Female Ensemble/Lead Understudy in The Wiz (Emerald City Theatre), Staff and Principal Performer with Blouse Entertainment, and as an Annual Haunt Actor at 13th Floor Haunted House. She has also had the privilege to audition for Broadway, National Tours (such as Aladdin, Frozen, and The Lion King) and even doing Disney auditions. She is not afraid to dabble in the many forms and skills of the entertainment industry. She would like to thank her loving husband Javon Jackson for all his support throughout going out for her dreams and her mother Jacqueline Mimms for being there for her every step of the way. She would like to also thank all her theatre mentors and friends that have helped her develop her skills throughout the years.
THOMAS MUSGRAVE (he/him) is the son of Rob and Lisa, and brother of Luke and Beck. Last year, he graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, and will soon begin his freshman year at the University of Notre Dame studying political science and global affairs. Thomas has been involved with Acting Out Theater Company since he was 10 years old, when he played Gavroche in Les Misérables. More recently, he has played Schroeder in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and was the fiddler in the White Horse Tavern for A Night at Sleepy Hollow. Outside of Acting Out, Thomas has also been in over 20 shows with Kankakee Valley Theatre Association and was the concertmaster of the Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra and BBCHS Symphonic Orchestra as a violinist. Thomas would like to thank the wonderful Acting Out staff, as well as supporters of performance groups around Kankakee County, for helping to foster his growth as a musician and performer.
LAUREN PUESCHELL (she/her) is so pleased and excited to be debuting in her first AOTC production! She is the daughter of Michael Pueschell (whom you may find in the program) and Rachel Pueschell, and the eldest of three. She is a graduate of Watseka Community High School and is currently working as a barista in a local coffee shop. She also works as an assistant teacher at a local dance studio. She hopes to pursue a career in film in the near future. Lauren has previously played characters such as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (CTW), Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins (CTW), Kim MacAfee in Bye, Bye, Birdie (CTW), and was cast as a dancer in KVTA’s The Music Man before the onset of COVID. She is incredibly eager to be back on stage and wishes to thank the directors and cast for her warm welcome to the company. She is sure that the actual performances will be her most exciting endeavor thus far, but that her confidence boost, improvement of technique and performance knowledge, and new friendships will make a close second. She thanks her family for the never-ending support, and she hopes you all enjoy your return to live theatre!
MICHAEL PUESCHELL, a Watseka resident, is proud to be working with AOTC again after serving as vocal director for the 2019 production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. He is husband to Rachel and father to Lauren, Moriah, and Hollis. He was most recently seen on stage as Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia! (KVTA), as Professor Bhaer in Little Women (KVTA), and as George Banks in Mary Poppins (CTW). Michael earned a degree in Music Business from Nashville’s Belmont University and went on to sing lead with Walt Disney World’s “The Dapper Dans” Barbershop Quartet for four years before beginning full-time vocational ministry. He adds, “Thank you, AOTC family, for this opportunity to come together and showcase the resilience of our community with the joy of theatre!”
JACQUELYN RAE made her stage debut with Acting Out Theatre Company in the streets of Momence as Annie in Chicago back in 2013! Growing up at Paula Aubry Dance studio and training from the age of three in various genres, she went on to graduate as a Dance Performance Major at Illinois State University. After graduation, Jacquelyn set sail as a performer with Disney Cruise Line on the Disney Fantasy. Upon her return to land, she began her master’s degree in Elementary Education and packed her bags to move to Indianapolis. She has been seen selling papes and going on strike as Jo Jo in Disney’s Newsies, dancing in Mamma Mia!, and most recently in the holiday classic, Elf the Musical! Jacquelyn is excited to return home and reminisce on a few of her other performances. A few of her favorites include Mr. Mistoffelees in 2010 and then Rumpleteazer five years later in CATS, and Graziella in West Side Story. Jacquelyn would like to thank God for the many blessings, her family for the constant love and support, and her friends for making every day, “One singular sensation!”
