Shrek The Musical Jr. Cast

Matthew Machacek is a cake decorator and artist who has enjoyed doing improv for the past 10 years. Working with Unlabeled Theatre marks his debut in a leading, musical theatre role. Matthew is a graduate of The Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionary Art. He found Unlabeled through his time at MNPROV, and is excited to be taking on the role of Shrek.

Paul is excited to be a part of the inaugural production of Unlabeled Theatre Company and to work with his dear friend, Jessica. He has been a part of the Twin Cities theater community for close to 40 years as a director, actor, and admin. He has appeared in or been a part of over 200 productions in his life at such theaters as The Guthrie, History Theatre, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Actor's Theater of MN, Lakeshore Players, Stages Theater, Troupe America, and numerous others. He is currently Director of Theater at Totino-Grace High School.

Jack Anderson has always enjoyed the spotlight and this experience with Unlabeled Theatre Company has been a new, exciting challenge. Unlabeled Theatre has allowed him to meet new people and make new friends with the actors and directors. He is excited to be making his theatrical debut in the role of “Donkey.”

After a long absence from the stage, Gerone Hamilton is excited to make his theatrical return with Unlabeled Theatre Company. Previously he appeared in numerous college productions such as WEST SIDE STORY, A CHORUS LINE, HELLO DOLLY, and BYE, BYE BIRDIE. After retiring from a 23 year career as a Firefighter/Deputy Chief, Public Servant in St. Paul, MN, he is grateful for the opportunity to commit to a new journey of personal reflection, development, and professional renewal to improve his creativity, and patience. Gerone’s hope is that everyone he encounters during this chapter is able to benefit from the diversity of perspectives and experiences that he has to offer. As a shadow partner it is his desire to stimulate growth and learning, and to provide a safe space for both partners to have a shared, mutually beneficial and supportive experience.

Mary Metzger has been working with preschool age children and loves it. Role playing in any capacity is enjoyable, and remembering lines comes easy for her. Because one of her passions is theater and acting, she is thrilled to be part of Unlabeled Theatre this year. She has been in community plays such as “Charlotte’s Web,” musicals for children’s productions, and more. This experience will boost her confidence to explore more options in the future. She is grateful for the dedicated leadership and volunteers and for the opportunity to grow alongside other artists, she has a ton of fun!

Sophia Azmi is marking her first musical since graduating from Edina High School in 2023 with this production at Unlabeled. She’s excited to be working with such talented and wonderful people and is incredibly grateful to be able to share the stage with them. Some of Sophia’s previous roles include Diana in A CHORUS LINE, Tanya in MAMMA MIA! and Sharpay EVAN’S IN HIGH SCHOOL. In her free time she can be found creating music, going to school, working out and spending time with her friends and family. She can’t wait for the audience to see what an incredible show the cast has created. Enjoy the show!

Growing up in Petaluma California, Ella Stewart was always ready to perform even from an early age. She loved dancing and singing for others and even wrote and performed her own solo song in Kindergarten for her school's talent show. In 2010, when Ella was six years old she was diagnosed with brain cancer and underwent many surgeries and treatments which led to many physical and cognitive disabilities. Throughout the years, Ella began performing again in elementary school and taking theater classes in middle school. Since moving to Maple Grove, Minnesota in 2018, Ella has attended summer programs through Drama Interaction, Front Porch Musical Theatre, and MNprov. Ella is very honored to be making her theatrical debut with Unlabeled Theatre Company, which has given her the opportunity to finally feel like a star and show her talent to others in an inclusive environment where she can finally be given a starring role.

Aly is so proud to be working alongside her daughter Ella Stewart as her shadow partner. Aly is a stay at home mom, originally from Santa Rosa, California, who worked as a pharmacy technician for over twenty years. She now enjoys being home and spending time with her family and making new friends. Aly really loves and appreciates being a part of Unlabeled Theatre Company because it's so fun and everyone truly feels like family. Aly has a background in Tap, Jazz and Irish dance, but hasn't performed in over 25 years. She says it's been so fun to be on stage again and create something so special with her daughter.

Liam Donovan is proud to join Unlabeled Theatre Company as he expands his theatrical repertoire. Previously, he appeared in several of his high school's productions. Liam works at Walgreens, volunteers through Lifeworks and with his free time loves to watch movies and listen to music. He is enjoying being part of Unlabeled Theater and particularly likes when he and his Uncle Tom do the ‘rat walk’ during the song Morning Person.

