Disney's Newsies Creative
Director
Skyler EricksonSkyler is a 2009 Sparta graduate and a 2013 graduate from Viterbo University with a BFA Musical Theatre degree. Throughout his high school, college, and professional career he has been in over 45 productions and has also directed and choreographed numerous show choirs and musicals. After graduating college, he moved to Las Vegas and worked for many show and talent agencies on and off the strip. He's performed shows through hotel/casinos such as the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Venetian, and Planet Hollywood. He was in a national commercial for Johnny Appleseed, a tour Motown show, and can be seen in the movie, "Show Dogs" with Will Arnett. This is the 7th musical Skyler has directed for Sparta High School. Skyler is now enjoying his time directing and adjudicating for WSMA festivals and solo ensembles and spending time with his two golden retrievers, Max and Finn.
Music Director
Camie SchneiderCamie is a graduate from Winona State University where she received her Bachelors in Music Education with an emphasis in voice and piano. She is the director of the vocal music program at Sparta High School, and directs the prep and varsity show choirs in addition to the musical. She has directed over 25 productions at a variety of venues in the surrounding area. She has received the Outstanding Musical Direction Award through the Madison Overture Center's Jerry Awards three times; for Holmen High School's production of "25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee," and Sparta High School's productions of "Cinderella" and "The Addams Family." Camie continues performing on stage each summer. She also makes several trips to New York City every year to discover new Broadway shows, as well as participate in Broadway workshops and classes. She has had the opportunity to take workshops from professionals such as: Jason Robert Brown (composer), Natalie Weiss (performer), Leo Ash Evens (performer), Lynn Ahrens (composer), David Yazbeck (composer), Susan Blackwell (performer), Kimberly Grigsby (music director of Spring Awakening), and Ian Weinberger (music director of Hamilton). In the little spare time she has, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Millie.
Choreographer
Jen TeBeestJen has taught dance/musical theater and choreographed in the La Crosse and Winona areas since 1999; choreographing over 20 musicals and working with area high schools, community theaters, dance schools, non-profit organizations, and universities. Jen is a nationally and state registered Dance Therapist and yoga teacher. Jen holds a B.A. in English from Viterbo University and an M.A. in Licensed Mental Health Counseling with a Specialty in Dance Movement Therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Jen currently serves as the Family and Community Services Program Lead at Stein Counseling and Consulting Services ,Ltd. and is on faculty at La Crosse Dance Centre, LLC as a ballet, modern and yoga instructor. Jen is so happy to be back working with the Sparta community and is grateful for the opportunity to work on one of her favorite shows!
Costume Designer
Irina ChristelOriginally from Kazakhstan, Irina trained at the Technical College of Textile and Sewing Industries and worked for many years as a technical engineer and fashion designer at the Regional Fashion House, Kazakhstan. She graduated from Light Industry College with an engineering degree at the sewing and textile industries and Shakerims University, Kazakhstan with degree in Art Teaching. After moving to the US, she worked at the Company Store as a technician at the Product Development Department. Irina graduated from Viterbo University with a BFA degree specializing in theatrical costume design. She currently works at Gundersen Lutheran and does her own wedding dress and costume alterations. She has also worked at La Crosse Community Theatre as a costume designer for many of their productions. In 2022, she received the Jerry Award for Outstanding Costume Design for her work on Shrek the Musical with Sparta High School.
Wig Design & Stylist
Kristyn TaggartKristyn has been doing theatrical hair and makeup professionally for 10 years. She now loves to be a part of local theaters and share her knowledge! She is currently working full time as a Hair Stylist, Event Hair specialist and educator. She last did wig designing for Shrek, Frozen Jr, and Addams Family. You can find her most days hanging out with her boys if she isn't doing hair!
Lighting Design
Juanita ChristensonJuanita has always had a passion for music and the arts since childhood. She is a 2015 graduate of Viterbo University where she started her engagement with theater production. She worked in the Viterbo FAC for 6 years doing lighting and audio in the theater, and sound designing 2 productions (A Midsummer Night's Dream, Crow & Weasel).
