Announcing the Cast of ‘Spamtown, USA’
CTC is proud to announce the cast for the world premiere production of ‘Spamtown, USA’ running February 16 through April 5.
Spamtown, USA, is a moving portrait of Austin, Minnesota during the 1985 Hormel strike. While five kids dream of space camp, tennis teams, and out-of-state college, they find their families and community suddenly divided by picket lines and opposing agendas. This is the story of having the strength to stand up for what you believe in, the challenge that comes in disagreeing with those you love, and the humor that helps keep friendships alive.
We thought we would ask the cast some questions about the 1980s as well as what they are so passionate about that they would strike for. Read their answers and their bios below!
Malia Berg | Carol Bolton
Malia Berg has enjoyed performing in theatre productions such as Disney’s Freaky Friday, the Musical; Little Women, the Musical; Madeline’s Christmas Musical; Disney’s 101 Dalmations; Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse (Merrill Arts Center, Woodbury); Disney’s Mulan; Disney’s Little Mermaid; Annie Jr.; and Charlotte’s Web (Zephyr Theater, Stillwater).
What is your favorite trend from the ’80s that you wish would come back? “My favorite trend from the ’80s is paint splatter shirts.”
Chance Carroll | Understudy: Mr. Bolton, Mr. Olsen, Scott’s Dad
Chance Carroll (he/him) has been seen regionally in productions of The 39 Steps; To Kill a Mockingbird; Twelfth Night; The Three Musketeers; As You Like It; Dogfight; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; and Mr. Sasquatch Goes to Washington. Chance is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
What is something you would strike for? “Equity and equality of pay for women, people of color, the differently abled, and the LGBTQ+ community.”
Lauren Drasler | Understudy: Miss Berg, Mrs. Bolton
Lauren Drasler is thrilled to make her CTC debut! Lauren has performed onstage around the Twin Cities and onstage and screen in LA, where she was a kooky guest star on The Middle (ABC). She holds her M.A. from LAMDA.
What is your favorite ’80s style you would love to bring back? “I love ’80s bangs, synths, and leg warmers!”
Dean Holt | Mr. Bolton
Dean Holt is a member of CTC’s Acting Company (1994 — present), appearing in more than 100 memorable productions in his time at CTC. He is a two-time Ivey Award winner (Reeling and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie) and the recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award from St. John’s University for outstanding work in his field.
What is your favorite ’80s movie? “My favorite ’80s movie is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
Dan Hopman | Mr. Olsen
Dan Hopman (he/him) appeared in The Wizard of Oz at Children’s Theatre Company. Other credits include: Theater Latté Da, Park Square Theatre, Illusion Theater, History Theatre, Pillsbury House Theatre, Walking Shadow Theatre Company, Yellow Tree Theatre, Girl Friday Productions, and Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company.
What is your favorite ’80s Song? “My favorite song from the ’80s is ‘99 Red Balloons’ by Nena.”
Marcelo Mena | Scott Olsen
Marcelo Mena (he/him), 6th grader, has enjoyed roles in Three Snow Bears; Ludlow; Dear Edwina; and The Music Man. He has performed in several theatres, including Stages Theatre Company, Nimbus Theatre, Yellow Tree Theatre, Miami Children’s Theater, and Children’s Theatre Company. Marcelo’s film productions include Minnesota in the Cosmos and Betta Fish, as well as other on-screen work.
What is your favorite ’80s movie? “My favorite ’80s movie is Beetlejuice.”
Arden Michalec | Amy Bolton
Arden Michalec (she/her) is overjoyed to be returning to CTC, having recently been a part of Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! She has also loved being a part of productions with History Theatre, Stages Theatre Company, Minnetonka Theatre, as well as several films and commercials. Arden would like to acknowledge Jerry and Adam, for their love of theatre — we miss you!
What is your favorite ’80s trend/style you wish would come back? “Neon colors and more bold prints.”
Ines Rose Mojica | Understudy: Carol Bolton
Ines Rose Mojica (she/her) is absolutely delighted to make her CTC debut in Spamtown, USA! She is a fourth grader at Hale Community School in Minneapolis, and has attended classes and performed in productions at Lundstrum Performing Arts for the past three years. Ines loves to sing and dance, play her cello, science, and of course, theatre. She is so excited to be a part of this production!
