TCR Playbills Les Misérables | Page 14

THE CAST Steve Rezabek - Steve is thrilled to be a part of the Les Misérables cast, and to be sharing the stage with the love of his life, Traci, as well as the other amazingly talented cast members. He recently played a High Priest in Jesus Christ Superstar, and previously played Jesus 27 years ago, as well as George in La Cage Aux Folles and Harold in The Full Monty, along with many other TCR and non-TCR regional shows. He thanks Leslie and Janelle for the chance to live this dream of being a part of one of his favorite shows, and thanks God for his family, talent, health and happiness. Traci Rezabek - Traci wishes to thank Leslie and Janelle for the chance to perform with her husband in this beautiful show with a cast that amazes at every turn! In November, she had the good fortune to play Sheila in Jake’s Women in the Grandon Studio at TCR. She loves performing on the main stage and thinks this is what it must feel like to win the lottery! “Lean in and don’t suck! All in!” Jared Rogers - Tenor Jared Rogers is presently enjoying a career both as a performer and voice teacher. Mr. Rogers’ most recent major engagement was with Theater Bremen in Bremen, Germany, where he sang numerous roles, including Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Lensky in Eugene Onegin, Alfredo in La Traviata and Faust. In addition, he has made appearances with numerous European opera theaters as well as domestic theaters. He has been a young artist member with Seattle Opera, San Diego Opera and Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, as well as a Metropolitan Opera’s National Council Auditions award winner. Susan Scharnau - From the top row at a Broadway theater, Susan saw Tim Shew mesmerize and she is grateful for the opportunity twenty five years later to be a part of the revolution. This one is for her little “les miserables” (Dylan, Lia, Henry and Josephine) who have the score emblazoned on their brains and for their papa. “To love another person is to see the face of God.”-Victor Hugo David Schneider - David is an Iowa native who holds an MFA from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he was a 2008 recipient of the SDC Directing Award at the American College Theater Festival. Past directing projects at various venues include Alice in Wonderland, I Dream Before I Take the Stand, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, No Exit, The Pilgrim’s Progress, and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. David most recently appeared in Coriolanus with the Genesius Guild in Rock Island, IL, and as Jason in an MFA director’s production of Medea at SIUC. By day, David is a customer service specialist in Cedar Rapids. He also has worked as a high school drama coach, guest high school drama coach, and adjunct theater professor on-and-off since 2003 and is excited to be performing in his first musical since 1998. Jonathan Schmidt - Les Misérables is Jonathan’s third production with TCR. Jonathan previously portrayed the adult men in Spring Awakening, and the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. Growing up, Jonathan was in numerous school plays, musicals and vocal groups. In college, Jonathan was a member of The Ohio State University Chorale. There, he was privileged to record Mahler’s Eighth Symphony (Symphony of A Thousand) for Telarc with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of the late, great Robert Shaw. By day, Jonathan is an attorney with Nazette, Marner, Nathanson & Shea. He enjoys playing piano, making music, reading, and watching films. Jonathan would like to thank his whole family, but especially his wonderful wife, Jenifer, for making this possible with all of her support. Kyle Shedeck - Kyle is glad to be a part of this production. He would like to thank the cast and crew, as well as his family and friends for their encouragement and support. Julia Simons - Julia is having her debut performance on the TCR stage after being seen in the chorus of Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre’s production of Carmen earlier this year. She has just finished her freshman year at Mount Mercy University, where she is studying music and English. She would like to thank Leslie, Janelle, Emma, Ben and the crew for all of their hard work in making this show possible, as well as Kelly, her family and everyone who has continually provided support and encouragement. Katelyn Simpson - This is Katelyn’s first show with Theatre Cedar Rapids and she is very excited to be part of such a big production. Katelyn was involved with plays and musicals throughout high school and is now a student at the University of Iowa, studying music and theatre. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support! Greg Smith - Greg is wildly excited to be included with this stellar cast, crew, orchestra, directors, and production team. This marks Greg’s ninth production at TCR, last se