Stage Manager
Ellsey CaulkinsEllsey Caulkins is sad to say this is her last year as stage manager seeing as it is her senior year. She has been the stage manager for the past two years with Shrek and Addams Family. Besides stage management she has returned to Varsity Upstage Adrenaline for her second year. She also is the Sparta DECA President and Leadership Council ambassador for state DECA, she hopes to return to nationals this year for the third time. Ellsey hopes that you enjoy the show. She would also like to thank her parents, Kaleen Hoillday and Derrick Caulkins, for being there for her all throughout her life but especially when she decided to take on everything in high school.
Assistant Stage Manager
Demi ChapmanDemi is a senior this year. This is the fourth production with Sparta that she has been a part of. Demi is a part of Upstage Adrenaline, Rise of Adrenaline, Art club, and band. She is extremely grateful to the entire cast and crew for giving her a home for the last three years. She is also grateful to her parents, and knows that there was a reason they made her get out of bed in the morning even though she pulled every imaginable excuse in the book. She is excited for you to see this production, and hopes you enjoy the show.
Props Master / Stage Crew
Emma SmithEmma is a junior this year. This is her second production in SHS Addams Family being her first. Emma is the stage manager for Upstage Adrenaline and is a vice president of DECA she also enjoys painting and reading in her free time. Emma would love to thank her entire family and all of her friends for their never ending support in all that she does.
Soundboard Operator
Natalia CamposNatalia is a junior this year and Newsies will be her fourth production with the Sparta Spotlight Players. She had previous involvement with Shrek the Musical and The Addams Family as a Sound Board Operator as well as with Little Shop of Horrors as Crystal. Natalia is also part of Sparta’s Upstage Adrenaline, Cross Country team, and President of the Spanish Club. She’s excited to go back to her roots behind the scenes, but most of all that you enjoy the show!
Lightboard Operator
Colby MartinColby is a sophomore this year. This is his third production with Sparta High School, on stage in Addams Family and sound production for Little Shop of Horrors. He is also a part of the Upstage Adrenaline, Improve Club, Jazz Combo, and Sparta Robotics. Colby would like to than his family in support of him trying new things and he is excited for you to see all of the hard work that was put into Sparta’s Newsies.
Spotlight Operator
Io ForsbergIo is a junior at SHS and this will be her fourth production with the Sparta Spotlight Players. She was a spotlight operator for Shrek the Musical, Addams Family, and Little Shop of Horrors. Aside from musicals, Io is a part of the show choir’s Backstage Beats, marching and pep band, and art club. She would like to thank her friends for being the shining lights in her own life, and her family for supporting her throughout the years. She is excited to be back in the lighting booth and to shine a light on all the hard work the cast and crew have put into the show!
Spotlight Operator
Aaron WisniewskiAaron is a junior at SHS and this will be his first production with the Sparta Spotlight Players. Outside of musical, Aaron is involved in the Backstage Beats show band, marching and pep band, jazz band, and even his own personal band named Shards of the Soul. He thanks the music department for the developments he’s made musically, and is very excited to assist in the production of Newsies.
Stage Crew
Jenna BeckerJenna is a freshman at SHS this will be her first production. She is very excited to see the behind the scenes of putting together the musical as she has enjoyed watching the past musicals. Jenna also enjoys singing and dancing in the Rise of Adrenaline prep show choir and singing in treble choir. Jenna wants to thank her parents and sister for all of the support of trying something new and music programs and the theater department for a safe place when starting high school.
Stage Crew
Mya BerendesMya is a senior at SHS and while this will be her fifth production, it’s her first one backstage! Performing previously in The Addam’s Family and Shrek the Musical. This year she is also involved in show choir crew, powerlifting, and art club. As a first time crew member she has gained a new appreciation for everything it takes to put on a show and would like to thank her wonderful stage managers for all they do! Mya would also like to thank her family for always supporting her in the things she enjoys and for pushing her to be the best version of herself she can be.
