Grease: The Musical
Grease marks the sixth musical Patrick has directed. Previous directorial efforts at Stritch include: Footloose, The Sound of Music, Hello, Dolly!, Into the Woods and Fiddler on the Roof. Patrick holds a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Toledo and an M.F.A. from the University of California at Irvine. He spent more than 30 years working as an actor, director, producer and technical director in Los Angeles. He returned to Toledo and then home to Cardinal Stritch. He now teaches Theology and Theatre. Patrick has studied acting with Sir Ben Kingsly, Sir Patrick Stewart, Daryl Hickman and William Needles.
Cookie is an 8 year old Border Collie, certified as an Emotional Support Animal. Cookie is the dog of Patrick Flanagan, or Patrick is the human of Cookie. She has been attending rehearsals for the past 6 years and she has one very important job. She keeps the cast calm and focused during rehearsals. She has been loved by every cast she has taken care of and, occasionally, can be found in Patrick’s classes during the day. She hopes that you will enjoy this cast as much as she does.
This is Matt Krasula's second production with Cardinal Stritch. He is beyond proud of the cast for all their hard work and grateful to the seniors for stepping up. Also shout out to the 8th grade! He would like to thank Pat Flanagan, Jim, Jayme, Laurie, Jimmy, and Rebecca for being a great team. Enjoy the show because Grease is the word
James Burns '69
Jim holds a B.Ed (music) and a M.Ed from the University of Toledo. Jim has taught public and private school music for forty years, including many years working with Maumee Schools spring musicals. Jim was a vocal coach for Stritch’s production of Hello, Dolly!, and music director for The Sound of Music. As a professional singer, Jim has sung with the Toledo, Dayton and Brevard, N.C. opera companies, singing roles in operas such as Carmen, Rigoletto, The Merry Widow, and soloing for conductors Robert Shaw, Anton Coppola and Carlo Moresco. He has also taken lead roles in musicals such as Shenendoah, Unsinkable Molly Brown, Kizmet and Fantastixs.
Jimmy was the stage manager his senior year at Cardinal Stritch for Hello, Dolly!,and the assistant stage manager for Into the Woods the year before. Last year, Jimmy was also our Technical Director for Footloose! Prior to attending Stritch, Jimmy had several stage crew credits at St. Francis de Sales High School and St. Ursula Academy. We are excited to welcome Jimmy back to Cardinal Stritch for Grease!
Laurie was born and raised in Toledo, OH and is excited to be back with Cardinal Stritch to complete her third year with the musical. For more than three decades, she has studied dance at D & D Dance Studio under the direction of Karen Niewiadomski. Laurie has danced, taught, and choreographed to the styles of jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, and musical theatre. She spent many summers dancing for the Magic Music Days at Walt Disney World, in Florida and was part of the travelling musical production of Judy & Liza Together Again. Laurie is grateful for the opportunity to work with the cast and crew; they are an amazing group! She would like to send a huge thank you for all their hard work.
Jayme was born and raised in Toledo, OH. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Management & Technology. For two decades, she has studied dance at D & D Dance Studio under the direction of Karen Niewiadomski. Jayme has danced to the styles of jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, pointe, and musical theatre. She danced for Magic Music Days at Walt Disney World, in Florida, for five summers. Jayme is excited to have been a part of Grease and to have had the experience of working with such a talented group. She also wants to thank her husband, David, and her children, Jacob and Paige, for all of their support!
Kyle Morrow, Senior, is the stage manager for this year’s musical. Last year was his second time being on stage crew for a musical, he has worked on both The Sound of Music and Footloose!. His interest in theater started in the summer prior to his sophomore year when he helped with a dance recital backstage working with lights. Kyle has been a Varsity Cross Country runner since his freshman year and runs Track.
Kaitlin Murphy, Senior, is in her third year of being involved in the musical productions for Cardinal Stritch. 2017-2018 she was trained under the head stage manager during the production of The Sound of Music. Kaitlin excels in her schoolwork, is a part of the National Honor Society, and she is also involved in Prom Committee.
