Deerfield Theater Podcast

Peter Forster is a South Africa-raised theater scholar with degrees in dramatic literature, directing, and screenwriting who serves as the dramaturg for Deerfield Theater's production of Murder on the Orient Express . He describes the dramaturg's role as providing literary and historical context, standing "behind the people who stand behind the scenes." For this production, he created research doc...

Julia Helmer is a Buffalo Grove-based community theater enthusiast who grew up in Deerfield and is playing Greta Ohlsson, a Swedish missionary and composite character, in Deerfield Theater's production of Murder on the Orient Express . A self-described theater kid since seventh grade, she took a decade-long break from performing while living in Chicago before returning to community theater in 2018...

Brian Parry is a veteran Chicago-area actor with several decades of experience, currently retired but staying active in the performing arts through his long-standing membership with Redtwist Theater on the city's north side. He was drawn to play Hercule Poirot in Deerfield Theater's production of Murder on the Orient Express because it represented a rare, bucket-list opportunity, a role he felt un...

Danielle Piccolomini is a Chicago transplant originally from Delaware who moved to the city in fall 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. After nearly a 10-year hiatus from theater, during which she spent about seven years touring with a variety show through an unconventional college program. She returned to the stage by auditioning for Deerfield Theater's production of Inherit the Wind with ju...

Annika Reece is a passionate performer and dance teacher who plays both a rat tapper and a lost boy in Deerfield’s upcoming production of Shrek the Musical. With a lifelong background in dance and musical theater, Annika brings energy and experience to the stage, having previously performed in shows like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Oklahoma. She values the collaborative, community-driven...

Al Katz-Mariani, who plays Pinocchio in Deerfield Theater’s production of Shrek The Musical , shares his deep connection to the company, having performed in numerous shows since high school and considering it his theatrical home. As a public school teacher by day, Al values community theater for providing a high-caliber artistic outlet that fits his life, allowing him to collaborate with people of...

In this episode, we meet Mae O’Connell, the youngest-ever guest on the Deerfield Theater Podcast and a true rising star at just nine years old. With an impressive resume of around 15 shows already under her belt, Mae brings infectious enthusiasm and wisdom beyond her years to her role as Young Fiona in Deerfield Theater’s production of Shrek The Musical . She shares her journey from her first stag...

Alice Bath is a passionate young performer who brings infectious energy and heartfelt insight to her role as Teen Fiona in Deerfield Theater’s production of Shrek The Musical . Alice shares how her love for theater blossomed during the pandemic, turning waiting and uncertainty into a drive to perform and connect with others on stage. She reflects on the unique challenge and joy of portraying a cha...

McKenna Batterson is the vibrant heart behind Fiona in Deerfield Theater’s Shrek The Musical . From her early days in voice lessons and a BFA at Syracuse, to braving New York’s theater scene before returning to her Chicago roots, McKenna’s journey is one of rediscovery and passion. She shares how stepping away from the relentless hustle of professional acting led her back to community theater, whe...

Sebastian Fabal brings a fresh, heartfelt energy to Deerfield Theater’s Shrek The Musical as Lord Farquaad, embracing the role as both a comedic challenge and a personal “palate cleanser” after more serious parts. A seasoned performer and musical theater writer, Sebastian shares how the show’s message of celebrating differences resonates deeply today, and how he’s excited for his young daughters t...

Matanel Roitman plays Shrek in Deerfield Theater’s upcoming production of Shrek The Musical . Matanel shares his journey from high school theater to earning a BFA in acting, and how performing is both his passion and his therapy. He reflects on the thrill of playing both villains and heroes, the unique challenges of bringing Shrek to life (including nailing his version of that famous Scottish acce...

Karen Shuman, the director of Deerfield Theater’s upcoming Shrek the Musical , came on the podcast to talk about the show and upcoming auditions. Karen discusses her lifelong passion for theater, tracing her journey from childhood to her current role as a director. She shares her love for Shrek, mentioning how it is a favorite in her household and how she pushed hard for it to be staged because of...