Stage Crew
Brayden BronsonBrayden is a sophomore who will be graduating in 2026. He is in Art Club and Games Club. This is the first time he has worked on a musical. His interests include drawing, making videos with friends, and hanging out with friends. He is thankful for his friends who have been there by his side, Ella Noble, Samantha Zidarin, Krista Hetzel, Paige Buchen, and many more. And of course his mother who pushed him out of his comfort zone to join the crew on Newsies. Lastly he gives thanks to the theater department for providing an experience he will not forget.
Stage Crew
Bella GreydanusBella is a sophomore this year, this is her first production at SHS. She is a part of the varsity show choir, Upstage Adrenaline, as well as the prep group, Rise of Adrenaline. Bella is also involved in the Sparta Dance Team. Her interests are dancing and singing as well as hanging out with her friends and family. Bella would like to thank her best friend Daisha VanBeek for pushing her out of her comfort zone and joining the musical family. Bella would also like to thank her sister Jackie Greydanus for getting her involved in the music program in general. Finally, Bella would like to thank the amazing directors of the music programs for pushing her everyday to get out of her comfort zone whether it be in show choir or choir class.
Stage Crew
Maya GreydanusMaya is a junior this year. This is her first production. She is part of crew for rise of adrenaline and upstage adrenaline and in girls basketball. She likes hanging out with her family and friends. She would like to thank her parents, and her sisters Bella and Jackie Greydanus for helping her get out of her comfort zone and meeting new friends.
Stage Crew
Michael RhodesMichael is a sophomore this year and this is his first Sparta Spotlight Theater production. He is in the crew for the production newsies but is also active in Symphonic band, Jazz band, and Backstage beats for both Rise and Upstage show choirs. He plays trumpet and is first chair and section leader. Michael would like to thank his family, friends, and anyone else who has helped him through his musical journey. He would also like to give a special thank you to Brianna B. who pushed him to join the crew for Newsies and supports him always. He would also like to thank the band directors for pushing him past his limits and achieving things he couldn't possibly dream of. He hopes the audience members for the musical enjoy the show and come support Sparta music department.
Stage Crew
Natalee ScholzeNatalee is a freshman this year and this is her first musical production at SHS. When not on musical crew, Natalee enjoys spending her free time traveling and riding horses. She also enjoys singing and performing alongside her peers in Treble Choir and on Varsity and Prep Show Choir. Natalee would like to thank her family and friends for all of their love and support.
Stage Crew
Nora SteeleNora is a freshman this year at Sparta high school. This is her first musical production with Sparta spotlights. Outside of musical she partakes in choir, color guard, concert band, and art club! She would like to thank the cast, crew and directors for being so welcoming and making her first musical production such a positive experience, And her family members for supporting her along the way.
Stage Crew
Emaly SutherlandEmaly is a freshman this year at Sparta high school. This is her first musical production with SHS. Outside of musical production Emaly Emaly takes part in Rise of adrenaline show choir and trouble choir. She would like to thank everyone in the musical production for being so kind and welcoming and her family for being so supportive.
Stage Crew
Gabi WarthanGabi is a Junior this year and this is her first production with SHS. Gabi is actively involved in the music department. She plays Clarinet for Symphonic Band and Tenor Sax for Jazz Band. She also plays Alto Sax for the Backstage Beats, the show band for both Rise of Adrenaline and Upstage Adrenaline show choirs. She would like to thank her friends for convincing her to do crew and her parents for always supporting her. She would also like to thank her band teachers for pushing her to believe that she can always achieve her dreams.
Stage Crew
Allison WebbAlly is a freshman this year. This is her first musical, but she is also involved in show band and concert band. She is very excited for this musical, and can’t wait till opening night. She want to thank her family for the support, and getting her to and from practice, and her friends for pushing her past her comfort zone and joining in on this wonderful opportunity.