Mrs. Smith’s first Cardinal Stritch production was in 1990 as a pickpocket and orphan in Oliver! She participated in other productions in high school and college. Mrs. Smith played one of the choir nuns in The Sound of Music. She has spent the last thirteen years teaching English and Theology at her alma mater, Cardinal Stritch. She would like to thank her husband, Todd, and her kids, Lily and Luke, for their support during this adventure.
Atticus Destatte, class of 2022, debuted last year as Uncle Wes in Footloose! He loves to act and is looking forward to being in more musicals in the future. Atticus is involved with both robotics and quiz bowl at Cardinal Stritch.
Autumn Sekerak, class of 2022, made her musical debut last year as Lyla in Footloose!. She has appeared in many theatre productions in grade school, including Pinocchio,Romeo and Juliet, and No Body to Murder. "I am looking forward to playing Jan and singing my first duet in a Grease." Autumn loves to sing and is an enthusiastic cast and chorus member. "Even though the musical requires effort, time, and energy, it is an amazing and fun-filled experience. You are able to meet new friends, learn songs and dances, and become a better actor. I would convince them by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone and just audition. If it doesn't work out, at least they tried something new." Outside of the musical, Autumn is involved with Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, Robotics, Quiz Bowl, Liturgy Club, Choir, and she is a Student Ambassador.
Sarah Dollman, class of 2020, made her musical debut last year in Footloose! for Cardinal Stritch. Prior to Cardinal Stritch, she performed in eight musicals from 1st - 8th grade (Annie Jr, Musicman Jr, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Jr, Peter Pan Jr, The Little Mermaid Jr.). Sarah is in Chorale and loves music. Her favorite subject is art. Not only is Sarah a part of the music and arts departments, she is also a Student Ambassador and a part of National Honor Society. "The musical is a fun, non competitive experience. It will change your life forever and create unforgettable memories as well as strong bonds. I am looking forward to showing off all of the hard work that has been put in the past three months as well as performing with friends."
Tessa White, class of 2021, has performed in the last seven musicals at Cardinal Stritch: Oliver, Into the Woods, Hello Dolly, Fiddler on the Roof, Sound of Music, and Footloose.Tessa participates in student council, cheerleading, track, robotics, and liturgy. "The musical a lot of fun and it is a great way to create lasting friendships."
Elijah Karl, Senior, made his debut performance at Stritch in Hello, Dolly! his freshman year in the chorus. His sophomore year he played the role of Franz in The Sound of Music and his junior year, he played Willard in Footloose! In addition to the musicals, Elijah also enjoys being a member of the Cross Country Team, Robotics Team, Marching and Pep Bands, a distance runner for Track and Field, and a member of National Honor Society. He would like to thank his parents for their support of his acting adventures, all of his teachers for instilling in him a love of learning, and his fellow cast members and friends for being quality humans. "I am looking forward to acting on stage and giving the audience an enjoyable experience while also enjoying acting and singing with a group of good friends."
Gus Torres, Senior, is in his fourth musical at Cardinal Stritch. His previous musicals include Hello, Dolly! The Sound of Music, and Footloose!. Gus is a member of the football team (Captain), Snare drum in marching band and pep band, concert band, shot put and discus in track and field, and is a National Honor Society Treasurer. "When I was a Freshman, the musical was the last thing I thought I would be doing. But I listened to the people who were doing it and it ended up being one of the best times I've ever had. I am looking forward to be on stage with my best friend Vinny and to sing Greased Lightning."
Max Schmidt, Senior, is making his third appearance in musical theater and he is excited to be back. He is also participating in Liturgical Choir, Soccer, Robotics, and Quiz Bowl, Culinary Club, and National Honor Society. "The musical is a fantastic time! Hanging out with cool people; learning to sing, talk, and laugh together; and becoming a part of a cast; there is nothing like it. I am looking forward to going out on stage the first night, and having all my work pay off when I giving it my all."