KAITLYN ROSE (she/her) is the proud daughter of Paul and Camille Rose, girlfriend to Ryan Runner, best friend to Margaret Mulcahy and Zoë Grill, and the youngest sister to 5 five older siblings. Kaitlyn is a proud member of the Teen Advisory Board at the Kankakee Public Library and an over-the-top member of Take Note Show Choir. Going into her junior year at Kankakee High School, Kaitlyn has a plethora of production credits under her belt while performing with KHS drama program. These credits include: An Ensemble member in Little Shop of Horrors, Britnee in So You Wanna Be a Cheerleader, A Dynamite in Hairspray, Ti Moune in Once On This Island, and Woman #1 in Songs For A New World. Kaitlyn would like to thank everyone who she has worked with in her first AOTC production and her friends and family who have supported her in this new theatre adventure. “To mom and dad, thank you for supporting me through this new experience. I wouldn’t have been able to get this far or get where I am without your love and support!” She would also like to thank her best friends and her boyfriend for cheering for her throughout her theatre career for all these years.
REBECCA ROUTSON (she/her) is the wife of Damon Routson and sister to Seth Lowery. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Collective Balance Counseling. Past roles have included Amy March in Little Women (KVTA), and Asaka in Once On This Island (Small Town Theatrics). Her favorite part of this production has been coming together with so many talented friends to share in the joy of performing together once again. “I am so very grateful for this theatrical reunion after so many months without live theatre.”
ANNA STEPHENS (she/her) is the daughter of Andy and Sarah Stephens and sister to Ellen Stephens. Anna is a recent graduate of Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School and will be attending Belmont University in the Fall. Anna was a 2021 Broadway in Chicago Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards Best Actress nominee and has been in various shows through her school and in the community. Anna would like to thank Acting Out for bringing some theatre back into the community and for creating an amazing environment to share stories and create beautiful memories with fellow cast members. She would also like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her and everything she pursues. “Glad to be back onstage with the best people!”
ELAINA STORER (she/her) is the daughter of Paul and Emily Storer and sister to Katelyn Storer. Elaina recently graduated from St. George Elementary School and is starting her freshman year at Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School in the Fall. She has done numerous shows BBTEP, such as Disney’s The Lion King Jr. and The Wizard of Oz, and with Kankakee Valley Theatre Association. Her most recent role was Gertrude McFuzz in Suessical Jr. (KVTA Summer Theatre Camp). Elaina would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her and letting her grow as an actor and as a person. She is also so thankful to be a part of the Ghost Light Cabaret, and all the opportunities given to her. Her favorite part of the production is working with individuals who inspire her and help lead her to success.
JACKSON THORNHILL is a Kankakee resident and an avid supporter of the arts in Kankakee County. He last appeared on an Acting Out Theatre Company stage in 2018 as Riff in West Side Story, as well as numerous productions over the years at Olivet Nazarene University. Jackson is so grateful for the opportunity to perform again, and he is so excited to celebrate the history of Acting Out Theatre Company through this production. He would like to thank Professor Jerry Cohagan for instilling a love of storytelling in him, and Taylor-Marie Leman for always pushing him to be his best. “Here’s to many more years of Acting Out Theatre productions!”
ISABEL WARMOTH (she/her) is the daughter of Jennifer and Britt, sister of Ashlyn, Regan, and Jonah, and granddaughter of Rich and Kathy Voss. She works at Sequels Resale Shop and at Oak and Ember Tattoo. She has been seen on stage as Etcetera in CATS (AOTC), as Francesca in West Side Story (AOTC), and as a Dancer in Beauty and the Beast (BBTEP) and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (BBTEP) Her first lead role in a production was as Tanya in Mamma Mia! (BBCHS). Her favorite part of this production has been being able to share the gift of love, laughter, and music with new and old friends. “We’ve waited so long to get back on stage again! I couldn’t have asked for better people or a better production to come back to the stage with.” Isabel would also like to note, “I’m so happy to be back on stage collaborating with the most talented people! I’ve loved every moment I’ve spent with Acting Out Theatre Company and the amazing cast and crew that are always involved. Every show I’ve done thus far has had a profound impact on me and I can’t wait to continue making more memories with this organization!”
ANGELA WILLIAMS (she/her) is mom to two beautiful children, Adison (8) and Levi (6). She is a Nursing student at KCC and works part-time at Sequels Resale Shop. Some past roles have included Bombalurina in CATS (KVTA) and Velma Kelly in Chicago (AOTC). Her favorite part of this production has been “seeing so many of my theatre friends again and meeting others in the theatre community I haven’t had the pleasure of working with yet!”