Orchestra Conductor
Andrew NicholsonAndrew Nicholson is a Band Director for Sparta High School and Meadowview Middle School. Andrew is also an active conductor for Sparta Spotlight Player Productions, the Backstage Beats Sparta Show Band, and the Sparta Marching Band and Concert Band. In 2015, he was the Drum Corps International World Champion Euphonium Soloist for their Individual and Ensemble Competition in Indianapolis. Last year, Andrew received the Outstanding Musical Direction Award through the Madison Overture Center's Jerry Awards for Sparta’s production of Addams Family. Andrew has also received lessons from many world renown performers: Neal Corewell (Military band euphonium soloist), Dave Werden (Military band euphonium soloist), Gail Robertson (Professor of Euphonium at University of Central Arkansas), Jerry Young (World renown tuba educator), Oystein Baadsvik (World renown tuba soloist), and Patrick Sheridan (former principal tuba player of the “President’s Own” Marine Band). In his free time, Andrew plays with the La Crosse Wind Symphony, he plays with his two cats Alli and Meatball, and he volunteers at the La Crosse Community Theatre building sets or subbing for conducting. Andrew holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, and two Master’s Degrees in Instrumental Conducting and Euphonium Performance from North Dakota State University.
Keyboard 1
Eddie KimEddie started piano and music theory in 1988. He played clarinet and trumpet in the University of California Marching Band, and served as a music arranger for several halftime shows. He moved to La Crosse in 2013 to teach math at UWL. Eddie is an event pianist and church musician. He’s had music roles at La Crosse Community Theatre's productions of Rent, Legally Blonde, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Wizard of Oz. He co-teaches swing dancing at I+E Dance Studio (and has danced the subgenre of lindyhop on four continents). He is grateful for the opportunity to be in the pit for these incredible students, witnessing them stare down the odds and seize the day!
Keyboard 2
Ellen HemstockEllen is a retired music teacher. She has taught at all levels of vocal music for the last 15 years in Sparta at elementary music. She has enjoyed a long career directing musicals including Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me Kate, Camelot and The Wiz, and twenty-two in Sparta. Ellen graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance and music education from UW – Madison. She continued with her music education with a master’s degree in secondary choral from Boston University. Ellen continues to accompany and direct choirs at the United Methodist Church in Sparta and for SHS’s music events. She is excited to be a part of the orchestra for this amazing show, Newsies!
Flute & Piccolo
Stephanie BrookmanStephanie has been playing in band since the fifth grade. She also played the piano and loved to sing all the time. She graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Music Degree. She currently plays in the La Crosse Wind Symphony, La Crosse Concert Band, Da Capo Concert Band, BRF Community Band, Westby City Band, and the CrosseRoads Woodwind Quintet. She also plays with OAPC in Tomah for their Christmas and Variety Shows. Stephanie also plays with various other area High Schools in their musicals, the La Crosse Community Theatre, Appleseed Community Theatre, Viterbo and UW La Crosse Theatre.
Reeds - Clarinets/Saxophones
Stephen MannOriginally from the Philadelphia area, Steve moved to La Crosse in 2011 to join the English faculty at UW-La Crosse. He earned a BA in French and Russian from La Salle University and an MA and PhD in Linguistics from the University of South Carolina with a focus on American English dialects. He started playing sax in 4th grade and picked up the clarinet in high school to have more opportunities for musical theater gigs. He made the wrong decision to stop playing for about 15 years, but picked up his instruments again 10 years ago and hasn’t looked back. He plays lead alto sax in the Grumpy Old Men big band, alto sax in the La Crosse Concert Band and Da Capo Concert Band, soprano sax in a yet-to-be-named sax quartet, and whatever single reeds are needed in community musical theater productions.