Tom Allenburg retired last year after a long and successful career at UnitedHealthcare. One of his goals is to use his expanded time to try new things and, given that, he is proud to be making his theatrical debut with Unlabeled Theatre Company. He has been amazed by the talent and dedication of the artists and enjoyed getting to know everyone involved in the production. Tom is especially grateful for the opportunity to support his nephew, Liam Donovan, as his shadow partner.

Rachel is so happy to be part of SHREK! Previously, she has appeared in Edina High School’s Theatre For All performances as Mrs. Potts in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and as Donkey in SHREK. She was seen as an ensemble player in THE LITTLE MERMAID, THE WIZARD OF OZ, FROZEN, and MATILDA. Rachel also participated in technical / run crews for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, MURDER CRIME, and SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, all at Edina High School.. Rachel works as a Culinary Server at Friendship Village in Bloomington, MN. She is overjoyed that Unlabeled Theatre exists and can't wait for future shows!

Kristin Moquist is overjoyed to be making her theatrical debut with Unlabeled Theatre Company! She is a pediatric advanced practice nurse at M Health Fairview, and is an advocate and supporter of individuals with sickle cell disease through the Sickle Cell Foundation of Minnesota. Kristin credits her daughters with paving her way into the amazing world of theater! She values the collaboration, genuine support and friendship from this amazing cast and director team. She is excited to make her debut as the shadow partner for her daughter Rachel, as they bring to life a range of lively characters!

Aston Camara is excited to participate in his first musical here at Unlabeled Theatre. Aston has always enjoyed the performing arts and is a part of the Dance Mania group at Lundstrum Performing Arts in Minneapolis. Aston and his mother enjoy belonging to groups that focus on inclusivity, such as Gigi’s Playhouse and Special Olympics. Aston loves to swim and is a member of Swim Possible.

Angela Johnson is overjoyed to be making her theatrical debut with Unlabeled Theatre Company. She is a voiceover artist, and a former student at the School of Voicer. She is also a volunteer for the Lionsgate Foundation of Lionsgate Academy. As a Parent Advocate, she networks with as many parents/families as possible to develop meaningful relationships while navigating the journey of special needs and Autism with her son, Aston.

Becky Anderson is ecstatic to be making her theatrical debut with Unlabeled Theatre Company. She has been a neonatal intensive care nurse for the last 36 years. Her journey with individuals with disabilities began after giving birth to her son in 2001. When searching for inclusion in community for her son, the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural Unlableled Theatre performance of Shrek presented itself and the rest is history. Becky is in awe of the dedication of this group of individuals and is very thankful to be a participant.

Jim Anderson is terrified to be making his theatrical debut with Unlabeled Theatre Company. He is currently working as a chiropractor at Health & Wellness Center Edina and has been taking care of patients for the last 22 years. He was introduced to the musical when he asked his 22 year old son, Jack, if he wanted to audition. He obviously said yes and now Jim is amazed at the talent of these actors and the dedication that they bring to the show. He has enjoyed the fun community spirit created by the whole cast and directors, along with the collaborative efforts of these individuals to highlight each persons strengths.

Eileen Metzger discovered Unlabeled Theatre shortly after moving to MN. She may not have picked theatre for herself, but she is there to cheer on her artist every step of the way. She is excited to be a shadow partner and committed to help Mary and others shine! Unlabeled Theatre Company is working hard to make all artists feel important and have the best roles for their special spot. Directors and volunteers: thank you for pouring your time and resources into this production so everyone gets to have a great experience!

Dianne Machacek is the proud mother of Matthew. She is a retired office manager and currently serves as a bookkeeper for various companies around the Twin Cities. Although she hasn’t performed on stage since her high school production of “Bye Bye Birdie," she’s happy to be at Unlabeled supporting the great work of her son and the other talented artists.

Rachel Espinosa is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue her theater career with Shrek The Musical, Jr. She has performed in many Theatre for All shows at Edina High School including her favorite show Frozen. Rachel has loved taking classes with Unlabeled especially the baking class! She is excited to be apart of the first year of UTC as it allowed her to meet new people and try new things!