Julie Stevens shares her extensive background in theater, revealing her journey as both an actress and producer. She discusses her roles as a board member at Deerfield Theater and her return to acting after a 20-year hiatus, during which she built a successful career in senior living. Julie highlights her contributions to the local theater scene, her experiences overcoming pandemic-related challen...

Sarah Canon is an experienced performer and choreographer deeply involved with Deerfield Theater. Sarah, who has been both on stage and behind the scenes, discusses her notable roles and contributions, including performing in "Annie" and choreographing productions like "Beauty and the Beast" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." She shares her excitement about her current role as Emily Webb in...

Geoff Isaac will be performing the role of the stage manager in the play, Our Town. Isaac discusses his extensive background in theater, his thoughts on the significance of Our Town as one of America’s greatest plays, and the unique role of the stage manager who narrates and guides the audience through the story. Isaac shares his thoughts on the beauty of live theater, particularly after the pande...

Chuck Quinn III and Chuck Quinn IV, a father and son duo, are performing together in Deerfield Theater’s upcoming production of Our Town. They share their unique experiences of working together on stage, the deep bond it forms, and how their real-life relationship influences their portrayal of their characters in the play, and vice versa. They reflect on the significance of the play’s themes of ch...

Ryan Bond, an experienced performer and executive producer, discusses his journey from stage production to acting, highlighting his extensive background in digital marketing, software, and game development. Ryan shares his joy in expanding his theatrical footprint in the Chicagoland area, particularly with Deerfield Theater's production of Our Town, where he plays Simon Stimson. He reflects on the...

Dana Pepowski, a dramaturg and arts administrator, joins the Deerfield Theater Podcast to discuss her role in the upcoming production of Our Town. Dana, a Northwestern graduate who has worked as an artist in Chicago, elaborates on the duties of a dramaturg, which range from providing historical context to facilitating audience engagement through lobby displays and talkbacks. She highlights her inv...

Dan Taube, the Director of the Deerfield Theater’s upcoming production of Our Town, shares his extensive experience in theater, spanning from acting to directing and playwriting. He discusses his journey, which began at age 12, evolving through education at NYU and DePaul, and his varied career in community and professional theater. Dan highlights his transition to playwriting and the collaborativ...

Susie Mason, co-president of the Deerfield Theater board, shares her deep connection with the theater and her journey with Theater D’s latest production, Our Town. Initially skeptical about the choice of the play, Susie found herself falling in love with it during her research, appreciating its profound message about cherishing everyday moments. Her experience with the production extended beyond g...

Fans and friends of family theater from all over, but especially Deerfield, we have a special announcement for you on a ticket discount promotion for the upcoming show: Our Town! From February 14th to February 20th, if you use the discount code, VALDAY5, you will receive $5 off your ticket. So get that $5 off and get your ticket to see Our Town performances, March 28th through April 13th. We'll se...

Matt Canon is a long-time member of the Deerfield Family Theatre (DFT) community. He first performed with DFT in 2008 and has since taken on various roles, including acting, stage managing, and now directing. Matt is excited to be directing DFT’s upcoming production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which opens on November 15, 2024. He explains that this version is much closer to the origina...

In this episode, 10-year-old Brielle Horwitch discusses her upcoming role as Charlie in Deerfield Family Theater’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Despite her young age, Brielle brings considerable stage experience to the role, having performed in around 20 shows including Les Misérables (as Young Cosette and Young Eponine), The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor D...

Danny Mulae is an actor with a history at Deerfield Family Theatre (DFT). He played Charlie Bucket in DFT's production of Willy Wonka 15 years ago, and now he is taking on the role of Mike Teavee in their current production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Danny shares his journey into acting, starting with community theater productions as a teenager and then transitioning into storefront and...

In this episode of the Deerfield Theater Podcast, Dylan Zavagno from the Deerfield Public Library returns as a guest. Dylan, the adult services coordinator at the library since 2017, discusses his role in hosting the Deerfield Public Library podcast and running various programs, including the Queer-Poem-A-Day series and the classics book discussion. He shares recent highlights from his podcast, in...