Trumpet
Michael DerhammerMichael has been playing the trumpet since sixth grade, with his musical journey beginning at Tomah Middle School. Over the years, he's had the privilege of performing with various musical groups and ensembles. When he's not playing for Sparta High School, Michael can be found performing with the Tomah Area Community Theatre, Appleseed Community Theatre, UW La Crosse Theatre, Tomah High School, Luther High School, BRF High School, the One Accord Performance Company, the La Crosse Concert Band, and the Da Capo Concert Band. Additionally, he generously volunteers to play Taps as a USAF Veteran for military honors and events, a tribute to his dedication to both music and service. Michael is a graduate of Viterbo University with a Bachelor's in Management Information Systems, but his true passion lies in the world of music. He would like to express his heartfelt gratitude to his loving wife, Alexandria, and the unwavering support of his family and friends. Michael is thrilled to be a part of this talented cast, crew, and orchestra for another incredible show!
Trombone
Diane KujakDiane plays trombone, piano, and handbells. She graduated from UW Madison and UW Eau Claire and currently teaches English for the Alma Center School District and CVTC. She plays trombone in the BRF Community Band and Bone-i-fied Trombone Choir, as well as Dixieland Express, a combo which performs at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival, weddings, picnics, parties, and other civic events. Diane has played in numerous musicals in BRF, including Anything Goes, Shrek, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, The Music Man, and others and more recently, Bye, Bye Birdie in Tomah and The Addams Family in Sparta. She has enjoyed meeting new “pit peeps” and performing the upbeat, toe-tapping music of Newsies with very dedicated, talented, and appreciative students in Sparta!
Violin
Kristin RenfroKristin is a middle school band director in La Crosse, WI. Originally from the small town of Pittsville, she holds a Bachelor and Master’s of music education from UW-Eau Claire and Vandercook College of Music. When not teaching, you can find her conducting musicals at La Crosse Community Theatre, UWL and La Crosse Concert Band. She is also an active performer in the area, playing with the La Crosse Wind Symphony, Da Capo Concert Band and in a yet-to-be-named saxophone quartet. Many thanks to Andrew for this opportunity and your leadership! Much love to her parents and husband, Kyle (also in the pit!). Your support and encouragement mean the world to me.
Cello
Kathy BoarmanKathy has played in many pit orchestras in the area. Previous productions include: Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Titanic, Mary Poppins, Cabaret, Bye Bye Birdie, Wonka, Fiddler On The Roof and more. She is a member of the La Crosse Symphony and is the owner of Pleasoning Gourmet Seasoning.
Guitar
Kyle RenfroBorn in Kansas, raised in Tennessee, living in Wisconsin. Kyle has been playing guitar professionally for over 20 years. He makes a living teaching guitar to students of all ages, and performing in the tri-state with his own band and La Crosse locals Flibbertijibbet. A musical veteran at well over 30 shows, Kyle is excited to get the opportunity to tackle Newsies for the 2nd time (La Crosse Community Theatre 2019), and for the opportunity to play in the pit with his wife Kristin again (usually playing under her direction). Many thanks to Sparta HS and their wonderful program of talented young actors. Enjoy the show!
Bass
Brian ThompsonBrian began playing alto sax in 5th grade and switched to bari sax in high school for jazz and concert band, picking up bass guitar and mandolin along the way. After graduating from UW Eau Claire in 2006 with a BA in English, Brian moved from Chippewa Falls to Tomah, where he currently lives with his wife and three children. In addition to playing bass for One Acchord Performance Company, Tomah Area Community Theatre and Sparta HS, he is the band director for Tomah High School's Limited Edition Show Choir.
Drumset
Aaron FrostAaron is thrilled to join this pit for Newsies. He’s been playing in pits in the area for a handful of years in productions at La Crosse Community Theater, UW-L, Appleseed Theater, and is happy to add Sparta High School to the expanding list. After playing Albert in LCTs production of Newsies in 2019, it’s nice to return to it in a different role!
