snack  theatre

MEET OUR 2024 CAST

Justin Abbink: This is Justin's third show with Snack Theatre and he's happy to be back sing-ing and dancing with friends old and new after an extended hiatus. He would like to thank all of his friends and family for their unconditional love and support both near and afar. May it be grand night for singing!

Diana Becker: Diana is so excited & honored to be accepted to perform in St. Edna’s SnackTheater. “I just love Dance & Music, it makes the world a better place.” Diana started Tap &Jazz in High School & performed at her graduation and was thrilled to perform with her two daughters at their dance studio. Now she is having the best time ever tapping & dancing at theSenior Center. “Thank you Snack Theatre! I will do my best!”

Isabel Chan: Isabel is super excited to be part of St. Edna’s Snack Theatre! She is 27 year sold and a Notre Dame graduate. Music has always been a huge part of her life and she loves to sing, play piano, watch Broadway musicals, and go to concerts! “See you guys all at the performance and remember to wash that man right out of your hair!”

Carrie Dabelow: Carrie has been busy doing musical theatre since moving home to Chicago in 2001. Favorite roles include Dolly in Hello Dolly, and Anna in The King and I. Thanks Snack Theatre for embracing the new girl. Thanks Barry for everything!

Teri Dickinson: Teri is thrilled to be part of this talented group performing "A Grand Night forSinging". Teri has been singing in church choirs, student choirs, community choirs and show choirs throughout her life. She and her husband, Paul, have been members of St Edna Church for over 30 years and live close by in Arlington Heights. Thank you for being here and hope you enjoy the show!

Maureen Durack: Maureen is performing with Snack Theatre for the third time and is grateful to St. Edna Parish for their support and encouragement after five long years. A special “shoutout” to her granddaughter Fiona who will be appearing in Big Deal Production’s “The Music Man” in April.

Kristen Gorski (Flute & Clarinet): Kristen is so excited to make her debut with Snack Theatre! She has been playing her flute at St. Edna for over 10 years now. Kristen also plays flute in an orchestra and teaches choir all the way in Beach Park. Kristen wants to thank her family for being super supportive and she can’t wait to share the show with everyone!

Jeff Harding: Jeff is thrilled to be making his Snack Theatre debut. Since his very first show ever, playing Curly in Oklahoma, Jeff has a place in his heart for the great musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein. He is beyond excited to be sharing this journey with a group of such talented performers. Jeff is so grateful to his wife Monica for her continued support of his love of the performing arts.

Toni Higgins-Thrash: Toni received her BA in Theatre and Dance from Barat College, and her MPA from Roosevelt University. Prior to retirement she served as Cultural Arts Programmer for Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and Northbrook Park Districts. Currently Toni has been working as an actress in film in the Chicagoland area, has also performed in many theatrical productions, and is the Founder/Director of T.E.A.M. Triumphal Entry Artistic Ministry. She’s thankful for good health, faith, family, friends...Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

Walter Kiesel: Walter Kiesel of Hanover Park is thrilled to be a part of the Cast in his first Snack Theatre performance. Formerly a member of Noteables Choir (Schaumburg) and Crescendo Choir (Arlington Heights), Walter has also performed in many roles with HOTT Productions (Schaumburg) and enjoyed being a party parent in Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s, Nut Cracker. Walter lives with his wife, Nicole, of 40 years and the proud father of 5 wonderful children and one spectacular dog (Honey).

Marianne Kretekos: Marianne is familiar with St. Edna and Snack Theatre while living in Arlington Heights for 34 years with her children and 6 grandchildren. She has supported and been a musical theatre enthusiast for years which began during her involvement in college musicals. It is thrilling to be given the opportunity to perform with the many talented directors and cast members. With the support of many families and friends, it will truly be A Grand Night For Singing!!!!

Mike Maloni: Rodgers and Hammerstein what a grand endeavor! Mike is excited to be a part of this show and to meet new people that are in this Cast. This will be show number 9 and 1/2 for Mike (depending on how you count 2020)?? Mike also enjoys being with the cast members that have stuck with it over the years. Love to family and friends for their support.

Stephanie Pauwels: Stephanie is thrilled to be returning to the St. Edna stage! She made her Snack Theatre debut in 2019’s #Blessed. You may have also seen her on the St. James stage, in Favorite Productions Bye Bye Birdie and Big Fish. Stephanie would like to thank her parents for bringing music into her life.