What is your favorite ’80s movie? “My favorite is Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Autumn Ness | Mrs. Bolton
Autumn Ness (she/her) is celebrating 20 seasons with the CTC Acting Company, and some favorite shows include: Cinderella; Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical; The Biggest Little House in the Forest; Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax; The Jungle Book; Shrek The Musical; Romeo and Juliet; and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Autumn is a recipient of the 2018 Fox Foundation Actor Fellowship.
What are your favorite ’80s trends that you wish would come back? “Ohhhh ’80s, how I miss you. Trends I would welcome back with open arms are spiral perms, mall bangs, fluorescent color schemes, and mix tapes.”
Janely Rodriguez | Understudy: Scott’s Mom
Janely Rodriguez is a Miami native and Brenau University graduate. She has enjoyed roles in In the Heights (Gainesville Theatre Alliance); Paige In Full (Alliance Theatre); and Schoolhouse Rock! (Birmingham Children’s Theatre). Janely is very excited to continue her journey with Children’s Theatre Company as a Performing Apprentice.
Payton Seacrist | Understudy: Jude Olsen, Amy Bolton
Payton Seacrist (she/her) is thrilled for be returning to the stage at CTC. She has been in Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!; Chicago; and Carrie (CTC); Spring Awakening (Chameleon Theatre Circle); and many productions at her high school. She is a senior at Eastview High School, and is in her fourth year of training with Institute, the Pre-Professional Program here at CTC.
What is something you are so passionate about that you would strike for? “Something I am passionate about is domestic violence. It is a huge issue and many people don’t understand how serious it really is. Last year 137 women all around the world lost their lives every day at the hands of their partner. All of these deaths could have been prevented. My life has been severely impacted by the aftermath of a loss due to domestic violence, and I will never stop fighting for change.”
Courtland Shattuck | Understudy: Travis Olsen
Courtland Shattuck is thrilled to debut at Children’s Theatre Company. Previously performed in A Christmas Carol; Bad News! I Was There (Guthrie Theater); Narnia: The Musical; and A Year with Frog and Toad (Youth Performance Company). Courtland is in 8th grade and is homeschooled.
What is your favorite ’80s song? “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates.
Maureen Sherman-Mendez | Scott’s Mom
Maureen Sherman-Mendez (she/her) is making CTC debut! Previous credits include West Side Story (Guthrie Theater); Mamma Mia!; In the Heights (The Ordway); Holiday Inn; Grease; The Little Mermaid; Bye Bye Birdie; Hairspray; Jesus Christ Superstar; All Shook Up; Footloose; The Producers; 42nd Street; Joseph…Dreamcoat (Chanhassen Dinner Theatres); and Chicago (Theater Latté Da).
What is your favorite 1980s song? “ Gosh, I love ’80s music, so picking just one is impossible but right now my top two are “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston and “I Want to Break Free” by Queen. But ask me again tomorrow and you’ll probably get different tunes!”
Reed Sigmund | Scott’s Dad
Reed Sigmund is loudly celebrating his 20th season as a Company Member at CTC, where he’s appeared in shows such as: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; The Wizard of Oz; and A Year with Frog and Toad. Recently, he’s also been seen onstage at Jungle Theater and Theater Latté Da.
What is your favorite ’80s movie? “The 11-year-old me insists that I pick Batman (1989).”
Isabella Spiess | Jude Olsen
Isabella Spiess (she/her) debuts at Children’s Theatre Company this season! She has performed in CTC’s Theatre Arts Training Senior Intensives, such as Carrie and Chicago: High School Edition, and at South High School.
What is your favorite ’80s movie? “My favorite ’80s movie is Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988).”
Sandra Struthers | Miss Berg
Sandra Struthers (she/her or they/them) has performed locally with Guthrie Theater, Ten Thousand Things, Frank Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, Pillsbury House, and regionally at Mint Theater, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and Actor’s Theater of Louisville. Sandra also works as playwright and teacher and holds an M.F.A. from A.R.T./Harvard.
What is your favorite ’80s song? “My favorite ’80s song is Duran Duran’s ‘Last Chance on the Stairway’.”
Zachary Sullivan | Travis Olsen
Zachary Sullivan (he/him) is making his Children’s Theatre Company debut. He has enjoyed roles in The Scarlet Pimpernel; The Light in the Piazza; Chaplin: The Musical; and Beauty and the Beast at Minnetonka High School. He has performed with several other organizations, including Stages Theatre Company and Theatre L’Homme Dieu.
What is something you are passionate about that you would stand up/strike for? “I would stand up for accessibility to education around the world.”
Don’t miss this ground-breaking new play starting February 16! Get your tickets today!
— Article by Melissa Ferlaak