Percussion 1
Alex KnoepkerAlex Knoepker is Director of Bands at Tomah High School. A proud alumni of THS himself, he conducts the wind ensemble, directs the jazz ensembles, coordinates pep band, and co-directs the THS marching band each fall. He also teaches courses in music theory each semester. During summer break, Alex serves as conductor of the stage band and as a tour director for the “Kids from Wisconsin,” a highly-acclaimed Broadway-style troupe of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists that travels around Wisconsin each day of the summer months. He is an active pianist, accompanist, percussionist, and church organist throughout Wisconsin and is involved with many musical endeavors around the state, from show choir competitions to honor bands. Originally from Warrens, WI, Alex holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Percussion 2
Sue RetzlaffSue is excited to be playing in the pit for the Sparta High School production of Newsies. This is her second year as an auxiliary percussionist with this group. As a fan of musical theater, it has been her good fortune to play for several western Wisconsin productions at UW-L, La Crosse Community Theater, Appleseed Community Theater, OAPC and ACT in Tomah, and Luther High School. In addition, Sue pays flute and piano, and enjoys ringing in and directing handbell choirs, including Great River Ringers.
Original Creative Team
HARVEY FIERSTEIN (Book) A four-time Tony Award-winning writer and actor. His Broadway writing credits include Kinky Boots, Torch Song Trilogy (Tony, Drama Desk, Dramatists Guild Awards), Casa Valentina, Safe Sex, Legs Diamond and A Catered Affair (12 Drama Desk nominations and the Drama League Award for Best Musical). His La Cage Aux Folles is the only show to ever win Best Musical and 2 Best Revival Tony Awards. Other plays include Spookhouse, Forget Him and Flatbush Tosca. His teleplays include Tidy Endings for HBO (ACE Award), and On Common Ground for Showtime. His children's HBO special, The Sissy Duckling, won the Humanitas Prize and the book version is in its eighth printing. Other honors include the Drama League Award for Outstanding Performer of the Year, a special OBIE award, NY Magazine Award, and nominations for The Olivier Award and an Emmy. His political writings have been seen on PBS' series “In The Life” and published in The NY Times, Huffington Post and Hartford Courant. He was inducted into The Theater Hall of Fame in 2008.
ALAN MENKEN (Composer). Theater: God Bless You Mr Rosewater, Little Shop Of Horrors, Real Life Funnies, Atina: Evil Queen Of The Galaxy, Kicks, The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz, Beauty And The Beast, A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap Of Faith, Aladdin and Newsies. Film: Little Shop Of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Hercules, Life With Mikey, Lincoln, Home On The Range, Noel, Enchanted, Shaggy Dog, Tangled and Mirror Mirror. Songs: Rocky V, Home Alone 2 and Captain America. Awards: 8 Oscars (19 nominations), 11 Grammys (including Song of the Year), 7 Golden Globes, Tony® (plus 4 nominations), Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics, Olivier and London's Evening Standard Award, Drama League. Honors: Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Doctorates from New York University and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
JACK FELDMAN (Lyrics) He has written music and lyrics for theater, film, television and pop records. His vast number of works include: Broadway and Off-Broadway: The Madwoman of Central Park West; Isn’t It Romantic, by Wendy Wasserstein; Beyond Therapy, by Christopher Durang; Coming Attractions, by Ted Tally; Miami (book by Ms. Wasserstein). Regional: Music for Mr. Durang and Albert Innaurato’s Idiots Karamazov at the Yale Repertory Theatre. Film: Oliver & Company; Tribute; Thumbelina; Newsies; Home Alone 2: Lost in New York; Used People; Life with Mikey; A Goofy Movie; The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride; and102 Dalmatians. TV: Music and lyrics for the PBSTheatre in America production of Eve Merriam’s Out of Our Father’s House; The Magic Hat; The Little Mermaid(TV special); Polly; “Sesame Street;” “Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss;” and “Out of the Box.” Also many pop songs, including the Grammy Award-winning “Copacabana,” the top-10 hit “I Made It Through the Rain,” and songs and special material for Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, Liza Minnelli, Lily Tomlin, Dionne Warwick, and the Muppets.