Gabby Wagner, class of 2021, is participating in her fifth musical at Cardinal Stritch. Gabby’s debut in musical theatre began in Into the Woods. She was also in Hello, Dolly!, The Sound of Music, and Footloose!. She was a competitive gymnast for many years prior to focusing on Color Guard and musicals. Gabby is also a part of the Knitting Club and Robotics Team. "I am most looking forward to all of the dance numbers we will get to perform." Gabby's advice for anyone that wants to try out for the musicals: "Step out of your comfort zone and just go for it. The musical may be a lot of work, but it is a lot fun with amazing people."
Vinny Boraggina, class of 2020, made his musical debut as a part of Cowboy Bob’s Band in Footloose! Vinny has played soccer for all four years at Cardinal Stritch. He is also involved in National Honor Society, Yearbook staff, Student Ambassadors, Cardinal Core, and the Indoor track team. I am looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new with my friends.
Joshua Martinez, class of 2022, performed in Footloose! last year as Bickle. Prior performance experience includes being in the band at Lake where he played the clarinet and bassoon. Josh participates in quiz bowl, robotics, soccer, and plans to be in track this year. Josh would like to send a big thank you to his mom for pushing him into the musical.
Dominic Close, senior, made his musical debut as Chuck Cranston in Footloose! last year. Dominic has been in Choir/Chorale for the past three years and enjoys singing. Dominic wishes to thank his mother for forcing him into this because it is a lot of fun.
Abigail Robertson, class of 2021, made her musical debut in the chorus last year. Abigail enjoys playing volleyball and is playing travel volleyball for the Toledo Starlings. She is also involved with spirit club and chorale. When Abigail is not busy, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. "I am looking forward to most with the 2020 musical is learning new dances and preforming the musical with my friends."
Alexa Soltes, class of 2023, made her musical debut in 8th grade in the chorus. She has attended Stritch since she was in the first grade. Alexa is in the Band as a saxophone player and in Color Guard. She plays Volleyball and Softball. She also is in Quiz Bowl. Alexa loves to go camping and spend time with her friends. Last year Alexa was in Footloose! and looks forward to being a part of Grease. She is a part of the Softball team, quiz bowl club, liturgy club, band, color guard, and she is a student ambassador. "I think the musicals are fun, you get to learn new dances, and get to spend time with your friends." Alexa would like to thank her family for all of their support.
Kellen Garmon, class of 2020, made his musical debut as a part of Cowboy Bob's band in Footloose! This year, Kellen is a greaser in Grease! During his time at Cardinal Stritch, he has been involved with Baseball, Cross Country, Indoor Track, Soccer, Culinary Club, Treasurer of Student Council, a member of National Honor Society, a part of Cardinal Core, and the Yearbook Squad. "I am looking forward to taking on a little bit of a bigger role this in year in the musical."
Francisco Ruiz, class of 2020, was very excited to be performing in the chorus in his first high school musical, Footloose! This year, he takes the stage as a Greaser. Francisco is involved with Student Council, Student Ambassadors, and is part of the Band, Soccer, Baseball, and National Honor Society. Francisco is thankful for his parent’s support, and is thankful for Mr. Flanagan and Mr. Burns for helping him to become a better performer. "Im looking forward for this musical to be the best one ever done."
Jonas Schmidt, senior, is excited to join the cast of Grease as the Cop. Prior credits include Contest Winner in the 2018 Cardinal Stritch production of The Sound of Music and played the cop in Footloose! last year. Other credits include 4 years of Christmas musical productions at St. Michael Parish School. Jonas would like to thank his parents, brother and his dog, Sam Blue, for their encouragement and support.
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Rick has been on-stage, backstage, or in the pit for most of his life. In the Toledo area he has designed for The University of Toledo, Owens Community College, Toledo School for the Arts, Central Catholic High School, St. Ursula Academy, Glacity Theater Collective, and the Toledo
Repertoire Theater among others. Rick is a graduate of the University of Toledo and serves as an advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges of which he is also an alumni member. He is also a member of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theater honor society. Rick is
currently the Technical Director for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at Owens Community College.
Contact Pat Flanagan at pflanagan@cardinalstritch.org for more information.