Therese Pauwels: Therese is delighted to be in her 2nd Snack Theater production. Having her husband Jim and her daughter Stephanie joining her makes this experience even more special. When she is not singing for St Edna, Therese enjoys being with her cats, crocheting, and watching British Detective shows. “Thanks to everyone for supporting us!”

Tim Perek (Percussion): Tim found his passion for drumming nurtured by the support of friends and mentors. Now, as Tim joins the St. Edna's Snack Theatre, he brings with him not only his talent but also, his genuine excitement to connect with the cast, enrich their performances, and touch the hearts of all who listen.

Norm Reyes: Norm is enjoying his first time in Snack Theater. At present he cantors at St.Edna where he is also a choir member. He was a previous cantor and choir member at St.Isaac Jogues in Niles from 2018 until 2023. He joined the Youth Singers of Calgary in Canada back in his earlier years. He would like to thank his co-choir members for the encouragement and support in joining the Snack Theater!!!

Kathy Romza: This is Kathy’s eighth show. Her family (most of all her husband) and friends give her undying support by attending each year’s show and putting up with her rehearsal schedule for months. Her goal in life is to be healthy enough to keep singing and dancing. She has already lived long enough to see grandchildren!! She wants to give thanks to her fellow performers, the Director, Producer, Choreographer, fellow cast members and all the volunteers who help make this show a success. Most of all, thank you to her wonderful mom, who gave her the love of dance. “I love you mom and miss you terribly. This one is for you. I know you are watching.” AND “Happy Birthday Danny!”

Jennifer Sauer: Jennifer is enjoying her first Snack Theatre performance and is feeling inspired by the support of her friends and family. Jennifer has been a member of the St. Edna community for as long as she can remember, having grown up in and moved back to Arlington Heights this past year. She is loving the learning process of putting on a show, as she didn’t get the chance to try it during school between all her other extracurricular activities. Thank you to everyone in our show for all your enthusiasm, support, and generosity as we learn together with such a wonderful score.

Precious Stack: Precious is thrilled to make her Snack Theatre debut as part of the talented cast of "It's a Grand Night for Singing". A musician at a young age, singing was her first love. Being Filipino, it's without question that she was one of the first owners of the original Singing Machine, the OG of karaoke that required 8 tracks! Her singing journey evolved throughout the years as she was a cantor at St. Edward and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Chicago and played the role of Liat in South Pacific. Precious eventually went on to train at the NIU's school of music in vocal performance and had the opportunity to train with talented vocal coaches and directors. After many years of not performing and missing the thrill and the joy of music and song, Precious believes that God placed the little flyer within her eye sight and in an instant she knew she had to audition! Thank you to the cast, crew and directors ofSnack Theatre for your warmth and talent. A special Thank You to my husband for his encouragement and of course much love to my family and friends for their support. To my dad in heaven... this one is for you.

Nancy Steiber: Nancy is honored to be a part of Snack Theatre for the very first time! She has loved dancing her whole life and is looking forward to performing with her “tap classmates/sisters”! Nancy resides in Prospect Heights with her husband Jay who has been very understanding of this project. All the best to “A Grand Night for Singing”!

Arlene Vombrack: Arlene Castle Vombrack is thrilled to perform with Snack Theater after a six year hiatus from Community theater. Past shows include: The Music Man, Showboat, ByeBye Birdie, and Tony and Tina’s Wedding where she played her favorite role as Nona Lena, doing improv and passing out cannolis to the wedding guests! A recently retired school administrator, Arlene is so grateful to Snack Theater for this opportunity! She currently studies voice and acting at the Metropolis SOPA, sings in Crescendo Chorus, and participates in Broadway Bound Dance at the Arlington Heights Park District. She sends all the love and gratitude in the world to daughters Abby and Kara, golden doodle Phoebe, and her family and friends for always encouraging her to pursue her love of the fine arts! It truly is a grand night to enjoy the show!!!

Alice Waszak: Alice is thrilled to be returning to Snack Theater for the ninth time! A parishioner for 40 years, she is also a member of the St. Edna choir. Alice feels it will truly be a “Grand Night for Singing” performing with such an amazing cast led by an exceptional production team. She is grateful for the support from her family and friends, and especially appreciates her husband’s patience with all the rehearsal time.

Gayle Wojciechowski: Gayle loves musical theatre. With a specialty and background in DANCE, She is so happy to be part of this show!